Don't quote me exactly on the time, but I couldn't hear him well..he was annoyed (why don't they have a recording??) but I would suggest a morning call.Quote:
Originally Posted by CrazyCarl
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Don't quote me exactly on the time, but I couldn't hear him well..he was annoyed (why don't they have a recording??) but I would suggest a morning call.Quote:
Originally Posted by CrazyCarl
Welcome Rizn to here. Carl had given me a website to a distributor that has since closed, but changed locations called www.gogomotorsports.com Actually, I think I gave it to you, too. On the phone number, they give an alternative number to the new location, and the guy said he had 12 Qingqi enduros (21"/18") bikes for like $1200. Call gogo or whatever they are now, and see if they have any left.Quote:
Originally Posted by rizn
10-4:scooter:
Rizn,
You got one mean looking motard there!
Yes they are longer for sure. I actually asked at the factory if it is possible and they said it wasn't. I don't have a USD version of the 21" model so can't give you exact measurements but it's not hard to tell from your picture.
The USD's for 21" wheels have more travel and need to be longer. Imagine a 21" wheel on your motard forks then consider how much room is left between the wheel and fender then take into consideration suspension travel. Not too much room there yeah?
If you wanted to do a full swap, you'd have to order the wheels (DR200 wheels will fit fine), the USD fork legs (one of the same tube diameter), a new fender (as the motard fender will be too short) and probably a longer front brake line.
I have seen USD models for the 200GY at the factory and know they exist but has anyone confirmed the new XP's do come with USD's? Besides that one picture it still looks like they're standard style fork tubes.
CC
Quote:
Originally Posted by rizn
I think the link should be:Quote:
Originally Posted by culcune
http://gogomotorsports.net/index.php
The .com page looks like an interesting forum though!
CC
Crazy Carl, I called this place, they have one 200 left, he quoted me $1200, but when he found out I was not a dealer he said it would be $2,200 plus shipping. Not a terrible deal, but not that great either. Thanks for the info. I think if the Qlink dealer doesn't come through with a great deal, I might take a trip to that United Motors dealer north of me. Their bikes look great plus they have a 3 year warrenty on the powertrain and 18 months on the rest of the bike.Quote:
Originally Posted by CrazyCarl
I think the XF200 is awesome and seems like a great buy. I cant wait to get one. My only problem is, I cant find one near me right now. The closest Ive found so far is 600 miles, YIKES!! And from what Im hearing QLINK may not be distributing them anymore, and Im guessing it may take a while before we see them under a different name. I spoke with my local QLINK dealer today and he said "QLINK will not be selling them anymore." My concern is the warranty. Is it covered by QLINK or QINGQI. I really hope to see this bike live on. If I mail order an XF200 do I still get the warranty, or is only from the dealer.
Dirty,
Welcome to the board! Since QLink is an importer, if you buy it from QLink then they are responsible for the warranty. The good news is I've never heard of anyone having to do a warranty claim on the XF's but the bad news is I've never heard of anyone having a good experience with their warrantly claims when they need to make them.
I really wish it was easier to get these bikes and find support for them. You would think someone would pick up these bikes and run but it's not happening and I know QingQi is looking for a new importer... but even then..there's no guaranty it will be any better than QLink in terms of service and distribution. The ideal solution is for the companies to open direct distribution but that's a risk almost none of them are willing to take.
The whole thing seems a little sad to me. There are good products out there not being represented, distributed and supported so it makes it extremely difficult for an interested buyer to actually get a hold of one.
If they can find one importer who not only has good customer support but is willing to offer the product at "non-money-grabbing" prices and really believes in the product then the tables could turn. It can happen, and let's hope it's soon!
What do you ride now?
CC
Right now I have a few dirt bikes (none street legal) CRF150F, KLX 110, CRF50. One of each size. haha (Im really into minibikes) Thats why Im looking into the XF200, somthing I can ride to work and around town. Would you know where I may find a QINGQI model here in the U.S.
That is disappointing news regarding the Qlink, hopefully its not true. I'm a little worried about the United Motors brand as well. The dealer here in Wisconsin is selling 2007s not 2008s. I'm not even sure if 2008s exist. He will give me a nice deal on a SMF200, but if the brand stops existing parts can become a problem. I've been looking at craigslist for used Jap bikes or KTMs, maybe it would be better to go that route.
The United Motors bikes are Hyosung, a Korean brand, and they aren't too bad. They are currently priced at the same level as a QLink XF200 (~2700bucks). As they are Hyosung and already have more prolific distribution, I would think that parts would be more commonly available.
If you go check them out, let us know what you think.
CC
I emailed UM regarding the SMF200 and their dual sport version (forgot the model number). I got a quick response from them. Both of those models have been discontinued and replacements are not planned. In his message he said that the seat height was an issue on those bikes. They are about 35 inches high which is high, but there are taller bikes. He did say that parts will be available and that the brand will still exist. Maybe their scooters and sport bikes are doing well? This is kind of a bummer, Qlink and United Motors seemed like 2 promising brands.
here is a video detailing qingqi's history including thier relationship going back to 1984.
has lotsa good info.
