
Here's my humble comparisons after choosing to retake the biker saddle on a year old Jinlun JL 125-11.
Brief background begins when apprenticed into mechanical engineering afforded swapping pedals into an affordable Honda ss50 Replacing that well thrashed geared moped with a brand new and chunky, still learner legal S plated Honda CB250T Dream, I fully realised thrilling pleasures of motorcycling. It was all rudely ended over thirty years ago by a u-turning taxi driver stating the familiar phrase, "I never saw him"! So, neither did my riding tester. Turning instead to family life and four wheels, I quickly clocked thousands of miles while following progressions on some mates superior machinery. After personal circumstances dramatically changed, I retried two wheels by briefly owning a very cheap Czech MZ 125 for summer commuting eighteen years ago. In rebuilding confidence, its performance failed resparking road enjoyment, gradually found again by using pedal exercise. But now aged 48, only restricted by back and budget, my biking freedom again needed broadening with some kind of motorisation.
Motorcycle Choice.
Touching 16 stone and 6 foot, without need for breath taking speeds or the associated noise and smell of two stroke racers, a 30mph moped size or even practical modern scooter types were easily dismissed, My riding comfort did demand feet forward seating though, and lacking a full licence restricted initial choice when realizing my past honda 250 twin had set good benchmark for size, style, build quality and more than adequate performace researching todays Japanese cruisers. Taking my CBT on a newer quite comfortable Suzuki dismissed worries if modern 125 singles had enough power to keep up in legal traffic flow. But costs again, especially for preferential Hondas meant an on the road £1000 budget would actually need to seek something like a ten year old bike. So whilst older 125's now frequently pass through several novice hands, the increasing need for maintenance could eventually prove time consuming and even seriously expensive. Well, could those stylishly polished Chinese models found on the internet truly compare at a third the price. Weighing up reported pros and cons whilst following 2007 summer prices upon ebay, certainly proved set limits could buy some lasting pride, inclusive of insurance, road tax and pickup.
First Impressions
Everyone insisted these larger looking Chinese machines suited most sized riders. Photos displayed their stylish appeal. New or second hand was settled due my Midlands distancing, removing costs for dealer delivery, VAT and new registrations. Before finding chance to even kick a Chinese tyre I was soon bidding to find nearly new models being eagerly snapped up. Personally favouring the slightly more expensive twin cylinder options proven on a Jinlun JL 125-11 these went priced just beyond set limits. Eagerly grabbing a preferred black, relatively naked machine with no panniers windshield, and crash bars, she did have fitted spotlights. Arriving by train into rainy Manchester to collect this sparkling specimen from her dry stabling, I soon felt confident enough to steadily ride nearly 70 miles home. Through city streets into darkened A6 countryside, drenched by blinding rains that could not wash off this strange facial grin that set inside helmet. My Black Beauty had just been retaxed for her 1st birthday, recording only 730km upon collection, barely used let alone fully run in and apparently never dropped or dinted.
Finishing Inspection
Washing off the recently acrued weathering in new daylight found usual nooks and crannies which will collect spray. Exposed shiney chrome and paintwork confirms where it does lack depth and quality expected from Japan today. But nothing remarkable found where Worse points are a rust patch edged beneath footboards and shine lost from the front brake lever. Very lightly stained shock adjusters plus bolted joints simply wiped clean. One exception had been caused by poor nuts and bolts used adding extra front lights, replaced with polishing affected brackets. Chromed plastic fuel guage does show rippling, and skimly painted mudguards have small scuff marks easily caused by rubbing cables. Moving rubber covers on gear linkages and breather tubes easily cracked, but if such finishing perfection is demanded, new parts are so cheaply found its hardly worth applying additional refinishing.
Demanding Mechanics
The engine did die twice during the long journey home, after stuttering to rev away from junctions. Probably caused by the atrocious weather getting into some quite exposed electrical connections, but not sure yet if this was not a fuel blockage. Whatever, it soon cleared each time after blindly twiddling the spark plug leads and shaking the petrol around. Quickly restarting it sounded choked, hesitating similarly found during initial warmup periods. Have sprayed the electrics and ensured a clean air filter, encountering no further faults as yet, although Willing to invest in a petrol filter after noting the flaking paint lining the tanks filler cap fitting.
Rear sprocket nuts were found to be loosening, all others OK. The tool kit did not cover every basic sized tool, but adjusting the handlebars and rear brake lever to suit myself has improved already comfortable posture. Shifting lightly from 1st to 2nd gear can easily hit or slip back into finding neutral. Have found far less problems however since accepting slightly higher revs, before still needing to adjust lever height to ensure positive heel clearance.
Acceleration between busy lights was sufficent in traffic flow using very few revs. When finally hitting a straight open road, the purring engine tone noticeably changed as though demanding a sixth gear while gradually reaching 50mph using fractional throttle. It easily reached 65mph on the clock without pushing, although now after a few days of extended use it already feels even more freely revving. Finding NGK plugs already fitted suggests a service had been done, although another oil change would give assurance before stretching into powerband acceleration that has already showed surprising potential in 3rd gear when climbing Derbyshires even steeper hills.
Quick Summary. Answering some questions you may also be asking yourself based upon this recent experience so far.
Do you think this machine truly reprents value for money?
Are your opinions being personally expressed freely?
Would it be fast enough in traffic upon UK roads?
Could shorter legged persons cope with this heavy looking machine?
Could it respectfully seat and carry even larger build persons?
Do the brakes feel adequate enough for emergencies?
Is it easily handled and balanced at crawling speeds?
Does if feel comfortable enough for distance riding?
Would you trust the machine for touring distances?
Has it proved economical with fuel and oil?
Has it visually attracted attention and favourable comments?
Did you find no claims insurance affordable for age?
Can you understand club forum discussions offering helpful replies?
Are you willing to recommend this motorcycle for novice riders?
Would you pass riding tests for gaining a petite female pillion?
Enough! The answers here todate are all most positively YES. However, having grown facial hair to attempt hiding embarrassment, I'm just left wondering when or even if this stupid looking grin will actually ever wear off.!