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Mini dirt bike question
Mini dirt bike question
Drinks on me.
Is anyone familiar with these:
* tinyurl . com /6rlqjd
* tinyurl . com /6kk9l4
I suspect they're cheap Chinese made bikes, but do they run? Given the
choice between buying a $1000 50cc Honda/Yamaha/Kawasaki for the kids' first
bike, and one of these Chinese things for under $300, I'm inclined to go the
$300 route, for a couple reasons.
1) The kid(s) might not even like to ride, they could get on, scare the crap
out of themselves and get off with a wet spot on the seat and saying "I
don't want to ride anymore."
2) They're kids and they're growing. We may only get a few hundred KMs on
it, running down an old railroad track on Sundays at my folks place, before
they've outgrown the thing.
3) Price.
It likely doesn't come with some of the features of the Japanese bikes, like
speed limiters, and readily available supply of spare parts, and the like,
but then the Z50 I learned on didn't have a lot of that (except for the
dealer network). I looked at prices for used Jap mini bikes and they're
still in the $800 range for something that isn't 20 years old.
You can see which way I'm leaning, any reason you can think of to lean the
other way? The boys are currently 7 and 5, if that factors in. And
regardless of the bike (assuming I can get it by the missus, which I think I
can) I realize I'll need to shell out for gear, I'll be less inclined to
cheap out here, even though they'll outgrow the gear faster than the bike.
--
Tud
SENS BS#111 LFS#32 FLF MISFIT Vermort AH#115
* ah115 . com
Sisyphus rides a Triumph
Drinks on me.
Is anyone familiar with these:
* tinyurl . com /6rlqjd
* tinyurl . com /6kk9l4
I suspect they're cheap Chinese made bikes, but do they run? Given the
choice between buying a $1000 50cc Honda/Yamaha/Kawasaki for the kids' first
bike, and one of these Chinese things for under $300, I'm inclined to go the
$300 route, for a couple reasons.
1) The kid(s) might not even like to ride, they could get on, scare the crap
out of themselves and get off with a wet spot on the seat and saying "I
don't want to ride anymore."
2) They're kids and they're growing. We may only get a few hundred KMs on
it, running down an old railroad track on Sundays at my folks place, before
they've outgrown the thing.
3) Price.
It likely doesn't come with some of the features of the Japanese bikes, like
speed limiters, and readily available supply of spare parts, and the like,
but then the Z50 I learned on didn't have a lot of that (except for the
dealer network). I looked at prices for used Jap mini bikes and they're
still in the $800 range for something that isn't 20 years old.
You can see which way I'm leaning, any reason you can think of to lean the
other way? The boys are currently 7 and 5, if that factors in. And
regardless of the bike (assuming I can get it by the missus, which I think I
can) I realize I'll need to shell out for gear, I'll be less inclined to
cheap out here, even though they'll outgrow the gear faster than the bike.
--
Tud
SENS BS#111 LFS#32 FLF MISFIT Vermort AH#115
* ah115 . com
Sisyphus rides a Triumph
Re: Mini dirt bike question
"Tud" <tud333@hotmail . com > wrote in message
news:481efaa2$0$4071$9a566e8b@news.aliant . net ...
> Drinks on me.
>
> Is anyone familiar with these:
>
> * tinyurl . com /6rlqjd
> * tinyurl . com /6kk9l4
>
> I suspect they're cheap Chinese made bikes, but do they run? Given the
> choice between buying a $1000 50cc Honda/Yamaha/Kawasaki for the kids'
> first bike, and one of these Chinese things for under $300, I'm inclined
> to go the $300 route, for a couple reasons.
>
> 1) The kid(s) might not even like to ride, they could get on, scare the
> crap out of themselves and get off with a wet spot on the seat and saying
> "I don't want to ride anymore."
> 2) They're kids and they're growing. We may only get a few hundred KMs on
> it, running down an old railroad track on Sundays at my folks place,
> before they've outgrown the thing.
> 3) Price.
>
> It likely doesn't come with some of the features of the Japanese bikes,
> like speed limiters, and readily available supply of spare parts, and the
> like, but then the Z50 I learned on didn't have a lot of that (except for
> the dealer network). I looked at prices for used Jap mini bikes and
> they're still in the $800 range for something that isn't 20 years old.
