Antique Minibikes - Fun and Useful Collector's Items

Antique minibikes can be found fairly easily, in various conditions and carrying various, sometimes weighty, price tags. Minibikes were popularized as an alternative to motorcycles, usually used for children or small-bodied adults. The bikes have grown exponentially year-by-year, so antique minibikes are more difficult to find than one would assume.

The "golden age" of minibikes was one where users weren't so pre-occupied with performance and tricking out their bikes, but instead simply looked for some kicks with a comfortable ride (due in part to the lack of power/noise). Since minibikes were originally popularized as toys for youngsters, the pricing of these antique minibikes was low compared to today's minibikes with their advanced features and looks. This doesn't, however, mean that antique minibikes can't provide all the convenience of today's models.

Antique minibikes are made more for touring and just for fun than overall usability. Many are taking these collectors items and modifying them, within reason, to be more conforming to today's standards. Since many companies make engine kits that are designed to boost the power and performance of most any engine, these old-school minibikes are seeing more road-time than they would otherwise. After slapping on a performance engine kit, or swapping for an entirely new engine, there are still some small modifications to be made. Although preserving the integrity of the antique minibike's nostalgic appeal is necessary, some small visual modifications can be made. Antique minibikes often had uncomfortable seats, so adding a custom saddle is reasonable if not essential. Keeping custom decals to a minimum is important in the restoration, but a new paint job, foot pedals, and set of handlebars is well within reason. These visual stimulants don't detract from the overall quaint-ness of these minibikes of yesteryear, but do make them street-worthy for today's antique minibike connoisseurs.

Small changes like these can help keep antique minibikes collectors happy, while still having a structurally sound minibike that can provide years more use. Obviously, if they're still running smooth today, they're simply well-built machines. Although the values of these aren't entirely cut-and-dried, they are worth plenty to the write investors and collectors.