Look what Taotao dragged in!!

[culcune]

I was on the EPA/DOT spreadsheet the other day (where I found out that Bashan was the OEM for BMS's endure. I noticed that 'Tao Motor' had a 229cc bike certified called the TRB7; went to Taotao's site and no full-size bike (or tricked out 229cc Hellcat). Most recently, Shineray's 400cc bike that was fully certified and was supposed to be sold through Genuine, but never came here, came to mind as a bike that was certified and seen on the EPA/DOT cert. list, but was never released here. Well, I should have been more patient, because look what is shown on Taotao's site!! Sorry, no photos, only video(s)…

http://taotao.us/index.cfm/electric-vehicles/tbr7/

[culcune]

I lied; there were photos

[culcune]

There were several zip photos, so I downloaded them, and they had a few photos of the green Taotao. I really like this color!

[culcune]

Specifications
Download TBR7 Pictures.

TBR7(On Road Highway Motorcycle)

Engine:
Engine Size:
229cc
Start Type:
Electric start, kick start back up
Transmission:
5 speed manual with clutch
Drive:
Chain drive
Cooling:
Air Cooled
Ignition:
CDI
Fuel Tank Capacity:
3.6 Gallons (13.5 L)
Top Speed:
55 mph (90 km/h)
Spark Plug Type / Gap:
A7RTC / 0.6~0.7 mm
Battery:
12V 9Ah (Included)
Chassis:
Front Brakes:
Hydraulic Disc (Hand)
Rear Brakes:
Drum (Foot)
Front Rim:
1.85 x 19
Front Tires:
90 / 90 - 19
Rear Rim:
2.15 x 17
Rear Tires:
110 / 90 - 17
Front Suspension:
Dual shock absorber
Rear Suspension:
Single shock absorber
Ground Clearance:
11.2 Inches (285 mm)
Seat Height:
34 Inches (860 mm)
Wheelbase:
53 Inches (1345 mm)
Dimension:
Overall Dimension:
80 x 33 x 47 Inches (2040 x 840 x 1200 mm)
Carton Dimension:
69 x 22 x 42 Inches (1760 x 560 x 1070 mm)
G. W.:
333 LBS ( 151 Kgs)
N.W.:
286 LBS ( 130 Kgs)

Not sure people will like the 19/17 wheel setup, but it does make for an apparent 34" seat height which will please some. No mention of stock sprocket sizes.

[charger7022]

New here and just got in the market for a cheap bike. plan to get my son a tao tao db20 for x-mas and wanna ride with him and still be able to go on the road. been looking at the hawk than I saw this. should I hold out for the new tao or go with the tried and true hawk. im in pa and it looks like the tao may be the easiest for me to get titled. with the hawk I may have to go the Vermont route. thanks!

[culcune]

The Taotao is 49 state EPA/DOT legal as an 'on-highway motorcycle'..the Hawk is EPA legal as an 'off-road motorcycle.' It has been sucessfully registered in many states, although it appears as though some are changing their mind. I am curious about the Taotao, but the Hawk is a known bike. Not to mention it has rear disc brakes which may or may not be a deciding factor for you. If you are comfortable going the out of state route, it makes it that much more difficult for you.

[charger7022]

I was considering getting just a dirt bike only anyway so even if I cant get it street legal I can strip all the street stuff and have a dirt bike to chase my son around on.

[culcune]

You might as well get an Apollo full size off-road bike. Those are CARB certified for California; being off-road only, there are no lights on them (that could be an advantage of stripping down a street bike for dirt--you can keep your headlight and taillight).


They are plentiful and sold everywhere--here is an example of one with price, side by side with a Hawk, but look at the fine print--shipping is not included whereas the Hawk includes shipping.

http://www.powersportsmax.com/index.php/cPath/33/fid/48

[MadMac]

I really like the air-cooled engine along with electric and kick start. Looks great too.

[culcune]

Originally Posted by MadMac

I really like the air-cooled engine along with electric and kick start. Looks great too.

You've come to the right place!

ALL Chinese enduros use the same formula; no matter which brand or model you buy, you will get the same features!!


That being said, some Chinese street bikes do not offer a kick-start. Just the other day, someone was asking on the Cleveland Cycle Werks group how to install a kick-start on the bobber, which pretty much uses a thumper like one would find on a Chinese enduro. I have only owned enduros, and I have always taken it for granted they will offer kick/electric start. But not all Chinese bikes use that formula...

[MadMac]

Culcue, Yeah, you’re right. I’m seeing a lot of similarities across the lines. Right now I’m seriously considering 2 TaoDB17 dirt bikes to use for light trail riding with my wife. The China bike market is new to me but this forum and YouTube have been really helpful.

[culcune]

There are several choices out there. The Hawk is popular, but some states are not plating them ( they are EPA certified as an 'off road motorcycle'). There are 3 bikes from Bashan, the Storm, the Brozz, and one that looks like the Hawk, the DB 41H. CSC has its TT250. BMS now has its own called the 250 CRP (OEM is Bashan) and now Taotao. Lots of choices!

[Skibrat]

I pulled the trigger and bought the Bashan BMS CRP 250. It has everything I wanted except for the balanced engine. Their going for 1399 if you hunt around.

[culcune]

Originally Posted by Skibrat

I pulled the trigger and bought the Bashan BMS CRP 250.

I look forward to hearing about it! It is OEMd by Bashan, so should be high quality. Where did you buy it from?

[culcune]

I went to visit Alan at Excalibur Motorsports today, and I asked him to call his connections at Taotao to ask directly if this bike would be CARB legal for California. His connection told him that at this time the answer is no, but the bike was at their Chino warehouse. I figured Alan and I could take a drive to Taotao's warehouse to see one, but his connection said the guy who would put one together is away until Thursday. But the point is--the Taotao is here, and I am guessing ready to order. They will probably have to drop the price a bit. Speaking of Alan--shameless plug--call him if you want ANY Taotao product, or Dongfang, or Ice Bear, etc. 909-591-8800