About Cobra

Home of the Fastest Minis in the World

Cobra Motorcycles produces premium race-ready mini motocross bikes for youth riders that are serious about competing. Our three models offer the most competitive performance in the mini category and Cobras have claimed more than 45 national titles since the company was founded in 1993. Cobra Motorcycles is the only producer of off-road motorcycles that are truly ‘Made in the U.S.A.’.

The Cobra Beginning:

Bud Maimone, who owned a tool and die shop, raced with his son Brent in the fledgling 50cc class during the early 1990’s. In those days, there was no out-of-the-crate solution for purchasing a race bike…The class was made up of highly modified recreational models, and Bud got tired of seeing bikes breaking and kids being heartbroken after all the money and time that went into race preparation. After trying to convince several manufactures to produce a race-ready bike, Bud finally took the plunge himself when all of his avenues were exhausted. What resulted was a dynamite little bike, and over the years Cobra has developed quite a following and expanded everything from its product line to its manufacturing space. Cobra made its home in the Youngstown, Ohio area by recently opening up its new factory, and over the past 10 years, both Bud Maimone and Cobra Motorcycles have become legends in the motocross world.

Cobra has developed a unique set of capabilities that is difficult to match. Based on need and a desire for performance, Cobra doesn’t just assemble bikes; we design and manufacture most of the components that go into our bikes, including frames and engines. That allows us not only to innovate on our designs more frequently and successfully, but we also have the confidence to stand behind our products, as proven by our new Frame and Wheel Guarantee. Cobra can do everything from its own dynamometer development work to building plastics molds to cutting our own wheels. These capabilities have been developed to ensure that Cobra can always produce the most capable – and FASTEST – minis in the world.

The Cobra Future:

In November of 2003, Sean Hilbert became the new CEO of Cobra and added talent to Cobra’s already strong team. Founder Bud Maimone continues on with Cobra to focus on new product development, and the new team contributes new skills and resources to everything from improving Cobra’s products to its customer service. Just some of the improvements coming from Cobra include:

• Improved performance through powertrain and chassis improvements
• Improved reliability through additional testing and engineering capabilities
• Improved customer service through a new interactive website and improved product manuals
• Improved dealer and trackside support with the addition of a new National Sales Manager

In addition, our customers can trust that Cobra will remain the family and rider-oriented company that it has become known for.

Cobra is also very involved in supporting minicross across America. This is evidenced by our trackside support including technical and parts support. Cobra sponsors both Factory and National level teams as well as a strong regional support program through its dealers. We also look to develop strong relationships with the parents, who commit so much to supporting their kids in this great family sport. Cobra is proud to contribute to what we consider the greatest youth sport on the planet. And we’re proud to see our riders at the top of the podium every week.