Dong Fang DF 250 RTB Bobber Information

barnone:

Can you link me the exact front sprocket you wound up buying. I know you said you need to get more links but if you were to drop the rear sprocket to a 38T you shouldn't need to add any links, plus it would add on about 8-10mph topping out at around 81mph. I saw that Gordo posted that the heist has a 15/41 (seems like a better setup) but they would have to be running a 420 chain if that front chain guide is in tact like on the dong fang, I do however see that CCW left the spindle in tact for the kick start. I really wish they did the same on the dong fang =(
Either way I'm all setup and ready for delivery, I had to get a motorcycle cover because I live directly on the beach and no garage...
I also have some leather laying around and I hope I can cover that seat with it =)
From what it looks like though they didn't use a seat pan, it looks more like a bicycle seat and a bicycle shock for the damping (correct me if I'm wrong).

Aboshi,
Funny you should ask about sprockets because I just changed out the rear and went with the 33 tooth below. Had to remove three links from the 520 chain but kept the stock 13 front tooth because I decided to not modify the front sprocket cover.

Front Sprocket JTF270.14 14 tooth
Rear Sprocket JTR279.33 33 tooth
They are the ones you gave me in post 185. I got mine from Old Bike Barn but anyone that handles JT sprockets should be able to get them. Rear fit just fine but you need a big pair of o-ring pliers or fight it like I did with a couple of screw drivers.

33/13 = 2.53 my current ratio
45/13 = 3.46 stock DF
38/13 = 2.92
41/15 = 2.73 Heist stock

I only had time for a short ride but it sure was nice to be able to get up to 20 MPH indicated in first gear. It might be too high a ratio but I'm going to try it for a while and report my finding later. Your ratio of 13/38 might be better.

Actually the seat is pretty nice. I adjusted the preload to the max on the spring under the seat to get me sitting up straight with my new bars. The sheep skin or a leather cover like you suggested will help.

EDIT: Stock DF rear sprocket is 45 teeth not 40.!!!!!!!!!

Good to see the sprockets I posted earlier will work =)
Running 33 tooth is crazy!
Do you feel like the bike is a lot slower getting up to speed? Also that is going to put a lot of stress on these tiny motors.
I was going to try to run a 14/38 but if you say its not worth the hassle of running a 14T front I'll stick with the 13 but then run a 38T or 37T in the rear but I'll have to do some math first =(
Also don't forget getting that advanced curve CDI and performance coil will also make a big difference.

Yes, the 33 might be too extreme.

I'll make a run out to the ranch tomorrow that will give me a better feel. The engine seems to have good low end torque.

I'd say just figure out your rear sprocket size for your desired ratio and leave the front 13 tooth. Normally I like to increase the front which I have done on all my other bikes but a 14 tooth front will be real close to a wire in the area. You will see what I am talking about when you get your DF.

I hope you have fun on your ride tomorrow and get some good feedback on that sprocket setup =)
From what your saying on how close it would be to go with the 14T the only way it would be worth it is to go with a 420 setup, but that would cost around $80 or so.
I think I'll just stick with the 13T front for now and go with a 37T or a 36T in the rear but I will have to work out the math between both. I cant wait to hear your feedback on the current setup you have =)

Barnone, since you have some miles on your bike now, can you share how well the paint is holding up on the frame and sheet metal? The paint on the fenders and tank look pretty thick in photos, how about the frame?

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Originally Posted by Aboshi

I hope you have fun on your ride tomorrow and get some good feedback on that sprocket setup =)
From what your saying on how close it would be to go with the 14T the only way it would be worth it is to go with a 420 setup, but that would cost around $80 or so.
I think I'll just stick with the 13T front for now and go with a 37T or a 36T in the rear but I will have to work out the math between both. I cant wait to hear your feedback on the current setup you have =)

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I know it is a different machine but on the Kinlon 200cc, mine is, if i remember, now 13/36, i get true GPS 60mph, cruises at that no probs, 5mph faster if no wind or I wind it right up etc.
thats with knobbies. So with your wheels, so averaging out weight and power differences, you will get 65mph cruise but not a lot more i reckon. if pushed, 70 if you drop a cog and rip it if in trouble.

