Purchased in Haiti- Lifan 200 GY-5A

Now that I have the bike in my hands and have put some miles on it, I thought Id start a new thread with the some photos. First off, thanks to everyone for the help so far, its been a big help and Im looking forward to contributing to this board whenever I can.

My first impression so far is that this is a really solid bike. Being that this is my first Chinese bike, i cannon resist the urge to notice the little places where quality was overlooked (like cheap screws that easily strip, and evidence of bits of rust already forming) but considering I paid 1400.00 USD for it brand new, I cant really complain. Especially because a comparable Honda would have run me about 5-6K down here in Haiti, and with the possibility of crashing the bike or getting it stolen, that is not really an investment I wanted to make. Not to mention I couldn't really afford it either.

heres a list of Pro's and Cons I've noticed so far:

Pros:
1 Style- Personally I think it looks great, especially when compared to the design of many of the chinese bikes here.
2 Disc brakes front and rear
3 Handling and shifting have been smooth as butter so far, which has been really surprising and impressive. It really drives like a much more expensive bike.
4 loud horn (in PAP, Haiti that makes all the difference in the world.
5 Seat height- at 830mm, its just a bit lower than most of the other comparable bikes which tended to be around 850mm. This helps when you are short like me.
6 Top end speed, havent topped it out, but it cruises nicely in 4th and 5th gear

Cons:
1 Like I mentioned above, many of the screws flake and strip whenever a little too much force is applied. It is very easy to round them off.
2 Any where there is a paint ship missing, rust appears quickly
3 Low end power is definitely lacking. Being that most of the driving will be in the city, i might look into changing the rear sprocket to get a bit more power in the low end.
4 Seriously uncomfortable seat. I rode about an hour straight on it the other day, on good roads, and by the end my ass was in pain. I think it has something to do with how skinny it is, or maybe lack of padding


Thats all Ive got so far. Like I said before I really love the bike, and could not be happier with my purchase. Here are a few pics. Ill post more as I go on more rides around Haiti.

Attachment 6382Attachment 6383Attachment 6384Attachment 6385Attachment 6386

a nice little bike youve got there i do like the sharp front end and must be nice having a rear rack to load up on. any plans for small mods to make things easier?


Kennon

Kennon,

Well, thats sort of why I started a separate thread about it, hoping people would give me some input. Ideas?

I know I want to change out both the tires for some name brand ones. And Im thinking seriously about upgrading the sprocket to gain a little more low end torque. Possibly steel braided brake lines. I suppose I should find out what Japanese bike this is a clone of first.

Does anyone have any suggestions on things to replace to save headaches down the road and beef things up a little?

Thanks,
Kohl

Here is a good article on changing sprocket to get desired results.
http://www.motorcycleanchor.com/moto...ocketmath.html

What brand tires are on the bike now?

MJH-

Thanks for posting that article, it really helped me. I'm going to start looking for a slightly larger sprocket, although Im not sure i can pick one up here in Haiti.

Not sure about the brand of tires. I will check and post back. I will say when I went out this morning I had a flat already. Like I said, not good quality.

Kohl

Which tire went flat, you could get measurement off the sprocket and check for it online as well as the tire options.
You should be able to get things shipped to you in Haiti from the USA.

http://www.jtsprockets.com/
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com

TIres are Kingstone, and have tubes. Have another flat today. I need to replace with a better quality tube and tire. These are notorious for going flat especially with the bad roads here.

You should be able to buy tires online, will probably cost more for the international freight though.

So, 500 KM later and things are still running smooth (mostly). It has started having trouble starting in the mornings (it can take 5-6 minutes or so before I am able to drive it) and ive had about 5 flat tires. One which involved the guy that fixed it putting my forks on backwards and breaking all of my gauges on my instrument panel. But, other than that all good.

One thing I would like to fix/ change/ upgrade is the seat. Its horrible. After about 20 minutes my ass seriously start to hurt, and after about an hour its almost intolerable. As you can see in the photos, the seat is very narrow and there isnt much padding. Does anyone have experience modifying a seat like this. I would like to make it wider and have more padding. I dont know if there is a seat plate from another model that would be better to start with, or if I can just add foam, shape and recover this one.

