2008 Roketa DB-07 200cc

[lost californian]

Howdy, y'all. Long time listener, first time caller.

I developed a want for a second motorcycle, and had been reading on this forum about the current crop of Chinese bikes. Scored a good deal from a friend, the Roketa 200cc in the title. Yeah, it is 11 years old, but it only has 154 miles on it. He got it for his son to use in college, then the son went and joined the Army, so the bike sat in his garage til I bought it. Real clean, runs great, I only had to get a new battery for it, my friend cleaned out the carb and changed the oil before I picked it up.
I got this bike to be my around town errand machine. I live ~7 miles out of town, on paved roads. I will never put this bike in the dirt again, just not my thing. It is geared waaay low, tops out around an indicated 60mph (faster than I need, but too buzzy/shakey/vibrating). The bike has 4.10 - 18 tire on the rear, and a 428H chain on a 15t front / 56t rear.

My plan is to put Shinko 705 (90/90-21 f/ 4.10-18 r) tires, and install a 16t front and 52t rear sprocket, staying with the 428 chain size.

Will that be too large of a change for the 200cc motor to handle?

Thanks in advance for any input or advice.

[JerryHawk250]

Welcome aboard! A good all around gear ration will be 17/45 16/43 or 15/40

[2LZ]

Not to omuch to handle depending on your weight and girth. Also, break it in to about 350-500 miles and it will buzz less. If I recall correctly, your speedo is in KPH. The 60 may be about 45+. My Xmoto (lust like your Roketa) was geared to climb straight up a pine tree.

[wedooit]

Welcome! Nice score!

[lost californian]

Welcome aboard! A good all around gear ration will be 17/45 16/43 or 15/40
Thanks for the welcome. I was leery of the 17/45 combo because all I could find was talk of the 250cc bikes, and not a 200cc.


Not to omuch to handle depending on your weight and girth. Also, break it in to about 350-500 miles and it will buzz less. If I recall correctly, your speedo is in KPH. The 60 may be about 45+. My Xmoto (lust like your Roketa) was geared to climb straight up a pine tree.
I am 6' and 295lbs, give or take daily. I do think the speedo is MPH, but I will read it again tonight. And, yes, I think it would climb a tree!

[JerryHawk250]

That 200cc will make close to the same HP as the 250cc which is actually only 229cc.

[Mudflap]

I'd suggest staying with the 428 chain and run a 45 or 46 tooth on the rear and 17 front for street. That's what I prefer on my Lifan 200 for street use. If that turns out to be a little taller than you like, its easy to swap the front to a 16 or 15.

[dpl096]

Congratulations on the bike!

[humanbeing]

Standard china bike config: speed in MPH & kph, odo in km. 1 km is ~5/8 mile or just take the phone out & converts it

[Megadan]

I am about 30lbs lighter than you and have my Hawk geared with the equivalent of a 17 front, 45 rear and it hauls me around just fine. It's a popular gearing combination for a reason. If you want to keep a bit more off road grunt, maybe a 16/45 would be a good setup to consider. As Mudflap suggested, a simple front sprocket change can adjust it as needed.

[lost californian]

Thanks to all for the words of wisdom. I checked, and the speedo is labeled in MPH. Never thought to check the odo to see if it runs standard or metric. I have ordered the tires from the local stealership, should be here Tuesday. I am going with the 17/45 setup, and staying with the 428. Next dumb question - should I replace the chain since I am replacing both sprockets?


Yesterday I went out for a break in spin. Ended up riding down an old railroad line that had the tracks removed. Rear tire went flat, and I had to limp back out to the closest road and ask Sweetie to come get me. It was only 4 miles from the house, but that is too far to walk home these days. lol. That was the bike's final off road trip.

[Mudflap]

Yes, I would replace the chain with the sprockets. Highly recommend a good quality O Ring chain.

