Just ordered a Vader

[jsumd]

Hey everyone! I have been considering a vader for awhile and finally pulled the trigger. Now, I have never owned a new china bike and wanna make sure I do everything right when it gets here. Aside from putting it together what else do I need to do? I remember reading once years ago that you needed to change the oil in them before you ride them, is this still the case? Also, I'm pretty sure I've read multiple times to take out certain bolts and loctite them. Which ones?
Anything else I need to be looking out for?

I appreciate any help in advance!

[_MaXiPaD_]

Hey everyone! I have been considering a vader for awhile and finally pulled the trigger. Now, I have never owned a new china bike and wanna make sure I do everything right when it gets here. Aside from putting it together what else do I need to do? I remember reading once years ago that you needed to change the oil in them before you ride them, is this still the case? Also, I'm pretty sure I've read multiple times to take out certain bolts and loctite them. Which ones?
Anything else I need to be looking out for?

I appreciate any help in advance!


Hey jsumd! Congrats on your purchase!

As far as assembly goes, it's not too difficult. An extra hand would be nice for putting the rear monoshock in.

Drain the oil immediately and put in fresh oil (oil drain bolt is a 17mm bolt on the right side of the bike under the exhaust pipe; just telling you because I accidentally removed the cam chain tensioner by removing the wrong bolt lol).

Handlebars and controls are easy to put together.

It's recommended that you put blue loctite on all engine bolts (8mm bolts I believe), although I haven't done that yet. Don't overtorque them when putting them back in.

As far as putting the front wheel on, I found the best way to do that was to put the Vader under an A-frame ladder and suspend the front-end in the air using ratchet straps. (See picture below)

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i335/MaXiPaD3/20160722_194547.jpg


You should also check your valve lash at some point in time. It'd be best if you did so immediately, but you don't have to. There are YouTube videos out there that you can use as references if you needed to. It should be the same process as checking/adjusting the valve lash on genuine Groms.

Other than that, it's simple and straightforward. Hope you have a great experience w/ the Vader!

[jsumd]

Thanks man! Your video is what led me to choose a vader. Im on there as moto-jimbo. What leds did you use? Ill just go ahead and change them when i get it.

[culcune]

Maxipad will be your best help here, and I just found this video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHeetiEX75M

The above video is from a guy who rode a CT-70 replica (Chinese 125cc knockoff of the Honda) from San Francisco to New York City with his son, who was on a 150cc BMS scooter. If you remind me, I can try to find the advrider.com thread, which is an interesting read, but not much help to you in putting your Vader together :)

[culcune]

Here is thread which won't help you with the Vader, but is a good read and shows how stout the Chinese bikes can be

http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/scooters-across-america-san-francisco-to-new-york.988742/

[BlackBike]

Here is thread which won't help you with the Vader, but is a good read and shows how stout the Chinese bikes can be

http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/scooters-across-america-san-francisco-to-new-york.988742/

Thanks culcune, after reading that last winter I decided to pull the trigger on my CB. :crazy: what was I thinking.

May take off for another long distance jaunt. Thinking about Aransas national wildlife refuge. Home of the whooping cranes.

[jsumd]

thanks for sharing the video and the link! The scooters across america post was great!

[_MaXiPaD_]

Ha Thanks again culcune! You're always on top of it!

The LED Headlight Bulbs (without High Beam) I'm using are:
Part #: H6 BA20D Type 5W
Link:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2x-H6-BA20D-Type-5W-High-Power-SMD-LED-Bulb-Xenon-White-Pair-/161039720771?hash=item257eb72143:g:MzoAAMXQLs5Rrkp K


I will make a thread on here some time in the near future listing all of the mods I have done to my bike and where to get them.

[jsumd]

Ok is there a option with a highbeam? I have to pass va inspection.

I look forward to seeing all your mods.

[_MaXiPaD_]

Ok is there a option with a highbeam? I have to pass va inspection.

I look forward to seeing all your mods.

I believe this would work, however I'm not certain.

Link:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1pcs-BA20D-COB-Led-Motorcycle-Moto-Headlight-High-Low-Beam-Light-Bulb-12V-/221937961253?fits=Model%3AHigh+Roller&hash=item33ac888925:g:VCYAAOSwT5tWQqX2&vxp=mtr



The 5w bulbs will still function if you turn the high beams on, but they look the same as when they're operating on low beam.

[jsumd]

Thanks a ton! You've been a huge help!

[jsumd]

Just a quick update. My cashiers check was received by powersportsmax today (Saved me $35 to do it that way and I'm cheap like that). I made sure to have someone sign for the package through usps. Call me over cautious but better safe than sorry.

