Rupp Minibikes: History on Two Small Wheels

While many pocket bike collectors like to take their new acquisitions out for a spin - just to show them around on a regular basis, perhaps, or to make practical use of them for traveling short distances - there are just some bike models that people don't buy to use heavily. Not for the rough-riding, racing part of the minibike population, Rupp minibikes are for the true classicist, connoisseurs who know how to properly care for and appreciate oldies but goodies.

Rupp minibikes are now considered vintage, and the long and rich history behind each bike is what a collector seeks to be part of. They were made in the early 60s by Herbert Rupp III, who used to assemble go-karts in his basement. The move to make minibikes came at a fortuitous time, when minibikes were just starting to come into fashion in the racing circuits. From a small home business, Rupp's endeavor quickly ballooned into a multimillion-dollar industry, manufacturing Rupp minibikes for a fast-growing clientele. One of the world's earliest ATVs has a name that is even reminiscent of go-karts: the Rupp Go-Joe.

What makes Rupp a jewel in a collection is that it is now out of production. Parts are becoming harder to find, and experts who are willing do restoration work on older bikes are becoming fewer and farther between. Often, the owner will have to do the restoration work him or herself, and this takes a great deal of care, patience, and money! Fully-assembled Rupp bikes cost a pretty penny, and reasonably, so do their parts. Original Rupps run on old 4 HP Tecumseh engines, and these engines are among the hardest to find and the most expensive parts out in he market. And of course, since the bikes themselves are no longer in production, collectors have to rely on each other for help with the parts-finding and restoration work.

If you own a Rupp, consider yourself fortunate - you have a piece of history in your hands! Taking proper care of a genuine Rupp can be considered an investment, since these bikes can only increase in value as time goes on. Some fully-assembled Rupp minibikes already go upwards $200 on ebay, where many collectors make their exchanges.