Stolen in London, Stripped for Parts and for Sale in Lithuania!
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- Опубликовано: 4 дек 2023
- For 15% off everything at XLMOTO until 21st December, use code 15dob.bs
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In this week's episode:
Chinese motorcycles, stolen, stripped and for sale in Lithuania, and the best all-rounder motorcycle for £3,000
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Please do leave a comment and share your thoughts. If you've got a story, insight or pictures to share, you can also email hi@tuesdayatdobbs.com
Instagram: instagram.com/@tuesday_at_dobbs
My other RUclips channel: @FreddieDobbs
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Time Stamps:
0:00: Intro
1:05: Chinese Motorcycles. Benelli TRK 502, Mash Motorcycles
4:30: Speeding in Finland
7:55: A First Bike in Romania (Honda CL 500)
14:05: Himalayan Thoughts
16:14: CfMoto and KTM- the same?
19:30: Tasmania, CFMoto and a Royal Enfield
20:35: Lithuania-Bound: A stolen Kawasaki ZZR1400
23:15: Bike of the Week. The Best Motorcycle for £3,000. 
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In July 2022 I bought a 2003 Suzuki SV 650 Naked. I commute to work on it, I ride with friend and this summer strapped a tent to it and took myself off for a weekend. It cost me a bargain £1700 and it’s immaculate 19k miles on the clock. Mike
To the Finnish guy speeding with your friends: 100%. Just enjoy riding by yourself don't ever put yourself in a position where you feel pressured to ride faster than you are comfortable. I don't do group rides exactly for this reason. Go to a riding school/track to practice high speed skills but even then keep it off public roads. Stay safe.
This is good advice. I’ve never liked riding with others. I watch how people behave when they are off their bike, then factor that into their likely riding style. I’m rarely wrong.
But ever since I was young I’ve always sat at the back paying attention and taking mental notes. At briefings when I went out into the world doing silly stuff, I did the same.
It’s a great way to figure out what, and who to avoid.
Ride safe.
Peace
Another vote for the Vstrom 650 as a do it all bike, I would also put the 411cc Himalayan in that group if speed is not a concern
Hey Freddie! There is an italian who rode a TRK 502 X for over 85.000 kilometers, travelling 26 countries in a little bit over 2 years. He had some problems down the line but it managed to get up to 85.000 kilometers on the odometer and I think that proves that the Benelli can go the distance. He has an entire video on youtube on his channel, Zero HighWays.
There is a Pakistani as well took it from Austria to Pakistan and back. TRK502X.
Under £3000 buy a Benelli TRK 502, way better bike and newer👌👌👌
Go with the BMW F800 GS my friend. I currently own a 2016 F800 GSA it’s my third one I’ve owned over the years. I owned a 2014 GSA that got wrecked, I’ve owned 2015 GSA that I sold and now my 2016 GSA. I always say about this motorcycle “it doesn’t do one thing great but it does everything well”, it’s just loyal!!!
I currently own 5 motorcycles that are ready to go out for a trip at any given time. I have a 2005 BMW 1150 GSA, I have a 2012 BMW 1200 GSA, I have a 2016 BMW F800 GSA, 2022 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE and my recent purchase 2023 Triumph Tiger Rally Explorer. My absolute favorite motorcycle out of the 5 is my 2012 GSA which has 115,000 miles on it. As you can tell I like to ride motorcycles, I ride them all year around and they are my main transportation. I live in the United States by the Great Lakes region around Chicago area so we have 4 seasons to ride in.
I can tell you I’ve taken my F800 GS on two Iron Butt Challenges which is 1000 miles in less than 24hrs and it performed flawlessly!! I’ve circled Lake Michigan and Lake Superior with it on Moto camping trips several times with no issues other than the normal chain adjustment. Like I said it just loyal! If you go that route you will not be disappointed with the BMW F800 GS it has Japanese reliability in a German brand.
Having grown up and started riding in the 1960's, I saw the way the Japanese motorcycles came into the market. All the "real motorcyclists" of the time all were totally opposed to riding that Japanese stuff... But, between 1966 when I started riding and 1969 when I bought the Yamaha DT-1, then in 1970 when I bought my Honda CB750, the entire motorcycling world changed - 5 years only! And, I believe that we have the same situation with the current Chinese motorcycle invasion. They will soon be offering quality on par, or better than, the Europeans, for substantially less money. Just look at all those Chinese cars we see every day out on the roads. Soon there will be swarms of cheap, efficient, well built and fun bikes running all over the place. The expensive European bikes will continue to be sold to the motorcycling elite, and regular riders will be riding bikes built in Asia. We already have lots of Hondas and Kawasakis built all over Asia. New names will soon be rising into our riding consciousness. All of those new excellent bikes coming from the current major manufacturers are great, but are just the starting point of what is soon to come. I just hope they can keep up with demand, and spare parts. Last year I worked at Honda store, and we had issues every day with getting replacement parts.
