Im doing a BUNCH of research on Chinese quads right now, looking at a bunch of different brands (which probably arent all different, but rather many of the same quads from the same factories with different names). Actually, the research is kinda fun! The new Jetmotos look excellent, but the price is starting to climb on those. As of this moment, my first choice (with consideration to price vs. quality vs. performance) looks like the Hi-Bird (at least thats what this outfit calls it) Cyclone 150 Automatics. These are the same quads sold on E-bay under the name "Komoto", just a different retailer. I think these Hi-Bird quads are built with the GY6 150 engine, but Im no specialist. Can someone KNOWLEDGEABLE please take a look at this website and tell me what you think of the Hi-Bird Cyclone 150? Other than the stupid-a$$ name (hi-Bird), these are my first choice for my 13 year old daughter and my 5'3", 125 lb wife. Wanna make sure before I buy. I talked to the fella at Motorextremes and he was VERY honest, straightforward, and seemed genuinely interested in speaking with me. He didnt try to "sell" me, just answered my questions--- but I forgot to ask about the GY6 engine.

Anyhow, Im also looking at the 250 Trailhammer for my portly self, but the fella admitted that model is having some issues with the transmissions failing on about 10% of them. Is this the same 250 engine/trans combo as found in many other Chinese quads? So if I buy a different brand, such as Kazuma or Jetmoto, could I have the same issues?

Thanks for any help, heres the link...

http://www.motorxtremes.com/adultatvs/index.html

 

For 150cc i recomend ( probably with tax and shipping and bidding will be $950-1100 cad )
(only buy from allstarsellars) Has a gy6 engine

http://search.stores.ebay.ca/ALL-STA...198301QQsofpZ0


For 250 irecomend


http://cgi.ebay.ca/SHIP-FROM-CANADA-...QQcmdZViewItem

 

ErikTheRed,

The Cyclone 150 is going to be just like most of the 150's out there. I am having a hard time finding their carb cert for the Cyclone so I don't know if you can register it here in California. There are many new models to look at. The Jetmoto 150 would be my first choice. The BMS, Jackel, Yanoto, would be my second on that list. The BMS, Jackel, Yanoto have upgraded the 150 that came out this year. BMS Some of the new features are a new rear swing arm; they vented the CVT cover into the air box up front. Looks like they put taller handle bars on the quad. They removed the rubber foot pegs and replaced them with steel pegs. The thing I like the most about the new BMS and Yanoto quads was the rear swing arm upgrade. Is the new design any good? I don't know because I don't own one. So until someone posts on how they like their new quad it is anyones guess on whether the new improvements have made any difference.

BMS, Jackel, Yanoto Green Sticker Carb Cert.


Now as far as a Chinese ATV for you I would maybe suggest looking into a used Japanese quad. Have you had a chance to ride any ATVs you like? I'm sure you have already thought about this and have seen the prices but once you get past the 250 models they want too much money for the Chinese sport and utilities quads. And when the prices get that high your best bet is to look into a used Japanese quad.

Good Luck,

SB.

 

Thanks a bunch SB, I looked at the Jackel and BMS websites. The bikes look very similar (at least I think so) to the Hi-Bird units, but the BMS are more expensive. Im noticing alot of that, actually-- one brand virtually identical to another, yet one dealer may call it a "deluxe" model or some such nonsense and thereby charge another $200, $300, even as much as $500. It all gets confusing with so many "brands", dealers, models, prices, etc, they start to run together and all seem very close to the same no matter which one you choose. In reading the various forums, Im noticing that for every 10 people who have good things to report and recount positive experience with a particular brand Chinese ATV, there are an equal amount of replies telling of exactly the opposite and warning to "STAY AWAY" while reciting their horror story. Jetmoto, Yamoto, Roketa, BMS, Kazuma, Redcat, SunL, etc.....the list goes on and on.....doesnt matter though, seems a level playing field for all with regard to online testimony from customers..... 50% say they're fantastic, worth every nickel, while the other 50% want their heads on a platter served with 10-30w Penzoil.

