Ja just for reference sake, I put 20 000km on the clock now. I've done a full engine rebuild, replaced the rear wheel, installed an LED tail tidy, put better jets into the carb, changed the sprocket sizes and replaced all the break lines/clutch cable/throttle cable, mirrors, right hand break lever and purch. I've also had electrical issues which I had to get someone more technical than myself to fix. But, I can top speeds of 130km/h and wheelie in first and second gear no problem. It's got enough torque to dart through gaps between cars in traffic and I can ride at 110kmh on the highway no stress.
I have had two Big Boy motorcycles so far. A Superlight 200 that I rode for a year and put 15 000km, and now a TSR 250. I have been lucky to have received good service from my local dealership, but I know that is more of an exception, than the rule. My experience with their bikes has been quite good, but I will say that I am more mechanically inclined than most riders, so most maintenance is easy for me to carry out. Also, some bikes are built at the dealership, and some are built at the head office in Krugersdorp which is NOT known for their quality workmanship, nor good service.
I've had a Superlight 200 for over 2 years which is sitting on around 42k kms I used it for long commutes +-70km daily, it averaged 2.5l/100km, 3L if I was pushing it on those highway drives. My biggest expenses was at the beginning when I still serviced at a bigboy, where on 3 different occasions I'd go home with a bike that's half baked, 1, front brake caliper fell off, 2, chain coming loose on way home from a service, 3. They loosen my handlebars and forget to tighten them then you brake and bend. Then found a mechanic nearby who also sold parts and taught me the basics of maintainence, 2 sprockets and Chain R400, Disk Brakes R120, Drum R90, clutch cable R110 that's about it when it comes to things I've replaced on the bike over the years. I've only changed tyres once though. So I think bigboy bikes can be a good bike if you want them to be, if you don't mind the 110km/h max cruise without pushing it too much.
Very fair review, brother. We had a few as delivery bikes, and there had endless issues, too. But one gets what one pays for in life more often than not.
It's a good buy or atleast good value if you're a handy person. If you understand how these bikes work and think about the little you spent on this bike it's understandable you'd have to put some work in. I'm a mechanic Im thinking of getting this bike. I know people that can't handle a spanner but the little they put into the bike keeps it running. Not disregarding the video, we all have our individual experiences
Awesome content. Big Boy Big problems. I have had numerous problems with mine. And when I sent it in for repairs or service. I have always waited longer that what they have said. Started doing repairs of my own and servicing it myself. Definitely wont get another one. Got mine on 6500km just over 14k km now
@Cliofused-rv4gg ah, that sucks so much. I've been odd the 2s so long, I've considered getting a bicycle myself, just so I can get something of that sensation 😅
I have spent R18 000.00 on mine because I ride the living shit out it. I would never take it to a dealer cuz I am proficient at working on the bike myself. Would 10/10 recommend this bike to someone who wants to learn how to do light maintainance and maybe a little more in depth jobs on the bike. It will humble you and at the same time give you a massive confidence leap when you get a Japanese bike.
I have never ridden one myself, a cruiser vibe just isn't my thing, but my concerns for build quality and dealer service will still remain. If you are in the position to buy a Japanese bike, do. If you can't afford to buy a Japanese bike, a big boy will get you on 2 wheels. But keep your finger on the pulse when it comes to maintenance
The rear sprocket breaking and slipping is a common problem on this series of bikes and not just from big boy. Big boy cloned it from the hawk 250 . Those bikes are basically the same. My hawk 250 actually had that problem with its previous owner but instead of getting a new wheel they welded a custom bracket to the sprocket and wheel hub. When it broke again in our hands (it probably lasted almost 10 years) my mechanic just re-did their bracket because it was stronger than stock 😅.
Glad to know which bike it was cloned from, I knew it was Honda though. Strangely enough, since I been keeping the wheel lined up myself, I don't seem to have the problem anymore, and I'm still riding hard (if not harder). I always say that DIY ain't jank, if it works, so hey, kudos to your mechanic
If you can afford to buy from Honda, Yamaha, or Suzuki, that would be a much better option. The bikes are built way better, but I can't tell you what level of dealer service you're going to get. If you have no other option but Big Boy, then best advice I can give is to save 50% of the income you earn through commercial use, so that you can upgrade to a more reliable brand later on (it will also give you a retainer for repairs and maintenance of the big boy, but that also means it'll take you longer to save for a better bike)
I'm looking at Big Boy Tsr 250 for work but it won't be a problem for me I think so because I will modify the bike for my needs... I would really like do some engine works first like doing a full exhaust. head flowing biggering the carburetor loping the cam even changing the coil and spark plug but in the end of the day I don't know or Wil it be waste of time and money or it will be worth every penny because looking at Honda CRF300 raise a budget question and looking at Kawasaki and KTM it's expensive to maintain
Look, with the experience I've been having with the TSR I'd honestly recommend that you buy Honda or other Japanese brand. My TSR piston failed after 21 000 km and I've spent over 10k trying to fix it without success.