[_MaXiPaD_]

Just a quick update. My cashiers check was received by powersportsmax today (Saved me $35 to do it that way and I'm cheap like that). I made sure to have someone sign for the package through usps. Call me over cautious but better safe than sorry.

There's no such thing as being over-cautious when it comes to dealing w/ some of these vendors lol.. That's awesome tho! I look forward to hearing about your experience w/ the Vader!

[jsumd]

Update time. I'm not sure where my bank finds employees but I called simply asking them if the cashiers check had been cashed and the employee couldn't even figure out how to tell me that. She said she had to do some research and call me back. Umm, okay. Anyway, I'm not really nervous about it but I think I'll go ahead and email powersportsmax and test out the whole customer service end of them.

[Bruce's]

Certainly too late for this transaction ,but the general consensus when dealing with these china bike venders is to use a credit card for the extra protection in case things go bad .

[jsumd]

Certainly too late for this transaction ,but the general consensus when dealing with these china bike venders is to use a credit card for the extra protection in case things go bad .

Yeah I really wish I had done that. If things go bad I'll get my money back one way or another.

[phager76]

Anyway, I'm not really nervous about it but I think I'll go ahead and email powersportsmax and test out the whole customer service end of them.
Yeah, good luck with that. I ordered with a credit card last Thursday. The site says orders are processed and shipped within 72 hours (Although re-reading, it actually says "Business Hours", what exactly does that mean, a standard business day is 8 hours, so are they saying 10 business days? :shrug:), and your card isn't billed until shipped. I emailed them last night, since that would be three business days which is my reading of the policy. The response I got was the following:

The order has been sent to warehouse for pick up. As soon as we get the shipping status from shipping company,we will keep you informed.

Pretty much a useless reply IMHO. I work tech support, and I'd at least follow up with the shipping contractor to get an ETA on the shipping time. I'm really kind of wishing I went through APSCUSA, it would have been a little bit more and after sale support is virtually non-existent, but I would have at least gotten it shipped in a reasonable time frame.

In addition I've heard that their response time for a MCO is pretty poor too. I'm a bit worried that my daughter won't have her dirt bike and I won't have my scooter legal until summer (Maybe a bit of hyperbole there!). I'm holding off on a scathing review until we see what happens, but it's been a week which strikes me as a bit excessive.

Keep us updated on what happens and I'll do the same!

[jsumd]

Sorry to hear you are having a bad experience. We will suffer together haha. Seriously though keep me updated and ill do the same.

[jsumd]

I pretty much got the same response but much shorter and terribly written.

"Now we are checking with our warehouse about the check-in. Update will let you know soon"

Not very reassuring.

[culcune]

People have been complaining about ASPCUSA lately in regards to shipping, including one member who ordered two Vaders (actually ASPCUSA sells the Cazador branded 125 minis) in early December hoping to get them by Christmas but did not receive them until January. My guess is the Vaders are drop-shipped and aren't ready for shipping? A week plus a few days seem par for the course lately no matter where people are ordering from! :hmm:

[jsumd]

I was sent a follow up email saying that they had received my cashiers check and that they will be updating with order information next. I was actually kind of surprised they sent another email without being asked again. So, let's see how this continues to play out.

[phager76]

Well, I said I'd update. I checked the order status this morning and the bikes are showing as shipped. I then checked the tracking info and it's enroute to Chicago as we speak.

I will say, even though they said they'd send shipping confirmation, I still haven't received info from them.

So far, their communication leaves a lot to be desired, I'll post any new developments in a separate thread so I don't completely hijack yours, jsumd.

[jsumd]

Thanks for the update! Glad things are moving for you! Yeah, it would be nice if they would just do the things they told you they would do.

So far my order is still pending but I imagine that is due to the check processing. I'm not really concerned at this point.

[jsumd]

I recieved a email this morning saying "The check is being deposited now. Will update soon.". So, I'm not sure if this means they are just now getting around to depositing my check or if they mean it's still processing. They got the check on the first and you mean to tell me it's taken them this long to put a check in the bank? So far the process has been very slow. I'm not terribly aggravated as of now because 1. know things take time and 2. I expected it to take even longer because I sent a cashiers check. However, I can't help but feel a little annoyed.

[veezx20]

I recieved a email this morning saying "The check is being deposited now. Will update soon.". So, I'm not sure if this means they are just now getting around to depositing my check or if they mean it's still processing. They got the check on the first and you mean to tell me it's taken them this long to put a check in the bank? So far the process has been very slow. I'm not terribly aggravated as of now because 1. know things take time and 2. I expected it to take even longer because I sent a cashiers check. However, I can't help but feel a little annoyed.

