Tm38ex
 

A "TM38EX" Google Search uncovered that everyone and his brother is selling these things - EXCEPT Venom. So, I'm wondering if Venom declined to pursue selling a TM38EX due to lacking exclusivity? Perhaps Jerry Hawk could enlighten us all?

And, I wonder what is the final manufacturing facility for the TM38EX? ... recognizing that the TM38EX NC298 engine is from Zongshen (~$900 on Alibaba, btw).

Might Venom distribute a TM38EX under their own brand name, rather than under the TrailMaster name? Often these Chinese manufacturers seem willing to affix a distributor's brand name, especially if ordered with different equipment/features etc.

Why wait? Trailmaster TM38EX is available now for ~ $4000. Motobuys has 'em. Why does it have to be a Lifan?

... not Lifan; Venom.
... because Jerry Hawk said he wouldn't buy from those 'Manny' dealers. :lmao:

Now, I don't know better; obviously, many are buying from 'Manny' shops? :yay:

I've heard mostly great comments about TM38. Crate bikes are getting dependable now, and holy cow liquid cooled 298cc 6 speed with lots of stainless steel and cast alloy parts. Better get while the gettin's good. You are more likely to encounter shipping problems than quality issues. Personally, I'd get the PWK34 model. But I like to bypass emissions standards and jet the bike myself. Your choice!

Correct me if I'm wrong; buying just a crate from a pure distributor (i.e. with little or no parts & service infrastructure ... or a phone) is like buying with a 'tail-light warranty' (good `till the tail-lights fade in the distance). You bought it; it's yours; good luck chasing down parts, when needed ... and the notion of 'bullet-proof' bikes is b.s., regardless of the country of origin or brand. ;)

I'm at about 4,500' altitude; rides might range up to 10,000-12,000'. Carburetors aren't designed for changing altitude, humidity, temperature etc.; carburetors don't have the required mass air volume, temperature and other necessary sensors. Carburetors can be optimized for one set of conditions; step outside those conditions and carburetors run sub-optimally ... and, I'd rather ride than tune, anyway; that's like having to change tires for every surface change ... or tow another bike (more bologna).

True, emissions standards send many (most?) bikes out running lean (and WAY too red hot); running lean is easier corrected with a ~$150 tuning unit in series with the injector ... than pulling a carburetor out from the frame and re-jetting etc. - for altitude, temperature, humidity changes etc.

... just my opinion; 'your mileage may vary'.

Yeah, I have heard all the arguments. But EFI gremlins can get in the way of that warantee. Maybe it hasn't happened to you but I have heard about some real nightmares.

And actually, I have gotten free replacement parts from "pure distributors", like a brand new fully assembled wheel with bearings and seals for a cracked left front seal seat !

You can jet a carb for a trip with most anticipated altitude changes.

some TrailMaster info
 

TrailMaster and MotoBuys list the same Garland, TX (N.E. of Dallas) address. ... a 'Manny' outfit? `dunno? ... maybe not? "Manny" sites make uncovering their address a challenge; TrailMaster/MotoBuys didn't ...


I'm guessing that 'TrailMaster' is the importer's/distributor's brand name? ... rather than the actual manufacturer's name? Though we know the engine is made by Zongshen and the bike is, apparently, a 2009 KTM 350 clone (patents expired, presumably), I haven't found what Chinese outfit actually assembles and crates the whole thing? Millions of small engines are made in Zongshen for sale around the world. Was the whole bike assembled in Zongshen? ` dunno, yet?


They offer a phone, as well as eMail Contact address. I suspect that these outfits prefer eMail to phone communications? ... understandably.

Apparently, the TM38EX (injected + street sfuff: lights, mirrors, horn etc.) comes with an owners manual (` have no idea how good/thorough it is? ... or if it includes torque specs?). I saw no .pdf version owners manual available on the site.

At least for the TM38EX, MotoBuys (TrailMaster) offer a nice, reasonably thorough YouTube assembly video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ny-DFbTIV6A
` looks as straightforward as any other crate bike.
As usual with such assembly videos, neither a torque wrench nor LocTite is to be found ... but you know better; just take your time and do it 'right'.

`looks like $4,000 includes shipping, except $39 for residential tailgate service (`seems reasonable) + $39 for an MCO (to plate it, if you can in your State). I suspect that the reason these outfits declare some bikes 'off-road only' is that the bike has NOT incurred emissions testing expenses.

A carburetor-version (TM38) YouTube nice 'review' is available, as well:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHLq...ist=WL&index=3
"That's why they make chocolate, as well as vanilla."

Yup. That's the one. I found a new KTM 250SX 2 stroke, so I abandoned my 298cc liquid cooled 4 stroke quest. But that TM38 is the one I was hoping to buy.

You are absolutely correct. It the Chinese New Year, so once that's over they will inquire about the bike and sell it under the Venom name. It seems like Trail Masters is not will to sell to Venom. Oh well, There loss. lol The only thing is, it will probably be the 3rd Quarter before they get the bikes state side. They also have to make warehouse space for the bikes and parts. Once here, there tech guys will need a few weeks to test and learn the bikes before releasing for sale. Stay tune for further updates.

thanks, Jerry
 

Thanks for weighing in, Jerry.
Your contributed insights make perfect sense ... and are much appreciated - by ALL. :thanks:

short rear suspension
 

The rear suspension travel spec gives me pause, regarding this TM38EX.

Specification says that the rear shock offers only 120 mm ( divided by 25.4 mm/inch ~= 4.7 inches) travel; this strikes me as inconsistent with the bike's enduro purpose.

That spec sounds like the amount of travel in the shock absorber itself. And if so, that's not out of the ordinary for a monoshock rear suspension mounted at the front of the swingarm, especially if it also has suspension linkages. The length of the linkages and length of the swingarm will multiply the effective total suspension travel measured at the rear axle.


The XR650L, for instance, has an 11" total rear suspension travel, but the monoshock itself only has a travel of 4-5". Nobody is equipping 24" long shocks with 11" travel to dirt bikes.

Coming from a x 1970s motocrosser, I am not 100% sold on the china EFI. I have slapped plenty of china carbs on my recent Honda restores of CT70s and CT90s and with some fiddling I can get them to run perfectly. Although I do understand the elevation/temp argument for EFI (I am an aircraft mechanic) The liquid cooling, counterbalance, 300cc on this bike is very attractive. But my old bones prefers the old school carbs. $4000 for this vs $7000 for a KLX300. Dunno. Might do the KLX. But right now I am waiting for the Templar X to come back in stock. I bet those go up in price significanty on this next batch though.

Okay, I just got this from Venom. Since it will be a while before Venom will have the TM38EX (Venom Version) and don't feel like waiting. Venom Motorsports will offer the KPX for $2699.99 including shipping. One hell of a deal. Offer is Valid until the end of the month February 29, 2024. Use Discount code: JERRYKPXSPECIAL

Maybe the price will go up on the Temp X. But PSM keeps keep defying the odds holding the price, and having sales for every minor excuse for a holiday.

That carbed Trailmaster TM38 does look nice though. Installing lights and a horn/mirrors is not so bad. The EFI version "TM38E" is actually 100 buck less right now at motobuys. And, they now sell it with lights in the EFI package "TM38EX" for the same price as the carbed bike, no lights :) That is nearly enough incentive for me to take a chance on Chinese EFI.