help buying first bike

Message

Andrew0853 · Sat Nov 04, 2006 1:41 pm

i'm 17 and very broke but i got about 2k and want to buy a motorcycle can anyone tell me if these are good specs for a motorcycle?
Colors: Blue/Red/Green
Engine Type: 4-Stroke
Displacement: 197CC
Starting System: Electric & Kick
Brake System (FRONT): Disc/Hand Control
Brake System (REAR): Drum/Pedal Control
Transmission System: 6 Speed, Manual Clutch
Ignition System: CDI
Max. Power: 16HP/8000RPM
Max. Torque: 14.5N.m/6500RPM
Max Speed: 60MPH
Max Loading Capacity: 330LBS
L x W x H: 82.3' x 26.4" x 44.5"
Wheel Base: 52.4"
Dry Weight: 308 LBS
Gas Yield: 0.93 GAL/100Mile
Suspension (FRONT): Hydraulic
Suspension (REAR): Hydraulic Spring
Tire Size: FRONT 3.00 - 18
REAR 100 / 90 - 18

i liek the MPG but will it accelerate fast?; the top speed i can do without i just want a semi fast start

second question: anyone heard of a company called "lifan"? i sure havent

Thansk in advance

Veda · #2 Unread post by **Veda** » Sat Nov 04, 2006 2:25 pm

It looks like Lifan is is a Chinese company. Chinese bike companies have a very poor reputation - not made well, cheap parts, impossible to get replacement parts for, etc. For 2k you could get something used that is much more reliable.

#3 Unread post by **Wrider** » Sat Nov 04, 2006 2:29 pm

+1 You can get a used Ninja 250 for about that, as they retail for 3K. Keep in mind though, that you're gonna want at the VERY least a helmet, gloves, and a jacket... That can run you anywhere from 350 (extremely low estimate) to about 1K (fairly high, unless you're looking at a full suit and a really good helmet...) Make sure to visit your local bike shops and check out the prices of the gear before you decide. Best of luck!
Wrider

VermilionX · Sat Nov 04, 2006 2:30 pm

Veda wrote:It looks like Lifan is is a Chinese company. Chinese bike companies have a very poor reputation - not made well, cheap parts, impossible to get replacement parts for, etc. For 2k you could get something used that is much more reliable.

agreed!

you could find a used ninjette for that price.

Andrew0853 · Sat Nov 04, 2006 3:07 pm

thanks alot; but my 2k was atually including gear bikes $899 + shipping comes in factorie box i actually got to put the front tire on and rais handle bars (is that hard to do?)

thats why i asked because the bikes price was extremely low

but for the price would it worth trowing the dice?

logitech104 · Sat Nov 04, 2006 3:21 pm

i would never buy a chinese made bike.

VermilionX · Sat Nov 04, 2006 3:24 pm

anybody know if any of the big 4 have factories in china?

jonnythan · #8 Unread post by **jonnythan** » Sat Nov 04, 2006 3:30 pm

Don't buy it. A brand new motorcycle for $900? It's going to be made of "poo poo" parts you will never find replacements for.

Buy a used bike in your price range.

Andrew0853 · Sat Nov 04, 2006 3:32 pm

OMG thanks anyways but i seen my same bike somewere else instead of "Lifan" on the side it said "TMS", this place stated bike is legal in 48 states california NOt beging one of them making it kinda hard to get the bike since i live in CA. that sucks bad 48 staes and i dind't make the cut;

just outa curiosity why are soem bikes not legal in California?

and would putting on the front wheel and raising bars been hard for me>?

would have come liek thsi ^^^^^

#10 Unread post by **Wrider** » Sat Nov 04, 2006 4:17 pm

Yeah, definitely would have been hard to do unless you're good with mechanical work and have quite a bit of experience with the right tools. As far as I can figure, the CA emissions are quite strict, with a lot of bikes needing a catalytic converter to pass them. Verm should be checking back here shortly and would probably be able to let you know (as well as dozens of other CA riders here).
If you can, just go with the Ninja 250, and if you want to ask someone about it, Silentx has one and loves it so far (his first bike, also in CA)
Wrider