Finally got my XTR250 :riding: My neighbor saw it and bought one as well. Mine has the 13.5 liter rally tank and he has the stock 8.5 liter. I put a couple hundred kilometers on mine and so far it feels pretty good. I have the extra 17 inch wheels to convert to motard, need to give them a try this weekend.
Nice looking bike and that tank looks like the bomb. What are the luggage options for the Galaxy? Also, based on your intial impressions, how does it stack up to the the QingQi?
CC
09-23-2009, 12:48 AM
ChinaV
Re: ChinaV's new Galaxy 250!
Quote:
Originally Posted by CrazyCarl
What are the luggage options for the Galaxy? Also, based on your intial impressions, how does it stack up to the the QingQi?
I'm not sure about luggage and other farkles at this point, plan to start that process soon. :naughty:
My first impression (riding home on the road) was, wow, this thing is a dirt bike. Above 80 kph it's very buzzy and the seat feels like a tiny plank. As soon as I hit the dirt, the low gearing and tires felt perfect for the job at hand.
It's a bit difficult comparing the QingQi and Galaxy. The QingQi is designed as a dual-sport, the Galaxy is a pure motocross/trail bike with lights thrown in to make it road legal. The QingQi uses a 250cc motor that was designed to be a 250cc motor. The Galaxy looks like a 125cc with a head pumped up on steroids, it's a very small 230cc package.
The last dirt bike I had was an 80's vintage Kawasaki KDX200, so let's just say my motocross skills are a bit "rusty". It will take some time to get back in the swing of it, but I think the XTR is going to be a lot off fun on the trails.
Here's my first attempt at this Vimeo video stuff.... Maybe I can get Supersignet over here to take some decent video and pics :deal:
Cheers!
ChinaV
09-23-2009, 03:51 AM
culcune
Re: ChinaV's new Galaxy 250!
Congrats on the new bike! The tank sounds too good to be true!! 18 liters works out to near 4.5 gallons (US)!! I understand that the Puzey/Pitster/CCM bikes are manufactured by an OEM, not Galaxy, but I wonder if that tank would fit one of these bikes? China V, you could make some scratch selling the tanks around the world. I know that I could use a large tank if/when I get around to buying my Pitster...:naughty::lol8:
09-25-2009, 01:16 AM
felix
Re: ChinaV's new Galaxy 250!
Congrats and welcome to the club! Hope you have as much fun with it as i do!
A big fat Kenda in the rear. The 140 width seems a bit silly for such a small bike, but it handles well and street tires smooth the ride out a bit. Speedo is out by 15-20 kph as it's electronic and I haven't deciphered a way to adjust it for the smaller wheels.
I blasted around my favorite twisty road, and the XTR is all kinds of fun. It's such a small package and is easily tossed around tight corners. The gearing is completely wrong for street use, so I will need to figure out the sprocket issue. A 230cc engine should comfortably handle 80-100kph and the Galaxy feels far too strained once you pass 75. Until I sort out the gearing, the dirt tires are back on and I'm headed into the woods.
Cheers!
ChinaV
09-28-2009, 02:05 PM
CrazyCarl
Re: ChinaV's new Galaxy 250!
Nice! If you aren't already, may I suggest using a master link type chain when you decide what gearing you want. It should make wheel swaps much easier.
Also, how strong does the rack look? Happen to have any photos of the rack without the Pelican case on top?
CC
09-29-2009, 11:31 AM
Alex
Re: ChinaV's new Galaxy 250!
Hi ChinaV, im in Beijing, and i was about to buy the same bike, but i couldt find the water cooler version they have in factory... did you hear something about it? Or it is one more bike they put in the catalogs but dosnt really exist?
The seat is comfortable for you? i tried a bit, but was not able to ride the bike out of the store.
Thanks for your advice!
09-29-2009, 12:16 PM
ChinaV
Re: ChinaV's new Galaxy 250!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alex
Hi ChinaV, im in Beijing, and i was about to buy the same bike, but i couldt find the water cooler version they have in factory... did you hear something about it? Or it is one more bike they put in the catalogs but dosnt really exist?
The seat is comfortable for you? i tried a bit, but was not able to ride the bike out of the store.
