Vintage Mini Bikes

[DPowers]

I had one of those when I was a kid. Heald Heathkit Super Bronc. Came as a kit and my dad and I put it together. I believe I still have the front ski for it at my mom's in Ohio. Used to jump ground hog holes with it- until I broke my hand.... wow that brings back memories.

[midniteblues]

Originally Posted by DPowers

I had one of those when I was a kid. Heald Heathkit Super Bronc. Came as a kit and my dad and I put it together. I believe I still have the front ski for it at my mom's in Ohio. Used to jump ground hog holes with it- until I broke my hand.... wow that brings back memories.

I heard these were real popular up in the north central states since they were made up there.

Heald made the chore helpers line up some of those were very neat.

Did the ski work ok?

That surely would make a cool addition too a vintage peice.

[DPowers]

It was alot of fun with that ski for sure. It is in Ohio and I am in TN, but next time I am up there- will see what I can do for you....

[demian5]

I have a complete 1970 trail 70 in pieces a couple boxes in my garage.

[midniteblues]

While out on a potential purchase of a 71 c10 from a cl listing, it turned out the truck was way too rough too salvage much of anything.
Touring the way overgrown farm and seeing what else was for sale.
I came across this little go cart.
I didnt say anything about it till the end.
Is that for sale?
Yep. Been sitting there for two or more years...it did run.
As the fella pulled the recoil too show the motor wasnt locked up and the rope stayed OUT.
Uh oh, so I pulled the clutch cover off and turned the crank..not stuck

Thinkin my little guys 11th b day was coming up and i have a spare hm80 here.
I struck a deal for $80.i got the cart and a decent box of needed and spare truck parts.

Cleaned the gas tank,carb,coil and flywheel.
And put a used recoil on it, we got it fired and running.
Carb throttle shaft holes are wore and leaks alot of air.

We have it in peices as we speak cleaning it up.
New used tires,and recoil new plug and air filter.
We have a new carb, throttle cable and a new comet clutch belt coming.

Still need a need a new seat cover with more padding in it roll bar padding,and a few small fixes.

The cool thing is this isn't a all original vintage peice so I'm not against modifying a few things on it.

The the little guy and I have future plans on doing some mini off roading once we are 100% satisfied it's reliable.

No not a vintage mini but carts fit right in that line up.

[DPowers]

Cool- going to be alot of memories there

[midniteblues]

Originally Posted by DPowers

Cool- going to be alot of memories there

For sure.

He loves too ride the mini bike but I get nervous since he isn't too agile on it yet and that thing can flip him right off if he isn't carefull.
That's the last thing I need is mom patching him up and getting on my butt about it.

Mom approved the cart only cause it has a seat belt but she said it will need lights too.lol.....ok mom, I can do that.

[yote1234]

my 1968 z50 ko owned 30 years or more.

[midniteblues]

Found another keeper on cl a while back.

This is a 71 Montgomery wards t555 terrain cycle.

I recall seeing these types of three wheelers around when i was younger but never got a chance to ride one.

I pulled the 8hp briggs flat head and have been fitting a ohv briggs 12 hp with a tav2.

Hoping to have it rideable before any serious snow comes.
My super bronc goes great in the snow but this should be loads more fun.
My boys little cart has been a hoot but it dont go in the snow well and now that he is bigger i think he will enjoy this more.

[yote1234]

Originally Posted by yote1234

my 1968 z50 ko owned 30 years or more.

still own this one!

[jjzepplin]

Originally Posted by midniteblues

Found another keeper on cl a while back.

This is a 71 Montgomery wards t555 terrain cycle.

I recall seeing these types of three wheelers around when i was younger but never got a chance to ride one.

I pulled the 8hp briggs flat head and have been fitting a ohv briggs 12 hp with a tav2.

Hoping to have it rideable before any serious snow comes.
My super bronc goes great in the snow but this should be loads more fun.
My boys little cart has been a hoot but it dont go in the snow well and now that he is bigger i think he will enjoy this more.

Wow that looks like good ole fashion fun!

[KShortell]

Not exactly vintage, but out of production like all the 2-stroke versions. My stepson mowed lawns, etc. and saved up to buy this X1 mini bike project, a.k.a. a "pocket rocket". I've helped him fix it up with a new exhaust pipe flange, pull starter, and even a new cylinder with piston. It's not been much money-wise and it has been a good bonding experience. As he's getting too tall for it (his father is 6'6"!), he does stand to turn a slight profit someday if he ever sells.

[midniteblues]

Originally Posted by yote1234

still own this one!

Thats so cool that some have the ability to hang on to items like you did.

Whats really amazing is the value the old hondas keep.

I grew up on a 70cc 1971 honda sl.

How i wish i still had that one even though i tend to stay away from the metrics anymore.

[midniteblues]

Originally Posted by jjzepplin

Wow that looks like good ole fashion fun!

Thats was my thought too when i first saw this trike on cl.


I had a regular three wheeler for a bit when i was younger and quickly learned it wasnt for me.

This thing fits my wants better.
As its not to loud, fast or obnoxious for a putt around the neighborhood when i want.

[kazoocruiser]

Originally Posted by midniteblues

Found another keeper on cl a while back.

This is a 71 Montgomery wards t555 terrain cycle.

I recall seeing these types of three wheelers around when i was younger but never got a chance to ride one.

Honda used to manufacture a three-wheel ATV until they got sued over the tip-over problem on tricycles when they are running at speed. When you turn the front wheel, it drives out the center of gravity and the things high side and slingshot the rider.

You might have discovered that had you ridden one way back when.

Warn your riders before your wife has to deal with a broken kid.

[midniteblues]

Originally Posted by KShortell

Not exactly vintage, but out of production like all the 2-stroke versions. My stepson mowed lawns, etc. and saved up to buy this X1 mini bike project, a.k.a. a "pocket rocket". I've helped him fix it up with a new exhaust pipe flange, pull starter, and even a new cylinder with piston. It's not been much money-wise and it has been a good bonding experience. As he's getting too tall for it (his father is 6'6"!), he does stand to turn a slight profit someday if he ever sells.

Any project with your kids is a worthwhile experience.

Those little rockets can be fun.

I peiced one of them back together for the neighbor boys after their family had tried and failed a few times.
They were so happy they could finally ride it before they were all to big for it.
then in return they gave me a 2 stroke viza scooter.

I peiced and restored that for all the kids to ride.
They all learned to rip that around then afterwards when it sat i
sold it for a decent profit and bought this trike.

I am just about finished with another mini ninja for a friends kid. he will have it back for Christmas.

I also have a super mini moto (a cag)to build with my grandson thats waiting up on a shelf.

Mini's and carts grab kids attention.
They are short quick projects that keep them intrested for a little while and i havent had a problem offing them once they are done with them and they dont take up too much space.

I found the easiest selling ones are the rupps, parts are everywhere easy to build and the old guys buy them up.

There some valuable ones out there too.

I enjoy playing with them more than i ever did with the real bikes.

[Cali72K20]

1969 and 1970 Powell Challengers, full suspension mini bikes made in Compton, CA.

They made trucks too, from recycled Plymouth frames.

http://throwinwrenches.blogspot.com/...srear-end.html

Not my truck but I wish it was:

Very Rare 1956 Powell Pickup - $13000

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/la...758178895.html