What are my choices for reliable Chinese motorcycle

[slabo]

Hello,
Thanks very much for this forum on Chinese motorbikes. As many other things in China, the motorcycle business is unlike anywhere else in the world.

I am now live in Kunming, Yunnan, and I am looking to buy a motorcycle.
I am very fond of the '80s look of the Universal Japanese Motorcycle, Honda Nighthawk CB750 is a classic example. Its probably the most successful motorcycle ever. I will be commuting daily around 30 Km to the office, and I would like to explore Yunnan on the weekends How fast (average) can a 125cc go comfortably? I don't have experience with anything smaller than 400.

Roads in China are not as bad as they were 14 years ago, I was not here then, but I read it was hell. So I don't really need, but really want a Honda TransAlp. But lets stick to what I can get my hands on.

What is most suitable for my case ? And where in Kunming can i get one? Also, its possible for me to go to Chongqing if i have a better choice for a bike.

Please help me get my freedom back , thanks.

[iamcanjim]

I have noticed what's common in some parts of China can be rare in others. That said, Regal Raptor sells a variety of cruisers and standards based on the old Honda CMX250/CB250 Rebel, and the prices are reasonable. I have a real Honda Rebel near Shanghai. Mine will hit 120 km/h, more than fast enough for China and I see little reason why the Chinese copies are slower.

[slabo]

I thought this is the Honda Rebel, you can classify it as a mini Cruiser::
2005-Honda-Rebel250.jpg

The picture you attache looks more like a 'naked' bike. Or a modern sport bike minus the fairing. I dont like that seating position. But what is this Regal Raptor manufacturer ?? Can you provide a link? if they make good sport bikes, they might very well make a UJM.


Just so you don't confuse with your CMX; the Nighthawk 750 i am talking about looks like this::
1992_cb750.jpg
The seating position is more upright. If you are interested to read more::
http://hondanighthawks.net/750.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_CB750SC
Also the 250 version looks similar.
Anyone knows a chinese manufacturer making a Nighthawk ?

[slabo]

http://www.mychinamoto.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17
I see CrazyCarl once had a "Chinese Nighthawk" the ZhongXin ZX 150-5, any more info on that or something similar?
i see plenty of similar bikes on the street, I really cannot keep up. I need some advice.
Thanks

[iamcanjim]

Sorry that I wasn't very clear.

In the late 1970's Honda developed a parellel twin 200/250 cc engine. This became the engine of the CMX250 Rebel (cruiser) and the CB 250 nighthawk (standard). This basic engine has been copied by numerous Chinese companies, the best being Lifeng, which makes the 'Regal Raptor.' My Rebel is definitely a cruiser.

This engine and it's derivatives power most of the larger, more powerful Chinese bikes, especially non dirtbikes. The pic you published was of my Rebel, the one I showed was Lifeng's take on a modern CB250 Nighthawk.


As for other slightly more powerful streetbikes, you could go with a Suzuki GN250 (if you can find one),

a Yamaha YBR 250 (expensive)

or Chinese copies of a Suzuki GN250 (common, but I don't know specific brands).

As for a 125 cc's, it depends. I have ridden a Loncin and a Suzuki 125 and they can cruise at up to about 90 km/h. I have been told that the YBR125 can cruise at up to 110+ km/h. I don't know for sure. Other high-tech small engines also have good performance (Honda CBF150 for example).

[iamcanjim]

Between the Lifeng 'Regal Raptor' and the CB250 Nighthawk, Lifeng has actually made fewer changes than it appears. The engine is water cooled, the brakes are disk instead of drum and the frame is double cradle rather than single cradle. The bars, seat and pegs are basically similiar. The Lifeng is rather hideous compared to the timeless simplicity of the Honda, but it's mainly cosmetic.

Look up a Jialing JH200.