04-29-2018, 08:54 PM | #1 |
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 39
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SSR Razkull
I was going to buy a CT70/125cc bike online. Then I discovered the Razkull and a dealer (Yamaha) near me had 3 of them. I go over there and I am impressed that the bike is bigger than I thought and actually the quality seemed pretty damn good. Here's where it goes south. The demo was repainted pink. WTF? It had a dead battery. When it was jumped it did not want to start. It was 70 out and this thing had to be choked for a long time before it would stop stalling.
OK, they get it going. Can I ride it? NO. Guy asked me if I want one of the other colors he has and I say "what is the best price today? I can put it on my credit card" He brings me in the office. $1995.00. OOPS, they have it on their webpage for $1699.00. I don't tell him this yet. Then he adds on tax, shipping, assembly and all kinds of BS title, registration, documentation to the tune of an extra $1000.00. So now the bike is $3000.00 and I know I can get it on line for way less. I tell him he's on crack and leave. So now I'm thinking this whole chinese bike thing over. The allure was CHEAP thrills. The drawback, dicey quality and buying something you've never laid eyes on from a dubious wholesaler. So I start looking at other bikes. I find a Kawasaki Z125 on line. I freaking love this thing. But........ It's $3000.00 to start. The Kawasaki dealer is going to try to bang me like the Yamaha dealer did. It'll be $4000.00 all said and done. On the up side, it will sell for more if I need to off it. It's probably going to outlast the chinese bikes and be less problematic. Anyone else consider these problems? What is another bike like a SSR Razkull that I may be able to score cheap? |
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04-30-2018, 10:09 PM | #4 | |
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Yuma, Arizona
Posts: 9,056
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Quote:
http://www.superiorpowersports.com/1...mc-hellcat.htm People have been having good luck with Vader 125's for even less money: http://www.powersportsmax.com/produc...ducts_id/20474 The good is not a lot of cash outlay, and you get to beat up and drop a cheap bike. The bad is probably not a good resale like the Grom or Z125, but keep in mind the far higher cost of those combined with dropping and/or beating up on those reducing your resale value down the road.
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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 |
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04-30-2018, 10:15 PM | #5 |
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Yuma, Arizona
Posts: 9,056
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I should have mentioned to see if you can find a Lifan KP150 mini. It has higher quality than other Chinese brands like the Taotao Hellcat or Vader, and actually out-Groms the Grom as far as power goes; 150cc vertical thumper (vs. horizontal), and 5 speed transmission. Yes, carbed, but again, the quality is there. But, it MSRPs for $1999. There is a series of videos of a guy with one, and his buddy on a Hawk riding all over the place, and he mentions where he was able to mail-order his as Lifan generally is a brick and mortar brand, but apparently allows the one deal to mail-order them. It might be Red Oak in Texas, but watch the videos if you put Lifan KPMini 150 in the search bar.
I believe this is the dealer: https://www.redoakcycles.com/
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"They say that life's a carousel, spinning fast you got to ride it well..." TGB Delivery Scooter 150 TMEC 200 Enduro--carcass is sadly rotting in the backyard |
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05-01-2018, 12:32 AM | #6 |
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 361
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I like the Benelli TNT 135
kymco spade or K-pipe is another option. I always wanted to try a k-pipe https://www.kymcousa.com/showroom/spade-150/ I have a hellcat great bike if you put in the work. and you can find them as cheap as 1200$ to your door. and parts are sooo easy to get. |
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05-01-2018, 06:36 AM | #7 |
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 39
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Thanks Chinabike. I guess the only downside to the Benelli is the after market support. I think I'll be happy with it out of the box so not a deal breaker for me. Another poster here recommended Woods Addict Cycles in Wisconsin. Kurt there was really helpful and I'd rather give him the business than buy from the local dealers as I have not had a good experience so far with these people. He had the Razkull,Lifan and Benelli and swore by the Benelli if it was in my budget. My other bike is an old Harley Sportster. It is a temperamental beast. I'm looking forward to not fixing a bike every few times I ride it.
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05-01-2018, 07:23 PM | #8 |
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 361
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I love the Lifan's spec and styling but ugh the color scheme kills me. I don't think the Lifan or the Beneli are legal in california so out for me. I think with any cheap Chinese bike you get you will still have to do a fair share of continues maintenance.
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05-02-2018, 06:33 AM | #9 |
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 39
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I bought the Benelli TNT135 in white. This is the craziest thing I've ever done. Bought a motorcycle I've never even seen. The dealer had all three of my target bikes. The Razkull, Lifan Mini and the Benelli. He says they are all great. The Benelli wins hands down with the best engine (4 valve, dual spark plug, fuel injected), the 5 speed transmission and the looks. The Lifan mini out runs the Razkull but doesn't have the "sport bike look". They are all priced accordingly. He says people just comment on the TNT135 all the time. It's an expensive chinese bike no doubt. But it ranks up there with the Grom and Z125 out of the crate with no mods for a lot less money. The chinese company that owns SSR/Benelli also owns Volvo and is striving for a quality bike. I'm going to be climbing the walls until the thing gets here. I've owned 7 bikes since I was 14. I am 55 now. This is the first new bike I've ever bought.
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05-02-2018, 03:14 PM | #11 |
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Spring Texas
Posts: 117
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Lifan Mini
I know im new here but I literally just got a Lifan KP Mini a few weeks ago. I cant find anything on it so I made a video. There is more on the channel.
P.S. if this is not allowed please remove this post. I am super new here. |
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05-02-2018, 04:04 PM | #13 |
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: nashville
Posts: 574
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05-02-2018, 04:54 PM | #14 |
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 39
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Very cool looking bike, I wish I could have seen one in person. Good luck!!!!!
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