Suggestions?

Congrates mate,

Could you tell us how you break in your engine?

Deom2i-

Honestly, I have done really anything special. Im trying to take is easy for the first 1000K, then ill change the oil and probably have a mechanic give it a check up. Should I be doing something different?

Kohl

It seems im experiencing a little loss in performance overall. When I give it gas in 2nd or 3rd gear it gives a slight hesitation. Also, It is taking a little more effort to get started in the mornings (Its not cold here either). I feel like it could be a carb adjustment that is needed although they are supposedly set up at the factory before they are shipped.

This is my first NEW bike, and my first chinese bike. Is this normal? Do these bikes seem to need a little extra attention after the first 500 KM? Should I have been doing something special to break it in?

Kohl

when carbs are set in the factory they are normally way too lean for it to perform at its best

Kennon

Kennon-

Makes sense, thats what it feels like. I looked for an air/fuel mixture screw today on the carb, but no such luck. I've yet to find a good mechanic here that I would trust to take apart my carb.

Kohl

Hello!

Welcome to the wonderful world of Chinese motorcycles in Haiti!

I have been in Haiti as a volunteer for about 10 months now. I bought a 125cc Haojin about 2 years ago and have been driving it ever since.
There are a few things I wanted to share with you about my experience in Haiti with repairing Chinese motorcycles.
The first step is to find a good mechanic. I have used a few in the past, but I have settled on 2 that I like the best. One of them is in Petionville, he is a bit more expensive and does not speak english. It is located at the Haojin dealer in Petionville, Haiti.

The other one recently opened a shop on Route De Freres #300, called 'Manuel Moto Parts'. He was originally my Taxi driver, and opened a shop. The mechanic's name is Eddie, and his partner is Manuel (speaks English, French, Creole & Spanish). This mechanic is really really good. He knows exactly how to fix something and will not mess around with you when repairing the motorcycle. He also does not overcharge you for not being Haitian.
You can reach Manuel at 3797-1636 (not fluent in English, but he will understand you if you talk slowly).
If you want help finding him, you can give me a ring 4436-7343 (Chad Adams). I will direct you to his place.

With all of that said. What it sounds like is that you have bad gas. The gas tank seal is not the best on all of the Chinese motorcycles, and when it rains, water will sometimes get into the gas tank. There is a piece which you have to remove on the left hand side of the bike, below the fuel shut-off. This piece separates the water from the gasoline when it gets into the tank. This is a very common problem in Haiti, and I have had to have my gas tank cleaned out about 5 times in the past year. It does not cost too much to do it, maybe 100 Gds or less.

Let me know if you need my help on this, I would be more than happy to do it. I have dealt with just about every problem on the Chinese motorcycle that you can imagine. Everything from a bad head gasket to crazy electrical problems.

I hope this helps!

Chad Adams

Chad,

Hey, Nice to meet a fellow chinese-moto-enthusiast-in-haiti. What brought you to Haiti?

Since I posted this, I have figured out the problem. After doing some more research, I found out that indeed these bikes are set lean from the factory. I adjusted the clip on the needle down one notch, and it now starts up much better. Not perfect, but MUCH better.

I also had suspected water in my gas tank especially because 3 times now, after leaving it out in a long rain, it doesn't want to start at all. Normally I put a tarp on it at night for this reason. But occasionally, Ive even driven in a very heavy rain and one time it actually stopped while I was driving it. Luckily I was pulling into a parking lot at the time...

I found a mechanic that came well recommended by an american friend of mine whos been living here for a few years, but he wasn't able to figure out my problem. His solution was to put a Honda carb on it. He used to work on Hondas for NGO's. The next time I will absolutely give your guys a call. My Creole is decent enough for these types of things.

