Complete Newbie from Los Angeles, please help!

indirt · 10-11-2007, 03:51 PM

Hello all! I've been looking through the forums and I've decided to buy a Chinese Enduro style bike. I'm a full-time student and worker so I'm strapped for cash and these seem like a perfect solution.
You guys all seem so helpful, so I was wondering if you could give me some advice.
Since I live in California, I can only register a DOT approved bike (I think). I was trying to get a Lifan from motoxtreme.net, but I was told that they can't be shipped to California.
So, I am wondering where I can buy a RELIABLE bike from a RELIABLE dealer with a good shipping situation. I've been looking at the Shinerays and Hi-Birds but from what people are saying they don't seem as high-quality as Lifans.
I really appreciate any help you guys can give me. Thank you so much!

indirt · 10-11-2007, 04:13 PM

Also, I will be using the bike primarily to commute with no trails involved. Do you guys know of any better commuting options? Or maybe I should just go with the Shineray?

culcune · 10-11-2007, 04:42 PM

Ironically, Lifan is one of the few 49 state DOT/EPA China bikes, and even those cannot be registered in Calif! Jetmoto has green-sticker approval, so you could theoretically buy one, but no guarantee to register it :? UM (formerly United Motors) has the only registerable Chinese enduro, but costs twice (or more) as much as the majority of these bikes costs. However, they are still cheaper than the Japanese competition, and do come with a killer warranty. Can't remember the name, but there is a dealer in Chatsworth--check the UM site for them and others.

That being said, there are some Chinese enduros that have been registered successfully. Perhaps it is still possible, or maybe the loopholes have closed. Someone posted this about California recently:

http://chinariders.net/modules.php?n...ewtopic&t=2362

Check on the S. California Craigslists as there are a few bikes that show up periodically. The lack of resale can get you a great deal on one of these. It seems that they should be worth more in California due to the difficulty of street registering, but that shouldn't be revealed to the seller :wink: .

culcune · 10-11-2007, 04:50 PM

Here is another thread regarding registering. If you search through it, member 'mazotto' said that he and his brother registered two Roketas in N. California.

http://chinariders.net/modules.php?n...a+registration

srreynolds2003 · 10-11-2007, 04:53 PM

I bought mine off graigslist and got a great deal on a great used chinese dual sport. It was registered, so I did not have to worry with it. I think in California you might think about doing something similar, that way you don't have to hassle with the paper work.

Just my 2 cents.

ex.
http://modesto.craigslist.org/mcy/446036129.html
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/mcy/441325313.html
http://santabarbara.craigslist.org/mcy/436221320.html
http://monterey.craigslist.org/mcy/445321237.html

Savage · 10-11-2007, 10:11 PM

If I were using it for strictly commuting, I would go with a 250cc scooter. Much more comfy and smoother.

bronevaya · 10-12-2007, 01:33 AM

not to start a war, but I ride a shineray and my friends and I ride the shit out of it and I have not had half the problems that the lifan owners have here. Examples include:

major (even minor) bolts coming off or loose
battery falling off (the battery is under the seat)
brittle plastic (very flexible and strong)
speedo cable breaking
rear disk break swelling (I havent had to adjust it at all)
headlight problems (shineray comes stock with a halogen headlight)
weld problems
poor exhaust (well this one is a toss up since I dont like the dual exhaust set up)

srreynolds2003 · 10-12-2007, 08:56 AM

Indirt
I found this surfing the internet. It a dealer in LA that says on his website

Quote:

Note: This products is also available for California Legal

It's worth an email to him to see if it's true, he's in LA click the directions link.

http://www.viva-motors.com/dirt-bike-200cc-enduro.html

red2003 · 10-12-2007, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by srreynolds2003

Indirt
I found this surfing the internet. It a dealer in LA that says on his website

Quote:

Note: This products is also available for California Legal

It's worth an email to him to see if it's true, he's in LA click the directions link.

http://www.viva-motors.com/dirt-bike-200cc-enduro.html

I'd ask to see some proof before I believed ANYTHING the internet dealers say. My Roketa was sold to me as completely EPA/DOT complient. It is NEITHER, and I am lucky I squeeked it by the DMV for registration.

fatboy250 · 10-12-2007, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by red2003

My Roketa was sold to me as completely EPA/DOT complient. It is NEITHER, and I am luck I squeeked it by the DMV for registration.