The everything bike for at that price would be a Honda Varadero XL1000. I'm on my third Varadero, the first one was a 1999 and I laid it down on a gravel road as I was learning. Then another 1999 with Öhlins suspension. Now I have a 2007 Varadeo with ABS and injection. It's done a little over 100.000km and runs perfect and looks almost new. I just love the thing. 95hp and 95Nm It really shifts even with my heavy 203cm body on top!
Watching Tuesday at Dobbs ALWAYS makes me want to go out and ride afterwards.
Then I see the rain coming across the moors sideways and remember the battery is flat and just reach for another cup of coffee.
I must do better!! 😂
I know someone in Chiang Rai who rode a Benelli Leoncino 500 for over two years without a single problem. And he does proper mileage. I wouldn't mind a Caballero Scrambler but not at the price they are listed as. It would suit my needs in Scarborough when I move there from southwest Portugal next spring for my time spent in Europe. To those people who claim Royal Enfields have rugged, long-lasting engines: you can only know if you do big mileage on one. I would never by a bike on finance. If you can't afford a new one, buy an older one. And I'm not that old. I wouldn't buy any BMW. The parts wear out early. They have stacks of problems. Nick
For that budget, a Honda Transalp. Legendary reliability, can be found with luggage.
Finances. I am of the opinion that credit should be used to buy things that make you more money than it costs you in interest. That means buying a home instead of renting, buying rental property, tools for your job and transportation at, to an from work. Very rarely do I need credit for other things. But that means I ride a cheap bike an own a cheap truck. Paid cash for both. Its worth it to know your paycheck is not already spent before you get it. Way less stressful. Credit is a slippery slope. You need a hard rule in your life to keep you from sliding to far down the hill.
Hi Freddie, I did exactly this search for a second bike for winter use a few months ago and I ended up finding a 2004 BMW R1200GS with 23,000 miles on it in fabulous condition for £2750. It did come with a top box, crash bars, spotlights, but no panniers and since I got it I have put a couple of thousand miles on it with no issues at all and I'm quite confident it would happily take me anywhere I wanted to go.
That engine in the bmw is fantastic, it will do over 100k easily if looked after and generally in the GS that don’t get thrashed about.
I’m currently looking at an old r1200r 😄
Nothing wrong with finance, it has been around for 2000 years. I am happy to pay two or three days of pay extra a year in interest so I don't have to fork out 10K for a bike now, and of course you still have the equity of the bike after you've paid it off! If you can't buy a house cash should you rent all your life?
i bought a 2014 Royal Enfield 500cc Electra EFI Bullit for £2750.00 with on about 3500 miles on the clock. It's perfect for the Lincolnshire roads around me (I live in a very rural tractor damaged road system) It has everything I need, but I will be replacing the bench seat with a solo seat to lower the seat height. I came with top boc and panniers and I know it would serve me well.
Freddie,No question,it has to be the Honda cbf 1000. Does Everything You need and more. Comfortable two up, great fuel range. Takes all the luggage you can throw on it. Commute , travel and weekend blasts. You’ll never need more than this delivers .
had two honda cbf 600 s and a honda cbf 1000 .great bikes .
My vote for a do it all bike at £3k would be vstrom 650 or consider a sports tourer like a vfr800.
Or a Zontes tourer
Ah, pour myself a coffee and another episode of Dobbsy 👍
Make it a single malt whiskey..I recommend Highland park
@@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne Ya I need a whiskey, talking about China crap and stolen R&D
Hi Freddie, travel the world on an BMW F800GS......I've owned an 800, its very good until you need parts and/or break-down in Asia/South America......for global rides, can it be bettered.....yes........and you personally know the bike.....Honda 600, 650 or 700 Transalp. Bomb proof and fixable anywhere by most anyone. A good one can be bought for around 3,000 pounds.
Well said Mark, the new Transalp looks fantastic 👏 it's baby sister the N X 500 is a better bike than the Himalayan.
But the Himalayan is nice as is the Triumph 400 which l think is Beautiful 😍
I purchased a 2010 Suzuki V Strom 650 during COVID sight unseen for $1200 AUD. It had travelled 52,000 kilometres. I replaced the rear shock ($550.00) and serviced the front forks. Replaced all the fluids as you would with any used bike. I ride it everywhere. Have just completed a trip around Tasmania on it and it performed flawlessly. I have thought the same thing. I can’t think of a better value all round motorcycle. I will keep searching.
Hi Freddie, your do it all bike for 2.5/3k for me it has to be the Honda NC750X,
A go anywhere bike, great on fuel 70mpg+ Super reliable with Honda
And of course let's not forget the frunk, that storage.