Anyways, problem or not, we should grab a beer sometime.

kthrel@gmail.com
46152032

Cut the tube's (under the carb) end to "/ " shape is the "chinese" solution to intermediate ??? in rainfalls
http://translate.google.com/translat...26sid%3DY0npJu

The problem is not in the overflow hose. The problem is with the gas cap on top having a bad seal. I replaced mine 2 days ago and after a wash, it had water around the filler hole. From what I understood, it needs to be broken in. Maybe the rubber needs to wear a bit, I am not really sure.

When this water gets into the gas tank, things will get a lot worse if the problem is not handled quickly. The gas tank is made of 'chinese steel' which means that it rusts quickly. There is an attached filter to the gas nipple which goes inside the tank. This plastic filter will get clogged full of rust and end up stopping the flow of gas into the carb. Depending on the amount of water that is in the gas tank, the best bet is to just drain all of the gasoline out of the tank and replace it with fresh. These bikes require a lot of maintenance to keep running well. But the maintenance is extremely cheap in Haiti.

I think the Chinese carb is just a copy of the Honda one. The problem with changing the carb is that most Haitians do not know the difference. They have very unusual solutions to fixing problems on their motorcycle. It is almost better in all aspects to use cheap Chinese parts while in Haiti. If Eddie @ Manuel's Moto Parts cannot fix it, I know someone else who can figure out the problem and fix it, he just costs a bit more - at the Haojin Dealer in Petionville.


Haojin Dealer
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=18.515...num=1&t=m&z=18

Manuel's Moto Parts
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=18.525...num=1&t=m&z=19

The green arrows mark the spots.

Hello Haiti riders!


I just purchased a Haojin 150-11B and want to know as much about it as possible. Roads are rough here in Leogane, and the 11B was more of a dual sport.

Is there any advice you can give me? What do I need to know about my bike and Haojins? Will it hold up in the rough and tumble of Haiti?

How are the tires? I'm taking the thing on some pretty rough roads here soon, will the crummy tires hold up for a few months or will eh need replaced immediately? Inner tube?

Sould I adjust the carb? Any must have add-ons or take-offs?

I'm a manager at a small NGO here and am going on a 17 day trip with the sucker in a month.


Also, I need one other bike. I can by another 11B, but I wanted to know if there were better bikes in the same price range ($1000)

You may already know it's powered by bigger bros of CG125 (Different bore / SAME stroke) which ARE bulletproof . Service manual are easy to find in "net".
The carb is 26 or 27? Adjust carb IS depends the spark plug condition.
Tires -Which is the stock brand? Taiwanese brand are OKish

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by humanbeing

You may already know it's powered by bigger bros of CG125 (Different bore / SAME stroke) which ARE bulletproof . Service manual are easy to find in "net".
The carb is 26 or 27? Adjust carb IS depends the spark plug condition.
Tires -Which is the stock brand? Taiwanese brand are OKish

---

I'm pretty sure it's a cg125, though haojin has been copying yamahas, so it might be a Yamaha engine clone. It's obviously a different bore rather than a completely new engine. I'm assuming the bore will give me just a little more power, though maybe not a higher top speed.

Everything should hold up just about as good as it will get. The only thing to know about Haiti bikes is that 99% of them are Chinese, the parts are super cheap, rain is bad, and you can ALWAYS find someone to repair it on the side of the road.

Just keep the tires you have from the factory, I think they are tubed from the factory. If not, you can get the tire repaired on the side of the road for about 100 Gds. The 11B is a great bike and should hold up well. If you need more low end power, change the rear sprocket to a bigger size.

Always wear pants and shoes when riding. If you ever go down, it will at least allow you keep your legs in one piece. Helmet is optional, but for a 17 day trip I would suggest one. I have never adjusted anything on my current bike and have been happy with it for almost 2 years now.

These bikes will last forever if you just keep the maintenance up on them. And the maintenance is super cheap.

The chinese advertisement said the 11B's stock is Cheng Shin tire/ Keihin carb
-
In '06 a guy rode to harsh places http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lop_Nur in Xinjiang with that model. http://www.mtuo.com/news/html/200609...1810445331.htm

This is awesome to find 2 more haiti moto riders. I feel a trip coming on soon...

