Around 1970 I worked washing dishes in my uncles restaurant for the entire summer and saved every dime so I could buy the mini bike in the Sears catalog for a whopping 129.00 which was a lot. It had went on sale for 119.99 and I had enough and road my bike down to Sears and ordered it. Man, I was the happiest kid when I got that thing. I took good care of it and even took it apart and painted it a different color. It had the Tecumseh engine on it, 3.5 hp I think. That thing lasting me for years. The kids in the neighborhood thought my dad bought it and I said no, I work all summer for it go do the same as I did. I finally outgrew it and gave it to 3 young kids that lived a few blocks away, their eyes lit up with excitement. I bought a street bike and have been riding till this day.
@@jimm3756 sure was one of my happiest days as a kid when my dad brought me up there to buy it and bring it home, I couldn’t get the oil and gas in it fast enough. My brothers and I had great fun.
I'm 50 years old and I got a few mini bikes and I have a blast riding them. I wasn't allowed to have one when I was little. now I make the rules.......
Holy crap! I just turned 50 and bought a mini bike too! My friend like it so much, I sold it to him while he was excited before he changed his mind. I bought another one 2 days later. One is a Baja Warrior style and one is a Coleman CT 200U EX. Both are used but near new condition for $400 each.
I will be 50 in July, but my older brother (born in '65) had a Rupp Roadster 2 when we were kids. He got it from our Uncle, and I never got to ride it solo. It broke down right before I got to do it, and unfortunately, neither my Dad, brother, nor I had the mechanical skills to fix it. If I had it today, with the skills and tools I have, I could do just about anything with it. Alas, it's LONG gone, and they're so rare and collectable now, they would either be worthless, too expensive to justify modding it out with modern tech.
When I was 11 y/o, circa 1978 my dad got me a mini bike with a 6.5hp Tecumseh engine, which belonged to my dad's golf buddy's son. He was going away to college and it sat in their garage for years unused. We would load it up in the trunk of my dad's Chevy Caprice and go to this huge vacant field...I would ride it around trails that were created from other mini bikes and dirt bikes and he would go to an adjacent field and hit golf balls, then afterwards, we'd go for ice cream...these were some of the best times of my life.
It touched a nerve when you said you couldn't afford one of these back in the 80's. I'm sure there are lot of us who can relate to that. I'm so happy for you. Just the sheer joy of riding one, says it in your face. Have fun man. Why not have a pair of springs in the rear. Go easy on your back.
I’ve had my mini bike like this I bought from Tractor Supply probably 15 yrs now with no modifications. It has run great with no downtime going Thu six grandchildren. Changed out new spring in recoil is all. Still have stock exhaust which keeps the neighbors happy.👍
I bought a mini bike when I was 12 or 13 and my dad brought me back to the store with it to get my money back because he did not want me to ever have one. Years later when I served in the Navy in California when I was 21, I bought a new GL1000 Goldwing. It was a big difference of a ride. I miss that bike now. Have fun and watch out for trees that jump out in front of you.
So righteous! Dad wouldn’t get me a mini bike, but when I was 15, he got me a Honda CB 350. I’ve had 3 motorcycles since, but looking forward to purchasing my first mini bike next week. I’M 65 now, and am so excited!!!! Crazy, I know
Hey Mike, when I was a kid I'd drool over the $99 mini bikes at the Noah's ark auto parts store, no way my parents could afford to buy me one. So I got one off of Craigslist 2 years ago for $25! Well, I'm 62 now so better late than never right? Someone unhooked the governor. A couple weeks later it wasn't running right so I was holding the back wheel up and revving the snot out of it. The flywheel magnets blew apart and destroyed the coil. I'm gonna put a HF predator on it. I agree about the mini bike- gokart thing, something about them makes me feel like a kid again. VERY COOL video!
I bought my ct200u-ex for my 41st bday. I haven't stopped giggling when I ride it. Stage 2 predator with 14/48 gears. Juggernaut on cvt. Tall gear but still plenty of torque and 56mph top speed. Everyone should have one.
I’m 21 years old and have never ridden a motorcycle. Never heard of mini bikes until my buddy got a CT200U. So I went and got the bt200x and I love it. I connect so much when you said something about having a friend or 2 because we always ride with our girlfriends and it’s fun being out in the trial with them.
It was around 55-60 years ago when my parents said I couldn't get a mini bike. A few years later I bought my first motorcycle: a Honda CB 350, brand new, with my own money. Had a 1/2 dozen motorcycles over the years and currently still riding a BMW K75S I customized. Still, am attracted to the idea of the mini bike I was never allowed. There's one of those Coleman in our local CraigsList, like new, barely used for just $500. Mighty tempting. Maybe I'll pull the trigger. I'd probably get into hopping it up with a performance modded Predator, one of those new 224cc jobs!!👍
Me too. Got a paper route, my own bank account. Bought a new Suzuki Tx90, then 400cc Tyran Mx bike. At 16 I bought a Brand new Suzuki GS1000...and raced it at Daytona
Way back in the early 80s I had a mini bike and not going to lie, I had an absolute blast screaming around the streets of Boston on that thing. It had a 4HP engine that kept up with my buddies Honda CT70, the seat ripped so I recovered it in denim (I just used what I had laying around), got so many compliments on the denim and was known around town as the LEVI mini bike kid. I took this thing everywhere, there was an old unused rail line that I used to blast up and down on, cannot tell you how many times the MDC Police chased me, I was brought home one day by Boston's finest. I was constantly being asked for rides by the neighborhood girls, do I need to say what my answer was :-) Watching this video brought me back to those days that I can honestly say were up there as some of my favorites times on that thing even still today. Some lady was test driving a new car, ran a stop sign and I ended plowing into the side of her...mini bike good times no more :-(
Mike I was waiting for the digger around a corner. When I was 8 my brother bought us two mini bikes with money from working in the melon fields. We had a oval track in the cow pasture. Foot peg in the ground = catapult! (The digger) Good stuff Mike!
