Dong Fang DF 250 RTB Bobber Information

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Nick Papageorgio

Hello All!!

I am new here and have a lot to go over, so here we go. I've been reading this forum for about 2 weeks now, and am currently up to page 230. I feel like I know all of you and THANK YOU for all the valuable tips and tricks. I also am glad to see that barnone has come back to the forum. At page 230, you are still gone, barnone!! Thanks to you guys, I now all about the sprocket mods, battery problems, gas tank leaks, hard neutral finding, valve adjustments etc........I also know not to make ANY mods till I get the bike running "normally". By the way, there was NO gasoline smell form the tank. I know that others had reported a gasoline odor.

My DF showed up this morning, and thanks to all of you, I knew exactly what to look for when it showed up. Bought the DF from gokartsusa.com. for about $2195, no tax, free shipping.

DF came in the usual cardboard packaging, wrapped in plastic, shipping straps, bubble wrap on the tank and all the plastic coverings on the lights/gas cap etc. Was pretty satisifed with the packaging and condition of the bike EXCEPT the wooden pallate was MIA, and the shift rod was broke, and the shift lever foot peg is missing. I actually saw the shift foot peg bracket laying on the floor of the truck and picked it up. I made the driver stay while I unpacked it and took pictures. He noted on the delivery form about the damage. I am going to call gokartusa about the damaged parts, but I don't expect to get much help from them. I may have to have the shift rod fabricated.

Other than that, the bike looks beautiful, and is in great condition. The tank and fenders were spotless. The battery and mirrors are there.

In the next few days I will finish the unpacking/assembly and then the fun stuff starts!!

Thanks again everybody, and see the pics below.

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welcome , As price is the same, im curious why you chose the old 2010 model over the 2012.
The potential to develop a tank leak removed it from my consideration.
I assumed the fresher battery would reduce potential problems there as well.
But i do like the look of that old tank.

Here is a link to the tank I've purchased. Now all i need is the Cap and a new battery and i'll be back on the road.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/261232129894...witem=&vxp=mtr

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Crelow

Here is a link to the tank I've purchased. Now all i need is the Cap and a new battery and i'll be back on the road.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/261232129894...witem=&vxp=mtr

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Crelow, it looks good..................How does its tunnel measurements compare to your old tank?
Post some pics when you get it mounted.

Attachment 12849
A little better photo showing the hairpin cotter key securing the seat.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Nick Papageorgio

Hello All!!

I am new here and have a lot to go over, so here we go. I've been reading this forum for about 2 weeks now, and am currently up to page 230. I feel like I know all of you and THANK YOU for all the valuable tips and tricks. I also am glad to see that barnone has come back to the forum. At page 230, you are still gone, barnone!! Thanks to you guys, I now all about the sprocket mods, battery problems, gas tank leaks, hard neutral finding, valve adjustments etc........I also know not to make ANY mods till I get the bike running "normally". By the way, there was NO gasoline smell form the tank. I know that others had reported a gasoline odor.

My DF showed up this morning, and thanks to all of you, I knew exactly what to look for when it showed up. Bought the DF from gokartsusa.com. for about $2195, no tax, free shipping.

DF came in the usual cardboard packaging, wrapped in plastic, shipping straps, bubble wrap on the tank and all the plastic coverings on the lights/gas cap etc. Was pretty satisifed with the packaging and condition of the bike EXCEPT the wooden pallate was MIA, and the shift rod was broke, and the shift lever foot peg is missing. I actually saw the shift foot peg bracket laying on the floor of the truck and picked it up. I made the driver stay while I unpacked it and took pictures. He noted on the delivery form about the damage. I am going to call gokartusa about the damaged parts, but I don't expect to get much help from them. I may have to have the shift rod fabricated.

Other than that, the bike looks beautiful, and is in great condition. The tank and fenders were spotless. The battery and mirrors are there.

In the next few days I will finish the unpacking/assembly and then the fun stuff starts!!

Thanks again everybody, and see the pics below.

