Greetings from Gaylord, Michigan

[WingJU]

Hi guys, I've been looking into Chinese bikes lately, and I'm really glad that this forum is out there-SO MANY QUESTIONS when looking at these bikes!

I started snowmobiling two winters ago, and now I want to delve into getting a dual-sport that I could ride to work either on or off-road and maybe save some gas money while having fun.

Correct me if I'm off here, but from what I've read so far, I would definitely buy a Lifan if I had $1300. They seem to have a pretty good reputation for a Chinese bike. I also have read that some brands are complete crap.

Being somewhat short on cash, or just cheap, I'm looking at a used 2006 Roketa 200cc enduro with 400 miles for $900. I haven't read much on the Roketa's--Are they a decent brand?

Thanks for your help.

WingJU

[Weldangrind]

Welcome! I'll defer to the dual sport guys regarding your questions. I will contribute that I'd happily lay down the cash for a Zongshen if they were available in Canada.

[Cal25]

Lifan will tell you they are the best. I think they are fine bikes. There are lots of other good bikes out there as well. 900 for an older used bike seems kinda pricey. I paid 950 for my new 2 years ago. I too would consider a Zongshen Sierra if you can find a good deal on one. Some have got them new for about the same price as that Rocketa.

Welcome to the boards and ask away the questions.

[WingJU]

Thanks for the reply weldandgrind. I learned something already, that roketa = zongshen?

[WingJU]

Whoops, I spoke too soon. So roketa is a lower form of life than Zongshen. Got it. I'm a little slow on the uptake-sorry.

[Cal25]

Rocketa does not = Zongshen.

[TurboT]

Welcome!

I do not own a dual sport bike and very few of them of the Chinese variety allowed on road in my Canadian province, but I will say you'll get great help here from those in the dual sport forum. It's the most popular spot here and there has been a lot of knowledge acquired from our members.

You came to the right spot and have fun researching, looking, and buying your first China Bike!

-TT

[Cal25]

One way of looking at it is China has several factories that basicly make the same parts. Then there are many more factories that take those parts and make bikes out of them. Print up some flashey (or so they think) graphics, and sticker up the bikes and sell um. Parts interchange-ability is great. The CDI boxes for example, there are only 3 or 4 different types among the 200cc bikes.

[katoranger]

The roketa is okay, but the price should be more like $600-700 if in good operating condition.

The zongs are a good option, but have drawbacks depending on what you want to do or how much mods you are willing to make.

The bike I am curious about now is the hensim 250.

Lifans are good, but I would say no better than a roketa.

Allen

[SpudRider]

First of all, welcome to these forums; we are glad you joined us!

In regards to the used bike; I agree with Allen. I think $900 is too much to pay for the used Roketa.

I encourage you to go to the Dual Sport Forum and check out the threads on the Hensim 250 Enduro. Depending on how much you want to spend, the QLink XP200 is a very nice motorcycle. Also, you might enjoy learning more about the Zongshen 200GY-2 by reading some of the threads in the "Zong Stickie" located in the Dual Sport Forum.

http://chinariders.net/modules.php?n...ewtopic&t=8673

Spud

[WingJU]

Thanks for the warm welcome, everybody. I went over there last night and I was expecting to see a basically new bike, but it definitely had been ridden hard. I offered $550 and he didn't bite. If he gets more, he will be suckering someone in my opinion.

I guess I'll keep looking, and do some research on the qlink and hensim. Thanks for the link, spudrider.

Also, I really took to heart your valuation of $600-700, katoranger. I was willing to pay $700 max if it was like new, and it wasn't even close.

[Cal25]

Keep looking, you will find one!

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Cal25

Keep looking, you will find one!

Indeed, if you keep looking you will find some good deals.

Spud

[katoranger]

You have to take into account that bikes depreciate. The seller probably paid too much to start with.

The hensim 250 is $1300 shipped new.

A barely used and cared for china bike should be no more than $1000 and one with a few miles on it should be less than $800 in my opinion.

Allen

[WingJU]

Allen, I looked online for the Hensim 250 and couldn't find any for sale, or find any pictures of them. Do you have a link?

I completely agree with your price assessment. This guy did pay $1200 for it used with 200 miles and a broken license plate holder and scraped up plastic. It had already been laid down.

I think it's worth 550 at best.