Hi there from southern Idaho....Storm

wedooit · 06-19-2018, 11:45 AM

Hi to all, and thanks to all have taken the time to post and give reviews! I have read a lot of the info on this site, and am looking for a endure type bike. Since I am 5'7", short dude, a 30 some inch seat height would be beneficial. I sold a Yamaha 230, lowered, as too high and didn't feel comfortable. AND the cost of repairs were out of control. I desire to use this mostly off road, in the mountains, BLM, etc. Since we live in the country, also desire to use it on the county roads, so lights are important. Been looking at the Storm, and have found some in Salt Lake, about 1900.00, assembled, and jetted for our altitude.
AND I desire to have two of these, as my wife has the same ideas. I think the hawk's seat height is too high, and would be uncomfortable. Any thoughts and suggestions would be great!!!! Too many choices and variables and am confused! Thanks!!!!

Weldangrind · 06-19-2018, 12:35 PM

Welcome! Wise members who have low seat height China bikes will hopefully chime in. Until then, have you considered a used TW200?

culcune · 06-19-2018, 01:59 PM

I recall a member a few years ago, a young woman from Israel, took an extended vacation to Utah, bought a Storm (maybe at the same place you are writing about), and rode it back to New York City where she had relatives, before flying back to Israel. I think her ulterior motive was the possibility of selling Bashan branded bikes in Israel, but either way, she didn't seem to have any problems on her ride (she probably took side roads rather than interstates), and the bike was a good bike overall.

I am only 5' 7" with probably a 30" inseam, and I have few problems with 'big' bikes. I am no 'macho' guy, but it is really a matter of getting used to balancing. My first bike was a Suzuki DR250s which was what I learned to balance on at stops. Ever since then, I have preferred enduros, and have had a few Chinese ones. Also, I believe the Storm is a little shorter to begin with--I know the wheels are not the standard 21/18 but smaller.

You don't mention your wife's height, but if she is significantly shorter than you, perhaps one of the Grom-like bikes, but with knobby tires, for her? If she is the same height or taller than you, then the Storm should be fine, based on the young woman's experience I wrote about above. I cannot recall her name on here, but it might have been Eve as far as searching. Here is one of her videos:

ChondaChondaChonda · 06-19-2018, 04:17 PM

If your wife is as short as mine:

https://classifieds.ksl.com/listing/52488563

slowroller · 06-20-2018, 09:59 AM

Welcome aboard

wedooit · 06-20-2018, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Welcome! Wise members who have low seat height China bikes will hopefully chime in. Until then, have you considered a used TW200?

My wife is a little taller than I. Have considered, again, the
tw200, or the xr200. I have such little time this summer, I thought I could buy a couple of these hondoids, new, and not have to work on them, or rebuild. Upgrade a bit as, said here. I found a tw200 in Hailey, ID. for about 1000 to 1200. Some in premo shape are 2500.

wedooit · 06-20-2018, 11:10 AM

Many thanks! I watched the video, the gas jugs and as she says, "shelf" or what she means is bracket, is precious. A few years ago while sledding Island Park, Idaho, we came across some dudes from ND, that were all out of gas, 5 miles from the parking lot, and one small gas jug (1or 2 gallon) between them. Lol! We always carry extra gas on our sleds, so no problem.

Megadan · 06-20-2018, 02:34 PM

Welcome, and I would say the Storm is your best bet for what you are after. It has the shortest seat height of all of the Chinese dual sports and is a decent bike overall. the lack of 21 and 18 inch wheels would be it's only draw back, but that isn't entirely a bad thing. It will be a little more agile on the road with the smaller wheel diameters, and with your intended uses would likely not be much of a hindrance.

