Loncin 110 kids bikes?

[AlpinePossum]

My son (14) who doesn't have much cash was looking at one of these

http://www.adventureimports.co.nz/index_files/Page338.htm

However the "fine print" put us off at the last moment. Apparently they don't survive jumps and have < 1yr parts only guarantee.

Ok, so he could buy 6 of these things for the same price as a KLX 140...(which he can't afford anyway)

But I still worry about safety...

Given he seems to be a pretty standard blood and guts lad... I expect he is going to be airborne within hours (minutes) of getting on the thing.

Question 1. Anyone have one of these / care to comment?

Question 2. The likely point of failure looks to me to be the rear monoshock. Could I replace that with say a Suzi or something part? Or would that just transfer the point of failure to the mounting bracket or frame?


Thanks..

[CookMySock]

Don't do it. A couple of times I have bought my lad cheap things, and the look on his face when it broke in two just said it all. I think within a month you will wish you had never laid eyes on it.

It comes back to "what do you want to teach him?" Spend less now and have a short term reward? Or save up and get something that will really push the fun meter off the scale?

Having saif that, kiwi young fellas have a reputation for breaking it no matter what, but he deserves a running shot at it, rather than handicapped from the start.

Good on ya for getting the lad a cool toy though.

Steve

[vr4king]

I have one that i picked up for a hundy and its JUNK........I only use it for checking my mailbox

your better of buying something old but from reputable make

[Riding LockedDown]

yeah mate we brought a loncin once just to thrash and smash, but didnt even last until i got to the thrash stage haha.

Dont do it, get an older honda or something. I saw a cr250 1992 go for like a thousand bucks if that, so a smaller older bike should be cheap bro.

[honda_power]

How big is he? if you think hes going to be jumping, chinese crap wont cut it. Best bet is to get an older 80 or 125 2 stroke. The 80 would be best to learn on, but at 14 he will be outgrowing it very soon. At 14 I skipped the 80 stage and went straight for a 125 so he should be right if hes got guts. Not really a learner bike though. A crf150f/230 [4 stroke] would probably be better suited to a begginer but they are much more expensive