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Options for Dual-Sport ?
Hey Everyone,
I'm looking for some suggestions on what motorcycle to buy. I have done a lot of research, but still have some questions and was trying to figure out what's the best option.
My preference: Honda CRF250L, lightly used // A Yamaha YBR250 sounds like it would be great, but I need snow and off-road capable bike
What I am looking for in a bike:
1. Decent off-road capabilities (I will be moving to far west China, probably some place in northern Xinjiang, it snows a lot - I plan to ride in winter + weekend adventures)
2. Carry a familiy of 4 - 2 adults, 2 small children (Honda CRF250L does this no problem)
3. Decently reliable (Obviously I prefer Japanese, but I've heard many of them like the CRF are not legit bikes, thoughts?)
4. Price Range: No more than $ 4,000 USD, preferrably around $ 3,000.
5. At least 250cc
Uses for the bike:
1. driving around town as a family
2. some short trips as a family to the nearby mountains (think maybe 1-2 hours driving in the mountains)
3. some adventure riding solo / off-road -- I would go as far as the bike would take me within reason
4. driving in the snow (year-round purchase)
I've looked at the following bikes:
Honda CRF250L
Yamaha YBR 250
Shineray X5
Shineray X2
I really want a Honda CRF250L, I just want a completely legit bike, nothing sketchy.
Any thoughts?
I'm not a mechanic, but I can read and tinker.
Thanks, I appreciate any advice or personal experience as it's hard to really get good answers and options while still in the U.S.
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Re: Options for Dual-Sport ?
Not really a dual sport, more of a mini-ADV bike, but have you considered the Zongshen RX3? They're only $3,800 in the US. Gotta be cheaper in the homeland. My personal experience is that they are decent quality and other than carrying 4 (! ?) they can do everything you've mentioned.
Cheers,
Dan K.
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Re: Options for Dual-Sport ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
DanKearney
Not really a dual sport, more of a mini-ADV bike, but have you considered the Zongshen RX3? They're only $3,800 in the US. Gotta be cheaper in the homeland. My personal experience is that they are decent quality and other than carrying 4 (! ?) they can do everything you've mentioned.
Cheers,
Dan K.
Yeah I actually looked at that one since it seems to be somewhat accepted in the U.S. I know it can't handle too much serious off-roading, but I will definitely have to check that one out.
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Re: Options for Dual-Sport ?
I think the RX3 is a more off-road capable bike than the YBR! Putting knobbies on a standard doesn't necessarily make it an off-road bike. The ever controversial (n)erverride vlogger actually proved the RX3 was a fairly capable off-roader in a series of vlogs in which he verbally ripped the bike apart, on his youtube channel. The irony! Not to mention the guy who bought it contradicted much of what (n)everide showed in his video. The CRF250L would be more than what you want, but you would still want to outfit it for trips. From all I have read, the Shineray bikes are worth a look. You should probably hunt all these bikes down once you are in China, unless you are there and should already be hunting! Well, then...happy hunting!!
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Re: Options for Dual-Sport ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
DanKearney
Not really a dual sport, more of a mini-ADV bike, but have you considered the Zongshen RX3? They're only $3,800 in the US. Gotta be cheaper in the homeland. My personal experience is that they are decent quality and other than carrying 4 (! ?) they can do everything you've mentioned.
Cheers,
Dan K.
Sorry to hijack; I am surprised you haven't bought a black RPS Hawk seeing as you live in Black Hawk! :thumbsup: I know it is very much the same bike as your TT250, and probably a pain to register in CO, but I couldn't resist mentioning it...
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Re: Options for Dual-Sport ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
culcune
I think the RX3 is a more off-road capable bike than the YBR! Putting knobbies on a standard doesn't necessarily make it an off-road bike. The ever controversial (n)erverride vlogger actually proved the RX3 was a fairly capable off-roader in a series of vlogs in which he verbally ripped the bike apart, on his youtube channel. The irony! Not to mention the guy who bought it contradicted much of what (n)everide showed in his video. The CRF250L would be more than what you want, but you would still want to outfit it for trips. From all I have read, the Shineray bikes are worth a look. You should probably hunt all these bikes down once you are in China, unless you are there and should already be hunting! Well, then...happy hunting!!
Yes, I have accepted that the YBR isn't an option for what I want (and maybe it's physically too small). I need something with better suspension if I'm taking it off road. The RX3 seems okay but wasn't sure if it's physically big enough for the 4 of us in my family (2 adults, 1 child at 5 and one at 4) - it looks pretty small. The thing about a dirt bike is the being able to carry more people because the seat is longer - it might sound crazy, but fitting on the CRF250L was pretty easy because the gas tank doesn't come up like it does on a motorcycle, so my son could sit in front of me further up on the bike safely - half in my lap. Anyways, in all the searching and research, the Honda CRF or the Shineray X2 / X5 seem to be the best options. I prefer not to have to work on a bike, so I would prefer the Honda, but I wasn't sure if I could get a legit with papers one. I'm not sure how that process works.
