Big guy looking for a good China Bike!

mp88 · 03-08-2022, 04:14 PM

Title says it all! I'm 6'2", 220lb (I'm working on it!), & in the market for a bike that won't kill my wallet or my back/knees. I've been looking hard at the CSC SG250/TT 250, but I'm concerned it will be too small for my body. I'm also not a huge fan of a carb, but I can get over that. I like the look of the SG250, but I know the TT 250 is probably a better fit for my size frame.
I already have a 2018 Honda Rebel 300, but I had to get a bigger seat because the seat height was too low for me. I'm thinking of buying a China bike for around town & selling the rebel to purchase something in the 500cc range that would be more suited for highway/long distances. Doesn't need to be terribly fast; just looking for the most reliable bike for my size that isn't too pricey. Thank you in advance for all suggestions!

Emerikol · 03-08-2022, 08:36 PM

Welcome to the forum. I'm 5' 10" and can flat foot my Hawk very comfortably. For what you're describing, I think a China bike may be a little bit of a letdown for you. Depending on if you want to ride more street or trails, I would look into a dual sport from Suzuki (full disclosure, I have a DR650 and I absolutely love it, so I'm probably a bit biased) or Kawasaki. If you're going to be 100% street, I would say look into either a Triumph (if you can find a good deal on one) or a Royal Enfield. The RE's are making a comeback, and they're pretty reasonably priced. Hope this helps!

mp88 · 03-09-2022, 11:47 AM

Thank you for the input Emerikol! I'm hoping that having one of these bikes as an around-town ride will eliminate feeling letdown some. My rebel is still a little too small for me, but only on long rides. I like a few Suzuki models, but they are easily x2 the price! I'm not looking to break any landspeed records here; just want a simple commuter. I like the CSC bikes because they seems to have a good online presence & are sold with the understanding that you will work on them. Air-cooled engines & kick starts seem bullet-proof as well. I also looked at the Venom motorsports bikes (x-pect, KPM200, & Ghost models). Any input on vendors to avoid would be great as well.

Thanks again for the input!

**JerryHawk250** · 03-09-2022, 11:56 AM

If you are in no hurry, Venom Motorsports will have a new 400cc cruiser bike coming out sometime in the first quarter. EPA Certifications has been the biggest holdup on that bike. In fact I got a message from BraaapUSA over the weekend letting me know it won't be long.
https://braaapusa.com/products/braaap-cruiser

mp88 · 03-09-2022, 12:14 PM

@JerryHawk250- that looks awesome! I really like that Shadow cafe racer they have as well! Not in a big hurry just yet; I'm really trying to hone-in on the direct dealers to buy from or to avoid. I've heard mixed reviews on Venom Motorsports & was leaning more towards CSC, but I'm open to any suggestions on that front as well! I don't have much mechanical experience, but both my neighbors are mechanics and would love to help me work on a project bike. I'm really looking for a simple entry-level bike (air-cooled, kick-starter, carb, small CC) @ a reasonable price-point for in-town riding!

**JerryHawk250** · 03-09-2022, 01:05 PM

Venom and CSC are probably your top dealers. I've bought two bikes from Venom and there after sale support is great. The few little issues I had with my X22R were taken care of quick.

mp88 · 03-09-2022, 01:15 PM

Thank you again for the input! I'm watching your Youtube videos on your Ghost 250 right now; if it had a kickstarter like the CSC SG250, I would have already pre-ordered it by now haha

**JerryHawk250** · 03-09-2022, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mp88

Thank you again for the input! I'm watching your Youtube videos on your Ghost 250 right now; if it had a kickstarter like the CSC SG250, I would have already pre-ordered it by now haha

You don't need no stinkin kick start.

mp88 · 03-09-2022, 01:57 PM

Sure, until your BATTERY DIES!

DoomHead · 03-22-2022, 12:41 AM

If I were you, I'd go for the CSC TT 250. They're a lot bigger in person than what they look like in pics. I'm 5'11 and 185, and I can't flatfoot my Hawk DLX.

Those new style Rebels are badass. I was about to pick a used 300 from a dealer, but after they tacked on $1200 in fees, DOC, and other "miscellaneous" I noped on out. Haha. I'm keeping my eyes peeled for a local used one from an individual, though.

Bruces · 03-22-2022, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mp88

Sure, until your BATTERY DIES!

Ever hear of push start ? Surely a big burly monster man dude such as yourself can easily push start a lightweight china bike with ease .

mp88 · 03-22-2022, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruces

Ever hear of push start ? Surely a big burly monster man dude such as yourself can easily push start a lightweight china bike with ease .