You know the seat height could prove a problem, im six foot and I almost never have both my feet on the ground, I of course like tall bikes, but most probably dont, but that cant be the reason, and why would the Q-link web sight have pics of the new xp200 with the inverted forks. I will be really disappointed tho, I really enjoy this bike, and hyosung is here to stay, they race there sport bikes here and sell them right next to jap bikes on the SHOWROOM floor. Could there be a problem with Q-LINK, maybe they are not such a great company, Besides what about SUNDOWN, same bike and they are all over utube, if a good bike like this cant make it here, I might give up on china bikes and go back to used japs.
The phone number I listed earlier of the place in Richmond, VA has one in stock for apparently 2,200USD. I was told they have two..one in silver and one in black...but now the information seems to be different. They also claim to have parts available but to what extent is not clear.Quote:
Originally Posted by DIRTY151
It may be worth giving them a call if you know you want the bike but, unfortunately, don't expect outstanding customer service from these guys.
I will also call them myself and see what the scoop is.
CC
There does not seem to be anything wrong with the bike or the manufactuer. I believe the problem is QLINK. From what I heard from my local dealer is, whenever they had to make a claim (which were not many he told me) or try to order parts, it seemed to be a problem. He said something like (and dont quote me on this) the manufactuer would be revoking the contract with QLINK. With that, he said he would not be getting anymore of the bikes. Now, I dont know if he said what he said about QLINK just to get me to buy a bike he had. He cuold be blowing smoke. Although I did call QLINK the day before to ask them when they would be receiving more of the bikes, they could'nt tell me squat. I asked him for a guesstimate, like a month or two, he had no idea. So all we can do is wait, Im sure Carl will have some more info on this soon enough.Quote:
Originally Posted by rizn
Rizn, Wizzy, et al,
Both the UM and QingQi bikes are likely the best units available in North America from non-Japan Eastern Asia and should be available at a reasonable price.
It's a damn strange thing we're witnessing here but it's a textbook case in business studies. Producing a good product is not enough. A product and producer needs a strong culture and philosophy behind it to represent and proliferate their name and merchandise. In the Western world of motorcycling, this means customer support, grass roots participation and extensive media advertising...almost all of which are absent.
I think in the next couple of years a manufacturer with deeper pockets will step up to the plate and try to properly represent. Distributing directly is extremely important because if you leave it up to most importers, what you'll get is money grabbing as soon as they realize a product is in demand. The price hike on the XF200 from 2,000 to 2,700 dollars is outrageous and a great example of this. The new Loncin PY250 is 3,500CD and since it's not really worth that much, people will look at it but probably turn away.
The few green eyed, sticky fingered, short sighted, importers are not doing the industry any good and can easily take advantage of the manufacturers since they are struggling for survival and virtually helpless to do anything about it.
But there is hope. In the short run, we need a virtuous importer who believes in these good products, understands price gouging is unethical and wants to see growth for sake of the motorcycle community. In the long run, manufacturers need to spend the time and resources necessary to understand the culture to which they're selling by riding with the community, taking part in local level racing, sponsoring young promising riders and dig in for a long term growth strategy. It's very possible this is already happening as we speak but we won't see the effect of this for months to come.
Patience is what we can contribute as well as our voices. Many of us know how frustrating it is to speak loudly for the interest of the C-Moto industry only to have our thoughts and ideas pushed aside in the interest of a dollar. I feel QingQi has been mostly honest with me regarding their capabilities and interests but most of the manufacturers are large state-owned organizations which are difficult to move due to corporate inertia and lack the ability to adapt this quickly to a new marketplace. Even if they mean well, it may take forever before a green light is issued to invest the necessary resources to make the appropriate changes in business strategy.
As a result, this may take some time and it's not likely to happen today or even this year. I don't want to discourage anyone from buying Chinese motorcycles but feel we should all have a sense of what's going on in the industry to set our expectations accordingly.
The early adopters of an idea or product almost always have the most difficult time. It's a risk that some are willing to take and others are not.
Maybe we end up buying second hand Japanese bikes, maybe we don't, or maybe we have one of each. These are all personal decisions based on our individual situations and we need to do whats best for us as we try to get the most from our hard earned dollars. Be honest, do what you feel is best and the rest will work itself out one way or another...in time.
