Whats not to like?

"bob and john" (bobandjohn) 01/10/2015 at 11:42 • Filed to: None

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So... $3500 for a BRAND NEW 250 CC adventure bike with hard bags, engine guards, and (so far as I can tell by the other motorcycle this company makes) a Honda drive train....

This looking to be joining the SV in my garage once it hits the Canadian market (its goijng thought the certification process right now according to the owner of the company. I asked about it in the reply and he got back to me)

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jkm7680 > bob and john 01/10/2015 at 12:00

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I'd be very worried about build quality, It's made in China and is cheap. Think Hyosung.

bob and john > jkm7680 01/10/2015 at 12:06

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I'v ridden a couple of hyosungs..

honestly? it didnt seem that bad. oh its worlds from my dads BMW,...but for a bike that i'm just going to thrash around in the dirt...why not?

also: there are PLENTY of made in china bikes that are around the world and are considered good bikes..
they say Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, etc etc on the side.

China may know a thing or two about building cheap bikes that last...they are a much larger bike market than USA and Europe...probably combined. I would bet that this thing is put together using already proven (if outdated) components, or at the least, copied their designs.

A 2 year warranty also helps...

no, this bike isnt going to be a new BMW GS. thats why its costs as much as the Panniers on a GS

BaconSandwich is tasty. > bob and john 01/10/2015 at 12:06

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As someone who would eventually like to get his bike license, I do find this very appealing!

bob and john > BaconSandwich is tasty. 01/10/2015 at 12:14

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i'm not even that much of a beginner anymore (i think...does 4 years of riding count as 'not beginner?) and I want one just for mucking around on trails near my house

BaconSandwich is tasty. > bob and john 01/10/2015 at 12:16

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A few years ago I was looking into getting my bike license, so I was looking at a lot of the smaller bikes, like the Ninja 250. Even used, they were still up there in price.

jkm7680 > bob and john 01/10/2015 at 12:16

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They're just put together with no care or attention to detail. Both of the Hyosung bikes that I've been around had parts that didn't fit correctly, Cheap components and faulty wiring.

bob and john > jkm7680 01/10/2015 at 12:19

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the bike is more or less a re-badged Zongshen RX3...and from what i've read, they make some of the most reliable bikes in china (granted, that might just be avg reliability in the US/canada) but its all I need.

jkm7680 > bob and john 01/10/2015 at 12:27

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Some quotes from their website.

"Honorable European style."

"Cool LED lights."

"Dual flash hazardous lights."

"Streamlined and humanized windshield."

bob and john > jkm7680 01/10/2015 at 12:29

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I did get a kick out of that, not gunna lie.

this is what happened when they use google-translate XD

jkm7680 > bob and john 01/10/2015 at 12:30

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Haha, It's too bad that the hazard lights are hazardous though. And I'm glad that the windshield is less barbaric.

ToddyDotty > bob and john 01/10/2015 at 12:45

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Maybe it's hard to have it all but I'd love to eventually get a bike like this. One of the things holding me back is the initial investment of the course and getting a bike I want that is only a 250. It'd be a nice 250 that I could ride for extended trips. Like an adventure bike with upright riding position LIKE THIS. But Alas I figure my dream is like a pig with wings.

JasonStern911 > bob and john 01/10/2015 at 12:48

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Eh, I can see around town where you can easily get a ride, but Chinese reliability on a touring bike that might see trips off-road..? Do yourself a favor and save for a CB500X. They're honestly one of the best deals in new motorcycles right now.

Birddog > bob and john 01/10/2015 at 12:52

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Man, at 6'-3" and 270lbs I'd look flat out silly on a 250.

Hopefully this'll open the door to larger "affordable" bikes in this class.

Being China built isn't really an issue for me. I've watched the quality of Chinese Quads and dirt bikes really improve over the last few years. You have to keep in mind that they start out cheap and depreciate as a cheap product will. By that I mean that 30 years down the road you won't find people, like me, searching for a restoration project in these like one would for an 84 Honda XL350R.

bob and john > JasonStern911 01/10/2015 at 12:52

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oh, I was going to use this more like a enduro (screen and bags would be coming off first thing)

also, weridly, the CSC looks like it might have better suspension then the Honda (UPD forks VS the honda RSU forks)

also, CB500X isnt available in canada yet.

EDIT: i take back what I said. its just impossible to find it on their site.

bob and john > Birddog 01/10/2015 at 12:56

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oh I am well aware of that. I frankly dont care. This is a throw-away bike.

I'm just trying to decide if I want this, my SV and trackler, or just get a true dual-sport like a CRF-250L or a WR250

JasonStern911 > bob and john 01/10/2015 at 13:06

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Honestly, if I was you, I'd get either a used KLR650 or a KLR250 depending on your size. They're dirt cheap, rock solid reliable, simple if anything does break, parts are readily available, Kawasaki made very few changes throughout their long production life, so parts are fairly interchangeable, etc.

The CB500X is definitely more of a street bike that can do the occasional trail than a trail bike that can occasionally hit the street.

I have no experience with the CSC, and likely never will as these Cleveland Cyclewerks type import bikes never seem to get a large enough distribution network in place. That said, I'd be hesitant to be out riding in the desert on one until other people prove their reliability first.

bob and john > JasonStern911 01/10/2015 at 13:39

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those are very good point...but warrenty..

ehh, I will have to see when the time comes...I will probably end up with a WR250 or a KLR...

JasonStern911 > bob and john 01/10/2015 at 14:11

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Most of the newer Japanese bikes are reliable enough that anything damaged likely wouldn't be covered under warranty. If you can afford a WR250, the KLX250 is also worth checking out.

Birddog > bob and john 01/10/2015 at 15:23

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I'm with ya on the "throw away". When the warranty is up, dump it.

For about $1500 more the Honda 250 may be a better buy but it won't come with the travel friendly goodies this one does.