Things I (we) dislike most about Chinese motorcycle

Landsvw · 01-16-2019, 09:19 PM

Ok, this is random, but was looking at some magicians and bashans and hawks, etc, and still thinking about the Chinese bike. I’ve only owned an older Rocketa Shineray. BUT having said that, the very first thing I absolutely detest about the Chinese bikes is:

the rear swingarm.

Every one of them has the weakest cheesy looking swingarm in the world. I almost think that sales of these bikes would actually increase substantially if a modern aluminum and/or somewhat better looking steel swingarm was attached to the bike.

Second thing I don’t like is:

the very ‘ Power Ranger’ looking plastics.

I don’t know who is or isn’t designing these bikes, but I really don’t like the looks of most of them. A little more money spent on aesthetics would also make sales go up I think?

Anyway, what else does anyone think about these two items and/or have any ‘in general’ dislikes of these bikes? Like, what would put the general public off on buying one? Disregarding the whole stereotype of Chinese bikes because sooner or later that will slowly fade if some of the other things are overcome.

BBOWL10 · 01-16-2019, 09:48 PM

The only real problem I have with my Hawk is the cheap swingarm. Other than that it is just cosmetics. Some of the scuffs on my new bike were in places that couldn’t have been caused by the shipping. It looks like some of the parts of the bike were rough handled before assembly at the factory. For $1400 I can’t really complain too much. If the price of these enduro China bikes go over $2500 I think I most people would just go for a used Japanese bike. They fill a gap in the market at their price point. I like the styling of the Hawk. I don’t think it is too over the top.

Landsvw · 01-16-2019, 10:23 PM

Tbh I’m not a super fan of the design of my 2009 KLX250 plastics either. They went to that super pointy, hm, almost rocket ship feel look. I don’t like the big finned cars of the 1950’s either tho. Don’t want a 57 Chevy. Would totally love a 54 or 53 tho, before the fins. Swingarm definitely a negative and probably my biggest pet peeve on these.

Megadan · 01-16-2019, 11:11 PM

My only real gripes with the Hawk are...

The suspension.
Front. The toothpick forks. I have no problem with traditional forks, but 31mm tubes on an off-road bike is almost silly to me. I would like to see at least 35mm up front.
Rear - The swing arm made just a tad thicker, the use of actual bearings or at least bronze bushings and ditch the rubber. A different style of adjuster, or accurate adjustment marks. Adjustable preload on the factory Hawk rear shock.

Electrical. Better quality connectors, preferably weather pack style. A higher output stator at least 200W.

Wheels: Aluminum rims and better quality spokes. Decent tubes from the factory. A proper cush drive rear sprocket and hub arrangement.

Bearings: Better quality all around with actual grease in them. A tall order, I know.

I don't mind the styling honestly. The Hawk is not actually that "transformer" looking IMHO.

Red Hawk · 01-16-2019, 11:34 PM

Anybody see those fine CNC cut aluminum swing arms on China web sights? They all say "pit bike" but look aftermarket. I've wondered if one from the Pics would fit. I keep looking....

Landsvw · 01-16-2019, 11:45 PM

Yeah, I guess I shouldn’t pick on the looks as that’s subjective.

Putting grease in the bearings tho, lol, that could be a super easy fix (and is just lack of quality control) for essentially no money to the factories over there.

I’m thinking that the tooling for aluminum, and maybe even the availability of cheap aluminum is a problem. Evidently steel of all qualities is easily available.

Maybe we should save our aluminum cans and forge our own swingarms...

Weldangrind · 01-17-2019, 11:34 AM

The easiest thing for me to say is X2 on everything Dan said. The reality is, I can fix/upgrade/modify anything on the bike to suit me. My bike was so cheap that I don't mind the effort. Plus, I think I like working on stuff even more than riding.

ChipToothy · 01-17-2019, 11:59 AM

Lack of highway power is my biggest complaint post mods. Merging, left turns and hills all have to be a race. I have thought about trying to find a name brand second hand swing arm that would fit. Same with wheels. A motorcycle junk yard would be an epic find. Forks, wheels, gas tanks and swing arms delight.

Megadan · 01-17-2019, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChipToothy

Lack of highway power is my biggest complaint post mods.

