Tao Tao 125 and Apollo 250 RX

rossw · 10-03-2016, 10:53 AM

I am looking at a Tao Tao 125 DB17 dirt bike for my son, and an Apollo 250 RX for myself.

Anything I should be doing/checking to these before we take them for a rip?

Break in period?

Still not sure where to buy them from either. Seems I can get them locally for 125 for $1199, and the 250 for $2000. Not sure if I can save much by buying direct from China... tried to navigate Taobao but seems I need a lot of practice before I could dream of finding anything there.

starsire79 · 10-03-2016, 02:30 PM

If those are Canadian dollars that's not too bad... check and Loctite all bolts!!! I would be ready to change out the carb...stock ones are really bad. change out the spark plugs to ngk don't use the torch. lube the cables.

starsire79 · 10-03-2016, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by starsire79

If those are Canadian dollars that's not too bad... check and Loctite all bolts!!! I would be ready to change out the carb...stock ones are really bad. change out the spark plugs to ngk don't use the torch. lube the cables.

haha yeah the torch spark plugs are trash....thats what I mean but don't use the propane torch either

culcune · 10-03-2016, 07:18 PM

PM member 'Flashlightboy' regarding the Taotao. He is a Canadian dealer for Taotao, and a couple others (not sure about Apollo, but maybe he can get them, too?) I don't remember specifics of where he is located, but perhaps he happens to be close enough to you. If not, at least you two have the Canadian thing in common

rossw · 10-03-2016, 07:33 PM

Thanks and will do.

Quote:

Originally Posted by culcune

PM member 'Flashlightboy' regarding the Taotao. He is a Canadian dealer for Taotao, and a couple others (not sure about Apollo, but maybe he can get them, too?) I don't remember specifics of where he is located, but perhaps he happens to be close enough to you. If not, at least you two have the Canadian thing in common

Kaifune · 10-03-2016, 02:38 PM

That seems a bit expensive to me (if it's in USD). I just bought a x18 for $800 and a 250 RX for $1300 from Wholesale ATV. http://wholesaleatv.com/shop/dirt-bikes I made the long trek to pick them up in person (they will assemble them for you, no extra charge) and it went well. I'm pretty sure they will ship them to you as well. I used the Troy, IL. office and they were really great. Willing to share what I paid to the penny if you need.

rossw · 10-03-2016, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaifune

That seems a bit expensive to me (if it's in USD). I just bought a x18 for $800 and a 250 RX for $1300 from Wholesale ATV. http://wholesaleatv.com/shop/dirt-bikes

The math on $1300 US comes to approx. $1700 CDN and that is without shipping... not even sure how easy it is to bring these across the border. I "think" I can talk my Canadian guy down a little bringing the difference between the prices even closer.

Kaifune · 10-03-2016, 02:55 PM

As far as pricing, it looks close for sure. Or at least not worth the extra trouble.

rossw · 10-03-2016, 02:39 PM

Ya, those are Canadian prices. They do seem reasonable based on some quick checks I did earlier.

What do you mean "don't use the torch."? Sorry if this should be obvious... I struggled with making the connection in other threads between the "cat" and what I think was being referred to the catalytic converter ;-)

Kaifune · 10-03-2016, 02:53 PM

Cat. if definitely referring to the catalytic converter (same abbreviation is used for cars). I think he's literally referring to a torch. Sometimes plugs bind and you can heat them (think propane torch) to help them release. Caveat: I'm new to bikes so it could be a reference I'm not familiar with.

rossw · 10-03-2016, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaifune

Cat. if definitely referring to the catalytic converter (same abbreviation is used for cars). I think he's literally referring to a torch. Sometimes plugs bind and you can heat them (think propane torch) to help them release. Caveat: I'm new to bikes so it could be a reference I'm not familiar with.

So obvious in hindsight ;-)

Kaifune · 10-03-2016, 02:56 PM

Knowledge is a stranger until you're introduced! or some drivel like that.