Yeah I guess some states are more strict than others. I had absolutely no problems with any of mine. Good thing, cause I would have found a way to drive it anyway.

Jason

culcune · 10-12-2007, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by srreynolds2003

Indirt
I found this surfing the internet. It a dealer in LA that says on his website

Quote:

Note: This products is also available for California Legal

It's worth an email to him to see if it's true, he's in LA click the directions link.

http://www.viva-motors.com/dirt-bike-200cc-enduro.html

The problem with being Calif. legal is that Calif. enforces off-road registration. Many of these bikes are not even legal for off-road due to emissions compliance issues (i.e. Lifan), as Calif. is very strict in this area, so the ones that are approved are green stickered (unlimited off-road use) or red stickered (limited to certain times of year off-road). Then, they advertise as being C.A.R.B. (the Calif. agency that regulates all motorized vehicles; a much more strict state run EPA) legal, but they don't clarify that their vehicle is legal for off-road only use. In the fine print they mention that they cannot guarantee street-legality, but as they want to move their vehicles, they insinuate that they are street legal. I think the only street-registerable Chinese enduro bike is the Skyteam, sold by UM--expensive as far as Chinese bikes go, so kind of defeats the purpose of buying a "cheap" bike.

red2003 · 10-12-2007, 11:52 AM

That's good info. Vermont is in the process of adopting CA emmisions regs. Our new cars and trucks already have to meet CA requirements. We ARE the Green Mountain State. Won't be long before motorcycles and snowmobiles are on the chopping block. Hopefully, I'll be grandfathered in at that point.

culcune · 10-12-2007, 02:43 PM

Arizona recently had talks about having off-road vehicles registered with off-road registration, but it was shot down. I think AZ likes to keep itself as "not California" but more liberals are moving here, and I am sure they will have a hand in creating laws to erode our freedoms, and make us more "California friendly" or at least "California-like." We did just pass some stricter smoking laws--our street-legal quads will be next!!

indirt · 10-31-2007, 04:35 PM

Hi everybody,
I'm still looking for a bike. I called up TXXmotorsports and they told me they have street-legal Shineray enduros/dual-purpose bikes available. The only problem is they're located in the city of Orange in Orange County, CA, which is about a 2 hour drive for me. I am wondering if you knew if the Shinerays are dependable, easy to maintain bikes (I've read pretty good things about them) and if you're in the area, maybe you can stop by and take a look. Thank you!
Here is the map
http://maps.yahoo.com/beta/#mvt=m&ma...3.806699&mag=3

Best wishes,
Jon

red2003 · 10-31-2007, 07:55 PM

The Shinerays are basically identical to a Roketa. I think it will be a fine choice and just as dependable as any other China DS. Go for it. Just make absolute sure it can be registered and ridden in CA.

10-11-2007, 03:51 PM	#1
indirt Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 13	Complete Newbie from Los Angeles, please help! Hello all! I've been looking through the forums and I've decided to buy a Chinese Enduro style bike. I'm a full-time student and worker so I'm strapped for cash and these seem like a perfect solution. You guys all seem so helpful, so I was wondering if you could give me some advice. Since I live in California, I can only register a DOT approved bike (I think). I was trying to get a Lifan from motoxtreme.net, but I was told that they can't be shipped to California. So, I am wondering where I can buy a RELIABLE bike from a RELIABLE dealer with a good shipping situation. I've been looking at the Shinerays and Hi-Birds but from what people are saying they don't seem as high-quality as Lifans. I really appreciate any help you guys can give me. Thank you so much!
	0

10-11-2007, 04:42 PM	#3
culcune Join Date: May 2006 Location: Yuma, Arizona Posts: 9,055	Ironically, Lifan is one of the few 49 state DOT/EPA China bikes, and even those cannot be registered in Calif! Jetmoto has green-sticker approval, so you could theoretically buy one, but no guarantee to register it :? UM (formerly United Motors) has the only registerable Chinese enduro, but costs twice (or more) as much as the majority of these bikes costs. However, they are still cheaper than the Japanese competition, and do come with a killer warranty. Can't remember the name, but there is a dealer in Chatsworth--check the UM site for them and others. That being said, there are some Chinese enduros that have been registered successfully. Perhaps it is still possible, or maybe the loopholes have closed. Someone posted this about California recently: http://chinariders.net/modules.php?n...ewtopic&t=2362 Check on the S. California Craigslists as there are a few bikes that show up periodically. The lack of resale can get you a great deal on one of these. It seems that they should be worth more in California due to the difficulty of street registering, but that shouldn't be revealed to the seller :wink: . __________________ "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
	0

