Shineray / XinYuan X5 review

So far the bike is running well. put almost 700 km on it this weekend and that new chain has made a big difference. One concern I do have is that the front wheel tends to wobble a bit at speeds over 50-60 km/hr which makes me think I may need to check the balance - anyone else have the same issue?

Also - SPECIAL NEWS - I had an idiot drunk :jerkoff: come walking by my brand new parked & locked bike Saturday night (just a few hours after my LONG ride around the lake areas) and he decided in his inebriated state that he needed to jump on my bike and try to get a feel for it. Well, the result was predictable ... he fell over and dropped the bike on himself.:asshat: The damage included 1) scraped side (lug & bag rails), 2) broken mirror bracket, and 3) bent left footpeg. AND, it seems he hurt himself in the process because about 2M away he puked all over the parking area :puke: Sometimes I really wonder about this place.

One concern I do have is that the front wheel tends to wobble a bit at speeds over 50-60 km/hr which makes me think I may need to check the balance - anyone else have the same issue?

Hi Chinasam

The main reason a bike wheel wobble at this speed is "Balancing" but the woddle should of disappeared of at least got less at higher speeds but allso you need to consider it could be

1. wheel buckled and out of shape

2. front disc warped causing a wheel wobble

3. Tyre out shape causing wheel wobble

But try the Balancing first but look at the wheel when it is on the balancing manchine and check the wheel runs ture and see if the tyre looks ok when spinning around ....

Well good luck


sorry to hear about the damage on the bike did you find the guy ?

check your tire pressure first. On this slim 21" wheel that might be enough the create that behavior. Feels a bit like riding in soft sand.

Thanks guys - I will check the pressure again and the overall shape of the wheel / tire tomorrow at the shop. From the checking so far, I'm leaning toward the wheel itself being just slightly off and may just need to have them swap it out for me.

No - sadly - the security guards know WHAT happened, but despite all the noise (alarm) and nearby camera, they were suspiciously unable to identify the *?~?M<&%.....Oh well, nothing too expensive, and now I guess I don't have to worry about scratching a NEW bike - Already Happened!!
:seesaw_smilie:

Give us an update on this.

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Originally Posted by ThePope

Give us an update on this.

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Ok - Been a bit remiss about updating my progress on this new X5, but give me a break ...it's been frick'n HOT out there lately. Am up to about 2,000KM on her now and she seems to be settling in well.

Changing the oil to 20W50 really helps to reduce the rattle and noise in the gearbox, but I'm still suspicious something is off there. Did find one annoying rattle - turned out the gas cap rattles when accelerating and adding a layer of electrical tape around the edge fixed it.

The KnightRider shop came through for me and changed out the front wheel and now there is ZERO shimmy -- so just have to assume either the tire or the wheel itself was just slightly off. They also hooked up some cheap fog lights to the front forks for me -- they light me up like a Christmas tree when the roads get dark and the drivers get lazy. Next step is to get a separate switch for them so I can control them separately. May also look around for some better LED lights instead as these really pull a lot of juice.

NOTE - Best investment so far on this bike has been the Engine Lug / Frame bars - 500 RMB - Have now been side swiped TWICE by half-blind taxis swimming between lanes in Shanghai traffic, and both times those triangle bars sticking out from the sides have protected my legs completely. Yeah - they pulled some paint and added a few scratches , but not even a bruise on me and that is worth it:icon10:. FYI - in one case, the cop that came by even forced the Taxi to cough up 50 RMB so I could fix the scratches!!

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Originally Posted by Chinasam

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NOTE - Best investment so far on this bike has been the Engine Lug / Frame bars - 500 RMB - Have now been side swiped TWICE by half-blind taxis swimming between lanes in Shanghai traffic, and both times those triangle bars sticking out from the sides have protected my legs completely. Yeah - they pulled some paint and added a few scratches , but not even a bruise on me and that is worth it:icon10:. FYI - in one case, the cop that came by even forced the Taxi to cough up 50 RMB so I could fix the scratches!!

