One of the best parts of owning a Coleman mini bike is the ability to customize and modify it to match your style. With a huge selection of aftermarket parts, you can transform a stock Coleman into a one-of-a-kind custom ride. In this article, we’ll explore creative customization options and examples to inspire your own mini bike build.
Custom Paint and Graphics
A fresh custom paint job is the ultimate way to personalize your mini bike’s look. While the stock red, black or green Coleman colors are classic, custom paint lets your creativity run wild. Consider these options:
- Color Change – A simple color change is the easiest way to stand out. Popular choices include bright colors like orange, yellow, blue, pink or purple. Go bold or glossy!
- Two-Tone Paint – Combine two colors for a striking color-split paint scheme. A glossy primary color plus matte black or white accents works well.
- Graphics and Stencils – Really make it your own with custom graphics like racing stripes, your name in bold letters, lightning bolts or flame accents. Stencils and decals make graphic application easy.
- Metal Flake Paint – For a show-stopping shiny finish, try metal flake or pearl colors containing tiny flecks of aluminum or mica. The sparkle effect catches the light.
- Matte Finish – Satin or matte paint provides an appealing low-sheen finish. Matte paint with bright graphics makes details pop.
- Paint Fades – Fade or ombre paint jobs transition smoothly between two colors, like a sunset gradient. Striking on tanks and side panels.
With some careful prep work, primer and quality spray paint or professional finishing, you can achieve any look you desire. Paint is the ultimate medium for taking your mini bike to the next level.
Build Your Dream Theme Bike
Beyond new paint, many owners create mini bikes with a fun theme or concept executed throughout the build. Examples include:
- Cafe Racer – Based on vintage cafe bike style, often with a single seat cowl, low bars, small headlight cowl and chrome accents. The engine is typically painted black with machined covers.
- Bobber – Mimics old-school bobber choppers. Key features are minimal bodywork, chopped rear fender, fat front tire and single seat. Great for a vintage rat rod look.
- Street Tracker – Inspired by flat track oval bikes with dirt-oriented tires. Built for acceleration and handling over looks. Number plates and hand-fabbed bars give a race bike vibe.
- Desert Sled – Look and capability of a Baja pre-runner. Big knobby tires, high fenders, skid plate and dirt-oriented suspension mods make this perfect for dirt and dunes.
- Scrambler – A vintage off-road look with high mounted exhaust, braced high front fender, knobby tires and bash plate. Based on classic Triumph scramblers.
Let your imagination run wild and build a mini bike that brings your dream theme to life. Matching custom paint, graphics, wheels, tires, bodywork and other accessories complete the package.
Wheel, Tire and Suspension Mods
Wheels, tires and suspension components provide tons of opportunity for customization and self-expression. Some ideas:
- Complete Wheel/Tire Change – Ditch the stock sizes and try 14” MX wheels with low-profile tires, or super wide dirt tires on billet wheels. So many styles to explore.
- Extended Swingarm – Lengthening the swingarm allows much wider rear tires while maintaining proper chain alignment. It also changes the visual profile.
- Lowering Links – Dropping the rear end a few inches gives a lower, more aggressive stance. But compromises ground clearance.
- Longer Shocks – Upgrade to 10” or 12” rear shocks for more travel and a lifted dirt bike look. Watch for fitment issues.
- Suspension Plating and Paint – Dress up boring suspension components with custom colored powder coat, hydro dipping, engraving or machining for sweet details.
- Billet Parts – Items like billet wheels, swingarms, triple clamps, engine covers, etc. add shiny custom flair when done tastefully. Anodized colors allow variance.
Wheels, rubber and suspension mods provide great potential for dialing in your mini bike’s capabilities and looks. Just remember customization can affect reliability and proper geometry if taken too far.
Engine Customization Ideas
The engine offers many avenues for adding personal flair and appeal:
- Custom Engine Paint – Ditch boring black and paint the engine block a bright color, or add polished aluminum, wrinkle finish, paint graphics or airbrush designs.
- Engine Plating – Chrome, color powder coat or polish engine covers, head, valve covers, engine guards and other accessories for shine and protection.
- Machining – CNC machined engine covers and diplomatic plates engraved with custom designs look fantastic when done right.
- Custom Air Filter – Mini bike owners get creative with unique cone filter element shapes, vibrant colors or carbon fiber. Make your intake scream custom.
- Exposed Engine Parts – Dress up basic engine components with details like colored anodized bolts and fasteners, billet dipsticks, breathers and rad hoses.
- Exhaust Customization – Aftermarket pipes offer varying metal finishes and head pipe shapes. Or custom build a one-off exhaust system from stainless steel tubing for ultimate uniqueness.
Even leaving the engine internals stock, you can still add tons of custom personality with the right accessories and detailing.
Build with Quality Parts
The key to a successful custom build is choosing quality aftermarket parts designed specifically for your Coleman mini bike model. Avoid cheap knock-off components that compromise performance or reliability. Here are some top brands to look for:
- ShredderParts – Leading source for mini bike performance mods and accessories. Engine kits, suspension, wheels, tires and more.
- GoPowerSports – Big selection of OEM replacement and upgrade parts. Filters, sprockets, lighting, controls and cosmetic accessories.
- Manco Powersports – Known for their engine big bore and suspension kits that really transform performance.
- Xtreme Motor – Great for engines, exhausts, CVT components and bolt-on engine accessories like clutches and cams.
- Rolling Wrench – For front and rear disc brake kits, brake lines and master cylinders for better stopping ability.
Stick with premium brands that stand behind their products with warranties and knowledgeable support. Avoid no-name parts if you want reliable long-term enjoyment from your custom build.
Safety Considerations
While it’s tempting to push limits with extreme performance mods, don’t sacrifice safety in pursuit of all-out customization. Be smart with these tips:
- Avoid any mods that completely alter critical chassis dynamics or geometry. Extremes like excessive ride height changes or raked triple trees compromise proper handling.
- Make sure upgraded electrical can safely handle added amp draw from new lights, etc. Overloaded wiring can cause shorts or fires.
- Engine upgrades often require upgraded brakes, clutches and drivetrain components to handle the extra forces safely. Don’t add 50hp without addressing the rest of the powertrain.
- Suspension height changes alter weight distribution and may require tweaked spring rates. A professional suspension tuner can dial this in properly.
- Wheels, tires and gearing changes can affect stability if taken too far. Talk to experts about proper sizing and weight balancing.
While it’s tempting to go radical with mods, always put safety first. Take the time to properly research how big changes affect overall vehicle dynamics and rideability.
Make It Your Own
Hopefully this article has your mind racing with ideas for your ultimate dream Coleman mini bike build. The possibilities are endless when harnessing quality aftermarket parts and your own imagination.
Start by defining the vision and theme you want to bring to life. Collect inspiration photos to serve as a guide. Then make a plan mapping out the required parts and budget. Focus on a few mods at a time, and don’t cut corners with lower-grade components.
Most importantly, put your own personal touch on every aspect of the project. Custom paint, special fabricated parts, and creative accents throughout set your bike apart.
At Coleman, we absolutely love seeing how our riders customize their mini bikes into one-of-a-kind machines. If you’re proud of your custom build, share photos or videos with us! We hope you create the mini bike of your dreams that provides years of fun while showing off your signature style. Now get wrenching!