[humanbeing]

...
I got this bike to be my around town errand machine. I live ~7 miles out of town, on paved roads. I will never put this bike in the dirt again...
My plan is to put Shinko 705 (90/90-21 f/ 4.10-18 r) tires...
If u needs those 80/20, Kenda (Taiwanese brand) K761 also quite OK.
---
:hehe: That OEM tire maker of Hawk/Bashan... also make on-road 21/18 for domestic market https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=559660042495

[Weldangrind]

Welcome! I have a very similar bike. Does yours have inverted or traditional forks? Is the OHC version?

[lost californian]

Welcome! I have a very similar bike. Does yours have inverted or traditional forks? Is the OHC version?

Thanks. It has the inverted forks. And I do not know enough to say if it has the overhead cam or not. What would I be looking for/at?

[Sochin]

Get the Shinko 700 instead, they are simply awesome on hardpacked gravel......and does really well on tarmac too. I just did 146 miles on Monday on ALL gravel, it was the most fun I've had for a while.

[Weldangrind]

Thanks. It has the inverted forks. And I do not know enough to say if it has the overhead cam or not. What would I be looking for/at?

The top of the left side of the engine will have a round cover that says CDI on it.

[lost californian]

The top of the left side of the engine will have a round cover that says CDI on it.

I took the front wheel off today, so I looked, and hey! it has that - shiny round cover with CDI in big letters on it.

[NzBrakelathes]

I took the front wheel off today, so I looked, and hey! it has that - shiny round cover with CDI in big letters on it.

CB OHC engine then
Not Push rod CG

[Weldangrind]

I took the front wheel off today, so I looked, and hey! it has that - shiny round cover with CDI in big letters on it.

We likely have the same bike. Does yours have a rear disc brake? A plastic gas tank?

[lost californian]

We likely have the same bike. Does yours have a rear disc brake? A plastic gas tank?

No, I have a rear drum brake, and a metal gas tank. I was quite surprised to see the metal gas tank, thought it was rather nice. Got any suggestions for a replacement gas cap? I have a locking on, and really don't like it. Sure would be nice to get a different one.

[Weldangrind]

I would search eBay with generic terms, like "dirt bike fuel cap" or "dirt bike gas cap." Don't worry about makes and models; the cap you seek is common to many machines.

[lost californian]

Yeehaw buddy!


New tires are mounted on, and front wheel is back on the bike. I sure like the way they look over the straight up knobby set.


Front sprocket has been replaced, put on the JT Sprocket 17 tooth.


I have received two(2!) brand new D.I.D. chains from the same vendor on one order, and only charged once. There was a mistake made somewhere. One is sitting on the workbench, waiting to be lubed and installed.


The rear sprocket must be shipping from Spacely's Sprockets. Ordered one week ago, at the same time as the front sprocket and chain, and tracking says it will not arrive for another week yet. So, rear wheel install is stalled until I get the last piece in hand.


Locking gas cap is not replaceable. No threads on the neck, it is like a '60s era car gas cap - one big stud in front, that matches slot in neck, and the two wings that keep in in place are the keyed parts. Ahwell, cain't win 'em all.

[Azhule]

If George is still working there, those Spacely branded sprockets will be top of the line :tup:

https://www.the-broad-side.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/jetsons.jpg

[Landsvw]

Yeehaw buddy!


New tires are mounted on, and front wheel is back on the bike. I sure like the way they look over the straight up knobby set.


Front sprocket has been replaced, put on the JT Sprocket 17 tooth.


I have received two(2!) brand new D.I.D. chains from the same vendor on one order, and only charged once. There was a mistake made somewhere. One is sitting on the workbench, waiting to be lubed and installed.


The rear sprocket must be shipping from Spacely's Sprockets. Ordered one week ago, at the same time as the front sprocket and chain, and tracking says it will not arrive for another week yet. So, rear wheel install is stalled until I get the last piece in hand.


Locking gas cap is not replaceable. No threads on the neck, it is like a '60s era car gas cap - one big stud in front, that matches slot in neck, and the two wings that keep in in place are the keyed parts. Ahwell, cain't win 'em all.

Actually, that gas cap can be replaced. Go to Napa and look in the back of their gas cap book. Only thing is, probably will be another locking cap. I had to replace the one on my 2006 DB-06. My thread on my old Rocketa tells the exact model for the gas cap, I think...

