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07-30-2020, 09:42 AM | #1 |
Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 42
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Bike-curious
At the risk of boring everyone, my motorcycle history is:
2nd gen Kawasaki EX500 Honda F2 Honda 600RR Honda nighthawk Suzuki katana 750 Honda XR100 I took all but the nighthawk and katana to race tracks, with the F2 and 600RR being designated track-only toys. I out-paced my budget, had a kid, and got the XR100 for kart track mini supermoto racing. Had a second kid, and sold it almost 4 years ago. Presently shopping chinese bikes as a cheap way to have a little in-town toy that i can also ride on a kart track if i want to be an uncompetitive backmarker. Apollo DB36 deluxe is what i am leaning toward, primarily due to the 17” wheels, which provide the best tire options. Open to advice on other bikes that can be easily fitted with 17’s Ride safe. |
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07-30-2020, 10:35 AM | #2 |
Moderator
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Houma, La.
Posts: 11,713
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Welcome Aboard! How can anyone be bored when it's all about motorcycles. lol
I have the Venom X22R 250. One of the main things l liked about it was that parts like pistons, cams, cylinders and heads for the CRF230F will swap right over to it. I'm getting ready to pre-order the New 2020 Venom Ghost 250 which uses the same engine. Another bike would be the MotoMax 250 sold by Peace Sports Atlanta. Only problem i see right now is fining anything in stock on most of these bikes.
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2024 Linhai 300 ATV 4x4 2023 Lifan Lycan 250 Chopper 2023 Venom Evader 2022 Lifan KPX250 2020 Kawasaki Vulcan S (Sold) 2004 Honda ST 1300 2016 Black Hawk 250 (sold) Keihin PE30 carb,125 main,38 slow.Pod filter,ported & decked head 10:1 CR,Direct Ignition Coil,15/40Sprockets,NGK DPR8EIX-9,De-Cat,Dual Oil Cooler,Digital Cluster 2016 Cazador180 XL 2014 Coolster150 JerryHawk250.com My YouTube Channel Last edited by JerryHawk250; 07-30-2020 at 11:11 AM. |
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07-30-2020, 08:39 PM | #3 |
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Yuma, Arizona
Posts: 9,056
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The Apollo would probably suit your intended use. The Motomax 250 would as well, and you could probably get away running the stock tires. But, how tight is the go-kart track. I am thinking more minis. Lifan's KP Mini has a 150cc engine, and there are photos of them race-prepped and stripped of their street equipment on slicks if one of the dual-sports is too large.
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"They say that life's a carousel, spinning fast you got to ride it well..." TGB Delivery Scooter 150 TMEC 200 Enduro--carcass is sadly rotting in the backyard |
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07-31-2020, 12:16 PM | #4 |
Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 42
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Moto Max 250 is also on my list, but costs a bit more than the Apollo can be found.
A heavy 250 will be sloth-like on the kart track, but I’m not planning to race it, or be competitive if i do. I have raced XR/CRF 100’s at Circleville raceway park (CRP) and at the “Wilson circuit” at Pittsburgh ‘international’ raceway. CRP is cheaper, but PIRC is closer, and it’s a faster track, so better suited for more than 100cc power. That said, the 100s are good for over 50 mph top speed there, with proper gearing. The Chinese 250’s are heavy and underpowered... but i would pay $1200-$1600 for a race ready older CRF100. A few hundred more for a street legal brand new China ride seems very worth it to me. |
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08-03-2020, 05:17 PM | #5 |
Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 42
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...now looking hard at the Tao hellcat. I can street it and also
Race it in the stock grom class. It’s cheaper, and will fit in my garage easily. Searching where i can buy online... |
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08-03-2020, 05:46 PM | #6 | |
Moderator
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Houma, La.
Posts: 11,713
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Quote:
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2024 Linhai 300 ATV 4x4 2023 Lifan Lycan 250 Chopper 2023 Venom Evader 2022 Lifan KPX250 2020 Kawasaki Vulcan S (Sold) 2004 Honda ST 1300 2016 Black Hawk 250 (sold) Keihin PE30 carb,125 main,38 slow.Pod filter,ported & decked head 10:1 CR,Direct Ignition Coil,15/40Sprockets,NGK DPR8EIX-9,De-Cat,Dual Oil Cooler,Digital Cluster 2016 Cazador180 XL 2014 Coolster150 JerryHawk250.com My YouTube Channel |
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08-03-2020, 06:34 PM | #7 |
Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 42
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Well, i found a website that claims to have them in stock. $1300 to my door, with lift-gate fee, etc. i found it elsewhere for less, but on 8-week backorder...
So now, i wait. |
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08-04-2020, 10:31 AM | #8 |
Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 42
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Well shit...
Customer service from saferwholesale (despite the questionable reviews) was very responsive, and told me Tao is moving 3 factories right now. They are not expected to have inventory in stock until 2021. |
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10-06-2020, 05:00 PM | #9 |
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Holiday, Florida
Posts: 672
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If I were looking for a Grom Like Vehicle, I would look hard at Venom Motorsports. Most of these Chinese motorcycle dealers are hit or miss. Venom seems to really have follow up after the sale. I’ve had some bad experiences with 3 different dealers.
Keep us posted on what you decide to get. Enjoy the Ride!
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Dan-O -2018 Tao Tao HellCat - DOA -2016 Hawk 250 - Kitty Hawk - eBay exhaust, Mikuni carb(120 main/30 Pilot), airbox mod with K&N filter, digital cluster, total LEDs, 17/45 sprockets, RK chain, Shinko 244 tires, trunk, aftermarket levers, burrito tube, skid plate, Sargent Cycle Seat... -2003 HD Sportster 100th Anniversary -1999 Buell X-1 Lightning - Race kit, Buell Seat |
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08-04-2020, 10:31 AM | #10 |
Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 42
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They cancelled my order. Never charged my card.
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08-04-2020, 05:04 PM | #11 |
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Graham, WA
Posts: 118
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Well that certainly explains the lack of Tao Motors product in the US. Makes one wonder why they had to move three factories though.
g. |
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08-05-2020, 08:35 PM | #12 |
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Texas
Posts: 10
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Lots of flooding in the region. That big dam may require more flood plain, so the government is forcing entire towns to move. |
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08-06-2020, 09:43 AM | #13 |
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Graham, WA
Posts: 118
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Ugh. Well that sucks.
g. |
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