Bro i sent my payment via paypal on the 23 and the next day i received tracking info that the bike was getting ready to be picked up for transit, i have a estimated date of 7th for delivery. As of today the 6th it shows the bike at the terminal where it gets loaded on a liftgate to come to me. Ill let you know if i get it tomorrow and post some pics. My experience with venommotorsports has been awesome. They answer messages thru fb on SUNDAYS! Who else does that? Thats what i call customer service! I hope you get your bike soon!

[jsumd]

Bro i sent my payment via paypal on the 23 and the next day i received tracking info that the bike was getting ready to be picked up for transit, i have a estimated date of the for delivery. As of today the 6th it shows the bike at the terminal where it gets loaded on a liftgate to come to me. Ill let you know if i get it tomorrow and post some pics. My experience with venommotorsports has been awesome. They answer messages thru fb on SUNDAYS! Who else does that? Thats what i call customer service! I hope you get your bike soon!

That's some great service! I'm seriously thinking of getting a hawk in the future and that company is on my radar to order from. I doubt I will ever use powersportsmax again (or a cashiers check). Look forward to seeing pics of your bike!

[phager76]

Just a small update on my end. It looks like my bikes have arrived at the destination terminal (Pittsburgh) this morning. Hopefully that means that they'll be here today/tomorrow. If it's any consolation, jsumd, it looks like once the bikes make it on the truck they get to you reasonably quickly.

I won't lie, I'm more then a bit worried about getting the MCOs in a timely fashion given my prior experience with after sale support with a well reputed company. Powersportsmax, as we all know, isn't near as responsive, so we'll see how that goes. The Coolster I'm not as worried about, since it's off road only, so the title/mco is only important when/if I sell, but the Lancer I'd like to commute on when the weather gets a bit better, so I'll need a title/plate for it asap.

[jsumd]

Hopefully you get your bikes soon! I look forward to seeing some pics and hearing about your assembly process. I really hope they get the ball rolling on my bike today but I'm not holding my breath. I'm also a little worried how fast they will get me my mco once I get the bike. I'm a patient person but I have my limits.

[jsumd]

It's starting to look like today is going to be a bust. If I don't have some info by tomorrow afternoon I'm going to start making phone calls. It's been seven days since they got my check and the status of my order has not changed.

[phager76]

I thought about going the money order route (I'm a bit of a cheapskate), and your experience is making me really glad I didn't go that route.

Have you thought about sending a link to this thread to them? Bad publicity can be a real motivator to a company to provide an acceptable outcome. I really hope you get a good resolution to your order. In an Amazon.com world we've all become accustomed to order processing in minutes or hours, not days, and orders to our door in two days. I don't think any of us expect a motorcycle delivered to our door in two days, but I really don't think it's too much to ask for same day/next day processing. I really think it's kind of unacceptable to wait a week or more for processing an order, escpecially when the company is just sitting on a couple of thousand of our hard earned dollars.

As for me, the wife got a call today, and the bikes will be delivered between 10:30 and 3:30 tomorrow, so I may try to get our early from work to get them assembled.

[jsumd]

In an Amazon.com world we've all become accustomed to order processing in minutes or hours, not days, and orders to our door in two days. I don't think any of us expect a motorcycle delivered to our door in two days, but I really don't think it's too much to ask for same day/next day processing.

I was just talking about this with my wife. I'm not a impatient person and I don't expect everyone to be amazon but I at least expect some sort of reasonable progress in a week. Nothing, and I mean nothing has happened with my order in the seven days since I've placed it. If there is not some kind of action by tomorrow afternoon I'm going to have to start taking things into my own hands. There is no reason a company can't have a order processed in this amount of time.

[phager76]

I hope you didn't think I was implying you were being overly impatient (Tone and meaning are such a hard thing to convey in text) so I hope I didn't offend. My point (for clarification) is that, like it or not, we live in an instant gratification world. Thanks to Amazon, and now WalMart, two day shipping, Sunday delivery, and rapid processing are the norm and the trend will just continue.

Companies live and die on their online reputation, and these China Bike dealers that can't meet the needs of the client base, are going to wither and die as forums like this one expose poor customer service, lengthy delays and lapses of communication. I really hate to see a small company go under, and I'd love to see powersport max and other companies that are providing a substandard service turn things around and start taking care of the customer and thrive. I think we're on the edge of a renaissance in the Chinese motorcycle industry. I'm seeing a lot of parallels between the CBs of the last 5 years or so that I've been looking into CBs and what I've read of Honda and other Japanese manufacturers of the early 60s. I'd say in the next 5-7 years we're going to see a lot more CBs on the road, with a larger dealer network here in the US, Quality levels will continue to go up (See CSC) and after sale support will no longer be an afterthought (Pardon the pun). We're the pioneers of this new age, and sadly that means we also have to bear the brunt of the current growing pains we see in the industry.

