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As a continuation of our guide to mini motos, today's post will be dealing with the maintenance of your mini moto and how to keep it it in good working order.

Knowing what actions to take and how often to keep your bike running is essential to ownership. Some general pointers to mention first:

• Read the manual! This cannot be stressed enough. The manual will be your first port of call for diagnosing any problems with your bike. Using the manual, help to familiarise yourself with the locations of the parts of your bike. Take heed of any precautions or special routines you must do before first running your bike.
• Mini Motos will not run on straight petrol, you will need to make a mix of petrol with special two stroke engine oil at a ratio of 25:1. Failure to do so can cause a lot of damage to your engine. Have some pre-mixed to take with you when riding your moto.
• Having at least a basic working knowledge of your mini moto will help you to diagnose and prevent problems. If possible, have someone with experience on hand to help you work on your moto.
• Know how to properly start your mini moto. Not following the correct start up procedure could result in damage or premature wear to certain parts. Read your manual for the correct procedure.
  

Prevention is better than cure, as the saying goes. Therefore it makes sense to have regular check ups of certain parts and systems on your mini moto. We have outlines some maintenance checks below which you should find useful.

Very frequently, ideally before every ride, you should be checking the following:

• Check all cables, especially the brakes. Are there any signs of fraying or corrosion? Are they taught? If you suspect any problems replace the cable as soon as possible.
• Brakes; do they feel worn? Has any mud or other debris got onto the braking surface? Don't forget to check the brake leavers also, are they correctly adjusted according the manual.
• Are all the nuts and bolts sufficiently tight? A loose nut or bolt could be potentially dangerous. Do not over tighten.
  
• Check the tyre pressure. Under inflated tyres will wear the tread quickly. Mini moto tyres are very small and so wear qucikly and need to be monitored closely.
  
• Clean your air filter; dry it thoroughly again before use.
• Last but not least, wash your moto regularly. Debris, dirt and mud getting into mechanical parts can prevent them from working properly and decrease their working life.

Less frequently, but still on a regular basis:

• Clean your chain properly, then lube it with good quality oil. This will help keep your ride smooth and extend the working life your mini moto chain and sprockets.
• Remove and clean out any debris from the carburetta.
• Look at and check the steering and engine bolts, make sure they are tight and secure. Also, check your wheel and steering bearings to see if they are worn.
• Check the clutch pads, adjust the clutch accordingly if necessary.

These pointers along with any other specifics mentioned in the manual should help you to get the most out of your mini moto. If you need to replace any parts we stock a range of mini moto spares on our website.

To assist those who already own a mini moto, or for those looking to purchase in the future, we are providing a short guide for those new to this exciting world of mini motos!

An introduction to Mini motos:
Mini motos are scaled down racing bikes, between 15 and 18 inches high and weighing between 15 and 25kg. Mini moto racing is a popular sport for both children and adults. They can be a lot of fun to ride, and offer relatively cheap thrills when compared to a car or motorcycle. Despite looking like toys, they are fully functional and need to be used with the proper safety precautions, covered later.

They come in two sizes, mini and midi motos. There is no formal distinction between either, however midis are normally around 10% bigger than minis. Due to this, many people prefer the extra comfort and features offered by a midi, although there is a trade off in agility.

Technical features:
For those who do not yet own a mini moto, we have compiled and listed some interesting facts that you may find useful:

• The average max speed of a mini moto is about 39MPH. This is one reason why mini motos should not be used on the road (unless privately owned).
• Despite having a low max speed, motos are tuned to give lots of low down power and instant acceleration, which can come as a surprise to some!
• Mini motos are rear wheel driven by a chain connected to an axle.
• They will fit in most average sized family cars such as an estate or 4x4.
• Mini motos will not run purely on common unleaded petrol alone, a mixture of 50 parts petrol to 1 part oil is required (30:1 before running the engine in).
• All mini moto bikes are automatic (a twist throttle on one side of the handlebar and brake on the other).

• They are capable of carrying up to an average weight man safely.
• Many aftermarket upgrades and spares are available. We at Fun Bikes stock mini moto spares

Safety precautions:

• As with other motor vehicles, mini motos can be dangerous; you will need to wear the necessary safety equipment and clothing. Here is an overview of what you will need:
• Firstly and most importantly, a well fitting, good quality motorcycle helmet.
• Standard motorcycle gloves, flexible and armoured.
• Full body motorcycle leathers, or if possible, a specifically designed mini moto suit.
• For knee protection when cornering, knee sliders are essential.
• Good motorcycle boots.
• Kids will need their own protective safety jacket.

