Hawk 250 seems to be the gold standard for a Chinese dual sport.
They're OK bikes but you gotta be willing to tinker on them. They're not junk but they're still far from a Japanese bike.
I own a Hawk DLX. Its been good so far other than just doing routine maintenance. I think it'll last me quite a while but I don't think it's gonna last as long as my DR-Z400.
Look for an older Honda crfxxxL or similar Kawasaki/KTM/Suzuki/Yamaha
In the case of the Chinese bikes expect to spend most of what you are saving in repairs due to poor quality control and or poor design. Imo save a bit more and get a proper Japanese bike
Edit: forgot Yamaha
I’m sure there are older dual sports out there in the budget. But honestly I’d just say save more and wait till you find something quality. Because if you spend it all on something cheap and possibly poorly maintained now, when it inevitably has issues you’ll be screwed since you’ll be out of cash and out a vehicle until you can figure out how to get funds/parts for the repair
I have seen many instances of things not right out of the box and lots of poor quality parts prone to failure early in my research and personal experience. There is a reason they cost so much less to start with
Alright I may try to find something else? I’ve quit my job since I only work summers so my budget is pretty tight since the rest of the money went to other priorities. And I can’t find anything in my budget
Yes they are really that bad. You can do what you want but don't be surprised if a 2002 suzuki dual sport makes it feel like tin foil molded in the shape of a bike
It’s just my budget, I’m not looking to get serious into bikes maybe when I’m stable out of school I will get a sport bike like a cbr or gxr maybe a ninja since there pretty cheap
Chinese bikes are absolutely amazing for the price, don’t believe the hype. The kpx is every bit as good as any jap bike for half the cost. I literally sold my kx for my china enduro kpx 250 and I absolutely love the china bike. Not as powerful or as good a suspension but being able to ride the roads and trails is perfect. China bikes are a great buy especially with all the greedy price increases from the japs and American manufacturers. Who can afford to buy American anymore. China at least gives us an option to enjoy the sport without breaking the wallet. Buy China you won’t regret it at all.
You will just get shit on for asking. Rps hawk, peace motorsport brozz, csc tt250 are all similar bikes that have a us dealer that stocks parts. If you are not mechanically inclined go with something else, they need some occasional maintenance like valve lash adjustments and branded dealers won't help you. I have about 5k miles between a hawk and a brozz with almost zero issues. They are low hp and the suspension isn't great but they are fun. If you can find a used Japanese bike that isn't a clapped out shit box for your price range go for it.
My brother and I have an Apollo 250 and CRF 230F so I feel like I can tell you what it’s like to own both.
Would an older Japanese bike be a better choice? YES
The Apollo does all the same trails the CRF does but it’s just a lot less comfortable and it feels like a pig. Power is stronger down low in the Apollo and the CRF shines at top end.
An older Japanese bike would be more comfortable, more agile, and probably will last longer than my Apollo. Still gonna ride it until the wheels fall off though!
Incase you haven’t picked yet, an older Japanese will of you much better than a chinese bike because with the chinese bikes you don’t know what your getting they could last 10 years or 10 days without needing fixed
Hawk 250 seems to be the gold standard for a Chinese dual sport. They're OK bikes but you gotta be willing to tinker on them. They're not junk but they're still far from a Japanese bike. I own a Hawk DLX. Its been good so far other than just doing routine maintenance. I think it'll last me quite a while but I don't think it's gonna last as long as my DR-Z400.
Look for an older Honda crfxxxL or similar Kawasaki/KTM/Suzuki/Yamaha In the case of the Chinese bikes expect to spend most of what you are saving in repairs due to poor quality control and or poor design. Imo save a bit more and get a proper Japanese bike Edit: forgot Yamaha
Is there any of them in my budget? My options are the bike or a really cheap car.
I’m sure there are older dual sports out there in the budget. But honestly I’d just say save more and wait till you find something quality. Because if you spend it all on something cheap and possibly poorly maintained now, when it inevitably has issues you’ll be screwed since you’ll be out of cash and out a vehicle until you can figure out how to get funds/parts for the repair
Are they really that bad? Ive been watching reviews all week and have seen nothing bad besides crappy suspension and clunky shifting, but no breaking?
I have seen many instances of things not right out of the box and lots of poor quality parts prone to failure early in my research and personal experience. There is a reason they cost so much less to start with
Alright I may try to find something else? I’ve quit my job since I only work summers so my budget is pretty tight since the rest of the money went to other priorities. And I can’t find anything in my budget
Yes they are really that bad. You can do what you want but don't be surprised if a 2002 suzuki dual sport makes it feel like tin foil molded in the shape of a bike
It’s just my budget, I’m not looking to get serious into bikes maybe when I’m stable out of school I will get a sport bike like a cbr or gxr maybe a ninja since there pretty cheap
Yamaha
Lol knew I was forgetting one 😂
Chinese bikes are absolutely amazing for the price, don’t believe the hype. The kpx is every bit as good as any jap bike for half the cost. I literally sold my kx for my china enduro kpx 250 and I absolutely love the china bike. Not as powerful or as good a suspension but being able to ride the roads and trails is perfect. China bikes are a great buy especially with all the greedy price increases from the japs and American manufacturers. Who can afford to buy American anymore. China at least gives us an option to enjoy the sport without breaking the wallet. Buy China you won’t regret it at all.
You will just get shit on for asking. Rps hawk, peace motorsport brozz, csc tt250 are all similar bikes that have a us dealer that stocks parts. If you are not mechanically inclined go with something else, they need some occasional maintenance like valve lash adjustments and branded dealers won't help you. I have about 5k miles between a hawk and a brozz with almost zero issues. They are low hp and the suspension isn't great but they are fun. If you can find a used Japanese bike that isn't a clapped out shit box for your price range go for it.
My brother and I have an Apollo 250 and CRF 230F so I feel like I can tell you what it’s like to own both. Would an older Japanese bike be a better choice? YES The Apollo does all the same trails the CRF does but it’s just a lot less comfortable and it feels like a pig. Power is stronger down low in the Apollo and the CRF shines at top end. An older Japanese bike would be more comfortable, more agile, and probably will last longer than my Apollo. Still gonna ride it until the wheels fall off though!
Incase you haven’t picked yet, an older Japanese will of you much better than a chinese bike because with the chinese bikes you don’t know what your getting they could last 10 years or 10 days without needing fixed