Although the uncertainties are many, one thing is for sure ... KEEP RIDING! :thumbsup:
:scooter:
CC
Quote:
Originally Posted by rizn
Actually, not to make you sound like an idiot or a fool, or total nutjob, or dweeb,or imbecile or just someone out to make false claims as true, the UM bikes are/were Skyteam sourced--made in China, with a Loncin engine (you could call Skyteam yourself to confirm the engine manufacturer), but I know they are Chinese sourced. UM not carrying them might actually be a good thing, as that is why skyteam stopped selling bikes under their own brand name-they had an exclusive deal with UM. Qlink and Qingqi obviously don't have an exclusive deal, which is good for us (in the US) now. Perhaps Skyteam could bring their own bikes (maybe direct distribution to avoid the problems you had mentioned with importers) into the US? But I had written to them months ago, and they said that UM was their exclusive distributor in the US (and in some of the countries south of the US border, too).Quote:
Originally Posted by CrazyCarl
Hmmm...my bad. I saw them represented as Hyosung in the ChongQing Motor Expo but it makes sense at least some of their products are Chinese outsourced.Quote:
Originally Posted by culcune
-200GY-
http://photos.imageevent.com/comrade...-Hyosung-1.jpg
Are you saying the 650 Mirage, Comet and GT650R are produced in China?
-Mirage-
http://photos.imageevent.com/comrade...-Hyosung-7.jpg
-Comet-
http://photos.imageevent.com/comrade...-Hyosung-4.jpg
-GT605R-
http://photos.imageevent.com/comrade...-Hyosung-8.jpg
Inquiring minds want to know. :icon10:
CC
P.S. - Forest through the trees, Simon. Forest through the trees.
UM in USA: road bikes, Hyosung, from Korea. Dual sports and scooters, Chinese.
tcs
I second that.Quote:
Originally Posted by PresterJohn
i talked to my dealer. he said the issue with qlink being pushed out is totally false.
he claims he talked to qingqi directly. i don't know who is right.
obviously anyone can be wrong about something. i am not immune.
all i know is he is fully stocked. and is selling them. a lot of them.
makes me wonder if qlink is just trying to get rid of some crappy dealers. by not restocking them.
i am questioning why qingqi's warehouse has only 2 bikes available to ship when they don't stock qlink sumos (the bikes that they claim are being canceled). they would/should stock qingqi sumos to begin with.
someone, (not any of you guys as you are just reporting what you are being told) is full of sh*t and it's beginning to piss me off. (just a little bit).
T'is very frustrating. Here's what I can make of it, just from my POV.
1) QingQi's warehouse in Richmond is not really QingQi but simply another importer. Based on what I was told, I think there was an language problem mixed with a little wishful thinking on my part on that one. One thing for sure is, QingQi does NOT have a direct distribution center or warehouse in North America, has no plans for one and is still looking for new importers.
2) Whether or not QingQi is happy with QLink and vice-versa is now a moot point. As long as QLink is selling the units, QingQi will supply. The problem is QLink is gouging customers on these bike and capping the potential market so they can reap short-term profits.
3) This whole thing (to me) sounds like "I got my mind on my money and my money on my mind." I guess business is business.
CC
Thanks TCS and Culcune. I guess I got confused when I saw the Hyosung 200GY next to their other Korean made bikes at the show. Seems kinda silly to me that an importer would import bikes from a company who's in turn importing their products from yet another company in another country.Quote:
Originally Posted by PresterJohn
I guess it was done like that just to offer a more complete line up but I sure do wish the industry would filter itself out a little.
CC
Volks I beleive u, I have talked to jp motorsports and they are a kickass company,when it comes to customer care, plus they sell the xf200 right next to the suzuki,yamaha,kawi,ducati, if I were q-link that is where I would want to be too:riding: I wonder how much people pay for the sundown 200, if we new that, we could compare sundown to q-link, just a thought, AND BY THE WAYor btw I have been jumping my xf200, nothing serious, max 8ft, have to land perfect, but it takes it, the rear shock is good but the front forks need to be stiffer, any IDEAS maybe I will talk my girl into taking pics, but since the photos on here are so fing beautiful, it makes me a little embarresed with the whole camera phone thing:gun_bandana:
Other people's pictures (OPP!) can never be so good you should consider not taking your own pictures. Seeing the world from different POV's is what it's all about so don't hesitate to snap a few. Other people may be envious to see an XF jumped - hell, I can't jump bikes. Just make sure your girl knows when to hit the shutter release and come down right.Quote:
Originally Posted by rizn
CC
Thanks for all the good info guys, I bought a 2006 Ninja 250 yesterday. I know its not a dual purpose bike like I originally posted, but the deal was quite good. $2,400 for a 14,000 rpm liquid cooled bullet proof bike was hard for me to pass up. I think I would have loved the Qlink or UM SMF200, but it seems a bit too much up in the air right now.
Congrats Wizzy! That's understandable and I'm glad you found a good ride. :riding:
Got pics!?!?!? :deal:
CC
ya that is a great alternative. that would have been my bike if i did not find the xf200!
glad to hear you got a nice bike for a great price! you got a fantastic deal.
ya where are the pics man? don't be messin' with us! heheheh.
DOES ANYONE KNOW IF THE FUEL TANK ON THE XF200 IS METAL OR PLASTIC, OR METAL WITH A PLASTIC COVER. ARE THE RIMS ALUMINUM, AND ARE THE SPOKES STAINLESS STEEL. AND HOW ADJUSTABLE IS THE SUSPENSION.