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Nick, do yourself a favor and buy a new replacement aftermarket rod. I have one. The link for it is in this thread somewhere but Ill be damned if I can find it on my PC. Could have sworn I saved the link.

Personally Im also still having problems after one year of ownership. Tank leaks, rust on spokes and now my brakes are mushy for no reason. It never ends. Ill start with the easy stuff first...TX Registration is due LOL.

Thanks Gonzox. I did find Alleykats link to Gravesport, and ordered a replacement rod. Good luck with your bike!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Nick Papageorgio

Thanks Gonzox. I did find Alleykats link to Gravesport, and ordered a replacement rod. Good luck with your bike!

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http://www.gravesport.com/Graves-Mot...Shift-Rod.html
And the size (length) is?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bobthebobber

Hello All. been away for sometime due to my problems with my bikes fender. As you may recall from a previous post.. I bought my 2012 non-springer back in march. The fender was rubbing against the tire and ripped off the clips on the inside of the fender that hold the brake wires.. as well as destroyed the wires..

Scooter depot first sent me a tail light replacement that was made too short and the wire did not reach the oil tank harness. Next they made me custom brackets to try and lift the fender and it required me to do welding on the fame. I refused to do this. Next.. I was waiting..since march for just a total replacement of the fender, supports, and light.. apparently they have been on back order I called literally twice a week... every week since I bought the bike.. and i was eventually told it may be a year before they were available...

I finally flipped out called my bank.. who then called sunnysports.. and was all prepared to do a full charge back.. since the bike was suppose to be brand new and working.. and it's not what i got..

I then got a call from sunnysports (scooterdepot) from a manager who said he would personally have somehting in the mail for me in one week. He took a fender from the old 2010 style... made custom arched brackets that attach where the turn signals would mount on that model.. and fit it for the 2012... Not sure how it is going to look.. as it has not arrived yet.. but the riding season is comning to and end here in new England and I have yet to been able to even register this bike. Lets hope after all this that the damn thing is RI compliant.

Anyway.. since I already repainted my tank and fenders a satin black... and this new frankenstein fender will need paint.. im just going to rip it all down and use my HVLP and redo it all semi-gloss black..

I have so many hours into this bike and have not even had it on 2 lane road yet.

The reason i bought the 2012 and not the 2010 was because i liked the lines of the bike... lets hope this fender style does not ruin it.

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I finally got the fender they made and the brackets in.. the brackets were ABSOLUTE garbage.. worst welds I have ever seen.. and of course they snapped as soon as I tried to put them on. I brought them down to a local shop and had them re-weld all 4 spots for 20 bux. Very goood welds now... nice and strong. I re did all the paint. I mixed 1 cup semi gloss black, 2 cups flat black, and 3 cups mineral spirits and ran it through my HVLP. As far as i know.. I am the only person in the world with this rear fender setup and paint tone on this bike.

The fender that they made... basically they took the fender off the 2010 model and cast an exact fiberglass copy of it. Then they bolted the fiber glass copy to the 2010 fender and shaved it down.. It is DEF not the same quality thick steel as the original.. but at least its all together now.. been waiting since march to get this on the road. i go to the registry tomorrow.. I hope RI will accept it! These are not the best pictures of the paint because I used a really old phone to take them.. but gives you an idea. The paint is a little bit more glossy in person. Cheers!

P.S.

Don't mind all the crap laying in my yard. We are in the middle of a renovation at the house (:

http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...psda02abc8.jpg

http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps224e7518.jpg

http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps985f7c40.jpg

http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps610e8538.jpg

http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps38241fa4.jpg

Need some help guys. Still an newb.

I need a brake master cylinder and not sure what to look for. The specs on this one seem to fit:

It says 7/8 bar, 12.7mm piston. Advertises that it works with M10x1.25 Brake Light Switch.
Is this what we have? I have no clue if this will work or fit other than the handlebar size.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/370848927125...ht_2027wt_1004

Any insight appreciated.

