CSC SG250 | Two Year Long Term Owner Review

This is the long term true owner’s review of my sg250 for the two years of ownership.
This is not my first bike. I have been rig=ding for four years and i had another bike before this, a 1973 honda cb350f. I like old bikes and i like doing my own maintenance. That is what attracted me to the csc sg250. It is very easy to work on yourself but if you do not feel comfortable working on your own bike, it is so simple that any motorcycle mechanic can work on it. It also does not need a lot of maintenance so you will not be working on it often anyway.
It is a great bike for a beginner or an experienced rider because it is so simple it is the essence of motorcycling. It has a small single cylinder engine. It is not too powerful but it is also powerful enough to keep up with traffic. You could take it on highways but the fastest i have gotten it is 70 mph so i would not stay on the highway for long with it. It is also super light at less than 300 pounds.
The stock tires have worked great. When they wear out ill put better tires on it. I had to replace the battery after one year and 9 months of ownership. It costs $30 for a new battery. I have also had to replace the headlight bulb. That was a simple fix for $12. Ive changed the oil a few times, it takes just a little over 1 quart of oil. Ive done valve jobs on it. It only has two valves so very simple. I have cleaned the chain a few times and i have adjusted the chain when the maintenance manual called for it. It is a great all around motorcycle.
Check out my channel for. My other csc sg250 videos.
Feel free to ask me any questions in the comments if i missed anything in the review.
The csc sg250 is an affordable and reliable bike for beginners and experienced riders.
MY OTHER CSC SG250 VIDEOS
3 month CSC SG250 Owner’s Review
• CSC SG250: 4 Month, 30...
The CSC SG250 is small. Will you fit on it? Watch this for the answer
• CSC SG250: Will You Fit?
Things To Consider Before Purchasing Your CSC SG250
• CSC SG250: Things To C...
CSC SG250 Valve Job
• CSC SG250 Valve Adjust...
CSC SG250 Spark Plug Upgrade
• CSC SG250 Spark Plug U...

[@fortunaterunt6834]

Nice to keep seeing these reviews. I bought my TT250 (identical motor) in fall of '21, and I'm over 3000 mi already, and just got back from a 500mi offroad camping trip. CSC is a fantastic company.

[@1barut]

"I've had no issues with it. Let's talk about the issues" lol

[@dadfixesreviewsridesandinv309]

Haha you got me on that one

[@LeDank]

I’m going on 1 year with my SG250 and it’s been a pretty fun first bike. The only real issue I’ve had with it is that it’s not quite fast enough to get to some of the areas I’ve wanted to get to. For canyon roads that top out at 45-50mph it’s just fine.

[@duuurs]

Swap your sprockets out would be a great start to that. After that, you could get a mikuni carburetor and swap the exhaust to a straight pipe.....but I bet the sprockets would give you the pep you're looking for

[@duuurs]

@@zackp3396 would depend on current setup. It's like gearing a car. You can go up or down a couple teeth on the front or back to get more top end or more acceleration

[@azizlenox]

Thanks for the video. I have one and I think it better to use the blue lock tite for major bolts to avoid tightening them repeatedly.

[@jamesshepherd7035]

I have a 2019 250 that I got in June of 2019. As of today I've got just over 3000 miles on it. I rode through the 2019-2020 winter. As long as there wasn't snow on the rode I was on it and I live in Ohio. My battery and headlight also went out and the bike came out of the crate with a blown fuse. Other than that it has been a pretty handy little bike. I did swap out the front sprocket, the chain, and re-jetted the bike. With all that I can just hit 72 miles an hour on a flat road and I weigh 210 pounds. Next up I'll be doing a port and polish to squeeze as much power as I can out of the motor.

[@johnnymejia164]

what does it top off at going uphill for you? i live near a mountain that im a bit worried i wont be able to go the 50mph that is posted for that road.

[@death99ification]

Motocult makes a stage 4 kit for the csc sg250 that gives it an increase in CC to make it a true 250CC motor as well as an oil cooler and high flow exhaust with a new nibbi carb

[@josephroberts3752]

The reliability stigma toward chinese bikes has kept me from pulling the trigger on this but your from-the-horses-mouth review definitely helps inform the decision.

[@dadfixesreviewsridesandinv309]

Thanks! Not all Chinese bikes are created equal but these are some of the best. They are very reliable if you treat them right and you do not mind doing your own maintenance.

[@Denver1976Man]

me too.. been looking at a lot of the chinese dual sports. testimonies really help. i have a heavy 1500 and its good for cruising. but to just play around and jump off road if ya want. i can see beating on one. esp 1500 brand new shipped o your house..

