Galaxy XTR 250 Review

I recently imported a Galaxy XTR 250F direct from Galaxy in China. It arrived about a week ago and so here's a quick review.

It was packed very well from the factory, everything was well wrapped and protected. It wasn't much of a job to assemble it.

The overall fit and finish of the bike is very good, nearly up there with Japanese quality. There are a lot of CNC parts, and the swing arm is very nicely welded. Electrics seem quite good, everything worked ! and I the level of features was impressive, such as a hazard warning switch for the indicators, and a high beam "pass" switch. The fasteners are quite poor quality, but these can be easily replaced with stainless.

The most impressive thing about the bike is the styling, my brother came round to see the bike, and just couldn't believe how nice the bike looked ! It certainly looks worth more than what I paid for it.

The brakes are very good and it rides very nicely, it lacks a bit of power, however I haven't given it a good thraping yet, as I'm still running it in. I'm hoping it will loosen up a bit in time and have a bit more umph !

There were a few problems with the bike, such as the front axle being too small (I got a replacement made at work), and the headlight fixing straps being totally unuseable, but apart from that it is was all ok.

The whole import process was pretty pain free.Communication with the factory was generally ok, but email replies took quite a long time, and the build time for the bike was 3 months ! To be honest, I took a massive gamble handing over the money for the bike, without any guarantee that I'd actually receive the bike, but fairplay to Galaxy, they delivered the bike and made sure it all went well. I had a very good shipping agent to take care of the shipping and customs clearance, and I got a very reliable courier to pick the bike up from the bonded warehouse and deliver it to my door. Registering the bike was a doddle as the bike had an EEC certificate, so didn't need inspecting, I just filled out a couple of forms and sent them off with my insurance certificate, driving licence, registration and road licence fee, and customs clearance form.

Right here's the pictures

Attachment 1364Attachment 1363Attachment 1362Attachment 1361Some more pics:- Attachment 1360

Great looking bike and an adventure in itself just getting to your door! :clap:
How does it compare to the SMC available in the UK specs wise?

The header looks like stainless steel (which hopefully won't rust immediately)... is that right?

CC

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CrazyCarl

Great looking bike and an adventure in itself just getting to your door! :clap:
How does it compare to the SMC available in the UK specs wise?

The header looks like stainless steel (which hopefully won't rust immediately)... is that right?

CC

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Hi Carl,

the differences to the SMC are the round disc brakes, instead of the wavy on the SMC, and mine has fuel injection, which Galaxy said it needed to get the EEC certificate....however the SMC has a carb ?????

It is a stainless pipe......it seems strange that they don't skimp on stuff like that and CNC parts, but they skimp on stuff like putting cheap fasteners on !!

Cheers

Andy

Nice bike Andy. I see the headlight is a bit off but the straps you'll be getting will fix that. You speak the truth about the fasteners. Many talk about how "cheap" Chinese motos are when it's really a matter of the parts falling off because of the sub-standard fasteners. A little bit of thread locking compound and some spring washers would go a long way in raising people's opinion of the quality of the bikes. No one complains about the motors as they are pretty much bulletproof.

Thanks for the report Andy, I look forward to more of your Galaxy adventures. If you get a chance, please provide some close up picks of the EFI system. I haven't seen one and I'm curious how they fit that on the bike.

Cheers!
ChinaV

Congrats on the new bike Andy. Been following your import updates with interest as a fellow china moto owner here in the UK.

Get some ACF-50 to keep the corrosion at bay - my RMR gets more rusty after every ride!!

You got any plans for it? Supermoto wheels & tyres (the bike really suits them looking at Felix's pics in his review) Here's to many happy miles matey!

cheers

Ian

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ianl1201

Congrats on the new bike Andy. Been following your import updates with interest as a fellow china moto owner here in the UK.

Get some ACF-50 to keep the corrosion at bay - my RMR gets more rusty after every ride!!

