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Posted by: MUDDY4LIFE
There's alot of good introductory ATVs on the market and there are alot of bad ones out there. If you are somewhat mechanically inclined, you can save ALOT of money buying an off brand ATV. I have Sun L 70S 90s and 110s, and I like each and every one of them for there INTENDED purposes. These are CASUAL trail riding machines and NOT meant to be raced.I also have some Redcat models that I like.
IMO,its absolutely INSANE to go out and buy a TRX 90 for my 8 yr old and spend 2600 on it,just because it says HONDA on the side of it. Im not ready to tell any adult to buy a chinese brand ATV because we as adults are much harder on our quads than our young kids,but for the very young kids, there are some good starter ones out there.Make sure the dealer you buy from can get SUPPORT and PARTS if they are needed for future repairs/maintenance.
Posted by: MUDDY4LIFE
Drumman,
you are correct, its YOUR $ so spend it how you want. I could have also afforded a new Honda for the kid, but at 8yrs old, my almost 2 yr old Sunl Ls are holding up just fine for their intended purposes with very little money put into them except for oil changes.When the kids get older andstart riding more aggressive, im sure my attitude may change.But you never know, the chinese products are also improving every year too.
Posted by: Dirtmomma
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Originally posted by: SEADAWG
aqharoper,
Same here in Washington State...kids with the Cninese quads (my daughter too) we sit around fixing them. The kids with the Hondas and Suzukis are having fun time in and time out! SEADAWG
Hmmm we don't sit around fixing our KASEA img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0"> guess it's not THAT bad
Posted by: Scootergptx
A little more info may help the next person. What type and where did you buy it from?
Posted by: Scootergptx
I can think of more than one.
Posted by: Scootergptx
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Originally posted by: squeege
all clones! So they change the brakes or somthing....still the same basic engine block, tranny, and frame....whoopty-doo it has differant plastic....still the same
check ebay...
parts sre lidted like this:Fits Kasea Skyhawk 50, DRR 50, Ram 50, Polaris Sportsman 50, Polaris Scrambler 50, Dinli, Alpha Sports 50, Sunray 50, Kymco 50, LRX 50, Blast 50, Jehm Products, Extreme Machine, Bombardier 2 Strokes, ETON Viper 50/70, Unison 50 & Arctic Cat 50.
How many 400's did Suzuki sell with that same idea?
Posted by: Raptorlegs
Honestly, you can't tell the difference between some Taiwanese and Chinese brands. Personally, I think some companies created a Tawainese front to avoid the Chinese stigma.
I think you get what you pay for to a point. But I also think you pay a premium for a name brand. If you have it, spend it. If not, there are some nice off-brand machines for less money. Many of which I would rank higher than a Suzuki lt50/80 or Yamaha 50/80.
Posted by: Raptorlegs
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Originally posted by: squeege
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Originally posted by: Raptorlegs
Honestly, you can't tell the difference between some Taiwanese and Chinese brands. Personally, I think some companies created a Tawainese front to avoid the Chinese stigma.
I think you get what you pay for to a point. But I also think you pay a premium for a name brand. If you have it, spend it. If not, there are some nice off-brand machines for less money. Many of which I would rank higher than a Suzuki lt50/80 or Yamaha 50/80.
HAHAHAHA!!!LOL! Please! Gimme what your smokin'....LOL!
The Suzuki 50 is a single speed with pretty much no suspension, the 80 has one of the worst suspensions in it's class and Yamaha front ends are crap. Doesn't take much to outdo them squeege. Sit them side by side and compare. Come race my China quad and you'll take up drinking too.
Posted by: Raptorlegs
Problem with mini's in general is that the standards are not very high. So even when you buy a brand name, it's good at best. I do think the off-brands have listened to consumers in an effort to provide saftey items like kill switches, brake lights, head lights, full running boards, disc brakes, wider stance...things the big dogs ignored in the past. They all need improvement but some companies like Cobra, DRR and Xtreme are taking mini's to a whole new level.
