Dong Fang DF 250 RTB Bobber Information

**SR.MAILMAN** · 06-13-2013, 03:47 PM

Originally Posted by birdmove

While I am reading through this giant thread (now on page 2110 of 369...), I have a couple questions. 1.Has anyone bought one of these and shipped and licensed it in Hawaii? 2.Has anyone bought the newer version that now comes with a "peanut" gas tank? I'm wondering if they went to a better mount that won't cause the gas tank leaks the older design had. 3.I have only read of two cases where the sealed spoke wheels had a leak so far. One owner got a new wheel under warranty. The other had a shop install an inner tube. These types of wheels are a pretty new development to motorcycles, and I would worry about leaks. Anyone else had problems with these? One owner (the one that got a warranty new wheel) said he was told they couldn't install an inner tube, as the wheels are designed for tubeless tires. But the other owner had a shop install a tube. Who is right here? Can you or can't you install an inner tube in these wheels? The existence of this forum is a HUGE incentive to buy one of these bikes. The new model has, I hope, a new gas tank with better mounts. And, it has bars I prefer over the older ones. Price is down to $2069.95 at Powersportsmax.com. I just need to get a shipping price and decide whether I want one of these or not. I like that it has an easy to work on push rod engine, and that everything is pretty out in the open with easy access. I don't like having no kick starter or centerstand. I don't like sealed tubeless spoke wheels. I wish it was geared higher from the factory, but have no problem replacing the rear sprocket. I like that it has very little chrome. Chrome and the rainy Puna District of Hawaii do not go together well. We have lots of beautiful sunny weather, but it rains most nights, and some days, and the word "hard" doesn't describe the sometimes downpours. As in, you cannot drive in it. I'd rather have no chrome, than a cheaper quality chrome that will rust.

I had the store chain- Cycle Gear install a tube on a leaky (from day one) DF rim. I am sure they would have said something if their was a "liability" problem.

Before you even think of buying one... Make sure that your state MVD does NOT require a new motorcycle to be C.A.R.B. (California air research board) certified. It is an emissions thing and will stop you from registering.

**axa** · 06-13-2013, 08:20 PM

Originally Posted by birdmove

While I am reading through this giant thread (now on page 2110 of 369...), I have a couple questions. 1.Has anyone bought one of these and shipped and licensed it in Hawaii? 2.Has anyone bought the newer version that now comes with a "peanut" gas tank? I'm wondering if they went to a better mount that won't cause the gas tank leaks the older design had. 3.I have only read of two cases where the sealed spoke wheels had a leak so far. One owner got a new wheel under warranty. The other had a shop install an inner tube. These types of wheels are a pretty new development to motorcycles, and I would worry about leaks. Anyone else had problems with these? One owner (the one that got a warranty new wheel) said he was told they couldn't install an inner tube, as the wheels are designed for tubeless tires. But the other owner had a shop install a tube. Who is right here? Can you or can't you install an inner tube in these wheels? The existence of this forum is a HUGE incentive to buy one of these bikes. The new model has, I hope, a new gas tank with better mounts. And, it has bars I prefer over the older ones. Price is down to $2069.95 at Powersportsmax.com. I just need to get a shipping price and decide whether I want one of these or not. I like that it has an easy to work on push rod engine, and that everything is pretty out in the open with easy access. I don't like having no kick starter or centerstand. I don't like sealed tubeless spoke wheels. I wish it was geared higher from the factory, but have no problem replacing the rear sprocket. I like that it has very little chrome. Chrome and the rainy Puna District of Hawaii do not go together well. We have lots of beautiful sunny weather, but it rains most nights, and some days, and the word "hard" doesn't describe the sometimes downpours. As in, you cannot drive in it. I'd rather have no chrome, than a cheaper quality chrome that will rust.

go for it.
Ive had Chinese products that were put together and of far worse quality than this. I think its not on that level.
i choose to entirely keep this bike and all of my machines, tractor, trailer, out of the rain. All made in china and they look nearly as new as the day they were bought.
ANY machine will do better when not exposed to direct water... So if thats not an option, why not minimize its exposure, build a small carport over hang or something...

If it means anything, Cheng Shin Tire, is owned by Taiwanese Cheng Shin Rubber Ind. Co., Ltd who is a huge bicycle tire producing company. I find mine holding up pretty well, and cant imagine it will ever wear out...
Which i kind of wish it would so i can stick a fatter tire on...

As mentioned the gas tank is now mounted with bolts rather than welded studs so that problem is fixed.

