Bug Flea

BUG FLEA

Cycle World Mini-Bike Test

ANOTHER representative from one of the largest manufacturers of karts is CYCLE WORLD’s test bike this month, the Bug Super Flea, from the Bug Engineering Co., in Azusa, California. This firm has been manufacturing mini-bikes since early 1959. Their first Flea, shown on this page, was a crude little bike of only 36" in length, that was powered by a Clinton engine and pioneered several innovations which are considered standard on mini-bikes today. The original Flea was simple to manufacture as it employed many standard tube bends the firm was using on their Bug Karts, quite the opposite from today’s sanitary and well engineered Super Flea.

The modern day Flea is 46" long, 31" high, and weighs about 75 lbs. Standard equipment includes the familiar West Bend 580-V kart engine of approximately 6 hp that runs through a centrifugal clutch to a jack shaft arrangement that mounts another one of their products, a mechanically actuated calipre disc brake. The disc brake stops the bike almost too well, considering the size of the wheels and 12" tires. A full force application of the left hand operated brake at speed will lock up the rear wheel and put the little orange lightweight into a full slide.

We have only one serious criticism of this system, that of the brake being mounted on the jackshaft. The shaft, which runs crosswise in the frame, mounts a sprocket at each end, one running from the sprocket on the engine, the other to the rear wheel. The brake disc is mounted on the shaft also, and pressure applied to the disc by the calipre stops the shaft. Our dislike arises from the fact that if the chain connecting the shaft sprocket to the rear wheel sprocket breaks, the rider has no brakes.

Ordinarily this would present no problem, except that chains and their links are one of the most vulnerable spots on any bike.

The Flea reflects a serious degree of engineering in its construction and geometry and even the most critical enthusiast of mini-bikes could find little to complain about in its handling. Our test machine was equipped with the optional extra sprung front forks; the $9.95 extra price adds little in cost but adds considerably to its handling and ease of control.

The tidy little fiberglass fenders are standard equipment as are aluminum wheels and kick stand. A large part of the Flea’s imparting of security to the rider is the thick, formed rubber seat, covered with handsome black naugahyde. It is soft enough for comfort but not so soft that the weight of the rider penetrates the cushion on the harder jolts. Its size is also ample, a not too common sight on many mini-bikes.

One feature the entire staff liked was the height and spread of the handlebars. Even the largest of riders should have no problem finding a comfortable position, due to the well placed bars, foot pegs and the long, wide seat.

Another feature we are certain will find acceptance among many people is the easily removable front fork assembly which allows the bike to be packed into the smallest of spaces. This feature will appeal especially to sportsmen needing a vehicle for short hops that can be packed into boats, small cars and light planes.

A third, and possibly the most important, feature of the Flea, is its price. Complete as we tested it, the price is only $209.00, plus the $9.95 for the sprung forks as mentioned, ft would be difficult to find a better bargain; whether you desire a training vehicle for the young enthusiast or a red hot competition bike, the Bug Flea is a lot of machine for the money.