YamaZong XT200GY-2 Front Wheel Poll

[FastDoc]

I run the Trackmasters too Spud. I like them OK but will probably try something different next time. I doubt I'll get more than 750 miles out of the rear, and they don't do as well in the rocky desert stuff over here as I thought they might. Next time I'll try more of a 50/50 rather than a 90/10 (dirt/street) tire and see how that goes.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by FastDoc

I run the Trackmasters too Spud. I like them OK but will probably try something different next time. I doubt I'll get more than 750 miles out of the rear, and they don't do as well in the rocky desert stuff over here as I thought they might. Next time I'll try more of a 50/50 rather than a 90/10 (dirt/street) tire and see how that goes.

I'm very surprised to hear your report, Doc. I probably have about 500 miles on my K760 tire right now, and it is in very good condition. I like the way it performs on gravel, talc, mud, and loose rock.

You have a number of nice choices for a 50/50 tire; the Kenda K270, IRC GP-1, and Shinko 244 come immediately to my mind as good options. I am certainly going to experiment with the Shinko 244 on my rear wheel, as well as my front wheel.

Spud

[frostbite]

I can get about 3000Km's (~1800 miles) out of a Trakmaster. Unfortuantely a majority of that is on the street. I prefer a gnarlier tire on the street than a 50/50 in the woods. K270 in mud = pain.

[FastDoc]

I'm not the best off road rider so its possible my expectations were off.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by frostbite

I can get about 3000Km's (~1800 miles) out of a Trakmaster. Unfortuantely a majority of that is on the street. I prefer a gnarlier tire on the street than a 50/50 in the woods. K270 in mud = pain.

I agree with you, Craig. I much prefer having a slightly less smooth ride on the street to getting caught without enough traction in the mountains! Therefore, I was looking for the most aggressive tread pattern I could find. I am very pleased with my Kenda K760 Trakmaster tire. This tire performs quite acceptably on the pavement, and it offers superb traction in a great variety of off-road conditions.

Spud

[SpudRider]

I am getting close to making a decision regarding my front wheel. I certainly would like to lace a 21-inch rim to my Zong's front hub. However, I really don't want to buy custom spokes. Also, I really don’t want to pay someone else to lace the wheel!

I just discovered the Zongshen Sierra 200GY-2 employs a Kawasaki BN125 Eliminator front hub!

http://www.dgy.com/fiche_section_det...2007&fveh=8445

The Kawasaki Eliminator 125 has a 17-inch front wheel, so I can’t use Kawasaki spokes to lace a 21-inch rim. The stock Zongshen Sierra 200GY-2 has an 18-inch front wheel, so I can’t use Zongshen spokes to lace a 21-inch rim. I am hoping I could use Yamaha XT225 front wheel spokes. However, I can’t know these spokes will work unless I buy a set of them, and then try to lace the 21-inch rim with them.

Is it possible a local motorcycle shop, or even a bicycle shop, could help me with the proper spoke selection?

I can easily lace an 18-inch rim to the Zong’s front hub, using the Zongshen spokes. If I can’t solve the 21-inch spoke problem, I will go with this option. However, I would definitely prefer getting a 21-inch wheel. Nevertheless, I am much too frugal (i.e., cheap) to pay an extra $250 for custom spokes, professional wheel lacing, shipping, et cetera. :(

Spud

[SamM]

Hey Spud,
I'm very interested in your swingarm conversion and wheel swap. My opinion and my vote was for the 1.6x21" wheel. I think this will turn out be a very easy swap for you. My 2006 Viva had exactly the same hub as my 2006 QLink X-Ranger 200 (same as the Zongshen Sierra). The parts are a direct swap. Getting a wheel should also be very easy. I still have the Viva forks, axle, caliper and wheel.

