Here’s another mini bike, this one was found by Barn Finds reader, Clarke B. Thanks, Clarke! It may not look like more than a pile of twisted metal and trashed upholstery, but this 1969 Broncco TX-6L is actually quite collectible and the seller is asking a mere $350 for this one on Craigslist. These mini bikes were made by the Italian company Fantic and this one has a 50 CC Minarelli engine and 4-speed transmission. Legend has it that they had to add an extra “C” to the name to avoid being sued by Ford for using the “Bronco” name. This one is located in Cadillac, Michigan.
As you can see, the photos aren’t the best and every square inch/centimeter of this bike will need to be restored. A Broncco in restored condition can bring $2,000+ so if a person can do most of the work him/herself, and they should be able to, this could be a good price. And, it’ll be a fun restoration project even if it’s a break-even proposition, especially if it’s a parent/child project. Restoring something small like this is a nice first step to learn how to plan a restoration, how to keep track of parts, taking photos and taking everything apart, sending out the chrome work, painting, finding decals and other parts, and then reassembling, admiring, and enjoying your work. Next step: a ’57 Buick! This Broncco is Lively Lime Gold and it’ll be a fun little thing once it’s done. Here’s a YouTube video of a 1970 Broncco TX-6 after restoration. You can see that even though it’s a mini bike, it has motorcycle features, such as kick start and an actual clutch-operated shifter, not an automatic gearbox like a lot of minibikes have.
There are a couple of engine covers missing and those will be the hardest thing to track down, but as always, OldMiniBikes.com is thee best resource for parts and also for people with decades of experience in restoring anything mini bike related. This model has a 50 CC Minarelli engine with 5 hp and a person can search for those and they may have better luck than in searching for Broncco parts. I’ve seen this bike called the “Wrangler” and it’s a “hike bike”, as in sort of an on/off-road machine. I know that these small bikes aren’t for everyone. If you need a big, burly, manly-man motorcycle to have confidence than this one isn’t for you. But, if you’re like me and could care less what anyone else thinks about your ride as long as you’re having fun, this would be a nice project!
I find it interesting that they are so collectable and valued.As the Benelli and Bronccos as I remember were very tempermental. Most of the time they didn’t run and always needed something..Hate to use the word garbage ,but when your a kid and the thing wont run thats what it is..The Bonanza,Rupps and any Briggs or Tecumseh mini worked out way better! Even a Mac was most awesome!
At the time, I bet it was quite the envy of the neighborhood. This resembled a real bike, kick start, real shifting. Not like those cobbled “home made” mini-bikes, or my step-thru Honda 50. Like Steven sez, the cobbled mini-bikes lasted much longer than these, and many found out how to work on one, not by choice. I’d pass on this, if you could even get parts. Probably best to just put an old B&S on it, and let the kid have some fun.
Never saw one before. Looks like the gas tank should be turned around the other way.
I have a friend who bought his daughter a Honda 50 in the early seventies that is similar to this. The first time she sat on it, it fell over in the grass. She never got on it again. It’s in pristine condition with zero miles sitting in his basement. He has a great grandson that may get a ride on it someday.
Hey JW 454 now we’re talkin.That HONDA 50 is a collectable bike,and I’m pretty sure worth more than this Broncco .Like Howard I wonder where you would even get parts for it.
CK,
I’m not sure what that little Honda bike would be worth but, it looks like brand new. It’s blue and says “Honda” in gold letters on the large frame tube running up to the frame steering neck. He says he starts it once every few years but, it hasn’t seen daylight for 40 over years. He only had one daughter and two granddaughters so, I’d say that little great grandson of his will be it’s first real rider in a few years.
Thats awsome ,a friend of mine has a yellow one thats in pretty nice shape too.They really are kool little bikes.
From mighty to mini Honda had it all
Leg Burner.
I have a 1970 fantic bronco mini bike. Has been stored in doors for the past 45 years. Excellent shape. I would like to know approx. Value and where I could possibly sell it
Hi. Please contact me at : ksharp@arctick.org re your Broncco minibike sale. Regards Kelvin