Hey Freddie, Two of your reviews on the Royal Enfield Classic 350 were two of the four videos that convinced me to buy one last Spring and I couldn't be happier with my 2023 Classic 350 in Chrome-Bronze so I want to express my gratitude. Thank you sir! My love for my Classic 350 has only grown over time. I'm a subscriber to your other channel and new subscriber to this channel which I stumbled on a few days ago. This discussion about losing your license or one's license in Finland or worse yet losing your motorbike or car & probably license for speeding in Denmark, seems really, really harsh from the perspective of a Unites States Citizen living a stone's throw from the Pacific Ocean in sunny Southern California. Don't get me wrong, we over-regulated in California compared to most states in the U.S., but when it comes to motorcycles probably a little more lax. We can lane split here and there are two licenses; one for scooters & one for motorcycles (which also includes everything else on two wheels), instead of several. Heck I've been riding over two years (started out on a 2021 Kymco Spade 150 in August 2021) without my M1 motorcycle license or even a learner's permit. My two bikes are fully insured though and I've only had friendly Police contact that didn't ask to see my license. On these smaller capacity motorbikes it takes effort to speed and I am a pretty cautious. Just the same, this video reminds me to quit procrastinating and get my license for peace of mind and a break in my insurance. Greetings from America!
Sincerely,
Stephen W. Anderson
Hello Freddie. A new subscriber here from Ireland. I really enjoy your polished informed delivery.
Freddie! Your analogy of the Hyundai is spot on! 20 years ago Chinese bikes were awful but not anymore. If someone thinks Chinese products are inferior they just need to look at an iPhone.
I just want to add that I was contacted by the president of Janus Motorcycles. He loved your coverage! On Monday evenings he does a one hour livestream on RUclips. He covers anything from designing a part on his computer to the philosophy of “rambling”. Your kind of riding.
Dan from Leicester, North Carolina.
The comparision between Chinese and Iphone is slightly false. China is as good as anyone else BUT they still default towards cheap. (Same as Korea used to)
My friend was a QC for a UK areospace manufacturer and he went to visit their Chinese subcontractor factory. He suggested that you have to watch them very closely as they try to subsitiute cheap components on the sly instead of the spec'ed ones to improve their margins
I know of two manufacturers in different industries who had massive warrenty issues with subsitiuted components. One a Pump manufacturer whereby crappy bearings were fitted and it cost them millions in early replacements and an air conditioning manufacturer whereby cheap capacitors on the compressor PCB caused massive failure issues for them. Trusting them to do what they agreed is 'tricky' lets say
Apple and others almost certainly have their own onsite QC team ensuring quality is maintained to 'Western spec' .. But with that in mind is it really 'Chinese'?
Iphone is an american product utilizing a taiwanese manufacture. The iphone comparison that often comes up is totatlly useless.
Mine was made in China. As was my Mac Book Pro.
Wow Freddie i have to say that that Fantic Rally looks fantastic . A very nice bike . It would suit the roads over here in Ireland very well . Thanks for showing us this .👍👍👍👍
Don’t forget the Versys 650 GT! Bulletproof, comfy and decent performance
Hi Freddie, i always listen your podcasts on spotify, this episode on spotify has a ticking sound in it like a metronome. Don't know if its yust me? Keep up the good work 👍
To me buying a Chinese bike isn't about their quality. I'm sure the quality runs from anywhere from poor to excellent just like every other country. My concern and complaint is by purchasing a cheaper Chinese bike it will drive other manufacturers completely out of business.
In the end how unfeasible is it that China will be sanctioned for it's South China Sea behavior and it's subjugation of their own citizens?? China is heading into same swim lane as Russia is with the Ukraine.
Who you support with your purchases has it consequences.
Budget bike £2500 to £3000 for everything is only one Freddie: Honda transalp XL650 2005 model. I bought mine for £1700 and I never regret it! These bikes are indestructible.
Hey Freddie - I love my f800, it’s a 2010, I’ve had it 9 months and put 7/8k km’s on it and it’s been brilliant (it’s now done 50,000 km) it’s literally takes me everywhere and anywhere … long rides through the desert, 2 up, back and forth for work stuff - there isn’t anything it doesn’t like ! I started my bike journey on a Himalayan which was also wonderful but lacked some power on the long rides but as a second bike the 800 has been a great choice, Ross from Dubai
My first is the 2009 F800R the naked version of the gs you mentioned and it's been a great first bike with enough power to grow with reliable good quality came with a few mods and has been a great bike to tour with commute and get down on the lanes it doesn't do one things excellent but it does many things well. Looking to upgrade to a Africa twin 1000 in the new year
great episode , stolen parts turning up abroad is a well known thing , Transit vans to Africa was one , also the EUopen borders made it easy to transport stolen vehicles from the UK , i can remember going to the Czeck Republic in 99 and seeing cars and vans crossing the border from Germany with trailers loaded with Vauxall parts , a lot of this os caused by the dealers not selling parts to these countries due to at the time their volatile currency and futures ,
The new R-E Meteor 650, which is a really good looking bike, along with the new Himmy is also priced a bit more upscale.
