Am I stupid to buy one of these...

[babysteps]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dual-purpose/auction-146397413.htm

Hey Team

So I have another 4 months before I get my full license and I will then be getting a KLR 650. Am I absolutely insane to buy one of those Chinese bikes to learn to ride off road on and then flick off cheaply. I know I'm going to fall off, a lot, so I was thinking something semi disposable would be a good place to start.

Anyone have any experience with these bikes? You input would be appreciated.

Cheers

Mark

[JimO]

Yes dont, a mates son has one and its ok but crappy and hard to sell as well

[CB ARGH]

You would be entering a very eventful, stressful, and depressing time.

These would go down in price like that of a... well, can't think of an example but they will drop like crazy. They will be crap quality (what a guess), you will have to run it in, and I'm sure that the performance of it will be that of a smaller capacity engine.

I'd save the trouble and buy yourself an old XR250, they're indestructable machines that go like... well, I can't think of another example.

For $4000 you can get a bloddy nice off road bike, you don't have to get budget mate.

My opinion anyway. :shit:

[toebug]

Stay away form cheap Chinese and buy cheap Jappa instead.

[JATZ]

Perhaps one of thesehttp://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=171788109
:dodge:
If your only going to keep it for a couple of months.

[Pedrostt500]

Go buy a second hand XL or XR honda 250 for the same money, or less at least the Honda, yamaha, Suzuki or kawasaki will have a resale value regardless of how hard a time you give it.
Only buy the china bike if you are fully prepared to write the price of the bike off.

[Padmei]

Unfortunately old xrs are over priced. It seems a lot of people are after a cheap dirt bike so if they actually work & don't need money spent they still fetch a good price. Still you should be able to sell it easier.

I can't comment on the quality of the Chinese bikes. I'd actually like one to hoon about on but not worry about the damage.

When you buy your KLR you may be alright just taking babysteps offroad. Start with gravel then get a bit more adventurous on dry clay.

Beware they are bloody heavy & I've dropped mine (just hit 1000kms) probably more than any other rider on this forum (at least I'm honest & own up to it). Once they start going just get out of the way:confused:

Luckily I got crashbars which I really recommend( stuck record padmei) if you want any feedback on how I'm finding it just PM me.

[laRIKin]

I know I'm going to fall off, a lot, so I was thinking something semi disposable would be a good place to start.

Anyone have any experience with these bikes? You input would be appreciated.

Cheers

Mark

It will be cheaper in the long run to buy a better bike.
Buy a good bike and if you do fall off it, it is worth the money to repair it.
A good dirt bike will bounce real good and will normally only break the cheaper stuff.

[meteor]

Like everybody else says... What you save in the price you'll end up spending in loads of other ways. You'll have trouble with finding parts for repairs, getting someone to service it properly, the lower quality and output will nag at you. I bought a little Chinese bike for my son to learn on ($400 new) for manual clutch 125cc. I didn't care if he came of it as I wrote the money off straight away.... a good off on a quality machine may cost that to repair anyway. That's how I thought. In reality it's still as new as his 2 or 3 low speed offs only broke one plastic and he's ready for the next step. Now I have to now buy a Jap 2 stroke and I'm left with the chinese bike I won't be able to sell... Your choice, but buy wisely. My 2 cents worth!

[sosman]

Perhaps one of thesehttp://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=171788109
:dodge:
If your only going to keep it for a couple of months.

will it make it up the cold kiwi hill climb? :2guns:

[JATZ]

will it make it up the cold kiwi hill climb? :2guns:

Will if you push it too

Short answer babysteps NO, 4k's a lot for a disposable toy

[CrazyFrog]

I did some research on these bikes (XY250R) a while ago, they are pretty much a copy of an 2004 Honda XR250, with the exception on the rear brake set up. I would be wary of weld quality, but most serviceable parts (brake pads, cables, filters etc are the same as the Hondas.
In saying that, I owned a Hyosung 250RX for 6 months, rode over 2000km mostly on dirt, it was a spongy, underpowered, hard to start, badly welded bike (but it looked modern, okay!!) but hell I had some fun on it. When I only paid $1000 for it, I consider I had my money's worth, and wasn't bothered when I dropped it.. If you buy Chinese, be prepared to have to upgrade a few bits, decent bars, tyres, possibly better rear shock.
The problem with "cheap" used Jap dirt bikes, is a lot of them haven't been maintained well, and can be flogged out, so you end up having to spend money on them anyway, sometimes a false economy. Just do your homework, and always inspect before buying. It all comes down to money.....

[Skinny_Birdman]

Four months doesn't seem like all that long to "learn to ride off-road".... As everyone else says, if you buy a cheap japper, you'll be able to recover more of your investment HOWEVER (and I know there will be howls of discontent from the KTM/DR650 contingent:rolleyes:) depending on how mental you want to go off road, don't be in a huge hurry to move to a bigger bike. I sold my BMW F650 and went back to the TT250R, which is (a bit gutless but) lighter and more indestructible, and can be bashed around the river bed, taken to trail rides and commuted on without turning a hair. The missus even rode it 380km to the brass monkey last year. However, I know from bitter experience how hard it is to find that elusive "cheap japper".

[Firefight]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dual-purpose/auction-146397413.htm
Hey Team

So I have another 4 months before I get my full license and I will then be getting a KLR 650. Am I absolutely insane to buy one of those Chinese bikes

Mark



Hi Mark,

the fact that you are going to the trouble to ask on this forum would tend to suggest that you are not stupid !!