[@nycnow811]

That honda is actually one of my favorite motorcycles its so much fun to ride and looks awesome

[@rattanack1413]

Can you make a video comparison to the honda xr150l

[@WingWalker1]

My Harkey came with an AGM battery. Didnt last a year. Warranty paid for that. Lead acid last for years as long as it maintains a charge.

[@Denver1976Man]

my litium motorcycle battery is 5 yrs old and still going stong. its a 1500cc bike too, i never had a lead acid last more than 2 yrs and that was pushing it

[@rickg.5171]

What's the bike length? All that I find listed is the wheelbase.

[@dadfixesreviewsridesandinv309]

im not sure. i sold the bike. call csc and ask them. theyre great and will tell you

[@d.4tay549]

I almost bought one. Really like the blue. Thanks for the review. I did wind up buying a 2008 Honda Nighthawk CB250, 4,300 miles, for $1,300. Which has been great. However, I still like the San Gabriel. Best of luck.

[@LeDank]

That CB250 is gonna be sweet! I couldn’t find a good example of an older Honda near me so I bought the SG250 and that’s been great as well.

[@STho205]

This is the modern knockoff of that bike. The generic offering is even called the CSC Hawk instead of San Gabriel. 1300 for a CB 250 is the good bottom price, so you can always sell it for that again. The only real pain with the Nighthawk in the US is the two drum brakes. 19hp motor and 10hp cable brakes. It stops eventually but the shoes last forever. I have 45,000 on one. Cheap to maintain. This CSC looks to have nice brakes and the same basic 1980s Honda styling.

[@9tailedfox660]

Thank you for this video. We have the same bike. I just have the smaller 150cc version.

[@b1zertoon910]

Is it called infinity 150?

[@9tailedfox660]

@@b1zertoon910 It's called the Motorstar Cafe 150 here.

[@KlingonCaptain]

I was thinking about buying one but I see that the speedometer has been changed to LCD "digital" in the newer version. I'm not a big fan. I will most likely (definitely) buy a Suzuki TU250X instead. It might cost twice as much but the monthly payments are only $81. It will be easier to buy on my budget even though it costs more.

[@dadfixesreviewsridesandinv309]

PLEASE ASK ME ANY QUESTIONS I MIGHT NOT HAVE COVERED HERE IN THE COMMENTS AND I WILL ANSWER!

[@netvex]

Same motor mount bolt just came off of mine today. My fault as well. Do you happen to know the size specs to that motor mount bolt? Spent the last hour tightening every bolt.

[@dadfixesreviewsridesandinv309]

@@netvex i do not recall th exact size of the bolt. I pulled it out, took it to the hardware store and matched it as close as i could so if you still have the bolt you could do that. If you don’t have the bolt i would call CSC and they would definitely help

[@timyassa4343]

Does it also have a kick start?

[@dadfixesreviewsridesandinv309]

@@timyassa4343 yes it does have a kickstart

[@flagrantlyvivid7195]

are there any after market seats compatable to the sg250 that has more cushion? Preferably with a classic look. Just bought this bike and love everything except the seat and side panel air box... I HATE the way that thing looks.

[@dadfixesreviewsridesandinv309]

check with csc. they can steer you in the right direction

[@VocalVirgo]

What brand of carburetor is it? Manuki?

[@123edwardzpad]

Thanks for the video. I was curious if the carburetor is exactly the same as a Honda 250? Also I was wondering what elevation you're at?

[@dadfixesreviewsridesandinv309]

Not exactly the same but if you dig through the message boards for a “hawk 250”(same Chinese engine and parts but different bike) someone more than likely has a thread about carb details. I am in the southeast so I’m at a lower almost at or below sea level elevation. CSC would sell you a reject kit or recommend jet sizes for diff elevations. They are very easy to deal with and they are super helpful

[@123edwardzpad]

@@dadfixesreviewsridesandinv309 Good information. Thank you.

[@jamesmziegler]

Sounds like the value of this Chinese bike is unmatched by any similar Japanese or other make.

[@simonsees8]

I have the 2020 SG250. Already have a little over 7,000 miles on it. What battery would u recommend?

[@dadfixesreviewsridesandinv309]

You can get a lithium ion battery. It requires no maintenance but it is expensive. You could get a traditional lead acid battery. It will require maintenance and need a charge when it is sitting so it doesn’t die. Lead acid is the cheapest. Call CSC. They sell both

[@cocoabiscuits]

What do you think resale value for a CSC is after a few years....heck even 10? I think the better investment would be that 73 Honda. Honda's seem to hold value much better than chinese bikes long term. I'm still looking at a first motorcycle and have to heavily consider resale aspect of it. Someone will buy a Honda over CSC on FB Marketplace I'm willing to bet.

