When To Get a Modified Engine

Modified Engines 

by Daniel Blair

Today, we're going to talk about a big topic for young riders—modified engines and modified bikes. This part of racing is exciting but can also be tricky. Here's what you need to know about it:

What Are Modified Bikes and Engines?

A modified bike is one that has been changed or upgraded to make it more powerful, faster, and sometimes even harder to control. You can change parts like the engine, suspension, and exhaust. While these changes can help a bike go faster, they also come with challenges.

The Financial Side of Modified Bikes

When you start racing with modified bikes, everything gets more expensive. You’ll need to spend more money not just on the bikes but also on parts, fuel, and maintenance. You might need several bikes for different races, and keeping them in good condition can cost a lot.

So, if you decide to go the modified bike route, you should be ready for extra costs.

The Maintenance

Maintaining a modified bike is a big job. Some dads or family members can take care of the bike maintenance, but most racers need professional help to keep their bikes in top shape. Are you ready for the work and time it takes to keep a modified bike running?

The Emotional Side

Modified bikes can be temperamental. Sometimes, they run perfectly and feel amazing. Other times, they don’t work right, and that can be really frustrating. It’s important to be ready for these ups and downs. Racing on a modified bike can be stressful at times, but when everything clicks, it’s incredible!

The “Gift Years” (When You Don’t Need a Modified Bike)

There are certain years in your racing career when you don’t need a modified bike. These are what I call “gift years.” During these years, stock bikes (bikes that haven’t been modified) are good enough. You can use these years to build your skills before diving into the world of modified engines.

Let’s break it down by age groups:

1. Your First Year on a 250cc Bike The first time you race a 250cc bike is a great time to stick with a stock bike. These bikes are strong, reliable, and don’t need much maintenance. They are perfect for developing your riding skills.
   
2. 85cc Riders (Ages 11 and Below) If you’re just moving up from a 65cc bike, the stock 85cc bike will have more than enough power for you. At this age, it’s your riding skills that matter more than how powerful the bike is. A stock bike will work just fine.
   
3. 65cc Bikes (Young Riders) Some people might feel like they need a modified engine in their 65cc bike, but you don’t! Kids have won big races, like Loretta Lynn's, on stock bikes. You can develop your skills and perform just as well without the added power.
   
4. 50cc Riders If you’re racing a 50cc bike, you definitely don’t need a modified engine. These bikes are for younger kids, and their focus is on learning to ride. Don’t worry about upgrades at this stage. It’s about the basics of learning to control the bike.
   
5. 125cc Riders (Locally) If you’re racing locally on a 125cc bike, you can still get by without modifying the engine. You can focus on developing your riding technique instead of spending a lot of money on modifications.
   
6. 85cc Beginners and Novices If you’re new to the 85cc class, don’t worry about getting a modified engine just yet. You can still improve a lot as a rider without the extra power. When you’re ready, you can look into modifying your bike later.

When You Do Need a Modified Bike

There are certain times when you’ll need a modified bike to be successful. These include:

1. 250A, 250B, and Schoolboy 2 Classes As you reach the end of your amateur racing career, you’ll be racing against kids who are all very fast and have top-notch bikes. At this point, having a modified engine is necessary if you want to compete at the highest levels.
   
2. 125cc National Riders If you're racing nationally in the 125cc class, you’ll need a good modified engine. The competition is tough, and you need that extra power to be competitive.
   
3. Super Mini Class The Super Mini class is a big step up, and it requires a powerful modified bike. If you’re aiming for the top in this class, you’ll need to invest in a modified engine.

What Should You Do if You’re Ready for a Modified Engine?

If you’ve reached a point in your racing where you really need a modified engine, it’s important to start making connections. Talk to local riders, mechanics, and families who are already in the world of modified bikes. They can help you learn which bike modifications work best, where to get parts, and who to trust for maintenance.

Conclusion

In the end, racing with a modified bike is not always necessary. You can be successful in many parts of your racing career without one. Focus on your skills, and when the time is right, you’ll know if and when to move to a modified bike. 

There’s no rush. Take your time, learn as much as you can, and make smart decisions along the way.