IMHO, it would be an unwise move to buy any of those import crap bikes

they are very shoddy in construction, and have limited resale value

the money you spend on it could be used in better ways, some good advice in this thread, good luck with your final choice



F/F

[Crisis management]

HOWEVER (and I know there will be howls of discontent from the KTM/DR650 contingent:rolleyes:)
to the TT250R, which is (a bit gutless but) lighter and more indestructible,

Notional "howl of discontent"....

Bloody good idea, learn on a 250 that will do both road and trail and you will have a better idea of the right bike to buy later.
If you do a search you will find that both "Marks" and "Cave weta" have owned and abused the chinese bikes and have posted comments regarding there suitability, look in the off road forum for Cave weta's thread.

[Lugzy23]

If you are going to spend $4000 on a bike you only want for four months, and want to learn to ride offroad, then I suggest buying a old farmbike or dirtbike of some description, and taking it down the Waimak and thrashing it round there untill you get the hang of it. Alternatively, there are a few ok looking KLX 250's that are on trademe in christhchurch at the moment.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dual-purpose/auction-170339049.htm

[CookMySock]

the fact that you are going to the trouble to ask on this forum would tend to suggest that you are not stupid !!SNORT!! Debatable!

Babysteps, if you are indeed happy to "flick it cheaply" then go for it - I am sure there are KB'ers that will take it of your hands for cheap!

It will be a complete waste on a huge KLR to not be able to give it arse in the rough, so yeah bash something else to death first.. ;)


Steve

[Oscar]

Notwithstanding the wisdom (or otherwise) of buying that particular brand, you should consider the hit you're going to take disposing any new bike after so short a time.

Buy a second hand XL/XR/DR/KLX/TTR and you should get most, if not all of your money back when you sell it.

[marks]

..to learn to ride off road on and then flick off cheap..

Do I get the feeling that you want to learn to trail ride on something disposable so that you can then trail ride your KLR650?

The KLR is a great 'all road' tourer and mild 4wd track explorer but it aint suitable for trail riding (unless you are really talented).

For the average rider trail riding a 170+ KG bike is an exersize in pain and frustration (been there done that got the scars).

Buy a used KDX200 - simply awesome cheap trail bike and vastly more fun that a Chinese xr knockoff - and keep it to compliment your KLR. Try and do it all on one and you wont enjoy it much.

If I misunderstood your intentions ignore this as irrelevant drivel :)

[thommo77]

Mate, your choice, but I'd steer well clear of chinese bikes. While they are cheap for a motorbike, they are bloody expensive firecrackers!
Unfortunately, the market is getting flooded with these. Just gotta look at Aussie to see what will happen here.
Just learn on the KLR by taking it easy and finding some easy trails/farmland.
Good luck.

[babysteps]

Thanks all for your advice, greatly appreciated!

To clarify, I'm looking for something Road Legal that I can take Off Road to learn on. Any recommendations?

Cheers

Mark

[Oscar]

Thanks all for your advice, greatly appreciated!

To clarify, I'm looking for something Road Legal that I can take Off Road to learn on. Any recommendations?

Cheers

Mark

TTR250 DRZ250 or XR250

[avgas]

Don't bother......but if you have to, and you need something that is comfortable on the road look high and low for a very rare but fantastic bike.
98 Honda SL 230 (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dual-purpose/auction-168789306.htm)
they are the best of all sections..........trust me
i rode one and wondered why all other bikes were built WRONG

[thommo77]

TTR250 DRZ250 or XR250

Or a KLX250.........

Any decent 250 4T would be worth considering.

[mebigdave]

I own a Chinese bike, a Shineray 2006 XY200GYE. I bought it in October last year and have done 15,000km on it. I did my homework before I decided to buy the bike and felt that better a Chinese bike with a warranty than a 20 year old Jap bike that "the mechanic said is a good one" you know the deal. All the old "good one" Jap bikes have had their motors rebuilt strangely enough!
If you are worried about what other people think, buy a Jap bike but if you are not worried about the stigma, buy a nice new Chinese bike with a warranty. As for parts, I can replace my entire motor for $480, less that it will cost to send a Jap bike in for a service because you know how the price goes up when the bike shop has it for an hour. They seem to find all sorts of things wrong that you never even know the bike had!
I ride my bike every day, 130km a day in fact. I start it at 5:45 every morning after it has stood outside all night in the rain and the cold and then ride 2km to the highway then for the next hour (60km) it runs flat out. 2km off the highway to work and it stands for the day. Then all the way home again flat out. As for parts, there are heaps of parts available. Don’t be lead astray by those poor welds and some that knows someone that had a frame crack or break on them roomers. One day the bike shops are going to wake up and realise that the Jap market has been replace by the Chinese bike market. You could always buy someone else’s problems and sit with a bill the size of a new china bike.
Since 1997, China has been the biggest exporter of motorcycles in the world. 25,446,900 motorcycles built in China in 2007
http://en.ce.cn/Insight/200802/29/t20080229_14682111.shtml
My sons have ridden a 110cc china bike for over a year and all I’ve done is service it every few months and replace brake pads and oh yes, I have a new 420 chain that needs to go on this weekend. I will be passing my Shineray on to my eldest Son when he turns 15 to use to college.I am replacing it with another Chinese bike, a Xingyue XY250R this weekend. I’ve had the debates with the hardcore Jap bike defenders and after 15000Km and the bike as good as when I bought it, I’m having the last laugh! My Shineray has saved me so much money this year in travelling, maintenance and parking, I can’t pass up the opportunity to buy a slightly bigger bike. Just wish the 400cc version would hurry up and get to NZ. Lifan and Shineray are really good brands if you do your homework and that’s why you pay more for those brands.
That said, it’s up to you! I ride a YZ250 on the weekends to go playing in the bush and it costs me money. The China bike makes me money! Go figure???