Wow, I went off on a bit of a tangent there, sorry for the threadjack :D

[jsumd]

I hope you didn't think I was implying you were being overly impatient (Tone and meaning are such a hard thing to convey in text) so I hope I didn't offend. My point (for clarification) is that, like it or not, we live in an instant gratification world. Thanks to Amazon, and now WalMart, two day shipping, Sunday delivery, and rapid processing are the norm and the trend will just continue.

Nope, I wasn't offended at all! I was actually just being conversational! Like you said Tone is a hard thing to convey in text!

I also agree that we're a group of pioneers of a new age. So many people shun china bikes. It's actually came quite a ways in the past five or six years though. I remember when I had my first china bike no one took it seriously at all. When I had my Chinese scooter a few years later I had a lot of people ask me about it. The tone is changing all the time.

[culcune]

American Lifan is planning to make a comeback via dealerships as we speak. Loosely, that is what SSR is doing, but if you look around, you can find some of their bikes via mail-order. RPS, who are most famous for the Hawk, but have added a slew of product, has dealers, and is looking for more. To me, Bashan, based on their line of enduros, could be sold via dealerships (and are), rather than mail-order; I mean like a specific Bashan dealer, rather than a random place selling a bunch of Chinese products, that currently exist. To me, the distributors could start reining in their products simply by encouraging branding via signage. I mean, a Bashan sign, for instance, outside a mom and pop powersports dealer might start instilling a bit of confidence in people. I believe that Taotao should consider the same. Ok, MORE hijacking over :lmao:

[jsumd]

American Lifan is planning to make a comeback via dealerships as we speak. Loosely, that is what SSR is doing, but if you look around, you can find some of their bikes via mail-order. RPS, who are most famous for the Hawk, but have added a slew of product, has dealers, and is looking for more. To me, Bashan, based on their line of enduros, could be sold via dealerships (and are), rather than mail-order; I mean like a specific Bashan dealer, rather than a random place selling a bunch of Chinese products, that currently exist. To me, the distributors could start reining in their products simply by encouraging branding via signage. I mean, a Bashan sign, for instance, outside a mom and pop powersports dealer might start instilling a bit of confidence in people. I believe that Taotao should consider the same. Ok, MORE hijacking over :lmao:

To me, in a way, I feel like something will be lost when china bikes become standard in dealerships. There is something to be said for the kind of "underground" feeling of it all....except for waiting 7 days with no order update at all :D

[BlackBike]

Bro i sent my payment via paypal on the 23 and the next day i received tracking info that the bike was getting ready to be picked up for transit, i have a estimated date of 7th for delivery. As of today the 6th it shows the bike at the terminal where it gets loaded on a liftgate to come to me. Ill let you know if i get it tomorrow and post some pics. My experience with venommotorsports has been awesome. They answer messages thru fb on SUNDAYS! Who else does that? Thats what i call customer service! I hope you get your bike soon!

Start a thread with delivery truck pics!

[BlackBike]

I hope you didn't think I was implying you were being overly impatient (Tone and meaning are such a hard thing to convey in text) so I hope I didn't offend. My point (for clarification) is that, like it or not, we live in an instant gratification world. Thanks to Amazon, and now WalMart, two day shipping, Sunday delivery, and rapid processing are the norm and the trend will just continue.

Companies live and die on their online reputation, and these China Bike dealers that can't meet the needs of the client base, are going to wither and die as forums like this one expose poor customer service, lengthy delays and lapses of communication. I really hate to see a small company go under, and I'd love to see powersport max and other companies that are providing a substandard service turn things around and start taking care of the customer and thrive. I think we're on the edge of a renaissance in the Chinese motorcycle industry. I'm seeing a lot of parallels between the CBs of the last 5 years or so that I've been looking into CBs and what I've read of Honda and other Japanese manufacturers of the early 60s. I'd say in the next 5-7 years we're going to see a lot more CBs on the road, with a larger dealer network here in the US, Quality levels will continue to go up (See CSC) and after sale support will no longer be an afterthought (Pardon the pun). We're the pioneers of this new age, and sadly that means we also have to bear the brunt of the current growing pains we see in the industry.

