New from Columbia, SC

[shahram72]

New member from Columbia, SC. Just getting back into riding after 8 years. I got my old bike back from the shop. It's a 1986 Yamaha Radian 600 with 5000 miles on it. Looking into a second bike and wondering what China has to offer now that the Japanese bikes are crazy expensive. They are three times the price while cars haven't even doubled. Course the hawk 250 is high on my list, and I came here to learn more and see if the bike is reliable and viable. Also interested in other models and maybe a mini bike for the kids and I to enjoy around the house.

[Sport Rider]

Welcome....question is, what do you expect it to do. if you are looking to abuse a dirt bike in an MX fashion, you'll be disappointed. if you want something to just go have fun, they are pretty good.

[shahram72]

I'm 45 and no hot dog. Just cruise at 50 on the road, and drive down dirt roads and trails. I wouldn't abuse a bike like this. No jumping. Why are these cheaper than the cool little bikes I want for my kids. Like the SSR Razkull that thing is almost $2000. Nope. I do also need help finding something tiny for the kids.

[Heedehcheenuh]

Welcome aboard.

Heedehcheenuh
Chuck D
Ride on.....

[kirbo7106]

Welcome to the forum! I have a Radian and it's the same color too! I have a 2016 Hawk 250. It's not bad, but read all the problems and choose your dealer wisely! If you are into the Honda Grom, they have a few clones that are decent.

Good luck and keep us posted!

[ben2go]

Originally Posted by shahram72

I'm 45 and no hot dog. Just cruise at 50 on the road, and drive down dirt roads and trails. I wouldn't abuse a bike like this. No jumping. Why are these cheaper than the cool little bikes I want for my kids. Like the SSR Razkull that thing is almost $2000. Nope. I do also need help finding something tiny for the kids.

They're cheaper because the quality isn't quite as good and labor is crazy cheap in China.

[dpl096]

Welcome aboard..... And that Yamaha is still a great looking street bike...

[leo in wv]

Originally Posted by ben2go

They're cheaper because the quality isn't quite as good and labor is crazy cheap in China.

that's true, but then again, you can get a brand new china bike parts for just a few dollars. it costs $49.95 to say the word "honda".

[Weldangrind]

Welcome, Shahram72! It sounds like you already have a reasonable expectation of a China bike. Most of us dial them in to work out the details and then enjoy them for what they are.

[Sport Rider]

Originally Posted by shahram72

I'm 45 and no hot dog. Just cruise at 50 on the road, and drive down dirt roads and trails. I wouldn't abuse a bike like this. No jumping. Why are these cheaper than the cool little bikes I want for my kids. Like the SSR Razkull that thing is almost $2000. Nope. I do also need help finding something tiny for the kids.

that's what I do with mine. I am very happy with mine. go into it with your eyes open and don't expect perfection like the japanese build. mine seems to meet my needs though. fit/finish is a bit underwhelming, but there's nothing risky about them that I have found. for the price, they just can't be beat in my book.

Regarding the kids versions, and is true with different chinabike builders, the quality does range quite a bit and that drives their prices. some are closer to japanese quality than others. generally price is the indicator. I'm likely going to get this one for my grandson. he is 11.
http://www.powersportsmax.com/produc...G6XBoCOaXw_wcB

some of the more expensive ones have things like inverted forks and better quality wheels so they don't dent or bend so easily. those are all factors.

[Tatanka01]

I am old now (68) but riding since I was 14 (In the movie "Alice's Restaurant" Ha Ha. Bought the hawk to check livestock and horses on open range land in the middle of nowhere to ensure they have grazing and water despite little rain and 105 degree temps here.

Have had many bikes over the years including an Enfield Bullet 500 that wasn't near the quality of this bike. For my needs it is perfect and comes out of the box as a very capable trials bike.

Waiting for the 30 MM Mikuni as I write this and I should be set although it doesn't run too bad considering the 3800 ft altitude.

We live in Rio Rico AZ, between Tucson and Nogales off I-19. Any others close give a holler ! Robert - Tatanka01

[Adjuster]

I had the exact same Radian same year and color.



/

[ben2go]

Originally Posted by leo in wv

that's true, but then again, you can get a brand new china bike parts for just a few dollars. it costs $49.95 to say the word "honda".

I own a 2014 Honda CB500X. The parts prices are fairly good but labor at my dealer is a rip. It's a good thing i do all my own work.