Apollo 250 out, New 2019 blue CSC TT250 ordered.

[Irishjew]

Sold my Apollo over the weekend and lasted exactly two days before going through withdrawals. I just couldn't get the Apollos rear suspension set up the way I wanted it without some frame modifications. The Apollo ran great and its new owner seemed happy with the purchase as he plans to put it on the back of his RV for tooling around.

I live in Nevadafornia and its not as easy to register all of the offroad branded hawks and magicians. The TBR 7 was just too new for me to gamble on and the BMS 250cc CRP that was available locally has disappeared from the Nevada turbopowersports website. I though long and hard about it and even went to look at a brand new 2018 CRF250l Rally that was on sale for 3895 plus fees. The problem with the crf250L rally was that the dealership had a bait and switch scam going with over $1500 in additional fees plus tax.

I actually called CSC and they actually answer their phones, they keep stock on actual replacement parts, and just seemed to be genuinely nice people. Hopefully the quality of this bike is good. I am super excited about its impending delivery. I am going to take lots of pictures and a video when it arrives.

[dpl096]

You will find that the crew Steve Seidner has assembled at CSC is top shelf. There is really no one else in the CB market like them. Quality product, reasonable pricing and real customer service sums them up nicely

[Megadan]

You will be quite happy with the TT250. CSC is a pretty great company to work with, and probably the best in the Chinese motorcycle world in N. America. They were super helpful to me when I was ordering parts and had a mix up and I don't even own a CSC motorcycle.

[NzBrakelathes]

I think the old story " you get what you pay for" applies.
Paying more should give you more and CSC demonstrates that.

Seems most all other cheaper bike seller people have issues etc but they paid less so logically they get less but maybe expect more then they actually paid for.

[elkhunter338]

Mine is running good @ 280 miles, CSC has been great to deal with, Would I purchase the tt250 again, YES. It's not the perfect bike but nothing is. You should be pleased with your purchase.

[Megadan]

I think the old story " you get what you pay for" applies.
Paying more should give you more and CSC demonstrates that.

Seems most all other cheaper bike seller people have issues etc but they paid less so logically they get less but maybe expect more then they actually paid for.

That is exactly it, you pay more to get more. I bought a Hawk knowing the support would be non-existent, but also knowing I had the ability to take care of things myself.

[NzBrakelathes]

China doesn’t make a great bike for a low price
It does make a low price bike that could be great in ones own opinion

China isn’t the Slave to the USA and they’re making sure they sent
They intend to be your master / look hard at things and the culture and you’ll see what I mean.

Their down fall so far is their own lazy attitude and non willingness to change
If you could only know all the experience I’ve had! Simple shit kept very difficult

[wedooit]

Congrats on your purchase! I also look at csc. The service and support is important. I have written that the guys in the masters knowledge class on this site, could charge for their knowledge services and have extra income. If you have some time, do some write up on your purchase! Take care and stay safe!

[Wild Dog]

China doesn’t make a great bike for a low price
It does make a low price bike that could be great in ones own opinion

China isn’t the Slave to the USA and they’re making sure they sent
They intend to be your master / look hard at things and the culture and you’ll see what I mean.

Their down fall so far is their own lazy attitude and non willingness to change
If you could only know all the experience I’ve had! Simple shit kept very difficult

Well they are great bike for the tag price. China can make great things for a very low price. Like Norinco Firearms, garden tools, etc.
But let's be honest you can make them so cheap, because the Chinese government is forcing low wage to their workers and forcing a hive mind just like the russians.

[2LZ]

I think for the money, the Chinese are providing a great value for the buck spent. What I find atrocious is how much the Japanese are charging for their bikes. Purely market driven. Much of the motorcycle world is inflated by "I gotta have the newest, latest, best" mentality. Lots of image involved. Obviously, we as China riders don't care about image much. ;-)

[culcune]

CSC is literally a store/on- line store vs. most budget mail-order stores. I would equate them to a reputable big brand dealership that happens to mail-order.

[BitcoinDood]

I love my TT250 and customer service with CSC is fantastic. They've always answered my questions, were super helpful, and I've never had a problem ordering parts. With 4500 miles on the bike since last spring, I've had no serious issues.