[sels1]

.I am replacing it with another Chinese bike, a Xingyue XY250R this weekend.
Welcome aboard the site.
Are you buying it locally?

[monchopper]

I ride my bike every day, 130km a day in fact. I start it at 5:45 every morning after it has stood outside all night in the rain and the cold and then ride 2km to the highway then for the next hour (60km) it runs flat out. 2km off the highway to work and it stands for the day. Then all the way home again flat out.

That said, it’s up to you! I ride a YZ250 on the weekends to go playing in the bush and it costs me money. The China bike makes me money! Go figure???

You own a YZ and from your post can I assume you don't use the Chinese bike for anything other than getting to work on road?
I wonder if your experience would be different if you didn't have the YZ and used your Chinese bike for both? After all thats what they're marketed as.

My brother in law had one (not sure which brand exactly) that he used for a commuter and it did an admirable job. I took him trail riding on it once and it was completely and utterly bolloxed afterwards. It limped home, held together by 100mph tape.

[n0regret5]

best example of a false economy. you buy it, do 1000kms on it, and then lose $2000 trying to sell it on. i wouldn't recommend it..

[mebigdave]

Welcome aboard the site.
Are you buying it locally?

Yes, I bought the Shineray from Grant over at www.shineray.co.nz and I rang him up yesterday and ordered my new from him after debating buying an 83 BMW K100 - Just having to replace a fuel pump on the BMW would cost more and a complete new motor for my Shineray if I ever needed to do any repairs to it. Makes you think....

[NordieBoy]

Yes, I bought the Shineray from Grant over at www.shineray.co.nz and I rang him up yesterday and ordered my new from him after debating buying an 83 BMW K100 - Just having to replace a fuel pump on the BMW would cost more and a complete new motor for my Shineray if I ever needed to do any repairs to it. Makes you think....

The Shineray would also fit in the toolbox of the beemer.

They are for slightly different purposes though.

[mebigdave]

You own a YZ and from your post can I assume you don't use the Chinese bike for anything other than getting to work on road?
I wonder if your experience would be different if you didn't have the YZ and used your Chinese bike for both? After all thats what they're marketed as.

My brother in law had one (not sure which brand exactly) that he used for a commuter and it did an admirable job. I took him trail riding on it once and it was completely and utterly bolloxed afterwards. It limped home, held together by 100mph tape.

For the first 4 months, I used my Shineray for both commuting and on the weekends for riding in Maungakotukutuku Valley with my Sons, out to Orange Hutt a number of times and the like. I was keen to get a 2 stroke MX bike as I missed my Motorcross racing days back in South Africa when I was still a young teenager(YZ125). Any dual sport would not last very long in Maungakotukutuku Valley say waht you like, and I think the Shineray did very well to carry my 130kg's around. The YZ250 is designed for that sort of enviroment and the Shineray dual sport is designed more for trail and road used not for jumping and screeming around the track. It's not a serious off roader so dont try make it be one.

Hope this clears things up a bit!

[mebigdave]

best example of a false economy. you buy it, do 1000kms on it, and then lose $2000 trying to sell it on. i wouldn't recommend it..

Ok try this one on for size - A mate at work bought a brand new Suzuki SV1000 for $12,500 from a dealer in Palmeston North around the same time as I bought my Shineray. He had lost $2000 of the resale of his bike by the time my bike had paid for itself in the cost savings of not using my 2.4TD Surf from Waikanae to Wellington and back every day - That was from January to the end of May. Lose your money you may because they are so cheap when you by them new already. But I would far rather buy a new bike with a warranty than buy someone else’s crap that is possibly going to cost me $2000 to have fixed. Just a thought - Use it, don't use it no worries. As long as you on a bike and it doesn’t leave standing on the side of the road.

PS - My YZ250 left me 3km inside Maungakotukutuku Valley one day and I had to push the damm thing alll the way out.

[mebigdave]

The Shineray would also fit in the toolbox of the beemer.

They are for slightly different purposes though.

Like to see you try that one! In fact, speaking of toolboxes, The Shineray comes with it's own little toolkit like the dual sports used to. I have never had to use it on my Shineray but nearly every weekend had to loan tools to other bikers use on there Jap bikes.

[avgas]

Good to hear some good response about the chinese bikes out there (i seem to get slammed everytime i mention "What about ...." "NO!").
When i was in China i was amazed and how durable the bikes were.....shit even mad max would have been impressed (GN125 taxis anyone) - unlike Japan where i swear bike never get past 30,000k's......

[mebigdave]

If you are looking for a cheaper low Km one year old Shineray, you can find a few of them on Trademe where people have bought them and won't ride them because the "guy at the bike shop" has told them that they are going to DIE if they ride it and then procceded to sell them a Jap bike. Funny how a fool and there money can soon be parted.

I've seen these bikes for $1000 with only 300km's on them that have stood for a year in a back shed make there way on to Trademe.