Bought my first mini-bike in 1972, $450 from the JC Penney catalog. Parents wouldn't buy it for me, so I got a paper route after school and saved my money until I could purchase myself. I then graduated to a Hodaka dirt bike, and then a brand new Honda CB750K. I now ride a Heritage. Can't wait to get my Grandson his first mini-bike.
I had a Penney’s too. Same approx years. It was called the Golden Pinto. 3.5 Tecumseh and rear shocks. But mine cost 159.95. You could get a cool helmet with it for 16.88. ! Still have the frame stashed somewhere.
WAY COOL !! I have had dozens of motorcycles but always wanted a mini bike , so last Father's day my younger son bought me one ! So at 58 I was charging around our two acres on my new mini chasing my son on his pit bike - what a blast !!!
@@Mikefestiva hey Mike ! I really enjoy your channel, I first found you while looking for sawmill build videos - I am building a band mill using a ride mower engine and the hydrostatic trans for the variable power feed plus I am restoring an old Foley Belsaw M14 that I scored back in November. A third mill I want is the Mobile Dimension with the air-cooled VW engine being a VW engine guy from Northern California but now love in Wyoming.
Oh the cold irony of it all... This guy can literally build his own... everything but makes a video about how he always wanted a store bought Chinese minibike 🤣... I call bs
@@ianbuilds7712 what do you call BS about this, that fact that I’m tired of building stuff and making videos for unappreciated people like yourself? Yes I call your comment BS.
@@Mikefestiva ouuu bayybie looks like I struck a nerve... I appreciate everything that goes into your builds probably more than most ppl.. ik how much work goes into this shit but we both know that this video wasn't just to show off new toys... Lol and that you could build a far superior minibike than this in your sleep..
I was 12 when I got my first Tote-goat, in parts. I'd just bought it from another kid, brought it home, and my mother forced me to take it back... didn't get one ride on it. But a few years later, I got my first motorbike; thanks mom (she bought it), and that was a lot of fun. It was a 1974 Yamaha DT 175, in blue. It didn't run, but we got it going, and we beat the crap out of it on trails. But looking at the Coleman as a fun trail bike looks very promising for sure; would love to get one and beat the crap out of that too.
part of a group here in Japan riding mini moto's. Speeds are generally slower here and motorcycles are more common especially small ones and scooters. I put knobby tires on a grom and some suspension mods and it's been a blast riding around closed roads and trails in the mountains around fuji. Since it's so small I can fit it in my mini van that I have here to get it to places and not be tired from riding there.
I'm 52 and just last year I ordered a monster Moto and a tillotson 212 and assembled it and enjoy it when I can. Love the front and rear disc brakes on it. Got to order me a generator for it to pull the head light.
Those things look like they are a blast. Honestly, anything with wheels is a blast but something about mini bike and go karts with lawn mower engines makes them extra fun.
I GOT ONE YESTURDAY! First thing I did was ride it. Then I asked my son to give his two girls a ride, 2 and 4 year old's. They were giggling the whole time. 2nd thing I did was buy different bars and a riser clamp from cycle gear. Should be getting them next week. 3rd, I adjusted the brakes and throttle along with moving the bars fwd a bit. My long legs were hitting the bars. Thanks guys. Looking fwd to snow!
@@sterlingstoots3215 they are actually street bike bars. I bought them at our local Cycle Gear. Renthal gold. They are a little higher and wider than the oem. Also I want to raise the seat up about three inches by fabing a frame from tubing.
Great work on the mods!!!! I wish there were teachers of this mentality in our school systems. It's a lost art and a tragedy of undeveloped human creativity and potential. Keep crushing!!
Bought a Coleman bt200ex from tractor supply last summer and got $200.00 off because of shipping problems after they sold store model on me ! So it only cost $499.00 and boy am I glad we got it ! Fun fun fun.
Fantastic video! Brings back memories of my brother and I racing around on scrap mini-bikes that my father threw together. I can’t wait to see more. Thanks.
Mike I love your videos I ve have had larger off road bikes street bikes all my life but I recently bought the same bike you show in your videos and I'm 65 yrs old now so I totally understand what you were saying about how much fun they are And just like you said makes you feel like a kid again Thanks for all the great info on the hop ups
When I was a kid I built my minibike by putting a trash picked lawnmower engine in a 20 inch bike frame. I used shopping cart wheels and had no brakes at all. My hands had burns all summer every summer because the carb was right next to the muffler. I scrounged pop bottles for the 2 cent deposit to buy gas.
I really enjoyed this video! Really get the fun in this,easy modify,not that dangerous when you max them out,not that expensive if you crash etc.. just easy fun!
Those mini trucks are sweet ! Here in Michigan, you cannot drive them on the roads because the UAW is terrified of anything dependable, affordable and made by people who don’t sleep or get drunk on the job.
