Best 250 dual sport?

Dusman · 04-13-2019, 08:04 PM

Good day fellas,

I’m looking into getting a Chinese dual sport 250 for light trail riding and regular commuting to work. Highest possible speeds on the commute are 45-55 mph. I’ve looked at all of them, the Bashans, the Hawk, Tao Tao TBR7, etc. I like the TBR7 but I hate the whole “gotta rebuild/replace the carb” right out of the box. I’m the kind of guy that doesn’t want to have to rebuild or immediately replace a carburetor on a new bike, as I find that ridiculous. I enjoy doing my own maintenance and am mechanically inclined.

Here’s my question: what’s the best purchase for my needs right out of the box?

I live in NC, so the Hawk is a no go as far as registration is concerned.

Thanks a bunch!

pete · 04-13-2019, 10:07 PM

I would bet 90% plus of the Chinese bikes sold world wide never have there carbs replaced..

..

Medic · 04-14-2019, 12:27 AM

I think i want the TBR7 as well. If you have to replace the carb its fairly cheap and easy to do.

timcosby · 04-14-2019, 01:17 AM

they will run stock. they have to put a small jet in the carb to pass epa guidelines on emmisions so they run lean. harleys run lean stock for the same reason.

Megadan · 04-14-2019, 01:21 AM

None of the carbs need to really.be replaced or rebuilt out of the box. What they generally need is the jetting to be adjusted so they arent so lean. Some are better than others out of the box, but most of them are still on the lean side, and dialing in the carb tune is just part of the process. Since it is probably the most discussed topic here it isnt too hard to do either.

Landsvw · 04-14-2019, 04:33 AM

Yeah my Kawasaki’s carb, 2009 KLX250 was also lean right from factory. I put the jet kit in it and etc and runs and starts sooooo much better. So it’s an EPA requirement that they’re getting around and we are the ones who have to ‘dirty’ the carbs to make them run correctly in the real world. So, if you don’t want to mess with carbs then maybe get a fuel injected something...

Bruces · 04-14-2019, 09:05 AM

Isn’t the Csc bike rejetted when you get them ?probably his best bet if he doesn’t want to tinker with the set up .

culcune · 04-14-2019, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Landsvw

So, if you don’t want to mess with carbs then maybe get a fuel injected something...

Lifan has an upcoming (apparently next few weeks) enduro with fuel-injection. Also, there is the upcoming Hawk DLX with fuel-injection. Both are on the EPA/DOT certification list as 49 state legal (as usual, Californians need not apply). Also, the slightly more expensive but close to mainstream brand CSC, has their TT250. Mainstream-like since the bike comes PDI/assembled and they stock parts for warranty issues, repairs, or upgrades. 'Out of the box' the CSC (probably the Lifan, too) would be your best bet.

elkhunter338 · 04-14-2019, 12:20 PM

My Dad and I have not touched the carbs on our tt-250's other than adjusting the idle. They run fine, no back fire issues, no hesitation issues. Running them at 3,500 feet elevation. Mine is running clean the spark plug has no carbon build up at 170 miles. At this point with stock exhaust I have no plans on messing with the carb. Starts really good, idles good, just runs good.

MAT · 04-14-2019, 01:20 PM

Need more details on the FI Lifan enduro!

Dusman · 04-14-2019, 02:36 PM

Thanks for al your replies. Much appreciated!

culcune · 04-14-2019, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAT

Need more details on the FI Lifan enduro!

https://www.americanlifan.com/x-pect/

Sochin · 04-14-2019, 11:19 PM

Get Nz's kit for 20 bux, use same carb as it comes with and a 17 front sprocket. Will greatly accomodate what you're asking out of a Hawk.

kirbo7106 · 04-15-2019, 07:58 AM

I’m on the CSC bandwagon! If you want a “Ride it out of the box” Dual Sport, I don’t think you can beat the TT250!

The Lifan might be a great choice too! They seem to make some really good products. I really like their KP 150 Mini. Plus, it will be fuel injected. Being that you could ride from the beach all the way to the mountains without leaving the state, a good fuel injection system would make the ride easier!

Keep us posted on what you end up going with!

Enjoy the Ride!

2LZ · 04-15-2019, 10:43 AM

Yep, agreed on the TT250.

The only reason I did all the mods was because I can't help myself and I wanted to do a project for China Riders of the new-at-the-time bike from CSC.
It ran perfectly out of box. The PZ type carb they use is a much better piece than I've seen on other China bikes. I kept it.

04-13-2019, 08:04 PM	#1
Dusman Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: NC Posts: 217	Best 250 dual sport? Good day fellas, I’m looking into getting a Chinese dual sport 250 for light trail riding and regular commuting to work. Highest possible speeds on the commute are 45-55 mph. I’ve looked at all of them, the Bashans, the Hawk, Tao Tao TBR7, etc. I like the TBR7 but I hate the whole “gotta rebuild/replace the carb” right out of the box. I’m the kind of guy that doesn’t want to have to rebuild or immediately replace a carburetor on a new bike, as I find that ridiculous. I enjoy doing my own maintenance and am mechanically inclined. Here’s my question: what’s the best purchase for my needs right out of the box? I live in NC, so the Hawk is a no go as far as registration is concerned. Thanks a bunch!
	2

