Are you looking to boost the street performance of your Baja Pocket Bike? Many enthusiasts explore tire modifications to optimize their ride for paved surfaces. One popular modification involves switching to pocket bike tires, known for their smoother ride and enhanced handling on the road. This article delves into the experiences and insights shared by riders who have experimented with pocket bike tires on their minibikes, particularly focusing on the popular Doodle Bug model.
The Shift to Street-Friendly Tires
The discussion begins with a user, jsnscott721, seeking tire advice for transforming his Doodle Bug into a street-riding machine for his wife. Dissatisfied with the stock tires on paved roads, he investigated pocket bike tires as a potential solution. His research led him to consider the X7 front wheel/rim with a 90/65-8 tire for the front and a 13/6.5-6 tire for the rear, designed to fit the stock wheel/rim. The primary question raised was the size difference between the 13/6.5-6 pocket bike tire and the original 145/70-6 Doodle Bug tire.
Understanding Tire Size and Dimensions
Spooker chimed in, providing valuable insights into tire dimensions. He noted that a 13/6.5-6 tire typically has a diameter of around 12.83 inches. In comparison, the stock 145/70-6 tire is approximately 14 inches in diameter. This means switching to pocket bike tires would result in a roughly 1-inch reduction in overall diameter.
Chazdaddy further elaborated on the size difference, explaining the implications for the bike’s geometry and performance. He calculated the rollout for both tire sizes, estimating the stock 145×70-6 tire at approximately 14.5 inches in diameter and the pocket bike 13×6.5×6 tire at around 12.5 inches. This translates to the bike sitting about 1 inch lower, effectively altering the gear ratio as if adding 4 teeth to the rear sprocket. Chazdaddy shared his positive experience using 13×6.5×6 tires on both the front and rear for street riding, praising the improved handling but cautioning against their suitability for off-road due to a rougher ride. He also mentioned the need to adjust or remove the kickstand due to the reduced ground clearance.
Real-World Experiences and Visual Comparisons
Stangrcr1 shared his hands-on experience with low-profile tires, initially facing handling issues. He eventually opted for 15/6/6 tires front and rear to regain ground clearance, choosing turf tamer rear tires and ribbed front tires for street riding. He emphasized that his bike was exclusively used for street riding, not dirt.
Stangrcr1 provided valuable visual comparisons, showcasing the size differences between various tire types. He presented images comparing a 13/5/6 tire mounted on a Doodle Bug front rim against a 15/6/6 Carlisle rib tire, also on a rim.
Another image further clarified the size relationship by placing a stock 145/70/6 Doodle Bug tire between the 13/5/6 and 15/6/6 tires.
Focusing on rear tires, Stangrcr1 displayed a 13/6.5/6 tire alongside the other tires, directly addressing the original question about rear tire sizes.
jsnscott721 expressed gratitude for the visual aids, confirming they were precisely what he needed. The feedback about ride quality prompted him to reconsider pocket bike tires for his wife’s street ride and his own project, especially considering potentially bumpy road conditions. He contemplated alternative options like 530×450-6 universal tires from OWB.
Bigger Tires for Comfort and Practicality
Stangrcr1 highlighted the advantage of larger tires in providing better suspension and ride comfort, advocating for bigger tires for improved ride quality and the tubeless convenience they often offer.
OwenD inquired about the maximum rear tire size that could be used without causing rubbing issues with the caliper or fender.
Stangrcr1 responded that the 15/6/6 Carlisle turf tamer tire he used had minimal clearance (around 1/8 inch) from the caliper. He also noted that the stock Doodle Bug fender would require modification to accommodate the larger tire, and some 15/6/6 tires might rub against the caliper depending on their exact dimensions.
Street Tire Kits and Installation Challenges
Deesel shared his experience using a hotrod minibike street tire kit on his Doodle Bug. He confirmed the smoother ride and reduced rolling resistance of street tires compared to knobby tires on pavement. He also adjusted his gearing by switching to a 56-tooth rear sprocket to compensate for the smaller tire diameter and maintain top-end speed, finding it comparable to the stock 140/70/6 tire and 70-tooth sprocket setup. He appreciated the aesthetics of the 8-inch front wheel included in his kit.
Esuits recounted the difficulty encountered while trying to mount a 13/6.5-6 pocket bike tire on his Motovox MBX10 rear wheel, which uses a 145/70-6 stock tire. He described the mounting process as significantly harder than changing dirt bike tires, even after seeking help from motorsport shops.
jdblood202 acknowledged the mounting challenges, especially with street tires that have minimal sidewall. He admitted that there wasn’t a single foolproof technique, sharing his varied experiences and the extreme measures he took, including having someone stand on the tire sidewall during installation. He humorously suggested considering a small tire changer from Harbor Freight for future installations. Despite the mounting difficulties, jdblood202 praised the improved handling and smoother ride of pocket bike tires, particularly at higher speeds, compared to the stock knobby tires.
Esuits later reported successfully mounting the tire with the help of another person, soap, and pre-heating the tire. He noted minor damage to the tire bead seating area during the process but considered it negligible. He promised to share his opinion on the tire’s performance after riding.
Dusty H. inquired about the wear characteristics of ribbed versus pocket bike type tires for street riding, seeking advice on tire durability for pavement use.
Conclusion: Pocket Bike Tires for Enhanced Street Riding
Switching to pocket bike tires on a baja pocket bike like a Doodle Bug can significantly enhance its street riding performance. Riders report smoother rides, improved handling, and reduced rolling resistance. However, potential drawbacks include reduced ground clearance, a slightly altered gear ratio, and challenging tire mounting. Careful consideration of tire sizes, potential fender and caliper clearance issues, and the intended riding conditions is crucial. While pocket bike tires offer a street-focused upgrade, larger tires might be preferable for rougher roads or riders prioritizing maximum comfort and ground clearance. Ultimately, the best tire choice depends on individual riding preferences and priorities for their baja pocket bike.
