The massive rise in sales of cheap mini bikes labelled, (MUPPs) Motorcycle Used in Public Places has resulted in significant savings for customers looking to buy quality motorcycles for their children. According to estimates by the Motorcycle Industry Association, sales of cheap imported mini bikes rose from around 7,000 in 2001 to 70,000 in 2004. This has had a devastating impact on sales of high quality machines from established European and Japanese manufacturers and as a result prices have tumbled by up to 50%.
Just two years ago the 50cc Grizzly, manufactured by Malaguti in Italy, was the UK’s best-selling automatic junior motorcycle, with prices starting at £800. Today, prices start at £399.99. “Both manufacturers and distributors have slashed margins simply to maintain a presence in the market,” explains a spokesman for Harglo, Malaguti’s UK distributor. “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 Motorcycle Industry has warned buyers to beware of cheap machines, as basic safety features (such as chain guards) are often missing, while spares and warranty support can be patchy or non-existent, as there is no official UK distributor or dealer network. The engines tend to be of the recoil [pull-cord] variety, originally intended for powering tools such as lawn mowers and chain saws and not designed for propelling mini bikes carrying riders.
Many Trading Standards officers are becoming very concerned too. "Following examination of these petrol operated models that they do not comply with the relevant safety standards," said Tameside Trading Standards, "and users face the risk of serious personal injury because of inherently poor design.”
Surrey County Council stated, “We are anxious that consumers who may be thinking of buying midi and mini motorbikes for their children are aware that they are not toys and that there are no safety standards governing these bikes.”
Quality machines, such as the Malaguti Grizzly, have been developed over many years and are built in well-run factories operated by established motorcycle manufacturers (an ISO 9002 European plant in the case of Malaguti). The engine in the Grizzly is built by Franco-Morini, who have been making motorcycle engines since 1954, and is supplied in de-tuned format so that it is safe for novice riders. This is a crucial feature for machines aimed at riders as young as 5 years. Most quality mini bikes will come with a 1-year parts warranty and in the case of Harglo, full spares & technical support, from a company that has built its reputation over 30 years. “There are signs that the public are getting fed up with poor quality mini bikes and the lack of any after sales support” adds Harglo’s spokesman. “From the customer’s point of view, there has never been a better time to pick up a quality branded mini bike at a bargain price!” You call Harglo-Malaguti on 01386 701162 or visit their website to find out more information about their products.
Related Linkswww.harglo-performance.comwww.surreycc.gov.ukwww.tameside.gov.uk