Lack of power is the name of the game with 200-250cc bikes. Even the 25+hp 250's won't exactly set your hair on fire. It's the lack of torque that really makes it this way.

Heck, even with my head porting and higher compression I still yearn for more. Just the reality of the engine size.

Weldangrind · 01-17-2019, 12:02 PM

Jim put an XR350 Pro-Link on his Hawk: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=21177

2LZ · 01-17-2019, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Megadan

My only real gripes with the Hawk are...

The suspension.
Front. The toothpick forks. I have no problem with traditional forks, but 31mm tubes on an off-road bike is almost silly to me. I would like to see at least 35mm up front.
Rear - The swing arm made just a tad thicker, the use of actual bearings or at least bronze bushings and ditch the rubber. A different style of adjuster, or accurate adjustment marks. Adjustable preload on the factory Hawk rear shock.

Electrical. Better quality connectors, preferably weather pack style. A higher output stator at least 200W.

Wheels: Aluminum rims and better quality spokes. Decent tubes from the factory. A proper cush drive rear sprocket and hub arrangement.

Bearings: Better quality all around with actual grease in them. A tall order, I know.

I don't mind the styling honestly. The Hawk is not actually that "transformer" looking IMHO.

This is why I'm so disturbed about Qingqi now being questionable.

My 2009 Qlink (almost 10 years old now) HAS a sweet aluminum swingarm, linked gas shock, USD forks, better connectors, aluminum rims and stainless spokes.....as does the modern SSR XF250 like dh's, but they aren't popular because of their cost, even though they fulfill the wish list.

Regarding Hondoids....
There are reasons why a brand new Hondoid can be had for 1500.00 and most are listed above. The new PP's, like PaiN's hav really taken the Hondoids a long way but again, it's not 1500.00 either.

Megadan · 01-17-2019, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2LZ

This is why I'm so disturbed about Qingqi now being questionable.

My 2009 Qlink (almost 10 years old now) HAS a sweet aluminum swingarm, linked gas shock, USD forks, better connectors, aluminum rims and stainless spokes.....as does the modern SSR XF250 like dh's, but they aren't popular because of their cost, even though they fulfill the wish list.

Regarding Hondoids....
There are reasons why a brand new Hondoid can be had for 1500.00 and most are listed above. The new PP's, like PaiN's hav really taken the Hondoids a long way but again, it's not 1500.00 either.

I actually would have bought the XTR 250 if I could have.. I have no problem paying a bit more if it means getting the upgrades I want that come with it.

Heck, the tt250 checks about half of my boxes. Toss a better swing arm on the rear and I would be happy. The bearings thing I can improve myself.

wheel spinner · 01-17-2019, 03:30 PM

you know I am really happy with my Roketa.. Like Weld... I like working on it better than riding it at times... But if I had any complaints... it would be..

The connectors... the throttle cable... more balls to the walls... lol power.. at least make the seat with a firmer and softer pad... but I can't complain any... the parts are really cheap... may take a week to 6 weeks to get here but it's well worth the wait.. Even though I bought mine for 650.00 with the helmet.. and I had to work on it, that was not Roketa's fault... Lately I have been looking on the internet on youtube and I must say... these guys do not take care of their bikes...

I ride mine 99% on my 20 acres of land here.. I may sneak it out on the road like yesterday.. drove 7 miles down the road.. but I enjoy riding through the woods and on the land...

upgasgas1224 · 01-17-2019, 04:30 PM

Honestly the weight of these bikes is my biggest gripe theres no reason in this day in age a sub 250 cc bike should weight more than 260 lbs the bikes would handle so much better with weight off them expecially when many of us add weight for luggage systems

DualSport · 01-17-2019, 04:39 PM

crimp and inline-bullet wiring connections everywhere.. Frame and engine made from metal that will actually turn to powder under some common use cases..

You typically have to reverse engineer the electrical system to find testing procedures for things like CDI and stator-charging and the coil and CDI don't last long..

