Confused Newbieâ€¦Please help!

SpudRider · 07-14-2008, 03:26 AM

OK. I have been lurking on this and several other forums, and I have been reading about Chicom motorcycles for weeks. I was going to order a HI-Bird 250 from Tim at Vbike; but I really want to go riding and I am tired of waiting for them to arrive. Then two days ago I spotted the Tomoto 200 (http://bikesfactory.com/carb-dirt-bi...cc-enduro.html) and the VX200SX-H (http://bikesfactory.com/new-dirt-bike-200cc-enduro.html) motorcycles being sold at bikesfactory.com. These guys are also selling the same bikes on 3 or more other web sites. Cautious by nature, I did some more research in the forums, and now I am really confused. :?:

NYGunman ordered the ShineRay VX200SX-H motorcycle from this vendor, and they canceled his order. They seemed to go out of business for several weeks, but at least he finally got his money back. Now they have been resurrected? :roll:

I believe that elroyjetsn got his Tomoto/Hyunsong 200 from them, and so did theENIGMATIC. Gentlemen, can I trust this vendor? Are they legitimate?

Maybe I should buy a used Jap bike, or wait for Tim at Vbike to get the HI-Bird 250 motorcycles? Doesnâ€™t the Tomoto/Hyunsong 200 have problems with the tranny and first gear? Perhaps the ShineRay VX200SX-H (with the Suzuki motor) is a better motorcycle for the extra hundred dollars; however, the ShineRay is not EPA/DOT approved. Maybe I should get a Roketa 200 instead? Yikes!!! The more I learn, the more confused I get!

:( :?:

metcalfguitars · 07-14-2008, 07:11 AM

Hey Spudrider! I can't help you with the vendor because I have no experience with them but I did notice the specs on both bikes don't match the pics. Both specs are identical, both indicate the bikes have drum rear brakes but the pics show rear disc brakes. Both have the same error regarding gross/net weight. So, be wary! I'd give them a call and talk to someone in service about the bikes and the differences.

I too have been looking for another bike and it is pretty confusing. It seems pretty typical that the online vendors mis-represent the bikes either through using pictures of other model bikes with different specs or overstating the capabilities in the specs. Sorry I can't answer your questions but let us know what you end up getting and your experience with the vendor.

Tim

chinaguy · 07-14-2008, 08:59 AM

Not too long ago, I was in the same boat as you. I finally found, by coincidence, a local guy selling HSUN bikes. I got mine for $1400 (he was asking $1499). I figured that I was better off buying from him because the bike was already built and set up, and he was local in case I had questions, needed parts, etc. He also went along with me to the notary to get the title, tags, and registration done. To me, that was worth the roughly $400 that I could have saved by ordering one from the internet.

My main concern about ordering from the internet was about registering the bike for street use. I understand some guys have a lot of problems with that.

As far as the bikes themselves, this is just my opinion, I think that while there are a number of manufacturers in China making the bikes, they all pretty much use the same parts. They vary some, but I think a lot of the major parts are similar.

Most of the reviews of the bikes here seem positive. Roketas, American Lifan, HSUN (like mine), Shineray, and others all are represented here. Read the stickies regarding set-up, maintenance, and modifications. You really need to be handy with tools. But, the reward is, these bikes are really fun to ride.

Hope this helps.

SpudRider · 07-14-2008, 02:08 PM

Metcalfguitars (Tim), I called the toll-free telephone number and talked to the sales department about both motorcycles. The answer was short and sweet. Neither bike is in stock, and they arenâ€™t going to be receiving either of them in the future, either! :(

On the plus side, a courteous receptionist answered the telephone quickly, and she promptly transferred me to a salesman. The salesman also quickly, directly answered my questions. In case you were wondering, the photographs accurately described the bikes, not the specifications. :roll:

On the negative side, they really should update their web pages. I saw both these motorcycles listed for sale on at least three other websites owned by the same company. Also, it would be nice if they could list the specifications accurately. :roll:

Tim, can you tell me more about your Shineray Allroad DB-200C? Is it similar to the ShineRay VX200SX-H that is not for sale at bikesfactory.com? If I might ask, where did you get the bike, and how much did you pay for it? :?:

Chinaguy, I was raised in Central Pennsylvania and lived there until I moved to the Pacific Northwest in 1989. May I ask where you reside? Where do you go riding? Would you mind telling me the name of the local HSUN vendor?