Loved it. I had mini bike that I immediately swapped a predator 212 in it. All I did was upgrade the valve springs and remove the governor and that was fast enough for me.
These look fun! Now I want one! If you decide to swap out the motor, harbor freight has now introduced the Predator 212 Ghost racing motor. There's a lot more power, 6,000 rpms and at $299. It's a great deal.
I had a Mustang Trail Scooter in 1965, and the cool thing about it was the three-speed transmission WITH KICKSTARTER behind the Briggs and Stratton engine. It had tractor lug tires and terrible little handlebars but it was a hoot to ride.
I love the modabilty of these. I have a CRF50 for that reason but I have always wanted one of these to tinker with and make a one of a kind mini bike just for fun. The older I get the fun part is all I care about when riding.
Great video 👍 I'll never forget being a poor kid but somehow scraping up enough money to keep my mini bikes running! I picked up a Tecumseh 8hp new for I think $150 at Bent Bike of all places, bypassed the governor strait piped it and could hit 50mph (down hill) 😆 being from the suburbs I'm sure the neighbors loved me...
Haha good times for sure! Sounds like you had a good time with that mini bike 🙂👍 I bet your neighbors loved it too 😂 Thanks for sharing a story about having a mini bike when you were young!
I think you and your brother are the Best advertisement for those bikes,that I've ever seen.Stock looked fun as heck,and very capable.With the minor mods you each did adds the personal touches that makes even me want one more.(All the decent trails withing 15 miles are gone here)
Thanks for checking out my new video! I mentioned that I wanted to give your channel a shout out a while back, this video seemed like the best one to do that 🙂👍
Hey bro, I grew up in the early 60's, and I begged my parents for a Honda, but Hell no. My dad brought home a bunch of mini bike scrap parts. I had to put something together and that's it. I eventually got some CAT minibike parts and made it work. Since then until now, I've had all the big motorcycles and restored Honda CT70's. Now, I'm done with motorcycles. Good luck to you!
Cool thing about motorcycles is more power and more money spent doesn't always equal more fun. Scale down the bike, and scale down the course to match and its just as much if not more fun!
Thanks for the content. I’m waiting for my nephews to get a bit older to dust off my mini bike. Great memories chasing down Estes rockets in the desert!
Chuck from Mad Caddies here noticed the drum kit in the background Ya bro! When I was 13 I secretly bought a minibike from my neighbor and I kept it camouflaged in the neighbors yard for a month until my parents found out and made me give it back Love the video dude! 🤟💯
Really cool, I love the dual headlamp setup. I to never had a minibike till I built one last year, but whenever I'm out, I always look at them. If I had a brother, I'd be talking him into buying minibikes right now! That looked like a lot of fun.
i would add a red led light on the rear fender or extend the bar under the seat more rear ward for an additional platform for going out into the wilderness and carrying additional equipment
This video put a big smile on my face. Really cool bikes for an affordable price. Can't wait to see what you'll throw at these bikes. Looks like a blast to drive around. Keep up the good work! Greetings from the Netherlands, Mark
I have one and the fork bolt comes undone so it has to be tightened regularly. It's the CT200U-EX I got years ago. My limiting screw wiggled out on it's own and burst in to a little faster speed one day so that gains a little speed. It's nice on large land if your to cheap for a ATV.
My folks told me that I must’ve put a thousand miles on my mini bike, a half a mile at a time! Was cool to go blasting down the road to cool off in the summer too!
The first MT and CR 125cc Honda two strokes had the rubber flap on the front of the front mudguard, and it really helped stop getting a face full of mud. In 1970 I couldn't afford the $50 aud to buy a Deckson minibike kit so I made my own, it was one of my first welding projects on a borrowed new Lincoln welder, my dad's friend who lent it to me bought a bigger one for himself and gave me the welder, I still have it at 66. My minibike was a bit janki but it sort of worked.
Great content Mike. I have the red CT200U and really like it, and recently purchased a Chinese clone of the Honda CT-70 that I had as a teen. They’re both a lot of fun as is this video, so I look forward to more.
Thanks so very much for sharing that with us Mike! Watching your brother and you on those mini bikes put a smile on my face! Looks like y’all were having a lot of fun! Really great video of the time you spent on the modifications and the results of making it faster and more comfortable. Thanks again and keep ‘em coming!
I'm a 62 year old broken down motocrosser, I'd love to get me one of these baby's it would be fun to organize a hare scramble with a group of guys and gals
this is definitely a goal of mine! Same boat..i own a nice dirt bike and love it but theres something fun about bringing it back to the basics, less serious trail ride with just the idea of having good fun. awesome video!
I finally bought one of those two stoke motor kits for my mountain bike and so far its pretty dam fun. And its just discrete enough to ride around my city and the sheriff's dont care. I dont really like the police but the sheriff's in hazel dell washington are cool. They dont sweat the little stuff. I just wave and ride by.
You and your brother have a awesome relationship that’s so cool! You are very lucky to have that! I’ve always wanted a mini bike also… I think it’s about that time lol
Some of my most fond childhood memories were building and then rippin' minibikes! Man, it was a blast. 5 horse with a Torq-a-verter made it insane powerful. It would wheelie and then want to kill you instantly. These BT200X's look pretty sweet for the price honestly and I know you and your brother are beating on them good and if the frame is still in one piece then it should be good for just about anyone LOL! The Honda clone from HF will be a sweet upgrade, those are pretty decent engines and can make insane power with upgrades. Thanks for taking me down memory lane Mike!