[Wild Dog]

What I find atrocious is how much the Japanese are charging for their bikes. Purely market driven. Much of the motorcycle world is inflated by "I gotta have the newest, latest, best" mentality.
Here is a good example of what you say:
In Argentina with around 2500 dollars you can buy these motorcycles:

A)Yamaha XTZ 125, 9.8 HP assembledin Brazil with chinese and thailand parts. MSRP 2680
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/aahOXdBXsTXwByofeCAfxMJzCEbG-eVdXvfE_Yvdc7pFouAPvZNdl1mey_k5qQ-KvRoWMm3n1gg0HK33lc-JhoBieULT7vuqIYh8BLiRDc5Zoku_tduOBP0R1dZZ8IMm_TJU3 dR6qhXL8kGnFl7DG-JuU4VJjg8-UjQehnVqxPdV6JB9r0YXI1jlJdIX4IiXGN_mGgyXkHGb9-vzMCNbUw73y30sV0QiLl2B5o_lsi6RTOr_w_PiWWXYWdMUFPJs XazkrUjQNmvpQEv3NDVpQr_MGrSUXPC0ZP6gcjRIGM3TmOFK_h BV04cEl-rcEpzukkkEfiiVs3eYtqRWISolsPfVt7iYB4TEVika55MP7YKs 14_SAJSXJGbx0BGP-LfVFfEgklm5LWskkTe06wUdZgoZ4esSJiSkJLi4Fzf9p2z1NGK afqoGRbGB2YK8ckM-RTOtlNXn69z256H-LUeFYDT0CMyGVYhwBt2M8HbN91n63LoNBbQ2loUCFJ4CCUNu4O-s_eiVliW8ytyWZ8Y1Bs7K3smGgxACqcN0mn5JD_gE1yBRaE1VN l-UaKCKk_-cpHOjXoyYKrQ0FX8AdqPn5y6twvHRPwrhnjjIqTKKMwhd1TrAu uQgrKm8yeLszjSlqCXYPC2e2SuolB9hpRUXz65tRXDDYr8A=w1 184-h888-no

B)Honda XR190 L FI, It's use the cb190r engine, assembled in Argentina, again with chinese and thailand pars. About 18 HP MSRP 2650
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/rZqPpKdr9cIqiw5AbZUZk6V0vjbpsd6jTmEqc5xkNNOnzpsNxs DG4eFUo1oIs-EL06REISHtZqw3cBfFxl0U7x5tOYfUg-NXxvqWoqGccowqyGwh-unSyrxB0Q55jHdddKoyX_tJ7Jzmg-WXwRI0damPMBRK8Ps3CYYLyBxX56t-r8O-x9DSJl59klrk-nuHPMRxYr3PcJd-dZj45g42lbmdHRu-2gI8LmConqMSq4uBfqtqQpY7JXhZZuEt8DXxpSt8f8nP2KCbzo Rl0dxD_clJZi7vw60Pvm5Lg9zQG-GM24yrWSJcKWEFOFtYCTjduR1_-rwB_1HZ92JBfOnAvGGxNaVAVMigFzBMS81Z_CcrID4h5lh9Lpy UejAdbXXsu0O_3n2uXpNffhDiKkBnPOmYKpmMlbwr1kQLahn6B d3fP9zJt27g5pena7KvedF7G5oOdmIBN1eBCPgJIJ74ic1NLL-jY-PHwj5oemFBAJKxZC1KQt-r5GBHZj7hhL_Zmg2nsnb4F2pWvfaOcHIQx-C3R_FALh-F7z71agC0dfFYNxnczOXh33na3ZFFkWW47J3z4p2gg2q8inhXl lPHh7N645aijCQ7FJG0UZsDobl6CPuv953YUOqBtLBemQHKxJF TJIotnLmz6X31WRfDnYBKNhAt_alm=w1184-h888-no

C)"Corven 250 TXR" Chinese on/off with a water cooled 250cc engine. I don't know if it's a yamaha clone or a Kawasaki clone, not honda for sure. About 20 HP. MSRP 2050