Thanks for your advice!
The water cooled version does exist, but it's not yet approved for registering in China as far as I know. The seat is pretty small, can't say as it's too comfortable for extended periods.... but then again, I'm getting old :wheelchair:
What kind of riding are you planning on?
Cheers!
ChinaV
09-29-2009, 11:22 PM
ZMC888
Re: ChinaV's new Galaxy 250!
The bike looks like loads of fun. How much does it cost?
Galaxy seem like they are pretty good at customer service, and have decent R&D.
I'll be pretty keen to see what they are making in a few years, if they can make a bigger bike with a more powerful 250cc engine I'd be pretty interested.
09-30-2009, 04:59 AM
culcune
Re: ChinaV's new Galaxy 250!
OK, those in China could check this company out. I don't know if they are affiliated with Galaxy, but they do seem to be the manufacturer for Pitster Pro's bikes, and have the Loncin water-cooled engine version of the XTR250 bike, but don't know if they could sell to you guys in China. If anyone's nearby, contact them and see what they have to say.
Yi-gads Simon! Gotta get you some training on how to use some of the forums features n' such!
A quote from Culcune's link above...
Quote:
Since 2001, the Shuopu technological team has thrown themselves into domestic and international motorcycle field. The core members of our team have achived high level and good understanding of motor culture. We play an important role in the designing and producing of Extreme, SDG, PitPro and PitsterPro brand pitbikes. The Shuopu technological team has set many precedents in China's motorcycle fields. This is the first team which makes Made-in-China pitbikes show in Milan, Italy, the birthplace of motorcycle, and still is the first one which makes Made-in-China pitbikes win the international race position. In July, 2005, Shuopu Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd. has been formally founded. It still is a motorcycle designer and manufacturer, which specialized in dirtbikes, pitbikes and spare parts. We keep on cooperation through ODM mode with PitPro,PitsterPro,MoJo, RAV, etc. On the basis of good international relationships and acute insight of market, we put many new styles of bikes into international market annually. At the same time , we gradually enrich the kinds of our products. We have entered or will enter the fields of alloy precision machining, aviation parts producing and special type of engine. With efforts , Shuopu is getting stronger and stronger. By the end of 2006, company's fixed asset is over 5 million RMB, and annual production value is over 100million RMB. In 2007 , Shuopu has gained the certificates of ISO 9001 , CE ,and so on . For prosperous future, we are sincerely looking forward to work togather with you to build
10-01-2009, 12:43 AM
7up
Re: ChinaV's new Galaxy 250!
18 litre tank on a 250 , i had a honda xrl 650 that would go 400 klm on a 16 litre after market tank . i would guess your bike would have a range of about 800 klm or more . thats quite nice option . have you found out yet what it will do distance wise on a tank?
10-01-2009, 02:58 AM
chromedioxide
Re: ChinaV's new Galaxy 250!
Quote:
Originally Posted by culcune
OK, those in China could check this company out. I don't know if they are affiliated with Galaxy, but they do seem to be the manufacturer for Pitster Pro's bikes, and have the Loncin water-cooled engine version of the XTR250 bike, but don't know if they could sell to you guys in China. If anyone's nearby, contact them and see what they have to say.
They went to visit the factory. Ok, just saw your name on the post!!!
I just want the bike for short offroad trips. Nothing really extreme. I got a Hyosung (korean made in China) which is VERY GOOD... but it dosnt have FRONT disc breaks as Galaxy. I will post some pics of Hyosung, i feel it is much better than any other local bike, a bit better than Qinqi overall, and MUCH BETTER than Qinqi for offroad. But just my personal opinion. I liked the offroad style of Galaxy, and quality of components, they care of details.
Just a bit worried about the engine, as somebody said here, kind of 150cc with creatine and aminoacids. Probably wont last too long, but i dont care.
If somebody want to buy it in Beijing, i have the address of the dealer here (near Lido).
Cheers!
10-10-2009, 12:53 AM
ChinaV
Re: ChinaV's new Galaxy 250!
Quote:
Originally Posted by ZMC888
The bike looks like loads of fun. How much does it cost?
