Dong Fang DF 250 RTB Bobber Information

[GonzoX]

anyone also with the 2012 model know for sure the oil drain plug size?
apparently its m12x1.5 on the 2010, id like to order a magnetic one.

IDK but on the older model its a 12mm x 1.50 Thread.
most have bought the rare earth magnetic oil drain plug. Good investment AFAIAC.

Dont know squat about the 2012 model but I wish I had one to find out. Keep us informed.

[GonzoX]

the tube just out of the secondary intake port near the head had burst.

Yep same thing happened to me. I upgraded to a stronger hose a O'Reilly auto parts but I will NEVER take this bike on an 80mhp hwy again. I will need a bigger bike for that. Tops 60mhp stock gear. If I want more than that Im springing for a Triumpf or Enfield and going into debt like my brother and his uber harley LOL.

And as long as Im saying that, What are Enfieled bikes? Are they better than Triumph, Harly or Yamaha? Just asking. Never even heard of them but dang their bikes look sweet.

[birdmove]

Google Royal Enfield USA. Go to "community", which will take you to the forums. Then go to "Bullet with UCE engine". That will get you to the part of the forum about the newest version with the UCE engine. That is a unit construction engine, like modern Japanese bikes. The older model was one with separate engine and transmission, like the modern Twin Cam Harleys. The RE Bullets exported to the US all have the new 500cc single cylinder engine. It's a fuel injected pushrod motor. I had the earlier model, a 2007. The new ones are much better than the one I had, which was a pretty decent bike. If you think like I do, the RE Bullets are a great looking motorcycle. They are made in India and have an interesting history. They generally need a bit more maintenance than a new Japanese bike. See if you have a dealer near you and go see them in person and take a test ride. That's what I did, and came home with a new 2007 Bullet. A 500 is a nice sized bike. Freeway capable, but not to heavy. I got way more attention on the Bullet than any of the 25 or so bikes I've owned over 50+ years of riding.

[axa]

Yep same thing happened to me. I upgraded to a stronger hose a O'Reilly auto parts but I will NEVER take this bike on an 80mhp hwy again. I will need a bigger bike for that. Tops 60mhp stock gear. If I want more than that Im springing for a Triumpf or Enfield and going into debt like my brother and his uber harley LOL.

And as long as Im saying that, What are Enfieled bikes? Are they better than Triumph, Harly or Yamaha? Just asking. Never even heard of them but dang their bikes look sweet.

When i cut it down i noticed how flimsy the tube is, barely a trace of any fiber reinforcement found on a better tube...

Lots of people talk about just removing that entire secondary all together...
After I get things stable, decide on a rear sprocket, and learn well the normal capabilities of the engine, Ill too cap it off and see if its a worthy mod...

[axa]

IDK but on the older model its a 12mm x 1.50 Thread.
most have bought the rare earth magnetic oil drain plug. Good investment AFAIAC.

Dont know squat about the 2012 model but I wish I had one to find out. Keep us informed.

Im not certain but almost convinced the engine is the same engine on the 2 year models.
And all but certain it is the same plug, i got a message from another 2012 owner he tried a m12x1.75 and it was too course. The thing is m12 has 3 fine pitch threads... 1, 1.25 and 1.5...
go figure.

I just don't feel like dumping the oil just to put it against my gauge. And still have a plug ready on the next change...
Dear me, first world problems, what is one to do...

[axa]

Well, I'm reading my way through this whole thread. I was aware of the tank leak issue. And I didn't care for the original handlebars much. I'm at the point where Gardo sent his Dong Fang back due to not being able to license it in his state. Gat a ways to go. I assume they got that problem taken care of. I also noticed this bike doesn't have a lick starter. That's too bad.

Which problem are you referring? About the tank, yes its an entirely new tank, mounted entirely differently. If the problem you are referring to is being able to register in NJ, CT or whatever his state was, then no i dont think it was resolved, you still cant reg in CT and NJ, PA, or CA i think. I being in NY was rather nervous for a time as all those states surround me but NH.
Though in reading back a ways there were exactly 2 others whom were successful, and I can tell whom ever reads this as of May 2013 there is no problem here in NY...

[birdmove]

I live in Hawaii, so, as of this thread (that I am reading from the start) I could take the first 3 letters of the vin, LXD, and check here to see if the can be registered and street licensed. That was the problem I was referring to. I actually like the new improved tank better, and I prefer the lower handlebars (not the "Z" bars) on the newer model too.

[axa]

another rear sprocket upgrade question here....

help me think...
While going to a smaller rear sprocket is absolutely needed, im trying to determine how small to go...

with all variables the same load incline... does reducing the rear sprocket diameter, not only bump your top end but make each gear last longer?
I would think it just changes the amount of time in first, but the other 4 gears were the same same but a greater speed...

cuz right now if i find I can get away with always starting in second, ill probably go for the 33t

Or will i just be condemning my clutch to an early death?
Educate me...

fwiw im 160lb and in a hilly area, but these are short hills in suburban neighborhoods... not mile inclines on a highway.
I dont really plan on taking my bike on the highway much...

