For 12 years I've noticed that the design parameters of small motorcycles in the DR---not pasolas---has hardly changed. They come in three basic designs:
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"Cub", with a horizontal stress-frame engine in a step-through chassis with fuel stored under the seat
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"CG", the generic motorcycle with tank in front of the rider and a bench seat
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Dirt bike
All have their plusses and minuses:
The Cubs are a proven design for economical manufacture and operation. In fact, the Honda Cub series is the single most manufactured vehicle in history---over 70,000,000 have been built. However, the engine placement limits capacity and power, adds stress to the frame, doesn't handle heavy loads well, and while economical are just boring no matter how much tupperware is attached. If you are a human over 150lbs, you are a heavy load on a Cub. You can actually see the front frame bar flex on bumps, and the front wheel is attached by an odd horizontal shock/spring lever.
The generic CG's are everywhere, like seagulls at a landfill, and offer a "traditional" motorcycle design. While there are few engineering differences between brands, CG's can offer a decent platform for displacements up to 250cc without strengthening the frame and suspension and gaining weight. These are also economical to produce and have gotten much better in build quality over the years. While the various brands try to be unique, in reality there isn't much real difference between them in terms of design and engineering when you peek under the skin. The tupperware is just make-up. CG's are definitely street oriented with front and rear tires generally the same dimension, street-biased shock/spring forks and duo rear shocks on a swing arm. They get the job done and are a primary mode of transportation in the DR with their flat bench seat able to carry numerous passengers. Quality ranges from real crap to decent fit and finish. The main appeal is to those who need a lot of motorcycle, don't have much money and are willing to pay 3-4.5% monthly interest on a loan.
Dirt bikes are popular because they can take a beating---by design. They are tall with significant ground clearance, have suspensions with generous play and fitted with brakes designed for loose surfaces---that is, not a lot of front braking power to prevent them from locking up, washing out and crashing. They are at their best on dirt---well, they ARE called "dirt bikes"---because the large diameter front wheel limits street performance and are more adept at rolling over larger objects a rider might find off-road. You see them more in the campo and rural towns than cities. The seats are narrow, hard and very uncomfortable because the bike is designed to be ridden with the pilot standing on the pegs more than sitting. The tires are knobby with poor asphalt and wet street traction, but are more at home on loose dirt & mud. Street vibration is jarring, and high ratio gearing makes them rev high at "normal" street speeds, their powerband aimed at high torque in dirt. The smaller dirt bikes vary between 125-250cc, and many come with a rear mono-shock. 2-stroke dirt bikes are common, but need higher revs to develop power.
All three types share one common trait: generally boring, little real style, generic looking and often looking cheap (some, indeed, are.) These traits are often what keeps someone from not purchasing one: they don't want to look like everyone else on the road, often for social reasons. I mean, who wants to look like a moto concho?
When ADV Moto RD was talking with Zongshen in early negotiations, factory R&D engineers sent some photos of a "new" potential offering for their budding Cyclone line: a small displacement bike designed with real style and innovations never before put into a street "moto", called the Cyclone RA1.
And when we got the first picture...it was love at first sight! We'd never seen anything like it! It was like a small chopper!
Finally! A small motorcycle of high build quality and unique features that scream "I Am Not Just Another Small Motorcycle!" The RA1 turns heads wherever we ride it.
(Zongshen Cyclone RA1)
(Typical CG150)
More photos of the RA1:
The Cyclone RA1 is a real motorcycle. A comparison of the pictures above shows obvious differences from generic CG motorcycles.
Unique features of the Cyclone RA1 compared to the generic CG:
? Floorboards instead of foot pegs
? Forward engine and rear brake controls instead of under foot
? 4" more rake for the cool "chopper" look---which also adds stability
? Ape hanger handlebars
? Single analog and digital primary instrument including gear indicator
? Cruiser seat
? Sissy bar/pillion back rest
? Fat rear and front tires, heavy duty
? Full fenders
? Polishes alloy wheels
? Proven PY150 engine
? Inverted forks
? "Harley"-type air cleaner
? Teardrop fuel tank
? Cruiser chrome mirrors
? Single, large round headlight
? LED turn signals/flashers
? Low cruiser seat
The RA1 is an excellent bike for in-town cruising in style with its unique design, low and comfortable, easy on the wallet to buy, feed and maintain. This is a new vision of what a small, modest-budget motorcycle can be, and no doubt will start a new trend in small bike styling. And like all Cyclone motorcycles, the quality game has been upped. One close look at an RA1 proves this is an impressive smaller machine.
For more details visit:
Cyclone RA1 on ADVMotoRD.com
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