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/jFoBFr98EOb8rGgIHPmWoqlV_13Ag8EDooPGulvmrx7nJh4xdx cITk97Ys70gDUQE7w05RHjP3vC1g0K6lPnJWPfzX5_1Rve5cp2 Ce-pNvh_nHluVG8fY9m2MhK7IlTbcJnj9ZyqHUpThU5O5Ir7GygQu qy4kSbOcGA5BcozgCWe4NUEG1YrbuhnByyNQmibkh8esKeSFWw TKrQ3aWGNm0uX0IygboeQ2XV4DTXts2pEHgxwrHgWaTQpM9Gm5 2nQTLzeE0uHLYeIhWuj2jngjzjE-Ju7uSJBo0f23MFuWy3hkMOihWjD963wtj4eoaKtsYi5xcV-pwSTzjYKf2oflToJKarXPDz5r19Im2hcxhfbrvEVkw2yGVEEUI ylRfQ0exda3UeZo-p4Nav59PbJwONPSjHg5PXFurQU9zqjWKfgoCdmynoxqAuTtjh6 YSx99zzCDiYmaCOdeTHCjS5Y9bN8PdZLRn0hBPsRqpV_nMGLmB gyPi98vB2BwUXfYYNU8tcaRN1MtKwlCf2Akg-_c3oo_skNvxBWGTUjCYmyINV6vdA5LTWZxu79yDFR9co5jDi3q tbbpC-WgeD0SjKUQ-k-bdfLHPu6JEr3DsliIS8bDKlijZFZyBgwPriKLmnFa7ovrWA9jZ s_ggIyVpAcGn0KlEC5nzuE=w1000-h650-no


The japanese know that people will pay anything for something stamped with their brand.

[NzBrakelathes]

Here is a good example of what you say:
In Argentina with around 2500 dollars you can buy these motorcycles:

A)Yamaha XTZ 125, 9.8 HP assembledin Brazil with chinese and thailand parts. MSRP 2680
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/aahOXdBXsTXwByofeCAfxMJzCEbG-eVdXvfE_Yvdc7pFouAPvZNdl1mey_k5qQ-KvRoWMm3n1gg0HK33lc-JhoBieULT7vuqIYh8BLiRDc5Zoku_tduOBP0R1dZZ8IMm_TJU3 dR6qhXL8kGnFl7DG-JuU4VJjg8-UjQehnVqxPdV6JB9r0YXI1jlJdIX4IiXGN_mGgyXkHGb9-vzMCNbUw73y30sV0QiLl2B5o_lsi6RTOr_w_PiWWXYWdMUFPJs XazkrUjQNmvpQEv3NDVpQr_MGrSUXPC0ZP6gcjRIGM3TmOFK_h BV04cEl-rcEpzukkkEfiiVs3eYtqRWISolsPfVt7iYB4TEVika55MP7YKs 14_SAJSXJGbx0BGP-LfVFfEgklm5LWskkTe06wUdZgoZ4esSJiSkJLi4Fzf9p2z1NGK afqoGRbGB2YK8ckM-RTOtlNXn69z256H-LUeFYDT0CMyGVYhwBt2M8HbN91n63LoNBbQ2loUCFJ4CCUNu4O-s_eiVliW8ytyWZ8Y1Bs7K3smGgxACqcN0mn5JD_gE1yBRaE1VN l-UaKCKk_-cpHOjXoyYKrQ0FX8AdqPn5y6twvHRPwrhnjjIqTKKMwhd1TrAu uQgrKm8yeLszjSlqCXYPC2e2SuolB9hpRUXz65tRXDDYr8A=w1 184-h888-no

