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New SkyTeam ST250 V-Raptor owner
Hello,
My name is Krasi and I'm exotic fetishist After some months of lurking around your, and other, nice forums, it's time to introduce myself properly, albeit verbosely. The reason I came across here was my quest for information about Puzey XTR-4. They still don't have CE certification though, so in the mean time my wife benefited from the situation. Plus, I found myself digging through some rider reports. I was especially impressed my this thread over there: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=201349 Just little bit of background: I'm 34 and live in Bulgaria, Eastern Europe. Yeah, baby, former communist :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: I currently posses two "big" bikes, both of which highly exotic: https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-u...0/IMAG0139.jpg (For sale! ) and GasGas EC300, 2-stroke: http://media.snimka.bg/0818/007891696.jpg The GasGas looked like that when I bought it brand new a few years ago. Nowadays it's quite bumped and bruised, but it'll retire with me, so it doesn't matter much. Anyway, last week I received my SkyTeam (cool name, ha? Especially for an airline alliance), model ST250-2 V-Raptor. The irony is that my big road bike model is is also a model, called Raptor , but the make is Cagiva, and it's 1000cc - as much as four of the new bike :) https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1...6/IMG_1039.JPG Initially I asked SkyTeam themselves who gave me a price of $1450 EXW (at least this was the price a few weeks ago). After calculating shipment, import taxes, VAT, custom clearance, etc, I decided to buy it from the English importer - http://www.northbridgebikes.co.uk/index.html as the final price would have been about the same. I was in contact with Colin there who helped me tremendously and I'm expressing deep gratitude for his service. Well, here is the "beast", fully assembled and running: https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0...0/IMG_1096.JPG https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-X...6/IMG_1097.JPG https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-K...6/IMG_1098.JPG https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-K...6/IMG_1099.JPG https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-s...6/IMG_1100.JPG https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9...6/IMG_1101.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A...6/IMG_1102.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7...6/IMG_1103.JPG I think the engine is Loncin. You may correct me on that as I still have hard time remembering who were the main two or three engine manufacturers in China. I'm sure you know perfectly well the TT data of the bike, better than the factory themselves ;) All in all, I'm pleasantly surprised by what I received. I have to admit I was prepared for worse. The bike came properly packaged, in a steel crate: https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-M...6/IMG_1035.JPG https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-J...6/IMG_1037.JPG https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-c...6/IMG_1038.JPG Tires are impressive, to say the least. Rear one is 180mm wide, which is as much of that of the big Raptor. Front is 130mm. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b...6/IMG_1040.JPG Like I said, I was prepared to complete the manufacturing of the bike in my garage: https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-T...6/IMG_1044.JPG Tens of stainless nuts and bolts to replace the OEM ones: https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W...6/IMG_1045.JPG Actually they were pretty much rendered useless. I didn't come across a single loose nut or bolt. Plus, all nuts are with a metal unwinding protector (whatever it's name is). Not be a complete waste, I still changed some, like on the handle-bar clamp, pillion pegs, seat, etc. I guess, only time will tell if the OEM will get lost from the vibrations. Oddly, I couldn't loose the two bolts holding the from brake caliper to the left fork. Tried with a 1/4" wrench and a o-shaped spanner. I guess somebody was very enthusiastic with the pneumatic wrench... There was grease like on a "real" bike, which was a nice surprise: https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6...6/IMG_1050.JPG https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-y...6/IMG_1104.JPG https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-d...6/IMG_1055.JPG Without claiming to know much about welds (so much for my engineering degree!) these seem alright to me: https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-p...6/IMG_1052.JPG https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-d...6/IMG_1055.JPG Since I was prepared, I changed fork oil. There was about 150ml of oil in each fork, which seemed not enough to me. I consulted with a local suspension specialist, who also advised me to put more - till the top end of the spring with fork fully compressed. So I did - it came to about 250ml in each fork. "Preload" spring bushings are about 1/3 in length of the springs themselves. And the springs are progressive, believe it or not: https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-s...6/IMG_1084.JPG I suppose these are some scooter/moped forks. I haven't measured their