Through my research I have discovered a considerable amount of praise for the GY6 Honda-clone engine. Reliability, performance, parts availability and aftermarket products all score well with the majority of people Ive read comments from. So, armed with these apparent facts, I set out to find a moderately priced (nice way to say "cheap"), good-looking, mid-sized quad for my wife and daughter. This search led me to the Hi-Bird (Komoto) units, or more specifically the Cyclone 150, which appears to have the GY6 150cc engine. However, Im now fully aware that in this industry of "ATV cloning", one product may look just like another product without actually being that product. Makes it kinda tough to understand exactly what you're buying.

The frame and design of the Hi-Birds look every bit as good as most Ive seen, and Ill just assume that the quality of the bolt-ons, electricals, and accessories are at least of equal quality as most others. And if the advertised specs are anywhere near accurate, the quad seems a good fit for my wife and daughter. None of us are race-riders, and we're certainly not looking to jump the Snake River Canyon. We're just Joe-average family looking for some respectably reliable putt-arounds to cruise the mild-to-moderate terrain in search of a good hole for some fishing/swimming, or maybe explore a far-off secluded picnic spot. These quads will not see severe duty, we dont intend to put them "through the paces" or treat them as if they're something they're not--- such as a $6000 Japanese race machine. The biggest challenge they will see is climbing the occasional rocky hill, maybe some potholes, and Im sure an every-now-and-again throttle romp when the trail ahead looks like smooth sailing. However, Im no Ichabod Crane--- Im 6'2" and weight in at just over 320 lbs, so I need something that will, at the very least, support my hefty girth without grinding the skidplate on every pebble and grassy knoll.

Anyway, thanks again for any help and advice. I really would like to know about the GY6, whether or not those Hi-Bird Cyclones have that engine or if its just a look-a-like. Any general info or feedback on those brand quads is welcomed.

 

And just a note, I would love nothing more than to buy from John @ Raceway. In fact, the quad my wife really wants is the Kazuma Dingo 150, which Raceway has. Unfortunately, at $1500 apiece for those units, we cant afford 2 of em. Our budget (tax return this time) won't allow for 2 at that price, so Im forced to take a risk with someone else. I know, its stupid, but its either that or buy only one quad, which leaves one of em (daughter or wife) unhappy. Can't do that.

As Ive said many times on this forum, I bought a Kazuma Falcon 90 from John about a year ago. He really took his time to discuss the quad and the purchase with me, made me feel very confortable and confident that I was buying from the right guy. Everything John said he'd do, he did. No surprizes, no sneaky sh*t, just straight-forward truth. The quad showed up, on time, and was exactly as promised. So far so good with that little Kazuma, she still rides the heck out of it. Just 3 weeks ago my youngest daughter rode it over 25 miles on an afternoon trip--- not a single issue.

After my great experience with Raceway ATV, I seriously looked into becomming a dealer. I haven't been able to secure the necessary financing to do it RIGHT yet-- meaning, I dont have any desire to be just another on-line retailer or swap-meeter, I want an actual store with a showroom and a service department and parts supply, the whole 9.......or forget it. Im still working on it, though. Our area would do well.

 

I know you just explained why you can't get the Dingo, but if there is any way to pull it off, you should. You're wife will love it. It's a great quad for the money.

 

I would still like to know if the Hi-Bird 150's have the GY6 engine. It looks to be the same engine as in the Dingo 150, with a different side cover. Im guessing this same engine is used in ALOT of different "brand" ATV's, just with slightly different trim features.

M104, Ive seen the Dingo 150 online for as little as $1249, including shipping to a terminal (which is only about 30 minutes drive for me to pick it up, no big deal.) At that price, we may be able to get the Dingo and another $800 to $900 ATV, such as the Hi-Bird (which I think is the same as Roketa and Komoto) 150 or 200.

 

If the Hi-Bird quad looks like the Cyclone 150 then yes it has a gy6 engine in it. If you have a link to the Hi-Bird it would help in identification.

SB.

 

SB, the Cyclone IS a Hi-Bird. I pasted a link in my first post.

My nest question would be, what factory in China makes Hi-Bird? Like I said, Im fairly certain the Hi-Bird is identical to Roketa and Komodo, but not sure which "company" makes them.

 

Hi-Bird