You got any plans for it? Supermoto wheels & tyres (the bike really suits them looking at Felix's pics in his review) Here's to many happy miles matey!

cheers

Ian

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Hi ian,

Thanks....don't worry I've already given it the ACF-50 treatment to try and beat the salted UK roads. I took the wheels off and removed the brake discs, then sprayed some ACF-50 into the aerosol lid, took a small artists paint brush and painted every spoke and spoke nipple. I then took off the seat, fuel tank and all the plastics and gave everything a good spray. Next I took the paint brush again and coated every screw and nut head. So hepefully that should protect it from the dreaded UK corrosion.

No plans to put supermoto wheels on it, I'm just going to use if for green laning and the occassional Enduro.

Cheers

Andy

Since I am in close contact with the maker, please allow me to give my perspective. It is not the motorcycle manufacturer that wish to use cheap sub standard fasteners. They just can't get good quality ones. Specifically, the case with Galaxy, they have tried to contact many fastener suppliers in China and can't get the quality they wish. Galaxy is a very small factory and can't make everything themselves. Therefore you can see big quality differences on one bike. One thing you need to change is the drive chain. Get a good quality O ring chain will save you many trouble.

Hi Guys,

A quick update on the XTR.

Since day one the XTR hasn't run too great. It coughs and splutters on intial throttle opening. This is not good on a dirt bike, as it needs instant responce offroad when the throttle is opened.

I took it offroad a couple of weeks ago, with a very experienced mate who rides a KTM 250EXC. Initially he was quite impressed with the XTR, but after about an hour, it started cutting out and stalling, and he changed his mind a bit :rolleyes1:. Things got worse, and it wouldn't run at all. I left it five minutes, and managed to get it started again, and it just managed to limp the 5 miles home.

An email was sent to Galaxy, about the poor running. They said that dirt could have got in the fuel injector, and advised me to strip the EFI sytem down and clean it by blasting compressed air through the fuel lines and injector.

I did this and reassembled everything......the bike wouldn't start at all then. I suspected an air lock in the fuel sysytem that would need bleeding, which Galaxy agreed with. I removed the fuel lines sytematically, and found the airlock in the fuel pump. A quick suck on the pipe cleared it, and when I turned the ignition on, it started pumping fuel freely.

The running was still the same at low revs....lots of coughing and spluttering, but it ran really smoothly in the mid to higher rev range. Another email was sent to Galaxy, who suggested checking all the electrical connectors. I've done this, and they are all connected correctly.

Not sure of my next options really, I'm going to try a new spark plug next and I'm waiting for a reply from Galaxy about wether the fuel injector has been thoroughly cleaned enough.

To be fair to Galaxy, they have been really helpfull, a guy called John is helping me out. He usually sends a reply within a day, and is very keen to help as he says it is helping to develop the EFI which is a very new product for them. I'm really glad they haven't left me high and dry.

Have you guys got any suggestions ? I'll post some pics tomorrow of the EFI system to see if it helps.

A couple more problems with the bike are a broken rear brake pedal which bent when I fell off the bike, then snapped when I was bending it back straight. Then the actuator that connects from the rear brake pedal into the brake cylinder, vibrated loose and fell off whilst riding. And lastly the handlebar throttle/switchgear assembly rotates on the handlebar even when fully tightened. I've contacted Galaxy about sending me replacement parts, now SMC have gone bust in the UK....so let's see if Galaxy comes up with the spares.

The poor running problem is a real shame, as I know the XTR will be a cracking little bike once it's sorted.

By the way....a massive thanks to China V who shipped me his CNC rear brake pedal, when I contacted him to ask if he'd help get me one from Galaxy......absolutely Top Bloke :clap:

Also a big thanks to Franki who has also contacted Galaxy on my behalf a few times....another Top Bloke :clap:

Cheers

Andy

AH ha! The saga continues! :mwink:

Suggestions?

1) Check the battery. May sound stupid but it's easy and won't kill you to find out how it's working when hot and under load.

