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By now, you have probably already seen a Coleman mini bike somewhere. Whether its at the campground, racetrack, or just backyard trails, these bikes are becoming a favorite. They’re durable, affordable, and good for riders of pretty much any age!
Which Coleman mini bike is the best?
Coleman has really done a great job improving on these bikes over the years. As of the writing of this review in 2021, you have three primary options to choose from. All are generally pretty similar, with slight variances catering to different intended uses. Take a look at the comparison chart below to get a better idea of which mini bike is best for you.
The CT100u is the smallest model, both in overall size and engine displacement. It is generally the best option for families with kids who might be riding the bike. With only 3.5 inches of ground clearance, full-grown men will definitely notice the smaller frame.
Coleman BT200x vs. CT200u
There are two primary 200cc mini bike models: the BT200x and the CT200u. Mechanically, these two bikes are identical. They are both powered by the same 200cc 4-stroke engine and are similar in speed and performance. The only real difference between the two is in styling and frame design. While they have the same wheelbase, the CT200u has more ground clearance and weighs less than the BT200x.
How fast is the Coleman 200cc mini bike?
Out of the box, the Coleman ct200u has a top speed of 20-25 miles per hour. Some may go faster. Some slower. Its going to depend on rider size (weight) and riding surface. If you’re going uphill, you will notice it! With a little bit of time and money, you can make these bikes much faster. We’ve seen them go as fast as 50 miles per hour with little more than a cheap torque converter kit from Ebay and a change in jets.
What kind of gas does it take?
You should only use regular unleaded 87 octane gasoline. Simply use the same stuff you put in your daily driver, and you’ll be just fine. Higher octane gas won’t make a difference (other than in your wallet). And be sure to stay far away from ethanol. Fuels with an ethanol content of more than 10% can damage your engine!
Are Coleman mini bikes street legal?
Unfortunately, no. We have never come across a situation where someone has successfully been able to plate their bike and legally operate it on the street. From the factory, Coleman mini bikes don’t come with many of the features necessary to be classified as a street legal vehicle. At a minimum, you need a headlight, tail light, horn, turn signals, and two mirrors. Even if you were able to retro fit these pieces onto the bike, they aren’t really fast enough to be a safe ride on public streets. The final nail in the coffin is that these bikes are not produced with VIN numbers, nor do they come with titles. If you’re looking for a street legal mini bike, a Grom clone might be for you.
Coleman CT200u mini bike review
Since the CT200u is by far the most popular mini bike model in the lineup, we wanted to include a full review and technical breakdown on their flagship bike. It really is an all-around great bike to have in the arsenal and is versatile whether you’re on the local trails or putting it around the pits.
In our opinion, the greatest thing about the CT200u is its simplicity. The 196cc 4-stroke powerplant puts out a little over 6 horsepower from the factory. The time-tested OHV design is pared with a simple carburetor that is easy to disassemble, clean, and modify if the need arises.
Whether you’re buying new or picking a gently used one up from Marketplace, we always suggest new CT200u owners do a few things as an insurance policy for themselves. First, apply LockTite on as many bolt threads as you can get to. This helps keep them from vibrating loose and falling out while riding. Second, buy a decent spark plug. An NGK will do, and is worth the money.
A 420 o-ring chain sends power from the 20-tooth front sprocket back to a 50-tooth rear. Too many people tend to focus only on the engine or torque converter upgrades to pull more power out of the CT200u. But one of the easiest and worthwhile upgrades is to swap in a 60-tooth rear sprocket. While it will reduce your top speed a bit, the bump in low-end torque is noticeable and worth the tradeoff.
Before wrapping up our review, we have to discuss the speed governor. The CT200u comes from the factory with a governor that limits both speed and engine RPM. Obviously, removing the governor is a quick and easy way to make these bikes faster. However, its also a sure-fire way to grenade your motor without proper supporting mods. At a minimum, you’ll want to upgrade your stock rod and flywheel with billet replacements. This should keep pieces from coming apart underneath your seat.