Big boy tsr is not so bad,just swap throttle control with honda xr125 fit perfectly and last longer. Just check all the bolts replace starter clutch with honda 125 starter clutch.
If you want to spend R30k on a bike, search high and low for an old Japanese bike, preferably a Honda, even if it's from 19 voetsek, it will be 100 times better and people won't laugh at your chinese shit box.
Like I said, the reason for looking for a new bike, I have a terrible habit of thinking that the previous owner would have put the bike through its paces, as I do (or worse). I'd rather spend the 30k, on a crap bike, and know that I'm responsible for the things that go wrong, than inherit a multitude of issues from someone else's past. Sure, people may laugh at my Chinatown Special, but hey, they don't know what it's like to walk my journey, at least I'm still on the 2s
@@CasualRiders awe respect that, I just know the amount of money I've spent on my chinese special could've gone into making an abused Japanese bike pristine so I can also inflict more abuse on that cuz just like you I ride hard and I push my machines limits everyday. I found some really nice WR450F's, pre 2010 models obvs. Those things are tough to break and easy to maintain. Some minor road legal additions that you can retrofit yourself would make it the type of bike you keep for 10 years over. I the mean time, enjoy the TSR, with LOTS of love and maintainance it will give you your money's worth. Bless x
Ja just for reference sake, I put 20 000km on the clock now. I've done a full engine rebuild, replaced the rear wheel, installed an LED tail tidy, put better jets into the carb, changed the sprocket sizes and replaced all the break lines/clutch cable/throttle cable, mirrors, right hand break lever and purch.
I've also had electrical issues which I had to get someone more technical than myself to fix.
But, I can top speeds of 130km/h and wheelie in first and second gear no problem. It's got enough torque to dart through gaps between cars in traffic and I can ride at 110kmh on the highway no stress.
I have had two Big Boy motorcycles so far. A Superlight 200 that I rode for a year and put 15 000km, and now a TSR 250. I have been lucky to have received good service from my local dealership, but I know that is more of an exception, than the rule. My experience with their bikes has been quite good, but I will say that I am more mechanically inclined than most riders, so most maintenance is easy for me to carry out. Also, some bikes are built at the dealership, and some are built at the head office in Krugersdorp which is NOT known for their quality workmanship, nor good service.
Thanks for the feedback, ☺️
One thing i have noticed in motorcycle is getting used to them so that you can be able to fix it yourself
Yes. Learning how to do minor mechanical work is an absolute essential skill for motorcycles
I've had a Superlight 200 for over 2 years which is sitting on around 42k kms I used it for long commutes +-70km daily, it averaged 2.5l/100km, 3L if I was pushing it on those highway drives. My biggest expenses was at the beginning when I still serviced at a bigboy, where on 3 different occasions I'd go home with a bike that's half baked, 1, front brake caliper fell off, 2, chain coming loose on way home from a service, 3. They loosen my handlebars and forget to tighten them then you brake and bend.
Then found a mechanic nearby who also sold parts and taught me the basics of maintainence, 2 sprockets and Chain R400, Disk Brakes R120, Drum R90, clutch cable R110 that's about it when it comes to things I've replaced on the bike over the years.
I've only changed tyres once though. So I think bigboy bikes can be a good bike if you want them to be, if you don't mind the 110km/h max cruise without pushing it too much.
can i send you a message need tips on my bike maintenance
@robotics2024 of courses , send me a dm on Instagram, @CasualRidersYT
@robotics2024 yeah totally
Very fair review, brother. We had a few as delivery bikes, and there had endless issues, too. But one gets what one pays for in life more often than not.
Too true. And worse, if they were a fleet of delivery bikes. They weren't being looked after
Thanx man, i was considering a BB. Mainly for reliable comute to work and back. But I guess I'll have to weigh other options.
Agree.
It's a good buy or atleast good value if you're a handy person. If you understand how these bikes work and think about the little you spent on this bike it's understandable you'd have to put some work in. I'm a mechanic Im thinking of getting this bike. I know people that can't handle a spanner but the little they put into the bike keeps it running. Not disregarding the video, we all have our individual experiences
@@str8xrippin good point 😊
Awesome content. Big Boy Big problems. I have had numerous problems with mine. And when I sent it in for repairs or service. I have always waited longer that what they have said. Started doing repairs of my own and servicing it myself. Definitely wont get another one. Got mine on 6500km just over 14k km now
Valuable insights. Thanks for the feedback
@Cliofused-rv4gg ah, that sucks so much. I've been odd the 2s so long, I've considered getting a bicycle myself, just so I can get something of that sensation 😅
I have a big boy bike my bike do not give shit
@@bibismit1211 then you are indeed very lucky. I am simply speaking from my perspective and experience
Wow!!! Sorry man, that's crazy how many issues you had.