B)Honda XR190 L FI, It's use the cb190r engine, assembled in Argentina, again with chinese and thailand pars. About 18 HP MSRP 2650
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/rZqPpKdr9cIqiw5AbZUZk6V0vjbpsd6jTmEqc5xkNNOnzpsNxs DG4eFUo1oIs-EL06REISHtZqw3cBfFxl0U7x5tOYfUg-NXxvqWoqGccowqyGwh-unSyrxB0Q55jHdddKoyX_tJ7Jzmg-WXwRI0damPMBRK8Ps3CYYLyBxX56t-r8O-x9DSJl59klrk-nuHPMRxYr3PcJd-dZj45g42lbmdHRu-2gI8LmConqMSq4uBfqtqQpY7JXhZZuEt8DXxpSt8f8nP2KCbzo Rl0dxD_clJZi7vw60Pvm5Lg9zQG-GM24yrWSJcKWEFOFtYCTjduR1_-rwB_1HZ92JBfOnAvGGxNaVAVMigFzBMS81Z_CcrID4h5lh9Lpy UejAdbXXsu0O_3n2uXpNffhDiKkBnPOmYKpmMlbwr1kQLahn6B d3fP9zJt27g5pena7KvedF7G5oOdmIBN1eBCPgJIJ74ic1NLL-jY-PHwj5oemFBAJKxZC1KQt-r5GBHZj7hhL_Zmg2nsnb4F2pWvfaOcHIQx-C3R_FALh-F7z71agC0dfFYNxnczOXh33na3ZFFkWW47J3z4p2gg2q8inhXl lPHh7N645aijCQ7FJG0UZsDobl6CPuv953YUOqBtLBemQHKxJF TJIotnLmz6X31WRfDnYBKNhAt_alm=w1184-h888-no

C)"Corven 250 TXR" Chinese on/off with a water cooled 250cc engine. I don't know if it's a yamaha clone or a Kawasaki clone, not honda for sure. About 20 HP. MSRP 2050



I think the Chinese clone is an adapted water cooled engine from the Air cooled CB250 - I can't see the photos but that is a semi common engine here or it is a NC250 that is now very common

[NzBrakelathes]

Well they are great bike for the tag price. China can make great things for a very low price. Like Norinco Firearms, garden tools, etc.
But let's be honest you can make them so cheap, because the Chinese government is forcing low wage to their workers and forcing a hive mind just like the russians.

It is so they can drain the west of the capital for them selfs - Hence Mr T has it right.

[Irishjew]

Wow those guys at CSC work quickly. Got my tracking number today for r&l carriers. Hopefully it arrives next week sometime.


I think I will hold off on any mods until after the break in and 500 mile valve adjustment.

[Irishjew]

Lol, Right after hitting enter on the last post I get a call from R&L carriers to schedule delivery for tomorrow. Unfortunately they wanted 12-4 pm but I have to work at 3pm. The nice lady on the phone said that she would try to get them here between 10am-1pm but no guarantees. Fingers crossed.

[2LZ]

I think I will hold off on any mods until after the break in and 500 mile valve adjustment.

This is what we did with Mrs. 2LZ. Now that it's modded, it's more spry but I do miss that "overgrown Honda 90" sound from the exhaust.
Can't wait to see pics of that blue!

[Irishjew]

She’s here. Still unboxing and setting up but it actually made it here in one day. It actually beat the MCO paperwork. I love the blue.

[Irishjew]

Dang it, pictures are sideways. I’ll try and fix when I get to a computer.

[ChipToothy]

Dang it, pictures are sideways. I’ll try and fix when I get to a computer.

Happens to me all the time mate. It's the cell phone gamble. Sometimes giving them a rotate helps.. sometimes.

[Irishjew]

Happens to me all the time mate. It's the cell phone gamble. Sometimes giving them a rotate helps.. sometimes.

Yup, Stupid phones. I think I fixed it.

[Megadan]

Woohoo!. Congrats. I love that blue too, its what I would order if I got one.

[NzBrakelathes]

She’s here. Still unboxing and setting up but it actually made it here in one day. It actually beat the MCO paperwork. I love the blue.

Do look in my eBay for specialty items for this type of engine & Carb etc they might be very useful to you and save you troubles n struggles.

Generally I would suggest thinking about the valve adj tool set - makes that much easier and perhaps the Carb tune kit and sprocket set and if you struggle to adj the air screw there is also the right tool for that job.

There's a good chance some of these sets/tools will make maintaining your bike just that much easier.

Enjoy the ride n bike regardless!

[Irishjew]

Got most of the bolts checked today and fired her up. Man is this thing quiet. It does seem to have a lot less vibration compared to the Apollo 250 I had before. I rode it around for a few miles and am really digging this bike. Cant wait to ride it on a longer trip after I get it registered. A few more pics posted below.

[Irishjew]

Do look in my eBay for specialty items for this type of engine & Carb etc they might be very useful to you and save you troubles n struggles.

Generally I would suggest thinking about the valve adj tool set - makes that much easier and perhaps the Carb tune kit and sprocket set and if you struggle to adj the air screw there is also the right tool for that job.

