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#16 |
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 260
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Just because a Chinese bike is sold for $2k, doesn't mean you are going to pay $2k.
There's shipping, taxes, title transfer, tag and registration. All these fees get added to the Chinese bikes. Additionally, many lower quality bikes may need mods to get them to work right, while a Honda is pretty much straight out the door. Resale value of Chinese bikes is non existent. Many people buy their China bikes and want to get 90% of their sales price or more. Dem loonies! Longevity, Japanese bikes last longer than Chinese bikes, and are made with.better materials that don't need upgrading. I agree on the high new price for bikes, however you can find plenty of second hand bikes for a low price, as low as a new Chinese bike, for a much better bike. If you're the kind of person who likes working on his bike, is ok with wrenching 60%, riding 40% in the first few weeks, a china bike is probably good for you. Though Lifan bikes are almost as good as Japanese bikes, they still need rust proofing, bolt loctiting, and minor part upgrades. |
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#17 |
Join Date: Sep 2024
Location: South Georgia
Posts: 12
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At the end, would you say 4,000 sunk into a China Bike is about the normal price of one?
I only ask because I would have to go through the song and dance with an XR150 in getting a new carb, new airbox, doing a ton of mods anyway, right? I know they have some shortcomings of their own. Plus, OTD for an XR150L right now if I went to a dealership is 4,100. I'm never going to find one of these used at a reasonable price, I've come to that conclusion a while ago. Anything remotely in the XR150s class right now I've seen go for ~$4K used where I'm at. TW200s for 4K used are not uncommon. That's almost the price of a new one from the dealership, all titles and tags taken care of. If that really is the entry price then maybe a new rider like me should just bite the bullet on a new bike from the dealer. I'm okay with a wrench but I am getting this to ride first and foremost. |
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#18 |
Join Date: Oct 2023
Location: Western PA
Posts: 287
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Don't forget to factor in the cost of riding gear. It adds up quick and like it or not, it is part of the equation.
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2022 Hawk DLX EFI * 17T Front / 47T Rear / 428 x-ring chain * Kenda K-760 front + rear * Banjo brake light switch * LED headlight + front turn signals * Custom cutting board skid plate * Debadged (I don't like to brag about the superior strength!) * Top speed, GPS verified, as equipped: 68 mph (so far) |
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#20 | |
Join Date: Sep 2024
Location: South Georgia
Posts: 12
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Maybe it's just a seasonal thing because I've been waiting close to 5-ish months now? The only bikes I've seen in this price range are these China bikes and dirtbikes. This is including the used market.
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I just find the current state of the name-brand market kind of silly. The XR150 is close to a 45% dealer markup. |
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#21 | |
Join Date: Sep 2022
Location: Ohio Valley
Posts: 716
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2022 Hawk 250 |
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#22 | |
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 260
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The Honda is lighter, lasts longer, made with alloys, rather than painted steel, through more expensive and has less options (no fuel gauge, but has reserve, no led screen). If you're going to use the bike for 15k miles and get rid of it, get the Xpect. If you want to do 50k miles on it, go for the Honda. |
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#23 | |
Join Date: Sep 2024
Location: South Georgia
Posts: 12
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That said, I do tend to ride and drive everything until it's a pile of dust. My cars from the mid 00's can attest to that. It seems like you're steering me away from the Chinabike option at all, and there could be a good reason for that if I plan to keep it long-term. I guess my next question is: If the dealers premium is just the lick I have to take, should I upgrade a bit more then so it's at least worth the premium? 5K Gets a KLX 230. |
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#24 | |
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Yuma, Arizona
Posts: 9,053
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Brand name bikes are the way to go once you have experience--even a year or two. My reasoning is even with the fact of resale value, once you go down a bunch of times, the cost to fix the bike with genuine parts adds up while the resale value goes down (assuming there are still damages). I am fairly certain insurance doesn't cover the bikes in many cases other than riding around to work, to stores, to friends and relatives, etc. Dropping one on a dirt road--maybe not covered; trail--probably forget about it. And you are still expected to make payments on a depreciated bike. That all being said, Chinese bikes are a bit more expensive than what they used to be, but really are much higher quality. They also have good resale considering the old-school ones that were okay literally went for a few hundred bucks or less when owners tried to sell them to get into a better bike with a brand name. I am not sure if you have seen videos on these bikes, but there are plenty. Personally, I would go with the KPX 250 out of all the Chinese bikes, but for several hundred dollars less, the X-Pect 200 is a good deal. I know that many changed their front sprocket to get lowered cruising rpms for commuting duties, but you should be good with stock if your roads are only moving at 50 mph (change the sprocket later on if you feel the need to). I have a feeling the Honda's 150 will underwhelm you and you will soon desire more grunt. The Kawasaki 230 might be a better choice as far as learning AND keeping (a lot of us grow fond of our useful bikes and keep them 'forever') if you decide to go with a name brand bike. Edit: The $4k KLX 230 seems like a good contender even with the near 35" seat height (vs. the usual 36" height found on most every bike). The $5k KLX 230 S has an even shorter seat, but it doesn't seem like that should justify $1k more (I admit I didn't read all the details besides that differentiating the two). Both are fuel-injected and have 6 speeds. One thing rarely mentioned when people are concerned about seat height is proper foot gear--one should always be wearing boots which really do bridge the gap between tip-toeing and not tip-toeing so much, as well as feeling stable and confident stopped at red lights, stop signs, traffic, etc. That 34.8" seat height on the $4k bike should not really be an issue with proper footware. Okay--the $4k KLX as well as the $4.2k KLX with ABS are both 2023 models, vs. the $5k KLX which is a 2024 model.
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"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 Last edited by culcune; Today at 04:53 PM. Reason: adding in information |
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#25 |
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Australia
Posts: 1,371
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I'd say if you can find a used Yamaha XT225 'serow' / XT250 or Kawasaki 'Super Sherpa'
Out of the Used Japan offerings you might find a deal that would offer similar or better than current Chondas. Some Hondas might be around but are either thrashed or over valued. Suzuki DR350 is also a possibility though they had a limited production run so it a bit of a Unicorn but with age and parts liabilities. I would get any Chonda over the $3k XR150L but if you are law constrained then I can see a place for it. |
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