Vintage Minibikes - Rupp Minibikes

Often, minibike enthusiasts don't want brand new gleaming minibikes. Instead, they find owning vintage minibikes, such as the Rupp minibikes, much more enjoyable - and collectors search the world over looking for old vintage Rupp minibikes.

Rupp minibikes were created by Herbert E. Rupp, III, from Mansfield, Ohio. He started out making go-karts in his basement, and within ten years he had a multi-million dollar business. When the demand for go-karts dropped in 1961, Rupp turned his attention to snowmobiles and minibikes. He produced roadsters, enduros, scramblers, sprints, and choppers. One model, the Black Widow, was considered to be the King of all Rupps. Rupp even made Go-Joe's, which is one of the earliest ATV's that were made.

Of course, Rupp minibikes are no longer produced. To own one, you have to buy it from an individual. As a vintage minibike, the Rupp minibike that you purchase won't come cheap. Your best bet would be to find one that needs quite a bit of work and restore it. Back in 1970, you could buy a brand new Rupp minibike for less than three hundred dollars. So, you may be able to find vintage Rupp minibikes now for five hundred dollars and up, depending on the condition of the minibike. The lower the price, the more restoration the minibike will require.

Finding parts and decals for Rupp minibikes may be a little difficult, but not impossible. Remember, these minibikes are no longer produced. There are still some private dealers and collectors who have the parts you need, and those parts can still be purchased for a reasonable price. If you are restoring a Rupp Go-Joe, you may have a little more difficulty finding the parts you need.

If you currently own a Rupp minibike, or you have the opportunity to purchase one that is fairly good condition at a reasonable price, take advantage of it! Do what you need to do to restore the minibike to its original condition, and hold onto it for several more years….you will find that as with most vintage cars, bikes, and minibikes, the Rupp minibike will only increase in value!