What motorcycling craze is causing the largest increase in after-market development? Well, if you were at the Indianapolis dealers’ show last week, you wouldn’t have much doubt that it is mini racing. “Mini” in terms of Honda XR50s, Kawasaki KLX 110s, etc.
Take a look at this website for Hanebrink. Look at the cost of some of the components that go into custom built mini racers (and play bikes). People are spending big bucks on small bikes, whether to race them, play on them or simply show them. When you can buy a new Honda XR50 for about $1,000, and turn it into a hobby like this, it is no wonder that GenX snowboarders, surfers and roller-bladers are frequently turning to a second hobby . . . racing small motorcycles in their backyards. It will be interesting to see how big this hobby gets, and how it impacts the marketing of OEM motorcycles.
