What about Chinese bikes?

[DivideOverflow]

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

Lifan, Roketa, or Tank Sports are the crap ones. You are safe with Hyosung and Kymco.

[qwerty]

I reppect when a mechanic gives reasons for NOT buying his product. I'll take a closer look at Hyosung and Kymco.

[qwerty]

Well, the Kymcos and Hyosungs cost as much or more than their Japanese counterparts. What's the gain?

[ill'n]

According to the reviews the Kymco Venox is better built and of higher quality than the Japanese counterparts. At least that's true compared to my Yamaha Virago 250. I'd rather pay a bit more if what the reviewers say is true.

[TechTMW]

Kymco and Hyosung are more interested in developing a quality small bike product for a few reasons.

Kymco has been making quality scooters for many years and their small-engined motorcycles are simply their attempt at the American market.

Hyosung had a partnership w/ suzuki, and their products reflect much of suzuki's know-how.

Why do these bikes cost more than the Japanese counterparts? Because when you buy a Japanese 250, you are buying something that was developed 30 years ago and has only had minor improvements since then. When you buy Hyosung or Kymco, you are buying an engine that has been developed more recently for a world market, not a tired old model that's been set aside to 'fill a gap' in the market.

The Japanese bikes are the overpriced ones.

I would also like to point out that Taiwan is NOT China.

[ill'n]

I would also like to point out that Taiwan is NOT China.

Amen to that!

[obxbiker]

Lots of great comments about the Hyosungs and Kymco.

Have a little to add about Kymco.
Like Hyosung was involved with Susuki , Kymco for 40 years had a close relationship with Honda up until the 2000's.

Have you ever seen a Honda Magna 250/vt250 ?
They were made for the overseas market from the mid 90's till 2002, the same year that the Venox 250 was released overseas.

They are "basicly" the same bike.

The Venox has a diffferent seat, body panels and larger gas tank. The engine also has been retuned.Most of the other parts are the same. Thats why the Venox has such a great record as it is really not a new bike with new bike problems.

Here is a photo of the Honda Magna 250/VT250:


Kymco Venox:


HONDA MAGNA 250............vs..................KYMCO VENOX 250


Engine and transmission


Displacement:.....249.00 ccm (15.19 cubic inches)....................SAME
Engine type:....... V2 ..............................................................SAME
Stroke: ...............4.................................................................SAME
Power: ................27.00 HP (19.7 kW)) @ 10000 RPM............28hp [27.50 HP (20.1 kW)) @ 10500 RPM]

Torque: ...............23.00 Nm................................................. 19.80 Nm
(2.3 kgf-m or 17.0 ft.lbs) @ 7500 RPM................................... (2.0 kgf-m or 14.6 ft.lbs) @ 8500 RPM ]


Compression: ......11.0:1.....................................................N/A
Bore x stroke: .....60.0 x 44.1 mm (2.4 x 1.7 inches).............58x47.2
Fuel system: ........Carburettor.............................................SAME
Valves per cyl:..... 4.............................................................SAME
Fuel control: .........DOHC.....................................................SAME
Cooling system:.... Liquid.....................................................SAME
Gearbox:.............. 5-speed...................................................SAME


Physical measures


Dry weight:............171.0 kg (377.0 pounds)........................418.5 lbs.
Seat height:........... 690 mm (27.2 inches)...........................29 in. (736.6mm)
Overall height:........1,065 mm (41.9 inches).........................1,080 mm (42.5 inches)
Overall length:....... 2,315 mm (91.1 inches).........................2,325 mm (91.5 inches)
Overall width:.........880 mm (34.6 inches)............................840 mm (33.1 inches)
Ground clearance:...130 mm (5.1 inches).............................N/A
Wheelbase: ............1,620 mm (63.8 inches)........................63 in. (1600.2mm)


Chassis and dimensions


Front tyre: .............120/80-17 61S ....................................SAME
Rear tyre: ...............150/80-15 M/C 70S..............................SAME
Front brakes: ...........Single disc..........................................SAME
Rear brakes: ............Expanding brake.................................DRUM

Speed and acceleration


Power/weight ratio: ...0.1579 HP/kg...................................... 0.1571 HP/kg

Other specifications


Fuel capacity: ...........11.00 litres (2.91 gallons).....................3.7 gallons(14 liters)

Here is a lot more information on the Venox and the Hyosung Cruisers:
Kymco & Hyosung

[intotherain]

CHINA BIKE BAD, KOREA GOOD, JAPAN GOOD
DONT GET LIFAN or any of those chinese bikes.

I have to tighten almost every single thing on that bike every week. Everything comes loose, the chooke holder, handlebars, pegs, wheel. Its quite scary.

I had the same sit. as you where I just wanted a cheap bike to start with, but now I just wish I saved up for 1 more month and gotten a ninja 260 or 500.

[qwerty]

CHINA BIKE BAD, KOREA GOOD, JAPAN GOOD
DONT GET LIFAN or any of those chinese bikes.

I have to tighten almost every single thing on that bike every week. Everything comes loose, the chooke holder, handlebars, pegs, wheel. Its quite scary.

I had the same sit. as you where I just wanted a cheap bike to start with, but now I just wish I saved up for 1 more month and gotten a ninja 260 or 500.

I saved up another month and bought a Yamaha.

[obxbiker]

I would also like to point out that Taiwan is NOT China.

Amen to that!

Totally different !!