Newb here...Where to start?

[The Noose]

Before I start, I really did try to use the search function but it asks me something about a Briggs and Stratton go kart that I don't know the answer to so it won't let me search...

Anyway, I'm completely new to mini bikes. I know almost nothing. But they look super fun and I want one.

I mainly want to buy one that needs some work. I have restored several go karts and am a decent welder so I don't mind a little work to fix one up.

My main question is about weight. Specifically rider weight. I'm 250 pounds, about 5'10". So I'm not a little guy. Are most of these mini bikes like the doodle bugs capable of carrying my fat *** around? Or do I need to be really careful about what model mini bike frame I look for?

Any suggestions of what to look for generally in a Craigslist find? Anything I should avoid? If it matters, I'd like to keep the budget under 500 bucks if possible, but again, I don't really know what these things cost for a decent set up.

Thanks for any advice you guys are willing to share.

 

[Jrgunn5150]

Well, I'm 6'5" and 260 lb's, and I can ride my brother's Doodlebug. My knees stick up and I probably look silly, but it's all in good fun lol.

I would avoid any of the "pocket" bikes, but I know for a fact I can fit a Baja Warrior decently. My next project is likely to be a mini chopper, so I think you can do just fine.

 

[The Noose]

Well, I'm 6'5" and 260 lb's, and I can ride my brother's Doodlebug. My knees stick up and I probably look silly, but it's all in good fun lol.

I would avoid any of the "pocket" bikes, but I know for a fact I can fit a Baja Warrior decently. My next project is likely to be a mini chopper, so I think you can do just fine.

Awesome. Lol. Lookin a little bit silly is kinda part of what I like about em. Lol. Thanks for the tips. I think there is a bsja warrior on Craigslist local to me. I might have to go check it out.

 

[porsche930dude]

as long as youre comfortable on the bike. anything with an industrial style engine can be repowered or regeared to suit youre weight and terrain. I wouldnt worry too much about structural integrity that doesnt seem to be much of an issue

 

[The Noose]

I'm thinking about either buying the Azusa kit with the 8 inch wheels, or buying a completed doodlebug on craiglist. There arent really any project bikes on my local craigslist, so if I go with the craigslist bike, it's going to be actually more expensive than the new Azusa kit.

Without taking cost into consideration, which do you guys think is a better quality bike? The Azusa or the doodlebugs? (Assuming they have the same motors, clutches, etc.)

 

[Jrgunn5150]

I'm not familiar with the Azusa, but honestly, there's not much to a minibike outside the drivetrain anyway.

 

[chancer]

I have an Azuza "Kart" Frame, bought New last year.
I'm not super impressed with the Quality. But also NO major issues.
They are Cheap and you get what you pay for. I would assume same quality with the Minibike.

"Desertduler" just bought a Bonanza Mini bike frame NEW. He said he was surprisingly impressed with the Quality.

 

[The Noose]

For what its worth to anyone else with simlar questions: according to the guys on another forum dedicated to mini bikes, the Azusa frames are ok, but they are significantly smaller than the doodlebug frames. I think that may be a deal breaker for me.

So now I'm leaning towards the bad dog kits. They have some bigger models similar style to the Azusa kits. They are quite a bit more expensive than the Azusa kits, but from what I've read, they are good quality kits.

Thanks for the tips guys. If anyone's interested, I'll let yall know how it goes when the kit gets here.

 

[Flyinhillbilly]

I'm thinking about either buying the Azusa kit with the 8 inch wheels, or buying a completed doodlebug on craiglist. There arent really any project bikes on my local craigslist, so if I go with the craigslist bike, it's going to be actually more expensive than the new Azusa kit.

Without taking cost into consideration, which do you guys think is a better quality bike? The Azusa or the doodlebugs? (Assuming they have the same motors, clutches, etc.)

I've put my doodlebug through **** and I have yet to have a chassis related problem. It also seems to handle pretty well at speed (45ish mph). I know I've been very happy with mine, but have no frame of reference either since this is the only minibike I've ever owned.