08-10-2015, 12:59 PM | #1 |
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Location: Pismo Beach
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"BEST" 250cc Chinese Bike
I'm searching for the consensus "BEST" 250cc dual sport Chinese bike that can actually travel down the highway at a sustained 65 to 70 mph. Affordability, low price, is also one of my criteria. It also has to be CARB legal. I'm not interested in luggage, crashbars, cruise control, WiFi, and other touring accessories. Low price, reliability, light weight, readily availability of parts and off road worthiness are very important. Feel free to offer up your favorite bike that meets my needs.
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08-10-2015, 01:28 PM | #2 | ||
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 380
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Quote:
The Zongshen RX3 likely meets most of your wishes more than any other China bike...but are we calling that an Adventure bike, not a DS? Quote:
The only China Bike I am aware of that can reasonably claim sustained speeds of 65 - 70 MPH is the Zongshen RX3, and even then perhaps some would consider the bike a bit small for that duty....IDK never rode one. But sadly IMO, if you are looking for a dual sport bike that can reasonably sustain 65 - 70 MPH down the highway, you're at the wrong forum. |
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08-10-2015, 01:53 PM | #3 | |
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Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Pismo Beach
Posts: 55
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Quote:
Maybe you're correct and I should look at the non-Chinese bikes, i.e. Japan, Europe and India. And these sources are also bringing out 300cc singles and 250cc twin cylinder bikes. Might be worth waiting for? |
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08-10-2015, 02:01 PM | #4 |
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 380
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For "riding off road for fun", the sub $1,500.00 229cc china bikes are a great bargain IMO. No better $/fun ratio. But they are NOT 65-70 MPH highway capable bikes. Perhaps 50 MPH all day long, with shorter limited lengths at slightly higher speeds.
You might have a long wait A bike that meets all your requirements, including low price is a tough one. Unless $3,000.00 - 5,000.00 is your low. This dream takes place in California? Kidding aside, I think I'm looking for the same bike as you are....haven't found it yet. |
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08-10-2015, 02:49 PM | #5 |
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Swap between Bahia, Brazil, and La Libertad, Peru
Posts: 36
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Not sure about CARB legal
I have no idea what CARB legal is but my Ronco Demolition ticks most of the boxes. Last year I covered 8800 kms (5500 miles) mostly on tarmac with it on its original dirt tyres (worn them out mind you!). On the tar I "cruised" at 100 kph, 62.5 mph, most of the time, but did some straight stretches at 120 kph (75 mph) with no problems (other than higher fuel consumption!), and had some revs in reserve (was running at around 7k, and redline at 10k), but wind resistance and noise kept me (almost) legal. The dirt tyres caused most of that noise, and some vibration through the bars, too.
This year I put Pirelli MT60's on and it made a huge difference to riding comfort, and much more confidence round the twisty bits - but at the cost of reduced traction off-road. Not sure if it is marketed in your part of the world, but it is a serious contender.
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Ronco Demolition 250 - Peru Honda NXR150 Bros - Brazil |
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08-10-2015, 03:10 PM | #6 |
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Somerset, KY
Posts: 686
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What you need is a 1988-1989 Honda NX250.....can be picked up for about what a new China 250 runs, and is a water cooled 250 single, and will do what you want.....I still miss mine....but parts are getting harder to find, as are bikes in good condition, but they are out there...(I believe this motor is what Zong based the RX-3 motor on)
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Huck 2013 Honda NC700X 2013 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone 2016 AJP PR4 2022 Templar X 250 2021 Sondors Metacycle AMA Life Member |
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08-10-2015, 03:10 PM | #7 | |
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Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Pismo Beach
Posts: 55
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Quote:
CARB is a set of rules in California that is suppose to make vehicles, car, trucks, bikes, etc, less polluting. It is a lot more restrictive than just about any place in the world. So vehicles have to be specially tuned, or outfitted with additional pollution control devices to meet the restrictive exhaust gas emission levels. This really restricts the variety of vehicles available for purchase. Less choices. Regarding the Ronco Demolition, what is the country of manufacture? In what country do you reside? Do you have dealers in your city, or do you purchase via Internet? |
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08-10-2015, 03:15 PM | #8 | |
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Location: Pismo Beach
Posts: 55
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Quote:
Great bike. I'd forgotten all about this model and the NX650. I think they were ahead of their time, which caused the short run of availability. I'll see what's available in my area. |
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08-10-2015, 03:24 PM | #9 | |
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Swap between Bahia, Brazil, and La Libertad, Peru
Posts: 36
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Quote:
I am currently in Peru, and yes, I bought from the local dealer. Cost me (last February) the equivalent of US$1500, so a little under £1000 - exchange rates a lot better this year so effectively cheaper still!
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Ronco Demolition 250 - Peru Honda NXR150 Bros - Brazil |
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08-11-2015, 01:33 PM | #10 |
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: NW Arkansas
Posts: 453
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My Xf250 is CARB approved which was key when I was bike shopping in CA in 2014.
Although it meets most of your criteria it may not check the "low price" box at $2999. If the CSC cyclone was available at the time I would have considered one for an additional $600.
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2013 SSR XF-250 |
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08-11-2015, 05:08 PM | #11 | |
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,436
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Quote:
others: taobao.com had many compatibles if search AX-1 (the JDM version)
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08-11-2015, 05:53 PM | #12 | |
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Can you supply more information?
Quote:
Where can I find pictures and specs on the Xf250? Does it have a model name? What is the Chinese manufacturers name? Sound like it might be what I'm looking for in a Chinese motorcycle? Thanks for the information. |
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08-11-2015, 05:56 PM | #13 | |
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Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Pismo Beach
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Quote:
Can you help me locate the website for this more information on these bikes? Thanks |
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08-12-2015, 01:55 PM | #14 | |
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Sardis, BC, Canada
Posts: 25,977
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Quote:
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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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08-12-2015, 08:28 PM | #15 |
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: NW Arkansas
Posts: 453
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http://www.ssrmotorsports.com/store/enduro/xf250.php
SSR imports this bike, also called a Sinnis or Pulse Adrenaline in the UK where it is pretty popular. like a dummy I passed up a running NX650 for $900 a few years back.
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2013 SSR XF-250 |
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