Which bike and where to purchase it?

[Backwoods08]

Hello, I have been browsing the forum for a while now and getting ready to make the leap and purchase a china bike. I have a few questions, what models would you recommend for a daily 10 mile commute going 50mph. The better models and others you would stay away from..

Would like to keep it under 1500 if I can. I know you get what you pay for. Also any dealers online you would recommend? Or any dealers in the New-Hampshire area?

Thank you

Chris

[FastDoc]

Welcome. You live in one of the most scenic states in the country. Are you close to the White Mountains?

Safest bets are Zongshen and Q Link. Lifans are OK but not as high quality as the first two.

[Backwoods08]

Thank you and you are right its very scenic here and Ironically I live right in the white mts. Though my commute to work is fairly flat with a a few small hills. I plan on also driving on many of the forest service and logging roads in the area.

[FastDoc]

When can we visit? :wink:

[Thorgram]

I have an uneducated biased opinion because I have a Lifan. :)

However, if you DID get a Lifan, you would be safe in getting Honda XR200 parts when and if things started breaking down.

On the other hand I think the ZONG and Q are Yamaha clones. Brothers correct me if I'm wrong.

In the end I think it's sort of apples and oranges unless you want to beat the thing like a non-clone, like I have done with mine and that's why it's currently out of service. :)

[katoranger]

I would look for a Qlink xp200 first then a zongshen with a lifan type bike 3rd.

Most members have been able to find a Q for $1500 and they are well worth the price.

[Barnone]

Backwoods08,
There is a saying here that if you are not an experienced motorcycle rider and mechanic then you should stay away from Chinese bikes. I have four Chinese bikes and agree with that statement.

[JTCAndrew]

The Qlink XP and XF Models are Suzuki DR200 Engine Clones. I Paid $1395 for mine on Ebay Delivered! That was Last Oct - No chance of finding one now at that cost......But.....Start Searching becuase I have a feeling there going to become scarce in the coming few years.....Not a bad thing just the new models are coming and the Suzuki AIR Cooled Engines have proven reliability. The NEW Ones will be water cooled......

I too am to Biased to the Qlink, But I can Honestly tell you nothing about the other Models Zong, and Lifan......

We have owners of all 3 here, and alot of great advice.....So start your research.....and let the choices narrow.....Best wishes......

[Weldangrind]

Welcome!

I'd give any one of them a home for the right price. :D

[FastDoc]

Backwoods08,
There is a saying here that if you are not an experienced motorcycle rider and mechanic then you should stay away from Chinese bikes. I have four Chinese bikes and agree with that statement.

True, although much less so with a Q or a Zong.

[MICRider]

I vote Q as well... I had a Konker (which is identical) and it was a fantastic bike. Started well, purred like a kitten and handled well on the road. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another.

[Weldangrind]

I've heard of very few Honda clone engines failing, but I've heard plenty about quality issues otherwise. The good news is that the typical Honda clone stuff is probably the most common and likely the cheapest.

I wouldn't be shy about a Honda clone, but I love wrenching. :D

[katoranger]

Nothing wrong with a honda clone, just be prepared to work on it more. Also a used one can be an exceptional bargain.

[Backwoods08]

Thanks for all the reply s. I talked to a semi local qlink dealer and its 2500 for the 200cc and 4grand for the new 250cc coming out later in the year. This is allot more than I wanted to spend. Any decent Honda clones out there in the 1300-1500 range? I am pretty handy and should have no prob fixing the Honda clone quirks, and it seems there are plenty of resources on here.

Would this be a good bike and dealer?
https://www.motorcycles-scooters.com/200cc-enduro/

If not what do you guys suggest?

[Backwoods08]

This seems to be a better built bike and deal. am I correct and has any one used this dealer or own this bike.
http://www.tomaliscooters.com/pd_200cc.cfm

Thanks again .

[FastDoc]

Pretty good bike and an OK deal but people have been getting Q's for that price, and the Q is a better machine.

