Dual Sport Bikes Made in China | Alternative or Nightmare?

[@michaeldavison430]

This past summer i was in the market for a small dualsport bike to keep on the back of my RV. I have other bikes from the usual manufacturers but am not really comfortable with leaving them unattended at campsites. I had hoped to pick up a Honda CRF300L but the dealers fees and "market adjustments" pushed the price over 8g out the door. In an admittedly weak moment I ordered a Templar X from an online retailer as it was so cheap it was worth a shot. The bike has turned out to be significantly better than I anticipated and as such has recieved more use than initially planned. No issues yet, some minor upgrades, and several trips and even a few outings with my riding group where I would usually run a 300 2 stroke just to see if it could make it. Great fun at little cost.

[@stevehughes_5733]

Good review. I think we've seen a definite improvement in the quality of these manufacturers recently, and although they're not quite on par with their European and Japanese equivalents, I'm sure it won't be long until they become more competitive in the market. I feel like we're seeing history repeating itself compared to around 40-50 years ago when Japanese low budget bikes were competing with the top British bikes; the standard of that period. Personally I think it's great having more manufacturers in the market for more consumer competition. Only time will tell.

[@captainamerica9353]

I'd rather not be competing with a country that wants to rule the world. If the rest of the world were to boycott China it would collapse. But it won't happen when people keep buying their crap IOT save a few dollars.

[@The_Ballo]

Yeah well unlike mtbikes, dirt bike tech is stuck in the mud. What I've heard is you want to reinstall all the bolts as they're not assembled well.

[@MHix63]

Seems like a fair assessment of these Chinese bikes. Thanks for the info!

[@donsmith3573]

Really good review, I was in china for 8 years and I agree about bearings we imported bearings from Japan because the Chinese bearings were crap. Also the nuts and bolts rust within a year, Chinese coatings let them down. But for a price you can buy good quality from china

[@budtaylorus]

where did you buy them ?

[@dualsportscandinavia353]

We would like to see more of Enduro-Dual Sports and ADV Rally bikes like SVM RS500R, Fantic [AJP 510]CF Moto, Kayo `n` Hero xPulse 400cc/500cc Rally (Dakar) and Kove 450 Rally.

[@SocalOffroadSchool]

Yes! More and more options for different brands coming on the market. It's going to be interesting. Have you ridden any of the bikes you mentioned?

[@dualsportscandinavia353]

@@SocalOffroadSchool Unfortunately not. Some riders in Scandinavia choose e.g. used KTM 450/500 Exc, Husqvarna Fe 450/501, Husaberg 390-570 as well as used Yamaha WR450F year model eg. 2015 up to last street legal model of 2017 and a few street legal Kawasaki KLX450X. Kawasaki KLX 300 is not launched in Europe like many other Japanese affordable Dual Sport models (new XR650L, Drz400/650) Riders buy CRF300L/Rally and realize pretty quickly that the engines are too weak and lack low end grunt (like CRF450L/XR-R). Some dealer has recently started selling the AJP 510R ENDURO, but don't know if it is street legal. Have asked several dealers if they will start selling Kove 450 Rally with no response. Kove 450 Rally are sold in the UK, where the new Yamaha WR450F can also be registered as street legal.

[@D9VO]

Helpful! I love my Kove 525x and am looking to add an off-road bike to my stable. I like the Kove 450 Rally but am drawn to the light weight of bikes like this CX... Any idea what it is marketed as in Mainland China? Thanks again.

[@jimheywood5895]

I'd like to see more of the Kove rally bikes! I watched the Dakar vids / with their entries and am impressed. I'll never fork over 20k for a KTM rally version but would consider a less expensive option. And yes, I know it wouldn't be as "good" but I am not as skilled as those riders, and crashing a rally bike can be expensive!

[@jakerook6248]

I picked up a 2022 Bashan raven 250 new about 5 weeks ago as a primary commuter to work. I ride her 12mi each way (city and back road highway at 50-55), I've got just under 1000km on the clock so far with no major issues other than a stiff shifter. I suspect that may be from her not liking the Valvoline oil I put in, should smooth out when I change my oil. Just got a new sprocket for the rear to raise my top end a little, should be a little more comfortable at higher speeds 😊 also planning on upgrading to some 70/30 tires when I wear the meh' stock ones out 😅 should run nice and smooth. I would also recommend balancing the crank if you have the aptitude and time for it, unfortunately I do not have the time 😭 you definitely feel that lil 229cc thumper doin it's thing at higher rpm 😂

[@briandetrick2688]

i have a fule injected hawk 250 6000 miles trouble freee

[@SocalOffroadSchool]

That's great to hear! How do you like the performance of the bike?

[@briangc1972]

I think the Kove is the best off road value, but they are already at $10k and they aren't even here yet due to emission issues. Then there is warranty support. One distributor in Utah who appears to be under funded. I would say that he has a 40% chance of survival. One large warranty run will put him under. The Chinese rarely absorb the warranty losses, they usually let the distributor eat them and that will sink the guy in Utah if they have a run on warranty claims.

[@BUGMAN-22]

UNTIL HONDA BRINGS BACK THE XR250 WITH A STARTER BUTTON., MY GPX FSE250 IS THE NEXT BEST THING. BEING OLD, I AM NOT RIDING FAST OR ANYTHING. SO IT IS GOOD. I STILL SAY IF HONDA HAD PUT A BUTTON ON THE XR400 IT WOULD BREAK SALES RECORDS FOR SALES.

[@robneithart1175]

Agreed. My GPX250E is basically an XR250R with e-start and good suspension. Perfect for my needs. A great bike and a great value.

[@Pmz604]

Fair review

[@sushantkarki6342]

❤

[@BUGMAN-22]

Oh I am so sorry I had my caps on. Did I say Old??? LOL

[@captainamerica9353]

We are supporting China at our own peril - mark my words!

[@briandetrick2688]

what do you by in america thats pure americian. all bikes trucks tvs tosters nade in china or loaded with chines parts

[@captainamerica9353]

@@briandetrick2688 , either you are a Chinese Bot, or English is not your first language. Which is it?

[@sgtshultz13]

At least the Chinese aren’t woke and support LGBTQ+-$&#$&.

[@gamingaccount9890]

If China can sell these Honda clone dirtbikes super cheap and still turn a profit, why can't Honda or Yamaha or Kawasaki? These motors are supposedly based on an old Honda motor. They sold the patent to it now China is sticking this motor in all kinds of stuff. And there's vids of people that own these bikes that have thousands of miles on them and they never had a problem. 2 guys drove across America on the Chinese dirtbike.

[@briangc1972]

Your cell phone, your computer, your TV, your microwave oven, power tools, hand tools, refrigerator, even your furniture, etc all support China. Buying a motorcycle benefits the Chinese far less because it is a lower volume item. The mass populace buying their TV, microwave oven, cell phone, power tools etc are the real source of revenue for the Chinese