[humanbeing]

...My thread on my old Rocketa tells the exact model for the gas cap, I think...

Pics are GONE in that thread http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?p=221843. Any1 remember the exact NAPA parts # ?
===
That thread suggested Rebel cap
http://img.alicdn.com/imgextra/i2/1932757317/TB2XEK5nFXXXXX6XXXXXXXXXXXX_!!1932757317.jpghttp://img.alicdn.com/imgextra/i2/1932757317/TB2vhGtnFXXXXXdXFXXXXXXXXXX_!!1932757317.jpg (As Hawk/ Bashan...) which don't seems works...
The proper one is ashttp://img.alicdn.com/imgextra/i4/2850615360/TB2vdUZbDJ_SKJjSZPiXXb3LpXa_!!2850615360.jpghttp://img.alicdn.com/imgextra/i2/2850615360/TB2AzV_h.QIL1JjSZFhXXaDZFXa_!!2850615360.jpg

[Landsvw]

I had saved the Napa part number for some time, but then when I sold the bike I’m sure I let that paperwork or whatever, go with it. I was able to stand in the store with my old cap, and look at the pictures in their old books, until I found one. Then, the guy went into the back, and actually had it on the shelf. Worked like a charm. Was odd looking as it was definitely a 1970’s style cap for some kind of car, and was chrome, but worked fine. I will go look in my shed and see if perhaps I did save the number?

Update: sorry, I didn’t save the part number... next time I go into Napa I can maybe see if they have purchase history and I can look. It was 3 years ago tho so that might not work either...

[lost californian]

Actually, that gas cap can be replaced. Go to Napa and look in the back of their gas cap book. Only thing is, probably will be another locking cap. I had to replace the one on my 2006 DB-06. My thread on my old Rocketa tells the exact model for the gas cap, I think...


Hey, thanks for that. Interesting thread. I would like to get away from the locking cap. The one I have works, just do not like it. Thanks for trying to find the part number.

[Landsvw]

Sounds good! On my thread I think Weldngrind had a picture of a non locking cap? Maybe he still has it?

Sorry for lack of pictures. Photobucket went to a paid account several years ago so they deleted my pictures... I saved most of them to my laptop but not all and then, I haven’t ever relinked them. That old Roketa was an interesting bike to say the least. Sometimes wish I still had it. Perfect knock around bike and being street legal was a definite bonus. This street legal TTR125 I have now tho fits my sisters riding better. The Rocketa was pretty heavy and hard to turn around. Have fun!

[Weldangrind]

I don't think so. I don't recall ever seeing a cap of that style that is non-locking. I think it would require a tank swap. That might be an option, which could produce a plastic tank. It would be a matter of finding a plastic tank that has a similar profile for the seat and also accommodated the mounts. I'd start with various XR200 model years.

[lost californian]

CB OHC engine then
Not Push rod CG

I am not a smart man. What does this really mean for me? Thanks, y'all.

[Landsvw]

If this is a CB engine then it’s overhead cam engine with a timing chain etc. if it’s a CG it’s a pushrod engine and no timing chain. The CG engines were designed by Honda specifically for 3rd world use, to be super tough and last a long time without oil changes etc. these engines are chinese copies of Honda’s.

[2LZ]

The old school way of telling what motor you have is this:

If it has a belly button (left side of cylinder), it's a push rod CG motor.

If it has nipples (valve caps for adjusting), it's an overhead cam CB motor.

[lost californian]

If this is a CB engine then ...snip...

The old school way of telling what motor you have is this:....

Thanks for this. The bike definitely has the CB motor.

Is a CB better than a CG? is CG faster than CB? Does a CB need more TLC than a CB?

Does it really matter which motor is in the bike?

[2LZ]

Thanks for this. The bike definitely has the CB motor.

Is a CB better than a CG? is CG faster than CB? Does a CB need more TLC than a CB?

Does it really matter which motor is in the bike?

"Does it really matter which motor is in the bike?"
Nope, sure doesn't.