diameter, but it can't be more that 30-35mm. Front axle goes directly into a thread on the left fork, which was new for me, but probably is normal for such bikes: https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Q...6/IMG_1086.JPG "Preflight" checks included also valve clearance adjustment. Valves were tight, as I was expecting after reading around the Net. During the check I came across the first major "design" flaw - in order to take out the cap for the intake valve, one must loosen and wiggle the top engine mount. Not a big deal, only three bolts with nuts: https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-t...6/IMG_1087.JPG Another shortcoming is that the oil stick, a.k.a. filler cap is tucked in a dogs arse, like we say round my part of the world, and getting it in and out is inconvenient, to say the least: https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3...6/IMG_1088.JPG Oddly enough, apart from the dip stick, there is also an oil level checking window on the right side of the engine (which I haven't photographed). I guess there is no way you can omit checking the oil level Battery arrived dry. The acid electrolyte was in a separate container, which gets shoved (hehe) onto the battery and the fluid bubbles into it. Probably this is standard setup, but it was new for me: https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-f...6/IMG_1092.JPG Electrics also seem "like real": https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-n...6/IMG_1095.JPG Everything is tight, tucked and worked the first time. Only the rear lights connectors under the rear fender seemed not water-proofed enough, so I winded some insulation around them. From what I've read, I'm prepared to have to change rear sprocket and chain after not much mileage: https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o...6/IMG_1108.JPG Rear brake caliper is with two pistons, which is also like "on a real bike" : https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_...6/IMG_1107.JPG Initially I thought they managed to use the same caliper as the the front one, but, the heck, they are different: https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O...6/IMG_1109.JPG The speedometer reminds me of the ones we used to have 20-25 years ago on some East-German-made small bikes, called Simson. Ah, sweet memories... In the crate, the odometer indicated 900 meters: https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_...6/IMG_1032.JPG Indication lights icons are shifted one position to the right, but at least they are only three so there couldn't be much confusion: https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-i...6/IMG_1110.JPG Carburetor is Teknin or something like that. I'm sure you know more about it. "Standard of Japan" stamp, really brings a smile: https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-z...6/IMG_1116.JPG Model is stamped as PZ30, which I hope means it's 30mm. Am I right? Any advice on jetting settings about it, is more than welcome. Especially since the temperature is about 5-10 degrees Celcius around here and I think the engine runs on the lean side. Also, there are some hot air and case vent hoses around it, which I suppose I related to meeting the eco norms. If that's the case, I'd really like to simplify the system One other flaw that showed up is that the right-hand tank sticker started to peel off: https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-g...6/IMG_1113.JPG Why on Earth did they have to use such 3-D stickers instead of regular PVC foil is beyond me. I'll try to stick it back, but if I fail, I see some weight reduction in the near future. I also noticed that the coating on the exhaust, close to the cylinder, started to crack and chip. Thanks God it's not a chopper :) I expected the fuel line to be of the vacuum type (you know, thin and transparent), but this one seems genuine, at least visibly: https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7...6/IMG_1106.JPG I think these are all the pictures I made. I hope you like them. I also changed the brake fluid and the engine oil, before even starting it for the first time. There was some "metallic" particles in it, but AFAK it's normal. I bought myself a 5-liter bottle so I'll see to change it quite often, especially during the break-in. Speaking of breaking-in, the manual says to be gentle during the first day or first 25km I guess, that would be enough introduction. It turned out quite long, but I hope you like it. I'll be expecting your advice on everything about my (OK, my wife's!) new ride. |
Welcome!
Neat bike! It reminds me of a Yamaha TW200, but with a Honda-cloned engine. BTW, your engine is much like the '86 and later Honda XR200R, with OHC; a very reliable performer. Don't even bother trying to read the dipstick. Just use the sight glass as your guide. Even though the fuel line isn't transparent, it's likely junk. Find some quality fuel hose. The carb is a copy of a Keihin, and I believe it to be 30mm. You might struggle to find a replacement slow jet for it, but the main jet should be easy enough to replace. The other option is to buy a 30mm Mikuni on eBay, which would make jet sourcing much easier. I agree with your assessment of the rear sprocket and chain. A little research on www.jtsprockets.com should reveal a suitable replacement rear sprocket. Love your Cagiva and GasGas. 8) |
Welcome to the forum :D .