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Originally Posted by redrover

Barnone, since you have some miles on your bike now, can you share how well the paint is holding up on the frame and sheet metal? The paint on the fenders and tank look pretty thick in photos, how about the frame?

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Paint is holding up fine but I keep her in the shop. Frame is flat black so if any problem areas occur it will be an easy touch up.

The more I work on this bike the more I think it is a good job by Dong Fang. Sure is easy to work on.

So far so good but remember it's a 229cc push rod engine. She like to cruise along.

Next project is to move the rear turn signals so I can mount some saddlebags or ammo cans on a rear rack that I need to make. Oh and I would like to rig up a center stand. I find that I do better chain maintenance with a center stand.

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Originally Posted by jape

I know it is a different machine but on the Kinlon 200cc, mine is, if i remember, now 13/36, i get true GPS 60mph, cruises at that no probs, 5mph faster if no wind or I wind it right up etc.
thats with knobbies. So with your wheels, so averaging out weight and power differences, you will get 65mph cruise but not a lot more i reckon. if pushed, 70 if you drop a cog and rip it if in trouble.

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I'll be happy with a 60 MPH cruise with lower RPM in fifth gear as a kinda overdrive and don't mind a down shift. Might even end up with a higher top speed in fourth gear which is ok.

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Originally Posted by barnone

Paint is holding up fine but I keep her in the shop. Frame is flat black so if any problem areas occur it will be an easy touch up.

The more I work on this bike the more I think it is a good job by Dong Fang. Sure is easy to work on.

So far so good but remember it's a 229cc push rod engine. She like to cruise along.

Next project is to move the rear turn signals so I can mount some saddlebags or ammo cans on a rear rack that I need to make. Oh and I would like to rig up a center stand. I find that I do better chain maintenance with a center stand.

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Thanks for the info, Barnone; I like the simplicity and kinda 'eclectic' look of the DF. That push rod engine has a good reputation, and as you say, everything is right out there, easy to work on. Looking good...

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x...h/IMG_0722.jpg
The 33 T sprocket sure looks small compared to the 40 T stock but it did just fine on the ride out to the ranch. I ran it up to 75 MPH indicated (probably 67 or so real) and she had some left but that was enough for me. Pulls good from 30 MPH in fifth gear. Like the lack of vibration at 65 MPH indicated.
Definitely a big improvement over the stock gearing but you might want to try a 35 T to get a 2.69 ratio?

Sure makes first gear a lot more usable.

The chain is a standard 520.

BIG TIME EDIT. I got to thinking that sprocket size difference is just too great and I went out and counted the teeth on the stock DF sprocket and it has 45 teeth. I don't know where we got the 40 teeth size from but no wonder the DF was running out of first gear so quick and only capable of 65 or so MPH with the stock gearing. I need to go back and correct a few posts.

Just to make sure we are all aware of the correct number of teeth on the stock DF rear sprocket. It's 45 T instead of what we thought.

barnone all great stuff, it really was an awesome bike good to know that you can pull some power out of that thumper. How many miles are on her now?

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Originally Posted by barnone

Just to make sure we are all aware of the correct number of teeth on the stock DF rear sprocket. It's 45 T instead of what we thought.

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13 front and 45 rear; wonder if they were thinking we'd be entering them in hill climbs? :)

Yeah, that is pretty standard for a China bike, dual sport, so whoever found all those bits in bins in China and put them together in that frame type didn't do much thinking!

It was great on my 200cc kinlon d/s, just what I needed in the mud and bush tracks when you sometimes need to lift a wheel or scoot through a rut. especially with a heavy old frame and wheels. But on th e road after an agonizing few months I had to change and I just don't understand why the 'designers' /cloners in China don't do this job themselves. Every forum in the world, that is the first change we all make! Don't the dealers have any say over this? Daft eh? Maybe they think we all live inside huge metropolises where we want to fang around at high revs all day never getting over 55?

