Suppliers in China are offering pocket bikes that have higher speed potential than previous versions.

An increasing number of manufacturers are switching to engines that use liquid coolant to lower heat. These allow increased power without augmenting displacement and use less oil than the air-cooled types.

Companies are also improving their engines' actuating and suspended systems to enhance efficiency, leading to better performance.

Some makers focus on developing new engine variants. One company is offering pocket bikes with proprietary V Jar engines that produce more power than regular engines.

To help ensure that new models have superior performance, many releases have improved running systems and gear allocation. These allow higher speed capability and smoother running.

Many suppliers are using aluminum in their latest pocket bikes. This material is mostly used in frames, but may also be incorporated in engines, wheel hubs and other parts.

Better technology, material Enhancing quality

China Xingyue offers the XYQH-815B model, a pocket bike with a 4-stroke gas engine available in displacements from 50 to 110cc. The product has double hydraulic disc brakes.
?
Better technology, material

Perhaps the most popular performance enhancing method is the use of water-cooling systems in engines.

One company interviewed for this report, Zhejiang Feiyue Vehicle Co. Ltd, equips its new pocket bikes with water-cooled engines. Its FY-A10 model has a water-cooled, single-cylinder engine with a 40cc displacement. The bike has a tank capacity of 1.5L, pull-start ignition, and front and rear disc brakes.

Suppliers are incorporating unique engine technology under efforts to enhance performance further. For instance, some pocket bikes from China Xingyue Vehicle Co. Ltd have V Jar engines, which produce 50 percent more power than regular types with similar displacement. The company also offers 4-stroke engines in place of the standard 2-stroke system.

Wuyi Hengchen Machinery Tools Co. Ltd uses aluminum as material for selected engine components. It also makes frames and parts from aluminum.
?
Enhancing quality

Suppliers of pocket bikes in China are enhancing QC methods in efforts to improve product quality.

Yongkang Develop Vehicle Co. Ltd has implemented a QC system that covers its entire production process. Inspectors undergo two weeks of training on the company's manufacturing procedures and standards.

Produced according to this system, the company's model DF-PB054 gas pocket bike is equipped with a single-cylinder, 2-stroke 49cc engine. It has a 1L tank capacity, disc brakes and a top speed of 55kph.

Inspectors of Zhejiang Feiyue's QC team test-drive gas pocket bikes for about 30km and electric models for 1km before approving them for shipping. The company's technicians perform IQC, IPQC, FQC and packaging tests on all products.

In addition, many companies are now using advanced testing equipment to ensure quality.

Pinnacle Industry Ltd has specialized machines for checking engines, batteries, chargers and controllers. Once assembled, products undergo impact and fatigue tests before packing.

Equipment at China Xingyue includes 3-D coordinated testers, motorcycle testing platforms and electric wheel-power measuring instruments. The company also has its models inspected by professional testing organizations such as SGS. Most products carry the CE mark.

Suppliers' R&D teams are using a range of software to develop more original designs. Popular types include Pro/E, CAD and 3-D Max.

Makers such as Zhejiang Xiongtai Vehicle Co. Ltd are also sending engineers overseas for additional training or subcontracting design work to specialized companies.