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!

Now what? Photo Author Unknown.

  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. 

Douse it with Loctite

  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!