10-11-2007, 04:50 PM	#4
culcune Join Date: May 2006 Location: Yuma, Arizona Posts: 9,055	Here is another thread regarding registering. If you search through it, member 'mazotto' said that he and his brother registered two Roketas in N. California. http://chinariders.net/modules.php?n...a+registration __________________ "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
	0

10-11-2007, 04:53 PM	#5
srreynolds2003 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Tomball, TX Posts: 382	I bought mine off graigslist and got a great deal on a great used chinese dual sport. It was registered, so I did not have to worry with it. I think in California you might think about doing something similar, that way you don't have to hassle with the paper work. Just my 2 cents. ex. http://modesto.craigslist.org/mcy/446036129.html http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/mcy/441325313.html http://santabarbara.craigslist.org/mcy/436221320.html http://monterey.craigslist.org/mcy/445321237.html __________________ -2005 Sierra SR200-
	0

10-12-2007, 11:52 AM	#12
red2003 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Northern Vermont, USA Posts: 1,271	That's good info. Vermont is in the process of adopting CA emmisions regs. Our new cars and trucks already have to meet CA requirements. We ARE the Green Mountain State. Won't be long before motorcycles and snowmobiles are on the chopping block. Hopefully, I'll be grandfathered in at that point. __________________ First Chinabike: 2006 Roketa RSX200E Current Chinabikes: 2023 Titan DLX & 2022 Lifan KP Mini w/ 210cc BRT kit, 22 RWHP!
	0

10-11-2007, 04:13 PM	#2
indirt Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 13	Also, I will be using the bike primarily to commute with no trails involved. Do you guys know of any better commuting options? Or maybe I should just go with the Shineray?
	0

10-11-2007, 10:11 PM	#6
Savage Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 732	If I were using it for strictly commuting, I would go with a 250cc scooter. Much more comfy and smoother.
	0

10-12-2007, 01:33 AM	#7
bronevaya Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 162	not to start a war, but I ride a shineray and my friends and I ride the shit out of it and I have not had half the problems that the lifan owners have here. Examples include: major (even minor) bolts coming off or loose battery falling off (the battery is under the seat) brittle plastic (very flexible and strong) speedo cable breaking rear disk break swelling (I havent had to adjust it at all) headlight problems (shineray comes stock with a halogen headlight) weld problems poor exhaust (well this one is a toss up since I dont like the dual exhaust set up)
	0

10-12-2007, 02:43 PM	#13
culcune Join Date: May 2006 Location: Yuma, Arizona Posts: 9,055	Arizona recently had talks about having off-road vehicles registered with off-road registration, but it was shot down. I think AZ likes to keep itself as "not California" but more liberals are moving here, and I am sure they will have a hand in creating laws to erode our freedoms, and make us more "California friendly" or at least "California-like." We did just pass some stricter smoking laws--our street-legal quads will be next!! __________________ "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
	0

10-31-2007, 04:35 PM	#14
indirt Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 13	Hi everybody, I'm still looking for a bike. I called up TXXmotorsports and they told me they have street-legal Shineray enduros/dual-purpose bikes available. The only problem is they're located in the city of Orange in Orange County, CA, which is about a 2 hour drive for me. I am wondering if you knew if the Shinerays are dependable, easy to maintain bikes (I've read pretty good things about them) and if you're in the area, maybe you can stop by and take a look. Thank you! Here is the map http://maps.yahoo.com/beta/#mvt=m&ma...3.806699&mag=3 Best wishes, Jon
	0

10-31-2007, 07:55 PM	#15
red2003 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Northern Vermont, USA Posts: 1,271	The Shinerays are basically identical to a Roketa. I think it will be a fine choice and just as dependable as any other China DS. Go for it. Just make absolute sure it can be registered and ridden in CA. __________________ First Chinabike: 2006 Roketa RSX200E Current Chinabikes: 2023 Titan DLX & 2022 Lifan KP Mini w/ 210cc BRT kit, 22 RWHP!
	0