And there are parts out the wazoo for that Unison. Service too if you're in the right spot. Sueege, I've always told people don't mail order unless you can turn a wrench. That's the downfall. There isn't a dealer in every town. But mini's such as your Unison are pretty close with the major players in build quality.
Posted by: Raptorlegs
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Originally posted by: aqharoper
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Originally posted by: Raptorlegs
Honestly, you can't tell the difference between some Taiwanese and Chinese brands. Personally, I think some companies created a Tawainese front to avoid the Chinese stigma. /q]
Hmmm...... "Made in Taiwan R.O.C." Am I the only one who remembers this label?
R.O.C. = Republic of China
Just thought you might enjoy that bit of information.
Not telling me anything new. Thus the trade agreements. When I say China, I mean the mainland.
Posted by: Raptorlegs
Suzuki minis, SMC/Kasea/Ram, Eton, TGB, Dinli, Xtreme, Kymco, Unison/GPX, Aeon/Alpha Sports....I can think of a few that claim Taiwanese roots.
Aeon make DRR????
Posted by: Raptorlegs
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Originally posted by: squeege
all clones! So they change the brakes or somthing....still the same basic engine block, tranny, and frame....whoopty-doo it has differant plastic....still the same
Well, they do have various models and options. Sheesh, you have 50, 70, 90 and 100cc's engines. I wouldn't say they are all the same, just similar. But go with what works, right??? Eton, Kymco and Xtreme are also starting to produce fairly nice 4-strokes.
Posted by: Raptorlegs
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Originally posted by: aqharoper
For those of you that have had a positive experience with a off brand quad, what makes it as good or better than a name brand? Price, reliablity, design, features? I am curious at what you specifically like about the other brands.
I'll tell you what I like and what I don't like.
Well, mine is basically a Polaris Scrambler 90 with different plastics and a headlight for a heck of lot less money. That I like. Parts are abundant and I've been able to get lots of advice from the race crowd. I still have less money in it then a used Honda would cost and it flies. Even around double it's original HP, it's still been pretty reliable too.
What I don't like....the manufacturer did skimp on a few parts. I never liked the carb, but that seems to be common on all brands that use an electronic choke. If functioned OK but starts were difficult if the machine sat up for a while or I didn't let it idle for 5 minutes or so before I killed it. That was a nusance. I've since gone to a Keihin and have no problems, pretty much fires on the 1st kick. The fuel filter and fuel lines were also of poor quality and I replaced them with auto grade (around $10 to do). And the foot boards are not exactly aesthetically pleasing.
That's it in a nutshell.
Posted by: BIGWORM3699
I will put up my taiwanese bikes to a name brand any day. The suzuki supension stinks along with the yamaha we ditched our name brand for the taiwanese brands (Apex, Xtreme) for their more options and up grade potential.
We do race our bikes which to me proves which bike is tough. Dont get me wrong our lt80 quad was real fast but only at flat track and TT racing it stunk at MX. I do under stand diffrent strokes for diffrent fokes. Its your money just spend it wisely.
Posted by: maurie
I agree MINIQUAD.....garbage like SUNL is not worth the headaches or time and trouble to keep em running.
Frame breakage and rear end lockage make these potentially dangerous...... and you can't get parts. SUNL is complete garbage and a waste of money.
haha! Classic. hey dont hold back there bigric, tell us what ya think! hahaha
Posted by: ddrumman2004
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Originally posted by: MUDDY4LIFE
IMO,its absolutely INSANE to go out and buy a TRX 90 for my 8 yr old and spend 2600 on it,just because it says HONDA on the side of it. Im not ready to tell any adult to buy a chinese brand ATV because we as adults are much harder on our quads than our young kids,but for the very young kids, there are some good starter ones out there.Make sure the dealer you buy from can get SUPPORT and PARTS if they are needed for future repairs/maintenance.
