Just about a year ago. I had an autistic young man who lives small engines or loves them. He started coming around then he started staying with me for several hours a day three days a week. Well mannered and SUPER high function he would fool around with every mower trying to get it to run. So I taught him as much as I could , we rebuilt a Tecumseh snowblower motor , New piston , rod, polished the crank bored the cylinder , cut and lapped the valves. He had an old frame for a mini bike. So we repaired the frame welded it up , sanded the metal , primed and painted. Then we mounted the motor , New clutch and chain. Then we added fenders and chain guard which we made from an old snowblower , last part was a riding MOWER seat . He was a happy kid I tell ya ,he couldn't wait to show his mom and dad . He's not been around much but he has a place here if he needs it.
Oh yes I gave him some tools and knowledge but he needed a direction which I hope will help him through his lifetime. He will be a great mechanic if the right boss finds him . But he's got several years of school left. So yes mini bikes are still in this 60 year olds life.