[birdmove]

If you go to a smaller rear sprocket, you are raising your gear ratio. The engine will do less rpm in each gear at a given speed than it does now. So, the gears will "last longer". They will all be affected this way. But if you go to too high of a gear ratio, the engine won't have the power to pull the bike, and that gear may be useless. I am reading through this whole thread. Where I am at now someone said the stock rear sprocket is 40 teeth. They had gone to a 33 tooth and were worried they had gone too far, and suggested a 35 tooth might be about right. The front sprocket is just the opposite. To get a higher gear ratio, you would change to a sprocket with more teeth. I used to go buy a one tooth change on the front sprocket would equal about a 3 tooth change on the rear sprocket. The other thing thing you should notice by getting your bike to rev less at a speed, is better gas mileage, unless you find yourself twisting the throttle harder to compensate for the less power you will seem to have. You won't have quite the acceleration you have now, but the bike will seem more relaxed at a certain speed. It's a tradeoff.

[axa]

If you go to a smaller rear sprocket, you are raising your gear ratio. The engine will do less rpm in each gear at a given speed than it does now. So, the gears will "last longer". They will all be affected this way. But if you go to too high of a gear ratio, the engine won't have the power to pull the bike, and that gear may be useless. I am reading through this whole thread. Where I am at now someone said the stock rear sprocket is 40 teeth. They had gone to a 33 tooth and were worried they had gone too far, and suggested a 35 tooth might be about right. The front sprocket is just the opposite. To get a higher gear ratio, you would change to a sprocket with more teeth. I used to go buy a one tooth change on the front sprocket would equal about a 3 tooth change on the rear sprocket. The other thing thing you should notice by getting your bike to rev less at a speed, is better gas mileage, unless you find yourself twisting the throttle harder to compensate for the less power you will seem to have. You won't have quite the acceleration you have now, but the bike will seem more relaxed at a certain speed. It's a tradeoff.

here save yourself some time... heres a montage of sprocket testimonials i put together from this thread... 35 does seem to be the prevailing selection... there does appear to be conflicting feelings though

rollenrock 140lb - 135lb
37t - happy
"I went with a 37. I have 8% grades that I have to go up on every ride. They are long, winding hills, and with my 37 I can hoover around 70 mph."


GUN ROD
35t - unhappy
"Due to Illinois flat roads, I went with a 35. Sorry that I did, when I do run into hills, no guts. Fast on the flat & nice rumble in town."


ghost1133 190 - 200lb
38t - happy
"I went with the 38 tooth sprocket, from instinct I guess. Worked out great. I did this with going from a 45 tooth sprocket, (stock). I could go smaller or larger. $29.00 a shot. But the 38 did the trick for me. I weigh about 190. From the take off, I would be hesitant to go smaller. But then the sprocket is so easy to change out, I might try a smaller one. Just for fun. That is when I get the leaking gas tank thing corrected.
I have been on two wheels for 30 years plus. This is a good bike. But really, does anyone on here think that speeds exceeding 60 mph. is a good idea with only a 250cc."

"I also switched to the 35 tooth sprocket from the 38. Lost a little umph at mid range and above, but rides so much smoother on the highway I am thinking I'll keep it."

"I am about 200 lbs. I ran a 38 tooth for about 800 miles. Switched to a 35 just for the hey of it. After about 200 miles I am thinking about going back to the 38 tooth. Going to give it another couple of hundred miles to be sure. I can switch the sproket out in about 15 minutes. lol"


bowtiewagon
35t - ?
"shifting is close to what you say depending on how fast you want to get up to speed.when I need to get on the freeway, its like 10,22,35,45,60+normal driving..10,20,30,40,50+."


alleykat 190
35t - iffy
"I'm at 190lbs with a 35 with no hills along the coast and sometimes wished I had a 38 lol."


hooliganboy
35t - iffy
"i ran a 35t which was fine here in louisiana, but, at times it did feel on take off that i was in other people's way. it really didn't have the get up and go"


Rungeg
35t
"The bike is running great. 200 miles just changed to a 35t sprocket. My original was 45t. Trying to get a few more MPH. Hopefully paperwork gets here soon. I would like to ride with a plate."


skullworkz 180-190lb
35t - happy
"I'm running a 35t on mine and I weigh around 180-190 on any givin day. The front sprocket is much harder to change out due to the inside area where the sprocket lies. You will have to get VERY handy with a grinder to make a different sprocket fit. With just the 35t on mine it moves pretty well and I really cant notice a differance in take off other than I doesn't wind out as fast in 1st and 2nd and in 5th gear it doesn't sound like its going to blow up."


Gumpsta
35t