I'm trying to have a good idea of what I will want when I get there, and I'm getting some gear on this side of the pond, which is why I'm hunting now. Thanks for all the input!
Does anyone know if they sell Shineray in Urumqi? I guess it could be delivered.
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Re: Options for Dual-Sport ?
Also, Have you considered the Jialing JH600? They have a hack'd model too. They've got a pretty good rep. I know one guy from Hong Kong that's been riding one for 9 years.
Cheers,
Dan K.
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Re: Options for Dual-Sport ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
DanKearney
Also, Have you considered the Jialing JH600? They have a hack'd model too. They've got a pretty good rep. I know one guy from Hong Kong that's been riding one for 9 years.
Cheers,
Dan K.
Yeah, I love the sidecar with the JH600, it's pretty sweet, but unfortunately expensive. If I could find that for $3,500-4,000, I would love to get it... I like the bike for what it is, though I think it's quite ugly... but I think it's a little on the expensive side if I'm not mistaken and I would like to leave some room to be able to do some modifications to whatever bike I got. I'm more comfortable at the $3,000 side, unless it's a Honda, which I would pay more for. I also don't want to buy a used Chinese bike, but would consider a used Japanese bike.
As of now, the Shineray X2 seems to be the best option. It has a good reputation overall and the power to do what I want it to, and it looks good, all at the right price. Any comments on the Shineray X2 anyone?
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Re: Options for Dual-Sport ?
The CRF250L isn't legally imported into PRC.
The JH600 two wheeler is a legal two wheeler available in PRC, whereas the JH600 sidecar (outfit) is legally a 3 wheeler. One cannot legally convert either model 2 wheeler into 3 wheeler or vice-versa. Also to convert a JH600 2 wheeler into a 3 wheeler is a major PITA... as many things differ between the two models... including the gearbox and frame just to mention a few things.
However if you look in the marketplace / for sale section... there's at least one JH600 for sale though there are others at different price points.
The Yamaha YBR is available as a YBG125 (~125cc) trail bike or road going version, whereas the YBR250 (~250cc) is only offered in the road version, no trail bike version.
There are a few other trail bike models e.g. Shineray X-Trail 250. However it may not be able to be plated as a 250cc because it has a carburettor and not EFI therefore won't meet EURO-4 emission standards here in PRC. Despite this, the X-Trail is being offered by some dealers.
FWIW depending on how far west you go and the elevations, you might need to mess about with the jetting on a carbie bike.
The price for the X-Trail 250 though was only 7500元 when released in June 2016.
Good luck in your hunt for the perfect unicorn bike
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The X2 u can get as EFI version as travel enduro. I only know it in orange. For modification tips check out my X2 review here in the forum.
Consider also the 400cc Shineray sidecar. Based on an old XR400 engine and quite cute. I see a certain number here in Beijing nowadays
Sent from my GN8003 using Tapatalk
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Re: Options for Dual-Sport ?
Hi
Don't want to talk about what is the best bike, you have some good advise allready.
I want to ask a question who is going to ride on the bike ? Just you or am I reading this correct it's you and the whole family ?
I.just confused from what you have posted.
Quote:
1. Decent off-road capabilities (I will be moving to far west China, probably some place in northern Xinjiang, it snows a lot - I plan to ride in winter + weekend adventures)
2. Carry a familiy of 4 - 2 adults, 2 small children (Honda CRF250L does this no problem)
Just rode across White Horse pass (Yunnan ) today 4500 meters
Lots of snow.
Scared the shit out of me.
With a fellow ride (RTW Rider) on a Shineray X-Trail with nobs on coming off on some black ICE.
And you would like to ride in the snow?
Well other member on here can't see what we have here but I can it's like the tyres on the X-Trail but knock off the "S"
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Re: Options for Dual-Sport ?
Putting 4 people on a motorcycle, what could possibly go wrong. Great parenting!
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Re: Options for Dual-Sport ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
bikerdoc
The CRF250L isn't legally imported into PRC.
The JH600 two wheeler is a legal two wheeler available in PRC, whereas the JH600 sidecar (outfit) is legally a 3 wheeler. One cannot legally convert either model 2 wheeler into 3 wheeler or vice-versa. Also to convert a JH600 2 wheeler into a 3 wheeler is a major PITA... as many things differ between the two models... including the gearbox and frame just to mention a few things.
However if you look in the
marketplace / for sale section... there's at least one
JH600 for sale though there are others at different price points.
