What about Chinese bikes?

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qwerty · #1 Unread post by **qwerty** » Thu Nov 09, 2006 5:26 pm

I'm getting back into bikes after a long stretch of acting like a good neighbor. I've bought a new helmet, boots, gloves, and jacket, completed the MSF course last weekend (with 100s on both written riding), and got the my M condition done today. I'm thinking a 200 or 250cc would make a good re-starter bike, and can be kept for a commuter even after I get a bigger bike. Just basic economical, dependable, and safe transportation is all I want.

Here's the problem: A new 200 or 250 of any type condition goes for $4000 to $5500 in this area once you add in delivery and TTL. A decent 200 or 250 of any type in good condition goes for $2000 to $4000 in this area, plus TTL.

A brand new 200cc to 250cc Chinese bike of any type can be had for $1200 to $3000 with shipping included, plus TTL. Are these Chinese bikes gift-horses best not looked at?

VermilionX · Thu Nov 09, 2006 5:31 pm

a member here said they are poorly made.

broke down easily and parts are very hard to get.

i was spending time in a philippine forum and over there it's big market. cheaper than JP. but they have a fairly good amount of service and parts oevr there.

so here in the US, it would be risky. just like the situation w/ hyosung.

ill'n · #3 Unread post by **ill'n** » Mon Nov 13, 2006 10:08 am

I recently stumbled upon a review article by Total Motorcycle for the Kymco Venox 250. I think someone in the review said it was made in Taiwan. The review is here. Of the 5 reviewers, all of them gave stellar reviews. I already have the Virago 250, but if I didn't, I think I'd go look for a Venox instead.[/url]

JCS · #4 Unread post by **JCS** » Mon Nov 13, 2006 12:46 pm

Just remember that the testers have to deal with the bikes for a very short period of time. They don't have to deal with parts and warranty issues.

DivideOverflow · Tue Nov 14, 2006 6:11 am

The Crimson Rider® wrote:a member here said they are poorly made.

broke down easily and parts are very hard to get.

i was spending time in a philippine forum and over there it's big market. cheaper than JP. but they have a fairly good amount of service and parts oevr there.

so here in the US, it would be risky. just like the situation w/ hyosung.

Don't even compare hyosung to those pieces of crap chinese bikes.

Hyosung makes a quality product that works out of the box without falling apart! And although they don't have as many dealerships as say, honda, you can still get parts when you need them. I had a speedo cable fixed under warranty with no problems, and I know people who had an ignition box replaced under warranty.

I don't see hyosung as a risky purchase, and I owned one. The chinese bikes are crap, and are a completely different story.

Kymco is the same deal. They make a quality product and stand behind their line. They have very popular scooters, and the Venox is of good quality. (You can find kymco dealers and parts easily too).

It is those weird off brand chinese bikes that are the problem. The 200cc ones that are single cylinder honda engines from the 50's.

Candy750 · #6 Unread post by **Candy750** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 7:04 am

Are you saying you pay more in TX for a new bike than MSRP??

I guess I never thought about it! I know two good, reliable dealers in this area that you will pay no more than MSRP, not uncrating, or stupid fees. Yes, thereis sales tax, and you will have to pay to register it at motor vehicle. I do know of one dealer that charges uncrating fees, but the price for the unit is about $200 below MSRP.....

There are very awesome end of year deals to be had in in Northeastern NY.... you should take the trip before it snows here!!

qwerty · #7 Unread post by **qwerty** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 2:38 pm

The only brands I'm looking at are Lifan, Roketa, Tank Sports, Hyosang, and Kymco. They seem to have some type of following.

jstark47 · #8 Unread post by **jstark47** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 4:40 pm

I don't recognize Lifan, Roketa, or Tank Sports. Hyosung is Korean, not Chinese, and Kymco is from Taiwan. As Divide pointed out, both Hyosung and Kymco have rapidly growing reputations for quality. (I think Kymco is bigger in the scooter market than in motocycles, though.) It reminds me of the transition of Hyundai cars from the cheapest of the cheap 20 years ago to the quality product they are now.

logitech104 · Tue Nov 14, 2006 4:47 pm

just remember, you get what you pay for!

#10 Unread post by **Koss** » Wed Nov 15, 2006 2:16 am

jstark47 wrote:I don't recognize Lifan, Roketa, or Tank Sports. Hyosung is Korean, not Chinese, and Kymco is from Taiwan. As Divide pointed out, both Hyosung and Kymco have rapidly growing reputations for quality. (I think Kymco is bigger in the scooter market than in motocycles, though.) It reminds me of the transition of Hyundai cars from the cheapest of the cheap 20 years ago to the quality product they are now.

I agree, I just recently rode my friends UM, can't remember the model name off hand, but it was the same bike as the Hyosung GT650R. Very nice, and its build quality felt as good as my EX500. Actually how the fairing was bolted on felt more quality than my bike. He has already had it for 2 years, and just did factory maintance to her. Im seriously considering them for my second bike, and if they really do come out with their 1000cc powerplant... im right on that!

By the way, there was a classmate in my automotive classes who works at a motorcycle dealership that has just recently been selling Lifan. He told me to avoid them like the plague, with horror stories of missing bolts in dangerous places and unsatisfied customers on a weekly basis.