One of the best parts about owning a Coleman mini bike is the huge selection of upgrades to make it your own. While our mini bikes are trail-ready from the factory, aftermarket parts allow you to customize performance, appearance, and capabilities to suit your riding style. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular upgrades owners perform on the Coleman CT200U, CT200U-EX, and other models.
Engine Upgrades for More Power
While the stock 196cc and 212cc engines deliver strong acceleration and top speed, many owners can’t resist increasing displacement for even more power. Here are some of the most common engine mods:
- Big Bore Kits – Kits are available to bore out the cylinder to 212cc, 232cc, and even 301cc! Just swap the piston, cylinder, gaskets, and adjust carb. Significant power gains.
- High Compression Piston – Raise compression ratio for more torque without increasing displacement. Combine with big bore kit for optimal results.
- Performance Camshaft – An aftermarket cam modifies the valve timing for increased high-rpm power.
- Air Filter Kits – High-flow foam or K&N air filters allow increased airflow for gains throughout the powerband.
- Exhaust Pipe – A performance exhaust system boosts horsepower while giving your mini bike a beefier exhaust note.
- Fuel Screw Adjustment – Lean out the stock fuel mixture for maximum hp. Should be combined with an upgraded air filter.
While the CT200U can be upgraded to over 300cc, going much larger requires upgrading the transmission and driveline components. Still, there’s plenty of extra power on tap from simple bolt-on mods.
Get Better Handling with Suspension Upgrades
The stock mini bike suspension leaves something to be desired when riding aggressively over bumps and jumps. These upgrades improve handling and increase bottoming resistance:
- Fork Springs – Stiffer fork springs support heavier riders and limit front dive under braking.
- Shock Absorbers – Beefier twin shocks better resist bottoming out the rear end on jumps.
- Steering Damper – A steering stabilizer reduces unwanted handlebar movement or wobble.
- Front Suspension Kit – Complete kits replace the stock fork springs and internals for fully adjustable performance.
- Rear Swingarm – An aftermarket swingarm allows installing longer shocks for greater suspension travel and a rear disc brake.
While a mini bike will never handle whoops like a dirt bike, a few key suspension upgrades make trail riding much more controlled and comfortable.
Tires and Wheels for Traction and Style
One of the easiest ways to improve both performance and appearance is upgrading the tires and wheels:
- Paddle Tires – Paddle-style tires provide excellent grip on loose dirt, mud, and snow. Great for backyard wheelies!
- Track Tires – Low-profile knobby tires like Moto Havocs limit friction and rolling resistance for high-speed runs.
- Wheel Spacers – Spacers increase the width between wheels to allow installing larger tires for better traction.
- Billet Wheels – Lightweight billet aluminum wheels reduce rotating mass for quicker acceleration and handing.
- Tire Chains – Add temporary chains to the rear tires when riding on ice or through snow.
With so many tire options, you can customize your Coleman mini bike for dirt, asphalt, trails, mud and more. Just make sure to install a wheel spacer if moving to a larger tire size.
Engine, Suspension and Wheel/Tire Combo Packages
Many mini bike enthusiasts will install an entire engine, suspension, and wheel/tire upgrade package to fully transform their machine. Some popular combo packages include:
- 301cc Big Bore Kit, Front Fork Suspension, Paddle Tires
- 212cc Big Bore Kit, Steering Stabilizer, Moto Havocs
- High Compression Piston, Heavy Duty Shocks, Wheel Spacers
- Stage 3 Camshaft, Swingarm, Track Slicks
By upgrading multiple systems together, you end up with a completely unique and high-performing mini bike tailored specifically for your needs. Just be aware these mods add up in cost, so focus your budget on the upgrades that matter most for your riding.
Improve Braking Performance
While the stock brakes work fine for casual trail riding, performance mods often require enhanced braking capability:
- Front Disc Brake – Add a front disc for increased stopping power and better feel. Essential for high speeds.
- Rear Disc Brake – Going beyond 30mph warrants a rear disc upgrade too.
- Braided Steel Lines – Braided lines provide better brake pressure and feel vs. rubber lines.
- Sintered Brake Pads – More aggressive compound for improved heat resistance and friction.
- Brake Rotors – Larger diameter or drilled/slotted rotors shed heat better and reduce fading.
As you upgrade engine power, it’s smart to upgrade the brakes proportionally to maintain proper speed control and stopping distance.
Electric Start Kits for Push Button Convenience
Kick starting your mini bike constantly can get old, especially if you stall frequently with big bore kits or race-oriented tuning. Adding electric start makes operation much more convenient:
- Electric Start Kits – Complete kits allow installing a starter motor, battery, solenoid wiring, and ignition switch. Some require welding.
- Remote Kick Starter – Attaches a kick lever right on the handlebars for backup starting without dismounting.
- Decompression Valve – Makes kick starting high compression engines easier by venting cylinder pressure. Prevents kickback.
Now you can start your engine with the push of a button rather than dozens of kicks. Just be sure to keep the battery charged and system properly wired.
The Best Bolt-On Accessories
Beyond major drivetrain and engine upgrades, you can customize the look and comfort of your CT200U with easy bolt-on accessories:
- Extended Swingarm – Increases room for larger tires and often allows installing a rear disc brake.
- Backrest – Provides back support for long rides. Some models allow a passenger.
- Racing Numbers – Personalize your mini bike with custom number plate graphics.
- Silicone Radiator Hose Kit – Prevents cracked, leaking hoses from engine heat.
- Hour Meter – Track run hours to know when to change oil, check valve clearance, etc.
- Kill Switch – Provides easier engine shutoff without removing hands from bars.
- LED Light Kit – Brighter headlight, brake light and signals for visibility and style.
With hundreds of bolt-on accessories available, you can outfit your Coleman exactly how you like. Consider capability, aesthetics, and cost as you narrow selection.
Choosing the Right Upgrades For You
With so many mods and accessories available, it helps to make a plan for your mini bike customization. Here are some tips:
- Focus on upgrades that improve how and where you ride most often. Lots of hills and trails? Suspension and tires. Love wheelies and donuts? Engine power.
- Research installation difficulty and costs before deciding. Some upgrades require advanced mechanical skills and fabrication.
- Stick to your budget and change only what’s affordable. You don’t have to do everything at once.
- Check component compatibility before ordering. Not all parts work with every model or year mini bike.
- Change one component at a time so you can properly evaluate the effects.
No matter your goals and budget, there are plenty of ways to customize your Coleman CT200U or other mini bike model. Just take time to research properly and make a plan catered to your needs. And of course, take care to ride safely whenever pushing the performance envelope.
We hope this guide gives you ideas to make your mini bike truly one of a kind. That’s the beauty of the huge aftermarket support. A few mods can completely transform the machine. At Coleman Powersports, we love seeing the custom rides our customers create. Share your mini bike with us once you finish your upgrades!