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Jesus, actually sideswiped? Were you lane-splitting? That's never happened to me, though I've nicked plenty of car mirrors squeezing through tight spots.

When you have a chance do please post pix of those frame bar engine shrouds. Or post a Taobao link.

Thanks!
euphonius

Will post some pics of the bars tomorrow as soon as I can. KR Shop sourced them for me from Taobao.

actually sideswiped? Were you lane-splitting?

Nope - I'm not in the habit of running between cause I'm so used to riding my CJ (which can't) These guys just flat out didn't see me and tried to merge into my lane. Probably a comb of me being in their blind spot and the fact that that bike is a bit taller than most.

since 6000kmi tried to find the source of the ratteling vibration sound ...... happened to me only above 5.5k RPM..... And now you come and tell me its the gas cap. I will check that soonest.
Can you send a link or photo of your LED stuff you attached incl. fog lights?
Thanks.

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Originally Posted by Chinasam

Will post some pics of the bars tomorrow as soon as I can. KR Shop sourced them for me from Taobao.

actually sideswiped? Were you lane-splitting?

Nope - I'm not in the habit of running between cause I'm so used to riding my CJ (which can't) These guys just flat out didn't see me and tried to merge into my lane. Probably a comb of me being in their blind spot and the fact that that bike is a bit taller than most.

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It seems you are confident that these collisions were not deliberate, and that brings a lot of comfort. How loud is your tailpipe, and your horn? This seems an instance where a loud exhaust is a real benefit.

glad you are safe.

cheers
euphonius

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Originally Posted by euphonius

It seems you are confident that these collisions were not deliberate, and that brings a lot of comfort. How loud is your tailpipe, and your horn? This seems an instance where a loud exhaust is a real benefit.

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It's a thumper, so you definitely know if I'm close....I upgraded the horn to "Seriously Annoying" but I guess I could special order something in the range of "Obviously obnoxious" to help. Also may add some more reflectors on the sides just to make the profile light up a bit more. I doubt they are deliberate, just bad driving habits on their part...am used to it after so many years here.

Shuben - Yes - check the gas cap....mine would rattle right at the 5000 RPM mark.

I advocate the liberal use of vehicle horns in PRC. Irrespective of what local laws might be in place, I am a firm believer that more noise announcing ones presence the better. If I have even the slightest suspicion that someone or some vehicle is about to invade my space or a space I intend to occupy within the next 11 seconds, I'm on that horn. Usually a couple of small blasts is suffice and seems to work its magic. More lately though I've gotten into a little habit of pressing the horn button making a little tune.
Beep-beep--[pause]-beep--beep-beep-[pause]--beep-beep.

Regardless, as I've stated before, no one locally takes offence at the use of horns, and I'd even go so far as to say/write that many of the locals depend on others using the horn as a way of announcing ones presence.

To me, it's a joke that cities like SH adopted horn bans, when little was done to educate all the citizens first in proper road etiquette. Once that is completed and everyone is operating from the same knowledge base, then sure adopt some sensible bylaws, but until that day comes, I'll stick to using my horn liberally at or nearing intersections, side roads, busy roads, instances where multiple road users are found, approaching other road users, when passing others, others walking, cycling, riding, driving, blind corners, mountain roads and all the other traffic, road situations and conditions found all too commonly here.

I know this attitude has saved my arse more than once.

Hello everyone, I have been reading posts on this site for a while but haven't contributed anything yet. I have to thank all of you for the invaluable information and inspiration you all have provided and hope I'll be able to return the favor soon. I just recently moved to China and got a teaching job mostly so next summer I can ride a bike back to Istanbul. I thought this would be the best way to get around the infamous China problem encountered by so many trying to do this cheaply and legally.

