Pulled the trigger on a TBR7

[Duckman]

Well I just purchased a Tao Tao TBR7 today. After much research and deliberation thanks to all of the great advice I’ve read right here. I decided on the TBR7 I’m Planning on purchasing two more if this one works out. I have Two adult sons that will be riding with me. So my thoughts were to buy one then if it works out get two more. I actually want a Hawk and a Brozz Blue Eagle.

[kingofqueenz]

Enjoy it my friend... I had a 2 hour ride this morning, smile ear to ear on my TBR.

[McFailbutter]

Congrats, just hit 1600 on my tbr. Great bike enjoy.
Make sure the manufacturer didn't send ya a resisted plug to go with your resisted cap. Cause trouble for me. Easy fix though once we figured out what was going on.

[joe k]

Can you recall at how miles plug failed ?
thanks joe

[Duckman]

What plug do you recommend that I put in?
Heck, any info would be great. Along with the plug, what oil to put in it? Heck I can’t even think of all the stuff that I will need. I’m curious is there already a thread for what to do when your bike shows up?

[JerryHawk250]

Yes, it's the sticky at the top of the Dual Sport Section. Hawk 250 Information and Resource Guide. Most of this information will apply to the TBR7 too. http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=20331

[OneLeggedRider]

All he's saying is the TBR7 comes with a resistor cap so make sure your plug doesn't have an "R" on it. And the plug didn't fail, the coil started overheating because it came with the wrong spark plug from the factory. I believe you want a D8EA, and not the DR8EA.

[Duckman]

Oh very good, thank you. It’s been years since I’ve been riding so all of this information is so helpful.

[Duckman]

I’m such a fool. I read all of that last week. I’m getting too darn forgetful in my old age.

[NzBrakelathes]

You’ll find this useful on many new bikes etc
If you want the full set with extra jets then add a note option B
Or just pics 1&2 is $19.95 plus $5 shipping

http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=2&pub=5575378759&campid=5338273189&customid=&icep_item=303210680840&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg&toolid=11111

[culcune]

You’ll find this useful on many new bikes etc
If you want the full set with extra jets then add a note option B
Or just pics 1&2 is $19.95 plus $5 shipping

http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=2&pub=5575378759&campid=5338273189&customid=&icep_item=303210680840&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg&toolid=11111

I'm getting a broken link

[NzBrakelathes]

Try this link?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hawk-250-Shen-Wey-Keihin-PZ30-style-carb-tune-and-sprocket-set-Fits-many-bikes/303210680840

[alex_in_az]

Try this link?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hawk-250-Shen-Wey-Keihin-PZ30-style-carb-tune-and-sprocket-set-Fits-many-bikes/303210680840 (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?campid=5337605188&toolid=10001&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Frover.ebay.com%2Frover%2F1%2F711-53200-19255-0%2F1%3Fcampid%3D5337605188%26amp%3Btoolid%3D10001 %26amp%3Bmpre%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.ebay.com%2 52Fitm%252FHawk-250-Shen-Wey-Keihin-PZ30-style-carb-tune-and-sprocket-set-Fits-many-bikes%252F303210680840)
I just ordered one, I wanted option B, but there wasn't anywhere to note that in the ordering process


ETA, I think I found it.

[wedooit]

hey duck....welcome and post some pixs!!! congrats!

[NzBrakelathes]

I just ordered one, I wanted option B, but there wasn't anywhere to note that in the ordering process


ETA, I think I found it.

It’s packaged n I’ll post tomorrow
It’s late n I’m off to bed
Yep option B

[Duckman]

I will try to post picks when it shows up. I haven’t even received my tracking information yet. I wish there was distribution on the west coast. I can’t believe that nobody is selling these bikes any closer to me than Wisconsin. Seems like there is a big opportunity being missed out on.

[wedooit]

I’m such a fool. I read all of that last week. I’m getting too darn forgetful in my old age.
We have some older dudes here, including myself. 2lz referred to himself and maybe us as bench buzzards. Lol!!! Maybe when I can't ride or sled, I'll call myself a porch buzzard!!lol I can't grasp that I am 63 and think like a 40 or 50 yo.

[Duckman]

Not that anyone cares, jk I was contacted by the shipper of my TBR7 on Thursday evening. They set up an appointment for between noon and 4:00pm on Friday. They tell me that someone needs to be there to meet the shipper. Ok so I take the day off to meet the delivery person, at almost 10:00am I get a call from the shipping company R&L Shipping saying that my item won’t be delivered until Monday. I said no that is unacceptable I took the day off of work to meet them. They not so nice lady on the phone said “well it’s no going to be there” then proceeds to hang up on me! Some customer service, I cannot believe how rude customer service people are these days. I know I’m old but wow it’s like the customer should be great full just to get a call at all. Remember all my friends please if R&L shipping is delivering your stuff double check that they have the correct shipping info. They really ruined my day. I know Boo Hoo for me. I get it. I’m being overly sensitive but I’m just frustrated. I was just looking forward to spending Saturday with my boys putting together that TBR7.
Thank you for letting me vent.
Duckman out

[Duckman]

Sorry, I need to make a correction. It is R&L Carriers not shipping. My mistake.
This should in no way reflect negatively on Q9 they have been great so far and cannot control the bad attitude of their shipping contractors.