If being used regularly, it is a good idea to take mini moto spares around with your bike such as sprockets, foot pegs and brake pads, as well spare fuel, type pressure gauge and tool kit. Hopefully you have found these tips to be useful, if you need more advice in choosing your next mini or midi moto, please contact the team at Fun Bikes.

Deciding on which Quad Bike to purchase can be quite a headache, features and specifications vary widly from bike to bike. To assist in the buying process, we have come up with a list of some useful pointers;

• Firstly, where is the quad going to be used; off-road, on-road or both. This is very important to know. If the bike is primarily for road use, it may not be necessary to have a bike with four wheel drive (this will affect fuel consumption and overall cost). You may find an automatic gearbox more appropriate for road use; a manual gearbox will suit off-roading as it allows finer control of power being used.

• Choosing engine size will depend on where the bike is going to be used. For on-road use, a bike with a larger engine capacity may be easier to use as torque will be higher, making more power available lower down the rev range. This would provide more pull and a smoother experience on the road, where comfort is important.

• Who will be riding the bike? If it is for a child, the bike should have the physical dimensions to suit a child, as well as a small engine size, such as our FunBike Mini Quad range. The specifications for the bike should include the carrying capacity; this will be a good guide as to whether the bike is suitable for an adult or child.

• For children, the quad bike should have an enclosed foot-well for added protection.

• If possible, ideally test-drive a range of bikes that you or your child is interested in. Check that it is comfortable, is fit for the intended purpose, and suits your riding abilities.

• Make sure spare parts are readily available for your model. We sell a full range of Quad Bike spares for our Bikes.

Hopefully you will find these tips useful when it comes to purchasing a Quad Bike. Please check our range of Quad Bikes for the latest deals and offers. Contact us if you need any further assistance.

Have you had plenty of with experience with beginners’ buggies and now feel you’re ready to move onto something a little more rugged? If this is you, then introducing the Warrior 250cc water-cooled Buggy. Designed for serious off-road thrills, this buggy comes equipped with everything you will need to face the beaten track.

The Warrior 250cc off road buggy comes fully equipped for a serious off-road experience. This buggy comes equipped with mud tyres. The heavy duty treading gives this buggy excellent traction in the muddiest conditions, meaning this buggy will be ready for anything. The Warrior also features headlights making it suitable for low light or other poor visibility conditions.

The additional power in this buggy makes it ideal for those experienced with less powerful models. To complement the larger engine, you will also find a liquid cooling and discs breaks on the front and rear wheels for decreased stopping times. For additional protection, there is also a four point safety harness and a safety net covering the buggy. Safety first! You may want to consider some additional protective clothing, such as a crash helmet. Goggles should be the minimum requirement if driving in muddy conditions. This bike would not be suitable for a child to ride alone.

How does it ride? This off-road buggy has been tuned to offer lots of low down power with lots of torque, which coupled with the mud tyres makes it excellent for difficult terrain. Though not designed for top speed, the Warrior will manage 60+ MPH, more if appropriate tyres are fitted.

Others quality features of this buggy include the rack and pinion steering offering simple and accurate turning capabilities, automatic transmission (including reverse) for ease of use, and upgraded suspension to soak up the toughest of terrains. These improvements will make the Warrior much easier to traverse over difficult terrain than other less versatile models. The ignition is operated using a key, a more conventional method.

All these features combine to create one very capable off-road buggy which we think most agree would be a lot of fun! If you need any more advice on choosing a buggy or other equipment, feel free to contact us and we will do our best to advise you.

It’s all very well buying a mini moto but they do cost a fair amount, so when something goes wrong what do you do? Some people may consider taking the bike to a mechanic, but there is one problem parts and spares. Traditional mechanics for cars and bikes will have parts for cars and motorbikes but of course these will be too big for a mini moto.

Funbikes have the solution to this problem as they sell mini moto spares and parts for all the mini motos and bikes that they sell. Hopefully you won’t need a spare as the bikes are quality and safety checked before shipping and posting so they are in full working order. If spares are needed then there are all sorts of parts available at funbikes. To give you a better idea let us look at the types of mini moto spares available.
Funbikes stock spares for mini motos, mini dirt bikes, midi motos, origami b1s, pit bikes, quadards and quadbikes.

The parts and spares on offer are useful for both maintenance and a full fix of the bike. The parts and spares include air filters, bearings, brake parts, cables, carburettors, chains and sprockets, clutch parts, engine casings, mini moto engines, exhausts, fairing and bodywork, foot pegs, frames and forks, fuel systems, gaskets, oil, lubricant, pistons, pull start rings, radiator, quadard spark plugs, throttles, wheels and tyres.