Surprised you’ve not mentioned the new Triumph 400 Scrambler ? - great reviews and very competitively priced at under £6k.
Oooh - suits you sir!
Hi Freddie. I'm pleased you selected my comment for further consideration. Your objective review and comparison was quite informative and interesting. Appreciate your efforts with the support material, explanation and commentary, Cheers, 😊
Hey Freddie for the last couple of weeks I've been lazily looking for a new to me bike, anything Chinese or Indian built doesn't do it for me and today I bought an eight year old immaculate Ducati Scrambler Sixty2 with 3.2k miles on the clock and FSH, for the same money I could have ordered a new Triumph 400 but that's Indian, as with cars with me it's all about the badge on the steering wheel or petrol tank.
I'm so pleased I just have to tell everyone.
Im an 80 year old this December still riding (scooter now ) .My wife of 40 years is Chinese but ive never ridden a Chinese bike. ❤
Brilliant
10/10
On another note, I’ve have been following your work for 2 years nearly and you yet have to talk about the xsr700. Ultra modern retro..
I bought a brand new one in Eire and it’s more powerful better quality , lighter that the interceptor 650. Same price more or less!!!
My F650GS twin (I.e 800c engine) does it all. Forest trails, motorway speeds all day, back roads and busted surface roads. Its buzzy (nature of engine) and even boring as it just does it. Only one issue in 20,000 miles - fuel pump.
Hi Freddie
If you are looking at the 800GS, the 700GS (or 650 twin) is worth a look too imo. Very similar bike to the 800 and usually disproportionately cheaper because of the less rugged looks and 19 inch front wheel.
All the best and enjoy the research! 😄
Buying the Honda cl500 soon and cannot wait! Just can't beat the Honda reliability and with that proven 500 engine for an amazing price.
I remember in the late 70's Honda, as a carmaker, was viewed the same way in the US as Kia was a few decades ago. Those 1st generation Accords really exploded o to the market. There is always some country widely derided for their products. China is really making a go of it but I'd still be cautiously optimistic as they still need a better support network in a lot of countries. I met a guy here in the States, riding a Chinese bike. Overall, he was pleased with it but he had to hire a guy to finish assembling it and some headaches getting it registered.
Superbike factory has a W800 for £3691 it is slightly modified, it has 2911miles on it. You cant ask for a more bulletproof bike than that. There is a guy reviewing his with 250k km on it, 60-100k miles is expected from them without issues
sbf is a minefield when buying older and higher milage bikes I have heard. They do 0 investigation and just sell bikes on.
Honda Cbf1000 Freddie. Great Honda panniers and top box, really comfy with a pillion and I get over 55mpg. Try one.
H Freddie, heads up that it’s a national holiday here in Spain tomorrow and Friday in case you didn’t know. So some shops etc will be closed…
I did my lessons and my test on a f800gs , brilliant bike to ride felt very confident on it , it's basic but In a good way and it would not be used as an instruction bike if it was not reliable , I very very nearly bought one but I had my heart set on a Himalayan , however the Himalayan turned out to just be to slow for UK motorways and traded it for my africa twin which i love but i still would not say no to an 800 or 850 gs very reliable rotax engine aswel.
11 years ago had a lexmoto street 125....it was a great bike🙂
Freddie - I have just been through this very dilemma; new Himalayan vs. Honda CL500. I viewed both in Birmingham last week, and to me there is no competion. I have just ordered the CL. Honda quality, reliablity, and confidence.... And! Honda threw in a Travel pack FOC! Arriving in January 😊.
Does not matter who makes anything !! What matters is who controls the quality !!
For 2.5 to 3k I’d get a Triumph Sprint (the 1050) or if I had a little less money a Triumph Trident Sprint (the 900) - had one these before amazing bike - no off roading on my choices but touring, commuting and just for fun 2-up no problem!
Aprilia pegaso 650... good bike for the money and cheap
I feel sorry for the guy in Finland who got done for speeding. I *always* stick to the speed limit on my Hayabusa.....
😂
😆
Hahah thanks for the support! How can you ride within the speed limit with that beast?😄
@@henrykolu1540 here it's 30mph over the limit and you lose your license, I have great fun going up to just under that! Cant be bothered to lose my license and job for a 3 second thrill.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Just to add to the list of feedback on chinese bike:
My first and current bike is a 2020 Keeway K-light 125 which I bought second hand.
The bike has been perfect since day one, with the only issues I had being some minor rust in non mechanical places and on the chain due to my lacking maintenance and a new battery.
The bike is stored outside and ridden year round in Scotland and has never missed a beat.