I would burst your bubble a little bit by saying, no matter what Hondoid you get, you will likely be working on it. Nothing major, but they do all require ironing out kinks, and it is worth it to spend a day going over the bolts, adding loctite, checking and tightening the spokes on the wheels, and lubricating things like the swing arm pivot. This will ensure the most reliable and safest bike for your dollar.

wedooit · 06-22-2018, 11:58 AM

Thanks!! I have also enjoyed all the info and posts!

wedooit · 07-01-2018, 02:41 PM

Thought i would write some interesting background. Years ago, many years ago, in high school, i bought some kind of a small bike, been too long to remember what. Traveling down a one way, when a car pulls out and i tee boned the pasenger door. The look of passenger was priceless, and to make a long story short, she became my first love, or what i thought. A few years later, i stumbled accross a 750 yam triple, shaft drive, 70 or 80 s, nice road bike. Made several road trips. Had to have my wife at the time ride with me, as she was taller and could adequately support the bike at a stop sign, or assist the short operator to dismount. Another car pulled out in front of me, and had to lay it down. Scratched the chrome and fairing. Let the bugger sit in the garage, and one day it wouldn't start. Divorced that wife, and gave her the electrical problem at hand. Years and years later came accross a 250 yam, didnt ride it much as was a hangar queen. We finally got it running, my current wife, who has way more experience than i, takes it on an off road ride, and then the phone call came. She tipped it over and sliced her knee on a sharp rock. Long insurance story that i wont bother at this time. Finally got rid of that bike. Have been into atvs over the years, and figured out they are a money pit, and expensive to repair. So now, we are back into finding some good bikes, and look forward to more journeys. My grey pony tail, is a rememberance of the short hair days, i had to experience, when i was raised in the 60s, by prim and proper parents. I might even consider some deviant behavior and acquire a snowmobile tat. I wish i had the motorcyle experience, and had enjoyed rebuilding and working on those, years ago, such as the experience i had with snowmobiles. Onward to a different era and enjoying the off road experience again!

06-19-2018, 11:45 AM	#1
wedooit Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Pocatello, Idaho Posts: 794	Hi there from southern Idaho....Storm Hi to all, and thanks to all have taken the time to post and give reviews! I have read a lot of the info on this site, and am looking for a endure type bike. Since I am 5'7", short dude, a 30 some inch seat height would be beneficial. I sold a Yamaha 230, lowered, as too high and didn't feel comfortable. AND the cost of repairs were out of control. I desire to use this mostly off road, in the mountains, BLM, etc. Since we live in the country, also desire to use it on the county roads, so lights are important. Been looking at the Storm, and have found some in Salt Lake, about 1900.00, assembled, and jetted for our altitude. AND I desire to have two of these, as my wife has the same ideas. I think the hawk's seat height is too high, and would be uncomfortable. Any thoughts and suggestions would be great!!!! Too many choices and variables and am confused! Thanks!!!!
	2

06-19-2018, 12:35 PM	#2
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	Welcome! Wise members who have low seat height China bikes will hopefully chime in. Until then, have you considered a used TW200? __________________ 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

06-19-2018, 01:59 PM	#3
culcune Join Date: May 2006 Location: Yuma, Arizona Posts: 9,035	I recall a member a few years ago, a young woman from Israel, took an extended vacation to Utah, bought a Storm (maybe at the same place you are writing about), and rode it back to New York City where she had relatives, before flying back to Israel. I think her ulterior motive was the possibility of selling Bashan branded bikes in Israel, but either way, she didn't seem to have any problems on her ride (she probably took side roads rather than interstates), and the bike was a good bike overall. I am only 5' 7" with probably a 30" inseam, and I have few problems with 'big' bikes. I am no 'macho' guy, but it is really a matter of getting used to balancing. My first bike was a Suzuki DR250s which was what I learned to balance on at stops. Ever since then, I have preferred enduros, and have had a few Chinese ones. Also, I believe the Storm is a little shorter to begin with--I know the wheels are not the standard 21/18 but smaller. You don't mention your wife's height, but if she is significantly shorter than you, perhaps one of the Grom-like bikes, but with knobby tires, for her? If she is the same height or taller than you, then the Storm should be fine, based on the young woman's experience I wrote about above. I cannot recall her name on here, but it might have been Eve as far as searching. Here is one of her videos: __________________ "They say that life's a carousel, spinning fast you got to ride it well..." TGB Delivery Scooter 150 TMEC 200 Enduro--carcass is sadly rotting in the backyard
	0

