DF250RTA Opinions

[Demak150]

Greetings from Florida:

Have located (but not actually seen) a 2008 Dong Feng 250 street bike (looks like a crotch rocket but isn't) with only 300+ miles on the odometer. It currently does not run and has not run for the past 12 - 18 months. Bike seems to have had a checkered past. Current owner has replaced battery but that did not resolve problem.

Bike, at least in so-so photos, looks complete and in good condition. It is currently being stored in a shed and does not seem to have had much exposure to the elements. Here in Florida nature can be very cruel to motorcycles.

My question. Is this bike worth saving? Were they any good when new? I have had another China bike (2007 Hi Bird 250) and currently own a 2009 Lifan 200 dual sport. Fiddling with a China bike has been good for my soul and I've been more than satisfied with the return on my investment in time (and very little money).

Your thoughts and comments would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks.

[Adjuster]

It sounds like you are familiar with China bikes. The bike is likely not running for some very simple and easily fixed inexpensive reason. Heck even if it needed a complete engine it would still be reasonably inexpensive. I would jump on it if the price was right. And I mean very lowball price for a 2008 not running thats been sitting for a year. Does it have a clean title? What is the current asking price?


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[Adjuster]

A quick Google search says these bikes are notorious for bad and broken wire connectors. Replace all the plastic plug wire connectors with new crimped on bullet connectors and I wouldn't be surprised if it fired right up.


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[Demak150]

Hi Adjuster,

Thanks for the feedback.

The asking price is $1000 which is more than I feel it is worth. (New Hawk 250s are only $1249 delivered and I may opt for one of them). The DF is 100 miles from me but I will probably take a look at it next week. (PS I have a fair supply of replacement connectors for China bikes and more are usually available of eBay).

Too bad we live so far apart. I'm in Ocala.

[Adjuster]

No way on the $1,000.00. I was thinking more along the lines of $200.00, $400.00 if it is in great shape. Its a non running 2008 China bike. LOL



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[culcune]

I wouldn't even go HALF the asking price! It is pretty much an 'orphan' although Dong Fang seems to still have bikes in the US; I believe they have distributor(s) vs. and actual Dong Fang operation, meaning parts might be difficult to get. I would think for a few hundred dollars, it would be a fun project to go alongside a Hawk, but not instead of. Where are Hawks selling for that, by the way?

[Demak150]

Thanks Adjuster and culcune. We are all on the same wavelength regarding the value of the DF. I probably won't drive the 200 miles to look at it.

As for the Hawk Enduro check here:

http://www.360powersports.com/cheap-...sale-s/104.htm

I may have purchased my Hi Bird from this company buy don't remember for certain. (The Hi Bird purchase went smoothly). Like most such businesses 360 Power Sports has less than stellar customer reviews, but so do the others I have investigated. Buying a bike on the net is a crap shoot. If you buy a Hawk please post a report. I am quite interested in one but several people have reported low (50 - 55 mph) top speeds which would be unacceptable for my riding.

[Azhule]

Don't order from them! Anyone but them!

I just placed an order for a motorcycle from them... for one they will sneak in several shipping charges depending on the state you live in, and second they have HORRIBLE customer service and will deny all warranty/parts replacement... order from someone else if you want to avoid a headache in the long run

http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=16239