I was financially irresponsible and bought a Mega Moto 212. I spent probably $2,000 on it. It is hilarious fun, it goes over 70mph. It's a 236cc big bore stroker, with a custom head and cam and all the billet bits. Never had as much fun for such little money.
That was fun, good time had by all. cheers from Nova Scotia Canada, still hoping to see a video about that 3 ruler sawmill set-up to automate board sizes, hope you get to it sometime, I hope to copy it, if it works out. Thanks for taking the time to make the videos for us.
I'm 60 and I have had several mini bikes. The coleman 200s are tough , me and my grandson rode them all in bozeman montana mountains and took them down near jax. Fl and ride them in swamp 3 yrs later no clutches to replace or anything. If yhey had front and rear shocks you couldn't get me off them. There tough.
Great video Mike, I bought my BT200X New in April 2020 it's a powerful beast. i bent the throttle stop and put rear suspension on the seat for a more comfortable ride, since then added a header and hotdog muffler. Cant wait for more videos.
After watching this video. I too have moved my foot pegs in the same location as you. Not only can you stand up and ride. But it gives you leverage on turning. As well as more control riding rough terrain.
i remember back in the 70s i would read fishing and game wildlife magazines and in the back there would be small ads for atv,s and such . i remember seeing one add all the time for baha trail bikes , i wonder if bt 200s are the same
REMINDS ME OF THE ONE THAT SEARS AND MONTGOMERY WARD USED TO SELL. MINE WAS AN OFF BRAND BUT PRETTY MUCH THE SAME 3.5 BRIGGS AND STRATTON WITH A HARD FRAME AND CENTRIFUGAL CLUTCH . LOVED THAT BIKE !!! I RODE IT DURING THE SUMMER AT MY PARENTS COTTAGE . LOTS OF SNOWMOBILE TRAILS !! GOT IT AT 8 AND. RODE IT TILL I WAS 12 . BY THEN I SAVED MONEY TO BUY A 125 CC HONDA 2 STROKE . I DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO THAT MINI BIKE , GUESS MY FATHER GAVE IT AWAY. NEVER DID TOUCH IT AFTER I GOT THE HONDA .
Is just another video of all money in no brains You guys are idiots
Haha you sound like a miserable person Jesse 😂 Maybe you need to get outside more and enjoy life.
Jealous Jesse?
Wow this guy is super fun 😂👌, keep up the great work Mike!
Really really really cool Jesse 👍
Jesse maybe you should put out a video of your own?
Around 1970 I worked washing dishes in my uncles restaurant for the entire summer and saved every dime so I could buy the mini bike in the Sears catalog for a whopping 129.00 which was a lot. It had went on sale for 119.99 and I had enough and road my bike down to Sears and ordered it. Man, I was the happiest kid when I got that thing. I took good care of it and even took it apart and painted it a different color. It had the Tecumseh engine on it, 3.5 hp I think. That thing lasting me for years. The kids in the neighborhood thought my dad bought it and I said no, I work all summer for it go do the same as I did. I finally outgrew it and gave it to 3 young kids that lived a few blocks away, their eyes lit up with excitement. I bought a street bike and have been riding till this day.
I had a Sears mini bike too. It was blue and had a 5 HP engine. Ran the hell out of that thing.
@@jimm3756 sure was one of my happiest days as a kid when my dad brought me up there to buy it and bring it home, I couldn’t get the oil and gas in it fast enough. My brothers and I had great fun.
I'm 50 years old and I got a few mini bikes and I have a blast riding them. I wasn't allowed to have one when I was little. now I make the rules.......
Haha 🙂 Right on man 👍
Stay golden pony boy.
Holy crap! I just turned 50 and bought a mini bike too! My friend like it so much, I sold it to him while he was excited before he changed his mind. I bought another one 2 days later. One is a Baja Warrior style and one is a Coleman CT 200U EX. Both are used but near new condition for $400 each.
I will be 50 in July, but my older brother (born in '65) had a Rupp Roadster 2 when we were kids. He got it from our Uncle, and I never got to ride it solo. It broke down right before I got to do it, and unfortunately, neither my Dad, brother, nor I had the mechanical skills to fix it. If I had it today, with the skills and tools I have, I could do just about anything with it. Alas, it's LONG gone, and they're so rare and collectable now, they would either be worthless, too expensive to justify modding it out with modern tech.
I'm 63 and I'm still not allowed to have one
When I was 11 y/o, circa 1978 my dad got me a mini bike with a 6.5hp Tecumseh engine, which belonged to my dad's golf buddy's son. He was going away to college and it sat in their garage for years unused. We would load it up in the trunk of my dad's Chevy Caprice and go to this huge vacant field...I would ride it around trails that were created from other mini bikes and dirt bikes and he would go to an adjacent field and hit golf balls, then afterwards, we'd go for ice cream...these were some of the best times of my life.
Awesome story of your childhood man! Thanks for sharing 🙂👍
57 yrs old. Just bought the Axis from Lowes! Same thing I guess. Never allowed one when I was a kid, mom said I would get hurt! Now I'm riding!
Me too
It touched a nerve when you said you couldn't afford one of these back in the 80's. I'm sure there are lot of us who can relate to that. I'm so happy for you. Just the sheer joy of riding one, says it in your face. Have fun man. Why not have a pair of springs in the rear. Go easy on your back.