Also found this one for cheap, sez bore size 14mm, 7/8 and right side only:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Motorcycle-7...845faa&vxp=mtr

It seems to be a better deal at half the cost since I only need one. Not sure why they sell them in pairs. Makes no sense to me. This one has a bigger bore size as well. Just not sure about the connection size and what electrical plug ours has. This cheaper one doesnt even seem to have an electrical connection that I can see.

GonzoX,

Did you try Scooter Depot PARTS/TECH INQUIRY
http://www.scooterdepot.us/service_center/
http://www.scooterdepot.us/parts_htm...arts_list.html
Or search Ebay Motors
with "250cc brake master cylinder right"
yields hits like
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brake-Master...02e17d&vxp=mtr

Quote:

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Originally Posted by freezerboy

Crelow, it looks good..................How does its tunnel measurements compare to your old tank?
Post some pics when you get it mounted.

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Trust me I'll definitely have pictures to show. the tank come in the mail tomorrow.

Nice Photos. thanks for Sharing.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bobthebobber

I finally got the fender they made and the brackets in.. the brackets were ABSOLUTE garbage.. worst welds I have ever seen.. and of course they snapped as soon as I tried to put them on. I brought them down to a local shop and had them re-weld all 4 spots for 20 bux. Very goood welds now... nice and strong. I re did all the paint. I mixed 1 cup semi gloss black, 2 cups flat black, and 3 cups mineral spirits and ran it through my HVLP. As far as i know.. I am the only person in the world with this rear fender setup and paint tone on this bike.

The fender that they made... basically they took the fender off the 2010 model and cast an exact fiberglass copy of it. Then they bolted the fiber glass copy to the 2010 fender and shaved it down.. It is DEF not the same quality thick steel as the original.. but at least its all together now.. been waiting since march to get this on the road. i go to the registry tomorrow.. I hope RI will accept it! These are not the best pictures of the paint because I used a really old phone to take them.. but gives you an idea. The paint is a little bit more glossy in person. Cheers!

P.S.

Don't mind all the crap laying in my yard. We are in the middle of a renovation at the house (:

http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...psda02abc8.jpg

http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps224e7518.jpg

http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps985f7c40.jpg

http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps610e8538.jpg

http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps38241fa4.jpg

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Bobthebobber,
That rear fender looks good on your DF and so does your daughter.

Yep.Future bike rider right there.Fender does look good.

http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps610e8538.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Nick Papageorgio

Hello All!!

I am new here and have a lot to go over, so here we go. I've been reading this forum for about 2 weeks now, and am currently up to page 230. I feel like I know all of you and THANK YOU for all the valuable tips and tricks. I also am glad to see that barnone has come back to the forum. At page 230, you are still gone, barnone!! Thanks to you guys, I now all about the sprocket mods, battery problems, gas tank leaks, hard neutral finding, valve adjustments etc........I also know not to make ANY mods till I get the bike running "normally". By the way, there was NO gasoline smell form the tank. I know that others had reported a gasoline odor.

My DF showed up this morning, and thanks to all of you, I knew exactly what to look for when it showed up. Bought the DF from gokartsusa.com. for about $2195, no tax, free shipping.

DF came in the usual cardboard packaging, wrapped in plastic, shipping straps, bubble wrap on the tank and all the plastic coverings on the lights/gas cap etc. Was pretty satisifed with the packaging and condition of the bike EXCEPT the wooden pallate was MIA, and the shift rod was broke, and the shift lever foot peg is missing. I actually saw the shift foot peg bracket laying on the floor of the truck and picked it up. I made the driver stay while I unpacked it and took pictures. He noted on the delivery form about the damage. I am going to call gokartusa about the damaged parts, but I don't expect to get much help from them. I may have to have the shift rod fabricated.

Other than that, the bike looks beautiful, and is in great condition. The tank and fenders were spotless. The battery and mirrors are there.

In the next few days I will finish the unpacking/assembly and then the fun stuff starts!!

Thanks again everybody, and see the pics below.

---

Update on the DF I received last wednesday:

1. Finished upacking it this weekend.
2. Shift linkage and missing shift toe peg are on order.
3. Battery filled, charged and installed.
4. Oil drained and re-filled.

OK, here's my starting question/problem.

