Top 10 Pocket Bike Motorcycles

A small bike doesn’t mean a small fun factor – here are 10 of the best mini bikes

Mini bikes aren’t just for kids. As the name suggests, most of them are small, light, nimble, cheap to run, and practical transportation for almost anyone. Even though Honda dominates the market, there are other options that also have something to offer. Here are our top ten pocket bikes for 2023.

Since pocket rocket bikes are small (the bikes, not the children), there is a misconception that they are for children. A bike about a quarter the size of a regular bike can, however, be a viable mode of transportation for anyone regardless of their age.

However, they are not completely unsuitable for long-distance running on any surface, nor are they impossible. Especially given the relative price of these bikes compared to normal bikes, one of these would be perfect if you ride primarily around town or in the countryside.

Pocket bikes have one of the highest smiles-per-dollar ratios of any product out there. Could it be that it reminds you of when you were a kid?

We’ve compiled a top ten list of the best mini bikes:

1. Rosso Motors Mini Pocket Bike – $250

Until now, all the bikes in this list have been large-stature “proper” bikes. However, mini bikes are available as well that are intended for children, and this one is exceptional.

An engine that runs on two strokes and looks like a superbike would appeal to any child age five or older. A top speed of 25 mph is plenty for juniors, but tuning experts would no doubt be able to go much faster.

There’s no better way to mix style, speed, and ease of use. You just twist and go; no clutch is needed; the drive is centrifugal. Despite its 42-pound weight, it can carry up to 165 pounds, which makes it easy to pick up and put in the car trunk.

2. Coleman Powersports CT200U Mini Trail Bike – $500 – 700

The Coleman is a great option if basic motorcycling is your thing. Minibikes work in a similar way to go-karts with only two wheels: simple frames, no suspension, and disc brakes only on the rear wheel. A bike like this is used to get you to remote fishing spots from your car.

You start it with a pull cord, just like a lawnmower, and its 98cc petrol engine propels it forward. Clearly, this is an off-road only vehicle since it has no lights, indicators, instruments, or license plate holders, and it has a top speed of a snail, so you should not drive it in traffic.

3. Benelli TNT135 – $2,999

In China, Geely’s subsidiary Qianjiang Motorcycle Company owns Benelli, an old name in motorcycling.

With regards to styling, the TNT135 is similar to the Honda Grom/Kawasaki Z125 with Italian influences.

The pocket rocket is powered by an overhead camshaft one-cylinder engine with four valves that produces 13 horsepower and drives through a five-speed transmission. MV Agusta Brutale-style twin exhaust mufflers and a trellis frame mimicking Ducatis.

A beefy 41mm inverted fork with 12-inch wheels and disc brakes on both sides, analog/digital dashboard, and LED lighting. Chinese components are available at a reasonable price if you are willing to live with them. There is no Honda in this list that has the same build quality, but this bike is stylish and affordable if you won’t be using it every day or for long distances.

4. Kymco Spade 150 – $3,399

Taiwanese manufacturer Kymco manufactures a range of high-quality and affordable scooters up to 400cc and somehow manages to avoid the prejudice that is taken out on Chinese motorcycles.

The company also manufactures the Spade 150, a funky retro version of a mini/pocket bike. A five-speed gearbox drives a 149cc single-cylinder engine that produces 12bhp and 8 lb-ft of torque.

In contrast to the Grom and Z125, with which it competes, it has a retro feel with its round headlight, gas tank shape, and seat. There is enough strength in the front disc brakes and rear drum brakes to haul the 266-pound weight to a halt.

5. Honda Grom 125 – $3,399

In 2014, Honda introduced the Grom, a mini bike that belies its size. If you are taller than six feet, it does not feel like you’re riding a small bike.

There is a 124cc single-cylinder engine, which produces 9.7bhp and 7.7 pound-feet of torque. The architecture is instantly recognizable, which is great since I don’t know what Honda has been up to if they haven’t got that engine bulletproof by now.

The Grom is an unpretentious and fun ride that makes you smile all the way around. As can be expected given the short travel, the decent suspension copes with bad road surfaces well. While it can hit 60 mph flat out (and flat on the tank) and is a gas-sipper (get at least 100 miles per gallon), it won’t bother the law.

The car surprised me with its great handling, nimbleness, fun, speed, lightness, ease of parking. Those attributes can be applied to all of the bikes on this list, but the Honda Grom takes the design and quality to the next level.

