HILLSDALE, Mich., – We see it in their faces … that “No freakin’ way” look when a mini dad shows up to the MX track for the first time and his kid - sad to say on another brand - has to face a gate full of Cobras.

Humbling and unsettling at the same time. We truly feel for the kid. But there’s certainly a way around it … We’d love to sell you a Cobra!

For 2012 the already fast, amateur MX national-title dominating Cobra lineup receives improvements in a number of areas - ranging from the CX65’s all-new, game-changing computer controlled electronic power valve 65cc engine to Cobra’s new and improved patented Cobra Friction Drive® - destine to change the competition mini playing field even more in favor of kids on new Cobras. And don’t forget Cobra’s CNC machined mag wheels that set the standard for maintenance-free service – all features that evolved from the Cobra engineering staff taking the time to show at the races with the legions of dads (and moms and grandpas) who keep the Cobra Generation™ running and getting their valuable input on how to improve our bikes.

“Cobra engineers and technicians have been working very hard toward the launch of these models -- fender to fender, top to bottom, engine to chassis. We are very pumped to show off the improvements to the 2012 Cobra lineup,” said Phil McDowell, Cobra’s Chief Engineer. “From the CX50 Junior to the CX50 Senior (“King” Cobra) and the CX65, 2012 enhancements will further the lineage of the world’s most successful competition mini cycle line, making them even stronger, faster and more reliable.”

Here’s a look at the changes in store for the 2012 Cobra mini cycle lineup, beginning with the CX65.

 

CX65

·         All-new engine featuring Cobra’s direct-acting electronic power valve. More torque, more power = winning performance.
·         All new shift mechanism provides smooth power-shifting even in the deepest loamy conditions.
·         CARD piggyback rear shock with adjustable rebound, adjustable high speed compression, and adjustable low speed compression - more features than most of the big bike shocks!
·         Class-leading twin spar High-Strength Low-Alloy oval tube frame - super-strong, outstanding lateral strength with just the right amount of torsional rigidity.
·         X-Track aluminium swingarm: Aerospace construction technology delivers light weight and improved rear wheel tracking.
·         Largest air box in its class featuring the largest filter surface area of any 65cc bike out there. The result: More power under the worst of conditions.
·         Improved Steering Head – Double-sealed steering head design improves bearing life and steering performance.
·         All-new CARD front brake system. Super adjustable for all sized hands, progressive feel for excellent control, and a tight package for minimal weight and excellent ground clearance.
·         Billet triple clamps with adjustable bar mounts.
·         Scott soft compound grips.
·         Dunlop MX51 rubber.

 

Cobra CX50 Sr., aka the “King” Cobra

·         Revolutionary MXT front fork – Cobra’s new Velocity Sensitive Traction Control fork will revolutionize the competition minicycle market. Our exclusive-to-Cobra 30mm USD architecture is designed specifically for the 50cc application. It’s not just a shortened version of a fork meant for a larger bike! Furthermore, its action is very supple over small bumps, yet the fork is highly progressive for excellent control through the biggest of hits. Couple these improvements in damping with drastically reduced friction, and lap times will drop!
·         Patented Cobra Friction Drive® - no one else has anything close. Cobra’s all new CFD design is much easier to maintain, and it offers reduced gear drag and lower rotating inertia. Of course, the benefits of a well-protected driveline and improved traction and suspension action are retained from our previous design.
·         CARD piggyback rear shock with adjustable rebound, adjustable high speed compression, and adjustable low speed compression – more features than most of the big bike shocks!
·         The King Cobra’s world-class engine features an improved exhaust port, reduced friction, V-force reeds, and a transmission gear set designed for the world’s toughest competition.
·         Class-leading twin spar high strength low alloy oval tube frame – super-strong, outstanding lateral strength with just the right amount of torsional rigidity.
·         New super-protective fork guards.
·         Largest air box in its class with a real air filter featuring the largest filter surface area that is vertically mounted for optimal engine protection and maximum power.
·         Improved Steering Head – Double-sealed steering head design improves bearing life and steering performance.
·         Highly-tuned off-plane stamped pipe = more power, more ground clearance and less prone to damage.
·         Cobra exclusive 2012 “Mag” wheels are lighter weight, stronger and, as always, maintenance-free! The new rear wheel is more than 25% lighter than last year.
·         Billet triple clamps with adjustable bar mounts.
·         Scott soft compound grips.
·         Dunlop MX51 rubber.

CX50 Jr.

·         An all-new piggyback CARD rear shock with high and low speed adjustable dampening control.
·         An optimal combination of bodywork design, chassis layout, and suspension geometry that lets the CX50 Jr. squeeze out 25mm more suspension travel (front and rear) than our competitors.
·         New enhanced frame design soaks up even more punishment for 2012.
·         All-New Radiator Shrouds – Not only do the 2012 shrouds give the bike a much needed facelift, but they fit and perform better as well! Count on increased air flow over the radiator, improved radiator protection, and more comfortable ergonomics.
·         Cobra exclusive 30mm USD forks feature more supple action for 2012.
·         New cylinder head design for easier maintenance and improved torque.
·         Cobra’s 2012 “Mag” wheels are lighter weight, stronger, and as always, maintenance-free! The new rear wheel is more than 25% lighter weight than last year.
·         Improved Steering Head – Double-sealed steering head design improves bearing life and steering performance.
·         Billet triple clamps with adjustable bar mounts.
·         Scott soft compound grips.
·         Dunlop MX51 rubber.

For more on the 2012 updates on Cobra’s competition minicycle line, please contact Sean Hilbert directly at: (517) 437-9100



Cobra, founded in 1993, produces the most successful line of competition mini cycles and mini quads in the United States with more than 300 national titles in the last decade. Based out of Hillsdale, Mich., Cobra's mission is to build premium products for the serious racer. For more information on Cobra products, please visit our website at www.cobramotorcycle.com.

High Profile Public Relations (HPPR), LLC, is a multi-faceted communications agency specializing in strategic media relations – both industry and mainstream – for the powersports and action sports communities. Dialed in with all forms of power and action sports, its participants, manufacturers and live event promoters, HPPR’s Pat Schutte can be reached at (734) 369-2170 and pat@highprofilepr.com.