[@dadfixesreviewsridesandinv309]

73 Honda currently holds value better bc it is a classic. But you can buy the CSC brand new for $2500 and have a classic look and feel with no reliability issues. God luck getting a $2500 Honda on the road anytime soon. It will most likely need a lot of love before it runs. Even if you paid $5000 for a Honda it would still need more tlc than the CSC due to its age. The old Honda’s are beautiful and I still miss mine but for a first bike you need something reliable that cranks up every time so you can enjoy riding and spend more time riding and less time working on your bike. Get the old Honda as a second fun bike but it shouldn’t be your main bike. Get the CSC or any other more modern reliable bike as your first bike. Motorcycles are not an investment. You will lose money on most of them when you sell unless you hold on to them for forty plus years like the 73 Honda. Just my opinion

[@cocoabiscuits]

@@dadfixesreviewsridesandinv309 All great points! Thanks!

[@fuhq5121]

Can you find parts for it

[@dadfixesreviewsridesandinv309]

Yes csc can get all of the parts and a lot of the Chinese bikes like the hawk 250 uses the same engine parts so you can find parts that way as well

[@rackkimigayo8358]

Just bought 2022 model for my son's college commute. It came with SLA battery but I replaced it with LiFePO4. He currently rides 1967 Bridgestone 200RS (I bought a non-runner junk and restored it with full engine rebuild) but told me the battery goes flat every 3~4 days. Maybe ACG going... That's the reason for this new bike. Good to know tightening bolts thing. Yes CSC says we should but like you I might have ignored it. I like your model year better with analog gauges but what can I do and it's my son's ride anyway.

[@dadfixesreviewsridesandinv309]

good choice. its a fun bike!

[@TK-gd9td]

when you replaced your battery are you able to switch it to a lithium ion battery? or its only compatible with lead acid batteries...?

[@dadfixesreviewsridesandinv309]

Yes it can be switched to lithium ion

[@irbingarcia3853]

What trouble did it gave you when you had to replace your battery??mine won't start, it cranks , but dies out !!it feels like it doesn't have enough power

[@dadfixesreviewsridesandinv309]

That sounds like a battery. The way i found it out was that the battery would not hold a charge after sitting on the trickle charger

[@Psycho-Ssnake]

Do you ever use the kick starter, and if so does it work well?

[@dadfixesreviewsridesandinv309]

I have before. It does work

[@S_M_McBean]

Do they give you torque settings to tighten the different bolts to?

[@dadfixesreviewsridesandinv309]

Yes they do. Everything is online on the owners manual on their website

[@S_M_McBean]

@@dadfixesreviewsridesandinv309 Thanks.

[@matthewgrogaard3705]

I’m hoping to order one of these very soon. How hard is the registration and titling process? I’m in NJ

[@dadfixesreviewsridesandinv309]

Its simple. CSC gives you everything you need

[@superfinebrooklyn571]

I just received mine in brooklyn and was in and out of the DMV in 40 minutes (with appointment). Just make sure you check your DMV website for proper paperwork and fill out what you can before hand. So far its been a great bike for driving around the city.

[@troyheald77]

AAA+++Bedford, Texas

[@NeonGhostCat]

When you get married with kids riding is like sex, take it when you get the chance. Not saying the sex life dies, you just don't get the time AND have the energy at the same time very often.

[@jasonthirlaway7412]

Funny the first video I watched was your 300 mile first review, and you said you don't get to ride much because of the wife and 2 kids, I watch this next video of you 2 years later same bike. You don't ride much because of the wife and 3 kids. So either you don't ride at all anymore or the third kid keeps your wife occupied so you you should be able to ride more...lol

[@dadfixesreviewsridesandinv309]

Haha no man i sold it but….it was a great bike

[@warriordrum]

Comparing this chinese knockoff to a Honda cb350F is laughable. The 350 is a highly collectible and hard to find vintage piece of motorcycle history, the CSC is a piece of biodegradable packing material.

[@STho205]

This should be compared to a Honda Nighthawk 250 that ended in 2008. That is the bike this factory copied, but put dual hydraulic disk brakes on it and a single cyl 230cc engine instead of the twin cyl 234 nobody makes anymore. That is a fair comparison (size, specs, handling, etc...). Those used... go from $1300 to $2500 today...I found one five years ago with 550 miles on it for $2000 (dealer price). I think the CSC SG400 is trying to be a CB350 or 360 rebuilt as a Cafe Racer. Those aren't super cheap though. About $5000. I'd buy a Yamaha MT03 for that price. Doubt this would still be as good at 45,000 miles as my Honda....but maybe if you kept up with care. This reviewer definitely bought a good bike for a very light user. 23 months and only 1200 miles. Why dump $6000 on a new Rebel for such light, short haul riding.