Back in 2008 I decided to purchase my first ever quad from Gio. I made this decision as I wanted to have a smaller ATV for my daughter's to to ride alongside me on my Yamaha YZ 250 F dirt bike. Not having a lot of money to spend, and not sure if my daughters would love riding as much as I do, I chose to go the "off-brand" or Chinese product over a big name brand like a Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha etc. It has started a bit of a love affair for me on these products, and has opened the doors to new friendships as well.
The Mini Beast will always be dear in my heart as it was the first of many Gio quads I've been involved in, and up until recently was the most upgraded unit in the bunch. It was only recently surpassed in this regard by my larger, adult sized 2007 Gio Beast 200cc.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Are Chinese Motorcycles, Quads, Atv's and Dirt Bikes Safe?
When one looks at the price difference between a major brand motorcycle or quad and those being imported from China, the first question any reasonable person should ask is, "Is it safe to ride?" I know it was the first thing I thought, being that the Chinese brand products were going to be for my kids to enjoy. The last thing anyone wants to see or have happened to them is a catastrophic failure of an important part causing injury to you or your loved ones. My biggest fear was always the wheels coming off, and I'm really not sure why. I don't know if I saw this picture before or after I bought my first quad, but the image has always stayed in my head!
I'd like to say there is an easy
answer to the whole "Is it safe?" question. The fact of the matter is it really depends on you, the owner, to ensure it's safety regularly. This is probably no different than owning a Honda or Yamaha, or Harley Davidson but I would think those bigger brands are a little more forgiving in some instances if you forget to check bolt torque for example. The Chinese machines are not as refined in their engineering, which causes a lot of vibration from the motor. This vibration is the source of a number of headaches, the most glaring being that of loosening fasteners. Yes, you must always check your bolts when being an owner of an off brand motorcycle or quad. It's the number one most important piece of maintenance you can do, that, and buying shares in Loctite.
It's my experience and opinion only, that the biggest issue that has plagued manufacturers and seller's of the off brand power equipment, is the fact it is delivered to the customer in one big box of rattling metal. Bolts rolling around, falling out of holes in the cardboard from it's long journey across the water to it's intended destination. This box lands in the consumer's front doorway with a terribly written manual, no instructions on assembly and a 'thanks for doing business with us' card.
Yes, that is my major concern with these products. You are asking many non mechanical people to properly assemble a motorized vehicle capable of speeds anywhere from 50km/hr to 140km/hr at home, by themselves, with no instructions. This is rare in a big brand environment. Dealers unpack, assemble, ensure it's done correctly by certified mechanics (we think?) who know the product and usually know what's a safe way to tighten a bolt or where it belongs. With most Chinese brand products this is not the case. There are a few exceptions to this rule, and I think there are more and more dealer environments springing up selling these products so you can avoid doing this 'assembly' yourself.
Assembling these products is not generally hard, but you do need to have an understanding of how they work. How the wheels are held on, how to set up the carbs, how to adjust the rear end, chain, steering etc. If you do not have a mechanical back ground you should really have the product set up for you by a licensed motorcycle mechanic.
Important things you should know. Loctite is your friend. Buy it, lots of it, use it everywhere you can. At the beginning of this article I mentioned vibration. Vibration is caused by internal components of the engine not being properly balanced with each other. (Car enthusiasts spend a lot of money on balancing their motors.) Now this doesn't hurt the engine itself, but that vibration does travel through the motor mounts, into the frame, into the handlebars and everywhere else that touches the frame (pretty much everything.) Bolts are the weakest links holding your bike or quad together, so they'll be the first place the vibration will cause and issue. Namely, loosening your fasteners. Loctite (or threadlocker) greatly reduces the impact of vibration on your nuts and bolts which minimizes your risk of losing one at the most inopportune time.
My final point is to not do something you are unsure of and say to yourself, "Ahh, it'll be fine." In fact, if your gut reaction tells you don't think it's 'right' it probably isn't. Get it looked at by someone mechanically inclined. A half hour check it out bill at the local bike shop is a lot better than a funeral bill. There are many resources on the net now to aid you in your product assembly or if you get stuck on something. My favorite spot is Chinariders where you will find helpful, non judgmental people who know these bikes and atv's very well.