Galaxy seem like they are pretty good at customer service, and have decent R&D.
I'll be pretty keen to see what they are making in a few years, if they can make a bigger bike with a more powerful 250cc engine I'd be pretty interested.
Sorry I missed your question Z, the cost for the XTR is 11,980 RMB. I paid 17,000 RMB ($2500 USD) with extra wheels, gas tank, taxes, registration, and insurance.
I don't know what kind of connection there is between Galaxy and Pitster Pro, but they are both doing a good job of finding (making) nice components in China. I hear that Pitster is adding the 400cc, maybe Galaxy will try as well.
They went to visit the factory. Ok, just saw your name on the post!!!
I just want the bike for short offroad trips. Nothing really extreme. I got a Hyosung (korean made in China) which is VERY GOOD... but it dosnt have FRONT disc breaks as Galaxy. I will post some pics of Hyosung, i feel it is much better than any other local bike, a bit better than Qinqi overall, and MUCH BETTER than Qinqi for offroad. But just my personal opinion. I liked the offroad style of Galaxy, and quality of components, they care of details.
Just a bit worried about the engine, as somebody said here, kind of 150cc with creatine and aminoacids. Probably wont last too long, but i dont care.
Alex, I would like to see the Hyosung you ride, show us some pics :deal:. It's not the engine I worry about with Chinese bikes, it's the lack of quality control at the component suppliers. The Galaxy and Pitster look nice, but can anybody name the supplier of the forks, brakes, battery etc? With thousands of sub suppliers available here, I think it will be a few years before we start seeing some trusted brands we can rely on.
The XTR is a great little bike for zipping around or hitting the trails, but I would probably look elsewhere if I could only have one bike in China.
Cheers!
ChinaV
10-18-2009, 12:50 AM
chromedioxide
Re: ChinaV's new Galaxy 250!
Looks like someone at SMJ got the pitster :riding:
Overall are you happy with the quality / fit and finish of the bike ?
What was the price of the larger tank ? and do you know if it would be available to the UK ?
Cheers
Andy
11-05-2009, 12:01 AM
ChinaV
Re: ChinaV's new Galaxy 250!
Hi Andy,
Welcome to MCM, that's a nice looking R1200GS Adventure you have :thumbsup:
The big gas tank was around $200 USD. I'm sure the guys at SMC in the UK have access to the tank, don't know if they offer it at as an option.
Overall, I think the bike is well made and offers good value. Fit and finish are above average for a China bike, but still not up to Japanese standards. My purchasing decision was heavily influenced by the fact that I live in China. Were I living in Europe or North America, I might find myself looking at used Japanese machines instead.
With the number of units we saw being made for SMC at the Galaxy factory, I'm sure you can probably find one to test ride in the UK.
Cheers!
ChinaV
11-22-2009, 02:38 AM
ChinaV
Re: ChinaV's new Galaxy 250!
Been racking up some time on the XTR, so here's a little update. Just short of 1000 kilometers on the odometer and ninety percent of that has been off road. The trails around my house are very rocky, the bike (and rider) really get pounded and the XTR seems to be handling it well.
Rally Gas Tank: I think it's actually 15 liters and not 18. I ran out fuel about 1km from the gas station and coasted into the pump, filled to the rim it was 14.96 liters. The gas cap leaks if the bike is on its side, it's not a very "robust" design. There are two petcocks on the tank and their gaskets have evaporated as they don't appear to be resistant to petroleum. The white tank is nice for monitoring the fuel level, but it quickly turned yellow. Both of the tank decals fell off without ever being touched, bad glue or fuel weeping through the plastic would be my guess. On a positive note, the tank itself seems to be quite durable as I've crashed a few times and it held up fine.
Handlebars/Controls: The handlebar clamps are a rather unusual design. Swapping bars or adding risers doesn't look that easy. I am not a tall guy and the stock bars feel too low, very uncomfortable if you try and ride in a standing position. The material used in the levers, mirrors and controls are very poor quality. A simple tip over will wipe out a mirror, lever and perch. I'm looking for some hand guard/bark-busters to fix that. The plastic and fit of the switches is very bad, a spray with the hose or light rain, and they easily fill with water. Several times the kill switch has vibrated to the off position. The handlebars are very good, I have the same ones on my QingQi and they're quite tough. You can find these easily in the MC markets around China for about 100 RMB.