If we had a prize for the best introduction thread you would get it :wink: . Excellent writeup and wonderful photos :D . We would love to see pictures of you and your bike riding around Bulgaria :D . Many of us replace the fuel line. Chinese rubber products are always suspect. The sprockets seem to last OK, many people change them to alter gearing more than due to wear. Looks like you have an OHC, not an OHV engine. I prefer that :P . Very cool looking machine, a style I've not seen before. Kinda like a Yamaha TW200. BTW I'm also Eastern European. My mom was from Romania, my father from Poland. I'm first generation born in America. Also, FWIW, I'm a firearms collector and I have some fun stuff from your country... 8) |
I like it. Looks like a TW with more of a vintage style.
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Welcome to these forums, Krasi! I'm very happy you accepted my invitation to join us here at China Riders! :D
I believe Krasi's bike is a Chinese copy of the Suzuki VanVan. I have read these bikes are sold in Europe [125cc] and Japan [200cc] . http://suzukivanvan.forumandco.com/ Apparently the Suzuki VanVan bikes are ridden as dual sport motorcycles in Europe, and many riders travel all over Europe on these bikes. Didn't forum member Oengus make a few posts concerning a Chinese copy of the Suzuki VanVan? Spud :) |
Thanks for the reminder, Spud. I knew I had seen that platform before, but I couldn't remember where.
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I found a nice walk-around video of the Skyteam V-Raptor on Youtube. :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPRlm5ZZVPM This is a very nice motorcycle! :) Spud :) |
Thanks for the welcoming.
Indeed it's Suzuki VanVan replica. This is even how it's advertised in UK. Only yesterday I realized that Suzuki never imported VanVan in the US for example, and that there was a 200cc version of it. I've only come across the 125cc version. Hyosung also offers such type of bike, but it's only 125cc - http://www.hyosung.co.uk/detail.php?id=13 and it resembles more to Yamaha TW. And it's also not listed on the US Hyosung site... Damn, you guys are short on offerings for small bikes! Mine is with a disk rear brake and is about half the price, though :D:D:D I sure hope this won't turn into a hollow saving in the long run. You're my inspiration Spud, with your tens of thousands of mileage. The engine is indeed OHC, but strangely the camshaft is held in place only by the head cover and not with bolts and shells to the head itself (ask me how I know this!) . And it has ball bearings, which are encapsulated :D I was meaning to check the engine ID, but work and other issues keep me away from the garage these days. On another forum, I was advised not to touch the SAI (Secondary Air Intake) system, unless I open up the exhaust too. Unfortunately, there is no way the owner of the bike, a.k.a. my wife, would let me put an offroad muffler on it. If it was mine, I would have chopped it open straight away, but she likes it quiet like it is now. I'll just play a little with the jets if they are not too peculiar because now it doesn't tick-over properly when cold, even with the choke on. Spud, this video is actually made by Colin from northbridgebikes.co.uk that I purchased the bike from :) Here a few more: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2FTEqfQg8o http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRBhdqNYiQ0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvt95k02hJM I'd really like to borrow some your firearm collection, FastDoc! Does it say somewhere "Kazanlak" on the stuff made in Bulgaria? I'm trying to plate the thing, and the combination of one-of-a-kind vehicle with Bulgarian traffic administration can shorten your life more than family reunion at the in-laws. We might be an EU member, but the mentality is from 3rd world... The bike has a CE certificate, so I'll get through eventually. After all this was one of the reasons I bought that particular make and model. |
Because I'm cheap, I'm contemplating on the idea to make myself some DIY heating system, because the temperatures outside are about the freezing point now and will get lower.