Well call me insane then because that's exactly what the heck I did. I spent the 2600 bucks for a Honda that the only thing I have had to do to it was adjust the drive chain and change the oil.
It's my money and if that makes me crazy then so be it.
How disappointing would it be to an 8 year old(my son's age) to go out and he wants to ride and the dang thing won't start or something falls off or breaks out on the trail?
Like I said....my money....I'll spend it for quality every time!
Posted by: ddrumman2004
They may very well be "polishing them turds" but I also look at resale value when the time comes for him to graduate up to a larger machine. My son is tall for his age and surprisingly, he handles his 90 like it's a part of him. This is great considering he has Asperger's Disorder, a name for being high functioning autistic.
When we are out riding, he avoids any and all mud, unlike me or my girlfriend, and he is a fanatic about keeping it clean so when the time comes to sell it or trade it in, it will bring max value.
On another note, my neighbor bought his young son a Chinese made atv and had so many problems with it that he sold it and bought him a Honda 90.
Whatever you ride.......ride safe! Everyone have a great weekend and ride!
Posted by: BigRic
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Originally posted by: MINIQUAD97
In todays market in atvs there are alot of models,makes and brands when you see one brand for $1800 and another for $500 and they are both mini quad "you are getting what you pay for" I under stand first time quad for your 5 or 6 yr old but when you need parts and or service and when you cant get it how much money are you really saving I have found out that service is have the price.
I agree MINIQUAD.....garbage like SUNL is not worth the headaches or time and trouble to keep em running.
Frame breakage and rear end lockage make these potentially dangerous...... and you can't get parts. SUNL is complete garbage and a waste of money.
Posted by: BigRic
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Originally posted by: Noxzema
my chinese quad is out of commision. I've been waiting over 2 months for a backordered part. Last year my tranny blew out and i waited 4 months for one! They sent me a pile of gears and i spent a few days wrenching...so fun. Money can't buy you backordered parts! AND you will need parts on a regular basis..........
What brand is it?
Posted by: smb05
Well I don't regret the turd I purchased. Yes I admit it; it is a turd, and you definitely get what you pay for if you ride these POS hard. The thing is, I have to remind myself I only paid $1300 for my turd.
I would never have considered this quad a turd if my son had not rode the thing. The way my daughter rides, the quad would have never had any issues. At least not as soon as it did. My son however brought out the weakest points & parts manufactured into the quad.
I will say that the quad has served its purpose. I am able to justify the Chinese quad purchase as well as the purchase of my daughter's new name brand quad. I now know that she will keep riding with us. She even asks me when we are going riding next. I will never spend another dollar towards a Chinese quad ever again no matter how well people think they are being built.
The Chinese quad/motorcycles have a long way to go before they are built more reliable. The Chinese quads do serve their purpose for some. But for the people that buy the quads to do more serious riding they just will not last and they generally become a major disappointment.
So for those who read this long-winded rant, here are my thoughts summed up:
1.If you can, buy a new Japanese or Taiwanese brand.
2.If new is not an option for you then consider used. There are plenty of great deals out there, you just have to look.
3.As a last resort buy the Chinese Quad/Motorcycle. But do not think you are buying that Name brand ATV. Remember that you get what you pay for.
SB.
Posted by: squeege
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Originally posted by: MUDDY4LIFE
Drumman,
you are correct, its YOUR $ so spend it how you want. I could have also afforded a new Honda for the kid, but at 8yrs old, my almost 2 yr old Sunl Ls are holding up just fine for their intended purposes with very little money put into them except for oil changes.When the kids get older andstart riding more aggressive, im sure my attitude may change.But you never know, the chinese products are also improving every year too.
Yeah! The chinese have really been polishing them turds the last few years! LOL
Posted by: squeege
Quote
Originally posted by: Raptorlegs
Honestly, you can't tell the difference between some Taiwanese and Chinese brands. Personally, I think some companies created a Tawainese front to avoid the Chinese stigma.
