Regal Raptor DD250G-2N (2011)

That doesn't sound good Moilami. I thought i was buying a little piece of mind with the branded disc locks.

On a positive note, i collected my new bike today. Took it for a little ride in the sun and clocked 100km's. Still had problems finding 1st gear so i took it back to the mechanic. He fixed it in no time but after a while i couldn't find bloody neutral. Frustrating, i'm guessing my poor skills are partly to blame, but Weel (an experienced rider) also struggled to find neutral, so i think a trip back to the shop 2mora is in order.

Weel and my wife went out for a spin in his sidecar today. My wife really enjoyed it. Weel's friend also came along on his CJ and i was following slowly behind on my Raptor. We only had a short ride but the bike was fun and all in all it's been a good first day on two weels.

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I'll try to review the bike and be more detailed as get more familiar with it. Peace!

I saw your bike in the Jinan, Shandong Yamaha dealership for 18,000RMB. Maybe you got a good deal on yours.

P.S. Buy some Loctite and tighten all the bolts you can find!

Thanks ZMC. Already done. I watched the mechanics tighten most of the bolts using loctite. I also asked him to take the engine apart and put it all back together but he just looked at me like i was crazy. I'll wait for the first service and try him again. I'm delighted that you've seen the bike for 18,000rmb, i feel better about the price i paid now and my wife felt the same. I'm surprised that there is such a huge difference in price from province to province though.

I've had a bit more time on the bike again this morning. I think the new levers (the same levers ChinaV has on his Yingang) are partly to blame for why i'm missing neutral. They're really short and you don't seem to get a big range of leverage. I've adjusted them a bit and it seems better now but i'm only hitting neutral 50% of the time. I'm having to wait at the lights with the clutch in which is far from ideal. If i turn the egine off i can get neutral everytime.

I'm also concerned about that rear brake, it's really poor. I know the front brake should be sharper but the rear is crap unless i really push hard. Maybe i'll get some better brake pads. ZMC, do you know what size pads i should be looking for on the Raptor? Could i get them from Taobao?

Cheers.

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Originally Posted by dewsnap

I've had a bit more time on the bike again this morning. I think the new levers (the same levers ChinaV has on his Yingang) are partly to blame for why i'm missing neutral. They're really short and you don't seem to get a big range of leverage. I've adjusted them a bit and it seems better now but i'm only hitting neutral 50% of the time.

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Two questions:

#1 There are several different versions of those levers, (Honda/Kawasaki/Suzuki/Yamaha) and they are not really universal. Which ones did you buy, and were they the complete assembly with the perches and new master cylinder for the brake? They do have a 6 position adjuster and I can't see how position 6 wouldn't have enough length to pull the clutch completely.

#2 When you say "missing", are the other gears difficult to hit as well? Is it easier to find neutral when the bike is not running?

Cheers!
ChinaV

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Originally Posted by dewsnap

Weel's friend also came along on his CJ and i was following slowly behind on my Raptor. We only had a short ride but the bike was fun and all in all it's been a good first day on two weels.

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Hey Dewsnap - congratulations on your new bike! I've always really liked that bike. Looks very sharp.

By the way, CJ riders always ask you to ride behind them - they say it is because they are slower - I say it is because they want us to pick up the parts that fly off. :lol8:

Disclaimer - I am a recovering CJ'er in the 12-step program.

Thanks for replying ChinaV. The levers i bought have MotoGP printed on them, no perches or master cylinders. I asked the guy selling them and he said they'd fit my bike. (here's the taobao link http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=3631448495 ) I have them on the 6th setting and i actually think they make gear changes easier as there's less range of movement. The problem is only when i stop at the lights, i can't find neutral. I can hit all the other gears fine. Also, when the bike isn't running i'm hitting neutral every time. :confused1:

Thanks for that LJH. Wish you well in your recovery brother. Stay strong. :thumbsup:

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Originally Posted by dewsnap

I know the front brake should be sharper but the rear is crap unless i really push hard.

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Might be sloppy assembly when they've left some air in the brakes and they need to be bled more. Brakes should be adequate if adjusted properly.

I've clocked over 400km's on the Regal-Raptor DD250G-2N now and feel ready to write up my first impressions...