2) Any way to check their mapping?

3) Ask them to send you a carb conversion kit and airbox (if needed). EFI can be extremely tricky to sort out and you may spend countless hours and pounds helping them sort their EFI. Would be nice to at least have a fuel system that works.

CC

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CrazyCarl

AH ha! The saga continues! :mwink:

Suggestions?

1) Check the battery. May sound stupid but it's easy and won't kill you to find out how it's working when hot and under load.

2) Any way to check their mapping?

3) Ask them to send you a carb conversion kit and airbox (if needed). EFI can be extremely tricky to sort out and you may spend countless hours and pounds helping them sort their EFI. Would be nice to at least have a fuel system that works.

CC

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Carl,

I'm just dissapointed in my XTR ,I've got a brand new bike sat in my garage that is virtually useless....I open the garage door, turn on the light and see a beautiful looking brand new little enduro bike, that runs like a a bag of spanners :rolleyes1:

And things have just gotten worse with the collapse of SMC in the UK, I've sent an email to Galaxy asking what the situation is with supply of spare parts to the UK.....and no reply for a week !:confused1:

I knew importing my new bike would not be plain sailing, I expected problems with shipping, customs, and registering the bike, but the last thing I expected was that the thing wouldn't run !!

With regard to the poor running, I've removed the Fuel Injector again, and found that the 'O' ring seal into the throttle body was damaged. I've sent an email to Galaxy with a photo showing the damaged 'O' ring and informed them that I suspect the Injector is faulty and asked for a replacement. I don't hold out much chance of receiving one, as I still haven't had a reply from them regarding the brake rod connector and the throttle/switchgear assembly problems

Carl, battery is top notch, as I keep it on an Optimate battery conditioner/charger.

Mapping....if they send out a new Injector and it still runs the same, then mapping would be the next thing to look at......but I haven't found a diagnostic socket on the bike where you could plug a computer into. Then there's the whole issue of software for changing the mapping.

Carb conversion kit.....they've at least replied to this point and informed me that it's a massive change, that would involve a new magneto, new CDI, new carb, and new wiring loom !!:eekers:

I'm at the end of my tether now !

Andy

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Andy Hird

Carl,

Carb conversion kit.....they've at least replied to this point and informed me that it's a massive change, that would involve a new magneto, new CDI, new carb, and new wiring loom !!:eekers:


Andy

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Do you feel that changing those mentioned items is a massive undertaking? For some people, that would be an enjoyable two beer project on a Saturday afternoon. If you think it's the way to go, let me know, and I will arrange the stuff when I go to Galaxy next week. I have purchased a ton of moto parts over the years here in China, and the parts you mentioned are not that expensive. I think the issue might be a financial one at the factory, and if you're willing to share in the cost of changing it over, you may find yourself riding that sweet machine in no time. I know you're a bit depressed about the bike, but trust me, it is a fun little dirt bike when it's running well.

Although it sounds bad having to shell out more money on a brand new machine, sometimes it's the fastest route to getting things done and further peace of mind.

Cheers!
ChinaV

I agree with ChinaV, apart from the feeling of being let down, which always hurts and I am usually first to complain( I like a good grumble on a bad day), these chinabikes are still good value and can be great fun. Just taking mine out when I have the courage and my back is OK always cheers me up. I needed three batteries before I got a decent one, have had all sorts of bits fall off and bolts missing and I am sure something else will show up sometime!
Take the offer of help and get some bits sent out to you, it is so good how people help on this forum.
Its not your fault they have got business problems, but after all keep it in perspective we aren't usually hungry or being shot at as so many in the world are - I am not being patronising mate but just saying stick it out, bite the bullet and you will have the extra satisfaction of sorting it out for yourself and then you can go ride! See if you can find a mate willing to take the risk you did and share the learning curve and skinned knuckles. Else just sell it cheap and save up for a jap bike :lol8:?