[n0regret5]

Ok try this one on for size - A mate at work bought a brand new Suzuki SV1000 for $12,500 from a dealer in Palmeston North around the same time as I bought my Shineray. He had lost $2000 of the resale of his bike by the time my bike had paid for itself in the cost savings of not using my 2.4TD Surf from Waikanae to Wellington and back every day - That was from January to the end of May. Lose your money you may because they are so cheap when you by them new already. But I would far rather buy a new bike with a warranty than buy someone else’s crap that is possibly going to cost me $2000 to have fixed. Just a thought - Use it, don't use it no worries. As long as you on a bike and it doesn’t leave standing on the side of the road.

PS - My YZ250 left me 3km inside Maungakotukutuku Valley one day and I had to push the damm thing alll the way out.


funny how you supress memories...my first bike, fxr150, used to die randomly on my way to and from auckland visiting my friend. it'd usually be in the middle of absolutely fucking nowhere too. one time it died at about 10pm on the high road between awakino gorge and te kuiti. bad, bad times. took me 20mins to get it started again. one time it just completely cut out just before uriti.
yeh i see your point, it can be better to spend small money on something 'cheap'..i just like to have something flash haha.

[NordieBoy]

Do a google for the Taklimakan ralley in China.
Plenty of little bikes (jap/chineese/tiwaneeese etc) racing and finishing.
125cc 4-strokes being held wide open for hours in the deserts :D

[Padmei]

This debate is very good however the question is to whether the bike would be ok off road to learn on.

Talking to a Lifan dealer today, I asked his opinion -his response to their dual purpose model is that it is good for gravel etc & the occasional fire break but not designed for hard core tracks, thrashing & jumping etc.

As the KLR is not a full on dirt bike, the chinese bike would be able allow the rider to gain the skills needed for the type of terrain the KLR would go on anyway.

I would love one to play around with or have my wiferide with me on short trips.:yes:

[babysteps]

And that is kinda my point, I want to get out into the back blocks, not up Mount Everest :yes:

Thank you all for your input, time to make a decision............

[mebigdave]

The thing with the China bikes is that they are cheap which means that you as a dad can buy your Son a cool looking bike without being screwed over. If he stacks it, so what! Just by another one.
Bike shops hate them because they aren’t making a killing from them because they are as cheap as toasters and they haven’t woken up to the fact that there is a huge market (and growing) out there. If I had the money, I would open a bike shop that did not discriminate on origin. Think about this for a minute! If the China bikes are so crap, people should be breaking down your door for repairs. As a bike shop, this should be the answer to any bike shops success. As for parts, please, if you can’t use the net to find parts then rather don’t delay the inevitable, close your doors today!
Let's tell it how it is - 90% of the stuff in our houses is from China and we have long been a quick fix society and the divorce rate in New Zealand is proof of that. Now we have a free trade agreement with China, and this means that everything is going to get even cheaper.
So is the China bike the same as a Jap bike? No it's not - Does it cost the same? Hell no! - Is it going to fall apart underneath you and kill you? No it's not! You may have a few things come loose like the odd bolt and screw and before the extremist start to shout out about engine mounting bolts, I was talking about minor bolts and screws not engine and triple tree bolts.
If you have the money, buy the Jap bike! But do yourself a favour and buy the newer Jap bike not the old “good one” that is now going to become your expensive problem. Know that there is always an alternative in China bikes. If these were New Zealand made like the Fisher and Paykel crap (that I paid a fortune for that keeps crapping out) we would still not be having this debate. Let’s face it, if it was Kiwi made, we would keep digging deep in our pockets just to support it because that’s what we are taught to do no matter what.
I’m not a dealer nor do I have shares in any China bike dealer. This is only my experience to date and
I have a very low tolerance for bill shit just so someone can hear their own voice.
The day that you stop asking questions and become a sheep, you’ve lost the game.

I guess I may have said to much this time!

[Padmei]

[QUOTE=mebigdave;1697024]If these were New Zealand made like the Fisher and Paykel crap (that I paid a fortune for that keeps crapping out) we would still not be having this debate. QUOTE]


We bought a Dyson shiny vacuum that cost close on $1000. It is a piece of over engineered crap. I am selling it because I can't stand looking at it. I could have bought a warehouse one & a chinese bike too.

...Maybe not relevant but I feel better now...

[monchopper]

Is the biggest Chinese bike around 250's? Anyone heard of them doing a 400/450?

[CrazyFrog]

Couldn't agree with mebigdave more. If you've got the money, buy Jap. If you don't, buy Chinese...they are becoming more and more prevalent, and the quality will only get better over time. Parts are available if your dealer or you care to look for them. It's much like the Jap vs British debate in the 60's and 70's (I'm not that old!), everyone spoke about Jap crap. Look at them now.
We are living in a throw away market now, get used to it. Just get out on the trails and have fun like the rest of us. Even a Chinese bike in the right hands could astound a nana rider on a fancy euro KTM like me!!! :2thumbsup

[Sellout]

Am I stupid to buy one of these...

Short Answer = Yes.

Long Answer involves links to old posts etc. etc. but it basically ends up at the same result.

DON'T DO IT!

*Friends don't let friends buy Chinese bikes* (stolen from another post, sorry I can't be buggered finding out who it was!)

