Mini-Bike Gallery
The gallery features machines which are unique and well engineered; all enjoy historical significance. All minibikes are fun to ride, but rather than attempt to compile a comprehensive listing of all known minibikes, I decided to feature a select a few of particular historical significance.
- Arctic Enterprises (Screamer, Whisker)
- Projects Unlimited (Skat Kitty)
- Heald Inc. (VT-10, VT-8, VT-7, VT-3)
- Honda (QA-50, CT-70)
- Powell Brothers (Challenger, Phantom 7)
Arctic Enterprises, Inc. (Thief River Falls, Minnesota)
SCREAMER
"Arctic Enterprises, Inc. (Thief River Falls, Minnesota) offers the Screamer ,
which is powered by a Chrysler 8 hp engine. The transmission is snowmobile-type
torque converter, the knobby tires measure 14" X 6", and suspension is telescopic
fork in the front and swing arm in the rear. The machine weighs 94 pounds
and has a ground clearance of 7". Price: $289.95" (c.1972)
WHISKER
"Arctic Enterprises, Inc. also offers a sleek looking mini that weighs
only 90 pounds. The Whisker is powered by a Sachs 2-cycle engine
with a gearbox that houses a 2-speed automatic transmission, and wide, knobby
12.5" tires that ride on 6" diameter aluminum wheels. Load-leveling rear
shocks and telescopic front forks aid the driver in comfort and machine handling.
For safety, fuel shut-off valves, folding rubber foot pegs, twist-grip throttle,
and shutoff switch are included. Price: $199.95" (c.1972)
Editors note: Sadly, the Arctic Cat line of minibikes are no longer produced. Arctic Enterprises, Inc. is now Arctic Cat , Inc.
Projects Unlimited, Inc. (Dayton, Ohio)
Skat-Kitty
"Passengers or groceries can ride in the sidecar that comes as an option with the Skat-Kitty scooter. The scooter is priced at $169.95 with a two-cycle engine and $179.95 with a four-cycle. The sidecar is $49.95 extra. Made by Projects Unlimited, 1926 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton, Ohio."
"Projects Unlimited, Inc. (1926 E. Siebanthaler Ave., Dayton, Ohio, 45414) offers one of the smallest minibikes on the market, the Scat-Kitty, which is about knee-high. The Scat-Kitty's features include 2.5 hp, 4-cycle Tecumseh engine with built-in alternator and one year manufacturer's warranty, one-piece cast aluminum frame and fenders, hi-low sealed beam lighting system, 5" wheels with low-profile Terra Tires. Price: $297.85. Accessories: detachable side car, seat bar, electric horn kit, canvas cover and a deck mount to lock the Skat-Kitty firmly to boats and campers."
Heald Inc. (Benton Harbor, Michigan)
Trail Bronc
"Heald Inc. (Benton Harbor, Michigan) offers at the top of their Trail
Bronc line, the Super VT-7, a kit that includes a 7 hp Tecumseh engine, welded
steel frame, padded seat, front and rear shocks, chrome-plated fenders, engine
skid pan, nylon ATV-type tubeless tires mounted on 8" rims, a 1-gallon
capacity gas tank, and a spark-arrestor muffler.
The VT-7 will climb hills and travel on level terrain up to 40 mph without shifting, as the throttle and brakes are the only controls. The seat is large enough for 2 adults, and there are 2 sets of foot pegs. Price $269.95
Accessories: Alternator, lights, and electric start combination, $80; front ski, $19.95; tow bar, $6.95; rearview mirror, $3.95; bulb-type horn, $3.95; and tool pouch, $2.95.
Heald also offers the Trail Bronc VT-3 with a 4 hp engine. Length is 56", weight is 1322 pounds, and ground clearance is 8". Price $209.95" (c.1972)
The Trail Bronc is reborn as the Super Bronc offered by Kimball Products
(also in Benton Harbor, Michigan) in two configurations, the VT-10 and VT-8.
From a Kimball brochure : "The Super Bronc trail bike are not just for fun-in-the-wilderness cycles, they're work horses too! Both 8 and 10 H. P. models handle the power demands of a 450 lb. workload with sure footed capability, whether checking fence lines, inspecting irrigation or herding livestock.
The narrow profile of the Super Bronc allows you to maneuver down narrow trails, between planted rows and through woodlots with ease. Front and rear suspension provides a smooth comfortable ride even in bumpy terrain." Price VT-8, $1795.00; VT-10, $1995.00; check their website for the latest information.
Honda
QA50
"American Honda Motor Co., Inc. offers 4 mini-models below the 5.5 hp
class. The QA-50 is for kids or anyone in the family who is an off-road
fan. The 2 speeds with an automatic clutch make mountain trails a snap to
climb. Should you need to carry it across a stream, it is light enough (86
pounds) to pick up and tote. Price: $199" (c.1972)
CT-70
The Honda CT70 Trail Bike was introduced in 1969. Although Honda
discontinued production of the bike in 1994, it lives on in a similar incarnation.
Panda's
Trail-Rider is one such model, apparently made by
Jincheng
in China.
Powell Brothers (Southgate, California)
Challenger
Although, as mentioned in the article below, the Powell Brothers (Southgate, California) have been around since the 1930's, this author is only aware of the Challenger and Phantom 7 minibike offerings. Many a rider in Southern California grew up with a Challenger as their companion of choice. Below are a series of images from Cycle Guide magazine, January 1970. Besides this article, there is not much available on the Challenger and even less on the Phantom 7 or any other offerings from the Powell Brothers.
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Phantom 7
The mysterious Phantom 7 was believed to be manufactured in the 1960's by
Powell Brothers and supposedly weighs approximately 150 lbs. The model pictured
here sports a 7 1/2 hp engine. An imposing looking machine indeed.
Interestingly a few years back, Pitts Performance (7922 Woodley Ave. Van
Nuys, California 91406, (818) 780-2184) offered what looked to be either
an exact replica of, or was the direct descendant of, the Challenger. Their
model was called the Cobra .
From their website at the time: "The Cobra is a lightweight, easy handling minibike with features of machines costing twice as much. The Cobra is great for cruising the pits or roaming the campgrounds. The extra quiet, forestry approved muffler makes the Cobra great for any location. The Cobra is just as at home off the road. With its full suspension and high torque overhead valve engine, the Cobra rips through the hills with ease. The Cobra is a true value that offers years of enjoyment and reliability. SPECIFICATIONS: Wheel Base: 42" Height: 37" Width: 18 1/4" Weight: 120 lbs. Price: $995.00"
I called Pitts (10/27/2003) inquiring about the Cobra, they said it is no longer available and couldn't remember where it came from or any details about it.
14-May-06: Pitts is back on-line at www.pittsperformance.com . If anyone is aware of the fate of the Cobra , I would be pleased to hear from you.
To see more mini-bikes go to all listings . Or consider joining the mini-bike club that grants you access to a superb member site with a huge archive of vintage mini-bikes.
Vintage photos & text credits: John Malo, All-Terrain Adventure Vehicles, 1972, The Macmillan Company | Cycle World Magazine | Popular Mechanics Dec. 1963