Thanks for the positive reply guys :thumbsup:

You're right, I shouldn't let it get me down, like you say, it's nothing at all compared to what's happeneing to folks in other parts.

Thanks for the offer of help China V, I think it might be worth waiting to see if there is a reply from John at Galaxy in the next day or to on the new Injector, before I decide whether to change over to the carb.

I'd be happy to share the cost of changing it over with Galaxy, but I'd prefer the easier option of keeping the EFI, as long as Galaxy are confident that the EFI can be sorted to run properly ??? If they suggest the carb conversion, then I'll gratefully accept your offer of sourcing the parts, thanks China V :thumbsup:

I'll keep you informed Guys, and thanks again.

Cheers

Andy

Just a quick update.

Haven't been able to get time to re-assemble the EFI fule system yet as I've been busy with Family stuff, and getting my BMW on the road for summer.

Galaxy came back to me regarding the faulty throttle/switchgear assembly and missing brake master cylinder push rod.

Firstly Galaxy said that it's not a problem that the throttle/switchgear assy rotates :eekers:. I have to disagree there......it's bloody dangerous !! There is no clamping force at all on to the handlebars....the whole assembly can be pulled completely off the handlebar with no effort. The only thing holding it in place is the throttle cable and electric cables.......so no joy there with a replacement part, I'll have to fix or bodge it so it clamps on.

Secondly the master cylinder push rod...Galaxy said it would be too expensive to send out and suggested I source one in the UK. The thing wheighs only a few grams and would fit in a the smallest available jiffy envelope. :rolleyes1: So no joy there either. I'm trying to find if any SMC dealers have any left in stock, or if one off another bike will fit.

God knows what I'm going to do, when I need any more important/large parts in the future :rolleyes1: I think my XTR will eventually turn into a Mongrel hybrid...........or a White Elephant :lol8:

The comedy continues !

Cheers

Andy

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Andy Hird

Haven't been able to get time to re-assemble the EFI fule system yet as I've been busy with Family stuff, and getting my BMW on the road for summer.

Cheers

Andy

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Oh forgot that GS Bob Marley and the Wailers. If I were you I would keep the XTR as something I could point at and laugh each morning before starting the BMW :lol8:

Jeees an exact copy of my Orion AGB 30F. One wonders how many are marketed under different names. Price wise, mine went for around 1,800 U.S

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Andy Hird

Secondly the master cylinder push rod...Galaxy said it would be too expensive to send out and suggested I source one in the UK. The thing wheighs only a few grams and would fit in a the smallest available jiffy envelope. :rolleyes1: So no joy there either. I'm trying to find if any SMC dealers have any left in stock, or if one off another bike will fit.

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If this is what you need, I can drop it in the mail.

http://www.contactdi.com/2009/galaxy/XTR042.jpg

Cheers!
ChinaV

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ChinaV

If this is what you need, I can drop it in the mail.

http://www.contactdi.com/2009/galaxy/XTR042.jpg

Cheers!
ChinaV

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Hi China V,

Cheers Mate:thumbsup:

Yes that's the bit I need, but I also need the spherical bearing bit that attaches to it, and bolts onto the brake pedal. Don't suppose you have that bit aswell do you ?

By the way, did you see my post about the handlebar risers on your XTR thread ? Give me a shout if you need me to get some for you.

Cheers

Andy

Hi Andy,

I don't have the bottom part, but will get it from Galaxy. I did see you comment on the risers (thanks) but I'm waiting for the pictures :deal:

Cheers!
ChinaV

Thanks Mate :thumbsup:Much appreciated.

Sorry about the delay in getting a photo over to you. Here's a picture without the bar risers fitted. Check wether it's the same handlebar/clamping arrangement as on yours.Attachment 1496

I don't seem to be able to load pictures from photobucket, so the detail isn't very good. if you pm me your email address, I'll send you the full size picture :thumbsup:

Cheers

Andy

When I get home this evening, I'll take a close up picture showing the bar risers........it will be the first job I do when I get home....promise !