Center stand can be added if your ambitious. I dont think a kick start is an option without more ambition.

As far as a dealer, i think they all drop ship from sunnymotors anyway, why not give Chad at http://extremescooters.biz/ a try. he has that bike for $1,999.99 So far ive had little issue and he has done me right...

**DanDaMan** · 06-13-2013, 11:22 PM

well unless he has a dealer in his state , yes it will be shipped from another company , but the local company will do all paperwork for him , title , plates and 1st years tags

for what looks like 69 bucks

**birdmove** · 06-14-2013, 01:26 AM

According to the Extremescooters website, they ship only to the lower 48 states...no Alaska or Hawaii.

**ben2go** · 06-14-2013, 03:33 AM

They can drop ship to a freight forwarder and ship it to HI.It will drive up cost a few hundred dollars.

**GonzoX** · 06-15-2013, 05:40 AM

Originally Posted by birdmove

While I am reading through this giant thread (now on page 2110 of 369...), I have a couple questions. 1.Has anyone bought one of these and shipped and licensed it in Hawaii? 2.Has anyone bought the newer version that now comes with a "peanut" gas tank? I'm wondering if they went to a better mount that won't cause the gas tank leaks the older design had. 3.I have only read of two cases where the sealed spoke wheels had a leak so far. One owner got a new wheel under warranty. The other had a shop install an inner tube. These types of wheels are a pretty new development to motorcycles, and I would worry about leaks. Anyone else had problems with these? One owner (the one that got a warranty new wheel) said he was told they couldn't install an inner tube, as the wheels are designed for tubeless tires. But the other owner had a shop install a tube. Who is right here? Can you or can't you install an inner tube in these wheels? The existence of this forum is a HUGE incentive to buy one of these bikes. The new model has, I hope, a new gas tank with better mounts. And, it has bars I prefer over the older ones. Price is down to $2069.95 at Powersportsmax.com. I just need to get a shipping price and decide whether I want one of these or not. I like that it has an easy to work on push rod engine, and that everything is pretty out in the open with easy access. I don't like having no kick starter or centerstand. I don't like sealed tubeless spoke wheels. I wish it was geared higher from the factory, but have no problem replacing the rear sprocket. I like that it has very little chrome. Chrome and the rainy Puna District of Hawaii do not go together well. We have lots of beautiful sunny weather, but it rains most nights, and some days, and the word "hard" doesn't describe the sometimes downpours. As in, you cannot drive in it. I'd rather have no chrome, than a cheaper quality chrome that will rust.

I have the older model but I think I can say without question that the newer gas tank gets rid of the leaking gas tank problem. I would have to pay $300 or so for the new one and drill holes etc to mount it. Dealer says they dont even sell the old tank. I opted to just pay a local MC shop to fix it for me with a solder job or whatever. Will take it to them at the end of the week. They gave me a price of $40 to solder it or crea it etc. I honestly wish I had the newer model. Hell it even has a better seat 2 boot.

Havent had an issue with the wheels except rust on the spoke ends. Tires I had zero problems. I will address the rusty spoke issie with rust remover. I did a bit of this rust remover on my rear spoke drive and it seemed to fix the problem. It left a mark but its better than rust IMHO but I added some chain oil and im happy with that. I will do my spokes next week and wash the bike from top to bottom. Ironically my main problem now is the slow leak from my tank and spiders and cottonwood getting all in my bike but I can deal with that at a car wash.

But Culcus is absolutely right. The steel on this bike is prone to rust so if you have one keep it in the garage or put a cover on it. Im living in a dry desert area and it still rusts. All it takes is one good rain pour on it. Exhaust is also rused outside so Im thinking of using rust remover and taking the exhaust off and repainting with weather and heat resistant paint. If you live in HI then you have even more things to worry about. I used to be stationed at NAS Corpus Christi and I have literally seen cars not even three years old rusted through so you DO need to worry about salt water.

As axa said, if you keep it out of the elements it will be fine. If not then be ready to do some maintenance on the metal. That's the price we pay for a cheap ride. But the nice part is that we even have that choice considering how much the dealers want for a used Yamaha etc. Just food for thought.

**GonzoX** · 06-15-2013, 05:55 AM

A bit frustrated today and I cheated on chopstick (my DF) by looking at other new bikes. I love the retro bikes and found an Indian made british bike for about 6K. A Royal Enfield. I fell instantly in love with this bike but damn I got on it and had two major issues.

