We took the plunge x 2 [Archive]

tokarev

11-09-2007, 07:40 PM

This afternoon I took the plunge and ordered (2) VX250PR dirt bikes from Family Motorsports. One for me and the other for my son. I will be reporting on the whole process. Time to find a trailer.
http://www.family-motorsports.net/vx250prblue03.jpg

BigCountry

11-09-2007, 09:01 PM

Nice bike, I have the same one. I having trouble with the carburetor because I took out the battery and replaced the airfilter with a uni two stage. I think I need to change out the main jet. Anyway, I love the bike. Let me know how you like it.

tokarev

11-10-2007, 02:41 PM

Thanks for the info on your mods - most likely needs to be jetted for the change of filters. Do you have a part # for that filter?
Question - Are the mufflers on these bikes approved spark arrestors? I didnt ask when ordering.
Any other things to watch out for/fix before taking off into the woods.

katoranger

11-10-2007, 03:51 PM

I seen a similar bike and it did not have a spark arrestor. The muffler didn't look to muffle much either. You can probably add an aftermarket SA or swap out the mufflers.

Big Country, You need a larger main jet for that filter.

Allen

t6dav

11-10-2007, 05:00 PM

how do you like your new dirt bike? I am planning on buying the same bike for xmas. How does it compare to a jap bike?

tokarev

11-10-2007, 05:26 PM

I ordered them Friday so we are looking at a week to FL - Ordered (1) blue/black and (1) black/black. I will report on the transaction - the ordering went real smooth.
Florida requires the spark arrestor if you want to ride on state/fed land.

katoranger

11-10-2007, 06:47 PM

Look in my pictures. I have a cobra sparky attached to mine. It is USFS approved.

Other option is too buy a takeoff muffler from an xr250 or similar jap bike.

The cobra slips onto the end of the muffler.

Allen

BigCountry

11-10-2007, 08:43 PM

Thanks for the info guys. Ordered a couple of main jets today. And yes the bike does have a spark arrestor but not sure if it approved or not. I ride out in the desert and took mine out completely. Thanks.

t6dav

11-11-2007, 10:43 AM

BigCountry does your bike go through the sand ok? 99% of my riding will be up at silver lake sand dunes.

BigCountry

11-11-2007, 07:26 PM

It does fine in the sand. Better than I thought actually. I'm about 235lbs so getting up the longer, steep desert hills is a little harder with the Viva. All in all the bike has supprised alot of people around here.

t6dav

11-11-2007, 07:45 PM

well I am only 165lbs and 6' so I am guessing I should be fine. Do you have any mods of gear changes done to your bike?

BigCountry

11-11-2007, 07:48 PM

I've been looking for a 13t front sprocket. Haven't found one in my area yet. The air filter I installed came from this website.

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/2/9/427/7849/ITEM/Uni-Air-Filter-4-Inch-Two-Stage-Pod-Air-Filter.aspx

t6dav

11-11-2007, 07:52 PM

I just noticed that they have really small gas tanks. [0.8 gal] How long can you ride before you run out of gas?

t6dav

11-11-2007, 07:54 PM

did you have to make a jet change for the new air filter?

BigCountry

11-11-2007, 07:56 PM

I can usually ride hard for about 3 hours on a tank. I always throw a 5gallon gas jug in the truck when I know i'm going to be riding all day. I'm on it pretty hard most of the time trying to keep up with my friends quads. I'm sure I could ride longer if I didn't dog it so much.

BigCountry

11-11-2007, 08:00 PM

yeah you need a main jet change from what others have told me. I ordered the two bigger sizes yesterday. I'll let you know what size is the best when I put it back together.

t6dav

11-11-2007, 08:02 PM

thanks for the info. Now I'm really excited to get mine home

BigCountry

11-12-2007, 05:49 PM

ok, changed the main jet today. Installed a keihin 100. From just looking at it you couldn't really tell the difference. I took it out on a short ride today with no problems. The bike does not sputter and seems to have a hell of alot more power. Glad I did the upgrades. Ok guys later.

oncedead

11-13-2007, 03:13 AM

I got the same bike . Runs great but you better look for a new throttle cable now before it breaks .

BigCountry

11-13-2007, 01:54 PM

Yes, oncedead I forgot to mention that. I already replaced all the cables. Glad you brought it up.

tokarev

11-13-2007, 02:18 PM

big country - who's your source for replacement cables?