Thank you gentlemen, for your help.

metcalfguitars · 07-14-2008, 08:32 PM

Hey Spud, I sent a PM so check your inbox. Tim

duck · 07-14-2008, 08:37 PM

If you can find one, best deal might still be a used japanese bike. These chinese moto's are fun but if you don't wanna work on it (a lot), don't buy one!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by metcalfguitars

Hey Spud, I sent a PM so check your inbox. Tim

AZ200cc · 07-14-2008, 08:47 PM

This one has some bikes in stock,
http://www.kabra-offroad.com/cart/in...1ccea88bd4fedb

I don't know anything about them, But the site seems well put togethor.

And I second the comment about buying Jap if You don't want to turn a wrench.

chinaguy · 07-14-2008, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Chinaguy, I was raised in Central Pennsylvania and lived there until I moved to the Pacific Northwest in 1989. May I ask where you reside? Where do you go riding? Would you mind telling me the name of the local HSUN vendor?

Near Selinsgrove. The HSUN dealer is just outside of Shamokin. He also has a pet store along side. Claims he's been in business selling bikes for about 4 years.

SpudRider · 07-14-2008, 11:38 PM

Metcalf, I got your PM, and I sent one in return. Thank you for the information.

Duck, thanks for the input. I actually went looking at a used Yamaha TW200 just today.

AZ200cc, thanks for the lead on the web site. I will give them a phone call tomorrow.

Chinaguy, my brother used to live in Camp Hill, PA. Also, I went to Penn State, so I am familiar with your area. Thanks for all of your help.

At this point, I am actively considering both new and used Jap and Chicom motorcycles. However, I truly wish Tim at Vbike currently had the HI-Bird 250cc motorcycles in stock. HI-Bird seems to be a pretty good brand, and Tim had a killer price on those bikes. Also, people say good things about him as a vendor.

07-14-2008, 03:26 AM	#1
SpudRider Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 25,054	Confused Newbieâ€¦Please help! OK. I have been lurking on this and several other forums, and I have been reading about Chicom motorcycles for weeks. I was going to order a HI-Bird 250 from Tim at Vbike; but I really want to go riding and I am tired of waiting for them to arrive. Then two days ago I spotted the Tomoto 200 (http://bikesfactory.com/carb-dirt-bi...cc-enduro.html) and the VX200SX-H (http://bikesfactory.com/new-dirt-bike-200cc-enduro.html) motorcycles being sold at bikesfactory.com. These guys are also selling the same bikes on 3 or more other web sites. Cautious by nature, I did some more research in the forums, and now I am really confused. :?: NYGunman ordered the ShineRay VX200SX-H motorcycle from this vendor, and they canceled his order. They seemed to go out of business for several weeks, but at least he finally got his money back. Now they have been resurrected? :roll: I believe that elroyjetsn got his Tomoto/Hyunsong 200 from them, and so did theENIGMATIC. Gentlemen, can I trust this vendor? Are they legitimate? Maybe I should buy a used Jap bike, or wait for Tim at Vbike to get the HI-Bird 250 motorcycles? Doesnâ€™t the Tomoto/Hyunsong 200 have problems with the tranny and first gear? Perhaps the ShineRay VX200SX-H (with the Suzuki motor) is a better motorcycle for the extra hundred dollars; however, the ShineRay is not EPA/DOT approved. Maybe I should get a Roketa 200 instead? Yikes!!! The more I learn, the more confused I get! :( :?:
	0

07-14-2008, 07:11 AM	#2
metcalfguitars Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 13	Hey Spudrider! I can't help you with the vendor because I have no experience with them but I did notice the specs on both bikes don't match the pics. Both specs are identical, both indicate the bikes have drum rear brakes but the pics show rear disc brakes. Both have the same error regarding gross/net weight. So, be wary! I'd give them a call and talk to someone in service about the bikes and the differences. I too have been looking for another bike and it is pretty confusing. It seems pretty typical that the online vendors mis-represent the bikes either through using pictures of other model bikes with different specs or overstating the capabilities in the specs. Sorry I can't answer your questions but let us know what you end up getting and your experience with the vendor. Tim __________________ Your mileage may vary... Shineray Allroad DB-200C
	0

