Bike



Bikes are vehicles utilized in the Mario Kart series, alongside karts. They are motorcycles of many different colors, and have features that differ from Karts.

Bikes first appeared in Mario Kart Wii. This made the game the first Mario racing game where the characters could race in a non-kart vehicle. It has been their only appearance so far. As of now, it's unknown if they will appear in future Mario Kart games. In Mario Kart Wii the 100cc engine class could only be played on bikes until completed with all 1st Places.

Wario commonly rides a bike known as the Wario Bike and even utilises it as a move in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. The Excite Bike characters also ride around on bikes when summoned from their Assist Trophy.

Functions
Bikes differ from Karts in many ways. Wheelies, which boost the player's speed temporarily, can only be performed on bikes. However, when drifting on a bike, no yellow sparks will appear, and only a small turbo boost can be obtained.

It is possible to add a wheelie onto the power turbo at the start of the race. This gives the player a slightly faster boost for a short period of time.

Trivia

 * Although Bikes first appeared usable by all characters in Mario Kart Wii, one of Waluigi's special karts in Mario Kart DS, the Zipper, was the first bike ever to appear in the Mario Kart series.