Wow, I went off on a bit of a tangent there, sorry for the threadjack :D

Off the rails and back again...you did good:D

[BlackBike]

American Lifan is planning to make a comeback via dealerships as we speak. Loosely, that is what SSR is doing, but if you look around, you can find some of their bikes via mail-order. RPS, who are most famous for the Hawk, but have added a slew of product, has dealers, and is looking for more. To me, Bashan, based on their line of enduros, could be sold via dealerships (and are), rather than mail-order; I mean like a specific Bashan dealer, rather than a random place selling a bunch of Chinese products, that currently exist. To me, the distributors could start reining in their products simply by encouraging branding via signage. I mean, a Bashan sign, for instance, outside a mom and pop powersports dealer might start instilling a bit of confidence in people. I believe that Taotao should consider the same. Ok, MORE hijacking over :lmao:

To a dealer with a sharp eye for proper set up, I think these bashans and hawks could stand tall.

[veezx20]

Jsumd its here bro!

[phager76]

Any update on your bike, jsumd? My two made it safe and sound, so when your's gets sent out, it should come safe and sound.

[jsumd]

Congrats bro! Looks good! Let me know how the assembly goes!

No nothing. My son has a stomach bug so I didnt call today. Going to do so first thing tomorrow.

[jsumd]

Since I'm at work I don't really have time to call until this afternoon but I sent another email before leaving this morning. I basically said they have had my cashiers check for 9 days (7 business days) and I haven't had any update at all on the status of my order other than short email responses. I also asked for a substantial update by this afternoon or I would start making phone calls to my bank.

There is no reason a company should keep someones money and not change the status of the order when they do so. They deposited the check (by what they say) three days ago. The check should already be cleared.

I'm really not happy with powersportsmax as far as customer service goes. When and if I get this bike I will not be using them for anything again.

[culcune]

I feel bad for pointing them out. They have been around for years, and shipping out in a timely manner and aftersales warranty issues are but two complaints we have heard regarding them. But, they do offer super-low prices. Boom! International is literally within a relatively few miles of them, and I doubt they are even picking up your bike in the first place, but rather drop-shipping, but over a week? Not in stock cannot be an excuse as veezx20's bike most likely was shipped from Boom!

[jsumd]

I think the biggest factor in the huge delay on mine is the cashiers check. However they have had it more than long enough. If you cant do any better than that dont have it as a payment option. My lesson is learned lol

[culcune]

I seems silly to ask for them, in the day and age where people run all kinds of scams with fake cashiers checks!?

[phager76]

I wouldn't necessarily blame the cashier check, jsumd. I paid by a card, and I had a 10 day lag time from submitting my order and actually receiving shipping information on my order (Paid on the 23rd and shipped on the 2nd). The only increase in delay is the time it took to send it to them.

Either way, it's completely unacceptable in this day and age to have this kind of lag between ordering and shipping. I would likely be more understanding of it, if they simply put on their site something to the effect of: "Due to our high volume if sales, orders may not ship for 5-7 business days". If they did something like that, at least there's transparency and you can make your decision as to what's more important, speed or price. I'd be willing to bet that their reviews would go up quite a bit just from something like that. But to blantantly say "Orders are shipped within 72 hours, typically in 24 hours" is a flat out lie, and that just leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

We'll soon see how bad the MCO process is, as I'm going to place the order for mine tomorrow (30 for notarized and 30 for express and another 30 for the daughters with out express), Hopefully I'm riding on the street before Christmas :D !

[jsumd]

I wouldn't necessarily blame the cashier check, jsumd. I paid by a card, and I had a 10 day lag time from submitting my order and actually receiving shipping information on my order (Paid on the 23rd and shipped on the 2nd). The only increase in delay is the time it took to send it to them.

Either way, it's completely unacceptable in this day and age to have this kind of lag between ordering and shipping. I would likely be more understanding of it, if they simply put on their site something to the effect of: "Due to our high volume if sales, orders may not ship for 5-7 business days". If they did something like that, at least there's transparency and you can make your decision as to what's more important, speed or price. I'd be willing to bet that their reviews would go up quite a bit just from something like that. But to blantantly say "Orders are shipped within 72 hours, typically in 24 hours" is a flat out lie, and that just leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

We'll soon see how bad the MCO process is, as I'm going to place the order for mine tomorrow (30 for notarized and 30 for express and another 30 for the daughters with out express), Hopefully I'm riding on the street before Christmas :D !

I agree! It's not even the time that bothers me most, it's the lack of communication and letting a customer know what is going on. I've been looking at a pending order status since the 1st. Hopefully something will happen tomorrow but I'm really not thinking it will.

Yeah, I wonder how much longer we will be waiting on those mco's. Thing is they are just street bikes and there's not much else to be done with them until they are received. Most likely looking at a month from time of order to getting it legal.

