Dong Fang DF250RTG

[Barnone]

Lite Hauling

[Barnone]

Been quiet here. All is well with my DF250RTG. My newest toy is this Ebike.

[Barnone]

Made a quick run to the mountains of WNC to haul the DF250RTG and other things that will now live there.
Had two trailers to haul up there and my wife doesn't feel safe hauling a trailer anymore.

[Barnone]

I am going to the mountains for the summer next week and will haul my Ebike and this trailer that is now going to my daughter's place in VA. So hopefully there will be no trailer hauling in the future. LOL

[Barnone]

I wanna sell my Dong Fang 250. Nothing wrong with it, in almost perfect condition.
Low 1332 km
Located in Robbinsville NC
$1500 cash. Clean Florida title.

[SoyBeanSandwich]

Hello! It looks like this forum has been dead for a while.
Posting here in hopes that someone can offer advice for a new rider.
I just ordered the DF250RTG from Venom Motorsports, 80% assembled.
Does anyone have any particular advice about these bikes, or experience any particular issues? I just want to know what to watch out for and what to inspect out of the box.
I'm aware of the bike's limitations, and lower general quality control over other bikes, but I'm handy with a wrench, and have been wanting a small-displacement bike for 6yrs.

I'm aware some folks have issues with spokes, brakes, wiring, and fastener quality, but what are some of the other issues to look for?

I can post updates on this forum as we move forward. I just ordered the bike today.

[grumpyunk]

Given the likely date of manufacture, a new battery will likely be needed unless the seller installed one. I'd check all 'snap together' connectors to be sure they are seated, look for or check loose engine mounts, exhaust fasteners, axles, brakes, etc. Sometimes the torque is not applied... Everyone seems to suggest draining the oil and replacing with fresh sold locally oil. Indications are the oil installed is not that good.
Check all fuel fittings, and make sure the throttle cable will return freely.
In general, check for loose fasteners all over.
tom

[SoyBeanSandwich]

Thank you kindly!

I'm interested to hear what peoples' experience is with Venom Motorsports' warranty. I purchased the 3yr, unlimited mileage.

I imagine it might be bunk, but it's better safe than sorry.

What are the most common parts you've had to replace over time, due to QA/QC?

I'm going to hold onto the bike through the winter months, and while I don't want to make any upgrades yet beyond stock, I understand that some part replacement may be necessary.

For this bike in particular, what resources are available for parts, other than Venom? I know the motor is a clone of an older Honda CB motor, but isn't exactly the same.

I understand that this forum has been around for awhile, and a lot of questions have been asked and answered already.
I hope not to frustrate anyone with my questions.
Thank you for your time and experience.

[grumpyunk]

Once you decide on changes, there is a source on FB that sells a few things. One quick change is the shifted woodruff key that advances the spark timing just a bit. You can also get roller-tipped cam followers, and a cam that has a bit more aggressive lift, timing and maybe overlap. Larger bore pistons & cylinders may be fitted. Some require boring the case to accommodate the larger diameter.
Of course a less restrictive exhaust system will help as would a larger bore carb.
All can be done, but the engine is not a performance engine. It was designed for the 'every two year' oil change parts of the world. Brozz250 and CSC both have parts for the engine. There is also a FB member that will port the head. A bare head, or complete, are available if you want to grind your own.
The CSC SG250 engine has a balance shaft mounted down below the starter motor. It is designed to reduce vibration, and of course costs more.
tom

[SoyBeanSandwich]

Bike came in today! Mismatched certificate of origin, but I dunno if that'll be an issue. Corresponding with Venom about it

I'll be putting it together, and I'll send an update soon!

[SoyBeanSandwich]

Bike is together, and it only took a few hours, as I had to figure out how to jack a bike without a bike jack.
Ended up using a step-ladder, and two ratchet straps hooked to the handlebars to lift the front.
Now having issues with stalling, I'm sure it's due to the cold weather here next to Lake Erie. If the issues persist, I know there's a brass plug in the carburator that's hiding the air/fuel mix screw. Has anyone had any luck messing with that?

I appreciate it, ya'll.

[grumpyunk]

When new, the engine is a bit tighter, and will have more trouble idling. You can bump the idle rpm for a few hundred miles, and then back it off as a possible way to prevent stalling. The mix may be a bit lean, or the idle rpm too low. Go with the easy one first, and bump idle rpms.
Used to work in the Mistake by the Lake, i.e., Cleveburg. Years in the past when there were Browns and Indians. And lake effect snow in the eastern high ground. Have not been back since leaving for CA in 1977.
tom

[SoyBeanSandwich]

Thanks for the input, Tom! I'm riding blind here with my first bike, so it's much appreciated.

Messed with the idle speed screw for awhile, and I found a spot that's comfortable for the bike. I imagine it'll have less stalling issues in better weather, and once broken in.

Took it out down the road and back, and noticed some bouncing that gets severe at 35mph. Checked the wheel for trueness, and it's horizontally true, but lopsided vertically. Took the wheel to a locally owned powersports mechanic, and we'll see. I didn't want to mess with it too much, because improperly handled spoked wheels can kill.

So far, I'm actually mildly impressed with the seemingly good parts quality where it matters. The turn signals are junk, so is the taillight, and from what I'm gathering, the spoked wheels can have issues.

48F and rainy here, near Sandusky, OH. Good day to sit in the garage and troubleshoot a bike.

Never been out West yet, Tom, but I grew up in Akron, the "Rubber Capital of the World" of a simpler time.

[grumpyunk]

There is a biker on YT channel named 'Pacific Mike', who laces spoked wheels from a stack of spokes, a hub and a rim. He goes through how to lace them to get round and even tension on the spoked.
I have only one spoked bike any more, my Honda CB350 bought so many years ago, so did not watch too closely. A good bike shop(bicycle moreso than cycle) can tune a wheel so each spoke is as taut as the others, and the rim runs true in both planes. You can spin it and put a finger to impact, and each spoke sounds about the same as the others when they are done properly. It is not rocket science, but you do have to pay attention and likely end up trimming some spokes when done. As a kid with a bike with skinny tires I replaced a few, and new nothing about what i was doing. still vertical and above ground, so it must not have been too far off. wish they had the internet in the '50s.
tom

[SoyBeanSandwich]

Wheel is still in the shop, small business. I'm sure he's a busy man. Snowmobiles are huge around wintertime.

I'd like to thank Barnone, Grumpyunk, Indianaman and JerryHawk250 personally for their experience with this bike, and Chinese bikes in general. This bike is hard to research, and a large portion of my info was gained from this forum. So, gentlemen, you are appreciated.

This is a very cool community, and it's where I'm starting with motorcycles. My next bike may be a Royal Enfield Himalayan, but that's quite a while off yet.

My first ever "bike" was built out of an old mountain bike and a $300 Amazon Chinese moped kit. The sense of freedom I experienced on that little 70cc bike was absolutely astounding to a 15y/o. I've since served 5yrs on Active Duty with the Army, and that has wrought its' own difficulties, but here we stand today.

I'm sure many of you have similar stories, and I appreciate you all for documenting your experiences here.

Merry Christmas, everyone, and I wish you safe riding this upcoming year!