Personally, I love it
All bikes & vehicles will show signs of rust ,no matter where they are manufactured, especially if used in U.K. winters or kept near the coast .
In the 70s people said the same thing about Japanese bikes, they are not as good as British bikes and just a flash in the pan.
Time has proven that to be not the case.
@@1960ARC times change,some people don't it appears
@@1960ARC It was the 1960 ‘s they were saying that ,by the time we got to the 1970’s people knew better as they had seen how much more reliable Japanese bikes were . Brit & Italian bikes were lucky to make it to the next cafe ,without needing fettling with the spanner’s .
@@maskedavenger2578 I'm in the UK, when I was 10 in 1970, they were still saying can't beat British bikes.
Why are people even comparing the Himalayan to scramblers like the CL500, Triumph 400X and such? The Himalayan is a proper ADV bike unlike scramblers...
I’m a retired bike mechanic and Yamaha 125’s made in Spain have many many problems, we found the looms would break around the steering head, all for the sake of 25mm of extra wire, quality is generally substandard to anything made in Japan
By the way, the reason the older BMWF is so good it’s very much like the older W6 50 Kawasaki. You don’t have cambus electronics you don’t have to keep taking it to BMW to having it plugged in. That’s why I sold my new BMWF 700 GS. Just too many electronics you don’t need all these ride I’m 62 been riding since I was 16 I went up, then went back in history, happy Christmas, Michael
Lots of bikes are built in China now. Lexmoto's Michigan, the Sinnis Hoodlum, the new Royal Enfields, some Triumphs and even one or two Harley Davidson models are built *in the same factory in Zongshen*!
Freddie I ride a Zontes 310m scooter (Chinese). It's done 10,000kms and is as good as new. The only thing I have had to change are the Chinese tyres. They are now Michelins.
Hi Fredie,l said my 2021 Himalayan as a 1500-mile trip to France (it was just dangerously slow).l replaced it with a Suzuki DL 650 v
Hi Freddie, Chinese build quality: like many people I was warry of Chinese build quality, however I recently vpurchased a new Chinese car into the Australian market, Chery Omoda5 5. Mainly for the price and the 7 year warranty band capped price servicing included in the price, there were a couple of other Chinese brands on my short list from GWM ( Great Wall Motors) the MG ZST and the HAVAL JOLIAN, however the Chery swung my decision bon looks and safety technology. I can testify to the build quality, especially bthe safety aspects because on day 2 if ownership vIvesd T-boned by a Toyota Prado with big Bull bars writing off my new car, I walked away from the smash but I doubt if I would have in an older European or American brand, the arbags, emergency brake Ng and seat belt tensioner really behave my bacon. The structure bofbthe car was trashed with crumple zones folding as designed and the chassis and frame holding up well considering the impact. I would have no hesitation betting another Chinese brand whether it's a car or a bike. My insurance bwas excellent and replaced my car with another brand new car because it wasn't my fault, so not all insurance companies are unhelpful and expensive.
The F800 GS would be a good choice for you as it has decent ground clearance as we know you love a flooded road 😂
Altho ive had many old and new bikes incl 1050xt vstrom... last january i paid 3600 for a 2011 650 vstrom gen 1....under 25000 miles heated grips 3 metal panniers top box many extras its my go too bike most of the time .. long trips brilliant and no tech wotsoever abs thats it ....atb dave
Hi Freddie as a born again biker , being 60 or 15 on feb 29th next year , I came across your channel whilst looking at videos of Royal Enfield classic 350s . my question to you is . The quality of your videos is fantastic and no doubt it’s down to Monica ‘s skill, but wondered what you use to Film and Edit , kind Regards
David
Guernsey
In September my Tenere 700 was stolen from outside the Airbnb I was staying at in The Hague. The Dutch police found it a couple of weeks later in a storage container, stripped and palleted ready to be shipped elsewhere. Maybe Lithuania? Regarding the £3k adventure bike; when I went to Australia I bought a CBR250R to tour on. It was all day comfortable, would go 250 miles on a tankfull and light enough to be manageable on gravel roads. Maybe it wouldn't have been so good two up but for £3k you could get one each.
Hi Freddie
When you compare Honda against the Enfield,the cost of
parts for both bikes and the reason why Enfield parts are simple and cheap. This is the reason I think most are now buying Enfield. They are cheap and simple.
It May not be an adventure bike Freddy
It is however a fantastic do it all all rounder
A Suzuki gsx 1250 fa
Full luggage heated grips fairing
Very comfortable
Supreme engine
Around £3000
Probably the best value for money bike ever!
I can personally recommend it as I have owned one for 7 yrs and counting
By the way Freddie have you seen the offers on at Millenium motorcycles and other Enfield dealers, there's huge discounts on the Enfield range at the moment, £850 off the Himalayan ! Grab yourself a bargain £4,000 for a new Himalayan plus on the road fees.
