So, you've found FatCat Mini Bikes and you're wondering what these chunky little things are actually like to own.
How big are they? How fast do they go? Are they difficult to ride? Where can you use one? And what exactly turns up when you order one?
Fair questions.
FatCats sit somewhere between the simplicity of an old-school mini bike and the capability of a much bigger off-road machine. They're compact, uncomplicated and built around one very simple idea: getting out there and having a bloody good time.
Here's what you should know before buying one.
What is a FatCat Mini Bike?
The FatCat FC-212 is a compact, fat-tyred mini bike designed for recreational off-road riding.
At its heart is a 212cc four-stroke engine paired with an automatic CVT transmission, so there's no clutch or manual gearbox to worry about. Pull-start the engine, twist the throttle and off you go.
The FC-212 measures approximately 1600mm long, 800mm wide and 900mm high, with a 625mm seat height and overall weight of around 75kg. It has a chunky 34mm steel tube frame and a current stated rider weight rating of 100kg.
It's deliberately simple. That's a big part of the appeal.
What engine does a FatCat have?
The FC-212 runs a 212cc four-stroke engine based on the Honda GX200 design, producing approximately 7.5hp. It runs on regular unleaded petrol and has a 3.5-litre fuel tank.
There's no battery or electric starting system to worry about either. FatCats use a simple pull start.
The engine is paired with an automatic CVT, or continuously variable transmission. Instead of manually changing gears, the CVT varies the drive ratio as you ride.
In practical terms? No clutch. No gear changes. Just twist and go.
How fast does a FatCat Mini Bike go?
A standard FC-212 has a stated top speed of around 55km/h with a 100kg adult rider, although actual speed varies with terrain, rider weight and bike setup.
But outright speed isn't really the point of a FatCat. The compact frame, automatic CVT and chunky tyres are much more about exploring off-road than chasing maximum speed.
The bike can also be geared differently depending on how you want to use it. FatCat's 72-tooth sprocket gears the bike down by approximately 25%, trading some top speed for increased torque.
Is a FatCat difficult to ride?
One of the things that makes a FatCat approachable is what it doesn't have. There are no gears to change and no clutch to operate.
The automatic CVT takes care of the transmission, while both the front and rear hydraulic disc brakes are controlled from the handlebars. The large flat seat and relatively low 625mm seat height also give the bike a very different feel to a full-sized dirt bike.
That doesn't mean you can skip learning how the bike behaves. A FatCat is a motorised off-road vehicle capable of significant speed, not a toy. New riders should start somewhere suitable and controlled, get familiar with the throttle and braking at low speed and wear appropriate protective riding gear.
How big is a FatCat Mini Bike?
FatCats are compact compared with conventional motorcycles, but they're not tiny pocket bikes.
Length: 1600mm
Width: 800mm
Height: 900mm
Seat height: 625mm
Weight: approximately 75kg
Current stated rider weight rating: 100kg
If required, the handlebars can be loosened and rotated down to reduce the bike's overall height to approximately 800mm. If you're wondering whether one will fit in your ute, trailer or shed, grab a tape measure before ordering. Much easier than eyeballing it from photos.
What sort of terrain is a FatCat designed for?
This is where those big tyres start making sense.
FatCats are designed for off-road riding, with owners using them on suitable private property, dirt tracks and other permitted off-road terrain.
But the bike's setup matters. Tyres, tyre pressure, gearing, rider weight and the surface underneath you can all change how the bike behaves. A setup that suits hard-packed dirt isn't necessarily the same setup we'd choose for softer ground. Our FatCat Mini Bike Tyre Guide breaks down the options.
Important: FatCat Mini Bikes are sold for off-road use only. They are not for use on public roads. Where else you can legally ride depends on the location, land ownership and applicable state or local rules. See our guide: Where Can You Ride a Mini Bike in Australia?
Are FatCats suitable for adult riders?
Yes, FatCats are ridden by adults, but there are a few specifications worth checking rather than simply assuming a mini bike will suit you.
