Xpro Storm DLX 150 Review

[tknj99]

This thread will be used to document my review of the Xpro Storm DLX 150 that I have purchased for my 15 yo daughter to learn on and ride.

Decision Process: Since the bike would be for my daughter who needs to learn how to ride i figured its better to have the lightest bike possible and one with a lower seat height. I was originally thinking the Titan DLX or Templar M but they are both tall and 275+ pounds. I then landed on the Storm 150, its 180 pounds, 35" seat height, 19/16 wheels and 4 speed (N-4Up) . I have no doubt that she may outgrow the bike in the future and ill cross that bridge when the time comes.

Cost: $1250 shipped to Virginia

Make/Model: Zuma S5-150. Interestingly the Templar X is also made by Zuma

MCO: will say "Offroad Motorcycle" but i have already submitted a ticket to get the MCO to say "Motorcycle".
Update 3/16/24: MCO received separately via mail and says "Motorcycle". This will allow registration/plating before the bike is received.
Update: 3/20/24: Registered and plated in VA without issue

Ordering: I purchased directly from xprousa.com as it was $50 less than PSM and i found out they are affiliated companies. After placing the order i received an email as well as a link to "Shop" app that allows me to see my order as well as track the shipment. I also found out that the carrier will either b R&L or XPO. In any case, i'm hoping for the best but not ruling out the worst.
Estimated delivery time: 1 week
Update: Delivered on 3/25/24 in perfect condition, wrapped well with no issues

Maintenance Plans: locktite as much as possible during the build, cover any exposed wiring, oil change, valve adjust

Mod Plans: as with all China bikes, im sure i will need to re-jet the carb but thats tbd for now. I also plan to re-gear probably the front sprocket to a 15T vs the stock 14T to get some more top end and get it closer to the advertisied 65mph top speed which im sure is a pipe dream in stock form

Technical Notes:
Carb: PZ27 with 35 pilot, non-adjustable needle and 95 main
Fuel: 1.58 Gallon Tank; no reserve
Fuel range: I observed about 42 miles at half tank so should be good for 75-80 miles
Throttle cable is short and can bind on left full lock
Wheels unbalanced from factory
Chain adjustment: tricky as the bolt does not thread into the swingarm
Seat height: 35"
Suspension: no adjustment on front; pre-load on rear
Exhaust: has catalyst in the muffler section
Plate mount: There is no white light to illuminate the plate

[tknj99]

Build Day:
Time to complete: Give or take 3-4 hours, I was taking my time and applying locktite, grease and dielectric grease where applicable

Assembly: assembly is standard China bike, you uncrate, connect the rear shock, front wheel, handlebars, headlight, f/r signals, front fender and battery. There is a good YT video on assembly, I wont get into the details here.
A couple of observations: I can see that this bike had some better QA some some of the other China bikes ive bought in the past, ie. nylock fasteners, locktite marks on some of the bolts, visible grease on the neck and some other areas. They also supplied a package of grease and a complete owners manual with decent maintenance info.
I also electric tape wrapped the exposed wiring by the rear fender and applied dielectric grease to the electrical connects behind the headlight.

Post-Assembly Maintenance: I changed the shipping oil with Rotella T4 15w40. One quirk i found here is that the manual says 0.6L but wen i put that much in the oil level was at the bottom of the mark barely indicating anything. I then added another 200ml and still low. I recall my sons DBX1 was 1 qt as are most China bikes so i filled to 1Q and it was right at the top.

Post assembly mods performed: I had pre-purchased a 15 front sprocket as i want it to be able to reach 60mph ad installed it as well as a set of bark busters.

Issues of note: the gas cap doesn't secure very well.. it'll turn and get somewhat tight but can be popped off with alittle force. I may check to see what i can do about that.
I had to adjust the throttle cable and zip tie to prevent the throttle from engaging when full lock of the handlebars to the left side.

First Ride: I rode over to the local gas station about 3 miles away and was able to hit around 45mph at 8k rpm.. redline starts at 10k.. The power is fairly low but its snappy. I think its just geared too low still. I can also feel the front wheel bouncing a bit, i think its due to the wheel lock throwing it off balance.
I also spent some time teaching my daughter how to take off, stop and ride around our circle in first gear.