[phager76]

Yeah, I wonder how much longer we will be waiting on those mco's. Thing is they are just street bikes and there's not much else to be done with them until they are received. Most likely looking at a month from time of order to getting it legal.

Yeah, ain't that the truth! I'm fortunate in that I live a bit out in the sticks, and there's a pretty good area I can put around on without much risk from police harassment. I'd like to commute on the Tao Tao occasionally, and I'm not making a 20 mile commute without plates! My regular commuter is a '16 Fiesta, so the fuel economy improvement is the big motivator, but it would be fun to show it off to my co-workers.

On a side note, my boss saw the video of Rhiannon on the coolster and wanted to know where I got it and how much it was. He's got 6 kids that are sharing an electric dirt bike and when he heard the price, he wanted to know more. I was really clear that the customer service there was piss poor, and order processing was really long. I also let him know that they do require a bit of mechanical aptitude (I do work for a computer firm after all). At least more people are joining the CB fold!

[jsumd]

A bit of a update on my end. The status of my order has changed to payment received on my account. It reads that payment is recieved and is being deposited and they are waiting for it to be cleared. This is marked as of today.

Here is the email I got back :

"Our accounting was on business trip and just came back
The MO was just deposited, now it is waiting for bank clearance
We will ship order earlier next week."

So, I guess they flat out lied to me about depositing my check 4 days ago. I gotta tell you guys, I'm pretty irritated about it. It's one thing to be vague and not helpful but I cannot stand lying. Especially when someone has over a grand of my money.

I'll be glad when this transaction is over.

[phager76]

Can't Like that post>:( This is really one of the worst companies I've had to deal with. Having worked in the retail world for the last 20 years (And glad to be on my way out of it) I'll accept a lot of things from retail sales, but the one thing I can not tolerate is being lied to.

I submitted my MCO request, and the order confirmation kind of sums up their attitude towards transactions: "Your request has been submitted successfully. Confirmation # is XXXXX. We will deal with it as soon as possible." Oh, I'm so sorry, you have to "Deal" with me :wtf:

[jsumd]

That is the worst autopop message Ive ever heard. Sorry you took our money and have to deal with it. They just seem to have a "we will do it when we feel like it" attitude. Very poor way to do business. I wont use them again and if friends ask where to order one it wont be there.

Also I highly doubt it will ship next week. I fully expect this whole thing to take a month. From time the order was placed until I get my mco.

[Sir kayakalot]

I just don't understand the randomness of PowersportsMax. I ordered my Hawk from them and got it in about a week. That was back in November. My son just ordered a Hawk from them last week. He placed his order on a Monday and it was delivered on Friday of the same week! What is going on at that place?!

[culcune]

Your experience with the Hawk, I am guessing, is that they drop-shipped them from RPS. I mentioned it in another post; there are quite a few Chinese bike companies headquartered in So. Cal., which is why there are 3 or 4 large mail-order companies based there. The TXPowersports companies controlled by 'Manny' (not to be confused with member Manny from New York :hehe:) are probably there because of the companies based out of Texas, or used to be based out of Texas (ie Taotao, RPS, etc).

They are mostly all run by Chinese people (wait, before you start yelling "racist") who travel often between the US and China. With low profit margins, their employee staff mostly consists of low-paid mechanical/warehouse people rather than. The few principal people are the ones traveling back and forth--the ones who are depositing money, sending out MCOs, communicating with customers, etc. If one principal person is gone, it seems like they don't get the things done that that person is supposed to do. Hence the piss-poor customer service that seems to pop up periodically/often-ish.

If not a lot needs to be done, and people are not in transit, it seems like an order can be streamlined through, as Sir Kayakalot just mentioned.

But, my friend Alan Tang from Excalibur (he is Chinese) can attest--a lot of the people in this industry don't really care. (Yes, he does care which is why I always steer people his way, but he doesn't have a flashy website)

[phager76]

That is the worst autopop message Ive ever heard. Sorry you took our money and have to deal with it. They just seem to have a "we will do it when we feel like it" attitude. Very poor way to do business. I wont use them again and if friends ask where to order one it wont be there.

Also I highly doubt it will ship next week. I fully expect this whole thing to take a month. From time the order was placed until I get my mco.

Any new updates on this, jsumd? I'm really hoping they get the bike to you soon.

[jsumd]

I havent heard anything from them since thursday night. Im giving them until Wednesday before I start calling.

[jsumd]

It looks like I'm going to be calling them tomorrow. I haven't heard anything today either. When someone tells me "Early next week" that means Monday or Tuesday.

