In the last few years, the adult minibike scene has blown out of control. Honda dealers are selling CRF50Fs faster than they can stock them, and more aftermarket companies are producing trick parts to squeeze better performance out of the tiny fun bikes. With performance demands growing every day, the price to have a relatively trick 50 is absurd; it can range from $3500 to $6500. So it came as no surprise when the guys at SDG, being avid minibike enthusiasts, decided to join the frenzy. Over the years, SDG has become known for building seats for mountain bikes and motocross bikes. Now it's aiming to build a complete minibike that is adult-ready, competitive and affordable.
| SDG: | | 800/RIDE-SDG; www.sdgusa.com |
| Hard Parts | Maximum | Rated |
| Installation | 20 | 20 |
| Function | 50 | 40 |
| Durability | 10 | 8 |
| Total | 100 | 86 |
The Speed Mini is a 107cc, air-cooled four-stroke with a four-speed transmission, which is equipped with a clutch just like a big bike. Its chrome-moly frame is designed like that of a CRF50F but sits much taller. The Speed Mini has a 36mm long-travel fork along with a long-travel rear shock that mounts to an aluminum swingarm. The bike uses hydraulic brakes front and rear. All the components are oversize; the shifter, rear brake lever, footpegs, handlebar mounts and seat are ready to fit big and small riders alike.
The Speed Mini is fun to ride on the track, and the 107 motor offers decent power off the bottom, pulling into good midrange without a lot of top-end. The transmission is smooth but doesn't like to shift under power, and sometimes neutral is hard to find. The ergonomics are comfortable and ready for any adult who is willing. The hydraulic brakes offer decent stopping power and showed no signs of fading. Because the bike sits fairly high, straight-line stability is a bit on the scary side as the bike gets speed wobbles easily as with most 50s.
You can't build a trick mini for even close to the low $2399 cost of the SDG Speed Mini. It's a great bargain if you don't want to spend the big bucks on a custom. On the flip side, some of the parts, such as the disc brakes and calipers, look and feel cheap compared with some of the super-trick aftermarket parts that are available for today's minis.
Corey Neuer