Freddie, you've recommended the F800 GS - 2008. Great bike, but what about a 700 Transalp? I ride a 2012 model here in Cape Town, South Africa. It's a great commuter, great adventure bike, Honda build quality, Honda reliability, Honda resale value. It's cheaper here in Cape Town than the BMW's. It also has a more comfortable saddle than the F800. Mine has the gold mags and is just a beautiful and wonderful bike to ride and own. It's actually a problem because I haven't had the need to replace it (yet). Cheers, Paul.
Not a do it all bike but if I had that money and space I’d be looking for Moto Guzzi Norge for around 2000-2500 or a Breva 1100 for around 2500-3000.
When I put a deposit this year for a bike, I was almost going to purchase a cfmoto 800mt explorer. It wasn't THAT cheap, but cheap enough to consider. Had a ton of tech and most importantly of all, I could have had it within a week or two as they are not out of stock unlike all the major brands. Instead I went with the honda NT1100 and wait 6-8 months for it to arrive.
The reason I didn't get CFM is because it was already tiring explaining why I want it to people. I didn't want to have to explain my purchase decision every time I roll up to a stop or talk about my bike. It's tiring. With the honda no one really bat's an eyelid. Possibly a stupid reason I know, but we've been through this with cars. Both Dad and I love Skoda cars, and they were always joked about and never taken seriously.
Expanding on the thread of CF Moto building engines for KTM, were you aware that Chinese manufacturer Loncin make the engines for BMW 750 and 850 GS models and also completely build the C400 scooters?
I had a Calibre too! The 2 litre SE.. I thought I’d made it at age 18 having heated seats haha! 😂
Having had 3 Royal enfields in the last 4 years, I will wait and see with the new himalayan
Enfield seem to Bury there head in the sand when it comes to issues
No two dealers offer the same service
It all seems to be discretionary with issues/ problems
When the heat gets to hot enfield just bring out another model
So lets just all calm down and give it time but my experience is this
If you buy an enfield you will probably have to keep it or sell it on cheap
The other brands have realised that people have moved onto these bikes and simply will not give you a good deal when you finally give up on the brand
Cheap motorcycle/ Yamaha fz6 Honda cb 500 / Suzuki sv 650. I've only ever pad cash for motorcycle. Knowing how to fix up bike's is the best way to save money.
Early this year I acquired Gsxr750 £4500 spent another £1500 on fixing her up. Now have my dream bike.
Sure could have got one for £6000 to start with but this was a clean one that's not been on track are been abused.
Last owner loved the bike but like your triumph it would have cost to much for a shop to fix.
It had dodge battery! Wiring problems and sensor issues and need start motor cleaning.
Bit like your baby really.
Freddie If you are ever just North of Milton Keynes try & Visit The Bike Sanctuary
Forest Road Hanslope Benelli C-F Moto Lexmoto Dealer
I am very Impressed with the Build Quality of these Chinese Bikes
The New C-F Moto 450 NK looks great ,4 year Warranty Standard
Hi Freddie, I've been riding a CFMoto 450 SR for the past few months as my beginner bike and I am loving it (despite a few drops and two accidents purely on rider error). That said I am selling it soon for another motorcycle. This is not because of the quality of the motorcycle, in fact, I think that for CFMoto, as long as you're buying the 450cc and 800cc motorcycles in their lineup, you're gonna have an incredible time with a reliable (in my experience) and great value bike for the price they're on.
The only reason I'm switching is because the new Triumph Scrambler 400X is coming out and I discovered that while I really enjoy ripping it through the twisties, I want to do more touring on the weekends and my 450SR, despite having relatively relaxed ergos for a sport bike, is not great for touring. The new Triumph Scrambler has softer suspension (really useful for touring here in the Philippines), some off-road capability for unpaved roads in the boonies, a more relaxed upright stance, more luggage carrying options, and I honestly prefer more classic styling on motorcycles. Only gripes I really have with it is that it isn't a twin and it looks like the front end of a speed twin (except for the forks) with a, excuse the term, a half-assed retro-modern-ish tail end. It honestly doesn't look "Triumph" enough as I would want but it might just be me. I actually originally was thinking of buying the RE Classic 350 (the design makes up for the lack of power for me) but we have a weird 400cc and up only restriction for expressways/tollways and the Scram 411, while the styling and feel is great, felt anemic to me.
why not wait for the CFMOTO 450MT?
@@johnmute6865 Also considering it along with the 450CLC cruiser. I'll be switching around Feb or March next year when the Triumphs get released here so hopefully it comes out before that or they generate more hype for me to hold out a bit more. The only reason why I have the scrambler at the top of my list is because I prefer its design and I'll mostly be using it as a daily commuter with the occasional weekend adventure.
The CL500 is clearly the one ... but I would say that having owned one since launch and running a CL500 based RUclips channel !