So if you need to repair your mini moto then Funbikes have all the parts and spares you need

At Funbikes we have a brand new bike for 2009. The Cobra 50 cc Mini Dirt bike is new for December and comes with a whole new range of features.
So what are those features you may ask?

Well we have been working on creating a great looking bike ready for the beginning of November. So we have created a brand new frame design using Yamaha YZF style plastics. The chrome handlebars and 3m graphics kit keep the bike looking good.

It’s not just the body we have been working on the rear shock absorbers the upside front forks and have a new design big bore exhaust system. We offer a fully enclosed chain, restricted throttle, a rocker style kill switch, an alloy pull starter and reinforced brake levers. The tires are aggressive motocross tires with factory oversized 10 inch reinforced wheels.

So if you’re not a fan of the specification what is this Cobra 50 cc Mini Dirt bike good for? Well as the bike is an automatic there are no gears so you can just rev and go. The engine isn’t engineered for top speed but for great low down pulling power. If you want speed obviously you want a real bike but this bike is great for wheelies stunts and doughnuts. The bike is suitable for kids age 10 and up and adults who are under 13 stone.

If you are looking for a Mini Moto this month why not go for this brand new design Cobra 50 cc Mini dirt bike new for November.

Many kids and even adults may be hinting at a quad bike this Christmas, and who can blame them they are great fun. However, while quad bikes are fun it is important to remember to ride safely and responsibly.

There are currently no safety regulations in place governing the use of protective clothing with quad bikes and there is no requirement for training.

One regulation that is in place is where you can use quad bikes. Quad bikes can be used off road on private land with the permission of the landowner. Most standard quads come with off road tyres, which mean they are not suitable for road use. It is also illegal to ride quads on public roads if you are under the age of 16.

The law states that quad bikes can only be used on public roads if you:

• Are over 16 years of age
• Wear an approved helmet
• Have road tax
• Have a driving license to use a moped (16 years old) or motorcycle (17 years old)
• Have insurance
• Take a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT)
• Ensure the bike has lights, a number plate, horn, speedometer and sufficient tread on the tyres (I.e. road legal tyres)
• Have an MOT if the bike is over three years old.

At Funbikes we believe in promoting safety and common sense when using your quad bikes. Most accidents associated with quad bikes come from people using them irresponsibly and children using them without adult supervision, not to mention neglecting to wear the correct safety clothing.

Here at funbikes we sell a selection of safety gear such as crash helmets and protective pads and would always suggest our customers make sure they are fully kitted out for riding their quad. Other good safety features on many quads include throttle restrictors, enclosed foot wells and safety tethers, though they are more specific to kid’s quad bikes.

You may have seen in the news that Kate Moss has been criticised for having three people on one quad bike. Quad bikes are not designed for people to ride pillion. So we recommend you take turns or buy a quad bike suitable to the individuals’ abilities.

So remember, quad bikes are great fun and fantastic Christmas presents, but always ride responsibly and the fun won’t come to a sudden, and perfectly avoidable, end.

Midi motos were then introduced as an alternative to pocket bikes & mini motos. They are very similar in style to mini motos though slightly bigger (the seat height is about a foot to two foot higher than a mini moto), however they are still much smaller in comparison to a full size motorbike of which they are attempting to emulate

These midi moto bikes started off with 47cc 2 stroke engines (capable of around 30-40 mph) but as time has passed and technology increased these bikes can have 4 stroke engines in 110cc-125cc range (around 50-60mph and some, with modifications, can do a whopping 70mph!).

2 models stocked by www.funbikes.co.uk, one of the UK’ leading online stockists of midi motos are the tornado midi moto in both 110cc and 125cc.

This Tornado 110cc is one of the fastest midi sized bikes we have sell.

The engine is a Honda design Loncin 110cc air-cooled, four-stroke, and has proven track record in terms of reliability. The 110cc in this small lightweight chassis equals amazing performance. With a 4-speed gearbox with manual clutch, it has an approximate top speed of 50 mph which can be performance tweaked using spares and upgrades available through us here at Fun Bikes.

The Tornado 110cc Midi Moto has many of the features you’d expect on a larger road bike such as front and rear suspension, front headlights, speedo and an electric start. It even has a digital display to show you what gear you’re in!

The brakes are hydraulic with vented discs. Highly polished meaty 3 spoke alloys; have been fitted with Bridgestone replica bt010 tread tyres for plenty of grip. In fact the rear tyre is extremely wide, (145/50-11), and its thick chunky chain and massive under-seat, twin exhaust system just adds to the visual appeal.

The 125cc Tornado midi moto is a step up from the 110cc version.