6. Kawasaki Z125 Pro – $3,399

It’s hard to tell the Honda Grom from the Kawasaki Z125 Pro when they’re parked next to one another. It becomes even more difficult to discern the difference when they are ridden together.

There is no difference in weight between the Z125 Pro and Grom, but the Z125 Pro produces 9.5 horsepower to the Grom’s 4.4 pound-feet of torque. Despite the possibility of spending more on accessories, both are the same price.

While there are pillion pegs, let’s be honest, you won’t be able to haul two adults onto that bike unless you’re 12 years old and your girlfriend is 12 years old.

It looks like a small kid’s toy, but like the Grom, the Z125 Pro does not look like one. Nevertheless, you will behave like a child when riding it!

7. Honda Super Cub C125 – $3,799

Even though it’s not a mini bike in the strictest sense, the Honda Super Cub has a certain playfulness and timeless appeal that is hard to ignore. The Cub has been built in well over 100 million units since 1958, so how many motorcyclists haven’t ridden one or experienced an adventure on one?

It has been continually updated throughout its life, yet it remains one of the most recognizable and versatile motorcycles on the planet, as well as one of the cheapest to run and own. Finally, despite its reputation as a workhorse, it remains incredibly fun.

The 124cc engine produces 9.5bhp and the clutchless four-speed gearbox makes driving super easy. While the front suspension has been replaced with telescopic instead of a leading link, and ABS is now standard, underneath, this is still the same rugged piece of engineering that will probably outlast any owner, regardless of age.

 8. Honda 125 Trail – $3,999 

The ST125 Trail is not exactly an off-roader, so you must take its name with a pinch of salt. For a bike to be called Trail, it must have some off-road ability to justify its name. If given a name like Trail, owners will put it to the test.

Essentially, the Trail 125 is a Super Cub without the bodywork or taller suspension. It also doesn’t have as much power, and it’s a bit heavier (259 pounds to 238 pounds).

A direct throwback to a 1960s – 1980s model also called the Trail, the 125 Trail is a direct throwback to a model of the 1960s – 1980s. As its Editor-in-Chief wrote in Cycle World magazine, “the Trail 125 makes you feel good in a way that is unmatched by many other vehicles.” With its handy chassis, automatic clutch, and relaxed demeanor, it makes you feel good to be out exploring.

This scooter shares the same power train, chassis/running gear, and chassis/running gear with the Grom, Dax, and Super Cub, including minimal fuel consumption, good build quality, and ease of use. Disc brakes and ABS contribute to good braking, and miserly fuel consumption results in about 150 miles of driving range, even with a 1.4-gallon tank.

There is a 45-pound luggage rack, a bash plate beneath the sump, and side and center stands. You’ve never felt so comfortable hitting the trail.

9. Honda Monkey Bike – $4,199

So many Honda pocket bikes are available, perhaps this list should focus on them. In comparison to the CB750 or even the Super Cub, the Monkey Bike is probably Honda’s most iconic motorcycle.

This is Honda badge engineering at its best, just like the Super Cub, Trail 125, Grom, and Dax 125. Retro nostalgia is one of the Monkey bike’s biggest draws, as well as the fact that it has decent suspension and ABS, as well as a five-speed transmission instead of four.

The handling takes a little getting used to, however, because it is so small. This isn’t a problem, but it does seem a little different to me. With Disc brakes on both the front and rear, the Monkey is a great choice for anyone who is taller than the other pocket bikes in the Honda line. No pillion pegs and only one seat, but this is not a bike for carrying anyone.

As a motorcycle with 9.7bhp, the 2022 Monkey is far more powerful than the original’s 3bhp. However, you’ll feel extremely exposed on such a tiny bike, so keep it for weekend rides around the countryside.

10. Honda Dax ST125 – Price (Europe, TBA)

Honda, perhaps rightly, believes that there are enough mini-bikes in their range in the United States, hence they won’t be offering this model here. It was originally known as the Dax and is now known as the Trail 70 no matter where you are in the world.

A one-gallon gas tank should give the Dax a range of 100 miles, although it uses the same 9.4-bhp engine as other Honda mini bikes.

Inverted front forks provide improved suspension, while disc brakes are used both up and down the road. Engine and suspension are bolted to pressed steel monocoque chassis.

That’s what we think are the top 10 mini/pocket bikes available in 2023. Is there anything obvious we missed? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.