Apollo vs TAO

Dad and Daughter · 08-16-2019, 09:33 AM

Hi, my first post here. I just ordered and received an Apollo DB-X6 for my 11 year old daughter and a TAO DB-X1 for myself. I got my TAO assembled in a couple hours, started up on the third kick, broke in the motor changed oil a couple of times and ridden it twice. It has exceeded my expectations!! Far more torque than I expected and on the second ride I THRASHED on it. Zero issues except the rear shock is too soft (I weigh 210# so to be expected). A few loose bolts but all buttoned up now. I used to own a XR350 years ago, I have to say the DB-X1 is more fun! A LOT lighter, lower center of gravity, enough power for trail riding only thing the XR350 had on the DB-X1 is better suspension. I am amazed at how easy it is to kick over the TAO, the XR350 was always a workout to kickstart.

Sadly my daughters Apollo has been a nightmare. Delivered missing a dozen parts. Was shipped the missing parts but many were the wrong parts. The forks are leaking oil, almost all the bolts were loose, worst part can't get it to start!

This is my first experience with chinese bikes. Are Apollo bikes just garbage and TAO better? Did I just get a lemon Apollo? Are some Apollo bike like the DB-X6 garbage while other models better quality?

**JerryHawk250** · 08-16-2019, 10:04 AM

Welcome aboard! I think it's great you and your daughter will be riding together. Nothing like family time.

Sorry to here about the problems with the Apollo. Usually don't here to much bad about them. Sounds like you got one that was assembled on a Monday morning or late Friday afternoon. You will probably need to re-jet the carb and tune it to get it running right. Hope you get it all worked out and riding soon.

Douglass · 08-16-2019, 12:28 PM

I very surprised to hear that about the Apollo. I have bought Tao, Coolster, and Apollo bikes. To me the Apollo has seemed like the better quality. I'm wondering if someone got in there after the fact... Have you reached out to the vendor?

Dad and Daughter · 08-18-2019, 06:16 AM

Thanks for the feedback. Vendor is working with me on this. Sounds like I was simply unlucky with the Apollo. Just wish it wasn't the daughters bike that's the lemon.

08-16-2019, 09:33 AM	#1
Dad and Daughter Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: NH Posts: 2	Apollo vs TAO Hi, my first post here. I just ordered and received an Apollo DB-X6 for my 11 year old daughter and a TAO DB-X1 for myself. I got my TAO assembled in a couple hours, started up on the third kick, broke in the motor changed oil a couple of times and ridden it twice. It has exceeded my expectations!! Far more torque than I expected and on the second ride I THRASHED on it. Zero issues except the rear shock is too soft (I weigh 210# so to be expected). A few loose bolts but all buttoned up now. I used to own a XR350 years ago, I have to say the DB-X1 is more fun! A LOT lighter, lower center of gravity, enough power for trail riding only thing the XR350 had on the DB-X1 is better suspension. I am amazed at how easy it is to kick over the TAO, the XR350 was always a workout to kickstart. Sadly my daughters Apollo has been a nightmare. Delivered missing a dozen parts. Was shipped the missing parts but many were the wrong parts. The forks are leaking oil, almost all the bolts were loose, worst part can't get it to start! This is my first experience with chinese bikes. Are Apollo bikes just garbage and TAO better? Did I just get a lemon Apollo? Are some Apollo bike like the DB-X6 garbage while other models better quality?
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08-16-2019, 10:04 AM	#2
JerryHawk250 Moderator Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Houma, La. Posts: 11,588	Welcome aboard! I think it's great you and your daughter will be riding together. Nothing like family time. Sorry to here about the problems with the Apollo. Usually don't here to much bad about them. Sounds like you got one that was assembled on a Monday morning or late Friday afternoon. You will probably need to re-jet the carb and tune it to get it running right. Hope you get it all worked out and riding soon. __________________ 2023 Lifan Lycan 250 Chopper 2023 Venom Evader 2022 Lifan KPX250 2020 Kawasaki Vulcan S (Sold) 2004 Honda ST 1300 2016 Black Hawk 250 (sold) Keihin PE30 carb,125 main,38 slow.Pod filter,ported & decked head 10:1 CR,Direct Ignition Coil,15/40Sprockets,NGK DPR8EIX-9,De-Cat,Dual Oil Cooler,Digital Cluster 2016 Cazador180 XL 2014 Coolster150 JerryHawk250.com My YouTube Channel
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08-16-2019, 12:28 PM	#3
Douglass Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 375	I very surprised to hear that about the Apollo. I have bought Tao, Coolster, and Apollo bikes. To me the Apollo has seemed like the better quality. I'm wondering if someone got in there after the fact... Have you reached out to the vendor?
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08-18-2019, 06:16 AM	#4
Dad and Daughter Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: NH Posts: 2	Thanks for the feedback. Vendor is working with me on this. Sounds like I was simply unlucky with the Apollo. Just wish it wasn't the daughters bike that's the lemon.
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