Yea bud, I got it. Maybe you don't understand the concept of a backup plan, but with bikes that have a historically questionable reliability record, I'll take all the options I can get.

kyle · 03-22-2022, 02:00 PM

I'm 6'3 and 210 and I love the height of the tbr7.
I'm in the white, with my 6'2 buddy on the blue bike:

Also, rather cheap as far as these bikes go

https://tbr7.com/buy-a-tbr7

Megadan · 03-22-2022, 03:12 PM

As a 6'4 265lb man, I am going to start off with, you aren't THAT big.

That said, the SG250 is a fairly small bike. You probably could ride it, but you wouldn't be very comfortable.

The TT250 will fit you just fine. I ride a Hawk, which is more or less the same bike in terms of shape/size.

CSC also has their line of new 400cc bikes, the RZ3S and SG400 that might interest you. I am not too familiar with their actual size, but from what I have seen in videos they are at least full size machines.

Also don't rule out the Japanese 300-400cc class bikes, especially if your are looking to spend north of 4k. The market has a lot of great options. The Yamaha MT-03 is probably one of the best ones. great power (and can make more), highway capable, nearly 60mpg, and still fits 6ft tall people no problem, and under $5k. There is also the Z400 which is a few hundred more than the MT03.

I love my Hawk, but you would be hard pressed to sell me a chinese bike over one of the others when we start getting into that price territory.

03-08-2022, 04:14 PM	#1
mp88 Join Date: Mar 2022 Posts: 6	Big guy looking for a good China Bike! Title says it all! I'm 6'2", 220lb (I'm working on it!), & in the market for a bike that won't kill my wallet or my back/knees. I've been looking hard at the CSC SG250/TT 250, but I'm concerned it will be too small for my body. I'm also not a huge fan of a carb, but I can get over that. I like the look of the SG250, but I know the TT 250 is probably a better fit for my size frame. I already have a 2018 Honda Rebel 300, but I had to get a bigger seat because the seat height was too low for me. I'm thinking of buying a China bike for around town & selling the rebel to purchase something in the 500cc range that would be more suited for highway/long distances. Doesn't need to be terribly fast; just looking for the most reliable bike for my size that isn't too pricey. Thank you in advance for all suggestions! __________________ 2018 Honda Rebel 300
	0

03-08-2022, 08:36 PM	#2
Emerikol Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Carrollton, GA Posts: 1,465	Welcome to the forum. I'm 5' 10" and can flat foot my Hawk very comfortably. For what you're describing, I think a China bike may be a little bit of a letdown for you. Depending on if you want to ride more street or trails, I would look into a dual sport from Suzuki (full disclosure, I have a DR650 and I absolutely love it, so I'm probably a bit biased) or Kawasaki. If you're going to be 100% street, I would say look into either a Triumph (if you can find a good deal on one) or a Royal Enfield. The RE's are making a comeback, and they're pretty reasonably priced. Hope this helps! __________________ First Rule of Aviation: -Never Pass Up The Opportunity to Pee I was struggling to get my wife's attention; I sat down on the couch and looked comfortable. That did the trick! My wife says I only have two faults. I don't listen and something else... If at first you don't succeed, try doing it the way I told you to... The Stable: 2005 Yamaha V-Star 650 - SOLD 2015 Suzuki DR 650 2015 RPS Hawk 250 - SOLD 2016 Ural Gear Up
	1

03-09-2022, 11:47 AM	#3
mp88 Join Date: Mar 2022 Posts: 6	Thank you for the input Emerikol! I'm hoping that having one of these bikes as an around-town ride will eliminate feeling letdown some. My rebel is still a little too small for me, but only on long rides. I like a few Suzuki models, but they are easily x2 the price! I'm not looking to break any landspeed records here; just want a simple commuter. I like the CSC bikes because they seems to have a good online presence & are sold with the understanding that you will work on them. Air-cooled engines & kick starts seem bullet-proof as well. I also looked at the Venom motorsports bikes (x-pect, KPM200, & Ghost models). Any input on vendors to avoid would be great as well. Thanks again for the input! __________________ 2018 Honda Rebel 300
	0

03-09-2022, 11:56 AM	#4
JerryHawk250 Moderator Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Houma, La. Posts: 11,561	If you are in no hurry, Venom Motorsports will have a new 400cc cruiser bike coming out sometime in the first quarter. EPA Certifications has been the biggest holdup on that bike. In fact I got a message from BraaapUSA over the weekend letting me know it won't be long. https://braaapusa.com/products/braaap-cruiser __________________ 2023 Lifan Lycan 250 Chopper 2023 Venom Evader 2022 Lifan KPX250 2020 Kawasaki Vulcan S 2004 Honda ST 1300 2016 Black Hawk 250 (sold) Keihin PE30 carb,125 main,38 slow.Pod filter,ported & decked head 10:1 CR,Direct Ignition Coil,15/40Sprockets,NGK DPR8EIX-9,De-Cat,Dual Oil Cooler,Digital Cluster 2016 Cazador180 XL 2014 Coolster150 JerryHawk250.com My YouTube Channel
	2

