CJ750 story in Today's People's Daily

[DanKearney]

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/usa/lif...t_12969873.htm

Cheers,

Dan K.

[jamewatson]

Yeah Nice story and bike looks pretty cool with sidecar. It is too stylish and attractive. But I think they have to do some graphics on bike and sidecar. It will gives look better, well thanks for the sharing.

[Lao Jia Hou]

Great article, thanks Dan.

Yeah, times have really changed in Beijing re the CJ750. Back in 2005, when I bought my first CJ in Beijing, you couldn't swing a chicken without hitting some expat on a sidecar. Now, it is rare to see one inside the city. But back then, the bikes were legal, and the traffic was comparatively thin. Riding a sidecar in the city, these days, is quite unpleasant ... hot, humid, wearing leather, inching along, breathing in exhaust fumes, 24HP overheating, etc etc. IMHO, way too high a price to pay to "look cool". Lane-splitting on 2-wheels (narrow, little bikes) is the only option these days in Beijing city.

But CJs are fun in the mountains ... just be sure to bring a mechanic ... and lots of spare parts.

I was really shocked to hear about his sales volume. Hmmm, I wonder if the tax department reads the China Daily?

[DanKearney]

I had a great time riding around with Jim Bryant and a few of his friends when I was last in Beijing. You're right, getting the few miles from Jim's (previous) shop to the open roads was a bit challenging, but once past that it was great riding. Jim's bikes can really haul a$$ with those R100 motors in them. Much faster than the Ural that I owned at the time.













Cheers,

Dan K.

[felix]

I absolutely love that green hack in the 4th picture. The donghai tub, the BMW motor, the 'earl' forks, double discs, side dog... but the best thing is the mirror placement! Gorgeous.

[DanKearney]

I probably should let Jim reply, but if I remember correctly, that is the bike that Jim rode around the world (minus the pooch) a few years back. A real nice bike.

Cheers,

Dan K.

[Lao Jia Hou]

Really great pics Dan. Thanks! Great pack of guys you were riding with.

And wow, Felix, I am impressed at your sidecar knowledge! Very few people would recognize those things.

My fave pic is the second one ... and maybe when Jim chimes in, he can explain the story of why his wife is pointing a gun at him, while checking an SMS on the mobile. Hmmmmmm.

[DanKearney]

Here's another shot of Jim's rig. Sorry for another look at my mug, I'm in a lot of my own photos. I am a tourist after all. . .



Cheers,

Dan K.

[felix]

Yup, jim builds a good bike. Is that even a CJ at all? The tank and headlight are different, and the frame looks like the ones off the 'plastic' (police) CJ but with a modified rear suspension?