On my way to the local License Center to get the BMW Title transferred, I spotted this out in front of a local business and it really caught my eye. Concerned about priorities, I hustled past on my way to complete my task of official ownership of the Beemer, promising myself that I'd stop and take a look on my way back. Lucky for me, the bike was still parked in front when I returned.
I gave it a quick once-over, then went inside to first inquire who's it was, then needed to know more about the machine I'd never heard of before. The styling was what I really noticed and as I expected, it was a Chinese bike with the name Cleveland Cycle on the tank. A 250cc single, I'll admit it wasn't a perfectly executed Cafe Bike, but I found it very attractive none the less. The owner filled me in on where he got it (locally), how much fun it was and how well it kept up with traffic. The attribute I understood right away and found very believable was the 'fun' part; it sure looked like something I could have fun with.
One of our riding friends saw these bikes down at Laguna last year and he said they were pretty cool looking little machines. They do look fun.
ReplyDeleteFrom Cafe Racer standpoint it has a certain appeal, but it is made in China ('nuff said).
ReplyDeleteI would rather buy an Enfield instead. They have a Cafe Racer style bike planned for 2013.
Sonja:
DeleteRoyal Enfields has suspect quality in some engine components. Have you been reading RadioMan's adventure to India. He had lots of breakdowns on a new Royal Enfield he rented, while in India. can't remember right now but I think weak Camshafts or Connecting Rods. You have to fiddle with them all the time to keep them running
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
My Flickr // My YouTube
Sonja, I'm enjoying the look of that new Enfield too and hope to get a ride on one next spring. I appreciate what the Chinese machines are and what they aren't. A couple of my friends have purchased them as a sort of challenge to see how far and long they can keep them going. Depends on the bike, the rider, etc. of course. I came about 5 minutes away from buying one of their crated scooters for the same reason but decided against it. It's not Chinese and in my mind, not even close, but I sure enjoy my Hyosung and would do one of those again without a second thought. We old timers used to say that about machinery from Japan too.
DeleteCoop:
ReplyDeleteNice Beemer you picked up. I'll bet you can't wait for Spring ?
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
My Flickr // My YouTube
Hey Bob, I can't wait for spring and don't plan to, not yet anyway. We've had a nice patch of warmer weather come through so I'll be out learning BMW'ese this weekend. None of the machines have been put away yet but then I don't get as intense with that as I once did, maybe because it's become a big job with multiple riders. I've now got only one that doesn't run and hopefully that will no longer be the one left out come spring.
ReplyDelete