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Shineray / XinYuan X5 review
Shineray X5 review
Today I took my new Shineray X5 home.
Here are the first photos and the impression of the initial 60km.
Attachment 10460Attachment 10461
After checking the engine oil, filling gasoline and add the battery I have demanded the dealers mechanic to let the engine revolve by starter while the „kill switch“ was off to avoid the bike fires up. The engine never run before and i want to make sure the oil pump distributes at least a minimum of oil.
After this step I started the bike first time …. and it started without any delay and run smooth in idle speed at about 1500 RPM. I had to prevent the mechanic to rev up the engine immediately as they love to do. He looked at me with a smile like thinking „crazy LaoWai“.
I rev up carefully to not more then 2500 RPM several times and then took a first ride for some meters to see whether clutch, gears, brakes, etc works.
Checked the lights and found the front right turn signal not working. But as I waited already 2 hours for them I said they have to care this when I come back after 300km for oil change. They needed that 2 hours to search and go to get a battery belong to this bike type.
After filling gasoline full nearby I went the first 10km not over 3000RPM. At this RPM the engine was rough and you could feel that's not what she wants. Over the next 50km with a lot of gear switching, start and stops I ended up between 4 to 4.5k RPM. From 3.5k on the engine gets more smooth and you can feel over 4k RPM she wakes up. 4.5k RPM is about 90km/h.
But this speed I reached at the end just during short speed up phases to avoid over stressing on the first run. So far everything fine.
What I like very much is
a) the high sitting position with great overview in the city traffic.
b) the low weight and therefore the riding flexibility
As i am used to my 300kg heavy weight HD it feels for me like bicycle riding. In a long line of stopped cars in front of a traffic light I had a big fun to go in fast slalom between the cars. …. Guys & girls: DONT DO THAT!! (bad behavior)
What I need to observe (i don’t want to complain immediately)
a) the clutch is (still?) hopping rough sometimes
b) the gear down shifting is sometimes rough and you get the feeling you miss the gear or you are somehow in between. But when i release the clutch i was in the gears (strange … maybe because its not grind in??).
Experts … lets hear your comment regarding clutch and down shifting.
Found shortages:
a) some rough frame welding seams
b) cable works could be improved
c) defect front right turn signal
d) ends of side panel stickers coming off
Attachment 10462Attachment 10463
Next steps:
a) Tomorrow I will take the X5 to the mountains to have more gear switching and good alternation of load through all gears.
b) Additional I will have the first gasoline consumption check. Lets see whether she is thirsty.
c) Check all screws, nuts, bolts if something got lose. (during the initial 60km nothing was found lose)
d) Adjust the rear suspension as it is a bit soft for my weight
Attachment 10464
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Re: Shineray / XinYuan X5 review
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Re: Shineray / XinYuan X5 review
BTW:
I downloaded the Honda XR400 service & repair manual.
I believe with that i can do maintenance on my one as long I do not need special tooling.
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Re: Shineray / XinYuan X5 review
Thanks ShuBen for your excellent posting. I currently have a Galaxy XTR250 and really want to upgrade to a 400cc. A friend and I visited our dealership in Shanghai today to ask about the X5. The dealer owner stated there are currently some quality issues with the X5 and advised us to wait about 2 months for Shineray to make corrections. We will be following your X5 review very, very closely over the next few months. Please keep up the good work and be as detailed as you can.
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Re: Shineray / XinYuan X5 review
Congrats! :thumbsup:
It seems that they change color of the windscreen on the production bikes. That's good.
I'm not expert, but regarding the clutch - I personally would consult XR's manual, possibly made some adjustments and gave him some time to break-in.
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Re: Shineray / XinYuan X5 review
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Zhaoman
The dealer owner stated there are currently some quality issues with the X5 and advised us to wait about 2 months for Shineray to make corrections. We will be following your X5 review very, very closely over the next few months. Please keep up the good work and be as detailed as you can.
Shuben, it seems like you are Shineray's Guinnea pig :eek2:
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Re: Shineray / XinYuan X5 review
The X5 moto Guinea is back .....
A great day to take the X5 to the Beijing mountains. So we did a 190km round course from ShuYi (Iron Horse) to SiHai (S213) , then heading the S323 east and turned south along the ShanBa road X004. Via HuaiRou we come back to ShunYi.
Attachment 10477
I checked the oil level and tire pressure once more before start and took a set of tools, screw glue, cable strips and Leatherman. I was just careful as it is my first Chinese bike ... you never know.
Happily I can say afterwards that there was no need to use them. :-)
On the straight road to the foot of the mountains I let the engine run stable a 4 to 4.5k RPM (about 90km/h accord to speedo). But it maybe shows too less because one of our Harley guys helped my cross checking and said his speedo showed 100km/h. The road's speed limit is 70km/h and also the cars slowed down in front of the cameras and my speedo indicated 60km/h only. Never mind....
