TDR 125CC Alloy Pit Trail Motor

Cheap and nasty but liveable if you know what you're getting into – This is a Chinese 125 Pit Bike. It is not branded; all it has is the factory plate on it. Could be TDR, SDB, Thumpstar...who knows! Bought when a year old as I wanted a cheap bike for the kids friends to ride. I am a motorcyclist who has been riding and rebuilding motorbikes for nearly 40 years, so I do have a bit of experience to base my thoughts… Read more

on!

First: you cannot buy a one year old motorbike this cheaply unless it is made cheaply. The plastics are low quality; the rubber on the electricals is already crumbling, the bolts are soft, the chain adjustment mechanism is very crude; the rear shock has NO damping; the ignition switch is VERY notchy; the footpegs are flimsy and would not take much abuse; the wheel bearing oil seals are rubbish and the bearings not far behind (I had to replace ALL of them on both front and rear wheels: the seals did NOT and the bearings, with NO grease in them, were already beyond salvation (this is a one year old bike!)

ON the plus side however...the engines are copies of old Honda stepthrough engines, just increased in capacity. They are not too badly built, and as long as you give them regular oil changes, and make sure you have a good quality air filter element which is cleaned regularly, they should last reasonably well. Other musts: Dont let anyone too heavy ride them: they have a weight limit stamped on the plate, and there is good reason for this. Also, it is a good idea to Loctite most of the bolts as they WILL loosen off with vibration. If you buy a new one, replace the engine oil straight away with something good, and likewise I would make sure the oil seals in the wheels are working (and the bearings greased!) Some decent fresh brake fluid both front and rear is a good idea as well.

They have a nice light clutch, are easy to start and have a decent gearbox. IF you give them a bit of care and attention, you can get a reasonable little bike: just don't expect to be able to do with/to them what you could with a Japanese bike and have them last. Spares can also be a bit hit and miss, but there is a fair bit available online. Cheap, easy to work on, excellent for learners Cheap, will break if you are not careful, requires careful setting up and ongoing care for it to last