So far, I'm thinking of buying a few sets of these: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Motorcycle...53967870860524 And to use them both as heated grips and also as knee and/or chest heaters. I'm thinking of connecting them through a relay(s) so that only one of them is connected at any given moment. On one of the local bike forums I was offered to use one of these aftermarket seat heaters, which are also quite cheap: http://shopix.bg/img/products/85/ps_fkrse900.jpg For a peace of mind I'm planning to install somehow one of these: http://www.dealextreme.com/p/digital...c-models-20024 Did I say I'm cheap? :) May be a 12-5V transformer and these would also be handy: http://www.dealextreme.com/p/usb-hea...ack-pair-49072 |
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You have received some outstanding information. :D
I am a huge advocate of electric heated gear. Riding into work this AM, 27 degrees, I wore heated gloves and a heated vest and I was comfortable on my KLX. When it gets really cold I ride the Gold Wing with it's immense fairing and windshield. It also has heated grips, seat, foot and leg warmers driven off air warmed by the exhaust manifolds. Cozy. 8) BTW my XR250R with the RFVC also has the cam running in the cylinder head cover, along with a complex series of rocker arms to allow one cam to operate a true hemispherical chamber. |
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Spud :) |
Apparently I haven't opened enough engines in my life yet, and this is new for me :)
This morning I checked the engine plate, and it has 166FMM written there. I'm not sure what does that make the engine... Jialing may be? But it doesnt have any letters in front of the 166. And it is 5-speed. |
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I have a ZS167FML engine in my bike. In my case the ZS designates a Zongshen engine, which is different from the standard, 167FML engine. The 1 designates a single cylinder engine. The 67 indicates the cylinder bore is 67mm in diameter. The L designates the engine is a 200cc class engine. :) Your engine is a standard clone of a Honda engine, so it does not contain a code for the manufacturer. Spud :) |
So no letters means the engine was manufactured by SkyTeam themselves, or that it's 100% clone, made by an unknown factory?
Which Honda engine are we talking about actually? XL? CRF? :D |
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The ZS preface of the engine code for my engine is unusual. However, the ZS167FML code is necessary, since my Yamaha cloned engine is significantly different from the standard, 167FML engine, which is a Honda cloned engine. ;) Spud :) |
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Just as Colin says in the Youtube video, the engine is based on a Honda CBF230, which is a product that was never released in North America, AFAIK. The CRF230 looks to be the same platform as well, with a two-valve OHC and electric start. BTW, your engine is likely to be 230cc also, despite it being referred to as a 250. You might see the actual displacement stamped on the engine. The top end of your engine is very familiar to me, because it is just like a two-valve OHC XR200R. |
I knew Weldangrind would have the answer. ;) I remember Colin stating the bike had a CBF230 engine, but I am unfamiliar with that engine, since it never arrived in North America. :)
Spud :) |
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I know the engine is not 250cc, but 223. SkyTeam state that on their website and in the user's manual, plus I already read about this 250 naming delusion here in the forum :) http://www.skyteam.cn/spe.asp?id=243 I just saw that SkyTeam have a company in Canada: http://www.skyteamcanada.com/index.html |
Too bad they aren't likely to import your model into Canada. It's a big deal to get approval from Transport Canada, and it's very costly. The rules are almost non-existant for dirt bikes and atv's.
I'm not sure, but I think Saga in Langley, BC is now carrying SkyTeam. |
Apparently a mixture of offdays, bad weather and Internet access is not the best one can experience.
Hoovering around the virtual reality, I came across a forum thread called "Pooratech" ( :lol: :lol: :lol: ) in a South-African forum (tell me about it!) - http://www.wilddog.za.net/forum/inde...&topic=12116.0 So, from there I was inspired to build myself a toolbox for the new toy. I may not be riding, but can do lots of dumb things. I got myself a PVC pipe from the local hardware store: https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j...6/IMG_1193.JPG 2 caps (apparently this is how they are called) and a drawer lock: https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-U...6/IMG_1192.JPG One afternoon of cutting, drilling, swearing, scratching my head, and voila: https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-m...6/IMG_1199.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z...6/IMG_1198.JPG https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-V...6/IMG_1197.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e...6/IMG_1200.JPG The masterpiece is 450mm long and 125mm in diameter (that's about 18x4.5 inches for our imperial viewers), which turned out quite big: https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Z...6/IMG_1202.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O...6/IMG_1203.JPG If it turns out that these sticking bolts get in the way, I'll swap them with rivets. The "cool" lock: https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3...6/IMG_1194.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X...6/IMG_1195.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d...6/IMG_1196.JPG The official version for the insulation band is that it's there to improve water tightness, but the cruel truth is that I put it to cover the dodgy cut I made: https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-k...6/IMG_1204.JPG Well this is for now. I made it that far. Now I'm contemplating on the next creation - cheap and simple pannier racks... I hope I won't mess up the nice bike until spring time (my wife hopes!). |
Very nicely done! Is it waterproof? Can you fit some sort of a gasket under the lid?