Pro's:

Comfortable riding position. The footpegs aren't too far back so you sit fairly high, and the knees tuck in nicely to the tank.
Passenger riding position is also high. My wife says it's more comfortable than my 150 scooter with less vibration.
The suspension is fantastic even with 2 people up. The rear shocks just seem to soak it all up without bouncing aroud at all.
Front brake is very sharp.
Fires up first time every time. It's EFI so no need for the choke.
Tires are grippy even over sandy dusty roads.
I've put 150rmb of petrol in so far and clocked a little over 400km's, i've still got a third of a tank full. Not quite sure of the miles per gallon but that seems decent to me.
It's very nippy aroud town with enough acceleration to get away from any cars at the lights.
Very light bike. It feels nimble through the corners and you can really throw it around.
Dual exhaust gives a deep aggressive sound. Sounds much bigger than a 250.
Very little vibration. It was an area that i was concerned about before buying this bike, but i've been impressed so far. No rattles or shakes anywhere.

Cons:

Throttle isn't as responsive as it should be. Splutters for a split second before giving any feedback when downshifting.
The engine gets very hot. Gives out a weird burning smell after semi-long runs. Splutters more when the engine is hot.
It backfires all the time. Especially when coming off the throttle.
Finding neutral and 1st gear is a real pain in the arse. I've had the mechanics tweak it 3 times already. It has also popped out of gear a few times leaving the engine racing.
Rear brake isn't very sharp.
I've already had pink cooling fluid pissing down the side of the engine. Need that sorting 2mora.
The engine cover doesn't fit together very well. There are areas where the gap is a couple of mm's apart. Long term could cause problems.
Cables rub on the frame.
Engine seems to be screaming above 90kmph.

All in all i'm very happy with the bike so far. It's my first real motorbike and it really feels like a proper bike. Plenty of acceleration and more than enough power for a newbie. A few little niggles already which i'm hoping can be sorted out easily. I'll keep posting.

One thing you need to be prepared for is everyone asking about it. I've been asked if it's a BMW, and also a bloody Harley would you believe? It's already starting to grate on me after only a week. Having said that, the admiring glances from the ladies is always a bonus. Haha.

Went on a ride out to Sheshan today with my wife. Got a few nice pics.
I'll post more pics of the bike over the coming weeks...

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Looks great dewsnap, thanks for all the pictures.

Cheers!
ChinaV

I like the review so far Dewsnap. I hope that you can get some of the problems sorted out quickly and easily; The gear problem sounds like the most frustrating one to me. ZMC888 sorted a bunch of problems out on his old Raptor and made it into a decent bike. He and I haven't even clocked 150km on the YBR so far but not a single problem yet. By 500km the pro list should be much bigger than the con list for that bike. I don't mean to rub it in... I'm just comparing... I'll shut up now.
I think that your Raptor is much better looking than the YBR. I like matching red rim tires and suspension. You even got a matching helmet! :clap:. If only the YBR was a twin.

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Originally Posted by dewsnap

The engine gets very hot. Gives out a weird burning smell after semi-long runs. Splutters more when the engine is hot.

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My Honda Rebel is on it's 2nd replacement motor (long story). With the 1st replacement motor, it would give a strange smell as well. My friend Jim and I chalked it up to the paint they used on the motor, and it went away after a few weeks.

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Originally Posted by dewsnap

It backfires all the time. Especially when coming off the throttle.

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Have you talked to the mechanic about this? It should not be happening with a new bike, especially a fuel injected one.

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Originally Posted by dewsnap

Finding neutral and 1st gear is a real pain in the arse. I've had the mechanics tweak it 3 times already. It has also popped out of gear a few times leaving the engine racing.

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Yeh, that seems to be a pervascent problem with the Chinese versions of this engine. Both my friends with DD250E bikes reported the same thing. However, a year later the one bike is running smoothly (the other was sold). Hopefully with some more adjustment and a careful break in period your bike's problems will get sorted out.

My bike's motor is not a Lifan, but I had similar trouble with it until it finally conked out and I had the transmission completely replaced. The good news is that the new transmission is very smooth, so it CAN be fixed.

Love the pics! Great to see you enjoying it.

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The engine gets very hot. Gives out a weird burning smell after semi-long runs. Splutters more when the engine is hot.

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Mine gets hot, make sure you change to 20W50 oil ASAP, burning smell is common with new Chinese bikes' paint and plastic, goes away after a few thousand kilometers. Could be cooling system problem.

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It backfires all the time. Especially when coming off the throttle

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Maybe EFI is running rich (sensor)?

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Rear brake isn't very sharp.

