One of the best things about owning a Coleman CT200U or other mini bike model is the ability to customize performance and capabilities. With a huge aftermarket parts selection, you can upgrade your Coleman far beyond stock specs. In this article, we’ll outline 10 of the most popular mods to truly transform how your mini bike handles.
1. Engine Displacement Increase
The #1 mod that delivers the biggest performance gain is increasing engine displacement via a big bore kit. Larger pistons and cylinders provide significant horsepower and torque improvements. Some options include:
- 212cc kit – Easy bolt-on bump from 196cc stock to 212cc. Gains of around 2 hp.
- 232cc kit – Requires carb rejetting but really wakes up acceleration. Approx. 4 hp increase.
- 301cc kit – The most popular big bore size adding up to 8 hp for a total around 13 hp!
Big bore kits require corresponding drivetrain upgrades once you surpass the 250cc range. But they transform the entire powerband for much livelier performance. Just adjust carb for proper air/fuel ratio.
2. Stage 1 Performance Camshaft
Adding an aftermarket cam is one of the best bang-for-buck mods. A performance cam alters the valve lift and duration to optimize power production. Benefits include:
- Increased high rpm horsepower. Extends the powerband.
- Improved throttle response and torque off idle.
- Starts easier, especially big bore engines pulling more compression.
- Gains of 2-3 hp on a mildly tuned engine.
Match with intake, exhaust, and carb jetting mods to maximize gains. Just be prepared for slightly more valve noise. Overall, a cam upgrade really wakes these little engines up.
3. Exhaust System
The restrictive stock exhaust chokes flow out of the combustion chamber. Adding an aftermarket exhaust system like those from Xtreme Motor improves power across the rpm range:
- Increases exhaust flow and scavenging for better cylinder filling.
- Reduces backpressure which restricts power production.
- Adds 2-3 hp while giving a deeper, throatier exhaust note.
- Can reduce weight over the stock exhaust assembly.
Just be aware increased noise may not be welcomed by all. But for maximum performance from engine mods, a quality exhaust upgrade is a must.
4. Air Filter Upgrade
Don’t bottleneck your engine – increase airflow with a performance air filter! Options include:
- Foam filters that improve flow over the stock paper element. Washable and reusable.
- Cotton gauze filters that allow excellent high rpm flow rates.
- Oiled K&N filters that bump airflow while protecting against dirt.
An aftermarket filter combined with carb jetting mods maximizes power gains from other engine bolt-ons. Better breathing really optimizes the engine’s output.
5. Front Disc Brake
Engine power mods increase top speed and acceleration. Upgraded brakes are essential to maintain proper control and stopping distance:
- Front discs provide far better stopping power than the stock drum brake.
- Improves brake feel and modulation for more precision stopping.
- Handles repeated hard stops without brake fade. Critical when riding aggressively.
- More consistent operation in wet conditions.
Don’t upgrade the engine without upgrading the brakes! A front disc should be mandatory before raising top speed.
6. Rear Disc Brake
For even more stopping power, add a matching rear disc brake conversion:
- Greatly shortens stopping distance from high speeds.
- Having discs at both wheels provides balanced, straight braking.
- Eliminates the weak link of relying solely on the front.
- May require an aftermarket extended swingarm for proper fitment.
Dual disc brakes give the control you need when pushing these mini bikes to higher speeds and aggressive riding applications.
7. Suspension Upgrades
The stock suspended leaves much to be desired. Aftermarket shocks and fork springs allow proper damping and adjustability:
- Stiffer fork springs prevent bottoming and diving under braking.
- Stronger shocks resist bottoming over bumps and jumps.
- Revalve and adjust dampening for your weight and riding style.
- Increase travel length for more plushness.
Properly tuned suspension transforms the ride quality and handling far beyond the soft stock setup.
8. Stickier Tires
More power demands more traction! Upgrade the weak stock tires to really hook up:
- Knobby tread pattern grips much better on loose dirt.
- Soft rubber compound conforms to terrain irregularities.
- Wide sizes like 10″ rear increase footprint for putting power down.
- 20-23 psi inflation pressures further increase grip.
Sticky quality tires complement engine, suspension and ground clearance upgrades to fully utilize their benefits.
9. Gearing Changes
Along with engine mods comes the ability to alter gearing:
- Smaller rear sprockets provide faster acceleration by “shortening” gearing.
- Larger rear sprockets allow higher top speeds but slightly slower acceleration.
- Finding the right balance means choosing gearing based on your engine powerband and riding style.
Gearing tweaks make it easy to optimize acceleration or top speed as you modify engine performance.
10. Clutch Kit
A high-performance clutch kit is crucial for handling increased power:
- Stronger clutch springs raise engagement RPMs to match the powerband.
- More surface area equals increased holding capacity to avoid slippage.
- A lockup clutch can eliminate clutch slip entirely for maximum power transfer.
Without a clutch upgrade, you’ll struggle to hook up off the line and be prone to failure. Always upgrade the clutch alongside the engine.
Bonus: Electric Start
Kick starting a built motor repeatedly can be exhausting. Add push button convenience:
- An electric start kit completely eliminates kick starting fatigue.
- Allows easy starting even with high compression build.
- Usually includes all wiring, starter motor, solenoid, battery and ignition switch.
Kick backup is still useful in case the battery dies. But electric start makes living with a tuned mini bike much more enjoyable.
Choose Mods Strategically
With so many upgrade options, it’s important to make choices that complement your goals:
- Focus first on any glaring weaknesses holding the bike back – suspension, traction, brakes. Address the basics.
- Install mods that improve the riding you do most. Love powerslides? Prioritize engine power. Trail riding? Suspension and ground clearance.
- Research proper install procedures first. Some mods like big bore kits require careful precision.
- Upgrade components together that work in synergy. Exhaust, filter, carb work best as a package.
- Consider maintenance requirements of mods like oiled filters, belt replacements, etc.
Strategically selecting the right performance upgrades for your needs and riding style ensures you end up with the ideal bike.
Mini Bike Mods Deliver Big Smiles
Hopefully this top 10 list gives you some great ideas for unleashing your Coleman mini bike’s performance. The huge aftermarket support makes the possibilities endless. With a few key mods, you can transform an underwhelming stock rider into an absolute thrill machine.
Just remember – go fast, but go safe! Always wear proper riding gear and ride within your skill level. Added speed and power requires extra responsibility. Focus on bolting on mods at a sustainable pace to match your riding progression.
At Coleman Powersports, we love seeing our customers create wicked builds that put a grin on their face every time they twist the throttle. If you’re proud of your mini bike mods, share photos of your creation with us! Then get out and enjoy the fruits of your wrenching. Your souped up Coleman is waiting…