BigCountry

11-13-2007, 03:35 PM

There is a shop here in el paso called border buggies that used to sell the viva bikes. They quit selling them in august and only have two junk bikes left. They have some aftermarket cables that fit the bike. I'm not sure if they have anymore.

tokarev

11-14-2007, 04:03 PM

Family Motorsports emailed today to let me know the bikes have shipped and provided tracking info too. So far so good - looking at the 20th for delivery. At least my kids will be home to help take them off the truck.

tokarev

11-19-2007, 12:28 PM

Well today UPS delivered the helmets I ordered with the bikes - bikes are supposed to be delivered tomorrow.

ChiGongJitsu

11-20-2007, 07:52 PM

i hope everything goes well with delivery and setup! the guy that delivered my pitbike wanted to hang around and see it all unpacked, and the guy who delivered my 200cc dirtbike was all interested in how it looked too lol.

i don't know if anybody has tried this, but i installed my front wheel with the bike on it's side, i just had my dad keep the forks straight, and everything went together well.

then again my dirtbike was delivered on it's side, and not right side up like it should have been lol. oh well no damage and she runs like a champ.

best of luck!

tokarev

11-20-2007, 11:51 PM

Today around 2:45 the Overnight truck showed up with the bikes - both were in good condition with no damage though I was supposed to get a blue and black bike both were black. Not a huge problem. Assembled one this afternoon with only one small problem. One of the bolts attaching the rear frames threads were stripped out. Found this when checking fastener tightness. Looking at just tapping with an inch bolt. Removed all the flash decals - much cleaner look. None were clearcoated. I didnt need instruction on how to assemble the bike but it sure would be nice to know which direction the choke lever works or maybe that theres a iginition cutout switch on the front brake lever. Anyway after some trial and error it seems to run fine. Tomorrow we assemble #2

Question - whats the best engine oil to use on these 4 strokes?

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n34/tokarevsvt_2006/new250firstnight.jpg

xf200

11-21-2007, 12:20 AM

looks mean man, good luck :D

katoranger

11-21-2007, 07:55 AM

The shell rotella T 15w40 is a good breakin oil. It is inexpensive. I have been running it in my bike, but Red makes a good point to use a lighter oil like a 10w30. If you go with a 10w30 use some designed for motorcycles.

Allen

thejunkman

11-21-2007, 08:05 AM

Is that a OHC or pushrod motor? By the way looks pretty nice, update us after break in.

tokarev

11-21-2007, 11:40 AM

Push rod from the looks of it.

tokarev

11-21-2007, 11:52 AM

After reading the manual under the "modifications" section they mention there is a USDA approved spark arrestor - cool one less mod to make.

jwalker84

11-21-2007, 12:52 PM

Push rod from the looks of it.
I read that the 2007 250cc zongshen motors are OHC. Is the motor a Zongshen?
What made you go with Family Motorsports over some of the others? Are you happy with them?

tokarev

11-21-2007, 01:05 PM

Price - 18/21 inch wheels - when I spoke with them on the phone the process went smooth.

jwalker84

11-21-2007, 02:31 PM

Tokarev,
Did this bike come with a title telling the actual China manufacturer? I called Family and they told me it is made for them by Taotao. A week ago I bought a 2007 250cc ATV that the title shows it a Taotao. I was told the motor is a Locin.

ChiGongJitsu

11-21-2007, 06:13 PM

nice looking bike you got there.

whatever oil you use make sure it is for motorcycles, as was mentioned. motorcycle oil is different from car oil even though they come in the same weights (10w-40) etc...

motorcycle oil lubricates the transmission and everything else in the motor, so don't use car oil because car oil is not designed for that.

the first things i did with my bikes was take off all the silly stickers too lol

what is the height to the cradle of the seat when it's fully upright (off the kickstand)?

tokarev

11-21-2007, 08:09 PM

These bikes were made by Zhejiang Motors Co. - thats what the emissions data plate says. They have a seat height of 37 1/2 inches. The stickers had to go and they came off easy. Oil - looks like a trip to the local bike shop from some bike oil.
3 more pics of the bikes prior to assembly
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n34/tokarevsvt_2006/DSC03167.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n34/tokarevsvt_2006/DSC03169.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n34/tokarevsvt_2006/DSC03175.jpg

tokarev

11-23-2007, 06:45 PM

Since the last report we have been going through the bikes looking for problems / mods. Found one stripped out bolt from the factory. Took the gas tank off and found this
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n34/tokarevsvt_2006/oldmotormount.jpg
It was scary looking when mounted to the frame/engine. So as the turkey was cooking in the oven I rebuilt the mount.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n34/tokarevsvt_2006/newmotormount.jpg
Here it is installed this morning. Now all the hardware tightens flush as it should. Bofore my mods nothing fit flush or tight. More mods to follow.

