Dong Fang DF 250 RTB Bobber Information

[barnone]

For even better braking cross reference the honda pads with EBC and see if HH pads are available.I have had the best luck with those on all my bikes.

Good idea. I have the EBC HH pads on my W650 and Ural and they are an improvement over stock. Who has the Honda part number?

A sticky post like DanDaMan's post with all the common mods, parts numbers, web addresses, etc would be a great idea and big help to all us oldies and newbies. Keep us from reinventing the wheel.

[barnone]

hows testing going?

axa,
Like your signature. I need to work on mine.
The 30 tooth is fine and is very driveable. I think any where from the 35 to the 30 is fine though.

I still get the breakup (cutting out) at 6500 or so RPM (65 MPH indicated, not verified with GPS) so maybe I will drop back to the 105 and see if that helps.

My memory is not the greatest but I don't remember having this cutting out problem on my 2010 DF. I had the 33 tooth, 42/105 jetting on it. Use to run 68 MPH verified with GPS. Maybe one of the 2010 guys will chime in?

My DF is fun to ride here in the mountains where the speed limits are 55 or less like your area. She draws more attention than the big expensive bikes.

[barnone]

Greetings! I'm in Arizona and have been researching Bobber conversions of Kaws and Suzukis for several weeks and finally decided I am not interested in a big bike and my wife is not happy with the idea of me doing highway riding.

I really like the DF and want to know the best method of buying one in Arizona. Is Scooter Depot my only/best means of getting a DF250?

Next, would someone please tell me what the difference is between the D250_RTB, and the "A" and "B" models?? I see scooter depot has the basic (blue) D250_RTB on sale but I do not want to get an old or stripped version and miss out on an improvement/upgrade everyone recommends which comes on the "A" or "B"

THANKS!!!

I and some others here have had good support buying from Chad at http://www.extremescooters.biz/gas-p...-choppers.aspx

Look at the photos of the A and B and you will see the differences. Add $200 freight to the price.

I got the A model because I like a front fender and the conventional front forks but either is fine. I had the 2010 but would recommend the newer A or B because of the improved gas tank but others will disagree.

But remember you are pretty much on your own with these drop ship bikes.

NOT a freeway flyer!!!

[axa]

Bobthebobber,
Good post with all your mods.

2. Removed stripes and repainted the tank and fenders satin black.

I want to do your #4. How did you remove the stripes?
Thanks

you must have bought this gloss finish, cuz if you had the matte, the stripes probably would be peeling themselves off by now, mine were. yep the only difference with matte and gloss is a clear coat over those stripes. therefore if u want them off you'll need to do some sanding on the gloss.

JFYI if your intimidated with painting, just using the ball cans is very easy and comes out very nice. just be sure to use a quality paint. that's what I did, I couldn't be bothered breaking out the hplv and all that.

[van_tri]

I and some others here have had good support buying from Chad at http://www.extremescooters.biz/gas-p...-choppers.aspx

..................... But remember you are pretty much on your own with these drop ship bikes.

NOT a freeway flyer!!!

Thanks Gonzo and Barnone,
I very much appreciate the referral for the distributor.
I am corresponding with a local guy who has a 2010 DF, but it's been stored outside and he rebuilt the carb himself after 2000 miles.

I'm concerned about your "own your own" with these bikes especially since this will be my first bike and I don't even know anyone else who works on bikes. Therefore ... should I stay away from DFs?
VT

[axa]

Thanks Gonzo and Barnone,
I very much appreciate the referral for the distributor.
I am corresponding with a local guy who has a 2010 DF, but it's been stored outside and he rebuilt the carb himself after 2000 miles.

I'm concerned about your "own your own" with these bikes especially since this will be my first bike and I don't even know anyone else who works on bikes. Therefore ... should I stay away from DFs?
VT

in your case extremescooters is more like the drop shipper/dealer. The importer/distributor is still sunny motors as is the warranter as well.
Anyway you are not entirely on your own. I had a conversation with Chad at extreme and he explained the warranty as being if there is something thats broke out the box, they will make it right. Like a broken light or something minor.
If it's the engine that has a problem, it has a certain warranty if you do the work yourself, and double the length if an actual mechanic does.
Truth is I'd hope it didn't get to that point, and Chad still needs to go through sunny which is a pita, but bikes having this level trouble are few and far between.
I think there was only one recorded problem like this on this entire thread, and who knows, that guy could have been a flake for all we know.
Pay with credit card and there is always a layer of consumer protection that it brings.

Id say stay away from a 2010, and away from any Chinese bike that had been stored outside. Unless it was at a deep discount and your cash strapped. I wouldn't look at it unless i could save a grand... And I would STILL pay with a credit card.
Personally id rather take a chance with a new DF than one than any sort of local one that is stored outside, new or used.
Its a good bet the elements will eventually ruin these bikes, but better on Chinese quality control is actually a pretty good gamble comparatively.

But if you really want one, go for it, theres a bunch of us here to help.

[barnone]

Thanks Gonzo and Barnone,
I very much appreciate the referral for the distributor.
I am corresponding with a local guy who has a 2010 DF, but it's been stored outside and he rebuilt the carb himself after 2000 miles.

I'm concerned about your "own your own" with these bikes especially since this will be my first bike and I don't even know anyone else who works on bikes. Therefore ... should I stay away from DFs?
VT

VT,
Don't get me wrong because I really like the DF but IMHO You really do need to have some experience working on motorcycles because the DF is going to come in a crate and you need to assemble it. Not a big deal if you are a wrenching type person or have a friend who has the experience.

Unfortunately most shops will not work on Chinese bikes just like they didn't want to work on Japanese vehicles years ago.

I think you should buy a used small Japanese bike from a good dealer after you take the basic motorcycle rider training if you haven't done that already. Then after you get some experience you can sell it and get a DF.

My 2 cents worth...

[Bobthebobber]

The stripes were easy to get off because the bike was flat.. used a hair dryer and heated them up. @barnone if you have the gloss send me a PM and i'll explain how to get them off.. it will just require a lot more work and a total repaint.

@axa something weird happened to the PM's you sent me. They were all weird html and symbols.. I think maybe it bugged out. could you resend?


The pads were new-old stock from a honda shop that closed in RI. I just grabbed a bunch and found some that fit. They don't fit perfect but they work much better than stock. I'll try and get a # on them but they were opened without a box (I only found pads to fit the front) i also tried some pads that were for a honda scooter for the rear but they did not fit.

I took the bike out today on a road with a 55mph limit. I was able to cruise 50 and 55 indicated.. at 50 ish the motor is not reving up all that high, and it feels like there is a ton left in her... at 55 about the same although shes trying a little harder... but it still feels like I have 20 mph left... then I just hammered it and on the flat got just about 60 indicated with no engine break up or sputter... and at this point the motor was so loud that it was hurting my ears and she was reving up so much that it seemed like the motor might explode lol. Anyway on incline i was not able to maintain the 55.. but on the flat I could with a some effort. Im still running the closed ended filter, and ill try the stock one again when I have a chance. Its very funny how the difference between 50-55 and 55-60 is so large... i swear at 50-55 it purs and feels like I have enough throttle left to do 70... but just 5mph more indicated and that motor wants to throw a piston up into my crotch.. I'm thinking that maybe the 30tooth would get me to where I need to be... which is 55 mph roads without having to max it out (these are not highway roads) but already it's tough on any incline so I might just leave it be..

My damn ears are still ringing.. maybe I should wear a full face helmet if Im going to try and do anymore than 55 lol

[van_tri]

VT,
Don't get me wrong because I really like the DF but IMHO You really do need to have some experience working on motorcycles because the DF is going to come in a crate and you need to assemble it. Not a big deal if you are a wrenching type person or have a friend who has the experience.

Thanks BN, Extreme Scooters advised me today they would ship me the DF completely assembled at no charge if I ordered over the phone vs placing the order on-line. If I placed the order on-line the bike would arrive assembled with the exception of the front end and bars. That was offered without any negotiating ... is there any more wiggle room on price too? R, VT

[barnone]

Thanks BN, Extreme Scooters advised me today they would ship me the DF completely assembled at no charge if I ordered over the phone vs placing the order on-line. If I placed the order on-line the bike would arrive assembled with the exception of the front end and bars. That was offered without any negotiating ... is there any more wiggle room on price too? R, VT

Actually the bike comes assembled like this photo shows.
IMG_2027.jpg
You have to install the handle bars , forward controls, add acid, charge, and install the battery, etc all which are no big deal if you have worked on motorcycles.

Have you ever ridden a motorcycle? Do you have a motorcycle endorsement on your drivers license?
I do not know anything about wiggle room on the price. Do what ever you please.

I've given you my two cents worth. Good luck.