The difference between the two is the CG is an extremely reliable motor that was made for 3rd World Countries. Places where bikes got very little to no maintenance and were worked like tractors hauling the family and live stock. Under American conditions, where you have enthusiasts like us, there have been members who have put upwards of 50k miles on them. Honda originally built it as a 125cc but it was never sold here in the US.

The CB motor is a more modern, OHC design. Still very reliable under normal conditions and regular maintenance.

Regarding power:

CG motors are basically all torque and mid-range type of power.

The CB motor, being OHC, will give you more top end power than the CG. Member Fastdoc put one in an XR200 Honda and he really liked its performance for a good trail bike.

Neither motors are rocket launchers.

[lost californian]

Thank you for educating me. Not an easy task, I am told.

Where the heck is Volcano? I was born and raised in CA - Auburn then Bridgeport (Mammoth Mountain). Joined the Navy to see the world, and spent 12 years in San Diego at the end of 32nd Street. Never heard of Volcano....lol

[lost californian]

Yippee-kai-yay! One step closer to getting back on the ground.


17202


Rear sprocket arrived yesterday, so I attached it to the wheel this morning. Tomorrow I will put the bike back together, and go for a ride. Pesky thing called a job interfering with my fun hobbies.


Can anyone tell me what the ring on the old sprocket is for?


17203

[NzBrakelathes]

CB most common in china
CG only a handful of farmer bikes or trikes (too poverty pack for here)

AJP is a Portuguese brand bike made there and using several china made CB motors all with pumper carbs

[dpl096]

The bike looks good! I'm interested in you finding out about the ring....

[bogieboy]

i believe the ring is to protect you if the chain falls off it cant get tangled in the sprocket bolts and lock the rear wheel

[lost californian]

I would like to give a big thank you (THANK YOU!) to all who talked me thru this sprocket upgrade. Just got back from a short ride, and things are great now. I really like the setup, and without this site and all the info it contains I would not have been able to do it.


Life is out of whack at the moment, my wife is in the hospital again, so more work on the bike is out for some time. Future upgrades I am thinking about are:
-lowering the rear end. Same reason as most state, too old to hike a leg that high.
-intake and exhaust work. Pretty sure there is a cat under the one cover, and would like to make it breathe better.
-then a carb upgrade, if I do the air and exhaust mods.


All that waits for now, tho.



Thank you all, again.

[Wild Dog]

CB most common in china
CG only a handful of farmer bikes or trikes (too poverty pack for here)

AJP is a Portuguese brand bike made there and using several china made CB motors all with pumper carbs

How much more expensive is a CB vs a CG?? Here the difference goes from 150 usd to 250 depending the model.
Not a big difference and the chinese cb are not selling well.. People is somewhat afraid of using cb made in china (horror histories about the chain issues, busting the engine), the cg are well proven... So if someone wants a CB, they go to Honda.

"Does it really matter which motor is in the bike?"
Nope, sure doesn't.

The difference between the two is the CG is an extremely reliable motor that was made for 3rd World Countries. Places where bikes got very little to no maintenance and were worked like tractors hauling the family and live stock.

I need to take some pictures of the average beat up chinese cg motorcycle... Mostly rust, bald tires, etc.
CG are the Hilux of the motorcycle, it's slow, noisy but is going to outlive you

[lost californian]

It's me again, Margaret. And I have more questions.


Been riding the bike to visit Sweetie. On surface streets around town, and county roads, I like everything just fine. Twice I have taken it on the highway, and 5th gear has no pulling power. I can shift fine thru all the gears, nice power and acceleration, get up to an indicated 56mph in 4th gear, shift in to 5th, and rpm's drop off, but no acceleration. Lose a couple mph, even. Wide open throttle, no change. What causes this? Here are some photos -

https://i.ibb.co/p2wc8NN/20190611-090510.jpg


Air cleaner - thick foam wrapped around nice core. Should I remove the stock air cleaner and put on a better one? Have a favorite "better one"?

https://i.ibb.co/k4TdMjF/20190611-091133.jpg

is this smog control crap, and can I take it off?


https://i.ibb.co/MfWxzhC/20190611-090420.jpg

is a cat hiding in the pipe? I removed the cat on my Harley Geezer Glide, so I would do the same here.