After reading about this bike, I THINK it seems to fit the bill best. I know it's marketed as an enduro, but ever since I've come here, all the Chinese riders that I've met say that Shineray is a "third (tier) company" and I should avoid it... They seem to be known here for producing lower quality bikes that lack endurance. So my question is do you think this is their honest attempt to reverse that perception? Does the bike appear to live up to the enduro label? Basically, now that you've ridden the bikes a while, if you could, would you trust them for a trip back to Europe?

I very much concur with bikerdoc with regards of the use of the bike horn in my recent bike accident which was 100% not my fault the police decided final outcome was 95% the other people fault and 5% "MY" Fault ??? when asked what 5% did i do wrong ... i was told i did not use my HORN because the other riders told the police that if there had heard my bike horn then there would not of turn in front of me???? so Bikerdod has a very good point .......but remember it is not "IF" you will have a accident but "WHEN"

so here starts ..

The battle of the little bighorn

Here you go guys -

Here are some pics of the fog lights -
Attachment 13111Attachment 13112

and some of the Engine lug -
Attachment 13113Attachment 13114Attachment 13115

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Originally Posted by gjackson4431

I know it's marketed as an enduro, but ever since I've come here, all the Chinese riders that I've met say that Shineray is a "third (tier) company" ...bikes that lack endurance. Does the bike appear to live up to the enduro label? Basically, now that you've ridden the bikes a while, if you could, would you trust them for a trip back to Europe?

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Hello GJ -
I think all Chinese manufacturers are 3rd Tier companies still - and they will continue to be until they stop focusing on reverse engineering old Japanese bikes to fill their product line. Until they start relying on their own full engine designs and developing their own tech, they are just cheap end manufacturers that are still learning. That being said, there is nothing wrong with the bikes they produce when you understand that and price their options accordingly. Aside from obvious IPR issues, they produce a very economical alternative that is perfect for what many riders want-- a bike they can flog to death without costing them a bundle.

I like the SR400cc X5 - it is less than 30K all in, even when you add a few bells like the fog lights / engine bars / handguards / etc. It sits tall, it has a solid 400cc Carb engine that is easy to maintain so far, and has good power output. The weakness on this bike is on the outside bits - the handles / chain / fittings / grips -- and all of these can be easily customized and fitted to how you like it. As with all Chinese bikes I think - the cheap quality steel takes it's toll on overall production quality and durability.

It handles highways well enough and does very well on rough roads. It won't impress on top speed (about 110 KPH) but it will go from 0-60 faster than a Benelli 600 will, and that is handy:mwink:

Will it get you from China to Europe - Yes. Will it do the trip without some basic mods / upgrades - Probably Not.

It is definitely more of an all-round China adv bike than the stripped down Japanese 250's or the other more off-road bikes. The closest competitor seems to be the CFMoto NK650 and that is much higher priced (38-50K RMB) and is not really geared up for the rougher side of China Adv riding - more of a Sport touring bike - though I have heard rumors they are planning an Enduro version of that bike mid 2014 - 2015.

Hope this helps. If you ever want to give it a test ride, go check out the Knight Rider shop in PuDong, or you can PM me - I normally ride every weekend somewhere...

Thanks for the detailed response. Yea i had planned on making some of the upgrades you both had mentioned and I expected to get what im paying for. I am a bit worried about the clutch issue and the availability of 20w40 oil throughout my route... I haven't really looked into it but I'm assuming if you had some trouble finding it near shanghai, it won't be very common in the west or the stans. I may take you up on that offer once i get settled in here and definitely will check out the Knight River shop on one of my long weekends. You'd still recommend them? Regardless, I'll need someone to ride with once i get a bike, so I'll let you know once i do.

finished today my 6500km bike self inspection. No big issues, just changed the rubber chain guard protecting the swingarm as preventive measure. It was quite worn out because of the original installed poor chain. Costs: 75RMB bought from the dealer.

NOTE: the X2 chain guard doesn't fit!

So far I am still happy with this light weight bike. Only thing I found in the last days:
When the engine is really hot the rough clutch problem comes back when you drive powerful by opening the throttle aggressively and push the bike forward. I hope to find time to have a closer look inside.

