Quality minibikes for less

With a huge rise in cheap imported mini bikes, prices of quality European and Japanese machines have fallen in some cases by up to 50 per cent.

One example is the Italian Malaguti Grizzly. In 2004, this was the UK’s best-selling automatic junior motorcycle, with prices starting at £800. Now, though, you can buy brand new from just £399.

Check out our Minimoto section for advice. Click here.

Find the right kit to stay safe on Minibikes. Click here.

“Both manufacturers and distributors have slashed margins simply to maintain a presence in the market,” said UK distributor Harglo. “Many direct imports are so cheap that it makes it difficult for customers to see beyond the price, which is tough for us, because the difference is like chalk and cheese.”

The Grizzly is powered by a Franco-Morini engine, supplied in de-tuned format to be safe for novice riders. The Grizzly also comes with a one-year parts warranty, and full spares and technical support from Harglo.

Concerns over the use of cheap inferior bikes have been raised by both Trading Standards and County Councils with the Motorcycle Industry warning thats basic safety features such as chain guards are often missing, there is little or no spares or warranty, and the engines used could be originally intended for lawn mowers and chain saws, rather than bikes.

For Malaguti, contact: 01386-701162.