>
> You can see which way I'm leaning, any reason you can think of to lean the
> other way? The boys are currently 7 and 5, if that factors in. And
> regardless of the bike (assuming I can get it by the missus, which I think
> I can) I realize I'll need to shell out for gear, I'll be less inclined to
> cheap out here, even though they'll outgrow the gear faster than the bike.
Bill G had bought one of them for his kid awhile back. It broke almost
immediately, piece of junk as described by him. Avoid Chinese dirt bikes.
I bought my youngest an '01 Yamaha TT-R90 a coupla weeks ago. It runs great
and I can't get him off the thing. When it comes to dirt bikes, I'd buy
used, preferably Honda CRF-50 or 70, a TT-R90 or a PW-50 or 80. Any of those
bikes should work well. I paid $700 for the TT-R90 in very good condition.
New versions of any of these bikes are in the $1,500 range here in the
states.
"Tud" <tud333@hotmail . com > wrote in message
news:481efaa2$0$4071$9a566e8b@news.aliant . net ...
> Drinks on me.
>
> Is anyone familiar with these:
>
> * tinyurl . com /6rlqjd
> * tinyurl . com /6kk9l4
>
> I suspect they're cheap Chinese made bikes, but do they run? Given the
> choice between buying a $1000 50cc Honda/Yamaha/Kawasaki for the kids'
> first bike, and one of these Chinese things for under $300, I'm inclined
> to go the $300 route, for a couple reasons.
>
> 1) The kid(s) might not even like to ride, they could get on, scare the
> crap out of themselves and get off with a wet spot on the seat and saying
> "I don't want to ride anymore."
> 2) They're kids and they're growing. We may only get a few hundred KMs on
> it, running down an old railroad track on Sundays at my folks place,
> before they've outgrown the thing.
> 3) Price.
>
> It likely doesn't come with some of the features of the Japanese bikes,
> like speed limiters, and readily available supply of spare parts, and the
> like, but then the Z50 I learned on didn't have a lot of that (except for
> the dealer network). I looked at prices for used Jap mini bikes and
> they're still in the $800 range for something that isn't 20 years old.
>
> You can see which way I'm leaning, any reason you can think of to lean the
> other way? The boys are currently 7 and 5, if that factors in. And
> regardless of the bike (assuming I can get it by the missus, which I think
> I can) I realize I'll need to shell out for gear, I'll be less inclined to
> cheap out here, even though they'll outgrow the gear faster than the bike.
Bill G had bought one of them for his kid awhile back. It broke almost
immediately, piece of junk as described by him. Avoid Chinese dirt bikes.
I bought my youngest an '01 Yamaha TT-R90 a coupla weeks ago. It runs great
and I can't get him off the thing. When it comes to dirt bikes, I'd buy
used, preferably Honda CRF-50 or 70, a TT-R90 or a PW-50 or 80. Any of those
bikes should work well. I paid $700 for the TT-R90 in very good condition.
New versions of any of these bikes are in the $1,500 range here in the
states.
Re: Mini dirt bike question
Schmoe wrote...
> "Tud" <tud333@hotmail . com > wrote in message
> news:481efaa2$0$4071$9a566e8b@news.aliant . net ...
>> Drinks on me.
>>
>> Is anyone familiar with these:
>>
>> * tinyurl . com /6rlqjd
>> * tinyurl . com /6kk9l4
> Bill G had bought one of them for his kid awhile back. It broke almost
> immediately, piece of junk as described by him. Avoid Chinese dirt bikes.
Thanks for the info, I pinged Bill G off list since I haven't seen him
around here lately.
> I bought my youngest an '01 Yamaha TT-R90 a coupla weeks ago. It runs
> great and I can't get him off the thing. When it comes to dirt bikes, I'd
> buy used, preferably Honda CRF-50 or 70, a TT-R90 or a PW-50 or 80. Any of
> those bikes should work well. I paid $700 for the TT-R90 in very good
> condition. New versions of any of these bikes are in the $1,500 range here
> in the states.
I'd like to go the CRF-50 or PW-50 but I can't find a used one around here
for decent price. I'll have to keep an eye open and put the word out
locally that I'm looking. I'm hoping not to go over $500.
--
Tud
SENS BS#111 LFS#32 FLF MISFIT Vermort AH#115
* ah115 . com
Sisyphus rides a Triumph
Schmoe wrote...
> "Tud" <tud333@hotmail . com > wrote in message
> news:481efaa2$0$4071$9a566e8b@news.aliant . net ...
>> Drinks on me.
