First, they say they are "rebuilt" PLA motorcycles. That is not true. they are not rebuilt. they are built brand new and called rebuilt so that they do not have to meet modern emmission standards. The factories that build them have been building them for years.
The factories closed down in 2006, no new CJ's have been available for some years. All the ones that are sold now are restored. