Ok, ..I've bailed on China bikes - for now!
Unfortunately, with the present and ongoing lack of quality product being imported, and equally if not more important with the lack of a REAL China bike dealer/service center in my neck of the woods, I admit it - I've bailed on dual sport China bikes, at least for now.
Instead of hanging on any longer for China to play catch up I've found and bought a near new 2001 Yamaha XT-225 dual sport with barely 1500 miles on it in absolutely pristine condition. This is a bike I can easily get parts or local service for whenever necessary, and to top it off it cost $1000 LESS than the Qlink dealer wanted for the single Qlink 200 dual sport that he had available - with no parts inventory or assured parts availability in case of need! He of course claimed he had not had a problem getting parts from Qlink, then added that he had only ordered one small replacement item for the single bike he has for sale, and that it was fortunately an in stock item.
Yamaha's XT-225 lineup, produced in virtually identical form from its beginning through the 2007 model year when it was finally replaced by the 2008 XT250, is universally rated as among the very best of small displacement dual sport bikes. User ratings are consistently 5+ stars across the board, so I'll be more than pleased to ride this time tested and proven Japanese dual sport until such time as China is able to sort itself out relative to product design, availability, sales and service here in the States.
At that time I'll take another look at Qlink and American Lifan among others, but until then I just want to RIDE, and to do so on a highly reliable, proven, easily maintained bike that holds its value well and serves me faithfully!
