Re: $3,000 brand-new motorcycle...

Posted by rich on Mar 14, 2013; 9:47pm
URL: http://vintage-and-classic-hondas.81.s1.nabble.com/3-000-brand-new-motorcycle-tp4037705p4037878.html

I think the Cleveland CycleWerks are sourced from Taiwanese parts (not that it makes that much difference from mainland China, but their work is thought to be of a bit higher quality).

I own a 200CC  Chinese Enduro and it's mechanically very solid. I've had it since 2007, got it for less than $1,000 off ebay (including shipping). It was my first road legal bike after a 20 year break from street riding. Engine runs great, doesn't burn oil or clank or rattle. There are quality control issues with the welding though. Numerous bolt stanchions for the body work have popped off and the tabs for the luggage rack came off.

The swingarm moves around like the rudder on a boat (no bushings, just bolt).

I upgraded the chain and sprockets with aftermarket parts for Hondas. I also rejetted it with Keihin jets.

My son has a ATV from the same company (Shinray). It hasn't been as reliable. The broke the gearbox (an auxiliary unit that provides reverse)  the first day he had it. As seestheday pointed out, I had to buy an entire gear box ($200+) because parts aren't sold. Same thing with the carb, had to a get a new one ($40) when the diaphragm tore.

Parts were pretty easy to get from importers on ebay and other web sites.

Anyway, he pretty much outgrew the ATV and we got a 91 Suzuki LT230 quad for like $400. Even being that old, it's much more fun and reliable than the Chinese quad.

I guess anyone looking at these small bore bikes should first consider a nice used Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha or Kawi. An old CB350 twin will tear up that 250 single cyclewerks bike and can be customized to your liking for less then $3000 + some time to do the work on it.