06-19-2018, 04:17 PM	#4
ChondaChondaChonda Join Date: Oct 2016 Posts: 547	If your wife is as short as mine: https://classifieds.ksl.com/listing/52488563 __________________ 1993 CR125 powered by Zongshen 223cc OHC 2̶0̶1̶6̶ ̶L̶X̶R̶ ̶2̶5̶0̶ ̶E̶F̶I̶ ̶ Sold 2018 GPX Moto FSE250R 1993 Fantic Key-Roo 250
	0

06-20-2018, 02:34 PM	#8
Megadan Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 7,986	Welcome, and I would say the Storm is your best bet for what you are after. It has the shortest seat height of all of the Chinese dual sports and is a decent bike overall. the lack of 21 and 18 inch wheels would be it's only draw back, but that isn't entirely a bad thing. It will be a little more agile on the road with the smaller wheel diameters, and with your intended uses would likely not be much of a hindrance. I would burst your bubble a little bit by saying, no matter what Hondoid you get, you will likely be working on it. Nothing major, but they do all require ironing out kinks, and it is worth it to spend a day going over the bolts, adding loctite, checking and tightening the spokes on the wheels, and lubricating things like the swing arm pivot. This will ensure the most reliable and safest bike for your dollar. __________________ Hawk Information and Resource guide: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=20331 2018 Hawk 250 - Full Mod list here. http://www.chinariders.net/showpost....62&postcount=1 2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 https://chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=34124
	1

06-20-2018, 09:59 AM	#5
slowroller Join Date: May 2018 Posts: 77	Welcome aboard
	0

06-20-2018, 11:10 AM	#7
wedooit Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Pocatello, Idaho Posts: 794	Many thanks! I watched the video, the gas jugs and as she says, "shelf" or what she means is bracket, is precious. A few years ago while sledding Island Park, Idaho, we came across some dudes from ND, that were all out of gas, 5 miles from the parking lot, and one small gas jug (1or 2 gallon) between them. Lol! We always carry extra gas on our sleds, so no problem.
	1

06-22-2018, 11:58 AM	#9
wedooit Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Pocatello, Idaho Posts: 794	Thanks!! I have also enjoyed all the info and posts!
	1

07-01-2018, 02:41 PM	#10
wedooit Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Pocatello, Idaho Posts: 794	Thought i would write some interesting background. Years ago, many years ago, in high school, i bought some kind of a small bike, been too long to remember what. Traveling down a one way, when a car pulls out and i tee boned the pasenger door. The look of passenger was priceless, and to make a long story short, she became my first love, or what i thought. A few years later, i stumbled accross a 750 yam triple, shaft drive, 70 or 80 s, nice road bike. Made several road trips. Had to have my wife at the time ride with me, as she was taller and could adequately support the bike at a stop sign, or assist the short operator to dismount. Another car pulled out in front of me, and had to lay it down. Scratched the chrome and fairing. Let the bugger sit in the garage, and one day it wouldn't start. Divorced that wife, and gave her the electrical problem at hand. Years and years later came accross a 250 yam, didnt ride it much as was a hangar queen. We finally got it running, my current wife, who has way more experience than i, takes it on an off road ride, and then the phone call came. She tipped it over and sliced her knee on a sharp rock. Long insurance story that i wont bother at this time. Finally got rid of that bike. Have been into atvs over the years, and figured out they are a money pit, and expensive to repair. So now, we are back into finding some good bikes, and look forward to more journeys. My grey pony tail, is a rememberance of the short hair days, i had to experience, when i was raised in the 60s, by prim and proper parents. I might even consider some deviant behavior and acquire a snowmobile tat. I wish i had the motorcyle experience, and had enjoyed rebuilding and working on those, years ago, such as the experience i had with snowmobiles. Onward to a different era and enjoying the off road experience again!
	0