>>
>> Is anyone familiar with these:
>>
>> * tinyurl . com /6rlqjd
>> * tinyurl . com /6kk9l4
> Bill G had bought one of them for his kid awhile back. It broke almost
> immediately, piece of junk as described by him. Avoid Chinese dirt bikes.
Thanks for the info, I pinged Bill G off list since I haven't seen him
around here lately.
> I bought my youngest an '01 Yamaha TT-R90 a coupla weeks ago. It runs
> great and I can't get him off the thing. When it comes to dirt bikes, I'd
> buy used, preferably Honda CRF-50 or 70, a TT-R90 or a PW-50 or 80. Any of
> those bikes should work well. I paid $700 for the TT-R90 in very good
> condition. New versions of any of these bikes are in the $1,500 range here
> in the states.
I'd like to go the CRF-50 or PW-50 but I can't find a used one around here
for decent price. I'll have to keep an eye open and put the word out
locally that I'm looking. I'm hoping not to go over $500.
--
Tud
SENS BS#111 LFS#32 FLF MISFIT Vermort AH#115
* ah115 . com
Sisyphus rides a Triumph
Re: Mini dirt bike question
I've had pretty good luck with Manco products in the past. Used to come
with Briggs & Stratton engiines, but now I think they come with Subaru Robin
engines.
I know the two carts we got for Christmas had the Robin engines in them. I
had one of their old three wheel ATVs back in teh early 80s powered by a
10HP Birggs, and my Dad had onepowered by a Kawasaki engine. We rode the
wheels off those rigs with very little maintenance. All stuuf we could do
ourselves.
Might want to look and see if the Manco Thunderbird (MSRP 749) or Manco
Streaker (MSRP 599) would work for you. They are small fun bikes.
Definitely not a motorcrosser, but great for modest mini bike trails. They
are pretty simple, easy to work on, and there are plenty of Manco dealers
around the country who can get you any of the parts you might need. Some of
the parts are even generic production parts you can order from any cart or
small engine shop.
Bob La Londe
w w w .geocities . com /onebikenut
I've had pretty good luck with Manco products in the past. Used to come
with Briggs & Stratton engiines, but now I think they come with Subaru Robin
engines.
I know the two carts we got for Christmas had the Robin engines in them. I
had one of their old three wheel ATVs back in teh early 80s powered by a
10HP Birggs, and my Dad had onepowered by a Kawasaki engine. We rode the
wheels off those rigs with very little maintenance. All stuuf we could do
ourselves.
Might want to look and see if the Manco Thunderbird (MSRP 749) or Manco
Streaker (MSRP 599) would work for you. They are small fun bikes.
Definitely not a motorcrosser, but great for modest mini bike trails. They
are pretty simple, easy to work on, and there are plenty of Manco dealers
around the country who can get you any of the parts you might need. Some of
the parts are even generic production parts you can order from any cart or
small engine shop.
Bob La Londe
w w w .geocities . com /onebikenut
Re: Mini dirt bike question
Bob La Londe wrote...
> I've had pretty good luck with Manco products in the past. Used to come
> with Briggs & Stratton engiines, but now I think they come with Subaru
> Robin engines.
>
> I know the two carts we got for Christmas had the Robin engines in them.
> I had one of their old three wheel ATVs back in teh early 80s powered by a
> 10HP Birggs, and my Dad had onepowered by a Kawasaki engine. We rode the
> wheels off those rigs with very little maintenance. All stuuf we could do
> ourselves.
>
> Might want to look and see if the Manco Thunderbird (MSRP 749) or Manco
> Streaker (MSRP 599) would work for you. They are small fun bikes.
> Definitely not a motorcrosser, but great for modest mini bike trails.
> They are pretty simple, easy to work on, and there are plenty of Manco
> dealers around the country who can get you any of the parts you might
> need. Some of the parts are even generic production parts you can order
> from any cart or small engine shop.
Which country? I'm not seeing any dealers here in Canada, but I'll dig a
little deeper.
Interesting looking units. I was thinking something more motorcross
looking, but I'm flexible.
--
Tud
SENS BS#111 LFS#32 FLF MISFIT Vermort AH#115
* ah115 . com
Sisyphus rides a Triumph
--
Tud
SENS BS#111 LFS#32 FLF MISFIT Vermort AH#115
* ah115 . com
Sisyphus rides a Triumph
Bob La Londe wrote...