[CrazyFrog]

Hey Sellout.....what are you riding? Ya can't tell me that if it's in pieces it runs well!! LOL:laugh:

[mebigdave]

Is the biggest Chinese bike around 250's? Anyone heard of them doing a 400/450?

The 300cc and 400cc are on their way - may be in NZ by early next year. check the china riders forums on the internet there are some really cool looking motorad bikes coming out of China soon.

[Sellout]

Hey Sellout.....what are you riding? Ya can't tell me that if it's in pieces it runs well!! LOL:laugh:

My daily ride is the 1985 Yammie RZ250, and she is in perfect order!! :bleh:

The bike in pieces is the 1986 NQ50 (Nifty Fifty) and it still runs fine (needs a carb tune though...) It is in pieces because someone tried to steal her, and when they couldn't force their screwdriver into the ignition to start it, they ripped the wiring loom out the back of the ignition and tried to "hotwire" it, when they failed at this they decided to smash up all the lights and destroy the plastics. :nono: Stoopid monkeys should've just thrown the bike into their boot, it only weighs about 50kgs!! :laugh:

So, while she is in pieces, she still runs fine and I'm just waiting on plastic-work to get her back out on the road!! :scooter:

So, both Jap bikes, over 20years old, 2 stroke, and going hard!!! :Punk::rockon:

[NordieBoy]

That's the first time I've heard the words "Nifty 50" and "going hard" in the same sentence.

[Oscar]

That's the first time I've heard the words "Nifty 50" and "going hard" in the same sentence.

Nah, back in the day, when Moped Mayhem was first invented, we road a 1966 Honda C50 to fourth place in the first one.

Then at the first one in Auckland, we entered as Doyles Destroyers (Doyles the army surplus store) on our camo A50...

[CrazyFrog]

The bike in pieces is the 1986 NQ50 (Nifty Fifty) and it still runs fine (needs a carb tune though...) It is in pieces because someone tried to steal her, and when they couldn't force their screwdriver into the ignition to start it, they ripped the wiring loom out the back of the ignition and tried to "hotwire" it, when they failed at this they decided to smash up all the lights and destroy the plastics. :nono: Stoopid monkeys should've just thrown the bike into their boot, it only weighs about 50kgs!! :laugh:

Ahhh, the ol' Nifty 50, taught me all I know about high performance motorcycles, got me my licence and a couple of hot dates,back in my day the girls were easy to please.

[warewolf]

HOWEVER (and I know there will be howls of discontent from the KTM/DR650 contingent:rolleyes:) depending on how mental you want to go off road, don't be in a huge hurry to move to a bigger bike. I sold my BMW F650 and went back to the TT250R, which is (a bit gutless but) lighter and more indestructible, and can be bashed around the river bed, taken to trail rides and commuted on without turning a hair.You do us a disservice, sir. Most of us regularly offer that very advice.

Heck, some of us have even been there.

[warewolf]

Well obviously mebigdave has had a great experience with his Chinee bike/s and poor experiences with old Jappers. Many people have had the opposite experience. Caveat emptor. There is still a much bigger risk associated with Chinese bikes, whichever way you look at it. Agreed, they are on the way up, but they aren't there yet.

Lifan and Shineray are probably good choices. The Chinese are good at setting up joint ventures with successful (Japanese) companies, then kicking out the parent and keeping the production knowledge and machinery. So their jap-based products would be the pick of the bunch. Their price reflects that.

Personally I have a philosophical problem with the "throwaway society" and don't think it should be encouraged.

[toebug]

Well obviously mebigdave has had a great experience with his Chinee bike/s and poor experiences with old Jappers. Many people have had the opposite experience. Caveat emptor. There is still a much bigger risk associated with Chinese bikes, whichever way you look at it. Agreed, they are on the way up, but they aren't there yet.

Lifan and Shineray are probably good choices. The Chinese are good at setting up joint ventures with successful (Japanese) companies, then kicking out the parent and keeping the production knowledge and machinery. So their jap-based products would be the pick of the bunch. Their price reflects that.

Personally I have a philosophical problem with the "throwaway society" and don't think it should be encouraged.

Totally agree. The chinese are good at ripping off others technology!

If you have any bike knowledge at all and keep up with your maintanence you should have no problems with just about any brand of bike. I have owned a chinese bike and yes it was a total piece of crap! I have also own problem jappas, but only after buying someone elses drama due the their lack of upkeep.

Buy a jappa and look after it. All the enduro, dirt bikes are pretty hardy. I can understand why mebigdave's YZ costs him money, its a Yamaha! And he's 130kg! I've had my CR 4 or 5 years and its cheap as chips to run and maintain (and I run it on avgas!). Engine rebuilds are cheap, only $60 for a manual! Costs add up when you involve bike shops.

[mebigdave]

Totally agree. The chinese are good at ripping off others technology!

If you have any bike knowledge at all and keep up with your maintanence you should have no problems with just about any brand of bike. I have owned a chinese bike and yes it was a total piece of crap! I have also own problem jappas, but only after buying someone elses drama due the their lack of upkeep.



The Chinese are good at ripping off others technology, however if you take a company like Lifan, they make there own motors and supply all the other bike manufactures with these motors as well as making their own design cars, none of which are direct copies of any other manufacturer.

What I do find with all those china bike bashers, is that they are quick to say how crap they are but never give details... Never any fact. How's a news flash, have any of you tried checking on the stats for motorcycle factory recalls?