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Bleed brake system?

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The engine cover doesn't fit together very well. There are areas where the gap is a couple of mm's apart. Long term could cause problems.

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Sides of engine top are just covers (with two allen bolts on each side), can be removed for better air flow, but water can get into plugs in the rain.

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Cables rub on the frame.

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Reroute/zip-tie cables, or don't stress it.

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Finding neutral and 1st gear is a real pain in the arse. I've had the mechanics tweak it 3 times already. It has also popped out of gear a few times leaving the engine racing.

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Mine did that, make sure you change firmly into 2nd to stop it popping back into neutral, difficulty finding neutral and 2nd gear could be a clutch adjustment problem.

Hey, since I have the DD250G (3000km as of today) I can't talk for all pbs, but at least for some.

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Originally Posted by dewsnap

Throttle isn't as responsive as it should be. Splutters for a split second before giving any feedback when downshifting.

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?? no pb here, dunno.

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Originally Posted by dewsnap

The engine gets very hot. Gives out a weird burning smell after semi-long runs. Splutters more when the engine is hot.
It backfires all the time. Especially when coming off the throttle.

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Yes it gets hot, (no cooling for mine) I had a weird smell too but disappeared fast (+/- 500km).
No spluttering nor backfiring with carb, except when cold & not choked long enough, dunno.

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Originally Posted by dewsnap

Finding neutral and 1st gear is a real pain in the arse. I've had the mechanics tweak it 3 times already. It has also popped out of gear a few times leaving the engine racing.

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Yes, finding neutral is tough at 1st, gets easier with a few km and practice, I wasn't happy with how they fix it at 1st, then they changed it and still wasn't perfect for some time. But I don't remember having the pb since after 1000km.
It sometimes ends up on neutral when u pass 2nd, (almost never on other gears, or u may have a hic) I'm afraid u're gonna have to get used to this one, and still don't pull to hard on the lever, it it fails to pass 2nd, do it in 2 times.
I had an annoying pb cause I was pulling too hard.

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Originally Posted by dewsnap

Rear brake isn't very sharp.

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No, it isn't.
But it still blocks the wheel if u push it hard, does it not?

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Originally Posted by dewsnap

Engine seems to be screaming above 90kmph.

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I'd recommend not to push the bike above 100km/h before like 5000km.
After that, let it scream...

Much appreciated. I can go to the mechanics now at least sounding like i know what i'm talking about.

A true layman question, i've heard it mentioned a few times in this forum but what does it mean if a bike is running rich? Or the opposite?

I went to the mechanic again yesterday about the leaking cooling fluid. He just tightened the bolts and said it'll be ok. Today though, pink cooling fluid is running down the engine again. I've tried to tighten the bolts myself but they wont go any tighter. Any ideas? :confused1:
Could i hunt down a better quality seal? I really wouldn't know where to look. Here's a pic of where the liquid is coming from. (2 tubes coming out the side, it's the top one just where the pipe connects by the two bolts)

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On a positive note. I've discovered that if i let the clutch out about half way then the bike drops into neutral or 1st gear. It seems strange but hopefully i wont have any more problems finding the gears. :thumbsup:

Here's a pic that shows the small gap under the engine quite clearly...

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Chain and shocks

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rear view
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I might as well post more random pics of the bike for any who might be interested.

dials

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tank

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Radiator

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EFI?

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rear wheel, disc and shocks

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side view

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troublesome lever

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front end
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Here's a pic that shows the small gap under the engine quite clearly...

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You don't need to worry about those gaps, those are all covers, one is the chain cover under which you'll find the front sprocket. The other one houses the magneto, neither of these areas has flowing engine oil.

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what does it mean if a bike is running rich? Or the opposite?

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Rich means that the bike is unable to burn all the fuel it is getting, lean means the bike is not getting enough fuel. Or you look at the other way round.

the two horns i added look pretty cool under the headlight. It also covers up the cheap looking Raptor badge.
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I'm sure all the photo's are getting boring now so i'll stop adding them for a while.

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Thanks again ZMC. :thumbsup:

Photos are never boring! You got yourself a nice lookin bike!

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Originally Posted by felix

Photos are never boring! You got yourself a nice lookin bike!

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Yeah. The more the merrier! It's a handsome bike and will be a big part of your life if you take bikes even the slightest bit seriously so bring on the photos! :clap:
Dewsnap. What's the millage on it so far? I don't blame you for not going to fast on it (the screaming sound) but after it's done a 1000km or so you should do a speed test somewhere open and safe. A few of us would like to know what speed you can get it up to :popcorn:.