The Yamaha YBR is available as a YBG125 (~125cc) trail bike or road going version, whereas the YBR250 (~250cc) is only offered in the road version, no trail bike version.
There are a few other trail bike models e.g. Shineray X-Trail 250. However it may not be able to be plated as a 250cc because it has a carburettor and not EFI therefore won't meet EURO-4 emission standards here in PRC. Despite this, the X-Trail is being offered by some dealers.
FWIW depending on how far west you go and the elevations, you might need to mess about with the jetting on a carbie bike.
The price for the X-Trail 250 though was only 7500元 when released in June 2016.
Good luck in your hunt for the perfect unicorn bike
It's good to know the CRF can't be legal here, that's helpful. I've looked at the YBR 125G, but obviously lacks the power to carry 4 easily, as well as, size. I will take a look at the Trail-X 250. The X2 is still where I'm leaning so far - it's a pretty big bike, which personally I prefer. We shall see - thanks for the info!
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Re: Options for Dual-Sport ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ShuBen
The X2 u can get as EFI version as travel enduro. I only know it in orange. For modification tips check out my X2 review here in the forum.
Consider also the 400cc Shineray sidecar. Based on an old XR400 engine and quite cute. I see a certain number here in Beijing nowadays
Sent from my GN8003 using Tapatalk
You have the link for your review by chance?
Thanks!
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Re: Options for Dual-Sport ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
prince666
Hi
Don't want to talk about what is the best bike, you have some good advise allready.
I want to ask a question who is going to ride on the bike ? Just you or am I reading this correct it's you and the whole family ?
I.just confused from what you have posted.
Just rode across White Horse pass (Yunnan ) today 4500 meters
Lots of snow.
Scared the shit out of me.
With a fellow ride (RTW Rider) on a Shineray X-Trail with nobs on coming off on some black ICE.
And you would like to ride in the snow?
Well other member on here can't see what we have here but I can it's like the tyres on the X-Trail but knock off the "S"
Yes, I want to be able to ride in the snow considering it snows 4 months out of the year where we are moving to. I'm not going to ride around with my kids in the snow, just me for that most likely, if at all. It just depends on the conditions, I'm not looking for that sort of adventure.
Yes, a family of 4, 2 children (ages 5 and 4) and my wife and I. We have done it before in Thailand - both on the CRF and a little Honda Wave 110, but that one isn't any good for longer trips.
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Re: Options for Dual-Sport ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
culcune
I think the RX3 is a more off-road capable bike than the YBR! Putting knobbies on a standard doesn't necessarily make it an off-road bike. The ever controversial (n)erverride vlogger actually proved the RX3 was a fairly capable off-roader in a series of vlogs in which he verbally ripped the bike apart, on his youtube channel. The irony! Not to mention the guy who bought it contradicted much of what (n)everide showed in his video. The CRF250L would be more than what you want, but you would still want to outfit it for trips. From all I have read, the Shineray bikes are worth a look. You should probably hunt all these bikes down once you are in China, unless you are there and should already be hunting! Well, then...happy hunting!!
Does the RX3 have a version that comes with off road tires? I've been looking into that one and it seems like it could be a potential option...if I could get some decent off-road tires
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Re: Options for Dual-Sport ?
ATVs are not street legal, right?
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Re: Options for Dual-Sport ?
You had you your wife and 2 kids on a CRF in Thailand ?
Funny I just left Chiang Rai in Thailand and yes I did notices loads of other Nobs riding 4 up.
You are the man
Good luck hope to read about you soon in the Chinese papers.
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Re: Options for Dual-Sport ?
I guess I hadn't read this as closely as I wanted--I don't think 4 people on a motorcycle is a good idea under most any condition. I could see myself and 3 buddies sitting around on one of the 3 guys' property with lots and lots of land, and getting all four of us on a bike and riding for a few hundred feet in circles. Yes, we would be drunk, and yes, extremely STUPID, but I know we wouldn't be off on the open road. For sure, I wouldn't put my wife and kids on a bike, at least AT THE SAME TIME. The ONLY bike that I would even consider for a family would be a sidecar model. This would allow you to ride in snow, too, at least much better than on two wheels!
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1 Attachment(s)
Re: Options for Dual-Sport ?
Hi Culcune
Don't wast your time with this guy.
He is in a dream world or as I said a bit Fat Nob.
Had to ride over a snowy pass today (S217 14.233 feet)
Attachment 19158
Not because I wanted to but because I had to no fun and very scary.
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Re: Options for Dual-Sport ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
prince666
You had you your wife and 2 kids on a CRF in Thailand ?
Funny I just left Chiang Rai in Thailand and yes I did notices loads of other Nobs riding 4 up.
You are the man
Good luck hope to read about you soon in the Chinese papers.
