The ups and downs of chinese bike ownership - Herald 250cc classic custom

[Fried Egg Sandwich]

I took one out for a test ride whilst my DRZ was being MOT'd at Redline Motorcycles in Northfield, (Cafe Racer styled version) and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised.

Nice low down grunt and comfy riding position. The handling reminded me of my wife's old Suzuki GS125, but with more power. A hoot to ride with all the weight low down.

[dubber68]

Where did you get your Insurance from in the end??

I ask, as my son will be looking for a little runabout and these do look a nice option...

Bikesure in the end but others would do it as well.

[dubber68]

Well time to update a little more. The first service is done with nothing except one bolt needing slight tightening. Oil change etc done and the bill was a massive £52. Now that was a pleasant surprise. Handle bar risers fitted which make the standing up off road more pleasant and the sitting position more comfortable as well. So loving the bike that for pleasure jaunts it is quickly becoming the one I swing a leg over. So no issues to report so looking good so far.

[P4ulie]

Really liking the look of the bike Dubber, It certainly is a VanVan+

If I hadn't of bought a crf I would be sorely tempted (thumbs)

[captinktm]

While I agree the bikes looks nice, I have just bought a 10 year old 950 adventure with 20k on the clock for the same money? I have a friend here that runs AJP's (Portuguese) and pays the best part of 4k for them, that would get you a nice secondhand KTM or Yamaha. I have had the mis fortune to work on Chinese bikes and they were a pain, Turkey is flooded with them, and there are a lot of guys that wished they stuck with the Jawa! When they were dirt cheap it was different as you could have a new one every year, but this is now proper money (to me at least) so I hope they last longer than the one's I worked on.
Saying that, it's the way forward as with everything we buy now it's all made in the far east, even, yes even KTM.

[Tonibe63]

Thanks for the update Dubber.
How are you finding the performance compared to a Vanvan 125?

[dubber68]

Thanks for the update Dubber.
How are you finding the performance compared to a Vanvan 125?

It is a big improvement. easily and quickly gets 65mph and I have seen 75 on the clock which is a real world 70 when compared to the satnag. Will probably hit 80 on the speedo with a long run up and less than my weight on it. Acceleration is really quite brisk up to about 50 to the point where if I go up a tooth on the front cog as planned it could mean very quick changes from first as it is so low. I would and have take this on dual carriageways and motorways quite happily as it will easily overtake the lorries etc unlike the old VV.

[dubber68]

Well had a good look over her today and I have found a couple of signs of rust starting to appear. The thin metal frames that hold the front mudguard in place had a few stone chips on them and the front headlight grill(aftermarket) is starting to show some discolouration. Nothing too serious and all easily dealt with. Somehow she seems a little perkier since the 1st service as well so still pleased with her.

[Cottonbreath]

Hi- just got myself one of these - the green one. Was wondering if you ever found a solution for the side stand issue?
Also - what are the tyres you have?
Cheers
R

[dubber68]

I just moved mine out of the way. Not ideal but removes the annoying aspect of it. The tyres are TKC80. Hope you enjoy yours as much as I am mine.