newb with questions about Bashan Storm BS200GY18
 

So, though I've been riding scoots and motorcycles for 5 years I've never dealt with a Chinese bike and want to learn as much as possible before getting one. I know that a lot of these bikes are basically copies of Japanese bikes that Chinese manufacturers make parts for and I was wondering if the same was true of the Bashan Storm 200 that I've been looking at. I'm no expert but it sort of looks like a Honda XR and I guess I was wondering how close the similarities get? Do they use the same frame? Are the parts enterchangeable? If so, how enterchangeable?

Any answers, explanations, or advice would be geat.

Here's a link to the dealership where I'm looking at getting it from. The price seems a bit steep for a chinese bike but I've noticed that to be a trend with all bikes in this area.
http://www.scootsnola.com/off-roads/

Can't really comment about US prices, but converting to UK pounds they look reasonable, and I am sure you wouldn't find a comparable Honda/Suzuki/Kawasaki/etc. anywhere near those prices. I would take their "top speeds" with a huge pinch of salt - 75-80mph for a Bashan Storm 200??? In their dreams!

Those prices are a little high unless they offer additional in shop warranty and excellent service.


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That's what I was thinking too, adjuster. It doesn't help tho that here in New Orleans the prices on EVERYTHING seem to be higher; the major bike brands cost more than they did in Colorado, and everythin on craigslist is way more than I would pay for it.

So, while that is more than I would hope to pay for a chinabike, (as Carangajeira pointed out) it is still the cheepest bike in town.

The main reason I'm asking all these questions is that, though I want a bike that runs and can get me around, i'm also looking for something I can get a bit creative with and do a bit of an old school cafe job on. I'd prefer one of the old 70's Japanese streetbikes that are traditionally used, but those don't seem to be in high supply around here (all hogs and crotch rockets) and as I pouted out, even when I find them prices are prohibitive.

However, I figured enduro seem to have a classic frame, and China bikes would be an afordable way to get something that already runa so I can focus on the styling.

To give in idea, this is the type of project I'm thinking of;

http://i.ytimg.com/vi/c5LktGzgbLg/0.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com...c61ccc9c87.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com...413dc6cc20.jpg

See if this place has them in stock for delivery right to your front door.

http://www.killermotorsports.com/Rok...-db-08-200.htm



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Those cafe bikes you linked to are very cool.


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Another one to maybe check out.

http://www.superiorpowersports.com/2...k250db-41.htm#


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I'll keep those in mind. While its not a must I do like the idea of something where I can test ride it, see what I'm getting, and ride it home. While I don't have experience with Chinese bikes I get the feeling that quality assurance can be iffy and I'm afraid the difference between 2 bikes of the same make and model might vary drastically.

I had a Honda clone China bike frame and an old XR200 (not the R version) frame stripped down next to each other, and they were nearly identical. The China bike I was working on had a monoshock, but the mounts for twin shocks were there, and had been used as a carrying rack mounting point.

If you want to stick with the forks and monoshock for a café project, a Honda clone China bike would be a good fit.

As usual, Weldangrind and Adjuster have given you excellent advice. :) If you have time, please post a link to your thread, Weld. I searched, but could not find it. ;)

Wow, I expected similar but not that probably-breaking-patent-and-copyright-law level of similarity. So can one replace/swap out and Honda and Rocketta part, or are there any major differences?

Also, how do you straighten out the frame under the seat? I'm prepared for easy stuff like yanking one tank off and slapping a new one on, but that looks like something outside my technical knowhow.

It depends on the specific frame you're working with. My Roketa (which is just like a Shineray and others) had an identical head tube, so I was able to take all of the steering parts from the Honda and transplant them onto the Roketa. The engine and swingarm fall into place. As with any café or special, all of the unnecessary tabs have been removed, and efforts will be made to minimize the overall look.

To flatten out the rear hoop, just cut, chop, weld and grind. It's just that easy. :D

I recommend that you pour over the café and special builds at www.dotheton.com. You'll learn a ton. Maybe I'll see you over there.

I did a café themed conversion on one of the early dirt bikes, a Panterra, which is basically the same as a roketa etc.

http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=14387