I think you get what you pay for to a point. But I also think you pay a premium for a name brand. If you have it, spend it. If not, there are some nice off-brand machines for less money. Many of which I would rank higher than a Suzuki lt50/80 or Yamaha 50/80.
HAHAHAHA!!!LOL! Please! Gimme what your smokin'....LOL!
Posted by: squeege
I have a so called high end China quad(Taiwan) .....it is good at best. The only reason it is good is because Many differant companies adopted the design and alot of support and parts became available. The majority of china made quads are not so lucky. They punch out a few quads and run with the money .....good luck finding parts! A name brand suzuki or yamaha may be behind (a few) Taiwan quads when it comes to brakes or suspension., but it is more than made up for in parts and support. I would be out of my mind to take any small china quad over a suzuki or yamaha if they were the same money, however the desert cat 90 and others with the same build are ok if you are handy with a screwdriver and wrench. Many people who are buying these pussified quads now a-days have little or no mechanic ability and should stick with the name brands like yamaha, suzuki, kawasaki, etc..ect... or they will be wasting their money for sure.
Posted by: squeege
taiwan puts out one good quality bike with some clones and that makes everything better?
Posted by: squeege
all clones! So they change the brakes or somthing....still the same basic engine block, tranny, and frame....whoopty-doo it has differant plastic....still the same
check ebay...
parts are listed like this:
Fits Kasea Skyhawk 50, DRR 50, Ram 50, Polaris Sportsman 50, Polaris Scrambler 50, Dinli, Alpha Sports 50, Sunray 50, Kymco 50, LRX 50, Blast 50, Jehm Products, Extreme Machine, Bombardier 2 Strokes, ETON Viper 50/70, Unison 50 & Arctic Cat 50.
BIG WHOP! One good quad doen't solve all the problems comming out of communist China
Posted by: squeege
DERRRRR! That is not where I was going with my posts....I am saying they sell mostly crap and one good quad with some clones don't make it all better!
Posted by: SEADAWG
aqharoper,
Same here in Washington State...kids with the Cninese quads (my daughter too) we sit around fixing them. The kids with the Hondas and Suzukis are having fun time in and time out! SEADAWG
Posted by: Evasiveone
My garage has all kinds of colors in it. One of them is a JetMoto 150. After the initial loc-tite over the first few days I have had zero problems with it. It had a torn nerf net and 1 phone call to Raceway had me a new part in 3 days. My 11 year old daughter rides this one. She does not jump it but she rides it as fast as it will go trail riding. I knew her riding style before I bought it. When time to check the mail and I do not feel like walking the JetMoto is the bike I hop on to get it. It starts with a bump of the starter and does not have the cold blooded tendicies of the others.
Now my 9 year old son loves jumping, so when he was moving up from his Raptor 50 there was no way I was going to put him on the JetMoto. I went with the new Polaris 90 Predator and could not be happier. I have absolutely not had to touch that thing.
With that said my problem bike is my Yamaha 50 Raptor that my 7 year old daughter rides, which cost more than the JetMoto 150!
I believe the Chinese models have a place. You have to know how it will be ridden before making a decision to buy one. I personally would not buy one from anybody but Raceway. The JetMoto for me is a great transition bike for my daughter who is to big for the 90's but not quite ready for the bigger models yet.
Posted by: hoytultratec
theres a tons of places that sell parts for kazuma 150 do a search someone will have them. is it a tie rod end your looking for? if so theres a whole tie rod assy on ebay for13.00 bucks
Posted by: Noxzema
my chinese quad is out of commision. I've been waiting over 2 months for a backordered part. Last year my tranny blew out and i waited 4 months for one! They sent me a pile of gears and i spent a few days wrenching...so fun. Money can't buy you backordered parts! AND you will need parts on a regular basis..........