The current FC-212 has a stated rider weight rating of 100kg. Its low 625mm seat height and flat seat are part of what gives it its compact mini-bike feel.
Rider weight also affects performance. Acceleration, traction and top speed aren't fixed numbers independent of the person riding the bike.
If you're unsure whether a FatCat will suit you, get in touch before ordering. We'd much rather talk through how you actually plan to use the bike than sell you something that isn't right for you.
How does a FatCat arrive?
FatCats are delivered approximately 90% assembled in a secure crate.
The crate measures approximately 1265mm long × 505mm wide × 850mm high and weighs approximately 91kg with the bike packed inside.
Because of the crate size, bikes purchased directly from FatCat are generally shipped to the nearest available freight depot in our system for collection rather than being delivered to your front door. Your bike then needs some final assembly before its first ride.
Do I need to know how to build a motorbike?
No. You're not building a FatCat from a pile of parts.
But you do need to be comfortable carrying out the final assembly correctly. Current bikes require the front wheel, brake caliper, forks and handlebars to be fitted. We provide assembly instructions and the FatCat FC-212 manual, along with video guides showing the process.
Plenty of owners assemble their own bikes. If that's not your thing, there's nothing wrong with getting someone suitably experienced to do it for you. Either way, don't rush it.
What should I check before the first ride?
Once your FatCat is assembled, take the time to go over it properly before firing it up.
At a minimum, check tyre pressure, engine oil level, fuel, front and rear brake operation, chain lubrication and tension, cables and brake lines, bolts and fasteners and steering movement.
The chain arrives with an anti-rust coating, but that coating isn't a riding lubricant. And yes, this is one of those occasions where reading the owner's manual is actually worth doing.
How much maintenance does a FatCat need?
FatCats are relatively straightforward machines, but they're not maintenance-free.
Think small four-stroke engine + chain-driven off-road bike.
You'll need to keep an eye on engine oil, chain lubrication and tension, tyre pressures, brakes, fasteners, air filter, spark plug and CVT components. Riding conditions matter too, so dusty, muddy or sandy use can mean more frequent cleaning and inspection.
For the full rundown, see Mini Bike Maintenance: The Essential FatCat Checklist and the FatCat Maintenance page.
Can you customise a FatCat?
Very much so.
Some owners keep their FC-212 close to standard. Others end up tinkering with tyres, gearing, graphics, carrying gear and performance parts until they've built something specifically for the way they ride.
We also offer ready-made FatCat packages for riders who already have a particular use in mind, including performance, fishing and exploring setups. See Which FatCat Mini Bike Package Is Right for You? for the differences.
What should you look for when buying a mini bike?
Whether you're considering a FatCat or another off-road mini bike, don't make the decision on engine size or top speed alone.
Look at rider fit, stated weight rating, engine and transmission, brakes, frame construction, tyres, assembly requirements, parts and support, intended use and the manufacturer's safety information.
The exciting stuff matters. So does the boring stuff.
Who is a FatCat actually for?
A FatCat makes sense if you're looking for a relatively simple petrol mini bike for off-road recreation.
Maybe you want something for suitable private property. Maybe you're interested in exploring tracks, setting one up for fishing or tinkering with a small engine in the shed. Maybe you just looked at one and thought: that looks bloody fun.
But it's worth being clear about what a FatCat isn't. It isn't a road bike or commuter. It isn't a motocross bike. And it isn't trying to replace a full-sized dirt bike or dedicated farm vehicle.
It's a FatCat. Compact. Fat-tyred. Simple enough to understand. Customisable enough to disappear down a very enjoyable rabbit hole.
Still deciding?
Start with the FatCat FC-212 and our ready-made packages. If there's something you can't find an answer to, check our FAQs or ask us. Not sure what you'd actually use one for? Have a look at What Can You Actually Use a FatCat Mini Bike For? We work with these bikes every day, so we're happy to help you figure out what you need. And, just as importantly, what you don't.