[veezx20]

>:(It looks like I'm going to be calling them tomorrow. I haven't heard anything today either. When someone tells me "Early next week" that means Monday or Tuesday.

:tdown:>:( givem hell bro!

[jsumd]

My order was updated this morning to verified and it was sent to the warehouse. Good deal.

[veezx20]

My order was updated this morning to verified and it was sent to the warehouse. Good deal.

:clap:

[phager76]

Good to hear, Jsumd! Keep in mind that mine showed sent to warehouse on 2/24 and actually arrived on 3/4 so I might still be a few days before it makes in on a truck.

I'm still waiting to hear anything on my documents, I'd expect to get a tracking number on the Tao Tao since I requested overnight. I'll be contacting them on Friday, since that'll mark a week since I ordered the docs and we'll go from there.

[jsumd]

Good to hear, Jsumd! Keep in mind that mine showed sent to warehouse on 2/24 and actually arrived on 3/4 so I might still be a few days before it makes in on a truck.

I'm still waiting to hear anything on my documents, I'd expect to get a tracking number on the Tao Tao since I requested overnight. I'll be contacting them on Friday, since that'll mark a week since I ordered the docs and we'll go from there.

I'm figuring at least next week before it moves. I'll be shocked if it does. I'm just happy to see some progress.

I just don't see how it takes a week to slip some papers in a envelope and send them down the road. I know we aren't the only customers but come on it isn't back breaking manual labor.

[phager76]

I sort of expect a bit of a delay on papers for me, I live in the great communist state of Pennsylvania, so all titles and MCOs need to be notarize to transfer, so I can see an extra day or two, but a week seems a bit excessive. We'll see what happens. I'm in no great rush, I can ride locally without a plate as there's minimal police presence around my area, so even without the tag I can start breaking everything in and get a feel for her. Of course, that assumes that the weather ever decides to cooperate. 18 degrees right now with a brutal wind chill. and we're not supposed to break into the 40's (Yay?) until Sunday at the earliest.

[jsumd]

I sort of expect a bit of a delay on papers for me, I live in the great communist state of Pennsylvania, so all titles and MCOs need to be notarize to transfer, so I can see an extra day or two, but a week seems a bit excessive. We'll see what happens. I'm in no great rush, I can ride locally without a plate as there's minimal police presence around my area, so even without the tag I can start breaking everything in and get a feel for her. Of course, that assumes that the weather ever decides to cooperate. 18 degrees right now with a brutal wind chill. and we're not supposed to break into the 40's (Yay?) until Sunday at the earliest.

I need to check and see if I need to get mine notarized. Yeah, I agree a week seems a little excessive. Unfortunately I can't take mine past the driveway until I get it plated. I live in the middle of town and would be busted the first time knowing my luck.

It's been very cold here as well. It's supposed to be up in the mid 50's this weekend. I hate that winter showed back up like this. I'd like to take my rebel out.

[jsumd]

The bike shipped this morning! Things are really moving now.

[veezx20]

The bike shipped this morning! Things are really moving now.

Yeah buddy! Send a pic when she arrives!

[jsumd]

Will do! I actually mis read the shipping. It shipped yesterday afternoon.

[culcune]

I wonder what happened? Venommotorsports drops ships from the exact same distributor, and Powersportsmax is literally miles from them while Venom is in Canada (well, doesn't really matter since they drop ship directly from their sources).

[phager76]

Any updates on you delivery, Jsumd? I'm anxious to see pictures of the new ride!

[jsumd]

It is nearby and the truck is supposed to deliver tomorrow! Its kind of crazy I ordered this bike on the first and Im still waiting. I think my original timeline of a month was a bit generous. Who knows how long it will take to get the mco.

[phager76]

Could be a while. I emailed them about my papers and they said they were waiting on the notary to come in. I'll be emailing them again on Friday, which will mark a month since original order date. Not too happy right now.

[jsumd]

Could be a while. I emailed them about my papers and they said they were waiting on the notary to come in. I'll be emailing them again on Friday, which will mark a month since original order date. Not too happy right now.

I would imagine you aren't. Let me know how it goes.

[jsumd]

Just a quick update. The shipping company called today and the bike will be delivered on friday. I'm excited to finally get it! I'll have pics and probably videos of the unboxing and assembly!

[MOTOXtreme]

Just a quick update. The shipping company called today and the bike will be delivered on friday. I'm excited to finally get it! I'll have pics and probably videos of the unboxing and assembly!

Looking forward to your pictures / videos / and thoughts on this as Ive been thinking about one of these as well.

[culcune]

Just a quick update. The shipping company called today and the bike will be delivered on friday. I'm excited to finally get it! I'll have pics and probably videos of the unboxing and assembly!