I’ve had my mini bike like this I bought from Tractor Supply probably 15 yrs now with no modifications. It has run great with no downtime going Thu six grandchildren. Changed out new spring in recoil is all. Still have stock exhaust which keeps the neighbors happy.👍
I bought a mini bike when I was 12 or 13 and my dad brought me back to the store with it to get my money back because he did not want me to ever have one. Years later when I served in the Navy in California when I was 21, I bought a new GL1000 Goldwing. It was a big difference of a ride. I miss that bike now.
Have fun and watch out for trees that jump out in front of you.
So righteous! Dad wouldn’t get me a mini bike, but when I was 15, he got me a Honda CB 350. I’ve had 3 motorcycles since, but looking forward to purchasing my first mini bike next week. I’M 65 now, and am so excited!!!! Crazy, I know
Haha Right on! It’s never to late to get a mini bike 😊 I was 40 when I bought my first mini bike 👍
Hey Mike, when I was a kid I'd drool over the $99 mini bikes at the Noah's ark auto parts store, no way my parents could afford to buy me one. So I got one off of Craigslist 2 years ago for $25! Well, I'm 62 now so better late than never right? Someone unhooked the governor. A couple weeks later it wasn't running right so I was holding the back wheel up and revving the snot out of it. The flywheel magnets blew apart and destroyed the coil. I'm gonna put a HF predator on it. I agree about the mini bike- gokart thing, something about them makes me feel like a kid again. VERY COOL video!
I bought my ct200u-ex for my 41st bday. I haven't stopped giggling when I ride it. Stage 2 predator with 14/48 gears. Juggernaut on cvt. Tall gear but still plenty of torque and 56mph top speed. Everyone should have one.
Nice man! 🙂👍 Thanks for suggestions on gearing.
I’m 21 years old and have never ridden a motorcycle. Never heard of mini bikes until my buddy got a CT200U. So I went and got the bt200x and I love it. I connect so much when you said something about having a friend or 2 because we always ride with our girlfriends and it’s fun being out in the trial with them.
It was around 55-60 years ago when my parents said I couldn't get a mini bike. A few years later I bought my first motorcycle: a Honda CB 350, brand new, with my own money. Had a 1/2 dozen motorcycles over the years and currently still riding a BMW K75S I customized. Still, am attracted to the idea of the mini bike I was never allowed. There's one of those Coleman in our local CraigsList, like new, barely used for just $500. Mighty tempting. Maybe I'll pull the trigger. I'd probably get into hopping it up with a performance modded Predator, one of those new 224cc jobs!!👍
Me too. Got a paper route, my own bank account. Bought a new Suzuki Tx90, then 400cc Tyran Mx bike. At 16 I bought a Brand new Suzuki GS1000...and raced it at Daytona
Way back in the early 80s I had a mini bike and not going to lie, I had an absolute blast screaming around the streets of Boston on that thing. It had a 4HP engine that kept up with my buddies Honda CT70, the seat ripped so I recovered it in denim (I just used what I had laying around), got so many compliments on the denim and was known around town as the LEVI mini bike kid. I took this thing everywhere, there was an old unused rail line that I used to blast up and down on, cannot tell you how many times the MDC Police chased me, I was brought home one day by Boston's finest. I was constantly being asked for rides by the neighborhood girls, do I need to say what my answer was :-) Watching this video brought me back to those days that I can honestly say were up there as some of my favorites times on that thing even still today. Some lady was test driving a new car, ran a stop sign and I ended plowing into the side of her...mini bike good times no more :-(
I’m 65 and can still remember all the great times on my free to me mini bike
Awesome! 🙂👍
Mike I was waiting for the digger around a corner. When I was 8 my brother bought us two mini bikes with money from working in the melon fields. We had a oval track in the cow pasture. Foot peg in the ground = catapult! (The digger) Good stuff Mike!
Thank you!
Bought my first mini-bike in 1972, $450 from the JC Penney catalog. Parents wouldn't buy it for me, so I got a paper route after school and saved my money until I could purchase myself. I then graduated to a Hodaka dirt bike, and then a brand new Honda CB750K. I now ride a Heritage. Can't wait to get my Grandson his first mini-bike.
I had a Penney’s too. Same approx years. It was called the Golden Pinto. 3.5 Tecumseh and rear shocks. But mine cost 159.95. You could get a cool helmet with it for 16.88. ! Still have the frame stashed somewhere.
@@selfcorrectingunit8671 I think mine was a Duster
WAY COOL !! I have had dozens of motorcycles but always wanted a mini bike , so last Father's day my younger son bought me one ! So at 58 I was charging around our two acres on my new mini chasing my son on his pit bike - what a blast !!!
Right on man! These mini bikes are great 😊
@@Mikefestiva hey Mike ! I really enjoy your channel, I first found you while looking for sawmill build videos - I am building a band mill using a ride mower engine and the hydrostatic trans for the variable power feed plus I am restoring an old Foley Belsaw M14 that I scored back in November. A third mill I want is the Mobile Dimension with the air-cooled VW engine being a VW engine guy from Northern California but now love in Wyoming.
Bought this coleman ct200u for $300 used and swapped the engine with the predator 212, it's the funnest thing I've talked myself into buying
I really liked the dual headlight modification! Very cool
Thanks 😊
I have this exact bike and have as much fun on it as riding my harley, your right it takes you back to your childhood and the first bike you rode.
