Buying my first bike

**OldMan** · 10-19-2009, 06:30 PM

@Carl,

Thanks for the tip! I just sent them an e-mail and they said that if they have the parts I need, it'll took only one day, otherwise it'll took one week.
Sounds good to me. :)

**CrazyCarl** · 10-19-2009, 07:46 PM

So is it time to pull the trigger on a new ride?

Will this be your very first bike? Are you totally new to riding?

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**OldMan** · 10-19-2009, 08:34 PM

Yes, that's really my first bike!

I've been riding a bicycle for some years and I'm confortable with two wheels, but motor bike will be the first. I'm still at the driving school getting my driving license, so it may take some time until I buy this bike.

**CrazyCarl** · 10-19-2009, 08:38 PM

That's great! Welcome to the world of motor-cycling!!! What are the learning requirements in Portugal? How long does it take?

Also, 125cc might not sound like a lot but it can still get you going pretty fast! I'm putting on my old man hat when I say, please be careful and wear the safety gear!

Paz,
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**OldMan** · 10-19-2009, 08:49 PM

I'm getting the unlimited license for bikes and cars at the same time. I need to aprove on a theory test with 30 questions (10 specific for bikes) and then the practical test to prove that I know how to drive. It depends a lot of the student, but it can take a few months.

And believe me, I'm probably the most safety-maniac-guy I know. I also use helmet and gloves when I'm riding my bycicle. That's not a problem to me. I know I'll need to respect the bike so I don't get surprises.

**culcune** · 10-20-2009, 04:03 AM

oldman, have you considered the Qingqi branded bikes as Forchetto mentioned that they are distributed in Spain and Portugal by the same Qingqi importer? I know that you considering the 125, but the 200 wouldn't be too much more as a beginner's bike. My first bike was a Suzuki DR 250s enduro--quite tall for my short-ish size, but I never dropped it, and owned it for several years before selling it

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**OldMan** · 10-20-2009, 01:37 PM

@culcune,

I would certainly buy the 200cc (if it isn't much more expensive) but I can't get any info about the dealer of Qingqi in Portugal. I sent a mail to the guys at qingqi-iberica.com asking if this bike is being comercialized in Portugal.

Btw, that 200cc model doesn't have rear disc brake?!

**CrazyCarl** · 10-20-2009, 03:35 PM

OM,

Culcune raises a good point about the 200. Some 200's may have rear brakes, some may not...it depends on what the importer has specified.

To be honest, a rear drum brake on a bike that size and weight is totally fine. Although the brake foot lever will be softer on a drum brake, the stopping power may actually be better than a disc system in some cases. The drum brake doesn't look as cool but I know from experience it stops perfectly well with more than enough power to lock the rear wheel.

If it came down to 200cc w/ drum versus 125cc w/ disc...I'd take the 200cc in a heart beat. You won't notice a performance decrease with the drum brake and the 200cc's will make the bike more satisfying to ride for a longer time (especially if you have any hills where you live!). You may get tired of a 125 very quickly.

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**forchetto** · 10-21-2009, 11:56 AM

Originally Posted by OldMan

Btw, that 200cc model doesn't have rear disc brake?!

Strangely enough it hasn't. It appears that only the bikes manufactured by another division of Qingqi have them. They're called Pioneer XF200-2V and also the rear hub assembly is like the Honda 125-175 range rather than the Suzuki DR200.

Street cred apart, the rear drum works very well and complements the excellent front disc. This feels a bit wooden at first but soon settles down and becomes an excellent stopper.

**CrazyCarl** · 10-21-2009, 01:15 PM

Jinan QingQi also manufactures the bikes with rear disk brakes. In particular, the 125s sold to South America. I'm still not entirely sure what the relationship between Jinan and Pioneer Shandong is.

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