You get extra credit for the lock. Good engineering. :P |
Well done! You could put several tools, your lunch and a litre of beer in there. I like the lock.
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You did a very good job, Krasi. :) The lock is an especially nice touch. ;)
Spud :) |
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Actually I had to grind the cap a little from the inside to facilitate putting on and taking it off. Originally it took some hammer tapping to do so. Hey, Weldangrind, we're one the same page. This is what I've been envisioning while tinkering with it. |
fellow v raptor owner
greetings all!
What an excellent thread I can see here, mind if I mosy on in and be apart of it? Im from Australia, down here they call it the V-retro ( I think raptor is cooler) I got mine for a great price and ride it all the time, i'm very happy with the product. I have been finding it hard to find information on the bike online so I am relieved to find a thread of seemingly experienced fellows talking about it. So its my birthday soon (30th Dec) and as a present to myself I was going to make it go FASTER. Of course you can all understand this desire :) I made contact with a guy in Western Australia who fitted one of these on his : http://www.crossfiremotorcycles.com/...ike-motor.html seems simple enough, he said the hardest part was the electronics. Ideally I would like to spend the extra money for the engine of this bike : http://www.crossfiremotorcycles.com/...-valve-sp.html Its possible to buy just the engine but im not sure if the power/weight would be too much for the bike. The first engine I know can be done and is a bit cheaper. Im not so sure about the second engine, the mounts seem to be the same, from inspection it seems as though it would fit. This is where i need the advice from you seasoned engineers. Again, a fantastic thread! any insight on what I intend would be greatly appreciated. Dan |
Welcome; we are glad you joined us, Sleeper. :) I'd be inclined to install the Zongshen engine. ;) Zongshen makes good engines, and someone has already installed this engine in your bike. Therefore, your job should be considerably less difficult if you choose the Zongshen engine. :)
Spud :) |
Hey, daysleeper. It's seems quite a challenge you plan to do. What are your plans for the radiator(s)?
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Well, I'm still off work and outside it still is like that
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-m...k/IMG_1238.JPG so I continue with my nonsense creations. I made my self a DYI chain oiler. I've been making such basically for all my bikes using gardening taps and urinary tubes - local pharmacists are always looking strange at me :) Now, I decided to go the route, suggested by this fella: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xg1bOcV3rI The "tank" is actually brake fluid container from Lada (the most popular Russian car brand, for our distant readers): https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W...k/IMG_1220.JPG The personal touch I threw in, comes in the form of a fuel cut-off valve, which is very widely used around here as part of car LPG conversion kits: https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-W...k/IMG_1231.JPG The "holder" role of the tube to the swingarm is performed by a shoe-polishing sponge box: https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-y...k/IMG_1221.JPG https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x...k/IMG_1235.JPG The container is on the right-hand side of the frame, while the valve and tap are bolted on the front of the air box: https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W...k/IMG_1233.JPG https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2...k/IMG_1234.JPG https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-l...k/IMG_1237.JPG Valve power supply I took from the positive pole of the rear brake switch, because it was most easily accessible, so now when I turn the ignition on, it opens up. On a side stand, in the cold garage it works: https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-W...k/IMG_1241.JPG When the weather outside becomes more rideable I'll check it in real life conditions. |
That's ingenious, Krasi! Please let us know how well it works! :)
Spud :) |
Re: fellow v raptor owner
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Krasi, excellent job on the oiler. In Canada, we're all too familiar with the Lada; I always wanted a Niva, so I could stuff a small block Chevrolet engine into it. :lol: |
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Don't know what's a gutter bracket, they are from this type, but bigger:
http://borsa-jelezaria.com/wp-conten...2/11/i6872.jpg |
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http://www.roofing-supplies.org.uk/o...own-Round.html This type would need a little modification/butchery to fit... I think your type is much more suitable! Is that what you used? David |
Yes, that's the one I used, as we don't have these gutter brackets around here. Or at least I haven't seen any in our HW store.
I just hammered one of the ears straight and drilled a couple of extra holes for tighter fit to the tube. |
Question concerning Forkoil...
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Background: My Fork seems to be too soft.. It goes on block.:hmm: |
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