Only done 500km's so far. Still bedding her in gently. The bike'll do 100kmph at 5000rpm, she still has more to go but she's screaming at that speed.

Can't wait to push her upto 7000rpm. I don't reckon the top speed will be very high, possibly 130kmph flat out. Guess i'll have to wait and see. I'll let you know as soon as i do.

I think this bike is set up more for low end, 5000rpm in 2nd and 3rd gear is unbelievable. Really takes your breath, and the look of horror on peoples faces as she's roaring by is a treat.

The mechanic fixed the leaking cooling fluid today with loctite. Really shouldn't be having problems like that on a new bike but it seems ok now. No more problems finding neutral either. She's getting better with each trip to the mechanic. :thumbsup: (I have been there 4 times in 8 days however :gun_bandana: )

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Originally Posted by dewsnap

the two horns i added look pretty cool under the headlight. It also covers up the cheap looking Raptor badge.
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I'm sure all the photo's are getting boring now so i'll stop adding them for a while.

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I like this bike.

I'm starting to enjoy this whole 'motography' concept. I've never really been interested in taking photo's until getting a motorbike.

This week i've used my lunch (2)hours to head out in search of places to take decent photo's. As with riding motorbikes i'm also new to photography. I own a crappy little pocket digital camera but it's still fun tryin to take a 'quality' picutre. I've had a fair bit of practice taking photo's recently with the birth of my daugther, and now i'm thinking it might be time to blag the wife to dip into the savings again for a better camera. I could be pushin my luck though.

I thought i might add to this thread any decent pictures i manage to capture.
(Which hasn't been easy with no knowledge of photography and a cheapo camera)

Maybe people will look anyway....

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My bike centre court..

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Very nice photos indeed! I'm going to take another load when ZMC888 and I have a ride out somewhere nice this weekend or maybe next.
How do you upload your photos on here? I only have another 9 free days on smugmug and I can't pay for it after that =(.
How old is your daughter mate?
My lady isn't preggers yet but when she is I'll be hoping for a daughter. The wife's 'hu-kou' is considered as a village residence so if the first baby is a girl then we'll be entitled to have a second.

I just use the basic uploader thing that's on here. It only lets you upload 4 at a time though and it isn't very fast. I'll keep an eye out for your pics.

Little Chloe is 8 months now. (there's some photo's on my profile page if you're interesed) And my wife and i have been married 14 months. Time flies, i remember our first date nearlly 4 years ago like it was yesterday. She was throwing up after 2 bacardi breezers. Haha. Classy! I knew she was the one there and then.

Congratuations to you are also in order Pete, tomorrow's the big day? Best of luck to you.

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Originally Posted by soberpete

Very nice photos indeed! I'm going to take another load when ZMC888 and I have a ride out somewhere nice this weekend or maybe next.
How do you upload your photos on here? I only have another 9 free days on smugmug and I can't pay for it after that =(.

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Dear Pete, smugmug is a great service -- very user friendly and upload compatible with many different photo editors, etc. I use Aperture, which has a nice third-party uploader. But you do need to fork out $40 a year for smugmug. There are lots of free hosting alternatives, including flickr, which felix and others are using inside the GFW, and imgur.com, which slabo uses. Not sure how easy these are, but the price is right.

by the way, once your smugmug trial ends, you'll probably need to edit your posts to move those pix to your new pix host. otherwise, your excellent thread will appear with dead links. hope you find one you like.

cheers

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Originally Posted by soberpete

My lady isn't preggers yet but when she is I'll be hoping for a daughter. The wife's 'hu-kou' is considered as a village residence so if the first baby is a girl then we'll be entitled to have a second.

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What? Who told you that? You're a foreigner dude, 1 child policy does not apply to you and your wife. Go make babies :lol8:

Cheers!
ChinaV

Thanks for the heads up Euphonius. I uploaded every photo onto Facebook but then realised that I couldn't find any URL to copy so can't get them onto MCM from there. After that I simply used MCM's uploading program and I've made my way through replacing a few of this threads photos so far.

ChinaV. Can you please tell me where you got the information about how many kids we can have with a Chinese wife? I've been told so many different stories by different people and I just don't know. I've never seen anything written on paper; it's always word of mouth.