Next plans:
1. either remove the rim locks or buy a balancing kit
2. look into a 16T front sprocket
3. change the oil again
4. check valves
5. see if i can lower the rear a bit further for my daughter to be more flat footed on it

[tknj99]

Some more pics

[J4Fun]

Nice write-up/ report on the new bike! I ordered one yesterday and e-mailed them this morning about getting Motorcycle on the paper work as you did. Will be following along…THANKS to you and Dusman too for his vids.

[tknj99]

Today I adjusted the valves. The intake was at .001 and exhaust at .002 from the factory. I adjusted both to .004.
I also figured out a way to lower the seat height by cutting the spring. This is a mod I've done on another bike in the past as well and worked well. Seat height went from 35" to now at 34" which should help my daughter handle the height better.
I still need to dig into the carb as it stalls with the switch at top and runs best in the middle..probably lean

Note: it was a pita to remove the case cover port to turn the engine to TDC.. i had to apply lube and force it off.. i sent an email to Xpro and they will be sending a replacement.

[superjocko]

Originally Posted by tknj99

Note: it was a pita to remove the case cover port to turn the engine to TDC.. i had to apply lube and force it off.. i sent an email to Xpro and they will be sending a replacement.

A proper timing plug tool makes the job of removing a stubborn plug much easier. They were never really meant to have a standard screwdriver used on them as the groove is curved on the bottom. See the attached picture for the Motion Pro part number of the tool if you're interested.

If you do have to resort to using a screwdriver, some fine emery cloth wrapped, gritty side out, around the tip of a nice sharp straight blade screwdriver that is just short of filling the width of the slot, and occupies about 2/3 the length of the slot, used centered in the length for a deep enough "bite", will often get it done without unduly marring the plug. That said, the proper tool is far better.

[tknj99]

Carb day.. I removed the stock carb, swapped the main from 95 to 105, pilot from 35 to what I had on hand which was a 38. I also added a washer to shim the needle and removed the cap on the a/f screw (note: its the bottom cap not the side one).
Took a short spin and can definitely notice an increase in power, not huge, but definitely noticeable

[Dusman]

How did you deal with the 2 piece pilot jet situation? Did your 38 pilot just fit in the first piece of the pilot jet (the “seat” or “housing”)?

[tknj99]

Originally Posted by Dusman

How did you deal with the 2 piece pilot jet situation? Did your 38 pilot just fit in the first piece of the pilot jet (the “seat” or “housing”)?

I replaced the the seat part if you will.. I had a YouAll carb that came from my old Templar and it also had the 2-part pilot but came with a 38 instead of the 35 that came with the Storm.. 38 is still prob on the small side but the bike is running good

[zero_dgz]

I just use a quarter or a big washer in a pair of pliers...

[tknj99]

Ive used a chisel and/or large flathead screwdriver in the past on other China bikes with no issues.. this one was jammed on real good

[Thumper]

Those "wings" on the tool are dumb. They'll hit the cooling fins on the head on a cg clone (229cc) or 249cc engine (172FMM). I use a big screwdriver. But it's soft aluminum, easily damaged. And you need it tight so you don't lose it on the trail!.

I like the 10mm Allen wrench style plug on the 6speed 172FMM (249cc) rotor nut access. I wish they did that on the timing port.

[TominMO]

I use a thick and wide bladed screwdriver. If it's really on there, you an use a wrench on the screwdriver handle. Or on the shaft, if it's square. But I like the quarter trick too.

[TominMO]

This is a perfect role for a Chinabike like this DLX 150. Good enough quality, cheap to buy and maintain. A temporary learner bike before graduation to a better one. Why pay $$$ for a Japanese bike you are going to outgrow?

[tknj99]

Update: I discovered that the tail light does not include a white light for illumination of the plate. This is a requirement in VA and will fail inspection without it. I ordered these off Amazon and will tap into the wire leading to the tail-light for power and install in the tag mounting holes:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MYXNLZ5...p_imgToDp&th=1

Also: there is no reserve. The petcock is on or off :(