Heres one website as an example:
http://www.webbikeworld.com/BMW-motorcycles/r850r-recall.htm

Remeber those days when people spoke of "JAP CRAP"

Just a little food for thought!

[mebigdave]

Thought I may give a few more just for shits and giggles:

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/motorcycle_recalls/01/honda/index.html
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/motorcycle_recalls/01/suzuki/index.html
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/motorcycle_recalls/01/yamaha/index.html
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/motorcycle_recalls/01/kawasaki/index.html
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/motorcycle_recalls/01/buell/index.html
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/motorcycle_recalls/01/ducati/index.html

I thought this one was quite nice.....NOT


Recall ID #4539
Recall ID #4539 - STEERING:WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR
Recall ID #4539 - STEERING:WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR
Recall Date JUL 11, 2008
Component STEERING:WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR
Motorcycle Affected SPEED TRIPLE
Potential Motorcycles Affected 93 Recall Details
Recall Date
JUL 11, 2008

Motorcycle Affected
2008 TRIUMPH SPEED TRIPLE

Summary
TRIUMPH IS RECALLING 93 MY 2008 SPEED TRIPLE MOTORCYCLES. DUE TO IMPROPER MACHINING OF THE HANDLEBAR RISER, THE HANDLEBAR MAY SLIP IN THE CLAMPS.

Consequence
IF THE HANDLEBARS CLIP, LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE COULD RESULT INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL CORRECTLY MACHINED HANDLE RISERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRIUMPH AT 1-678-539-8782.

Potential Motorcycles Affected
93

Notes
TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLES AMERICA LTD

[MXNUT]

How's a news flash, have any of you tried checking on the stats for motorcycle factory recalls?

Recalls, all they mean is that the manufacturer cares enough about the quality and image of their product to rectify faults on bikes that may also be out of warranty at no charge to the customer.

I doubt if you will see any chinese manufacturer doing this any time soon.

[warewolf]

My nephew's Chinese quad nearly made two laps of the hills hoist before the rear end twisted so badly out of alignment with the rest of the bike that the drive chain would derail. When they bought it, something broke off it when they picked it up to put it in the ute. The salesman said, "oh, that happens all the time, don't worry, you don't need that bit anyway." :blink:

Pardon me for not drinking the red kool aid.

[mebigdave]

My nephew's Chinese quad nearly made two laps of the hills hoist before the rear end twisted so badly out of alignment with the rest of the bike that the drive chain would derail. When they bought it, something broke off it when they picked it up to put it in the ute. The salesman said, "oh, that happens all the time, don't worry, you don't need that bit anyway." :blink:

Pardon me for not drinking the red kool aid.

These quads are shipped in crates and normally require some assembly. If this was done by the bike the vendor, it may not have been done correctly. If something fell off my sons new quad/bike while I was loading it, I would be checking it over before he road it - Just my two cents worth.

You can't just say that Chinese bikes are crap because of poor maintenance and lack of assembly inspection. I got my first Chinese bike home and checked it over, checked the visible bolts where tight and headed off for a short ride. Stopped back at home and checked things like the oil level and checking the temp of the motor and when I was happy that all was good, I headed out again. At 200km, I changed the oil and checked that there was only a small amount of silver in the oil tray and no big bits of steel. Over 15000Km with oil changes around 1000km intervals has seem me have trouble free riding at a fraction of the price of a Jap bike.

Ps I will be collecting my new bike tomorrow which is a direct copy of the XR250L - http://www.compucall.co.nz/images/250LH.jpg

My Shineray will go to my Son for commuting to school and back in the new year after he gets his license.

[mebigdave]

Recalls, all they mean is that the manufacturer cares enough about the quality and image of their product to rectify faults on bikes that may also be out of warranty at no charge to the customer.

I doubt if you will see any chinese manufacturer doing this any time soon.

Not true! Vehicle manufactures are required by law to do this! Should some one get hurt, they can be sued big time and have been in the past.

[Oscar]

The Chinese are good at ripping off others technology, however if you take a company like Lifan, they make there own motors and supply all the othe bike manufactures with these motors as well as making their own design cars, no of which are direct copies of any other manufacturer.

What I do find with all those china bike bashers, is that they are quick to say how crap they are but never give details... Never any fact. How's a news flash, have any of you tried checking on the stats for motorcycle factory recalls?

Heres one website as an example:
http://www.webbikeworld.com/BMW-motorcycles/r850r-recall.htm

Remeber those days when people spoke of "JAP CRAP"

Just a little food for thought!

This equine is deceased, why apply further external physical violence?

You can protest all you like, but anyone with an ounce of mechanical knowledge can see the facts for themselves.

As far as those days when people spoke of "Jap Crap", that was mostly true - so I don't see how it helps your argument.

I would also point out, however that it's all relative - the gap between Jap bikes and the competition is nowhere near as great as the gap between these Chinese knock-offs and the rest is today. For example, you could thrash a Bonnie with your RD350 or CL350 and the thing would be as (or more) reliable as the Trumpy. "Jap Crap" may have been true, but the competition was oil leaking Britbikes, temperamental Italians and antediluvian Harleys...

[mebigdave]

This equine is deceased, why apply further external physical violence?

You can protest all you like, but anyone with an ounce of mechanical knowledge can see the facts for themselves.

As far as those days when people spoke of "Jap Crap", that was mostly true - so I don't see how it helps your argument.