Is what it is bru, luck of the draw perhaps, but this is how it's been, I hope the video informs people of what they might be in for
@@CasualRiders True..., I guess quality pays, in the long run.
@@redmambaproject true
I have spent R18 000.00 on mine because I ride the living shit out it. I would never take it to a dealer cuz I am proficient at working on the bike myself.
Would 10/10 recommend this bike to someone who wants to learn how to do light maintainance and maybe a little more in depth jobs on the bike. It will humble you and at the same time give you a massive confidence leap when you get a Japanese bike.
Hi
What are your thoughts on the Big boy mustang 250? I take it your from SA, I am too and thinking about getting it
I have never ridden one myself, a cruiser vibe just isn't my thing, but my concerns for build quality and dealer service will still remain. If you are in the position to buy a Japanese bike, do. If you can't afford to buy a Japanese bike, a big boy will get you on 2 wheels. But keep your finger on the pulse when it comes to maintenance
@@CasualRiders I 100% agree, two wheels is better than none.
And twice the fun of four
Very very very emportant .... make sure and ask around about your dealership.. they can make or brake your trust in bigboy
Sounds like you have also been on the receiving end of bad dealer service?
The rear sprocket breaking and slipping is a common problem on this series of bikes and not just from big boy. Big boy cloned it from the hawk 250 . Those bikes are basically the same. My hawk 250 actually had that problem with its previous owner but instead of getting a new wheel they welded a custom bracket to the sprocket and wheel hub. When it broke again in our hands (it probably lasted almost 10 years) my mechanic just re-did their bracket because it was stronger than stock 😅.
Glad to know which bike it was cloned from, I knew it was Honda though. Strangely enough, since I been keeping the wheel lined up myself, I don't seem to have the problem anymore, and I'm still riding hard (if not harder). I always say that DIY ain't jank, if it works, so hey, kudos to your mechanic
So what the best bike to use for commercial, as i was thinking of buying big boy superlight 200cc for 60 sixty checkers?
If you can afford to buy from Honda, Yamaha, or Suzuki, that would be a much better option. The bikes are built way better, but I can't tell you what level of dealer service you're going to get. If you have no other option but Big Boy, then best advice I can give is to save 50% of the income you earn through commercial use, so that you can upgrade to a more reliable brand later on (it will also give you a retainer for repairs and maintenance of the big boy, but that also means it'll take you longer to save for a better bike)
I'm looking at Big Boy Tsr 250 for work but it won't be a problem for me I think so because I will modify the bike for my needs... I would really like do some engine works first like doing a full exhaust. head flowing biggering the carburetor loping the cam even changing the coil and spark plug but in the end of the day I don't know or Wil it be waste of time and money or it will be worth every penny because looking at Honda CRF300 raise a budget question and looking at Kawasaki and KTM it's expensive to maintain
Look, with the experience I've been having with the TSR I'd honestly recommend that you buy Honda or other Japanese brand. My TSR piston failed after 21 000 km and I've spent over 10k trying to fix it without success.
Big boy tsr is not so bad,just swap throttle control with honda xr125 fit perfectly and last longer. Just check all the bolts replace starter clutch with honda 125 starter clutch.
so you saying, just buy a honda?
Yes, just buy a Honda
That CRF 300 is a lekker bike
wow.. kilos on your bike?
Just shy of 18 000 km at this point
replace some of the components with Honda parts....it gets better
They make their money with parts replacement.
Well, this is true. A part. Which start line charges R45 for, they charge 120. And if they install it badly, it'll fail sooner
If you want to spend R30k on a bike, search high and low for an old Japanese bike, preferably a Honda, even if it's from 19 voetsek, it will be 100 times better and people won't laugh at your chinese shit box.
Like I said, the reason for looking for a new bike, I have a terrible habit of thinking that the previous owner would have put the bike through its paces, as I do (or worse). I'd rather spend the 30k, on a crap bike, and know that I'm responsible for the things that go wrong, than inherit a multitude of issues from someone else's past. Sure, people may laugh at my Chinatown Special, but hey, they don't know what it's like to walk my journey, at least I'm still on the 2s
@@CasualRiders awe respect that, I just know the amount of money I've spent on my chinese special could've gone into making an abused Japanese bike pristine so I can also inflict more abuse on that cuz just like you I ride hard and I push my machines limits everyday.
I found some really nice WR450F's, pre 2010 models obvs. Those things are tough to break and easy to maintain. Some minor road legal additions that you can retrofit yourself would make it the type of bike you keep for 10 years over.
I the mean time, enjoy the TSR, with LOTS of love and maintainance it will give you your money's worth.
Bless x
IOW do not buy rubbish 😂.
🤣 exactly 🤣
Don't believe him
Just sharing my experience. Perhaps you had a better one than me 🤷♂️ feel free to share your experience. I'd love to hear about it