So funny, I finally got my first minibike for my 42nd birthday. Love it so much. Can't wait to start modding it. Have fun!
Just bought two of them because of this video. My wife will be so um...surprized.
I just bought one. Dec 24th 2023. 52 years old. Fun in the snow!
Right on! Have a great time on your BT200X 😊👍
I love what you can do to small four stroke engines. I wish this technology was out there when I was a teenager. I love watching these builds.
Thanks Kevin
Its great seeing you and your brother both enjoying the toys! Great video, can't wait to see more of these mini bikes!
Thanks Danny! I really appreciate it 🙂👍 Definitely a lot of fun!
@@Mikefestiva Hey Mike, Any chance you could do a video about making your headlights in to Daylight running lights? Thanks.
Oh the cold irony of it all... This guy can literally build his own... everything but makes a video about how he always wanted a store bought Chinese minibike 🤣... I call bs
@@ianbuilds7712 what do you call BS about this, that fact that I’m tired of building stuff and making videos for unappreciated people like yourself? Yes I call your comment BS.
@@Mikefestiva ouuu bayybie looks like I struck a nerve... I appreciate everything that goes into your builds probably more than most ppl.. ik how much work goes into this shit but we both know that this video wasn't just to show off new toys... Lol and that you could build a far superior minibike than this in your sleep..
I'm 54 and bought one (CT 200EX V) a couple months ago, did a few cheap mods and I'm getting 40 mph out of it. That's fast enough for me.
I was 12 when I got my first Tote-goat, in parts. I'd just bought it from another kid, brought it home, and my mother forced me to take it back... didn't get one ride on it. But a few years later, I got my first motorbike; thanks mom (she bought it), and that was a lot of fun. It was a 1974 Yamaha DT 175, in blue. It didn't run, but we got it going, and we beat the crap out of it on trails. But looking at the Coleman as a fun trail bike looks very promising for sure; would love to get one and beat the crap out of that too.
part of a group here in Japan riding mini moto's. Speeds are generally slower here and motorcycles are more common especially small ones and scooters. I put knobby tires on a grom and some suspension mods and it's been a blast riding around closed roads and trails in the mountains around fuji. Since it's so small I can fit it in my mini van that I have here to get it to places and not be tired from riding there.
I'm 52 and just last year I ordered a monster Moto and a tillotson 212 and assembled it and enjoy it when I can. Love the front and rear disc brakes on it. Got to order me a generator for it to pull the head light.
You can tune those CVT 's as well, put lighter or heavier weights and heavy or lighter springs to get it to do what you want. Love the new project!!!
Those things look like they are a blast. Honestly, anything with wheels is a blast but something about mini bike and go karts with lawn mower engines makes them extra fun.
Mike, you are so happy when you pickup the bike! the true smile! good for you.
I GOT ONE YESTURDAY! First thing I did was ride it. Then I asked my son to give his two girls a ride, 2 and 4 year old's. They were giggling the whole time. 2nd thing I did was buy different bars and a riser clamp from cycle gear. Should be getting them next week. 3rd, I adjusted the brakes and throttle along with moving the bars fwd a bit. My long legs were hitting the bars. Thanks guys. Looking fwd to snow!
Right on 👍🙂 You are going to have a great time on that fine mini bike!
Have fun modifying your mini!
What kind of bars did you get please.
@@sterlingstoots3215 they are actually street bike bars. I bought them at our local Cycle Gear. Renthal gold. They are a little higher and wider than the oem. Also I want to raise the seat up about three inches by fabing a frame from tubing.
That looks like a ton of fun, Mike! I’m 50 years old, and I haven’t been on one of these since I was a kid. 👍
Great work on the mods!!!! I wish there were teachers of this mentality in our school systems. It's a lost art and a tragedy of undeveloped human creativity and potential. Keep crushing!!
Bought a Coleman bt200ex from tractor supply last summer and got $200.00 off because of shipping problems after they sold store model on me ! So it only cost $499.00 and boy am I glad we got it ! Fun fun fun.
Center pegs, mud flaps & tig work on the bt ,.. beautiful
That’s my daily driver right there
Fantastic video! Brings back memories of my brother and I racing around on scrap mini-bikes that my father threw together. I can’t wait to see more. Thanks.
Mike I love your videos I ve have had larger off road bikes street bikes all my life but I recently bought the same bike you show in your videos and I'm 65 yrs old now so I totally understand what you were saying about how much fun they are And just like you said makes you feel like a kid again Thanks for all the great info on the hop ups
Right on Chris I’m glad you took the time to comment 👍 I’m stoked you got one of these mini bikes! Definitely a lot of fun 🙂
I've got a vintage kart with a Predator on it. A big empty parking lot and a twelve pack. I'm 61yrs old. Cool channel.
Have you tried that new “ghost” motor from HF yet?
When I was a kid I built my minibike by putting a trash picked lawnmower engine in a 20 inch bike frame. I used shopping cart wheels and had no brakes at all. My hands had burns all summer every summer because the carb was right next to the muffler. I scrounged pop bottles for the 2 cent deposit to buy gas.
I love it - no brakes.
44 years I got my first mini bike. I got the MB200 though because I wanted the rear shocks because I'm old and don't like back pain. LOL
Thanks for checking out my new video Matt! I could see having rear shocks would definitely be good 👍
I really enjoyed this video! Really get the fun in this,easy modify,not that dangerous when you max them out,not that expensive if you crash etc.. just easy fun!