And mind you I am still a newb to motorcycles. First issue is that the handlebars are even with the fuel tank. This is WAY lower tham my DF250 and felt strange. But Im thinking that this is something I could simpy get used too or fix with a higher bar.

Second issue may be a deal breaker. Mind you I am short. Much shorter than your average Amercan. On my DF250 I had both feet on the ground while sitting or at a red light. As much as like like this new bike (The Enfield) I had my left foot on the ground and my right foot at least one inch off the ground. I thought this was odd as the Royal Enfield is not that big. Its basically the same size as a Honda Rebel. And only 500cc to boot. But I felt that not being able to have both feet on the ground was a deal breaker. I realy would like some feed back on this as I really want one of these bikes. But this last issue has me worried. I know I can always get a higher handlebar for the bike but I cant change ths seat height. Opinions wanted on this. I really want to buy one but Im thinking the height would be a major safety issue.

**birdmove** · 06-15-2013, 06:59 AM

I owned a 2007 Royal Enfield 500 Bullet Classic and rode it for about 3 years. Mine was in British Racing Green. It was the older "iron" engine, which had a separate engine and transmission, and had a carb. It was a great looking motorcycle. The newer models are a unit construction engine, like a modern Japanese engine. Mine had a good shifting 5 speed trans. I had heard the older 4 speed was cantankerous. You are right. The handlebars are quite low, which I prefer. The new models are more reliable than mine, though I had few problems with mine. It was not a fast motorcycle, but it was a lot of fun riding it. It was not a freeway bike, but did fine on back roads and slower highways. And talk about attention!! I'm nearly 60 and have ridden motorcycles for over 50 years, and that Enfield attracted strangers like a magnet. I'd take a favorite back road route, and stop at a Starbucks in a little town. One time I had 3 different people come up to me and ask me about it. One time I parked next to the curb on a busy street in Tacoma, Wa., and a gent ran across 4 lanes of very bust traffic to ask me about it. That bike captured the look of a 1960s British bike, because it WAS a 1960s British bike. The electric starter was quirky, so I always kick started it, and just used the electric if I stalled it in traffic. I did love riding that thing, and miss it. I sold it when we moved to Hawaii. No dealers on the Big Island.

**GonzoX** · 06-15-2013, 07:15 AM

Birdmove, I hear yat but the comments you got I get for my DF as strange as it seems. I even had one guy pull me over to ask about my cheap Chicom bike believe it or not.

I really want this bike (R. Enfild) but my short riding stance has me worriedd. I think Ill go back to the dealer and try the one with the 2x seat or even the sidecar verision. Maybe that will make a difference but the one I wanted had eht solo springer seat like my DF and that had the old school look I was looking for. It ironically was the cheaspest model. Anything over the springer commanded 7k to 8k and honestly I cant justify that amount on an Indian made bike over a used Yamahaha or Harley. This is killing me as I really want the Indian bike. Like all thngs< sometimes you have to go with your gut and just say **** everbybody Im buying this damn thing but I have reservations about it. I need one of two things. Either one to say I would be a dumb*** for buying it or someboey to say go for it. Just looking for honest opinions.

BTW just got back from Luchenbach TX. Anybody been there? Ggood place for bikers who like country music but be warned that the bar only takes cash money LOL.

**ben2go** · 06-15-2013, 01:39 PM

Originally Posted by GonzoX

A bit frustrated today and I cheated on chopstick (my DF) by looking at other new bikes. I love the retro bikes and found an Indian made british bike for about 6K. A Royal Enfield. I fell instantly in love with this bike but damn I got on it and had two major issues.

And mind you I am still a newb to motorcycles. First issue is that the handlebars are even with the fuel tank. This is WAY lower tham my DF250 and felt strange. But Im thinking that this is something I could simpy get used too or fix with a higher bar.

Second issue may be a deal breaker. Mind you I am short. Much shorter than your average Amercan. On my DF250 I had both feet on the ground while sitting or at a red light. As much as like like this new bike (The Enfield) I had my left foot on the ground and my right foot at least one inch off the ground. I thought this was odd as the Royal Enfield is not that big. Its basically the same size as a Honda Rebel. And only 500cc to boot. But I felt that not being able to have both feet on the ground was a deal breaker. I realy would like some feed back on this as I really want one of these bikes. But this last issue has me worried. I know I can always get a higher handlebar for the bike but I cant change ths seat height. Opinions wanted on this. I really want to buy one but Im thinking the height would be a major safety issue.

The RE can be lowered or the suspension preload soften to allow it to squish down a little more when you set on it.