Also packing a 4 stroke single cylinder air cooled engine, but increased to 125cc, this bike can be pushed up to 70mph with performance modifications available from us.

Many of the other feature from the 110cc remain the same such as the hydraulic disk brakes, 4 speed manual gear box and clutch and same high performance tyres

The Tornado 125cc is the perfect choice for when you want more power and performance from your midi moto.

Fun Bikes stock performance parts for all our midi motos and when you buy from us you get the full bonus of our expertise and after care services.

The KXD 50 is one of the latest mini dirt bikes from Funbikes. Available in a variety of colours these stylish mini dirt bikes are designed for kids 10 years and up, and hold a weight of about 13 stone safely (they can also be ridden by adults within the weight limits). This bike is great for stunts, wheelies, doughnuts etc.

There are 2 different models, one with smaller wheels the other with larger wheels but otherwise performance is the same for both styles. Each has a newly designed frame and big bore exhausts, adjustable rear shock absorbers, upside front forks, front and rear disc brakes and chrome handlebars.

Safety feature include a retractable throttle and rocker style kill switch.

The engine is identical to an air-cooled mini-moto, though the dirt bike has more low down pulling power with instant acceleration, and fantastic wheelie power. What’s more it has no gears, it's fully automatic - just rev n go.

The bikes dimensions are 56cm (height) and 112 cm (length.)

What’s more if you buy from funbikes then you get full after sales service and free technical backup, and of course we stock all the spares and repairs you may need for your KXD mini dirt bike, as well as a great range of performance parts.

If a mini dirt bike isn’t your thing then we have the KXD125R dirt bike. This full sized adult dirt bike is built on a heavily developed race winning chassis. The engineers have fitted a 125cc Lifan high performance engine, to give you power to match this dirt bikes cool looks!

Like its 50cc counterpart, the KXD 125R dirt bike comes in several colour schemes and each of these 4-stroke bikes can hit the 60 mph mark.

Other features of this dirt bike include:

> 125cc High Performance 4-Stroke Engine
> All Up N-1-2-3-4 Gearbox
> Unique KXD Frame
> Big Bore BBR Thumper Exhaust
> Mikuni Carb
> Pro-Link Style Rear Suspension
> Upside Down Oil Filled Forks
> Twin Pot Brake Calipers
> Fold-back Clutch and Brake Levers
> Alloy Gear Lever
> Adjustable Rear Shock
> Extended Rear Swing Arm
> Engine Bash Plate
> High Strength Gold Chain
> 14 Inch Front Wheel / 12 Inch Rear Wheel
> 80 cm Seat height

Whats more we are currently selling these bikes at £100 off the price for the first 5 of each colour sold, but when they are gone they are gone and it’s back to full price I’m afraid.

Remember that like our mini dirt bikes these full size 125cc dirt bikes have the same after service and technical help that all Funbikes products have.

Christmas is just around the corner, yep scary to think, but it’s only a few months away now! So what to get the kids? How about a buggy? No not a push chair! They’ve already grown out of that if they are going to have our suggestion. We mean an off road buggy, you know - roll cage, wheels engine and oh yeah… FUN! Well Funbikes now stock a range of kids off road buggies, and they definitely don’t need mum to push you around in them!

The 50cc Micro RV buggy is intended for children under 12 and is fully CE approved (we do bigger buggies, but might be better to get the kids used to the smaller ones).These small kids off road buggies are typically meant for garden use, or small fields with adult supervision (and permission to use the land!). For added safety it has a remote control engine cut out and starter (for the parents), full roll cage and seat belts. Unlike many other kids off road buggies, this one is EC approved and has both rear wheels driven by the engine (single-wheel engine driven buggies are useless for off road).

Other key features are:

* Automatic transmission.
* Fully adjustable suspension.
* Remote control stop and re start.
* Adjustable sliding bucket seats.
* Adjustable throttle limiter.
* Adjustable throttle and brake pedals.
* Low noise engine ideal for home garden use.
* Dimensions: 1580mm (L) 950mm (W) 1160mm (H)

This off road buggy comes in black or silver trim, has 2 seats and looks cool. The 2 seats mean that though the kids might have to take turns driving, 2 can share the ride. Best of all you can be assured of quality and value when purchasing one from www.funbikes.co.uk.

Why? Well here are a few examples:

* Full assembly of this off road buggy by a qualified mechanic.
* We perform a short test drive and brake test.
* 12 months parts warranty.
* Full after sales and free technical support for as long as you own it!

We also deliver throughout the UK mainland, and are one of the most competitively priced stockists of kids off road buggies. So check out Funbikes today and pick up a 50cc Micro RV buggy for your kids this Christmas, you know they will love it!