[wedooit]

In our area, I think that RL and others use a smaller company to deliver. Our BMS took extra days, but wasn't bad. I would be upset as well, maybe driven to the freight dock, borrowed a forklift and loaded it myself. Known my luck the lift would be out of propane. The not so nice lady, probably had a fight with her significant other, and took it out on you. OR wait.....maybe she was supposed to get a delivery from the same freight company, and hers was late as well.

Maybe the china syndrome gods are on a donut and coffee break....LOL....

[Duckman]

I asked if I could go and pick it up. Two problems with that. First they don’t even have my bike, second I would need a release from Q9 in order to pick up my bike.
I thought that was a little crazy. I need permission to pick up my property that I paid for.
Rules are rules I guess. I think they just don’t want disgruntled customers showing up and catching them all sleeping. Lol ��

[Duckman]

Well it showed up today, my wonderful TBR7. It was only missing the lower chain guard and one of the headlight nut and bolt. Thank God there are so many good assembly videos as well as valve lash adjustment videos. They really helped out a lot. As well as all of the great help from a lot of y’all. I’m still not understanding the spark plug part. They did ship it with a resistor plug. I’m not exactly sure if I’m supposed to change just the plug or both the plug and the coil? So if anyone would like to let me know as I’m sure someone will, that would be greatly appreciated.

[McFailbutter]

It comes with a resisted cap, just make sure there is not a "R" anywhere in the symbol sequence on the plug.

[McFailbutter]

Both plugs they sent with with mine , installed and extra, were resisisted.

[Duckman]

Yes it has a r on it so I will run down and get the proper plug tomorrow. Thank you for the help. I’m getting the D8ES that’s the one I was told to get. Thank you.

[wedooit]

The stork arrives, congrats!

[kingofqueenz]

I have heard a number of horror stories with R&L.

I purchased my TBR from TX Pwr and UPS LTL handled the freight and they were top notch.

Gave me a 4 hour time frame 3 days prior and then a call the day of to tell me the driver was 15 mins away ( he arrived in 12 )... it was a dang space shuttle launch the way they coordinated it with class and style.

UPS guy dragged the damn bike through 20 yards of grass for me with a pallet jack, to my backyard covered patio because we had rain in the forecast, I helped of course.

A bottle of water and a $40 tip is what I handed my friend and he was super thankful, as I was I to he.

I'm sure some UPS drivers can be a tool to deal with... but I got lucky

[OneLeggedRider]

King of Queens my experience exactly with both bikes. UPS called and scheduled delivery and then called again when he was 30 minutes away and both drivers went above and beyond to load the bikes in my little Toyota. Top notch service.

[kingofqueenz]

Sorry 1-LG ... I had a Toyota Corolla.... when you say "little toyota" ... how little we talkin here , cuz I just cant picture you in a corolla :p

[duck9191]

I have heard a number of horror stories with R&L.

I purchased my TBR from TX Pwr and UPS LTL handled the freight and they were top notch.

Gave me a 4 hour time frame 3 days prior and then a call the day of to tell me the driver was 15 mins away ( he arrived in 12 )... it was a dang space shuttle launch the way they coordinated it with class and style.

UPS guy dragged the damn bike through 20 yards of grass for me with a pallet jack, to my backyard covered patio because we had rain in the forecast, I helped of course.

A bottle of water and a $40 tip is what I handed my friend and he was super thankful, as I was I to he.

I'm sure some UPS drivers can be a tool to deal with... but I got lucky

We ship a bunch of residential ltl with R&L and have little issue. Want a crap show give SIA a try lol.

[OneLeggedRider]

Sorry 1-LG ... I had a Toyota Corolla.... when you say "little toyota" ... how little we talkin here , cuz I just cant picture you in a corolla :p

'90 sport model, V6 with 4.56 gears, gets 12mpg.

[kingofqueenz]

Very cool.

I work in Manhattan and live in an area where my yard is 60 x 40 feet

You have a horse in the background..

Yet chinariders brings us together as a brotherhood!

[OneLeggedRider]

About 5 horses actually, and chickens, ducks etc. Not a neighbor in sight and a driveway so steep and nasty it discourages visitors.

[duck9191]

Very cool.

I work in Manhattan and live in an area where my yard is 60 x 40 feet

You have a horse in the background..

Yet chinariders brings us together as a brotherhood!