Could I be exceeding the capability of the carburetor?



I ain't much of a mechanic, really just remove/replace bits n parts. There is a slight popping on decel. Any help is appreciated.

[JerryHawk250]

Removing the Cat will make a big difference. It's inside the bulge in the exhaust. You can always one of the ebay exhaust everyone is using on here. You will need to go with larger jets to compensate for the free flowing exhaust.

[lost californian]

I performed the catatectomy. Now to replace the carb. After reading here, I still have questions.


I am not going to modify the motor in any way - no porting, decking, etc. JerryHawk250 has the thread on the PWK 30 carb, and all he has done with it. Megadan talks of the PZ30 pumper carb. Both of them have modified their motors, both carbs work well. Should I get one of those carbs, or a different one. I have the links from JerryHawk250's threads for the carb, adapter, and pod filter, and I think I like those the most.



Thanks, y'all.

[JerryHawk250]

I performed the catatectomy. Now to replace the carb. After reading here, I still have questions.


I am not going to modify the motor in any way - no porting, decking, etc. JerryHawk250 has the thread on the PWK 30 carb, and all he has done with it. Megadan talks of the PZ30 pumper carb. Both of them have modified their motors, both carbs work well. Should I get one of those carbs, or a different one. I have the links from JerryHawk250's threads for the carb, adapter, and pod filter, and I think I like those the most.



Thanks, y'all.
For the stock engine I would go with the PZ30 pumper. No adapter needed. NZ has the PZ30 Pumper with everything you need on ebay. https://www.ebay.com/itm/RPS-Hawk-250-other-Air-cooled-bike-PZ30B-pumper-carb-upgrade/303169447550?hash=item46964ea67e:g:bLwAAOSwGoZc7O~ L

[lost californian]

https://i.ibb.co/1KwkWH5/20190611-140212.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/bzLqfTw/20190611-140233.jpg


There is the the intake, with carb and air cleaner removed. Measured it, at it comes out at 30mm.


JerryHawk250, will the pod filter you linked to in your thread work on the PZ30 pumper?


And I found this is the box of parts that came with the bike -


https://i.ibb.co/Hp2ZXvZ/20190611-140317.jpg


It says "Racing CDI/Unit", no other info. Would it be helpful to install this?

[JerryHawk250]

The pod filter I have linked will be too big. Just measure the OD on your stock carb. It will be the same as the PZ30 Pumper. Megadan should have a link. That coil will work. Don't know how many hours you have on the bike but mine eventually got week. I switched over to a coil on plug set up. Link in my signature.

[lost californian]

I have been focusing on replacing the carb. Here are photos of my carb. Is it possible to replace the jets on this carb? From what I have read here, I do not think that works, but I dunno...


https://i.ibb.co/PYkvy2g/20190611-192434.jpghttps://i.ibb.co/k2bmQrY/20190611-192805.jpghttps://i.ibb.co/X72sg6y/20190611-192818.jpghttps://i.ibb.co/SNYWRDj/20190611-192832.jpghttps://i.ibb.co/m8BcQRR/20190611-193044.jpghttps://i.ibb.co/bN2YKVx/2019-06-11-19-57-16.jpghttps://i.ibb.co/NKLq8BV/2019-06-11-19-58-21.jpg


The long jet has 105 written on it. The other is unmarked. I am way outside my comfort zone and knowledge base. Thanks for the help.


P.S. - the 'use for parts only' is not valid. Talked to my friend about it, and this carb WAS the spare he bought, and it worked better than the original, so he just left it on.

[humanbeing]

Deni is some legal copy http://chinariders.net/showthread.php?p=275635#post275635

[JerryHawk250]

Nothing wrong with that carb. You can replace the jets for tuning. The 105 is the main jet which is screwed into the long emulsion tube. Once you remove the cat you will probably need a 110 to 115 main jet.

[lost californian]

Have a recomendation for the other one? the slow jet, right? I found the jets r us website, https://www.jetsrus.com/FAQs/FAQ_identify_that_jet.htm , and have 5 main jets, 110-120, and 4 of the others, 40-48, in my cart.

