BBR-the pitbike-possessed family dirt bike business from the Pacific Northwest-worked feverishly to put the finishing touches on the MM12P Production Race Bike in time for this year's MiniMoto SX in Las Vegas. And they made it. The night before the fastest minibike pilots in the world were to battle it out inside the Orleans Arena we grabbed a brand-new MM12P for a quick test.
So what is the MM12P Production Race Bike? Well, it's BBR's filler for a hole in the minibike market. It's not a custom-made BBR factory bike, and it's far from an inferior toy bike that can and will break parts which aren't for sale. It's a bike you can pick up from a BBR dealer and race any major pitbike race on. It's competitive but affordable (starting at $3999) and is assembled in Auburn, Washington, at BBR's home, so parts availability and experienced customer service is a phone call away.
Warning: This is not a toy. It's not a playbike, and while it looks like it's about the right size, it's not a good stepping-stone for little Billy on his way to full-size bikes. It's purpose-built to race in adult minibike races and has the teeth to prove it.
Right away you know this bike isn't bought at an auto parts store. And thank goodness. We've had our share of bad experiences with knockoff bikes breaking and scaring the crap out of us; we don't need that anymore. The production frame is forged and extruded 6061 aluminum. The swingarm is BBR's forged SuperComp unit with optional leverage blocks for fine-tuning the rear feel. The MM12P also comes stock with a Marzocchi 35mm fork and BBR's own SuperShock. There is suspension adjustability all the way around on this thing. Add in the Works Connection clutch perch and lever, solid BBR handlebar, Daytona 150cc motor and real motorcycle fasteners and this bike is as confidence-inspiring as a two-foot-tall rocket can be.
The bike I tested was newer than new. In fact, I'm not sure it had even been started. With a few healthy kicks it fired up, though, and the 150cc Daytona motor grumbled and barked with authority.
I'm not the best minibike rider around here. Heck, I'm probably one of the worst on staff at Dirt Rider, but it didn't take an expert to know this little bike was ready to rip. During our session the bike's power was most impressive. I know I wasn't letting it all hang out (emphasized by Duane Brown of BBR encouraging me to "let it rev" to really feel the power). But I did get it opened up enough times to say this bike is as capable as you are comfortable.