How to dramatically lighten a China bike?

[Dusman]

Have you considered the Orion RXB190L? It's a 168lb dual sport with a Zongshen 190cc motor that puts out 16HP stock. It also comfortably cruises around at 50-55 mph with stock sprockets and after being properly broken in can attain top speeds of 65-70 mph. It has a 1.12 gallon fuel tank though, so I'm not sure it could do a 100 mile round trip without a topping off.
https://www.orionpowersports.com/ori...embled-tested/

[GypsyR]

On paper it looks like that Orion checks all the boxes to me.

[Boatguy]

Originally Posted by Dusman

Have you considered the Orion RXB190L? It's a 168lb dual sport with a Zongshen 190cc motor that puts out 16HP stock. It also comfortably cruises around at 50-55 mph with stock sprockets and after being properly broken in can attain top speeds of 65-70 mph. It has a 1.12 gallon fuel tank though, so I'm not sure it could do a 100 mile round trip without a topping off.
https://www.orionpowersports.com/ori...embled-tested/

I’ll consider anything, and that one looks great! I can’t even see how the weight could be correct though. Is that right?

I’m definitely OK stopping for gas along the way. That’s fine by me. It doesn’t have to do the trip without needing gas.

If that thing actually weighs 168 pounds, that is what I need.

The five speed transmission makes all the difference in the world on that top speed. And it would be really cool because I could still have an Enduro. I wouldn’t have to gear the whole thing up so first gear was useless

[XLsior]

from what i understand that ZS190cc 5 speed engine is a bit high strung. But Ive seen them installed in honda Z50,CT70/DAX, Cubs and Trails.

I suspect that's why the RXB190 is labeled *Competition Use only...

But as a 4stroke power to weight to cost power plant its about as good as you can get.

Lower 150cc 4 speed engines might be considered a bit more "reliable"

If you wanted to go even lighter the only option would be something like a modified 50cc to 75-100cc 2stroke moped. like a classic PUCH.

Though I have also seen some 2stroke frames with 4 stroke Chonda engine swaps...

So it seems the options are pitbikes or retro-esk mopeds.

Not sure what the laws are on 50cc mopeds but you might be able to save on paperwork/legalities as a perk and just put in a stronger engine- wink wink

[Thumper]

Scooters are not exactly ergonomically easy to "tote". I think a smaller dual sport like the ~150cc to 200cc range is easier to maneuver/lift. Maybe I am wrong, but the weight on a scooter is mostly in the back, and the handlebars are far away from it. Maybe if it has a belt or beefy handrail on the tail?

[XLsior]

pros and cons to small wheels and big wheels...

Scooters can be a bit bulky and cumbersome even if the weight is lower. Small wheels are not good offroad or with potholes...

The big wheel pitbikes 16/19 would do the job of travel...but limited on cargo options and the police tend to like stopping "dirtbikes"

a 200cc scrambler/dualsport* might be a tad heavier but more capable...

A Honda cub or trail 'style' with the 17/17 wheels and 150cc+ engine would do the speeds, be manageable to storage limitations and manage to carry the rider+cargo more comfortably...

a tuned moped is half bike half chainsaw...lightweight but has 2 stroke foibles which is either a pro or con depending on the user...

[XLsior]

190pounds

sold out...but something like this will be bigger than a grom and lighter than a 250cc dualsport enduro...

https://www.venommotorsportsusa.com/...hopper-bd125-2

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by XLsior

190pounds

sold out...but something like this will be bigger than a grom and lighter than a 250cc dualsport enduro...

https://www.venommotorsportsusa.com/...hopper-bd125-2

That bike is actually quite small and almost the same size as a Grom, just with larger diameter wheels and very skinny tires. Also slow and barely able to hit 60mph for an average rider, just like a Grom lol. I was interested in one at one point, and then had a chance to check one out.

[Thumper]

Originally Posted by XLsior

190pounds

sold out...but something like this will be bigger than a grom and lighter than a 250cc dualsport enduro...

https://www.venommotorsportsusa.com/...hopper-bd125-2

Drum brakes? How quaint?! A Templar costs less than that!

[XLsior]

Just spitballing options...

If the parameters are space, weight and 55mph then such alternatives exist...

I didn't look at price...

Drum brakes work and tend not to leak...

If it was me I'd find a trail CT90/110 and put a new china 150cc or higher engine in it...

[Thumper]

The Expect seems almost ideal. Maybe just a little heavy, but otherwise perfect. It is just big enough to be comfortable on the road. Anything smaller, both wheels and engine, won't really feel big enough on the road and will be hard to carry anything on.

[Megadan]

CT90/110's have gone up in value quite a bit in the last few years. It's tough to find a good one for less than a couple of thousand dollars.

[Boatguy]

Originally Posted by Thumper

The Expect seems almost ideal. Maybe just a little heavy, but otherwise perfect. It is just big enough to be comfortable on the road. Anything smaller, both wheels and engine, won't really feel big enough on the road and will be hard to carry anything on.

Well, the xpect is definitely the lower cost option. It’s free!!!

But it’s just too heavy to deal with. 280-300lbs.

The otherOrion 190 recently mentioned is 187lbs. Huge difference. Same size bike and higher top speed stock.

Other than having a carb, seems a lot better than the xpect for this purpose, though I agree the xpect is a fantastic bike and perfect for everyone else and even me too if not getting it on/off a boat

[Boatguy]

Originally Posted by Megadan

CT90/110's have gone up in value quite a bit in the last few years. It's tough to find a good one for less than a couple of thousand dollars.

Agreed. They are immensely popular.

Also replacing engines isn’t something I’d like to have to do. I have enough years of work ahead of me already with boat stuff

[Hunnicutt]

I've never seen your boat, and I know very little about anything marine.
Is it possible to rig up a small crane with an electric winch and wireless remote on your boat? I envision a small boom crane with a hook that can be lowered to your dinghy. Set up a way to stabilize your Lifan on the dinghy during your run to the dock. Ramp the Lifan off the dinghy onto the dock. Does any of that make sense? Is any of it feasible?

My reasoning behind the suggestion are multi-fold. I have a jacked up back, neck, left knee, and my ankles aren't in the best of shape. Any mechanical advantage I can get is a plus, and will (hopefully) mean less pain. Dead lifting anything over 45 pounds for me right now is impossible. I would hate for you to get injured as bad as I am in your conveyance of motorcycle to and from boat/dinghy.