Engine:
In the mountains the bike did great! I kept it running between 3k and ca 4.8k RPM. That seems to be a perfect range for the torque. When open the throttle at 3k RPM too much the engine reacts rough but from 3.5k it realy doing well. At 4.8k RPM you can feel there is easily still more to rev up.
We had a fast run through endless serpentines, up, down, fast slow, ...... switching continuously gears between 2 and 5, open up the throttle between 3 and 4.8k RPM to let the engine work, break down to grind in the breakes. Even while taking care for the engine rev limit there was not any moment difficult to follow the other bikes.
Attachment 10478
Clutch and gear:
The rough clutch got better but it still give me sometimes the impression like it snaps in in last moment with sound. Basically you only feel this during starting from 0km/h. During riding i didn't experience it.
The gear shifting works all in all good. Just twice during full down shifting from 5 to 1 I found I stepped on the lever, got a feedback like downshifting but in fact i was still in same gear. Releasing the clutch shortly solved to issue. I will follow this up.
Brakes:
After 256km the brakes doing good now. The brake forces between front and rear are nice balanced. The front can be operated with two fingers and bites well.
Driving characteristics:
The bike is well balanced and together with a V-Strom we left the two Sportsters easily behind. For my impression the bikes follows the intended curve lines very well and is stable. Fast alternating left/right curves haven't been a problem. Also when you have to close a curve radius or evade a stone you get the bike further down without difficulties. The Kenda tires do their job well.
Consumption:
256km and 10.7L equates to 3.93L/100km. In theory that gives range for 480km.
While the Sportsters had to fill up my gasoline tank was still half. :-)
Attachment 10479
Conclusion:
Minor gear shifting and clutch problem.
Nothing got lose.
No real issues.
Lets see what about the long term stability and quality level.
Absolutely GREAT FUN !!!!!!
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Re: Shineray / XinYuan X5 review
Nice looking bike! Thanks for the reports!
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Re: Shineray / XinYuan X5 review
Excellent follow up report, Shuben. How is the FastAce suspension? How do you adjust the front forks and rear mono-shock? I am interested because I'd like to take the bike on some challenging single-track and real enduro type terrain. Also, I'm curious how the suspension performs with 2 people.
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Re: Shineray / XinYuan X5 review
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Gregsw
Nice looking bike! Thanks for the reports!
DITTO!
do you know if the X5 is available in the red/orange frame or only the black!
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Re: Shineray / XinYuan X5 review
I haven't adjusted the suspension yet. Also i did not ride with a passenger until now.
The front seems fine to me. The rear is a bit soft but on road still OK.
As I understand it You only need a screw driver. I will check it out and do some detail photos in the next days.
Colors:
The dealer said it is only available in the colors my one has.
But I did some play with photos to imagine other colors. Maybe one day I spray it. (?)
Attachment 10482Attachment 10483
I would like the red/grey design.
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Re: Shineray / XinYuan X5 review
Nice one, congrats on the new bike and thanks for the write-up Shuben!
Hopefully your gearbox just needs to be broken in and will get smoother in the coming rides.
It's certainly a pretty tempting bike for real china riding, i'm looking forward to see what you think of it.
How does it ride when you stand on the pegs? It looks narrow enough to be comfortable, are the bars high enough?
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Re: Shineray / XinYuan X5 review
@Felix:
Standing on the pegs (on tar) is easy as the bike is slim. The pegs are a little short for big foot. I must try it when going offroad after the ride in phase. The seat is wide enough to be comfortable for longer ride.
For my height I had a god upright position with the handlebar. It’s not too narrow and the level in relation to the seat fits me.
Here some photos I made today about the cable situation:
- The cables coming from the generator
- Front brake light cable connection
- Rear turnsignal cable too short, rubber plug can’t fit
I will have to improve these. I am sure there is still more.
Attachment 10567Attachment 10568Attachment 10569
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Re: Shineray / XinYuan X5 review
the red and grey photoshop looks proper smart, for those little bits of wiring poking out i would suggest electrical wire tape then some heat shrink to keep moisture out.
Kennon
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Re: Shineray / XinYuan X5 review
today i went for oilchange. The guys there are really ok for farmbikes, but others?????
After they had drained the oiland removed the filter they learned they have no new filter.
Only solution was the clean up the used one with carb cleaner. Not perfect but better than nothing :-(
At least new oil in now.
The gear and/or clutch has a problem.The right guy wasnot there so i have to come again. I am really eager to learn how that will be solved. But i still can ride at first.
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Re: Shineray / XinYuan X5 review
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ShuBen
today i went for oilchange. The guys there are really ok for farmbikes, but others?????
After they had drained the oiland removed the filter they learned they have no new filter.
