1970 SST Gemini 50cc Mini Bike

Description

The Gemini was a mini bike manufactured by the Shin San Tong Co. Inc. of Taiwan and imported into the United States by American Steel between 1969 and 1973. The SST company supplied motors for Yamaha so it's hardly surprising the two-stroke 50cc engine was essentially the same unit produced under licence, although the Gemini range eventually diversified to include 80, 125 and 175 models. The 50cc Mini's rotary valve engine was powerful and torquey, allowing the bike to punch well above its weight and the company's slogan - ?The Maximum in Minis?? wasn't too far from the truth. Indeed, many reports mention the bike was significantly faster than Honda's Z50 and could even keep up with a CT70. The Gemini brand struggled to establish itself in a market dominated by better known Japanese rivals and the lack of dealer network in the United States meant it only survived until for a few short years, with survivors rarely seen today. Forgotten by all but the most ardent mini bike enthusiasts, Geminis are popular with collectors around the world today, although few exist in Australia.