01-16-2019, 09:19 PM	#1
Landsvw Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Myrtle Creek Oregon Posts: 873	Things I (we) dislike most about Chinese motorcycle Ok, this is random, but was looking at some magicians and bashans and hawks, etc, and still thinking about the Chinese bike. I’ve only owned an older Rocketa Shineray. BUT having said that, the very first thing I absolutely detest about the Chinese bikes is: the rear swingarm. Every one of them has the weakest cheesy looking swingarm in the world. I almost think that sales of these bikes would actually increase substantially if a modern aluminum and/or somewhat better looking steel swingarm was attached to the bike. Second thing I don’t like is: the very ‘ Power Ranger’ looking plastics. I don’t know who is or isn’t designing these bikes, but I really don’t like the looks of most of them. A little more money spent on aesthetics would also make sales go up I think? Anyway, what else does anyone think about these two items and/or have any ‘in general’ dislikes of these bikes? Like, what would put the general public off on buying one? Disregarding the whole stereotype of Chinese bikes because sooner or later that will slowly fade if some of the other things are overcome. __________________ 1988 Kawasaki KLR250 1969 Honda Z50 silver tag 2002 Ford F-350 7.3 diesel 1975 Corvette 2017 Chevy Bolt “Throttle twisting geek” -LFN
	0

01-16-2019, 09:48 PM	#2
BBOWL10 Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Gastonia, NC Posts: 102	The only real problem I have with my Hawk is the cheap swingarm. Other than that it is just cosmetics. Some of the scuffs on my new bike were in places that couldn’t have been caused by the shipping. It looks like some of the parts of the bike were rough handled before assembly at the factory. For $1400 I can’t really complain too much. If the price of these enduro China bikes go over $2500 I think I most people would just go for a used Japanese bike. They fill a gap in the market at their price point. I like the styling of the Hawk. I don’t think it is too over the top. __________________ 2017 Kawasaki Versys 650 - Seat Concepts Seat, Moto Werk Foot Peg Lowering Blocks and Highway Pegs, MadStad Windshield, SW Motech Rear Rack, Givi Handguards and Rear Fender Hugger, Polaris Series Regulator Mod, Denali Sound Bomb Air Horn, SHAD Luggage 2018 RPS Hawk 250 - CRF230 Exhaust, Mikuni Clone Carb, LED Headlight and Tail Light, Pod Air Filter, Generic Hand Guards, Volt Meter/USB Port, Grip Puppy Grip Covers, 45 Tooth Rear Sprocket, Shinko 244 Tires with IRC HD Tubes, AGM/SLA Battery
	2

01-16-2019, 10:23 PM	#3
Landsvw Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Myrtle Creek Oregon Posts: 873	Tbh I’m not a super fan of the design of my 2009 KLX250 plastics either. They went to that super pointy, hm, almost rocket ship feel look. I don’t like the big finned cars of the 1950’s either tho. Don’t want a 57 Chevy. Would totally love a 54 or 53 tho, before the fins. Swingarm definitely a negative and probably my biggest pet peeve on these. __________________ 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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01-16-2019, 11:11 PM	#4
Megadan Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 8,064	My only real gripes with the Hawk are... The suspension. Front. The toothpick forks. I have no problem with traditional forks, but 31mm tubes on an off-road bike is almost silly to me. I would like to see at least 35mm up front. Rear - The swing arm made just a tad thicker, the use of actual bearings or at least bronze bushings and ditch the rubber. A different style of adjuster, or accurate adjustment marks. Adjustable preload on the factory Hawk rear shock. Electrical. Better quality connectors, preferably weather pack style. A higher output stator at least 200W. Wheels: Aluminum rims and better quality spokes. Decent tubes from the factory. A proper cush drive rear sprocket and hub arrangement. Bearings: Better quality all around with actual grease in them. A tall order, I know. I don't mind the styling honestly. The Hawk is not actually that "transformer" looking IMHO. __________________ 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
	3

01-16-2019, 11:34 PM	#5
Red Hawk Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: NEPA Posts: 273	Anybody see those fine CNC cut aluminum swing arms on China web sights? They all say "pit bike" but look aftermarket. I've wondered if one from the Pics would fit. I keep looking.... __________________ 2018 Hawk P&P Decked .040 off the head. 17/43 D.I.D. 428, NGK Iridium plug, DeCat, Wrapped pipe, Custom S.S. Muffler core, Nibbi PE30 115/35, L.E.D. Lights, Digital Cluster, USB port, Cutting Bord skid plate, Oil cooler w/ custom CRF oil filter inline, 5Wt fork oil, Rear Shock, CNC Back Rack, 30mm FAT bars, Bark Busters, ProGrips, Adjustable levers, Shinko 700’s lots of Loctite!
	2