04-13-2019, 10:07 PM	#2
pete Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: ChCh , NZ Posts: 2,262	I would bet 90% plus of the Chinese bikes sold world wide never have there carbs replaced.. .. __________________ 09 XT660R ... 06 TTR250 ... 80 Montesa H6 125 Enduro... 77 Montesa Cota 348 MRR "Malcom Rathnell Replica"... Current resto projects.. 81 Honda CT110... 80 Kawasaki KL250A1... 11 Husaburg TE125 enduro... "sold" along with another 31... Lifan 125 Pitbike.. "stolen" ... KIWI BIKER FORUM...... http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/content.php All the best offroad rides in NZ... http://www.remotemoto.com/ E-mail... xtpete1@gmail.com
	1

04-14-2019, 12:27 AM	#3
Medic Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 18	I think i want the TBR7 as well. If you have to replace the carb its fairly cheap and easy to do. __________________ 2019 Taotao Hellcat lots of parts in the mail (shhh wife doesnt know) 2015 Subaru Brz -track day and autocross toy.
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04-14-2019, 01:17 AM	#4
timcosby Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: robertsdale alabama usa Posts: 1,007	they will run stock. they have to put a small jet in the carb to pass epa guidelines on emmisions so they run lean. harleys run lean stock for the same reason. __________________ 1991 harley heritage softail classic 2016 hawk kaw h1 400 tripple 13' long chopper in progress 2009 johnny pag bar hog 2004 hd electra glide ultra classic shriner edition 1997 harley davidson 1200 sportster 1972 harley davidson amf sx250
	2

04-14-2019, 01:21 AM	#5
Megadan Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 8,034	None of the carbs need to really.be replaced or rebuilt out of the box. What they generally need is the jetting to be adjusted so they arent so lean. Some are better than others out of the box, but most of them are still on the lean side, and dialing in the carb tune is just part of the process. Since it is probably the most discussed topic here it isnt too hard to do either. __________________ Hawk Information and Resource guide: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=20331 2018 Hawk 250 - Full Mod list here. http://www.chinariders.net/showpost....62&postcount=1 2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 https://chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=34124
	2

04-14-2019, 04:33 AM	#6
Landsvw Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Myrtle Creek Oregon Posts: 873	Yeah my Kawasaki’s carb, 2009 KLX250 was also lean right from factory. I put the jet kit in it and etc and runs and starts sooooo much better. So it’s an EPA requirement that they’re getting around and we are the ones who have to ‘dirty’ the carbs to make them run correctly in the real world. So, if you don’t want to mess with carbs then maybe get a fuel injected something... __________________ 1988 Kawasaki KLR250 1969 Honda Z50 silver tag 2002 Ford F-350 7.3 diesel 1975 Corvette 2017 Chevy Bolt “Throttle twisting geek” -LFN
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04-14-2019, 09:05 AM	#7
Bruces Join Date: May 2018 Posts: 1,588	Isn’t the Csc bike rejetted when you get them ?probably his best bet if he doesn’t want to tinker with the set up . Last edited by Bruces; 04-14-2019 at 09:06 AM. Reason: Stupid auto correct
	2

04-14-2019, 12:20 PM	#9
elkhunter338 Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Oregon Posts: 81	My Dad and I have not touched the carbs on our tt-250's other than adjusting the idle. They run fine, no back fire issues, no hesitation issues. Running them at 3,500 feet elevation. Mine is running clean the spark plug has no carbon build up at 170 miles. At this point with stock exhaust I have no plans on messing with the carb. Starts really good, idles good, just runs good.
	5

04-14-2019, 01:20 PM	#10
MAT Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Roberts, WI Posts: 46	Need more details on the FI Lifan enduro! __________________ Piranha P190R mini-motard racer 20 Thumpstar TSX-190 12 Yamaha TTR-125 FT/ice racer 09 KTM 450 XC-F SM racer 75 CB400F Vintage rider
	1

04-14-2019, 02:36 PM	#11
Dusman Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: NC Posts: 217	Thanks for al your replies. Much appreciated!
	1

04-14-2019, 11:19 PM	#13
Sochin Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Montucky Posts: 209	Get Nz's kit for 20 bux, use same carb as it comes with and a 17 front sprocket. Will greatly accomodate what you're asking out of a Hawk. __________________ 1983 Honda Xl600R 2016 Ducati Multistrada 1200S DVT
	1

04-15-2019, 07:58 AM	#14
kirbo7106 Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Holiday, Florida Posts: 672	I’m on the CSC bandwagon! If you want a “Ride it out of the box” Dual Sport, I don’t think you can beat the TT250! The Lifan might be a great choice too! They seem to make some really good products. I really like their KP 150 Mini. Plus, it will be fuel injected. Being that you could ride from the beach all the way to the mountains without leaving the state, a good fuel injection system would make the ride easier! Keep us posted on what you end up going with! Enjoy the Ride! __________________ 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
	4

04-15-2019, 10:43 AM	#15
2LZ Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Volcano, Ca Posts: 7,098	Yep, agreed on the TT250. The only reason I did all the mods was because I can't help myself and I wanted to do a project for China Riders of the new-at-the-time bike from CSC. It ran perfectly out of box. The PZ type carb they use is a much better piece than I've seen on other China bikes. I kept it. __________________ "Light a fire for a man, and you heat him for a day. Light a man on fire, and you heat him for the rest of his life." 2007 Suzuki DRZ400S (SM convert) 2009 Q Link XP 200 1967 BSA B25 250cc Starfire 2022 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 2023 Royal Enfield Scram 411 1948 Royal Enfield Model G 350
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