Good to see you got the predicted outcome Vince. I feel on mine that it would go all day at cruise, would love to be able to try it out. There is a sweet point when all the vibes calm down, the engine and exhaust noise seem to harmonise and disappear behind you rather than reverberate in your ear. Strangely, the journey seems faster at that speed than it does when you push it!

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Originally Posted by redrover

13 front and 45 rear; wonder if they were thinking we'd be entering them in hill climbs? :)

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red,
Maybe they plow with them in China? Feel kinda dumb that I didn't count the teeth on the rear sprocket but somehow 40 teeth got stuck in my head.
13/45 is the lowest ratio of all my China bikes.
Gardo,
I think I'm about up to 550 miles on her. I try to ride my other two bikes here in FL the same.
Jape,
You hit the nail on the head with your last statement.
"Strangely, the journey seems faster at that speed than it does when you push it! "
She is starting to feel that way.

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Originally Posted by barnone

Jape,You hit the nail on the head with your last statement."Strangely, the journey seems faster at that speed than it does when you push it! "
She is starting to feel that way.

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I don't know if you are old enough to ever a have been a hippy type, but you have 'found the groove' man! What riding is aaaaall about!

I too old to have been a hippy.

Ginsberg was born in '26, I was born in 51. Both hippies!

Somehow I missed being inolved in the hippy era. 1942 for me.

Probably how you survived until now .... You don't know what you missed! I can't remember what you missed.

Janis Joplin, Big Brother, Easy Rider, I hope you got some of it at least, if not the hallucinations and psychedelics.

WoW a 13/45 haha it should be a wheelie monster!
I used to run a 13/66 (dinner plate) on my Honda CBR 929 for my stunt bike, it wouldn't do over 30 mph lol but it was a wheelie machine!
I don't know why we all got stuck on 40T I think someone said it in the earlier posts...
So I think I'll go with the 13/36 that should give a pretty true reading on the speedo and not be a slug getting up to speed also should have a top speed of 75-80 mph if needed =)

I might order a 36 or a 38 after you get you bike going with the 36 and report the results.
Rear sprocket won't affect the speedometer since the pickup is on the front wheel unlike some bikes with pickup around the front sprocket.

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Originally Posted by jape

Probably how you survived until now .... You don't know what you missed! I can't remember what you missed.

Janis Joplin, Big Brother, Easy Rider, I hope you got some of it at least, if not the hallucinations and psychedelics.

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I was in the USAF from 1961-1965 then worked for big blue (IBM ) for thirty years with my blue suit,white shirt and tie so that is how I missed the hippy deal.

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Originally Posted by barnone

I was in the USAF from 1961-1965 then worked for big blue (IBM ) for thirty years with my blue suit,white shirt and tie so that is how I missed the hippy deal.

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Wow IBM so in many ways you are the forefather of my industry LoL

Looks like were all in the same business =)

So I called the freight Co. to see when they will be coming by... It arrived to the NJ terminal this morning, so I wont even see the create till monday or tuesday =(

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Originally Posted by Aboshi

Looks like were all in the same business =)

So I called the freight Co. to see when they will be coming by... It arrived to the NJ terminal this morning, so I wont even see the create till monday or tuesday =(

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Dude that sucks. how long ago did you place the order?

On the 3rd!

There is no way in hell I would ever do business with countyimports again.
It shouldn't take 30 days from start to finish to get a china bike thats already on US shores...
I could have order it from china and got it faster =)

Yeah, it's amazing that these drop shippers can stay in business. I think all the DFs come from
Sunny Sports Inc.
12851 Reservoir St., Chino, CA 91710

I just received the two free helmets that the guy I ordered my DF from sent me because he felt bad about screwing me around for so long with the bill of sale and MSO. They are nice helmets.

I just about got him to finish cleaning up his web page for the DF. http://www.extremescooters.biz/250cc...r-chopper.aspx

Soon as Aboshi gets his registered I get him to remove NY from the no register list.

I forgot to mention I was doing research on all the sprocket setups, the stock setup on the honda rebel and nighthawk are 13/33 with a 520 chain.
Only thing is those 2 bikes claim to have 25hp, so maybe in the long run go with a 14/33. Also a 13/33 honda claims highway driving and I can see it topping out at 80mph with that setup.