HardlyDangerous

11-24-2007, 01:24 AM

Looks great so far, good job on fixing the lil flaws...
nice work

katoranger

11-24-2007, 04:32 PM

Nice job. While you are fixing the mounts you may want to go ahead and replace the engine mounting bolts with grade 8 hardware that actually fits the holes. Made a big difference on my bike.

Allen

tokarev

11-24-2007, 06:14 PM

katoranger - did you get your grade 8 bolts at the local hardware store or a fastner dealer?
The chinese hardware is definetly poor quality.

tokarev

11-24-2007, 09:12 PM

When I removed the muffler to give it a closer look I noticed they used a really small/thin spacer between the muffler and the frame. To prevent future rattling I made a couple spacers from some 5/8" aluminum bar stock on the lathe.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n34/tokarevsvt_2006/mufflerspacer.jpg
The next mod/change is a trial ballon on one bike - ditched the air pump and made a cover for the opening - engine seems to be more responsive after its removal.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n34/tokarevsvt_2006/emissionsmod2.jpg

katoranger

11-24-2007, 09:21 PM

ACE Hardware. I used 3/8" bolts and a 7/16" for the bottom one. I am not sure on the lengths, but yours probably different.

Allen

tokarev

11-25-2007, 06:31 PM

Well we got lucky on the second bikes motor mount - its OK. Found another stripped from the factory screw on my bike - one of the two that hold the rock guard on the brake side of the front forks. Retapped 1/4-20 as a fix.

tokarev

11-26-2007, 06:04 PM

Today the bill of sales and cert of origins arrived in the mail. Faxed in on the 21st back to me on the 26th - not bad. Now the trip to the FL DMV for the offroad vehicle title and to pay the taxes - BOOOOOO

tokarev

11-27-2007, 05:02 PM

Made the DMV trip today to get the Off Road Vehicle title. At first he (DMV clerk)didnt seeem to know what to do with the MSO and bill of sale since I didnt by from a FL dealer. After a talk with his supervisor and punching the correct keys I had my paperwork and sticker for the front fork. All thats left to do is get the trailer ready.

tokarev

12-01-2007, 07:57 PM

Finally took the bikes out for their maiden voyage today. Went to the Croom ORV park north of Tampa. Aside from the bikes first time out it was my sons first time on a full size dirt bike. Overall the bikes performed well - plenty of low end power for trail riding - pulled my 240 lbs with the greatest of ease. Also the smaller wheel base seems well suited for trail riding. My son laid his down in the sand a few times without any major damage. Never really had a chance to crack the throttle wide open. Did end the day on a down note with my bike though - during one of the boys close encounters with the FL sand I rode over to him and turned the bike off. When I tried to restart the engine using the starter it didnt work. When I pushed the starter button all I heard was a small click.
It did finally kick start though - not at first though. Anybody ever have a similar problem? Going to swap out the battery first and see what happens.
The bikes and my Pinzgauer did have other riders asking about them - most had never seen a Chinese dirt bike let alone a truck like the Pinz
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n34/tokarevsvt_2006/bothdirtbikesatcroom.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n34/tokarevsvt_2006/dirtbikeinPinz2.jpg

oncedead

12-02-2007, 06:01 AM

I've had starter problems myself. I think mine were mostly the yellow button , seems like if i barely pushed it in it starts fine until my battery died . Its kick starts good now. http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/scitber/09-24-07_1517.jpg (http://photobucket.com)

tokarev

12-02-2007, 08:38 AM

The whole starting sequence is way to SAFE - to many things to break/fail. I will be looking at simplifing the system. Oncedead - when you removed the battery did you remove the starter?

ChiGongJitsu

12-02-2007, 02:04 PM

My starter sometimes is sluggish when the battery is about to die, a new battery will probably help alot. No problem with the actual starter though. My bike is easier to kick start after it warms up and the more i ride it, the easier it is to kick. Your bike will probably be easier to kick the more you ride it and after the engine is nice and warmed up.

by the way those bikes look SICK!!! i like the black on black on black on black lol. That reminds me of the bikes bad guys always ride in action movies. Now all you need are black handlebars, tripleclamps, gas cap, exhaust shield and risers lol

tokarev

12-02-2007, 03:08 PM

Removed the seat to start looking for the problem and found the positive battery wire came loose - starting problem solved. Now on the the air cleaner/battery box. The air cleaner is scary - a piece of foam tube wedged between two pieces of plastic. besides that you have to disassemble half the bike to get to it. Like to be able to service the element without removing the rear frame.