Hahahaha - I apologize, I shouldn't laugh - but it is sooooooo common for the local mechanics to proceed without the replacement parts at-the-ready. But every tiny shop has at least 3 cans of carb cleaner (and one massively large ball peen hammer) within arm's reach at all times. BTW, is it ok to mix that stuff in with oil? I'm guessing (and it is just a guess) that it might break apart the oil's protective chemistry? If a new filter (or 10) is being rushed to Beijing, it is usually ok to run without a filter for a short period of time.
Reminds me of when I took delivery of my shiny new Harley in Beijing, and they wanted to "clean" the smudges off the paint with carb cleaner. I wonder if Chinese mechanics' overalls are manufactured with a special hip pocket designed to perfectly fit a can of carb cleaner?
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Re: Shineray / XinYuan X5 review
I read the main ingredient in carb cleaner is MEK, it is also found in lubricating oils? But keep in mind you have a wet clutch and some oils are not recommended for that set up. That ingredient found in lubricating oils would likely be called detergent oils? That would not be recommended for your situation, you do not have or need MEK in your oil and should get your new filter and flush that stuff out.
I am just not sure, it may not be an issue?
http://www.ehow.com/about_6761438_de...motor-oil.html
http://www.ehow.com/list_6029898_ing...-cleaners.html
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Re: Shineray / XinYuan X5 review
[QUOTE=Lao Jia Hou;55153]Hahahaha - I apologize, I shouldn't laugh - but it is sooooooo common for the local mechanics to proceed without the replacement parts at-the-ready. But every tiny shop has at least 3 cans of carb cleaner (and one massively large ball peen hammer) within arm's reach at all times. BTW, is it ok to mix that stuff in with oil? I'm guessing (and it is just a guess) that it might break apart the oil's protective chemistry? If a new filter (or 10) is being rushed to Beijing, it is usually ok to run without a filter for a short period of time.
the filter will do it job and really doesnt need replacing that quickly...but most motor heads like everything clean and new when possible.
dont you love it when they throw stuff on the ground and later hunt for it ...then have to wipe it clean...and just hopefully they dont step on it when they are doing the work...
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Re: Shineray / XinYuan X5 review
On my x2x the oil filter is made of steel mesh, not of the paper type. The going theory is that it is recyclable as the metal mesh is more durable and can be cleaned with carb cleaner. I don't know if x5 is equipped with the same stuff or not, or if the story of recyclable filter holds any water.
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Re: Shineray / XinYuan X5 review
Quote:
Originally Posted by
milton
On my x2x the oil filter is made of steel mesh, not of the paper type. The going theory is that it is recyclable as the metal mesh is more durable and can be cleaned with carb cleaner. I don't know if x5 is equipped with the same stuff or not, or if the story of recyclable filter holds any water.
carb cleaner cannot be good for the oil...i would drain the oil and start again..not much money at all!
i would get a new filter when you can...because the filter you have now has carb cleaner stuck to it..of course if its a paper one....
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Re: Shineray / XinYuan X5 review
Hey ShuBen, great review, looking forward to read more soon. What is the maximum speed?
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Re: Shineray / XinYuan X5 review
Oilfilter:
As milton mentioned for the X2 also the X5 filter is a steel mesh filter. Thats why I accepted the cleaning. They blew it dry with compressed air. Maybe X2 and X5 even use the same filter type. I try to figure that out.
EDIT:
checked TaoBao just now. Its the same / same type of filter. Not exactly sure for the dimension
Attachment 10580
Speed:
Until now i come up to 95 to 100 km/h top speed (speedo indicator, real might be 110 already, see my info regarding speedo) because I still limit the revs. But there is more to go. One Chinese rider i met in the shop said the X5 would be faster then a JH600. I must challenge Barry in drag racing :naughty:
For the gear problem I will be at the shop tomorrow to see a Shineray Company mechanic. The shop owner said already if the problem is not to solve by adjustment tomorrow I will get a new bike. Fair enough.
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Re: Shineray / XinYuan X5 review
Today I have been once more at the Shineray dealer because there was a technician from Shineray Company coming from ChongQing. After checking the issue with gear/clutch they tried to adjust the clutch but the result was unsuccessful. So no long story. I will get a new bike.
The Shineray technician checked the X5 carefully for all kind of shortages and photographed and recorded them. He also asked me what I found with my German Eyes for Quality. I can say he was very open to get information. I see good signs when the manufacturer sends a technician around to the dealers who takes care. We exchanged mobile and QQ to stay in touch. I also advised the gentlemen to read our MCM forum here to have an ear at the (potential) customers.
I hope Shineray will solve the quality shortages, especially most of the are minor findings and easy to improve.
Until the new bike is delivered I still ride the actual one.
