chinese bikes in u.s.
Posted: Sun Nov 09, 2008 7:17 am
I own and have ridden a wildfire 200 enduro 2500 miles this season.It is similar to lifan 200 gy5. People say the motors are clones but if you do the history you will find honda has used lifan power in all their small bikes for years i e 50 80 100 cc.Lifan is one of the top scooter and small bike manufactures in china.They had a falling out with honda and only have limited involvement,Yamaha has some involvement with them now.True it is not a serious off road racer but for the money it can't be beat. I have contacted the U.S. distributor and they assure me parts are here in country and available. I use this as a commuter.I have swapped out the knobbies for avon distanzia.The bike does well in traffic and it gets 80 to 92 mpg!Top speed is 68 to 70 mph.It's got enough accel to stay out of trouble.It is true you have to check tightness regularly and have to be mechanically inclined but this should be done on any bike! I have had no electrical or mechanical issues other than loose bolts. In closing I would buy another chinese bike especially if they up the cc.The American market demands this and I am sure they want to get into this market.