Newbie looking at a first bike...

[f15sim]

Hi folks. My name is Gene. I'm 52 and live in Graham, WA, and I'm pretty sure I've lost my mind.


I made the grievous error of clicking on the bike linked in this thread:
http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=25931 and the Goddess of Irresponsible Purchases is whispering sweet nothings in my ear...



As a new (like I've /never/ ridden before - BRC class is this weekend) rider, would the bike above be a reasonable "first" even though I'm planning (fingers crossed) on Kawasaki Versys-X 300 in ~3 months? On the surface it would appear to be a nice "knock-around" bike that I would be more inclined to beat on than the Versys.


What say you, oh learned ChinaRiders hive mind?


g.

[culcune]

Welcome to here!

I don't see any problem with having a Chinese motorcycle to learn on, especially if you will be dropping it or laying it down (no one plans these things, but they do happen to all skills of riders), the issue is being able to work on your bike. There is plenty of experienced members who can guide you, but you said you have zero experience with bikes in general. Not to discourage you, either, but just throwing out that disclaimer. But otherwise, yes, these bikes are ideal learning devices based on their prices. The issue you will have right now and for the next several weeks (months?) is all of these bikes are sold out from the mail-order syndicate.

[f15sim]

That's the concern right now - there's no stock and the in-stock date is rather..vague.


I notice that vendors like Q9 Powersports have the 2020 TBR7 with front & back disc brakes and the price is basically the same as PowersportsMax.


Is the TBR7 with dual disc a better bike than the MC-TC30 with drum & disc?


The Q9 Powersports sale appears to have a definitive end to it according to the ticker on the page: https://q9powersportsusa.com/collect...12746806427692


How's the reputations of Q9 and PowersportsMax?


Thanks folks!


g.

[Ina Ditch]

I agree with culcune that there is nothing wrong with it but if money was an issue and I had my heart set on the Kawasaki I would spend the money on gear for the kawi and myself. motorcycles are like women and boats, the hull is cheap but the rigging costs like hell.

[f15sim]

Well the Versys-X 300 is going to happen regardless. The DOL here in Washington may not be open until August or later. That means that even when I pass the BRC, I won't be able to get a permit to ride. No permit, no point in buying the Versys yet.



However, the TBR7 presents an opportunity in that I can toss it into the back of my truck and find a parking lot to practice in. I wouldn't have to license it, insure it, or sob when I dump it.


g.

[f15sim]

I pulled the trigger on the TBR7 from Q9. May $DEITY have mercy on my soul.


$1349 w/insurance & lift gate service.


g.

[culcune]

Originally Posted by f15sim

I pulled the trigger on the TBR7 from Q9. May $DEITY have mercy on my soul.


$1349 w/insurance & lift gate service.


g.

Congratulations on the new bike! Like I said above, you will have homework, starting with when it arrives and you have to piece it together! Feel free to query the masses here on assembly. You will want to read some of the 'sticky' sections on assembly and prep.

[Megadan]

The Hawk Resource guide's first post applies to pretty much all of these bikes, so it is worth a read.

If you want to learn about how to work on bikes, it doesn't get any better than these cheap chinese bikes.

These bikes can be great fun, even after you get your Versys you may find yourself wanting to ride the TBR7. I have a big powerful Honda sport touring bike, and I ride my Hawk half the time.

[markerdown]

Originally Posted by f15sim

I pulled the trigger on the TBR7 from Q9. May $DEITY have mercy on my soul.




$1349 w/insurance & lift gate service.


g.

Nice! congrats on the new toy!

[f15sim]

Thanks all!


Since I'm coming into this from literally nothing (never ridden) I'm thinking about kicking off a new YT channel to document the whole journey. I have more research to do though.


g.

[Ina Ditch]

Originally Posted by f15sim

Thanks all!


Since I'm coming into this from literally nothing (never ridden) I'm thinking about kicking off a new YT channel to document the whole journey. I have more research to do though.


g.

if you do post a link here, I feel like a beginner since going dual sport and will watch.

[f15sim]

Will do! I've been sifting through the forum looking for TBR7/Hawk tips that can be applied before you turn the key, as well as a list of task-specific tools that can come in handy.


g.

[Biker_Andy]

You need to buy motorcycle oil or Shell Rotella T4 (Diesel engine oil), motorcycles DO NOT like automotive oil. Also buy one of these tools like in the picture to clean your chain with. Other than that all you need is basic tools and some chain lube.

[Ina Ditch]

Originally Posted by Biker_Andy

You need to buy motorcycle oil or Shell Rotella T4 (Diesel engine oil), motorcycles DO NOT like automotive oil. Also buy one of these tools like in the picture to clean your chain with. Other than that all you need is basic tools and some chain lube.

and after assembling mine on a floor jack I whole heartedly recommend a motorcycle jack or lift.

[Loadedpw]

Originally Posted by f15sim

I pulled the trigger on the TBR7 from Q9. May $DEITY have mercy on my soul.


$1349 w/insurance & lift gate service.


g.

I pre ordered a TBR7 from Q9 about 3 weeks ago. They tell me it’s going to ship out early June, are you hearing the same thing ?