Need Help Choosing a Bike

**Steve_Halt** · 07-05-2012, 02:41 AM

Originally Posted by Zorge

Whoa!!! It's a bike! Congratulations!

It's cute one, if I may add. I think that you're the first owner of this bike on this forum. As far as I know, this is not the original Qingqi's, but Somoto's project - http://www.somoto.cn/products.asp?nid=20.

I'm not going to rush you, but when you find free time, treat us with detailed walk around.

Thanks :)
Somoto and QingQi look similar (especially that Somoto Classic-B and my bike), but at a closer look the're different. The engines are different and QingQi doesn't offer 150 and 250cc options of that bike. I'd buy a 250cc if there was one :)
Besides, Somoto classic lineup has been around for some time, whereas QingQi claims to have put their U-Zeal in the market last month.
Anyways, is there any info on Soomoto sold in China? I went through their contacts, and apparently they're located in GuangZhou, but I haven't heard about the brand/haven't seen their dealership before you posted that website link.
I'll sure do a writeup on my QingQi as soon as I got time (this summer happens to be a busy one).

**euphonius** · 07-05-2012, 02:50 AM

Dear Steve,

Nice looking bike -- great retro styling! Any further details about this steed? EFI or carb? Hope you can launch a new thread where you can give us an ongoing review and update that is easy for others to find.

Did you ride it yet? Tell me again, isn't Nanjing a dry city? How and where will you register it?

cheers!

**Steve_Halt** · 07-05-2012, 03:10 AM

Originally Posted by euphonius

Dear Steve,

Nice looking bike -- great retro styling! Any further details about this steed? EFI or carb? Hope you can launch a new thread where you can give us an ongoing review and update that is easy for others to find.

Did you ride it yet? Tell me again, isn't Nanjing a dry city? How and where will you register it?

cheers!

Docs first: I'll register it through the dealer I bought it from. It's 8500 yuan for plates all the fuss taken care of by the dealer.
I have ridden it indeed and it's everything you'd expect from a 125cc carburetted bike. No Hayabusa, still great for traffic. I'll post a review as soon as I get to it :)
And, yes, that was the styling that I bought it for.

**euphonius** · 07-05-2012, 03:19 AM

So Nanjing is still wet (for bikes)? Hurrah for the little things! 干杯！

**zhu** · 07-05-2012, 03:36 AM

That is a grand looking bike Steve i am just plain envious of the seat!

**euphonius** · 07-05-2012, 03:48 AM

That must be a really new model. Qingqi has a bike with a similar model number but it's got dreary sport bike styling.

Dying for details!

**Zorge** · 07-05-2012, 04:05 AM

Originally Posted by Steve_Halt

Thanks :)
Somoto and QingQi look similar (especially that Somoto Classic-B and my bike), but at a closer look the're different. The engines are different and QingQi doesn't offer 150 and 250cc options of that bike. I'd buy a 250cc if there was one :)
Besides, Somoto classic lineup has been around for some time, whereas QingQi claims to have put their U-Zeal in the market last month.

There is one interesting detail: for this motorcycle under Qingqi brand, I've heard more than a year ago. They showed it at some motorcycle show and what instantly attracted my attention (other than orange paint and chessboard labels, which have directed me to Somoto), is the motor. Not Suzuki derived one, but the old Honda CG pushrod clone.

Qingqi_125.jpg

I have noticed a lot of seemingly unusual things in Chinese motorcycle industry which couldn't explain. A fresh example: do you remember that a few days ago I mentioned Qingqi's Suzuki Grasstracker wannabe? Literally yesterday I found this article - http://www.skymoto.com.ua/images/DTR 125.pdf . What is wrong with this picture (except the front fender, fairing and gauges; on this bike they look like a saddle on a cow)? Engine again. God knows who made this "saddled cow". Qingqi is probably not, and there is no mention of this bike on the Pioneer's site too. "You have now crossed over into The Twilight Zore..."