> I've had pretty good luck with Manco products in the past. Used to come
> with Briggs & Stratton engiines, but now I think they come with Subaru
> Robin engines.
>
> I know the two carts we got for Christmas had the Robin engines in them.
> I had one of their old three wheel ATVs back in teh early 80s powered by a
> 10HP Birggs, and my Dad had onepowered by a Kawasaki engine. We rode the
> wheels off those rigs with very little maintenance. All stuuf we could do
> ourselves.
>
> Might want to look and see if the Manco Thunderbird (MSRP 749) or Manco
> Streaker (MSRP 599) would work for you. They are small fun bikes.
> Definitely not a motorcrosser, but great for modest mini bike trails.
> They are pretty simple, easy to work on, and there are plenty of Manco
> dealers around the country who can get you any of the parts you might
> need. Some of the parts are even generic production parts you can order
> from any cart or small engine shop.
Which country? I'm not seeing any dealers here in Canada, but I'll dig a
little deeper.
Interesting looking units. I was thinking something more motorcross
looking, but I'm flexible.
--
Tud
SENS BS#111 LFS#32 FLF MISFIT Vermort AH#115
* ah115 . com
Sisyphus rides a Triumph
--
Tud
SENS BS#111 LFS#32 FLF MISFIT Vermort AH#115
* ah115 . com
Sisyphus rides a Triumph
Re: Mini dirt bike question
"Tud" <tud333@hotmail . com > wrote in message
news:mjMTj.675$Yp.582@edtnps92...
> Bob La Londe wrote...
>> I've had pretty good luck with Manco products in the past. Used to come
>> with Briggs & Stratton engiines, but now I think they come with Subaru
>> Robin engines.
>>
>> I know the two carts we got for Christmas had the Robin engines in them.
>> I had one of their old three wheel ATVs back in teh early 80s powered by
>> a 10HP Birggs, and my Dad had onepowered by a Kawasaki engine. We rode
>> the wheels off those rigs with very little maintenance. All stuuf we
>> could do ourselves.
>>
>> Might want to look and see if the Manco Thunderbird (MSRP 749) or Manco
>> Streaker (MSRP 599) would work for you. They are small fun bikes.
>> Definitely not a motorcrosser, but great for modest mini bike trails.
>> They are pretty simple, easy to work on, and there are plenty of Manco
>> dealers around the country who can get you any of the parts you might
>> need. Some of the parts are even generic production parts you can order
>> from any cart or small engine shop.
>
> Which country?
They are made here in the US so should be all NAFTA friendly, but I've found
that really only works for billionaires.
> I'm not seeing any dealers here in Canada, but I'll dig a little deeper.
Sorry, forgot you were from the great white north.
> Interesting looking units. I was thinking something more motorcross
> looking, but I'm flexible.
Well, the Hondas would be far superior, but price was a concern for you.
Bob La Londe
w w w .geocities . com /onebikenut
** Posted from * w w w .teranews . com **
"Tud" <tud333@hotmail . com > wrote in message
news:mjMTj.675$Yp.582@edtnps92...
> Bob La Londe wrote...
>> I've had pretty good luck with Manco products in the past. Used to come
>> with Briggs & Stratton engiines, but now I think they come with Subaru
>> Robin engines.
>>
>> I know the two carts we got for Christmas had the Robin engines in them.
>> I had one of their old three wheel ATVs back in teh early 80s powered by
>> a 10HP Birggs, and my Dad had onepowered by a Kawasaki engine. We rode
>> the wheels off those rigs with very little maintenance. All stuuf we
>> could do ourselves.
>>
>> Might want to look and see if the Manco Thunderbird (MSRP 749) or Manco
>> Streaker (MSRP 599) would work for you. They are small fun bikes.
>> Definitely not a motorcrosser, but great for modest mini bike trails.
>> They are pretty simple, easy to work on, and there are plenty of Manco
>> dealers around the country who can get you any of the parts you might
>> need. Some of the parts are even generic production parts you can order
>> from any cart or small engine shop.
>
> Which country?
They are made here in the US so should be all NAFTA friendly, but I've found
that really only works for billionaires.
> I'm not seeing any dealers here in Canada, but I'll dig a little deeper.
Sorry, forgot you were from the great white north.
> Interesting looking units. I was thinking something more motorcross
> looking, but I'm flexible.
Well, the Hondas would be far superior, but price was a concern for you.
Bob La Londe
w w w .geocities . com /onebikenut
** Posted from * w w w .teranews . com **
