Which engine?

[Thumper]

Originally Posted by Gramigno

I was wrong, I do apologize,

Because it's a work tool, it could be anything, I said OHC because I didn't know that OHV maybe even more reliable, I said 250cc just because I'm very heavy and I thought with a smaller engine the bike wasn't able to move me,, and I said Zongshen just because I thought that brand was very reliable, but if I'm example Lifiag that I read here for the first time has prove as well good I'm interested in it too and so on.
I'm reading pretty much everything I find on this forum and the more I learn, the more I realize I still know nothing on this topic.



The other thing like been simpler, off road capable,, durable, reliable, with good mpg was correct, I still think it

The Overhead Cam engines are just as reliable (Zongshen). Just keep good oil in them, and don't abuse these little engines/transmissions and they will run well for many many miles.

I would really check out the Zongshen 250 when you get there (if I was you). $2000 is a LOW price, and I really think it will be just as good as Hawk, Templar, and other bikes you hear about on this website.

[Gramigno]

Originally Posted by Thumper

The Overhead Cam engines are just as reliable (Zongshen). Just keep good oil in them, and don't abuse these little engines/transmissions and they will run well for many many miles.

I would really check out the Zongshen 250 when you get there (if I was you). $2000 is a LOW price, and I really think it will be just as good as Hawk, Templar, and other bikes you hear about on this website.

I will, mate!
It's a great value for money, but because I'll check every single bike available in town before making a decision I'd like to get some more advices, and to learn as much as possible about the topic, in this way I hope to recognize the single bike even rebranded and have a little bit of knowledge to get the best one for the job

[rideoutadv]

Originally Posted by Gramigno

I will, mate!
It's a great value for money, but because I'll check every single bike available in town before making a decision I'd like to get some more advices, and to learn as much as possible about the topic, in this way I hope to recognize the single bike even rebranded and have a little bit of knowledge to get the best one for the job

I would heavily consider what kind of roads and speeds people are travelling. Motorcycles are tools, and while some can do a lot, there is definitely such thing as the wrong tool for the job. I have heard (but haven't had the pleasure of seeing for myself) that third world countries have a lot of dirt roads and consequently low travel speeds. If that's the case, an aggressive knobby tire, and low gearing will feel right at home. If you end up needing to take the highway on a regular basis, having a bike with 6 gears might be a smart choice. Just try to think about the reality of the riding you'll be doing and match it with what you prefer in a motorcycle.

[Gramigno]

Originally Posted by rideoutadv

I would heavily consider what kind of roads and speeds people are travelling. Motorcycles are tools, and while some can do a lot, there is definitely such thing as the wrong tool for the job. I have heard (but haven't had the pleasure of seeing for myself) that third world countries have a lot of dirt roads and consequently low travel speeds. If that's the case, an aggressive knobby tire, and low gearing will feel right at home. If you end up needing to take the highway on a regular basis, having a bike with 6 gears might be a smart choice. Just try to think about the reality of the riding you'll be doing and match it with what you prefer in a motorcycle.

True, I'll be a rider in the way a delivery boy is, I mostly will ride on tarmac be cause I'll be in the city, often off-road just for fun, sometimes highway use because from town to town they have a motorway and the Pan American road with 55moh speed limit, semi and heavy truc included.


Mostly.on road because riders work inside the city limits,, weekends trips on motorway, after hours off road in the jungle









1

[Gramigno]

Maybe you already know it,

I discovered that Zonsen, previously known as Zongshen is taking in al it's competitors, it's just a matter of time that every engine available on the 4 biggest companies will be the same unit, hope with the best quality and not the cheapest to make one

[XLsior]

If you're doing mostly road/tarmac any 6 speed with a counterbalance will be worth the premium over a 5 speed non balanced engine.


The perks of a 5 speed non balanced engine is that it still has a kick start lever, a bit more robust and a little lighter...which is of benefit doing mostly offroad work.

[Gramigno]

Originally Posted by XLsior

If you're doing mostly road/tarmac any 6 speed with a counterbalance will be worth the premium over a 5 speed non balanced engine.


The perks of a 5 speed non balanced engine is that it still has a kick start lever, a bit more robust and a little lighter...which is of benefit doing mostly offroad work.

Thanks,
Do you think the kick is still needed after all this years of start button or it's just a precaution?
On my bikes I haven't seen one in maybe 20 years

[XLsior]

Originally Posted by Gramigno

Thanks,
Do you think the kick is still needed after all this years of start button or it's just a precaution?
On my bikes I haven't seen one in maybe 20 years

On the road its easy enough to bump start it if the battery is flat.


Stuck in ditch or a rut the kick start might be a remote day saver.
(though jump packs are small enough now)


Though I'll be honest and say I've used the kick start a few times on cold starts...


But if I had to choose between a 6th gear and kick start I'd take the extra gear...

[Gramigno]

Originally Posted by XLsior

On the road its easy enough to bump start it if the battery is flat.


Stuck in ditch or a rut the kick start might be a remote day saver.
(though jump packs are small enough now)


Though I'll be honest and say I've used the kick start a few times on cold starts...


But if I had to choose between a 6th gear and kick start I'd take the extra gear...

Far enough!


Thanks

[XLsior]

I think some of the newer 300cc engines my be kickstart 6 speeds...So It's just up to how much are you willing to spend.


At some point though you start dipping into better and bigger displacement alternative options then spending the time and effort doing engine swaps in 250cc china bikes...


Or in my situation 40 year old Honda frames...

[Thumper]

My 2 stroke is kick only. But it is an easy one kick start when running temp. Same if it's cold with choke as long as the fuel bowl is full. I can live with it

My Templar never let me down on restart. High compression but just held the button. Popped to life every time. But I like the idea of carrying a battery boost pack.

[Gramigno]

Originally Posted by XLsior

I think some of the newer 300cc engines my be kickstart 6 speeds...So It's just up to how much are you willing to spend.


At some point though you start dipping into better and bigger displacement alternative options then spending the time and effort doing engine swaps in 250cc china bikes...


Or in my situation 40 year old Honda frames...

The less I'll spend the better, after all, it will be just a work tool be cause I'll do the rider and deliver someone else's items.
I'm not looking for a new bike, I mean, when the times comes I'll buy a fun bike and my old but gold Africa twin from the early 90s is coming with me, but because I think it's a stupid thing to put mileage on a 35 years old bike with big engine and thirsty carburetors I'm going to find an alternative.
Untill now the best dual purpose I found available in Panama seems to be the Xmotors XM 250 standard, brand new for 1850$ with 24000kms and 24 months warranty.
Still locking for a better deal but I think because I don't know we'll this kind o bikes, first one will be brand new untill I know better how to chose an used one.
Hunt it's still open, if someone would have a better idea please let me know!


Cheers!