[Thorgram]

All this Q talk is making me check my bank account and see if it could afford the hit of another bike purchase...... 8O

If you can get one for the same price as a Lifan I would likley do it souly based on the recommendations from the majority. :)

The only real advantage to a Lifan that I see is the Honda parts interchange. You could always just go with the one that you think looks the coolest and save money in modifying. The majority of the money I've spent is to make mine look like I want. Either way, you'll have fun with it and have lots of moral and knowledge support here. :D

But in the end, maybe it is all just about:
Coke/Pepsi, Apples/Oranges, McDonalds/Burger King, Toilet Paper/Paper Towel, AK47/M16.....

[FastDoc]

AK47/M16

Both.


Either way, you'll have fun with it and have lots of moral and knowledge support here.

Copy that. :D

[Thorgram]

AK47/M16

Both.

Hehe yes! If you only picked one, what would you do with the other hand? :twisted:

[2LZ]

I've had 3 Honda clones (4 including the little quad of my father-in-laws I service for him) and now, the Q.

The Honda clones have been great bikes.....ONCE YOU DO ALL THE NORMAL FIXES......that are well documented here. I've enjoyed them all.....but like many here, I liek to wrench.

The Q, on the other hand, was "Japanese", right out of the box.

[SpudRider]

Welcome to these forums, Backwoods; we are glad you joined us! :) The QLinks are great bikes, but don't spent more than $1,700 for one; that QLink dealer is asking much too high a price for his motorcycles. :roll: Once the price reaches $2,000, you are better off purchasing a used, Japanese motorcycle. ;)

For an additional $54 over the Roketa, the Lifan looks like a decent deal at $1,449, delivered. :) As with the Zongshen bikes, the great deals on the QLink bikes have probably disappeared, since both these bikes are no longer imported into the United States. :(

Spud :)

[Barnone]

Put 250 KMs on my Qlink XF200 yesterday and she is a sweet runner and has decent performance. She is going to the mountains in a few weeks where she is a more fun ride than than flat FL.
Like said before she is right there quality wise with the Japanese bikes so I have to temper my China bike statement. .

[2LZ]

Backwoods....you also have to concider your location.

Here, in the PRK, just to have a CB street legal and plated is a massive bonus, all in itself. My CB guy still has a few orange XP's and a bunch of white ones @ 1750.00 (just under 2 OTD) with PRK taxes and DMV fees, that's still an amazing deal for here! :D

I'd like to get Mrs 2LZ a white one while they're still available but she said, "Next....it's bedroom set and rebuild the master bath or you'll be singing soprano." 8O

[Weldangrind]

I'd like to get Mrs 2LZ a white one while they're still available but she said, "Next....it's bedroom set and rebuild the master bath or you'll be singing soprano." 8O

Last year (while TurboT was visiting), Mrs. Weldangrind looked at me and said "Mama needs a new kitchen. Just sayin'..." Then I got the look.

Back to your regularly scheduled thread.

[Barnone]

I'd like to get Mrs 2LZ a white one while they're still available but she said, "Next....it's bedroom set and rebuild the master bath or you'll be singing soprano." 8O

Last year (while TurboT was visiting), Mrs. Weldangrind looked at me and said "Mama needs a new kitchen. Just sayin'..." Then I got the look.

Back to your regularly scheduled thread.
W&G,
You know the saying about if Mama ain't happy and I'm sure it applies to Canada.

[Weldangrind]

You nailed it. If Mama ain't happy, Canada ain't happy.

[Backwoods08]

Thanks guys and you are all correct. If the wife isnt happy then no one is haha. This is why I need a cheap but good ride. Can any one give me a clue on were to get a good deal on a Q?

[SpudRider]

Thanks guys and you are all correct. If the wife isnt happy then no one is haha. This is why I need a cheap but good ride. Can any one give me a clue on were to get a good deal on a Q?
A while back we had a QLink owner from New England post in these forums; I believe he bought his bike from a local dealer. However, I don't remember his user name, or his exact location. If you search these forums, you might find him. ;)

Spud :)