03-09-2022, 12:14 PM	#5
mp88 Join Date: Mar 2022 Posts: 6	@JerryHawk250- that looks awesome! I really like that Shadow cafe racer they have as well! Not in a big hurry just yet; I'm really trying to hone-in on the direct dealers to buy from or to avoid. I've heard mixed reviews on Venom Motorsports & was leaning more towards CSC, but I'm open to any suggestions on that front as well! I don't have much mechanical experience, but both my neighbors are mechanics and would love to help me work on a project bike. I'm really looking for a simple entry-level bike (air-cooled, kick-starter, carb, small CC) @ a reasonable price-point for in-town riding! __________________ 2018 Honda Rebel 300
	1

03-09-2022, 01:05 PM	#6
JerryHawk250 Moderator Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Houma, La. Posts: 11,561	Venom and CSC are probably your top dealers. I've bought two bikes from Venom and there after sale support is great. The few little issues I had with my X22R were taken care of quick. __________________ 2023 Lifan Lycan 250 Chopper 2023 Venom Evader 2022 Lifan KPX250 2020 Kawasaki Vulcan S 2004 Honda ST 1300 2016 Black Hawk 250 (sold) Keihin PE30 carb,125 main,38 slow.Pod filter,ported & decked head 10:1 CR,Direct Ignition Coil,15/40Sprockets,NGK DPR8EIX-9,De-Cat,Dual Oil Cooler,Digital Cluster 2016 Cazador180 XL 2014 Coolster150 JerryHawk250.com My YouTube Channel
	1

03-09-2022, 01:15 PM	#7
mp88 Join Date: Mar 2022 Posts: 6	Thank you again for the input! I'm watching your Youtube videos on your Ghost 250 right now; if it had a kickstarter like the CSC SG250, I would have already pre-ordered it by now haha __________________ 2018 Honda Rebel 300
	0

03-09-2022, 01:57 PM	#9
mp88 Join Date: Mar 2022 Posts: 6	Sure, until your BATTERY DIES! __________________ 2018 Honda Rebel 300
	0

03-22-2022, 12:41 AM	#10
DoomHead Join Date: Jun 2021 Location: North Carolina Posts: 55	If I were you, I'd go for the CSC TT 250. They're a lot bigger in person than what they look like in pics. I'm 5'11 and 185, and I can't flatfoot my Hawk DLX. Those new style Rebels are badass. I was about to pick a used 300 from a dealer, but after they tacked on $1200 in fees, DOC, and other "miscellaneous" I noped on out. Haha. I'm keeping my eyes peeled for a local used one from an individual, though. __________________ 2010 Yamaha TTR 250 2020 RPS Hawk DLX 250 1989 Yamaha Big Bear 4x4 350 1984 Honda XR200R dual carb (Sold) You give me a reason to drink. I told her to stay right in the mud hole. She went left. Now her nickname is "Swamp Thing." Every hill is climbable, if you're brave enough. Let's go to the jewelry store, she said. It'll be fun, she said.
	1

03-22-2022, 02:00 PM	#13
kyle Join Date: Jun 2021 Posts: 105	I'm 6'3 and 210 and I love the height of the tbr7. I'm in the white, with my 6'2 buddy on the blue bike: Also, rather cheap as far as these bikes go https://tbr7.com/buy-a-tbr7
	2

03-22-2022, 03:12 PM	#14
Megadan Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 8,016	As a 6'4 265lb man, I am going to start off with, you aren't THAT big. That said, the SG250 is a fairly small bike. You probably could ride it, but you wouldn't be very comfortable. The TT250 will fit you just fine. I ride a Hawk, which is more or less the same bike in terms of shape/size. CSC also has their line of new 400cc bikes, the RZ3S and SG400 that might interest you. I am not too familiar with their actual size, but from what I have seen in videos they are at least full size machines. Also don't rule out the Japanese 300-400cc class bikes, especially if your are looking to spend north of 4k. The market has a lot of great options. The Yamaha MT-03 is probably one of the best ones. great power (and can make more), highway capable, nearly 60mpg, and still fits 6ft tall people no problem, and under $5k. There is also the Z400 which is a few hundred more than the MT03. I love my Hawk, but you would be hard pressed to sell me a chinese bike over one of the others when we start getting into that price territory. __________________ 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
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