The engine, suspension, and brakes are all performing nicely. Galaxy has picked some good components and it's frustrating to see them skimp on the little things like the controls. That said, I still think the bike offers a lot value for the money.
So, enough of the garage talk..... here's some picks from the last few rides. Running up the side of a mountain and got her bogged down pretty good. That's not mud, it's semi-wet concrete and it was a nightmare getting it out. :eek2:
How I managed to find a giant pile of concrete in the middle of nowhere is beyond me. The harder I tried to pull, the deeper my feet would sink into the muck. A ten minute struggle and I finally pulled free. Between my boots and knobbies, there must have been fifty pounds of concrete hanging off the bike.
A quick trip home and half hour with the bucket and hose we were back out on the trail. Only a few minutes in and the XTR decided to take a nap:rolleyes1:. It's such a light bike and easy to pick up, but this time I was on the edge of a drop off and just couldn't get the leverage to get it upright. Much cursing and effort and we were finally on the way again.
I'm getting much better in the single track stuff, but as my dad always said, "there's a difference between ability and ambition". Obviously need to work on the trials riding skills :lol8: Just couldn't quite manage enough speed around that rock to get over the log at the top. Finally got it right on the third attempt.
OK, that's all for now, I have some helmet cam footage to putz with, I'll try to post that later.
Cheers!
ChinaV
11-22-2009, 09:13 AM
Andy Hird
Re: ChinaV's new Galaxy 250!
Great pics and review, it just makes me want one all the more now :rolleyes1:
Cheers
Andy
11-22-2009, 11:25 PM
bigdamo
Re: ChinaV's new Galaxy 250!
Quote:
Originally Posted by ChinaV
I'm getting much better in the single track stuff, but as my dad always said, "there's a difference between ability and ambition". Obviously need to work on the trials riding skills :lol8: Just couldn't quite manage enough speed around that rock to get over the log at the top. Finally got it right on the third attempt.
OK, that's all for now, I have some helmet cam footage to putz with, I'll try to post that later.
Cheers!
ChinaV
How does the bike go on the open road at say 80klm an hour?
Brake slide bike in next to rock so your going over the log square on then double blip over log .
Or go slowly push your weight down over the front suspension when it starts to rebound pull your weight back over the rear of bike touch of throttle enough to get the front end over log. momentum should let you slide over the log.Don't have all of your weight over the back of bike when rear wheel hits log or it will kick you forward and over the bars.Should be standing absorbing everything with your legs and arms.
11-23-2009, 12:26 AM
ChinaV
Re: ChinaV's new Galaxy 250!
Quote:
Originally Posted by bigdamo
How does the bike go on the open road at say 80klm an hour
It goes buzz buzz buzz, whirr whirr whirr....:icon10: There's a lot of vibration and tire noise, gearing is too low for street use and the tires are off-road only.
Thanks for the reminders on technique, just got to practice more and loosen up.
Cheers!
ChinaV
11-23-2009, 01:09 AM
bigdamo
Re: ChinaV's new Galaxy 250!
Do you think it could handle steep single track up mountains of elevation gain of say 600 metres up to 2200 metres pretty much straight up using tight switch backs.Basically can it handle steep climbs?
I came to the conclusion a normal 200cc chinese trail bike would be hard pressed to do it.
Do you think it could handle steep single track up mountains of elevation gain of say 600 metres up to 2200 metres pretty much straight up using tight switch backs.Basically can it handle steep climbs?
I think it would handle it without any problem at all, might need a tweak on the jetting, but my experience with the older QingQi, up to 2500 meters isn't usually a problem. Most of the other Chinese bikes are dual-sport designs, so they are quite heavy. The XTR is light at 115 kilos, so the power to weight ratio is much better than the other Chinese models.
Cheers!
ChinaV
11-23-2009, 12:49 PM
Andy Hird
Re: ChinaV's new Galaxy 250!
Hi China V,
Was wondering if you've had any rust issues yet, or has any of the aluminium started to fizz up yet ?