Here is my advice:

Yes, absolutely change the innertubes that are in your current tires. I had 5 flat tires in my first 4 weeks of riding here in PAP. After I changed to a "heavy duty" innertube, I have not had one flat in the last few months. It is true that they are easy to have repaired, and although I always end up chatting with the repairman and having a beer or two, it is still a pain in the ass. And if it happens at night where there aren't any repairman out, it could be a huge problem. So, I would go ahead and change the innertubes, but changing the tires are optional. I bought my innertubes from Mototech in Petionville. They are about the only place that has a selection of upgraded or aftermarket parts. They aren't cheap though, I paid 15 bucks a piece for mine, but there were a good brand from the US and they are super thick.

How does your bike run now? If it starts up quickly and runs smoothly, then I would not mess with your carb. I adjusted mine because it was taking around 10 minutes in the mornings just to get it to idle. But if yours starts up with a little choke, and runs well then id leave it be. There are aftermarket carbs that a lot of ppl put on these bikes to get a little more HP, but thats more of an upgrade than a fix.

I dont know if anyone has explained to you about what you need to have on you at all times in case a cop stops you, which here in PAP happens all the time, but in Leogone probably is not nearly as frequent.

You need your license (with a motorcycle endorsement). I still have my US license, but I just point out the "M" for motorcycle and they are cool with it. You also need a copy of your insurance, and the papers that prove you own the bike. If you come into PAP, i would absolutely have these. If not, they can seize your bike.

For the 1000.00 dollar budget, you are pretty much looking at the 125-150cc range although I have seen some of the offroad 200cc's for sale for close to that amount. Personally, If i were going on a long trip I would want something with a bit more power. I paid 1400 for my Lifan 200 GY-5A, but I saw them for sale for 1200 somewhere else in PAP. Also, there is a model of Kayak 200, that I know you can get for 1200 bucks or possibly less. If you can add another 200 bucks to your bike, then Id say its worth it to step up to a bigger one, but if not then i would try to buy the same of what you already have.



For your long trip, I would definitely take extra inner tubes. Twice I have has the valve stem shear off of my tubes, and it was unrepairable.

So, I have to ask, what is this 17 day trip all about? Where are you going, what are you seeing?

Also, what is your NGO called?

Kohl

Great! Thanks.


No motorcycle endorsement. I try to do most things correctly here, but sometimes it is nice to be an expat, as officials are usually more lenient. Purchase papers are in my name, registration papers are not until I have my permit sejour. I think this will be OK though.


I'm headed on a 15ish day trip around Haiti and the DR. Thanks for the advice on the Lifan. Where do you think I can find one in the 1200 range? Is that new?

Do you know about heading to the DR on a bike? I know to come to Haiti with one, you need a permit. I want to know if I need the same, and if it will be extraordinarily difficult to get and whether the enforcement will even exist. I've heard from people on the DR1 forum not to worry too much if we're coming in from less trafficked port of entries.


The advice is fantastic. Thanks! My NGO is the Children's Nutrition Program of Haiti. It's a small one and been here for about 14 years or so.

I bought mine in P-Ville at Mototech. He also had the Kayak 200 for 1200, although it has sold. He usually has something in the 200cc range though, be it a Lifan or Sukida or Kayak. I saw the Lifan for 1200 at the dealership that sells (or sold) Porsche and Jeep. If you are going down Delmas towards the road to the airport, you will take a left at that intersection (away from airport) and go up the hill. On your right you will see a dealership that says Porsche. THey had several a month or so ago, and they were asking 1200. And yes, that is new.

your trip sounds awesome. I have a friend from the US who is flying here in September and we are doing a 10 day trip around Haiti. We are buying a bike for him, and then selling it after the 10 day trip. I know to enter the DR by car, you have to have an official letter from the Government. My girlfriend and I just crossed a few weeks ago in her car, and her NGO gave her a letter. I dont know about motorcycles though. I would guess its the same, but I dont know. A word of advice, dont cross the border on a market day, its chaos. out of curiosity, why do you want to go to the DR, why not just tour Haiti? I only ask because I had the same thought, but didn't feel like 10 days was enough for both. And I can speak decent Creole, burt no Spanish.