Very cool mods. The place you're filming looks like a great place to ride.
Those mini trucks are sweet ! Here in Michigan, you cannot drive them on the roads because the UAW is terrified of anything dependable, affordable and made by people who don’t sleep or get drunk on the job.
Loved it. I had mini bike that I immediately swapped a predator 212 in it. All I did was upgrade the valve springs and remove the governor and that was fast enough for me.
These look fun! Now I want one!
If you decide to swap out the motor, harbor freight has now introduced the Predator 212 Ghost racing motor. There's a lot more power, 6,000 rpms and at $299. It's a great deal.
I had a Mustang Trail Scooter in 1965, and the cool thing about it was the three-speed transmission WITH KICKSTARTER behind the Briggs and Stratton engine. It had tractor lug tires and terrible little handlebars but it was a hoot to ride.
bought my son one a few years ago, we now have 4. even my 70yr old dad has a blast on them
That’s awesome 👍
I love the modabilty of these. I have a CRF50 for that reason but I have always wanted one of these to tinker with and make a one of a kind mini bike just for fun. The older I get the fun part is all I care about when riding.
Great video 👍 I'll never forget being a poor kid but somehow scraping up enough money to keep my mini bikes running! I picked up a Tecumseh 8hp new for I think $150 at Bent Bike of all places, bypassed the governor strait piped it and could hit 50mph (down hill) 😆 being from the suburbs I'm sure the neighbors loved me...
Haha good times for sure! Sounds like you had a good time with that mini bike 🙂👍 I bet your neighbors loved it too 😂 Thanks for sharing a story about having a mini bike when you were young!
I think you and your brother are the Best advertisement for those bikes,that I've ever seen.Stock looked fun as heck,and very capable.With the minor mods you each did adds the personal touches that makes even me want one more.(All the decent trails withing 15 miles are gone here)
Lol thank you!!
Enjoy your toys stay young…I’m in my early 40s and I still love this stuff
First mini trucks and now mini bikes!?
I always wanted one of those mini bikes as a kid. Love yalls channels man!
@Mike festiva, nice minibike!👍 I'm sure you gonna make it even better! Waiting for the part 2! Thanks for mentioning my channel, I appreciate that! 🙂
Thanks for checking out my new video!
I mentioned that I wanted to give your channel a shout out a while back, this video seemed like the best one to do that 🙂👍
@@Mikefestiva thanks again!🙂
I've seen em, that is more than just OKAY! 👍
Hey bro, I grew up in the early 60's, and I begged my parents for a Honda, but Hell no. My dad brought home a bunch of mini bike scrap parts. I had to put something together and that's it. I eventually got some CAT minibike parts and made it work. Since then until now, I've had all the big motorcycles and restored Honda CT70's. Now, I'm done with motorcycles. Good luck to you!
Cool thing about motorcycles is more power and more money spent doesn't always equal more fun. Scale down the bike, and scale down the course to match and its just as much if not more fun!
Thanks for the content. I’m waiting for my nephews to get a bit older to dust off my mini bike. Great memories chasing down Estes rockets in the desert!
Chuck from Mad Caddies here noticed the drum kit in the background
Ya bro!
When I was 13 I secretly bought a minibike from my neighbor and I kept it camouflaged in the neighbors yard for a month until my parents found out and made me give it back
Love the video dude!
🤟💯
Really cool, I love the dual headlamp setup. I to never had a minibike till I built one last year, but whenever I'm out, I always look at them. If I had a brother, I'd be talking him into buying minibikes right now! That looked like a lot of fun.
i would add a red led light on the rear fender or extend the bar under the seat more rear ward for an additional platform for going out into the wilderness and carrying additional equipment
Mike, my first "bike" was a Manco Thunderbird I saved and saved for. Ran the wheels off it. Minis are fun. Thanks for the content.
Thanks for watching Aaron
Woo-Hoo! Man, that looks like fun. Definitely would go with the Predator. You can build those things wicked!
Love it, thank u! U did it for all of us who wanted one of these back when we couldnt have one.
Its always been my belief that you can have just as much fun (IF NOT MORE) on small bikes! Hell yeah brother, hope you have a blast!
Thanks man! Definitely a lot of fun 🙂👍
This video put a big smile on my face. Really cool bikes for an affordable price. Can't wait to see what you'll throw at these bikes. Looks like a blast to drive around. Keep up the good work! Greetings from the Netherlands, Mark
Thanks for checking out my video Mark 🙂👍
Just picked one up for $500 at Runnings! End of year sale. So pumped!
I have one and the fork bolt comes undone so it has to be tightened regularly. It's the CT200U-EX I got years ago. My limiting screw wiggled out on it's own and burst in to a little faster speed one day so that gains a little speed. It's nice on large land if your to cheap for a ATV.
Finally a mini bike with a suspension is a blessing My kidneys are still shock loose from my younger years of that rigid frame
Very cool builds that you and your brother have done. Definitely a good time, i ride with my brother all the time and its a blast.
Right on! Thanks for checking out my video 😊👍
I love the Ruckus looking double headlights! REALLY NICE!!!!
Thanks 😊
My folks told me that I must’ve put a thousand miles on my mini bike, a half a mile at a time! Was cool to go blasting down the road to cool off in the summer too!