07-14-2008, 02:08 PM	#4
SpudRider Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 25,054	Got some more information... Metcalfguitars (Tim), I called the toll-free telephone number and talked to the sales department about both motorcycles. The answer was short and sweet. Neither bike is in stock, and they arenâ€™t going to be receiving either of them in the future, either! :( On the plus side, a courteous receptionist answered the telephone quickly, and she promptly transferred me to a salesman. The salesman also quickly, directly answered my questions. In case you were wondering, the photographs accurately described the bikes, not the specifications. :roll: On the negative side, they really should update their web pages. I saw both these motorcycles listed for sale on at least three other websites owned by the same company. Also, it would be nice if they could list the specifications accurately. :roll: Tim, can you tell me more about your Shineray Allroad DB-200C? Is it similar to the ShineRay VX200SX-H that is not for sale at bikesfactory.com? If I might ask, where did you get the bike, and how much did you pay for it? :?: Chinaguy, I was raised in Central Pennsylvania and lived there until I moved to the Pacific Northwest in 1989. May I ask where you reside? Where do you go riding? Would you mind telling me the name of the local HSUN vendor? Thank you gentlemen, for your help.
	0

07-14-2008, 08:32 PM	#5
metcalfguitars Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 13	Hey Spud, I sent a PM so check your inbox. Tim __________________ Your mileage may vary... Shineray Allroad DB-200C
	0

07-14-2008, 08:47 PM	#7
AZ200cc Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Show Low Arizona Posts: 2,889	This one has some bikes in stock, http://www.kabra-offroad.com/cart/in...1ccea88bd4fedb I don't know anything about them, But the site seems well put togethor. And I second the comment about buying Jap if You don't want to turn a wrench. __________________ <br />2001 Suzuki DR200SE<br />1997 Suzuki RM250 YIKES<br />1995 Yamaha Breeze 125 daughters<br />1991 Honda XR80r Restored<br />maybe a 2003 Yamaha TTR90
	0

07-14-2008, 08:59 AM	#3
chinaguy Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Central Pennsylvania Posts: 125	Not too long ago, I was in the same boat as you. I finally found, by coincidence, a local guy selling HSUN bikes. I got mine for $1400 (he was asking $1499). I figured that I was better off buying from him because the bike was already built and set up, and he was local in case I had questions, needed parts, etc. He also went along with me to the notary to get the title, tags, and registration done. To me, that was worth the roughly $400 that I could have saved by ordering one from the internet. My main concern about ordering from the internet was about registering the bike for street use. I understand some guys have a lot of problems with that. As far as the bikes themselves, this is just my opinion, I think that while there are a number of manufacturers in China making the bikes, they all pretty much use the same parts. They vary some, but I think a lot of the major parts are similar. Most of the reviews of the bikes here seem positive. Roketas, American Lifan, HSUN (like mine), Shineray, and others all are represented here. Read the stickies regarding set-up, maintenance, and modifications. You really need to be handy with tools. But, the reward is, these bikes are really fun to ride. Hope this helps.
	0

07-14-2008, 11:38 PM	#9
SpudRider Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 25,054	The saga continues... Metcalf, I got your PM, and I sent one in return. Thank you for the information. Duck, thanks for the input. I actually went looking at a used Yamaha TW200 just today. AZ200cc, thanks for the lead on the web site. I will give them a phone call tomorrow. Chinaguy, my brother used to live in Camp Hill, PA. Also, I went to Penn State, so I am familiar with your area. Thanks for all of your help. At this point, I am actively considering both new and used Jap and Chicom motorcycles. However, I truly wish Tim at Vbike currently had the HI-Bird 250cc motorcycles in stock. HI-Bird seems to be a pretty good brand, and Tim had a killer price on those bikes. Also, people say good things about him as a vendor.
	0