Yeah Chiang Rai is nice. I love northern Thailand. The locals do like 4 kids and 2 adults, so I never feel all that awesome, but I guess for foreigners it's weird to see
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Re: Options for Dual-Sport ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
culcune
I guess I hadn't read this as closely as I wanted--I don't think 4 people on a motorcycle is a good idea under most any condition. I could see myself and 3 buddies sitting around on one of the 3 guys' property with lots and lots of land, and getting all four of us on a bike and riding for a few hundred feet in circles. Yes, we would be drunk, and yes, extremely STUPID, but I know we wouldn't be off on the open road. For sure, I wouldn't put my wife and kids on a bike, at least AT THE SAME TIME. The ONLY bike that I would even consider for a family would be a sidecar model. This would allow you to ride in snow, too, at least much better than on two wheels!
I know a lot of people think it's stupid, which is understandable, but I'm not asking for opinions on whether I should ride with my family, just about the bikes. Thanks for your concern though.
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Re: Options for Dual-Sport ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
prince666
Hi Culcune
Don't wast your time with this guy.
He is in a dream world or as I said a bit Fat Nob.
Had to ride over a snowy pass today (S217 14.233 feet)
Attachment 19158
Not because I wanted to but because I had to no fun and very scary.
As I've said, already done it, not a dream world if you're referring to me.
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Re: Options for Dual-Sport ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
nchenowith
I know a lot of people think it's stupid, which is understandable, but I'm not asking for opinions on whether I should ride with my family, just about the bikes. Thanks for your concern though.
I have seen many, many photos and videos from people visiting countries where this is popular, and it does look crazy to me. I still recommend you buy a sidecar bike. Your wife on the back of the bike and your kids in the sidecar. I can bet that your snow riding will be a lot less 'white-knuckles' on three wheels as opposed to two.
My stating 'stupid' was not necessarily speaking to you, or even about you, but rather in my scenario of being drunk and riding around on someone's private land with a few buddies clinging to a bike, we would be acting stupid. My worry for you is that drivers around you would drive in a stupid way. I think 'stupid' is a harsh word; for you, I would say CRAZY... :eekers:
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Re: Options for Dual-Sport ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
culcune
I have seen many, many photos and videos from people visiting countries where this is popular, and it does look crazy to me. I still recommend you buy a sidecar bike. Your wife on the back of the bike and your kids in the sidecar. I can bet that your snow riding will be a lot less 'white-knuckles' on three wheels as opposed to two.
Do you know of the models of sidecar sold in China? I only know of the JH600, which is more than I can afford. At that point it's almost worth just adding $2k and getting a car - I think they are around $5-6000 if I'm not mistaken. I would love to have a sidecar - especially the Ural, but I think most are above $4,000.
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Re: Options for Dual-Sport ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
prince666
Hi Culcune
Don't wast your time with this guy.
He is in a dream world or as I said a bit Fat Nob.
Had to ride over a snowy pass today (S217 14.233 feet)
Attachment 19158
Not because I wanted to but because I had to no fun and very scary.
By the way, this is a sweet picture - doesn't look like it would be super relaxing on a motorbike, or car for that matter, but it does look amazing!
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Re: Options for Dual-Sport ?
I edited my post above, and you have posted in the meantime; I wasn't saying you are 'stupid' (read my above post for the explanation), but I still stand by me considering you a bit crazy :taz:
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Re: Options for Dual-Sport ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
culcune
I edited my post above, and you have posted in the meantime; I wasn't saying you are 'stupid' (read my above post for the explanation), but I still stand by me considering you a bit crazy :taz:
Haha, ok, yeah, I think anyone who drives a motorcycle on Chinese roads has to be a little crazy, so fair enough.
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Re: Options for Dual-Sport ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
prince666
Hi Culcune
Don't wast your time with this guy.
He is in a dream world or as I said a bit Fat Nob.
Had to ride over a snowy pass today (S217 14.233 feet)
Attachment 19158
Not because I wanted to but because I had to no fun and very scary.
I haven't been in high elevation in quite a long time, and even then, way back in the 80's when I was in Boy Scouts, I never did go on the hike to Mt. Whitney in Southern California, the highest mountain in the lower 48 states (it always confuses people because they think the highest mountains are in Colorado in the Rockies somewhere). Anyway, I find the air hard to breathe, even at around 2500 meters, and I get headaches for a little while that fortunately go away. That being said--you are on a motorcycle, in the snow (looks plenty icy, too) at an elevation around-ish Mt. Whitney. Looks very, very white knuckle riding to me! You are on a CF Moto if I remember correctly? :clap:
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Re: Options for Dual-Sport ?
Forgot to mention one of these http://www.shineraymotor.com/Product...1&click_flag=1
Not dual sport, however, but looks decent. Not sure of the price, however...