1. Trans in neutral (green light on)
2. Key on (speedo/lights come on)
3. Clutch and brake levers engaged.
4. Kill switch in Run position.

When I press the "start" button, I am getting no response. No click, no crank, no nothing. It's like power is not being sent to the starter. I am only up to page 230 in this thread, and don't remember seeing this issue. Has anybody else had this happen? Anybody have any ideas? I am going to start trouble-shooting by jumping/bypassing the clutch and brake lever electrical connections. Oh, and I checked the fuse just for the fun of it, and it is OK.

Any advice would be appreciated, Nick.

I'd check the Battery for Voltage. then check the wiring harness.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Nick Papageorgio

Update on the DF I received last wednesday:

1. Finished upacking it this weekend.
2. Shift linkage and missing shift toe peg are on order.
3. Battery filled, charged and installed.
4. Oil drained and re-filled.

OK, here's my starting question/problem.

1. Trans in neutral (green light)
2. Key on (speedo/lights come on)
3. Clutch and brake levers engaged.
4. Kill switch in Run position.

When I press the "start" button, I am getting no response. No click, no crank, no nothing. It's like power is not being sent to the starter. I am only up to page 230 in this thread, and don't remember seeing this issue. Has anybody else had this happen? Anybody have any ideas? I am going to start trouble-shooting by jumping/bypassing the clutch and brake lever electrical connections. Oh, and I checked the fuse just for the fun of it, and it is OK.

Any advice would be appreciated, Nick.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by barnone

Bobthebobber,
That rear fender looks good on your DF and so does your daughter.

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All registered and insured. Took her out today.. couldnt seem to really get it past 50 mph even with a 35tooth and my 140 pounds. I didn't really push it too much since its new.. but when I did the Air injection line blew apart... and man did that make the bike loud. I threw a new line on it and it runs fine. I def need to replace that system and cap it off so it doesnt happen again.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bobthebobber

All registered and insured. Took her out today.. couldnt seem to really get it past 50 mph even with a 35tooth and my 140 pounds. I didn't really push it too much since its new.. but when I did the Air injection line blew apart... and man did that make the bike loud. I threw a new line on it and it runs fine. I def need to replace that system and cap it off so it doesnt happen again.

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there are those on this site that will tell you that there must be something wrong with your sais pump, at least thats what i was told here when i had this problem.
But its not true i broke down the entire system to check for malfunction and found none.

Now i dont have much experiance in sais, but the only other one ive observed used a metal pipe instead.
Really the way mine was just blowing hoses, makes me think a rubber hose in this design is perhaps flawed.

Anyway, you will cap it off so thats that.

Attachment 12869

Got my Florida tag in the mail today so I took her for her first real ride. Hooked up my trailer and made a garbage run to the dump and then on to town to buy some items.

She is running just fine but I kept her below 50 MPH for the break in period. Seems real solid and handles the curves just fine.

Attachment 12870
I'm telling all the gawkers that she is a 1937 Indian and that makes them happy.:lol8:

Attachment 12871

Anyone take a hole saw to their catalytic converter on their 2012? If you look up the tail pipe with a flash light you will see it.
I runs real hot as my infrared temperature indicators showed.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by barnone

Anyone take a hole saw to their catalytic converter on their 2012? If you look up the tail pipe with a flash light you will see it.
I runs real hot as my infrared temperature indicators showed.

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I have not. I found a video online where a guy drilled his entire pipe billet style so it had a bunch of holes. I melted my boot to my exhaust today.. so now it looks kinda ugly lol. This being said.. i agree is runs hot. I don't understand this talk of people having their bikes on the freeway doing consistent 60+mph. I ran her flat out on a decline and hit about 50-55 with a 35 rear sprocket. As soon as I hit any variation of incline, she would only do about 40 mph (indicated) in 4th gear at full throttle (5th being more of an over drive or on flat road). I was hoping to do a few short slow lane trips on the highway, but it looks like she will just be a go around town weekend bike. I don't know if i would trust this bike on the highway even if it could do the 65 mph required.