01-16-2019, 11:45 PM	#6
Landsvw Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Myrtle Creek Oregon Posts: 873	Yeah, I guess I shouldn’t pick on the looks as that’s subjective. Putting grease in the bearings tho, lol, that could be a super easy fix (and is just lack of quality control) for essentially no money to the factories over there. I’m thinking that the tooling for aluminum, and maybe even the availability of cheap aluminum is a problem. Evidently steel of all qualities is easily available. Maybe we should save our aluminum cans and forge our own swingarms... __________________ 1988 Kawasaki KLR250 1969 Honda Z50 silver tag 2002 Ford F-350 7.3 diesel 1975 Corvette 2017 Chevy Bolt “Throttle twisting geek” -LFN
	2

01-17-2019, 11:34 AM	#7
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	The easiest thing for me to say is X2 on everything Dan said. The reality is, I can fix/upgrade/modify anything on the bike to suit me. My bike was so cheap that I don't mind the effort. Plus, I think I like working on stuff even more than riding. __________________ Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer
	3

01-17-2019, 11:59 AM	#8
ChipToothy Join Date: Apr 2018 Posts: 819	Lack of highway power is my biggest complaint post mods. Merging, left turns and hills all have to be a race. I have thought about trying to find a name brand second hand swing arm that would fit. Same with wheels. A motorcycle junk yard would be an epic find. Forks, wheels, gas tanks and swing arms delight. __________________ Bashan Storm: Ebay steel exhaust wrapped, folding shift lever, seat mod, vm26 carb, air pod, dual led scrambler headlamps, windshield mod, led brake/tail light, secondary led brake light (swingarm), Ebay 295mm rear shock, back up CDI (racing unknown), oil cooler, digital gauge cluster,
	2

01-17-2019, 12:02 PM	#10
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	Jim put an XR350 Pro-Link on his Hawk: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=21177 __________________ Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer
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01-17-2019, 03:30 PM	#13
wheel spinner Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Suffolk Va. Posts: 146	you know I am really happy with my Roketa.. Like Weld... I like working on it better than riding it at times... But if I had any complaints... it would be.. The connectors... the throttle cable... more balls to the walls... lol power.. at least make the seat with a firmer and softer pad... but I can't complain any... the parts are really cheap... may take a week to 6 weeks to get here but it's well worth the wait.. Even though I bought mine for 650.00 with the helmet.. and I had to work on it, that was not Roketa's fault... Lately I have been looking on the internet on youtube and I must say... these guys do not take care of their bikes... I ride mine 99% on my 20 acres of land here.. I may sneak it out on the road like yesterday.. drove 7 miles down the road.. but I enjoy riding through the woods and on the land... __________________ 2006 Roketa DB-07-200 Dual Sport 2007 Monte Carlo SS 5.3 2010 Challenger Hemi 5.7 2004 Isuzu Rodeo 1998 Kia Sportage 4x4 2004 Toyota Tundra 2016 Ford Escape Guitars 1970 Gibson SG mint Condition 2005 Epiphone white Custom SG Les Paul L/New Fender Banjo New Condition BC Rich Bitch - Like New\ 3 Jay Turser SG Good Condition Amps Marshall vs100 Good Condition Acoustic 261 very good condition Boss GT-6 Pedal effects Like New
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01-17-2019, 04:30 PM	#14
upgasgas1224 Join Date: May 2017 Location: Michigan Posts: 107	Honestly the weight of these bikes is my biggest gripe theres no reason in this day in age a sub 250 cc bike should weight more than 260 lbs the bikes would handle so much better with weight off them expecially when many of us add weight for luggage systems __________________ 04 flywing 150 05 flywing 150 07 gasgas ec200 18 csc tt250 / foam filter mod, amazon exhaust, mikunki carb, 47tooth sprocket, o ring chain, stereo system, amsoil oil, honda 10w fork oil, tusk bars and brush guards.... more to come
	2

01-17-2019, 04:39 PM	#15
DualSport Join Date: Sep 2018 Posts: 173	crimp and inline-bullet wiring connections everywhere.. Frame and engine made from metal that will actually turn to powder under some common use cases.. You typically have to reverse engineer the electrical system to find testing procedures for things like CDI and stator-charging and the coil and CDI don't last long..
	2