After had the engine really warmed up I took the bike a little in a construction site area to see how it behaves in the dirt. It was not real offroad terrain but at least some rough paths, mud, grooved by dump trucks with big dents and holes.
a) standing on the pegs is easy and stable with the slim silhouette.
b) I drove with about 70km/h over along a rough path and it felt good.
c) I had to pay attention to keep the revs over 3.5k rpm to have sufficient power
d) went up a steep hill between the trees was also no problem, only the actual tire profile limited it
first conclusion off the tar: good, I like the light weight and the sufficient power.
NOTE:
the bike should be filled up with 1.6L engine oil. The Shineray technician told me this today.
That matches the information from the Honda XR400 service manual.
New minor problem:
the hose connection at left oil cooler leaks a little. Should be only a problem of fixing clamp. I try to fix it.
I guess it is because the dealer mechanic had filled in 2L oil yesterday. Shame on me because I didn't check the XR manual for the required quantity when the mechanic said 2L are fine. Now I know.
Attachment 10592
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Re: Shineray / XinYuan X5 review
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ShuBen
Today I have been once more at the Shineray dealer because there was a technician fromgQing. After checking the issue with gear/clutch they tried to adjust the clutch but the result was unsuccessful. So no long story. I will get a new bike.
The Shineray technician checked the X5 carefully for all kind of shortages and photographed and recorded them. He also asked me what I found with my German Eyes for Quality. I can say he was very open to get information. I see good signs when the manufacturer sends a technician around to the dealers who takes care. We exchanged mobile and QQ to stay in touch. I also advigentlemen to read our MCM forum here to have an ear at the (potential) customers.
First off fantastic review Shuben. I'm so subscribed.
Next is Shineray attention to your experiences with the bike. With that I want to say that one has to love the power of social media. They are surely tuned in to your review as we are and committed to making sure your bike and future X5s ride true. I applaud this. Keep up the good work. And love the photos (Speaking on behalf on MCM, we love porn).
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Re: Shineray / XinYuan X5 review
Dirty games
My Sweety and me played a little dirty today to see how hard I can take her :-)
It was a perfect day for getting outside to play. Before started I checked the leakage at the oil cooler and as suspected already I just had to tighten the hose clamp. Seems a weak factory assembler had no breakfast on that bike's assembly day.
The mountains greet from the distance.
Attachment 10623
About the riding feeling on tar I wrote already. Not much different to say except I rev her up a bit more to 5k+ rpm . At 5k I reached exactly 100km/h. At 5.5k 110km/h. Still more range to open the throttle. Today I checked careful the torque situation and found from 4.5k rpm she gets really awaken and revs up fast to 5.5k.
But now rough terrain consideration.
I talk about normal dirt road stuff and muddy offroad paths. Had some dry river bed in between with big dents and holes, etc ….
It don't talk here about offroad race tracks. Will say I had no jumping around.
I found a nice track going up the hills …. unfortunately I was limited by the tires.
Troublesome was on this track the gear problem as you have the feeling the gearbox will fall apart next moment and sometime by downshifting I stuck in second gear.
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The second limitation is caused by confidence. To give answer to the question how it feels standing on the pegs on dirt road I tested that. …. It goes well … and I mean it. But at 80km/h on a dirt road that I don't know I got a little nervous and returned to sober mind.
What I can say the bike is stable, only the fork setting is a bit hard when the dents get deep.
Here a photo of the “stand on pegs” test area.
Attachment 10626
Some normal bad road condition like the following photo has even no need to stand up. The suspension does a good job.
Attachment 10627
Finally:
Today's fuel consumption with aggressive driving and offroad driving all time over 4k rpm was 4.57L/100km.
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Re: Shineray / XinYuan X5 review
where my confidence lacked...
Attachment 10628
Good morning BJ mountains
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getting back on tar
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Re: Shineray / XinYuan X5 review
Great stuff shuben! Looks like a really cool bike for western china.
I say that because i've spent the last couple of months riding yunnan and guangxi on street bike and scooter, and boy what i would give for a bike like yours!
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Re: Shineray / XinYuan X5 review
Sweet bike and even better feedback. Keeping an eye on this thread.
If the price of the 京A plates rise any more come fall, this very well may be my next bike.
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Re: Shineray / XinYuan X5 review
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ShuBen
EDIT:
...Its the same / same type of filter. Not exactly sure for the dimension
Thrown-away version. Tons in taobao if search "AX-1"/ 油濾
http://www.hiflofiltro.com/fileadmin...arge/HF112.png
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Re: Shineray / XinYuan X5 review
Tonight I heard that Harley Beijing sells Jing A plates now for 60k RMB.
If this is true my investment in the A plate for this bike was successful.
.... the world id crazy
Therefore here a nice moment .... sunset in Beijing ShunYi
Attachment 10929
... I had a pressure cleaner bike wash today ..... and was afraid if it will still start afterwards .... button pressed .... RANG RANG RANG :-)