Posted by: Noxzema
all i'm looking for is a simple ball joint. The front end is falling apart..ahhhh.. backordered forever
Posted by: Noxzema
Kazuma 150.
Posted by: Noxzema
The tie rod end is Not the same as the ball joints. I've tried a few places to hunt them down with no luck. Yes there are tons of parts available but it always seems the ones i need are b/o.
Posted by: mustangman
I agree...for the young or first time riders there are some off-brand ATV's that are fine. Going into the purchase you have to realize that these ATV's do need alot more attention than the brand names. So if you have no intention of working on them and just want to jump on it and ride it all the time, then you should look at the brand names. Also, alot has to do with how these off-brand ATV's are used. If you plan on racing them, rough trail riding, jumping, going through water, etc. then they will break and you will be disappointed. Also, these smaller ATV's are not meant to be driven by an adult. (How many of us take a quick spin on our kids ATV's because we can't resist)
I have a SunL SLA-110KLB which is a newer model and it's not perfect but my 10yr. son is having alot of fun on it. We ride mainly on an open hay field with some hills, bumps, etc. and it is holding up perfectly so far. I do take the time before he rides it each time to check the bike over. It takes me about an hour but I think it is cheap insurance for his safety. I also change the oil about every 12-15 hours of riding time...again cheap insurance a quart of oil and it allows me to check for any metal fragments, dirt etc. from the motor.
And yes, it is important to check out the dealer before you buy from them. Do not buy it over Ebay and if you do then do not expect after sale support.
I know that alot of people don't like SunL and I probably would have bought a different off-brand name if I knew about this forum before I purchased it. But so far I am satisfied with my SunL ATV. Hopefully all the bashing of SunL will help them to get their act together and offer the support and parts the SunL owner's deserve.
Posted by: aqharoper
I have to admit that I too an insane. You see I purchased a Suzuki lta50 for my son who at the time was 2 years old. I spent 1900.00 on it and did so because I wanted a reliable machine that could be repaired locally by a dealer in case something would happen to it. I also looked at resale value, when I made my decision to purchase this quad. I had no trouble at all selling it and it went well above market value.
We just recently upgraded him to an LT80 this summer for his 6th birthday. I wasn't at all unhappy with spending the money on this quad.
I am not trying to stir anyone up, but I am not impressed with the quality of manufacturing coming out of China at all. Perhaps some of you have had good experience with them. In my circle of friends, the kids with the Chinese quads are sitting in a chair watching the other kids ride while dad makes the repairs. I did not want to see the disappointment in my son's face. To me it was worth the extra hours I had to spend working to come up with the additional 1500.00.
Posted by: aqharoper
Quote
Originally posted by: Raptorlegs
Honestly, you can't tell the difference between some Taiwanese and Chinese brands. Personally, I think some companies created a Tawainese front to avoid the Chinese stigma. /q]
Hmmm...... "Made in Taiwan R.O.C." Am I the only one who remembers this label?
R.O.C. = Republic of China
Just thought you might enjoy that bit of information.
Posted by: aqharoper
For those of you that have had a positive experience with a off brand quad, what makes it as good or better than a name brand? Price, reliablity, design, features? I am curious at what you specifically like about the other brands.
How has your experience been with the company and the dealer you purchased it from? Are parts available for them? Are the parts in stock from the dealer you purchased it from?
How many of you purchased an off brand quad, to find the dealer no longer sells them. Perhaps he picked up this line of quads for a special Christmas promotion for an example.
Also, what do you look at in a quad when you are making your purchasing decision?
Posted by: MINIQUAD97
In todays market in atvs there are alot of models,makes and brands when you see one brand for $1800 and another for $500 and they are both mini quad "you are getting what you pay for" I under stand first time quad for your 5 or 6 yr old but when you need parts and or service and when you cant get it how much money are you really saving I have found out that service is have the price.
