Hey guys I have been reading this forum for awhile now and considered getting a Tao Tao full size ATV. All your posts helped me to make the final decision. Thank you!!!
I tried to get it locally but got fed up with the way all the shops around me here in MD do business. Not returning calls or emails, high prices ($1400-$2000), and unwilling to budge on the price. There was a limit I was willing to spend on a Chinese ATV that needed modifications to suit me. Along with all the tuning and engineering workarounds. I at least got to sit on a couple of them and inspect up close. So it wasn't a complete waste of time.
I first tried to get a 250D which is no longer offered by Tao Tao so I ended up getting a Rhino 250. I was a little uneasy at first about ordering from TX Powersports but that has passed. The price was too good for me to turn down, and most of the problems seemed to be title issues for scooters. Will keep you guys posted good, bad, and in between. They did pick up the phone when I called to see if it was in stock, color, and answer questions before purchase. The internet shops near me wouldn't even do that. Was hoping to pick up from them in person to lower the cost.
It's hard deciding on who to buy from... but a decision made easier when they won't answer emails or return calls. Most would assume after it's in your hands they will do the same if problems arise. Hoping I wont regret dealing with them.
After all the modifications I have read here I will be spending a little more money and time configuring it how I want...
My Hit List
- Rear Hitch (for tiny trailer) DONE Used metal from Home Depot
- Winch (HF ATV model) DONE http://www.harborfreight.com/2500-lb...rol-61297.html
- Front Sprocket 11t DONE http://www.whygostock.com/taotao-rhi...ront-sprocket/
- Rear Sprocket 40t or higher DONE 37t http://www.whygostock.com/taotao-rhino-250-bull-150-atk4150-go-kart-rear-530-37-tooth-sprocket/
- Rear 2" Axle Extenders DONE https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AEVKO42
- Shift Light Indicators R/N/1/2/3/4 (thinking a custom bezel is in order) IN PROGRESS
- Air Filter Relocation (for shallow water crossings) DONE (PVC and rubber step down adapter from home depot) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008OEQ6WU
- Address useless headlight issue with some sort of high watt LED mod DONE https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NQKS1WA
- Mikuni Carb (at some point later on) DONE Using jets: 30 pilot, 115 main, 4th notch down on needle https://www.amazon.com/FI-parts-Miku.../dp/B07F387YWP
- Hub stop mod DONE (Used 1 inch conduit pipe from Home Depot)
A special thank you to anhoard and 2LZ really dig your mods and will be using them on mine in some variant or another. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and for the pics. I do have a welder, small lathe and mill, and plenty of other metal working tools so curious to see what I come up with in the end. Can't wait.
My current ride is a Baja MB165/MB200 I modded for mule purposes while prospecting. Was a 50$ junker..
Added seat, storage tank, rear rack with hitch, TAV2 clone torque converter, 60t rear sprocket, and Predator 212cc engine along with a diy trailer....
So yeah I needed something a little bigger and safer to haul my gear, in, out, and down the creek. Hoping this ATV fits the bill. I'm all in now.
Will update this thread as the weeks progress. Any help you guys can offer with gearing and other pointers is greatly appreciated!!!
Thanks again for all your posts!!! Hopefully I can contribute some.