There's a good chance some of these sets/tools will make maintaining your bike just that much easier.

Enjoy the ride n bike regardless!

Will do. This is a pic of the carb that is in place right now. To me it seems perfect with the choke off but It will not idle when cold with the choke on.

[2LZ]

Love that blue!
I wouldn't worry about the choke not idling. You only use it to cold start anyway. On all of mine, The second it starts, I put the choke in the middle position or it will gag at idle. Seems normal to me. on our TT250, I noticed a lot of improvement in the mid-range power after about 250 miles. I broke it in on the exact same route, every day. After a couple hundred miles, I no longer had to downshift a gear on a particular long uphill.

[Megadan]

I noticed a lot of improvement in the mid-range power after about 250 miles. I broke it in on the exact same route, every day. After a couple hundred miles, I no longer had to downshift a gear on a particular long uphill.

Yeah, that's close to the same mileage for both of my Hawks when things really started to smooth out and the power started to show its teeth a bit. Until that point it always felt like the engine is being powered by marshmallows.

[OneLeggedRider]

Yep, mine happened around the 200 mile mark on a 5 hour ride. When I left the house it would only run 52mph, by the time I brought it home I was doing 67mph (according to the junk speedo) and it finally felt like it had some a$$.

[NzBrakelathes]

Will do. This is a pic of the carb that is in place right now. To me it seems perfect with the choke off but It will not idle when cold with the choke on.

The carb on your bike is just a clone/Keihin type and my first tune set is well suited for that.
Has main jets and a #40 pilot along with a rebuild kit should you need the screws or adj needle etc.
NGK Spark plug, 17T front sprocket and a free air filter.

[joeynovak]

Man, I ordered a TT250 in blue on Wednesday (the day after you right?). I haven't gotten my tracking number yet. I did get the rack, and the 45t sprocket and they are installing it for me so maybe the shop time takes a few extra days... I am checking my email and just CANT WAIT!!! :)

[Megadan]

Man, I ordered a TT250 in blue on Wednesday (the day after you right?). I haven't gotten my tracking number yet. I did get the rack, and the 45t sprocket and they are installing it for me so maybe the shop time takes a few extra days... I am checking my email and just CANT WAIT!!! :)

More likely that his was already assembled and yours wasn't. They could also have had to order in a part, which could easily delay it a few days.

[2LZ]

The carb on your bike is just a clone/Keihin type and my first tune set is well suited for that.
Has main jets and a #40 pilot along with a rebuild kit should you need the screws or adj needle etc.
NGK Spark plug, 17T front sprocket and a free air filter.

NZ here gives sound advice. Of all the Keihin clone carbs I've dealt with, the clone Zong uses on the TT250 is a much better piece. Very nice castings and feels more substantial, in-hand. If NZ's carb kit was available when we bought our TT250, there would have been no real need to swap to the Mikuni VM26.
Food for thought.

[NzBrakelathes]

O I do have some rear racks that suit the TT250 as well - now 2 options!
I need to list the other bigger very much like the TaoTao version.

eBay shop is expanding - BUT they stopped me listing more stuff cause something to do with $ value?!

Best I work that out >:(

[NzBrakelathes]

Actually I think maybe possible the PZ30B carb is an option depending on the cable that is available with the elbow - Just not sure yet

[Megadan]

Actually I think maybe possible the PZ30B carb is an option depending on the cable that is available with the elbow - Just not sure yet

I have one cable that I ordered by mistake that has the elbow. Want me to see if it will screw in to the throttle housing?

[Irishjew]

Man, I ordered a TT250 in blue on Wednesday (the day after you right?). I haven't gotten my tracking number yet. I did get the rack, and the 45t sprocket and they are installing it for me so maybe the shop time takes a few extra days... I am checking my email and just CANT WAIT!!! :)

Yup, I ordered it last Tuesday and it was here on Friday. I am only 275 miles from them though and I did not have them add any of the extras. I wouldn't worry i bet its just them assembling it and adding your upgrades. They have been top notch to deal with.

Just received my MCO paperwork yesterday so I will try and find time to get it road legal soon.