The first MT and CR 125cc Honda two strokes had the rubber flap on the front of the front mudguard, and it really helped stop getting a face full of mud. In 1970 I couldn't afford the $50 aud to buy a Deckson minibike kit so I made my own, it was one of my first welding projects on a borrowed new Lincoln welder, my dad's friend who lent it to me bought a bigger one for himself and gave me the welder, I still have it at 66. My minibike was a bit janki but it sort of worked.
Great content Mike. I have the red CT200U and really like it, and recently purchased a Chinese clone of the Honda CT-70 that I had as a teen. They’re both a lot of fun as is this video, so I look forward to more.
Those LED lights look great. You are so handy, I'm surprised you didn't build the whole mini bike from scratch!
Thanks so very much for sharing that with us Mike! Watching your brother and you on those mini bikes put a smile on my face! Looks like y’all were having a lot of fun! Really great video of the time you spent on the modifications and the results of making it faster and more comfortable. Thanks again and keep ‘em coming!
Killer video, Michael! It's a new favorite of mine!
I'm a 62 year old broken down motocrosser, I'd love to get me one of these baby's it would be fun to organize a hare scramble with a group of guys and gals
this is definitely a goal of mine! Same boat..i own a nice dirt bike and love it but theres something fun about bringing it back to the basics, less serious trail ride with just the idea of having good fun. awesome video!
Thanks Jon 👍
Never know what you’re gonna get on this channel!! Love it!
Proof you don't need an expensive dirt bike to have a blast!
Almost bought one of these last year, looks like a lot of fun and they seem to get up and go pretty good really. Great vid as always👍🏻
I finally bought one of those two stoke motor kits for my mountain bike and so far its pretty dam fun. And its just discrete enough to ride around my city and the sheriff's dont care. I dont really like the police but the sheriff's in hazel dell washington are cool. They dont sweat the little stuff. I just wave and ride by.
You and your brother have a awesome relationship that’s so cool! You are very lucky to have that! I’ve always wanted a mini bike also… I think it’s about that time lol
Some of my most fond childhood memories were building and then rippin' minibikes! Man, it was a blast. 5 horse with a Torq-a-verter made it insane powerful. It would wheelie and then want to kill you instantly. These BT200X's look pretty sweet for the price honestly and I know you and your brother are beating on them good and if the frame is still in one piece then it should be good for just about anyone LOL! The Honda clone from HF will be a sweet upgrade, those are pretty decent engines and can make insane power with upgrades. Thanks for taking me down memory lane Mike!
I was financially irresponsible and bought a Mega Moto 212. I spent probably $2,000 on it. It is hilarious fun, it goes over 70mph. It's a 236cc big bore stroker, with a custom head and cam and all the billet bits. Never had as much fun for such little money.
Evolution recommends using the adapter for cutting square stock, not just the round tubing. Cuts faster and the blade lasts longer.
That was fun, good time had by all. cheers from Nova Scotia Canada, still hoping to see a video about that 3 ruler sawmill set-up to automate board sizes, hope you get to it sometime, I hope to copy it, if it works out.
Thanks for taking the time to make the videos for us.
Thanks for watching John
Awesome video man!! Love videos like this. Miss that ild xr100 too! I think thats what the bike was anyways
I'm 60 and I have had several mini bikes. The coleman 200s are tough , me and my grandson rode them all in bozeman montana mountains and took them down near jax. Fl and ride them in swamp 3 yrs later no clutches to replace or anything. If yhey had front and rear shocks you couldn't get me off them. There tough.
Maybe a front brake as well??
Mike's next video: Paris to Dakar rally on a Coleman !! ... LO L ! ... ...( Keep up the great work ! )
Great video Mike, I bought my BT200X New in April 2020 it's a powerful beast. i bent the throttle stop and put rear suspension on the seat for a more comfortable ride, since then added a header and hotdog muffler. Cant wait for more videos.
Awesome man! These mini bikes are a blast to ride and modify! 🙂👍
I have more mods planned for part 2!
After watching this video. I too have moved my foot pegs in the same location as you. Not only can you stand up and ride. But it gives you leverage on turning. As well as more control riding rough terrain.
Welcome back Mike!!!
Started off with a 3HP (79cc) Tecumseh Little Indian, now 919 CI, 800 lb cruiser
“dream big buy small” I’d like to submit this quote for your channel’s catchphrase😂 Great RUclips channel fun content and good people👏
i remember back in the 70s i would read fishing and game wildlife magazines and in the back there would be small ads for atv,s and such . i remember seeing one add all the time for baha trail bikes , i wonder if bt 200s are the same
REMINDS ME OF THE ONE THAT SEARS AND MONTGOMERY WARD USED TO SELL. MINE WAS AN OFF BRAND BUT PRETTY MUCH THE SAME 3.5 BRIGGS AND STRATTON WITH A HARD FRAME AND CENTRIFUGAL CLUTCH . LOVED THAT BIKE !!! I RODE IT DURING THE SUMMER AT MY PARENTS COTTAGE . LOTS OF SNOWMOBILE TRAILS !! GOT IT AT 8 AND. RODE IT TILL I WAS 12 . BY THEN I SAVED MONEY TO BUY A 125 CC HONDA 2 STROKE . I DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO THAT MINI BIKE , GUESS MY FATHER GAVE IT AWAY. NEVER DID TOUCH IT AFTER I GOT THE HONDA .
I bought 3 of these Colemans 2years ago for my 2 boys and uh some other over grown kid and we have had a riot on them. I look forward to your mods.