I'm in Bolivia ready to buy a bike! Chinese bike or Honda? - Page 2

Weldangrind · 09-18-2012, 10:26 PM

Excellent point about the air filter, Kevin. If you use a decent foam filter with quality filter oil, it shouldn't let any dust in. Here's my favourite: http://www.ebay.ca/itm/42mm-Air-Filt...item4ab686abc4

kevinballa · 09-18-2012, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevinballa

Alright folks, we did some more walking around today at the shops and spoke with some repair shops and pizza delivery men and everyone seems to have a different opinion. However, I think weÂ´re set on the Montero 250cc after some feedback from a trusted moto rental shop. What are your first impressions of the Montero?

I'm concerned the Montero 250 doesn't have a mud flap for the rear wheel. :roll: Without a mud flap the piston shaft of the shock absorber will carry mud past the oil seal, ruining the seal. The shock absorber will then leak oil and fail, resulting in a "pogo stick" which lacks any rebound damping. :( In my opinion, an oversight of this manner in a "dual sport" motorcycle casts doubt on the entire design of the bike. :?

Spud :roll:

Wow - really good point about the mud flap. Could you please post a photo of what you mean? Do any of the options we posted above have said mud flap?

Also, how easy would it be to rig something to protect our rear suspension from mud? Would really appreciate the help! -Kevin

SpudRider · 09-18-2012, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevinballa

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevinballa

Alright folks, we did some more walking around today at the shops and spoke with some repair shops and pizza delivery men and everyone seems to have a different opinion. However, I think weÂ´re set on the Montero 250cc after some feedback from a trusted moto rental shop. What are your first impressions of the Montero?

I'm concerned the Montero 250 doesn't have a mud flap for the rear wheel. :roll: Without a mud flap the piston shaft of the shock absorber will carry mud past the oil seal, ruining the seal. The shock absorber will then leak oil and fail, resulting in a "pogo stick" which lacks any rebound damping. :( In my opinion, an oversight of this manner in a "dual sport" motorcycle casts doubt on the entire design of the bike. :?

Spud :roll:

Wow - really good point about the mud flap. Could you please post a photo of what you mean? Do any of the options we posted above have said mud flap?

Also, how easy would it be to rig something to protect our rear suspension from mud? Would really appreciate the help! -Kevin

You can learn of my personal experience regarding mud flaps in the following thread.

http://chinariders.net/modules.php?n...wtopic&t=10050

Here's a photograph of my Zong with a homemade mud flap.

Here's a photograph of my Zong without the mud flap.

After many thousands of miles, my original mud flap fell off my bike.

I strongly suggest you don't buy any "dual sport" motorcycle so poorly designed it does not have a mud flap! 8O This glaring omission is undoubtedly indicative of other, even graver design flaws with that motorcycle.

Once again, I encourage you to purchase a 200cc, air cooled, Chinese motorcycle.

Spud

Weldangrind · 09-18-2012, 11:49 PM

Zip ties and a rubber mud flap would do the trick. Even plastic from a large water container would work well. Ask me how I know.

SpudRider · 09-19-2012, 12:25 AM

You can also employ an empty gallon jug of motor oil or antifreeze.

However, I still think the omission of a mud flap on a dual sport motorcycle is a glaring error which is indicative of a generally, poorly designed bike. :(

Spud :?

kevinballa · 09-19-2012, 08:50 AM

Thanks to pointing to that post Spud. Quick question - it looks like all the bikes are missing a mud flap in back no? Were there any that you noticed had a mud flap to protect the rear suspension?

Weldangrind · 09-19-2012, 10:44 AM

Stuff like that is common on China bikes. Some simple prep goes a long way.

FastDoc · 09-19-2012, 11:49 AM

With all respect to Spud's advise, I'd just make a mud flap and call it good and enjoy the ride. :P

I don't think it shows poor design, as i don't think these bikes are designed. :wink:

I believe them to be assembled from semi-identical nearly random parts from innumerable manufactures from across China. 8)

"What kind of rear wheel shall we use Commrade?"

"Look you peasant at the warehouse filled with Brand Yang rear wheels! Use those!"

SpudRider · 09-19-2012, 06:05 PM

Perhaps I overreacted to the lack of a mud flap; however, it certainly is a design error to consider, and correct.

The post to which I referred considers different options for fabricating a mud flap. I suggest you look at the bikes you are considering, and decide for yourself which bike would most easily accept a fabricated mud flap. You certainly do need a mud flap to prevent damage to the shock absorber.

Spud

kevinballa · 09-20-2012, 08:23 PM

Thanks for the advice all! We ended up going with the Pegasus. So far so good, but weÂ´re only a day in

Will be sure to let you all know how it goes!