u put on a more restrictive air cleaner didn't u bob ? using the STOCK cleaner and having spun it around into the airflow to create a makeshift "airram" is how I consistently run 65 on the highway (Ive pegged 80 when it was wicked cold out = cold means more air into engine) , the bike is a bored out 125 cc it still has the throat of a 125 if u choke it anymore than it comes (more restrictive filter) performance IMMEDIATELY suffers

and nick , try jumping it from another battery

I had what the charger said was a "good battery" and it read 13.8 volts or such , but wouldn't push enough AMPS to even make the started do anything at all , sounds just like your problem eh ?
hooked up jumper cabled to a good battery it fired right up

I drilled out the catalytic converter on my ex 2010 and was just wondering if anyone has done it on the 2012.
I'll run the hole saw up the pipe soon.
My ex 2010 would run 68 MPH GPS verified when I upped the jets,etc. I'm sure the 2012 will do the same but I'm gonna break it in slow until I get to 300 miles on the odometer.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bobthebobber

All registered and insured. Took her out today.. couldnt seem to really get it past 50 mph even with a 35tooth and my 140 pounds. I didn't really push it too much since its new.. but when I did the Air injection line blew apart... and man did that make the bike loud. I threw a new line on it and it runs fine. I def need to replace that system and cap it off so it doesnt happen again.

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Yep, happened to me2 first and last time I took it on a TX Hwy (did 55mph in a 75mph zone, not smart). Busted open and loud as hell and I could tell my engine was overheating to boot. Got a better hose but IMHO the capping it off thing is a better option.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by barnone

GonzoX,

Did you try Scooter Depot PARTS/TECH INQUIRY
http://www.scooterdepot.us/service_center/
http://www.scooterdepot.us/parts_htm...arts_list.html
Or search Ebay Motors
with "250cc brake master cylinder right"
yields hits like
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brake-Master...02e17d&vxp=mtr

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Thanks barnone, that looks like exactly what I was looking for! Only one problem though.

Only issue is that I dont see the brake light electrical connection on this. Dont see anyone replaceing theirs here so I guess I will be the first to do that so Im trying to get all my info before I buy. Im just glad that these things dont cost an arm and a leg as my funds are limited. Hell my Ford Ranger needs a new battery now as well. It's alway something isnt it?

Im glad that you remided me of the mirror mount. Totally forgot about that. May have to go with a factory part but was hoping ebay would give me a more economical alternative.

Addendum: OK bro, looks like I found a direct replacement here:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/8mm-Hole-GY6...#ht_1064wt_934

It has the the specs and the plugs and even the mount for the mirror. This is why I love this thread! Hitting the buy button now. Wish me luck. I will let you guys know how it works.

GonzoX,
I should have asked before but what is wrong with your master cylinder anyway?

Ok guys, I got the tank in last night. Now my question is what do i do with the 2 spare drain holes? do i cap them? or feed it as a Res line. Pics soon to come.

My bike should arrive in a few hours. Can't wait, pics to come

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DanDaMan

u put on a more restrictive air cleaner didn't u bob ? using the STOCK cleaner and having spun it around into the airflow to create a makeshift "airram" is how I consistently run 65 on the highway (Ive pegged 80 when it was wicked cold out = cold means more air into engine) , the bike is a bored out 125 cc it still has the throat of a 125 if u choke it anymore than it comes (more restrictive filter) performance IMMEDIATELY suffers

and nick , try jumping it from another battery

I had what the charger said was a "good battery" and it read 13.8 volts or such , but wouldn't push enough AMPS to even make the started do anything at all , sounds just like your problem eh ?
hooked up jumper cabled to a good battery it fired right up

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I did put an after market filter on yes. It has a solid capped end vs the stock filter being open all the way around. BUt the size of filtered area is about the same. I was having trouble just keeping up with traffic on the road with a 45 mph speed limit. THe jetting feels just about right so i dont think thats the issue.

What did you use for your forced air pipe?

I used a radiator hose , the U shaped one , another used a chrome undersink U pipe

take off the airfilter n go for another ride , U will immediately notice the difference