Cheers

Andy

Fellas, The latest thrilling instalment :rolleyes1:

I re-assembled the EFI system tonight and tried John at Galaxy's suggestions on improving the running.

He suggested alter the idle screw, either increasing or decreasing it, which I did..........no improvement on the running.

He also suggested fine tuning the throttle valve opening sensor, which I did.........no improvement on the running.

I also put in a new spark plug.......no improvement on the running. One thing to note was that the old plug was covered inblack soot.

I've sent him an email to ask what he suggests next ? So I'll keep you all informed of what the next step is.

Incidentally, I notice over on the China riders forum, that Galaxy are selling direct to the USA now. A guy has been in contact with John from Galaxy, who said that the EFI is still in development. It looks like I'm the Guinea Pig, who's helping develop it ! I sincerely hope Galaxy support me with it and we can get it sorted.

Cheers

Andy

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Andy Hird

It looks like I'm the Guinea Pig, who's helping develop it !

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Hey, someone had to be it!! I do think that if I was to take the plunge on one of these, I would get the carb version, although if I remember, I don't think they gave you that option as it might have to do with the EU emissions laws. I wonder if you could find another engine for it from an old Chinese bike that has rusted away, but the engine is still good, or one of the SMC bikes' engines sold at liquidation, so you could at least ride the bike?! The bike looks high quality, and probably is, taking the Chinese part of it into equation, but the EFI issues are something that you could have done without!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Andy Hird

Fellas, The latest thrilling instalment :rolleyes1:

I re-assembled the EFI system tonight and tried John at Galaxy's suggestions on improving the running.

He suggested alter the idle screw, either increasing or decreasing it, which I did..........no improvement on the running.

He also suggested fine tuning the throttle valve opening sensor, which I did.........no improvement on the running.

I also put in a new spark plug.......no improvement on the running. One thing to note was that the old plug was covered inblack soot.

I've sent him an email to ask what he suggests next ? So I'll keep you all informed of what the next step is.

Incidentally, I notice over on the China riders forum, that Galaxy are selling direct to the USA now. A guy has been in contact with John from Galaxy, who said that the EFI is still in development. It looks like I'm the Guinea Pig, who's helping develop it ! I sincerely hope Galaxy support me with it and we can get it sorted.

Cheers

Andy

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The motor is getting too much gasoline? How do you by the way fine tune throttle valve opening sensor? And what it is exactly? A sensor measuring how much you turn right hand grip? Or the sensor measuring how much air the engine is getting? Was it so that the bike was running well in the beginning? Could you supply us with a sound sample of the engine revving?

Freaky stuff no matter. According to Finnish laws I could cancel the deal I made of XTR and get the pre-ordering fee I paid completely back. Three or more months without delivery rule. It seems that if I were a wise man I would do it now at once and go buy an used DR from Germany with the money. Aaaargghhh... really wanted to get a china bike, but an EFI mess and the Long Wait, no thanks.... Estimated delivery midsummer -.- promised delivery on March -.- They could not keep the deal, why should I? Freaks me big time, if I don't cancel it it seems I will bash my head hard on the piece of junk and keep freaking walking instead of driving DR.... Really hate situations where there is only two choises which both suck. Think I am gonna anyway just suffer through it and get that 121kg of scrap metal, and make a website "united china bike haters", instead of driving DR or airhead GS, so very moronic from me.:mikey:

One more thing, sorry for not cheering and keeping the spirit high, I just find it hard to do when life sucks:



Anyway you can count on me mate I would offer you a good pint or two of fine English real ale in the pub if I were there :naughty:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by moilami

How do you by the way fine tune throttle valve opening sensor? And what it is exactly? A sensor measuring how much you turn right hand grip? Or the sensor measuring how much air the engine is getting? Was it so that the bike was running well in the beginning? Could you supply us with a sound sample of the engine revving?