[Irishjew]

NZ here gives sound advice. Of all the Keihin clone carbs I've dealt with, the clone Zong uses on the TT250 is a much better piece. Very nice castings and feels more substantial, in-hand. If NZ's carb kit was available when we bought our TT250, there would have been no real need to swap to the Mikuni VM26.
Food for thought.

I will probably order his kit after I get it registered and broke in. Gotta go get my motorcycle endorsement but have to wait until my MSF class next month. If I take the MSF class I can get lower insurance rates and the DMV waives all of the testing. I thought it would be a good idea to brush up on safety anyways.

[2LZ]

I will probably order his kit after I get it registered and broke in. Gotta go get my motorcycle endorsement but have to wait until my MSF class next month. If I take the MSF class I can get lower insurance rates and the DMV waives all of the testing. I thought it would be a good idea to brush up on safety anyways.

I couldn't agree more. The class is well worth it. My buddy and I taught Mrs. 2LZ how to ride over an entire Winter. She had over 400 miles under her belt (even in the rain), just inside Folsom Lake State Park, by the time we were done teaching her. Then, we sent her to the beginner MSF course. She smoked it but said she still learned a lot. As you say, the best part was waltzing into DMV with the cert and getting her license without all the hoops and tests. One year later, she took the advanced course, smoked it, and the rest is history.

[Irishjew]

Well I am now 300 dollars lighter after visiting the DMV but my bike is titled and registered. Good thing I brought the bike with me in the back of my truck because Nevada requires a VIN inspection. Now on to my MSF class next month. I am experienced on dirt only(some street as well) and am really looking forward to this class.

[2LZ]

Well I am now 300 dollars lighter after visiting the DMV....

Sounds like CA is leaking over the border!

[Irishjew]

Sounds like CA is leaking over the border!

Yes, We even smog diesels here in Nevadafornia. Sucks that it isnt the wild west here anymore. At least its still very easy to obtain a CCW though.

[Irishjew]

Well, I went and took the MSF class last weekend and now have my motorcycle license. It was a fun and very informative class. The instructors were great and even helped correct a few bad habits that I had picked over the years.

I can now get this bike broke in now that I am riding more often on the street. I did order and install the CSC rear rack this week along with a harbor freight waterproof case. The case is a little large but I like it so far.

Is it normal for the engine to sound like it has a walnut bouncing around the top end at higher rpm's (around 5,000) until its fully broken in?

[Azhule]

Hearing something bounce around an engine normally is not a good thing to hear...

but, I wonder if you are just hearing "happy tappy valves" at higher RPMs?

Most people forget that these engines are like older "Honda car engines pre 2000s", these Chinese Singles also make a lot of different "mechanical" sounds, all meaning something is in or out of spec.

New engines have built in baffles and sound dampening chambers on the intake to catch certain harmonics that customers found unpleasant or thought the noise was something about to fail... hearing "happy tappy valves sing at 5,000+ RPMs" can catch some off guard with a whisper quiet exhaust and an intake with no sound dampening :hehe:

[Irishjew]

Hearing something bounce around an engine normally is not a good thing to hear...

but, I wonder if you are just hearing "happy tappy valves" at higher RPMs?

Most people forget that these engines are like older "Honda car engines pre 2000s", these Chinese Singles also make a lot of different "mechanical" sounds, all meaning something is in or out of spec.

New engines have built in baffles and sound dampening chambers on the intake to catch certain harmonics that customers found unpleasant or thought the noise was something about to fail... hearing "happy tappy valves sing at 5,000+ RPMs" can catch some off guard with a whisper quiet exhaust and an intake with no sound dampening :hehe:

Thank you AZHULE, I am pretty sure its just the valves. Engine is perfectly smooth until I hear the tapping noise at higher rpm's. The walnut expression was probably a poor choice of words on my part.

[dpl096]

Congratulations brother.... Ride safe

[o2jmpr]

Yes, congrats. That’s a super looking bike. If I had it to do all over again, I would have purchased the TT from CSC for the single reason of not having to search hell’s half acre for parts.

[2LZ]

Really like that blue and congrats on the license!

The CG motor. It's VERY tight out of box and needs about 350+ miles to start loosening up and settling inand smooth out.

On a different note, check the license plate frame. Mine cracked and at about 5k rpms, I couldn't figure out what that rattle was. I thought maybe it was the air injection.......then the rest of the frame cracked off and the noise went away.