I would also point out, however that it's all relative - the gap between Jap bikes and the competition is nowhere near as great as the gap between these Chinese knock-offs and the rest is today. For example, you could thrash a Bonnie with your RD350 or CL350 and the thing would be as (or more) reliable as the Trumpy. "Jap Crap" may have been true, but the competition was oil leaking Britbikes, temperamental Italians and antediluvian Harleys...

Are we now debating my mechanical knowledge or are we still talking about the bikes? Keep your shirt on mate!

[NordieBoy]

Ps I will be collecting my new bike tomorrow which is a direct copy of the XR250L - http://www.compucall.co.nz/images/250LH.jpg

Check your forks. Don't want one looking as bent as the one in the pic.

That does look a tidy copy though.

[Oscar]

Are we now debating my mechanical knowledge or are we still talking about the bikes? Keep your shirt on mate!

Anyone arguing the prowess of the Chinese Motorcycle Industry kinda draws their own mechanical knowledge (or lack of it) into the fray....

[awayatc]

What I do find with all those china bike bashers, is that they are quick to say how crap they are but never give details... Never any fact. !

Bought a 200 cc "skyteam" for my son a couple of years ago....
Thought get something brandnew rather then secondhand...
Honda copy engine, Italian suspension/forks/ good brakes
same controls as Aprilia etc...
Was Over $4000 new.....supposedly good parts back-up etc, good write ups..
Bike looked great, was comfy,nice position etc...

Importer gave up, parts not available now,
Handlebars broke in half falling of the stand....
Electrical problems due to wire conections coming lose
Engine rebuild after 600kms (warrenty)
Exhaust broke off after bottoming out off road...
Workshop that had to weld a few things back mentioned it was like welding Marshmellow....
Something broke down almost everytime my son took it out....

Sold it with 1000 kms on the clock for around $1500
(yes I did warn new owner off the downfalls....he just wanted a commuter....)

Advise very strongly anybody to stay away from Chinese untill they prove themselves....

[cooneyr]

Got my wife a marshin cheeta (200GY) as a learners bike and commuter for me. It had 1300kms on the clock and after riding for about another 100kms something went bang in the gearbox. Striped it down and found a couple of issues, then contacted the shop about parts and gasket kits etc to repair it - more than the value of a brand new motor. Get the new motor and go to fit it - electric plugs have changed for some reason, the clutch cable needs some 'adjustment' to make it work but other than that not to hard to fit.

Now the bike rattles and grinds and makes all sorts of funny noises despite me going over everything and tightening, the clutch is ridiculously heavy (heavier than the XTZ750) such that my wife can hardly ride it, the suspension is still complete rubbish, the seat doesn't line up with the tank so it is 'weird' to ride, the seat is way to wide. I hate it so much that I wont ride it and my wife pretty much cant. When she gets her full license it will be gotten rid of for pretty much what anybody will give us for it.

It is probably one of the earlier bikes (not sure of year) but even if they have improve 100% now I'd still rather get an 80's jappa and tidy it up - oh wait I did and am :headbang: The XTZ750 cost less than $4k is rideable and needs at most $400 spent on the rear suspension to make it a perfectly serviceable commuter. Its going to get a bit more work that this and will be ridden much more comfortably, much further much harder and still be much more reliable than a Chinese bike ever will.

You will need mechanical skills to own and use a Chinese bike so why not put them to use on a Jappa that is easier to maintain?

Cheers R

[MXNUT]

Not true! Vehicle manufactures are required by law to do this!

As someone who works for a major japanese car manufacturer who is involved with vehicle recalls on a weekly basis i can tell you that in this country there is no law covering Vehicle/bike recalls other than the consumers gaurantee act.

I dont think that the majority of chinese bikes sold in this country would pass that act as being of merchantable quality and fit for the purpose they were intened for, which is why most are sold through auction sites like trade me.

[babysteps]

As someone who works for a major japanese car manufacturer who is involved with vehicle recalls on a weekly basis i can tell you ....

OMG you're like Edward Norton in Fight Club! :chase:

[babysteps]

A purchase has been made :Punk:

Pics to come soon...........

[reofix]

you get what you pay for.... when a bike with a normal retail of 4k to 6k is available for 1695... would you be mad not to buy it ... NO ... ask any owner

[Padmei]

oh comeon whadidyaget? Let us in on it? Be sure to wear your thick skin though - I can see a flogging coming:mellow:

[carver]

dude....
NXR 125!
i gave one of these death.
125kph max.
crashed over 30x
raced around a BMX track.
ridden like a enduro bike.
used for 2 up riding...
wheelied to death
stoppied to death

it was...
indestructable
good on gas
reliable
well finished.

max respect

[carver]

i have seen 6 month old chinese trail bikes that are worth setting on fire, they are that far beyond repair due to the absoloute shit construction

[CookMySock]

I see on the news tonight the chinese want to go to the moon. I hope they dont want to go there on one of their motorbikes, coz if the back brake falls of like it did on my kids pocket bike, they wont be able to flick its arse out to get in orbit around the moon. Worse still, if it pinches and locks the back wheel like it did for us, they might lowside the fucker and end up god knows here, and you never come back from there!

DB

[babysteps]

oh comeon whadidyaget? Let us in on it? Be sure to wear your thick skin though - I can see a flogging coming:mellow:

It's not Chinese :banana:

[Padmei]

It's not Chinese :banana:

I went out with a girl like you back at school once - she made me wait so long I went out with her sister instead:laugh:

[awayatc]

I wonder if the Bike" 97 DR Djebel" on right of avatar means sumfin.....?