I would like to wrap up saying, "Yes, I believe these bikes to be safe to ride." This can only be said if they are prepared and assembled properly by someone who knows what they are doing, if they are continually checked for loose bolts or problems, and maintained regularly otherwise.
Enjoy your new, or existing bike to the fullest!
 |
| Now what? Photo Author Unknown. |
answer to the whole "Is it safe?" question. The fact of the matter is it really depends on you, the owner, to ensure it's safety regularly. This is probably no different than owning a Honda or Yamaha, or Harley Davidson but I would think those bigger brands are a little more forgiving in some instances if you forget to check bolt torque for example. The Chinese machines are not as refined in their engineering, which causes a lot of vibration from the motor. This vibration is the source of a number of headaches, the most glaring being that of loosening fasteners. Yes, you must always check your bolts when being an owner of an off brand motorcycle or quad. It's the number one most important piece of maintenance you can do, that, and buying shares in Loctite.
Yes, that is my major concern with these products. You are asking many non mechanical people to properly assemble a motorized vehicle capable of speeds anywhere from 50km/hr to 140km/hr at home, by themselves, with no instructions. This is rare in a big brand environment. Dealers unpack, assemble, ensure it's done correctly by certified mechanics (we think?) who know the product and usually know what's a safe way to tighten a bolt or where it belongs. With most Chinese brand products this is not the case. There are a few exceptions to this rule, and I think there are more and more dealer environments springing up selling these products so you can avoid doing this 'assembly' yourself.
Assembling these products is not generally hard, but you do need to have an understanding of how they work. How the wheels are held on, how to set up the carbs, how to adjust the rear end, chain, steering etc. If you do not have a mechanical back ground you should really have the product set up for you by a licensed motorcycle mechanic.
 |
| Douse it with Loctite |
My final point is to not do something you are unsure of and say to yourself, "Ahh, it'll be fine." In fact, if your gut reaction tells you don't think it's 'right' it probably isn't. Get it looked at by someone mechanically inclined. A half hour check it out bill at the local bike shop is a lot better than a funeral bill. There are many resources on the net now to aid you in your product assembly or if you get stuck on something. My favorite spot is Chinariders where you will find helpful, non judgmental people who know these bikes and atv's very well.
I would like to wrap up saying, "Yes, I believe these bikes to be safe to ride." This can only be said if they are prepared and assembled properly by someone who knows what they are doing, if they are continually checked for loose bolts or problems, and maintained regularly otherwise.
Enjoy your new, or existing bike to the fullest!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Zongshen 200GY-2: Dual Sport Motorcycle
When fuel prices exceeded $4.00/gallon in 2008, I decided to return to riding motorcycles. However, as I began to research the price of Japanese motorcycles, I got serious "sticker shock!" Looking for a more reasonably priced alternative, I discovered Chinese motorcycles, and started to frequent the China Riders web forum to gather more information.
After doing quite a bit of research, I discovered many Chinese motorsport vehicles are very reliable, and excellent values! I finally decided to purchase a Zongshen 200GY-2 motorcycle, which employs a faithful copy of the 2010, Yamaha, TW200 engine. I paid one-quarter the price of a new Yamaha for my Zongshen motorcycle, but I received a well-built vehicle which I have ridden over 36,000 miles! I would like to tell you more about my Zongshen 200GY-2 in future installments.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Why buy a Chinese Motorcycle or Quad?
Welcome!
I'm excited to be typing my first blog article on this new site. I think it's about time we have a news/blog site on the POSITIVE aspects of owning a Chinese brand motorcycle, dirt bike, quad, atv, or scooter. Yes, we may expect to have to pull out our wrenches once in a while, but what guy doesn't love to do that?
My love of these products started with a dream, an idea of my whole family owning something to ride through the woods, over the grass, or up the mountain together. You know, a family that plays together stays together! I start looking at prices. Wow!
I'm excited to be typing my first blog article on this new site. I think it's about time we have a news/blog site on the POSITIVE aspects of owning a Chinese brand motorcycle, dirt bike, quad, atv, or scooter. Yes, we may expect to have to pull out our wrenches once in a while, but what guy doesn't love to do that?
My love of these products started with a dream, an idea of my whole family owning something to ride through the woods, over the grass, or up the mountain together. You know, a family that plays together stays together! I start looking at prices. Wow!
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