It's not a direct competitor to the Himalayan though , It's a styling exercise rather than an off-road bike as such. It has bullet proof reliability ( the 500 twin is surely one of the most proven engines in motorcycling) Honda build quality, residuals and back up , 8000 mile service intervals and ultra cheap running costs ( I get 93 mpg on my dash no matter how I ride) The first service was £145 at the main dealer. Lots of high quality Honda accessories or after market ones available and it's honestly a hoot to ride....... For me it's a no brainer.
What a nice description of this great motorcycle 👍
Re chinese bikes there seem to be 2 types those wholly developed by the Chinese and those buold and assembled by the Chinese or using established engines ie the cf moto 800s which come with 4 yrs warranty as opposed ktm 2 Yr. I have a new ktm 790 duke and it looks as well finished as the ktms I have had before. Currently they re doing ktm 790 dukes new for £6500.
No status on the Bonnie ?
Hello Freddie. When living full-time in China, my wife and I owned a BYD Qin PHEV car. It had features as standard which in a BMW or Audi would push the on the road price up towards £50k. The Qin cost the equivalent of £30k, but with the Chinese government incentive to move to greener vehicles, we paid a little over the equivalent of £20k. In just over two years of ownership, nothing broke, it never let us down, and the standard of fit and finish as up there with the best any European brand could offer.
What does this have to do with Chinese motorcycles? They are discerning consumers in China, who due to duties and taxes are forced to pay for imported motorcycles double what the price would be in the USA or Europe, and then pay huge amounts (£000s) for the registration plate to put the bike on the road. If domestic brands want to tempt Chinese riders away from imported bikes, they need to offer more than a lower retail price. They also need to demonstrate that the culture of “chabuduo” (“good enough”) has been consigned to history. Partnerships with European brands, manufacturing engine units or complete vehicles for export, has put them on the fast track to improvement. And if people cannot contemplate owning a Chinese brand motorcycle, there are plenty of options available to choose from.
Hi Freddie, have you seen the Husqvana Svartpilen, offered at £4500 until end of the year, including £500 of optional extras of your choice. I know it’s a smaller engine, but test rode one and it’s amazing. A newer model is due out shortly, but bear in mind this is the same engine and frame as the KTM 390.
It’s tiny for a 6ft + rider
Had one 12 months. For the price, the specs are great ( 40 hp, 160 kg, adjustable suspension, quick shifter, spoked wheels) … but let’s say I didn’t buy on the looks!
What are your thoughts in the Benelli Imperiale 400? £3699 on the road. That’s a lot cheaper than a Royal Enfield Classic
Hi, re: Are Chinese Bikes any good. I am an old man, been riding bikes since I was 16, mainly single cylinder “classic” ones. I was given a 1950 Norton 16H from my colleagues on my retirement and loved it for as long as I was allowed to service and repair it in my garage.Now, unfortunately, this is not allowed by Finnish law anymore. (environmental restrictions). After that I was riding an Indian RE Classic 500 for some years but I have always loved Italian Bikes and cars and when Benelli started sales in Finland where I live, I tried out their Leoncino 500 twin and bought it on the spot. I knew that these were Italian designed bikes and also that quality control was in Italy before they went to European dealers. I had it for 3 years, drove it for 7000 kms, ( the season in Finland is pretty short as you can imagine). No problems whatsoever and the built quality was very good with no rust anywhere. I only traded it it because I thought I would probably kill myself on it, acceleration to 160kms/h was exciting but as I am now 77 my reflexes are not what they were, so I am choosing windy slow B roads from now on. I really wanted to get the RE HNTR 350 , a great little bike, but exchanged it for a new Benelli Imperiale 370, ( which is also based on an old Italian Benelli single cylinder). This Chinese built bike also looks as though it’s a quality product and very classic in its design. I will be pottering around the Nordic countries for as long as I can. Really enjoying your videos and lifestyle.
Gotta love Honda
I worked in Denmark for a half a year and can confirm that they are very strict - especially with drink drivers etc they will take the vehicle and sell or crush it - fortunately I never fell foul of either scenario
Bought an AJS Moderna scooter, 1 yr old 1000 miles and the brakes failed, when taking it apart to fix found so much serious corrosion and poor welding I sold it as is. Never wanted to risk my life riding that rubbish a second longer. Built in China so not keen on going down that road again.
Hi Freddie and Monica.love all what you both do and i am a subscriber. Could you please spread the word about the disgraceful way motorcyclists are banned from parking outside Whitby railway station cafe . My friends and i have gone for years. Kind regards.Norman
Hi Freddie did you get my pictures with the email?
I laughed at 15.08 when Duncan told us he'd been riding around SE Asia 🌏 for the last year on he's Himalayan 😅
I couldn't help thinking it might take that long if your on the old Himalayan. 😅
The Steve McQueen bike was the Triumph TR Trophy with 42 bhp which was 22 hp more than the Old Himalayan.