I work at AlterPresse (alterpresse.com) which is a haitian news agency. Ill ask around there and see if they think you'll need papers to cross. Most of my colleagues have plenty of experience going back and forth from Haiti and the DR.

Kohl

Mototech is a great place. You have to argue a bit to get him down on price and his place is a bit expensive. There are a few moto dealers on Route De Aeroport, most of them share buildings with the car dealerships. Yamaha is one exception, if you keep your eye out you can find it.

Almost all of the Chinese brands are identical. It boils down to what you like the best and what size motor you want. 125cc is enough to do just about anything in Haiti, even with a passenger.

Last year I took myself and a passenger on an 80 km trip through the mountains, from Petionville to Jacmel via the 101. We returned via the "easy" way. Highest elevation was 6250ft. I was able to make it on a Haojin 125 4A. I had to have the passenger get off and help push the bike up the mountain a few times, but we made it in 8 hours. The bike was a year old then and it had zero problems the entire trip. It all depends on how much maintenance you do. If you take care of it, it will work great.
Photos from the triphttps://picasaweb.google.com/1121641...eat=directlink

A Haojin 125cc can be had for $925 including papers, 2 helmets, knee & elbow pads. Anything bigger will only go up in price.

Let me know how your trip goes, I want to do the same on my next visit.

RE: INTERSTATE

Thanks for the info. The Haojin 11b is a bit different than other haojins. It's a dual sport, with completely different wheels, forks, exhaust, etc, though the electronics, engine, and other basic design elements are the same.

You took a bike through 101? I didn't even know that was possible! I've hiked it before, and I thought that it would be pretty much impossible for a motorcycle. I mean, there are parts where it is pure stairs. I've taken mountain bikes down worse, but a motorcycle? wow.

RE: benjamin550

Not just touring Haiti because, well, because what we're doing is a bit novel. No one has really written about circling hispaniola on a motorcycle before, at least not in one single trip.

Also, we had originally planned on going to Cuba, but the costs and logistics of it put up barriers that made it really not worth going, so a trip to the DR was put up as an option. I speak French and some Creole, and a tiny bit of spanish. A lot of the rural folk in the DR speak Creole (there are a million haitians living in the DR, and a couple million more of Haitian decent), so hopefully I'll get around ok!

We won't be taking 102 out (past the lakes). It's a massive headache there, a lot of traffic and totally flooded border control facilities.

Anse-a-pitre, our port of entry to the DR, should be a bit less crazy, even on market day...

This forum here discusses the trip :
http://www.dr1.com/forums/travel-que...-republic.html

Interstate- Thanks for sharing the photos.

Alexanderxx-

Damn, now your making me all jealous. I think it is a great idea, doing all of Hispanola. Are you writing about it?

My friend coming from the states is a Photojournalist, as am I, and we will be shooting lots of video/photos/ audio on our trip to try and put together a video. Nothing to fancy, just something entertaining to show that motorcycling in Haiti can be done. Plus he will try and do a feature story for the Houston Chronicle where he works.

I agree about the cost factor. There are almost no affordable places to stay in Haiti. I have a few friends scattered throughout the country, so we will take advantage of that to offset the costs of hotels.

Kohl

Yeah. DR is a lot more affordable, but we'll be camping or staying in random huts for part of the trip. My NGO works in the very remote regions of leogane, so while it's not something I do every day, I know what it's like to rough it in Haiti.


We'll have a GoPro and a fujifilm x100 on us. I won't be bringing my dslr (d200) as it has seen better days and is a bit too bulky for the trip. Might go for one of those point-and-shoot nikon coolpix. The AW100 is a tough camera with GPS built in, which might be nice in matching up with our route map. Photographers seem to make fun of the cameras with built-in GPS though... The PS7100 looks beautiful, with a fast lens and all the controls I need, but I don't know if it is worth buying.


In the parts of Haiti with natcom access, I might be able to live-blog some of it. It's crazy how remote you can be and still have internet these days!