[JerryHawk250]

Have a recomendation for the other one? the slow jet, right? I found the jets r us website, https://www.jetsrus.com/FAQs/FAQ_identify_that_jet.htm , and have 5 main jets, 110-120, and 4 of the others, 40-48, in my cart.

What slow jet you have in it now? 40? 40-48 would be a good range for that engine.

[lost californian]

What slow jet you have in it now? 40? 40-48 would be a good range for that engine.


I have no idea, and don't know how to figure it out. There are no markings on it, so stock jet that came with it.


Thank you for helping me.

[Weldangrind]

Here's the filter I've used several times, but you might prefer a straight filter (rather than angled): https://www.ebay.com/itm/BLACK-42mm-Bent-Angled-Foam-Air-Filter-Pod-For-125ccPIT-Quad-Dirt-Bike-ATV-Buggy/112134845754?epid=16009654398&hash=item1a1bc1f53a:g:viMAAOSwFV9X0l39
I've used this carb several times as well, with excellent results: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mikuni-VM26-30mm-Carb-Carburetor-Carby-200cc-250cc-For-Quad-ATV-Dirt-CRF-KLX/202692785706?hash=item2f316e762a:g:~t0AAOSwPOBc6LK F
Jets are easy to find for this Mikuni.

[lost californian]

Thank you for those links.



I went and ordered some Keihin jets - 40 thru 48 slow jets, https://www.jetsrus.com/a_jets_by_carburetor_type/jets_keihin_N424-21_slow_26-xxx.htm , and main jets 110 thru 120, https://www.jetsrus.com/a_jets_by_carburetor_type/jets_keihin_99101-393_main_round_28-xxx.htm . Since I was there, I also got this air filter - https://www.jetsrus.com/individual_parts/KL_19_0236.html


Since the bike was stripped this far down, I took the rear shock out, and am now looking for one to lower the rear end. Any suggestions? It measures out at 312.75mm OAL, top bushing is 40mm wide, bottom bushing is 47mm wide, and bolt holes are 12mm diameter. Oneleggedrider had a post on that I am looking up.

[lost californian]

I am giving up on lowering the bike with a shorter shock. Spent a whole lot of time reading here, back to 2206, posts about installing an R1 shock, an R6 shock, fabricating linkages, welding parts n pieces, and math for what would work. Then there is that 12mm bolt with 10mm hole, or 10mm bolt with 12mm hole, that I can't figure out. I did find some Ohlins, or some factory Yamaha shocks that would most likely work, but I ain't payin $600 to $1000 for a shock on a $500 bike. So, tall bike it is.

[lost californian]

The USPS was nice and delivered the jets two whole days early, yay. I installed the 115 main jet (stock was marked 105), and the 45 slow jet (stock was unmarked, but it is smaller than the 40). Set the mixture screw 1 3/4 turns out, then started it. It didn't like to stay running, and then i remembered the idle screw, so I turned that in a ways (didn't count). It stayed running, but sounded wrong, so I played with the idle screw until it sounded right. No tach, so I have no true idea what the rpm is. Cracking the throttle open, and it appears to run just fine, sitting on the lift.



Next step is to bolt on the seat, and go for a spin, see what happens. With the rain today, and foreguessed for tomorrow, it is not likely to happen this weekend. See how good the weather guessers are for the rest of the week.

[lost californian]

No rain, dry roads, so I went for a ride. Took before and after photos of the plug. I would like some expert opinions on how it looks, please.


https://i.ibb.co/8jNzGrJ/before-LABELED.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/wQnnJ2R/after-labeled.jpg

I think it might be too lean, but I don't really know. I do have popping on deceleration. Which way do I go from here?

[JerryHawk250]

Plug looks good to me. Do you still have the air injection system hooked up? If so, that probably why you are getting the popping on deceleration.

[lost californian]

Plug looks good to me. Do you still have the air injection system hooked up? If so, that probably why you are getting the popping on deceleration.

Thank you. I will look at that funky setup and see what can be done.