KTM and CF Moto are making some of the best motorcycles in the world, where they're made has nothing to do with it.
The top ten countries for Technology Expertise is Japan, USA, South Korea, Germany China 9th India coming in at 17th
I ride a 21 year old Honda that has never missed a beat, my buddy owned it before me.
It cost me £2000 😊
Hard to beat Japanese bikes and IMHO You Can't.
What Honda is that
2002 cb 500s Black ⚫️ 12k on clock garage queen due to previous owners illness.
Sold with new Avon Roadriders, full service, new givi back box, new oem honda battery, immaculate condition, Brand new OptiMate 4 Dual Program 12V Motorcycle Automatic Battery Charger Optimiser and a load of Maguires cleaning accessories and complete history of honda services.
Ah half a Fireblade engine 😄 Great little bikes, super reliable and to be honest fast enough for the real world @@mikerider58
I currently ride a China bike. My last video is me riding it, an stupidity dropping it. Its a 2009 CF-Moto V5. I have had it for several years.The fact that its still on the road tells you its a decent bike for what it sold for. It is a honda clone engine so thats pretty good. Where it falls flat is in the details. Plastics break just removing them an are already no longer produced. Paint is cracking. Plastic is painted , not colored. Bolts an screws are rusty. Air filter an radiator cap requires removing most of the plastic to access. And the speedometer came from the factory with around a 20% error. Now, CF-Moto is the best of the China bikes. And they are trying to compete with Japan. At several thousand dollars less than a comparable Japanese bike, they are a good deal. But now they are selling for near the same price. Are they that much better today? Some say they are. I dont know. I dont trust them enough to risk their current prices to find out. Not when a comparative bike from a brand with a better history is only slightly more. Yes, other brands are using them for production. But that does not mean quality is the same. Those brands likely have their own quality control people on site. For all we know, the CF-Moto bikes are built from the parts flagged by their quality control. Or the quality could be the same. No way to know. I currently have my eye on a Royal Enfield classic 350. The military looking one. Its a nice simple bike for the price. An while its cheaper, it has a good history. I am not guessing on quality. Its not perfect but its consistent.
In fairness you're talking about a bike which was built 14 years ago, I'm not defending CF Moto but that's a long time in bike development time 😊
@@kevindarkstar Yea, for a china bike, its an old bike an doing good to still be on the road. An it was $3500 new so you cant expect much. It was produced from 2006 to 2013, but at some point the US stopped letting them import them an forced a recall. I think that was 2011 as 2010 is the newest one I have seen. The recall as I understand it was because they had no foot brake. Nothing dangerous , just not legal in the US. But if you compare it to the same year honda, you can now tell where they cut corners. Much of it you would not have noticed when it was new. It looks closer to a 30 year old bike that lived outside, not a 14 year old bike that spent most of those years in a garage.
Hi Freddie
Can you do an NC 750x manual review one day , I had all the plastic rockets blades etc, this little NC is special and faultless
I have the NC 700s. A wee gem of a bike and so handy for the shops with the "frunk"
Great bike
yes you can top the bmw gs800 . if you prefer reliability, affordability, parts availebility ,durability, superior comfort and cheaper maintenance then buy suzuki v-strom 650 . maybe not the most sexy and fastest bike, but you wil love it as a thrustworthy workhorse that is capeble to make a grin on your face every day for many many miles to come. and driving it through the alps or so it wil amaze you how good it is on smal winding roads with bad surface . and you can buy a shitload of parts for it cheaply . and monica will thank you for it as wel as a passenger ....greetings from holland
I’m sold on cfmoto. Not sure how I feel about out Chinese brands yet
Here in France excessive speed , your bike will be seized and sold. Favouite is Brits racing for the ferry . Best one ive read is a UK youth rushing for the ferrry in Dads new BMW. Seized and sold. 😢
My dream team for a new TV show ..Top Bikes, starring Freddie Dobbs, the Missenden Flyer and Stuart Fillingham - lots of us out there would watch!
ah The joys of Rishi's enrichment programme.
In Thailand the Chinese brand "GPX" is quite a common sight. They are retro styled and built to a budget. That said reading up on the owners groups/reviews you'll find they all fall apart after 2-4000KM. Leaking fluids and requiring extensive work to "make right". Personally I can't trust something like that with my life.
F650GS Dakar is THE best of its generation.
Well I took delivery of a zontes zt 310 t2 in black last week traded my meteor and paid a thousand pounds for it 21 reg 1245 miles on it, so we shall see what it's like 😊
Crikey ,KTM built in China & Triumph built in Thailand whatever next? My twopenneth would be R.E. all the way but ,that GS 800 is sweet.I do believe that there is a rider who goes around the globe on this very model.
Suzuki V-Strom 650!