SpudRider · 09-20-2012, 11:40 PM

It appears to me the Pegasus bike has a mud flap!

I think you made a good choice.

Please start a new thread in our Ride Reports Forum! We would enjoy traveling along with you, and we will be glad to help you if you require assistance.

Spud

humanbeing · 09-21-2012, 04:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevinballa

Thanks for the advice all! We ended up going with the Pegasus...

Md33 (& clone) basics <Quoted from authorized Honda dealer in Japan http://www.ride-inc.net/file/32/data.pdf

Oil: 1.0L / 1.2L (disassembled) | Valve clearance: IN/EX 0.1mm | Idle(rpm): 1400 | Float height :18.5mm

katoranger · 09-21-2012, 08:24 AM

I thought the pegasus appeared to be a slightly better built bike. The swingarm looks beefier.

09-18-2012, 10:26 PM	#16
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	Excellent point about the air filter, Kevin. If you use a decent foam filter with quality filter oil, it shouldn't let any dust in. Here's my favourite: http://www.ebay.ca/itm/42mm-Air-Filt...item4ab686abc4 __________________ 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
	0

09-18-2012, 11:49 PM	#19
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	Zip ties and a rubber mud flap would do the trick. Even plastic from a large water container would work well. Ask me how I know. __________________ 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
	0

09-19-2012, 12:25 AM	#20
SpudRider Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 25,054	You can also employ an empty gallon jug of motor oil or antifreeze. However, I still think the omission of a mud flap on a dual sport motorcycle is a glaring error which is indicative of a generally, poorly designed bike. :( Spud :? __________________ Spud "Never argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level, and beat you with experience." Mark Twain 2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) 2006 Zongshen ZS200GY-2 (Sierra 200) 2005 Honda XR650L 2004 Honda CRF250X 1998 Kawasaki KDX220 Mods made to my Zongshen ZS200GY-2: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=6894
	0

09-19-2012, 10:44 AM	#22
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	Stuff like that is common on China bikes. Some simple prep goes a long way. __________________ 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
	0

09-19-2012, 11:49 AM	#23
FastDoc Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southeastern Washington desert Posts: 14,761	With all respect to Spud's advise, I'd just make a mud flap and call it good and enjoy the ride. :P I don't think it shows poor design, as i don't think these bikes are designed. :wink: I believe them to be assembled from semi-identical nearly random parts from innumerable manufactures from across China. 8) "What kind of rear wheel shall we use Commrade?" "Look you peasant at the warehouse filled with Brand Yang rear wheels! Use those!" __________________ Happy to serve.
	0

09-19-2012, 08:50 AM	#21
kevinballa Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 8	Thanks to pointing to that post Spud. Quick question - it looks like all the bikes are missing a mud flap in back no? Were there any that you noticed had a mud flap to protect the rear suspension?
	0

09-19-2012, 06:05 PM	#24
SpudRider Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 25,054	Perhaps I overreacted to the lack of a mud flap; however, it certainly is a design error to consider, and correct. The post to which I referred considers different options for fabricating a mud flap. I suggest you look at the bikes you are considering, and decide for yourself which bike would most easily accept a fabricated mud flap. You certainly do need a mud flap to prevent damage to the shock absorber. Spud __________________ Spud "Never argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level, and beat you with experience." Mark Twain 2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) 2006 Zongshen ZS200GY-2 (Sierra 200) 2005 Honda XR650L 2004 Honda CRF250X 1998 Kawasaki KDX220 Mods made to my Zongshen ZS200GY-2: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=6894
	0

09-20-2012, 08:23 PM	#25
kevinballa Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 8	Thanks for the advice all! We ended up going with the Pegasus. So far so good, but weÂ´re only a day in Will be sure to let you all know how it goes!
	0

09-20-2012, 11:40 PM	#26
SpudRider Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 25,054	It appears to me the Pegasus bike has a mud flap! I think you made a good choice. Please start a new thread in our Ride Reports Forum! We would enjoy traveling along with you, and we will be glad to help you if you require assistance. Spud __________________ Spud "Never argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level, and beat you with experience." Mark Twain 2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) 2006 Zongshen ZS200GY-2 (Sierra 200) 2005 Honda XR650L 2004 Honda CRF250X 1998 Kawasaki KDX220 Mods made to my Zongshen ZS200GY-2: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=6894
	0

09-21-2012, 08:24 AM	#28
katoranger Join Date: May 2007 Location: Altamont, Kansas Posts: 15,103	I thought the pegasus appeared to be a slightly better built bike. The swingarm looks beefier. __________________ You meet the nicest people on a Honda Clone.
	0