[awayatc]

I see on the news tonight the chinese want to go to the moon.
DB



We all want em to go there....

Can't wait.....
must be a big "space" ship....

[babysteps]

I wonder if the Bike" 97 DR Djebel" on right of avatar means sumfin.....?

Bingo :-) I would advise everyone in the Christchurch region to stay away from the banks of the Waimak for the next few weekends..... :confused:

[awayatc]

what side of the banks.....?

Inside or out?

[babysteps]

In through the gate at Dickeys rd

[cooneyr]

.... 97 DR Djebel" .......

Hmm wonder if it is my old one. Common with the pics already ;) They are a reasonable bike to learn a few gravel skills on. Good range with the 17l tank.

Cheers R

[babysteps]

Coming to a gravel road near you soon!!!! :scooter:

[CrazyFrog]

Why didn't ya just kit ya Vespa out with knobblies.... it can be done:yes:

[Padmei]

Looks grouse babysteps. Get a better photo from the side a bit further back up!
How much? putting knobblies on?

BTW isn't a Djebel one of those balloons they used to send up during the war?

[NordieBoy]

We once stuck a knobbly and some DR shocks on the back of my Yammy V90 step through and took it out Wakapuaka and blatted around the little MX track out there until it died :(

[carver]

Why didn't ya just kit ya Vespa out with knobblies.... it can be done:yes:




bumps, holes, hollows, rocks

[McJim]

BTW isn't a Djebel one of those balloons they used to send up during the war?
A barrage balloon? A dirigible is what you're thinking of. Not made by Suzuki but like a lot of Suzuki riders they can be full of hot air! :rofl:

[BMWST?]

The Chinese are good at ripping off others technology, however if you take a company like Lifan, they make there own motors and supply all the other bike manufactures with these motors as well as making their own design cars, none of which are direct copies of any other manufacturer.

What I do find with all those china bike bashers, is that they are quick to say how crap they are but never give details... Never any fact. How's a news flash, have any of you tried checking on the stats for motorcycle factory recalls?

Heres one website as an example:
http://www.webbikeworld.com/BMW-motorcycles/r850r-recall.htm

Remeber those days when people spoke of "JAP CRAP"

Just a little food for thought!

wow, a cable tie in the wrong place.....

[MXNUT]

but like a lot of Suzuki riders they can be full of hot air! :rofl:

:Oi::Playnice:That thar is fighting talk:Pokey:

[Bass]

A barrage balloon? A dirigible is what you're thinking of. Not made by Suzuki but like a lot of Suzuki riders they can be full of hot air! :rofl:

Very true Jaime, but at least they tend to be riders rather than mechanics:done:

(making mechanics out of riders since 1947 wasn't it?)

[CrazyFrog]

We once stuck a knobbly and some DR shocks on the back of my Yammy V90 step through and took it out Wakapuaka and blatted around the little MX track out there until it died :(

Nordie you murderer! How could you.......

[NordieBoy]

Nordie you murderer! How could you.......

2 words.
Spare engine :D

[babysteps]

Looks grouse babysteps. Get a better photo from the side a bit further back up!
How much? putting knobblies on?

BTW isn't a Djebel one of those balloons they used to send up during the war?

Thanks!!!

I belive Djebel is a region of the Sahara and I hope to but Knobblies on when the budget agrees but for now the Trailwinds will be fine.

The answer to the magic question is $3k. I think I got a pretty good deal :Punk:

[warewolf]

I belive Djebel is a region of the Saharayourdictionary.com says:



djebel (jeb′əl)
noun
jebel (http://www.yourdictionary.com/jebel)
Etymology: Fr < Ar jebel
je·bel (jeb′əl)
noun
a hill or mountain: often used in Arabic place names
Etymology: Ar

[babysteps]

Well I've learnt something today!

Just one more pic.............

[Padmei]

cool baby.

I recall now that the word Djebel is often used to describe the sound of water being pumped out of a drowned motor thru rhe spark plug hole.

[babysteps]

Hey Team

Need a bit of advice from the Christchurch crew.......

I'm looking at doing my first overnighter this weekend and was thinking at Le Bons Bay via some of the routes on CooneyR's website.

Are Western Valley rd and Harman’s Track ok for a complete noob like myself??

Cheers

Mark

[cooneyr]

Hey Team

Need a bit of advice from the Christchurch crew.......

I'm looking at doing my first overnighter this weekend and was thinking at Le Bons Bay via some of the routes on CooneyR's website.

Are Western Valley rd and Harman’s Track ok for a complete noob like myself??

Cheers

Mark

Well my first serious adventure (not trail) ride was over the Western Valley Rd and Harmans Track on my Djebel. They are good gravel roads (as the web site suggests) through the Port Levey side of Western Valley Rd is tight (single vehicle track only) and visibility around corners is limited. The Little River side of Western Valley Rd is steepish and steepens up going into some corners. If you ride it expecting to find a car around each corner you will be fine. These roads are not enduro tracks.

The only tracks out on the Peninsular that are of any note are the two in red - Robinson Bay and Takamatua Stock Tracks. I would recommend not trying those on your own if you don't have some good trail riding skills. The others are gravel/lumpy gravel roads of varying steepness/tightness of switchbacks.

Cheers R

[babysteps]

Thank you CooneyR, exactly what I wanted to hear! :cool: