Impatience

[Drock]

My apologies for the wall of text to follow. Very happy to have found this community, I made it through the first 20 pages of posts, and am still learning about these fun lil toys. Was hoping with some advice on what to get though.

So after doing some research, I decided that American Lifan was going to be my choice (LF200GY-5) Got in touch with authorized dealers and just have trouble swallowing the $1899 price tag they want near me. Over $2200 prepped and tagged, I'd rather find a used yamaha / honda.

The hi-bird or komoto 250 really interested me, but the dealers you all seem to like best are out of stock for some months to come, and can't seem to find anyone that has one in stock (so if anyone knows where some are hiding let me know :) )

So as i continue reading and looking at all the options out there I ran across:
http://www.nitro-motors.com/carb-200cc-dirt-bike-manual-with-clutch.jsp

$899 with free shipping just seems to good to be true. Apparently a Viva, but I haven't tracked down exactly who Viva is yet. If anyone has experience with this dealer / knows more about this particular bike, please point me in the right direction for more info. I saw a post somewhere stating that it was on the low end of china bikes, but am trying to figure out what factory it comes out of, and if these bikes were made on chinese new year or not :P

I much apppreciate any help I can get, info on these bikes is proving hard for me to find so far, and you guys have already educated me more than anywhere else.

[liverchip]

I haven't had any dealings with them, but make sure you can register it in your state.

[iMoose]

If you just do a search of this forum section for "viva" you should get a bunch of posts. The same with the dealer's name in the Dealer Discussion forum as well. Just try it!

[DesertDog]

My apologies for the wall of text to follow. Very happy to have found this community, I made it through the first 20 pages of posts, and am still learning about these fun lil toys. Was hoping with some advice on what to get though.

So after doing some research, I decided that American Lifan was going to be my choice (LF200GY-5) Got in touch with authorized dealers and just have trouble swallowing the $1899 price tag they want near me. Over $2200 prepped and tagged, I'd rather find a used yamaha / honda.

The hi-bird or komoto 250 really interested me, but the dealers you all seem to like best are out of stock for some months to come, and can't seem to find anyone that has one in stock (so if anyone knows where some are hiding let me know :) )


:


> :? they're are out of those bikes right now, :?: :cry
desertdog wrote>i know i sell'em :D , paul is the salesman for all of viva he's my >distributor anyrate,
>thats wut he told me ,
>that the next shipment is do in the 2nd week of june


So as i continue reading and looking at all the options out there I ran across:
http://www.nitro-motors.com/carb-200cc-dirt-bike-manual-with-clutch.jsp

$899 with free shipping just seems to good to be true. Apparently a Viva, but I haven't tracked down exactly who Viva is yet. If anyone has experience with this dealer / knows more about this particular bike, please point me in the right direction for more info. I saw a post somewhere stating that it was on the low end of china bikes, but am trying to figure out what factory it comes out of, and if these bikes were made on chinese new year or not :P

I much apppreciate any help I can get, info on these bikes is proving hard for me to find so far, and you guys have already educated me more than anywhere else.

[rigidchop]

i just sent them an email, the spec sheet says it has a drum brake, and the pics show a disc, also it says it has a 4 speed transmission. i thought the gy200's had a 5 speed? also asked if they had any in stock.

[Drock]

sounds kinda sketchy already, thx for the info all, guess i should call and ask a few of those direct questions that confuse those that don't even know what they sell.

[rigidchop]

spec sheet also says its a kick start only? anyone else own a viva? confirm? deny?

[Dragon]

spec sheet also says its a kick start only? anyone else own a viva? confirm? deny?

One can see in the photos that the bike has an electric starter motor. Also, the spec weight of 330 pounds cannot possibly be correct. The bike looks good, but the dealer is sloppy. If they're so sloppy now, I wonder how they're going to be when you need parts.

[rigidchop]

currently i am only researching this bike. not really interested in service after the sale. as we all have read about how, most of these internet dealers, dont know anything about the product they sell, and that the warranty is a joke anyway. i did however find the same bike for about 500 bux more at another online dealer, with the same problems with the spec sheet info. i mostly am interested in finding out if it is a 4 or 5 speed. oh and sorry if i hi jacked this thread, was trying to find out some info for the both of us.

[AZ200cc]

Here is a nice Roketa for an ok price

https://motorcycles-wholesale.com/Roketa-200cc-Enduro-Bikes/

And these guys do free shipping they have a few other styles

http://www.nationalonlinescooters.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=204

Keep shopping around You'll find something, But it would be better to really look around before You pull the trigger. But it does seem like these bikes are running low,
Powersportsmax is out of dual sports at the moment 8O

[elroyjetsn]

spec sheet also says its a kick start only? anyone else own a viva? confirm? deny?

There are 2 diff. Viva's. One is made by Shineray and the other by Huansong. They have different motors.

The Huansong has a vertical headlight and pushrod electric start engine. They're fairly popular among members here. The Shineray bike is sleeker looking, but has no electric start (TMK) and some sites call it a 4 speed??? and it costs a little more, but don't know of any members who own one.

Getting one tagged may be iffy. Several successes so far. Me, still waiting.

BTW, i see no indication that Viva plans to continue importing dual sport bikes. All the bikes i've seen are 2007's on blowout.

Looks like Venom is also buying DS bikes from Huansong and using their brand:

http://www.venommotors.com/products/dirtbike/200dbe/venom_200dbe_dirtbike_200cc.php

[srreynolds2003]

200cc $699 + Shipping

Specs said 5 speed and electric start.

http://www.atvswholesale.com/carb-dirt-bike-200cc-enduro.html

[Drock]

[quote="AZ200cc"]Here is a nice Roketa for an ok price

https://motorcycles-wholesale.com/Roketa-200cc-Enduro-Bikes/

*****OUCHY, $1539 shipped with liftgate, doesn't seem that great of a deal.

http://www.nationalonlinescooters.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=204

*****$1,272.50 for the same Roketa linked above, and seems like some other good deals, time to go to dealer discussion and look em up :)

Thanks for the info guys, Ive spent about 60 hours online reading so far, and keep finding better deals :)

[Drock]

200cc $699 + Shipping

Specs said 5 speed and electric start.

http://www.atvswholesale.com/carb-dirt-bike-200cc-enduro.html


****I believe that nitro and atvwholesale are the same company, that was suggested in dealer discussion at least.

[Drock]

http://www.nationalonlinescooters.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1472

Allroad, great, now i have another brand to look into.

I really like the vertical mirror option on this bike.

[rigidchop]

have not recieved a reply from nitro motors, they must not want any business :roll: or they don't know what they have either :lol:

[ufcritter]

I ordered mine from nitro motors with no problems other than the truck company jerking me around (roadrunner freight). I called ahead and verified that the bike has dual disc brakes rather than a drum in the rear. The salesman confirmed that the website is incorrect and that the bike was indeed the one in the picture.

So far so good. 500kms and still running strong. :P

[Drock]

lol, your bike isn't a red / white combo by any chance is it? saw one drive past my work on 13th street today, good to see someone with a chinabike from gainesville.

[ufcritter]

Nah...it's all black. I tore off all the stickers first chance I had and painted the trim panels flat black. I've been exploring all over gainesville with it though.

[rigidchop]

is it a 4 or 5 speed? and did you get the $899 shipped price?

[justinkr58]

shoot ill sell you my new hi brid with upgrades for $2100.



I did the 520 chain conversion
with new front and rear sprockets.
upgraded speedo with tach.
honda crf230 graphics kit
carb adjusted with a uni filter

titled with plates , so no hassel with the dmv
upgraded inner tubes

battery moved and mounted under the seat

only 200 miles, oil changed 2 times

[theENIGMATIC]

I got my Huansong Viva from Nitro-motors.....I like the bike.....you might find something you like more, but for the price its probably the best I have seen!

[culcune]

Allroad, great, now i have another brand to look into.


Allroad is the same as Kinroad. Kinroadusa.com is RunMaster in the US

http://www.runmasterusa.com/

[jayg]

The LiFan bike is the way to go from what I have been reading. My neighbor has a Roketa and it is a nice bike. I took a ride on it a few days ago and it felt good as well.

I just got a 08 LF200GY from Brian at motoxtreme.net I talked on the phone with him for about an hour and a half and I was very happy with his responses and customer service. His site is also recommended here in this form as well. HTe 08 is 1449 and 07's are 1424 I think. Check it out.

[iMoose]

The LiFan bike is the way to go from what I have been reading. My neighbor has a Roketa and it is a nice bike. I took a ride on it a few days ago and it felt good as well.

I just got a 08 LF200GY from Brian at motoxtreme.net I talked on the phone with him for about an hour and a half and I was very happy with his responses and customer service. His site is also recommended here in this form as well. HTe 08 is 1449 and 07's are 1424 I think. Check it out.

$1,449.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! for a 200cc Lifan

OR

TWO of those Viva GY200's for $51 LESS! from www.atvswholesale.com

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Warranty or a whole other new bike for parts. Kind of a tough one.

Wish there was a better smiley for sarcasm.
Guess :roll: will have to suffice.

[culcune]

Doesn't look like atvwholesalers has any enduros for sale... http://www.atvswholesale.com/new-dirt-bike-200cc-enduro.html okay, found them--good deal and it looks like these are the Shineray version, but you do have to factor in $200 for shipping--still a great deal; also, get a new rear sprocket, such as a 44 tooth.

Okay, one more edit: this bike is the Shineray Speedee model that several people here ordered about a year ago--a good bike, but technically not street-legal in all areas, and this bike does not come with a taillight or license plate light, or both, as if that will keep it off the road, but can be easily fixed.

[jayg]

The LiFan bike is the way to go from what I have been reading. My neighbor has a Roketa and it is a nice bike. I took a ride on it a few days ago and it felt good as well.

I just got a 08 LF200GY from Brian at motoxtreme.net I talked on the phone with him for about an hour and a half and I was very happy with his responses and customer service. His site is also recommended here in this form as well. HTe 08 is 1449 and 07's are 1424 I think. Check it out.

$1,449.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! for a 200cc Lifan

OR

TWO of those Viva GY200's for $51 LESS! from www.atvswholesale.com

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Warranty or a whole other new bike for parts. Kind of a tough one.

Wish there was a better smiley for sarcasm.
Guess :roll: will have to suffice.

Yes $1449.00...here is why.

1.) I have been looking for a Enduro version of a china bike for some time and found one dealer that I feel I could trust. I did order what I thought was a street legal enduro Roketa from bike2go.com but it cam to be that the bike that was pictured in on the web page was not the bike I was getting. I am still fighting to get my money back.

2.) The great $899.00 and $1099.00 and so on are good deals until you add shipping and lift gate charges.

3.) Talking to anyone from the other sites...forgetit

4.) I noticed that some of the sites are owned by the same people with different prices on the same items between sites.

5.) Descriptions between sites are sketchy at best. description items are flat not correct.

6.) I noticed as gas prices go up so does the base price of the bike

I can go on and on...So yes I found $1449.00 to be a good price for the trust and communication that I received form the American Lifan dealer motoxtreme.net

By the time I purchased on of the Roketa, Hi-Bird or other names I was spending the same. Personally from the research I have done I feel that the LiFan was the better choice for me. It was either a $1449.00 LiFan or a $5995.00 Honda. My acceptable ROI is 14 months and at $1449.00 I am still in my limits.

[Drock]

have not recieved a reply from nitro motors, they must not want any business :roll: or they don't know what they have either :lol:

I think they probably have trouble keeping up with the email from the 30 different websites they use :)

[Drock]

So I've decided to roll the dice on a low price model (isn't that what a china bike is all about :) According to what lil info I could find on Forbes / Routers - Lifan is growing too fast for their own good, is having capital problems, and is going after loans / trying to get listed on chinese and us stock markets. Given they are still one of the biggest moto / motor manufacturers in China, I just don't see enough stability to justify the extra money. Not that I think they will go under, just that I doubt parts will be any easier to get than any of the other brands as the company changes alot over the next year.


My cheapy options (add $199 shipping, making atvswholesale $1 cheaper than nitro or atvsimports lol)

$799 - http://www.atvswholesale.com/new-dirt-bike-200cc-enduro.html
***extra plastic, no rear rack, Speedo in MPH, Shineray Speedee version?

$699 - http://www.atvswholesale.com/carb-dirt-bike-200cc-enduro.html
***rear rack, Huansong version?

Any experience getting either one registered (I live in FL)? Any other differences that I should know about? Despite the info listed on the site, looks like they are both rear disc.

Thanks again for all the help,
Derek

[iMoose]

So as i continue reading and looking at all the options out there I ran across:
http://www.nitro-motors.com/carb-200cc-dirt-bike-manual-with-clutch.jsp

$899 with free shipping .

Okay, how about this one? Even shows the the street lights in the pictures lit up. $550 less than Lifan.

[BW]

Ask to have them fill out the mileage section on the Certificate of Origin when you request the form. (they will not ship it with the bike)

You must have the mileage verification filled out on the Certificate of Origin or wait another week for Nitro to send a separate mileage verification form.

I had no problem other than that with the FL DMV.

[ufcritter]

I've had no problems with the Viva from nitro. Other than wrecking and fixing it, all is well and runs great. Registration took all of 5 minutes at the tag agency. Just remember to use a generous coat of loctite on every thread and follow what people have already said about break-in procedures.

[rigidchop]

finally got a reply after 2 emails, the bike they HAD was the one in the pics, unfortunatly they only have a newer model now, and it costs $1099, so i guess i'll have to wait for the 250 hi bird to come back in stock.

[SpeedSouth]

Interesting discussion...

I spent my extra money on the peace of mind. I didn't worry (much) about registration. I didn't worry about getting the wrong model (or color). I don't worry about parts. I don't care about the warranty.

I was willing to waste money and have a pile of junk parked behind the house if it fails and I cannot repair it, but I wasn't willing to waste my money risking a chance of getting the wrong model, or not getting it tagged.


I know I could've spent less money, but I also know it could've been more stressful.
I have no regrets on the extra money spent. :)

[Drock]

Looks like I'll be waiting for a hi-bird / komodo 250 as well :(

or a 300 or 350 if one of the importers gets frisky.

Gonna keep checking craigslist and cycletrader for a used jap bike as well i suppose.

Speed, the peace of mind is nice, if I had a warranty I could depend on, the price difference would def. be worth it to me.

Rigid, lemme know what you end up with :)