I also want to check the valve adjustment. I will consider the XR400 parameters:
inlet: 0.10mm
outlet: 0.12mm

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Originally Posted by gjackson4431

Thanks for the detailed response. Yea i had planned on making some of the upgrades you both had mentioned and I expected to get what im paying for. I am a bit worried about the clutch issue and the availability of 20w40 oil throughout my route... I haven't really looked into it but I'm assuming if you had some trouble finding it near shanghai, it won't be very common in the west or the stans. I may take you up on that offer once i get settled in here and definitely will check out the Knight River shop on one of my long weekends. You'd still recommend them? Regardless, I'll need someone to ride with once i get a bike, so I'll let you know once i do.

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Im not sure about other countries but in China 20w40 oil is easy to buy. In every yamaha store you will get 20w40 yamalube. Sure, its not a great oil but its better than any other chinese brand oil that you can buy from local mechanics. I recently have done nearly 16000km around China on a YBR250 and the oil issue was a great pain in the ass. I left home with fresh synthetic mobil1 10w40 in my engine and 4l of taobao Redline synthetic 10w40. first oil change after 5000km and it turned out that the taobao oil was fake (bought it from a shop with good reputation) so i needed to do something about the oil. I decided to go for tha yamalube cos I figured that if Yamaha dealers get the bikes from the factory maybe they get the oil from them too. Every Yamaha dealer had that 20w40 yamalube oil with the exception of Dunhuang where they only use 10w30 yamalube (strange cos its hot there as hell) and those oils behived pretty much the same after every change which means they were prolly genuine or all fake hah
Anyway, it isnt synthetic and you need to change it every 2000-2500km but at least the quality is acceptable

by the way, do you guys know any sellers on taobao (or some other website) that i can trust and from whom I can buy a GENUINE synthetic oil?

I have not found any way to know where to buy real oil. It's a huge pain in the arse never knowing.

My question is, how did you know you got fake oil? What's the visible/audible difference?

Repeat post, sorry.

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Originally Posted by felix

I have not found any way to know where to buy real oil. It's a huge pain in the arse never knowing.

My question is, how did you know you got fake oil? What's the visible/audible difference?

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After about 900km oil got really thin and bike started to roar like my stomach before dinner. Seriously, it got to a point that i decided to change it on the side of the road on a desert about 30km from my destination as I didnt know if ill be able to get there. Luckly i had more of that fake oil ;)

i buy the 20W50 from a Harley customizing shop nearby.
Maybe that is more expensive than others but at least I know what I get.
(Even the shop owner blames me for wasting it in a Chinese bike)

.... maybe a bad comparison: But I would also not buy potentially fake milk for my child because its cheaper than the real imported....

This thread needs more pics ...

Attachment 13208

Attachment 13209

Source: Motorcycle Magazine (August 2013)

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Originally Posted by Lao Jia Hou

This thread needs more pics ...

Attachment 13208

Attachment 13209

Source: Motorcycle Magazine (August 2013)

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My feeeeeEbble attempt to get more pics....
yEs please.... <hypersalivating>

Mind you got to luv the use of PS (photoshop)...LoL

Attachment 13213from the same magazine this page has the specs in Chinese , maximum height = 179cm (probably on a wheelie position), weight = 48kg (at 90kmh or more), dimensions = 86 / 59/ 86 class C (probably they got the wrong ride?)....

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Originally Posted by artedesenyo

Attachment 13213

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I'm going to take a wild guess - I bet that whip she is holding isn't used for securing luggage on the back.

Isn't that Morticia Addams holding the whip? 你变白了！！

euphonius

I take the bike. These kind of girls are definitely too much trouble ....
AND .... they have no kill switch or key to for switch off ....:naughty:

Hi all,

nice pics... Let's see if I see the girls at th CF shop... On they way there... Anybody experienced with the price and service... I only hear things about Knight Rider but not about CF Moto... They made a good first impression to me that's why I go back today... And who knows...

// Sven