Congrats! Did they ship it around the world??

[jsumd]

Congrats! Did they ship it around the world??

twice i think!

[jsumd]

Bike finally came in! Pics to come!

[jsumd]

I tried to put up photos and they were absolutely massive. haha

[OregonRider]

How are you liking it?

I'm in the market for a Vader, do the ones from PowersportsMax come with the gold trim and controls that the photos show, or is it the traditional Vader?

[jsumd]

How are you liking it?

I'm in the market for a Vader, do the ones from PowersportsMax come with the gold trim and controls that the photos show, or is it the traditional Vader?

So far I really like it. Mine was traditional with no gold trim.

[aalma006]

So far I really like it. Mine was traditional with no gold trim.

Was looking at the vader on Powersportsmax and was wondering the same thing. Good to know.. specially since they have a deal for the best price I've seen so far in my research, $880!!! plus 260 for shipping but want to call and see if I can get a discount for shipping. Both Venom Motorsports and Saferwholesale said they wouldn't charge me for shipping when I gave them a call. I'll post an update when I talk to them.

[jsumd]

Was looking at the vader on Powersportsmax and was wondering the same thing. Good to know.. specially since they have a deal for the best price I've seen so far in my research, $880!!! plus 260 for shipping but want to call and see if I can get a discount for shipping. Both Venom Motorsports and Saferwholesale said they wouldn't charge me for shipping when I gave them a call. I'll post an update when I talk to them.

It is a really great savings but the trade off is it takes them forever to get you the bike. It was worth it to me even though it was a bit tiring to deal with. I just requested my papers today. I'm curious how long that will take.

[culcune]

Both Venom Motorsports and Saferwholesale said they wouldn't charge me for shipping when I gave them a call. I'll post an update when I talk to them.

They already include shipping in the cost--you still get the lowest price from powersportsmax, but you also are expected to have patience, apparently. If you are not in a hurry, they might be your best bet!

[Jrack]

I bought my Vader through safer whole sale. They charge shipping, customer service is only so-so. Anyway, I paid it in full March 27. Looks like This Friday April 7th the bike will be delivered. 10 business days seems long but after reading most of this thread I feel lucky!

[jsumd]

I think "expected to have patience" isnt quite right. Its more like if you dont care to wait a little longer than you probably should have to and dont mind them lying a couple times. Im glad i saved money but i wouldnt go that way again.

[whiplash]

Sorry if off topic, anybody know if the $15 grom fork mod works on the china bikes?? Just got a TaoTao Hellcat and looking for better suspension...

Thanks!!

[Megadan]

Sorry if off topic, anybody know if the $15 grom fork mod works on the china bikes?? Just got a TaoTao Hellcat and looking for better suspension...

Thanks!!

I am not sure if anybody can answer this. The quick answer is no, but the only way to know for sure would be to see if the dampening rod end is the same as a Grom. If it is, then you could likely make your own version of said fork mod work.

As a general rule of thumb with most chinese bikes, before doing anything at all, it's a good idea to drain the forks of the factory fluid and add a good quality fork oil to the proper level.

[whiplash]

Okay thanks for the help, maybe just some good fork oil will make the difference. It's not terrible just looking to make it a little more Trail Worthy

[RedCrowRides]

I ordered from Venom Motorsports after reading horror stories like the ones in thsi thread about Texas Power Sports. I have a seperate thread over on Dealer/ Distributor
discussion, but I ordered a Vader from Venom, and recieved notification on July 16th that it "had Shipped"- Only thing is ,it didnt.Today is the 31st of July and the Roadrunner Tracking still shows the bike in California ,15 days after it supposedly "shipped", it is yet to leave the RoadRunner Terminal in Cali.


Here is the info from Roadrunners Tracking Site as of 7/31/18 at 8:00AM local time
"07/28/2018 10:20 AM Trailer Closed - ready for dispatch "


Here is my Shipping Notice from Venom from July 17 "
All of the items from order #5177 have now been shipped:



1x 2018 x20 125cc Vader Motorcycle - PREORDER - BLUE / Manual - 4 speed / 6month Replacement parts ($0)



So yeah , 15 days after I was told it had Shipped, it still sits in California ,many email exchanges with Venom, and RoadRunner ,lot of excuses, lot of ducking and dodging and failed follow ups from them to me. Venoms stated Delivery time is 4 -7 days in the USA. I guess that is unless it sits in Cali for over 2 weeks .


So, just be aware that Texas Power Sports can be bad, but Venom is not a sure fire solution , either. I could have tied my Vader to a 3 legged blind donkey and had it here by now .