Adjuster · 10-03-2016, 02:59 PM

'Torch' is a brand name of spark plugs that come in most China bikes. They appear to be pure junk.

https://www.google.com/search?q=torc...ih=676&dpr=1.5

/

rossw · 10-03-2016, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adjuster

'Torch' is a brand name of spark plugs that come in most China bikes. They appear to be pure junk.

https://www.google.com/search?q=torc...ih=676&dpr=1.5

/

Thanks for the clarification

Adjuster · 10-03-2016, 03:08 PM

Since you are getting the Apollo for yourself I think you should stick with the Apollo brand for your son. They make a great 125cc called the big wheel (17" wheel). Here is one version of it but there are a few different versions.

https://www.amazon.com/Apollo-Precis...ds=DB-X7+125cc

/

10-03-2016, 10:53 AM	#1
rossw Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Ottawa, ON, Canada Posts: 58	Tao Tao 125 and Apollo 250 RX I am looking at a Tao Tao 125 DB17 dirt bike for my son, and an Apollo 250 RX for myself. Anything I should be doing/checking to these before we take them for a rip? Break in period? Still not sure where to buy them from either. Seems I can get them locally for 125 for $1199, and the 250 for $2000. Not sure if I can save much by buying direct from China... tried to navigate Taobao but seems I need a lot of practice before I could dream of finding anything there.
	0

10-03-2016, 07:18 PM	#4
culcune Join Date: May 2006 Location: Yuma, Arizona Posts: 9,035	PM member 'Flashlightboy' regarding the Taotao. He is a Canadian dealer for Taotao, and a couple others (not sure about Apollo, but maybe he can get them, too?) I don't remember specifics of where he is located, but perhaps he happens to be close enough to you. If not, at least you two have the Canadian thing in common __________________ "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

10-03-2016, 02:30 PM	#2
starsire79 Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 54	If those are Canadian dollars that's not too bad... check and Loctite all bolts!!! I would be ready to change out the carb...stock ones are really bad. change out the spark plugs to ngk don't use the torch. lube the cables.
	1

10-03-2016, 02:38 PM	#6
Kaifune Join Date: Sep 2016 Posts: 19	That seems a bit expensive to me (if it's in USD). I just bought a x18 for $800 and a 250 RX for $1300 from Wholesale ATV. http://wholesaleatv.com/shop/dirt-bikes I made the long trek to pick them up in person (they will assemble them for you, no extra charge) and it went well. I'm pretty sure they will ship them to you as well. I used the Troy, IL. office and they were really great. Willing to share what I paid to the penny if you need.
	1

10-03-2016, 02:55 PM	#8
Kaifune Join Date: Sep 2016 Posts: 19	As far as pricing, it looks close for sure. Or at least not worth the extra trouble.
	0

10-03-2016, 02:39 PM	#9
rossw Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Ottawa, ON, Canada Posts: 58	Ya, those are Canadian prices. They do seem reasonable based on some quick checks I did earlier. What do you mean "don't use the torch."? Sorry if this should be obvious... I struggled with making the connection in other threads between the "cat" and what I think was being referred to the catalytic converter ;-)
	0

10-03-2016, 02:53 PM	#10
Kaifune Join Date: Sep 2016 Posts: 19	Cat. if definitely referring to the catalytic converter (same abbreviation is used for cars). I think he's literally referring to a torch. Sometimes plugs bind and you can heat them (think propane torch) to help them release. Caveat: I'm new to bikes so it could be a reference I'm not familiar with.
	0

10-03-2016, 02:56 PM	#12
Kaifune Join Date: Sep 2016 Posts: 19	Knowledge is a stranger until you're introduced! or some drivel like that.
	0

10-03-2016, 02:59 PM	#13
Adjuster Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Deerfield Beach FL Posts: 1,410	'Torch' is a brand name of spark plugs that come in most China bikes. They appear to be pure junk. https://www.google.com/search?q=torc...ih=676&dpr=1.5 /
	1

10-03-2016, 03:08 PM	#15
Adjuster Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Deerfield Beach FL Posts: 1,410	Since you are getting the Apollo for yourself I think you should stick with the Apollo brand for your son. They make a great 125cc called the big wheel (17" wheel). Here is one version of it but there are a few different versions. https://www.amazon.com/Apollo-Precis...ds=DB-X7+125cc /
	0