This fits in with the Chinese vs Japanese atv mfg as well. The quality of steel in the frames and other components is often a contributing factor in the premature failures they endure. Poor heat treating and questionable alloys used to be the norm. I am not yet convinced that isn't still the case.

 

Also the electric components as well as the metallurgy . How many failed Stator problems do you read on the China ATV forums.

The Chinness ATVs are built of cheaper parts, but their price reflects that.

Your not going to find a top brand SKF or Timken bearing in a china ATV but there common in brand name ATVs.

 

Here's my two cents: I bought a 110 Chinese for my daughter two years ago. After 6 months, the transmision was stripped out and the thing couldn't climb any sort of incline. I took it back to the dealer and he told me I'd have to replace the entire engine since the tranny/engine was all one piece. Fast forward to now; I bought an 01 LT80. After cleaning the carb, it runs like a champ. I use premix and bought the oil delete cap. My kids ride the heck out of it and love it! I will never buy Chinese again.

Truth: You absolutely get what you pay for!

 

I bought one new, it needed parts all he time. It was made of mismatched parts, you can't find your model # and just buy parts as they are never built with the same parts. Sold it and bought a Suzuki, year make, model, and you can find any part you need.

 

The cheap Chinese atvs are cheap for a reason. Many of the parts are also cheap too. From most of what I've read they require a lot of work just to keep them running. Batteries won't hold a charge, carbs easily get clogged up and they won't run, stators need replaced, etc. You'd probably be better off buying an old beartracker or timberwolf for your friends to ride.