Pitbike/Play bike

[x!TremeRider!x]

Im wanting a second bike that needs repair on it to occupy some spare time in my summer. A restoration project for myself and my friend, I was still thinking of getting an old like xr80 or something like that.. an actual branded bike but I came across a good deal I think where I live... $200 for a lifan like 80 pitbike [looks bigger] or something that doesnt run and needs a new clutch and some other small things like plastic and stuff. Should I go for the pitbike or wait for a branded/known bike.

 

[Patman]

There is a pretty good supply chain for Lifan engine parts so you are good there provided it is an actual Lifan engine otherwise it's going to be a crap shoot. The chassis might be a bit more trouble depending on how off spec it is. Based on the pic it looks like a pretty standard cheap pit bike chassis so trial and error will be your only true way to see what doesn/doesn't work. BTW the suspension might seem like it is rebuildable but the parts are not available so don't even go there.

 

[x!TremeRider!x]

Okay. But meaning in getting the engine running and riding around my house a bit, I want my friend to help me [which he said he will] and when im finished its mine but I'd like to get him to learn how to ride manual w/ a clutch before he gets his own restoration project... Is this suspension going to hold? Im not going to take this off jumps and things... maybe only some little ones, I have a YZ85 to go in mountains and REAL ORV places... suspension isnt a factor unless you mean the suspension is so bad that it interferes with the riding. This bike will be for me to just play around on... wheelies and things. What are some things I should look out for on this bike while checking it out? because it looks dirt cheap and good shape. Also, could you please send me a link and find me a site for parts for the lifan bikes. I tried to look on google and yahoo everywhere and only found their bikes getting sold at diffrent unknown motersports websites, ebay doesnt even have a clutch.
Thanks TR.

 

[Patman]

How would anybody that hasn't seen the bike in person have any idea if the suspension will "hold"?

Keep in mind if a deal seems too good to be true it very well is.

Lifan would be the ENGINE manufacturer not the whole bike. While they make cars and bikes pit bikes are not on their list. Do a little digging around this forum and you'll find out more about the the origins of China made bikes and the vast differences in quality levels.

As far as searching try Google and use "Lifan" or "Lifan engine".

 

[x!TremeRider!x]

I think im going to go for it and offer 150 as she really needs to get rid of it. I can find a clutch somewhere for sure.

 

[Patman]

I can find a clutch somewhere for sure.

It just might be in China LOL!

 

[Patman]

NO dealer in the states has every engine from China covered. It is impossible because of the vast number spins on the same engine AND the added bonus of live design changes (i.e. opps we can't get any more of this so we'll just to a different supplier except we also have to change these other pieces to fit their part). Now on the other hand IF it is a Lifan and IF Hooper Imports in Washington state is who you are referring to then yes they should have LIFAN parts which may or may not fit other non-branded engines.