My bike came with a bent frame and has been sitting in my shop with 350 miles on it, since 2007. I recently took it out and the bike fired right up. My daughter has a 2005 Yamaha TT-R125LE that never seems to want to run. She just swapped it to me for the bigger X-Ranger. I'll be fixing the TT-R and selling it shortly. After she wears out the brand new knobby tires on the X-Ranger, I may do the swap. Probably next Winter. We are also considering a disc brake swap on the rear. I have most of the parts for that too. Aluminum rims would be nice to add though.

The china bikes never really worked out for me. I do think they are awesome little bikes though. I've switched over to (2) '08 KLR's now and currently have a diesel powered KLR project in the conversion process. The bike will have a new Chinese 456cc single cylinder engine (currently on a container ship). We also did an USD fork conversion and a complete suspension swap. New '08 KX450F forks and a Cogent Dynamics long travel rear shock are on it now. Looking forward to finishing it up soon.

SamM

[katoranger]

Sam. Welcome back. You need to update us on the house too.

Allen

[SamM]

Hey katoranger,
How's it going?

Not much to report on the house right now. We are building the house as we have the money. Our other house is paid for so we have a place to live ans aren't in a big hurry. Got hit hard in the bad economy and ran out of money. We did just order all the Energy Star rated doors and windows. Hope to FINALLY get it buttoned up before Winter. We have decided to put a layer of plywood on the outside and another layer of 1" insulation on it as a thermal break. That will pay huge dividends in the future. We may get into next Spring. That's the plan, so far.

SamM

[katoranger]

I still think about the sips panels. We are not to that stage yet. Just keep updating what we have.

[SamM]

katoranger,
PM me and we can continue our discussion there. We have decided to use solar/radiant hotwater heat with backup electric. No air conditioning, won't need it. I'll also tell you about the diesel bike. I have pictures too!

SamM

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by SamM

Hey Spud,
I'm very interested in your swingarm conversion and wheel swap. My opinion and my vote was for the 1.6x21" wheel. I think this will turn out be a very easy swap for you. My 2006 Viva had exactly the same hub as my 2006 QLink X-Ranger 200 (same as the Zongshen Sierra). The parts are a direct swap. Getting a wheel should also be very easy. I still have the Viva forks, axle, caliper and wheel…

It is very nice to hear from you, Sam! Thank you for the good information regarding the Viva front wheel.

I have discovered that my Zongshen Sierra 200GY-2 motorcycle employs a Kawasaki BN125 front hub. Apparently this front hub is also used on your 2006 Viva. Will you please tell me more about your Viva motorcycle? What is the model name and number for this bike? Does this Viva motorcycle employ a 1.60-21 front wheel? Does this Viva bike employ a steel rim or an alloy rim? Do you know of any vendors selling this 2006 Viva motorcycle’s front wheel?

Originally Posted by SamM

…My bike came with a bent frame and has been sitting in my shop with 350 miles on it, since 2007. I recently took it out and the bike fired right up. My daughter has a 2005 Yamaha TT-R125LE that never seems to want to run. She just swapped it to me for the bigger X-Ranger. I'll be fixing the TT-R and selling it shortly. After she wears out the brand new knobby tires on the X-Ranger, I may do the swap. Probably next Winter. We are also considering a disc brake swap on the rear. I have most of the parts for that too. Aluminum rims would be nice to add though…

I am very glad to hear that your daughter inherited the X-Ranger! I hope she enjoys many happy, safe miles riding it.

Originally Posted by SamM

…The china bikes never really worked out for me. I do think they are awesome little bikes though. I've switched over to (2) '08 KLR's now and currently have a diesel powered KLR project in the conversion process. The bike will have a new Chinese 456cc single cylinder engine (currently on a container ship). We also did an USD fork conversion and a complete suspension swap. New '08 KX450F forks and a Cogent Dynamics long travel rear shock are on it now. Looking forward to finishing it up soon.

SamM

Please give us the details regarding your KLR project, Sam! I would enjoy very much reading your report and seeing some photos posted in the “Other Stuff” forum.

Spud