My garage is just over half the size of your back yard lol. Hows the traffic in your area?

[Duckman]

Alright I put 38 miles on the TBR7 today, and I have a problem with the charging system. I charged the battery up completely before I installed it and now it won’t charge up. I really hope the battery is bad and not the charging system on the bike. It sounds like warranty issues are a pain to deal with with the dealer I purchased it from. It mite not be that bad. The sales guy made it sound like a pain.
Duckman out.

[culcune]

'90 sport model, V6 with 4.56 gears, gets 12mpg.

Is that when they were simply known as a pickup? My son was given my father-in-law's '97 Tacoma extended cab V6 5-speed manual. My son loves it but not the gas mileage. If I don't get a bike by the Wickenberg ride on 11/9, I wilk probably trade vehicles with my son and be the backup vehicle for picking up all the parts that fall off :lmao:

[NzBrakelathes]

Alright I put 38 miles on the TBR7 today, and I have a problem with the charging system. I charged the battery up completely before I installed it and now it won’t charge up. I really hope the battery is bad and not the charging system on the bike. It sounds like warranty issues are a pain to deal with with the dealer I purchased it from. It mite not be that bad. The sales guy made it sound like a pain.
Duckman out.

Check terminals not loose
Pinch them a little
Regulator might be faulty just do some check and easier to just buy what you need n forever the warranty pains as it’s only a few bucks

[duck9191]

My storm didn't charge out of the box, $8 for a regulator rectifier and good to go. Check all the connections, test for voltage at the reg/rec charge wire and at the stator.

[Duckman]

Now all I have to do is find out which little black box under the seat is the rectifier.
Seriously though I did put a volt meter on it and is is pretty week and the volts go up as the RPMs go up. It’s just frustrating that a new bike needs so much work and nickel and dimes you non stop from the moment you buy it. I guess I will learn all sorts of cool little things about these Chinese bikes. Especially since I’m supposed to buy two more.
Thanx for the heads up. I will check that stuff.
On another note. I actually read the owners manual I know shocking! I think it’s funny they send a resisted plug in the bike but say in the owners manual to use a non resisted plug. Thank y’all for that bit of important info. You guys are the s**t.

[kingofqueenz]

Its the luck of the draw when it comes to mass produced goods that may have shoddy control checks.

99 out of 100 stators probably work perfectly... you were the 1% brotha.

Time to play lotto if that was the case :tup:

Keep your head up, you will have her on the road and a smile on your face

[duck9191]

Not sure about the tbr7 but my reg/rec was under the tank. It will be the one that is a large metal heat sink. At the battery you should at least see 13v at idle and in the 14's at like 4k rpm. The replacement one in mine is actually high at 15.1v but so far the battery hasn't boiled. Only became an issue after i changed the headlight to an led. Could fix it with a ballast resistor but it seems fine.

[wedooit]

Is that when they were simply known as a pickup? My son was given my father-in-law's '97 Tacoma extended cab V6 5-speed manual. My son loves it but not the gas mileage. If I don't get a bike by the Wickenberg ride on 11/9, I wilk probably trade vehicles with my son and be the backup vehicle for picking up all the parts that fall off :lmao:

We all use Loctite, but wait....bring some tools and extra Loctite...LOL:lmao: Compressor for flat tires, extra chains....BUT WAIT, novel idea...maybe you can rent one of those new electric delivery trucks and bring some pizzas as well! Maybe Dan and Frank will show up and have a slappin booth! LOL

[OneLeggedRider]

On Jay's TBR7 the rect/reg was on the frame up under the tank, opposite the coil. The small box under the seat is the turn signal flasher and the big box is the CDI.

At the battery you should get atleast 13v at idle (his was 14.1v) and if it climbs much higher than 15v when you rev it, you'll be buying a battery every year.

The Yota is designated SR5 pickup and the auto trans is the main reason for the poor mileage, my last 2 were stick and the next one will be as well.

[Duckman]

This is where I’m at so far. I charge the battery up then the second I turn the key the volts drop from around 13 to 2-3 volts. I’m hoping that it’s just a bad battery, although finding one that will fit the bike is really a pain in the backside. Again thanks for the help.

[duck9191]

Sounds like it's got a cell or two that are crap.

[arkcom]

Did you fill out their registration form for the MCO, or do they just send it? Nowhere on the product page or confirmation email does it give directions.

Thanks.

[Duckman]

I called Q9 with the VIN# of the bike along with my info and they said they are sending it to me. That’s all I know so far. I will post more when I get the paperwork. Heck I’m not even sure what they are sending me for sure.

[OneLeggedRider]

We bought 2 from TXpowersports and MCOs came about 2 days after the bike each time.

[kingofqueenz]

Similar here... purchased from TX POwer - both arrived same day the bike was delivered and no issues registering in NY