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Hi Moilami,

The throttle sensor tells the ECU the position of the throttle butterfly valve....or like you said, how far the right hand grip is turned. It cam be rotationally adjusted by about plus or minus 4 degrees.

Moilami the bike has had the problem from day one. When you open the throttle the bike hesitates or "bogs". It then clears and revs fine as the throttle is opened through mid to high revs. But the initial hesitation is a massive problem on a dirt bike, as that instant throttle hit is absolutely necessary for offroad riding.

If someone can tell me how to attach a sound clip or video clip to a post then I'd be glad to show the poor running problem.

Mate, I can't really offer you advice on whether you should cancel your order, but if it was me, knowing what I know now........I personally wouldn't buy one. I'd save a bit more money and buy a good used Honda XR250. If on the other hand the XTR could be ordered with a curburettor, I would have no hesitation on ordering one, as apart from the EFI problems, they are a cracking little bike for the money

I'm not sure what success Galaxy are having with current production of EFI bikes, or if they are confident that they can produce a bike with EFI that functions as well as a normal carburettor bike.......??

The question I really have, and it's one that Galaxy have never answered, after asking them twice, is why were the SMC bikes imported to the UK with carburetors and they managed to have European Certificate of Conformity, and pass emissions and registering laws ???

Due to the SMC's being imported to the UK with carbs, I naturally assumed when I placed my order that mine would be coming with a carb. The first I knew about the EFI was when China V visited the factory and informed me that my bike would have EFI........The first thing I thought was "Oh No !" and I was proved right.

I'll keep you posted.

Cheers

Andy

Ok the problem could be that the engine gets too much fuel or too little air in the low revs. Supposedly it gets too much fuel, it is something to start with solving the problem at least. As far as I know the only proper way to solve it is to hack the ECU, which can be very interesting though hard to do and definetly something the manufacturer should had done right in first place :) If we suppose the emission regulations caused Galaxy to program the ECU wrong in the first place is the reason for the problem, then it should be so that Galaxy should have proper ECUs for other market areas not bothered with emissions. But in reality it can be also so that they haven't bothered to do it right for other areas and will just use the same crappy ECU designed to pass emission regulations, which would be fail big time for all EFI versions. Thus at some point they could program a proper ECU OR abandon the project alltogether. In the former case it would be just a matter of time to get a good ECU and problem solved.

I don't think adjusting the throttle valve sensor could help anything since it should mainly only help you get the bike be at right idle when throttle grip is not turned?

I personally like EFI because it can in theory feed the motor better than a carburator. Optimizing stuff rules :) EFI is good stuff!

There are also some interesting threads regarding KLX 250 EFI issues:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Klx250...3#entry2753863
http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/thr...50-2009-efi/60

Those misled me to chose XTR instead of KLX, but here we still go... xD

Anyway I am also almost an engineer, I am just missing my diploma work... but to squash two flies on the wall with one good slap, now I am eager to get XTR and fix the EFI and write my diploma work of it xD Yeah, a fantasy, but a good fantasy nonetheless :) In reality I just buy the bike and study and mess with it.


P.S. I really am totally clueless regarding EFIs and repairing motorbikes, something of which I am not at all proud of, so you can as well ignore everything I wrote since I relly don't have a clue. I am just eager to try learn stuff and get things fixed.

You could put a video of your XTR revving to Youtube and embed it in these forums, just ask if you need help in how to do it.

Andy, I know this will show my mechanical ignorance, but is it too difficult to shed the fuel injection and replace with a carb? Could Galaxy just send you the carb parts? I joined the list on Chinariders for one of the XTRs or SUVs; whichever one it is, it is $1200USD, shipped, provided he can convince 25 of us to join him, to The port of Long Beach which is in the L.A. area. Since my family all live in L.A., I figure I could pick up the bike on one of the trips we take to visit them, or pay some extra money to have it shipped to Arizona.