CAG MM2 47cc

Looking to get in to the world of mini motos I thought that the CAG MM2 47cc would be a good place to start. With plenty available, easy to source parts and a reasonable price tag what could go wrong?

I have owned the bike for 3 weeks and in this time I have broken 4 pull start pawls, destroyed 2 total pull start systems, had an ignition coil pack up, and rung almost every bolt on the bike. This combined with poor runing and terrible performance (they do not do the 30mph claimed (as standard)).

You may be thinking I am heavy handed - especially with respect to the pull starts but I hear it is a common problem. Apparantly there is too much compression for the plastic cogs and casings to take. This can be seen by the case contorting with every pull of the cord!

If you are considering buying one of these (which I wouldn't recommend) then ensure that you 'shop' around. I bought mine from a local dealer in Stalham, Norfolk for £200. They can be bought for as little as £150 on Ebay (including postage and packaging) and if you are prepared to wait a few weeks you can have one made to order for less. I'd ignore those dealers that state they are supplying products of superior 'quality' - they all come from the same factory and it gives them a chance to charge over the odds.

The same applies to parts - Make sure you shop around. When I broke the first pull start my dealer could not be bothered and charged me £20 for a new one. Take a look on Ebay - I bought the second one for £12 plus £3 for postage and packaging and I have seen them for even less now - although the dealer still sells them at £20!

The general build quality of the bike is exceptionally poor. The nuts and bolts used can only be described as 'cheese' and are very easy to ring off. The tool kits supplied aren't worth using and, in my opinion should be thrown away! The plastics are of poor quality but this can be viewed as a good thing as they are cheap to replace once the bike has been chucked down the track a few times!!

Owning one of these has not put me off mini motos though. They are fun to ride (even if my experience has only been for an hour or so - with the bike being worked on the rest of the time). I have learnt quite a bit in respect of maintenance and I am an absolute master at repairing pull starts - you will learn quickly believe me.

If you want a mini moto I would recommend spending extra towards it and buying a quality make such as Blata, GRC or Polini. I now have a Blata and it is far more superior. I should have bought one in the first place as it would have saved me about £300!

If you think I have been a bit too harsh, or agree with me, or disagree I should be grateful for your point of view.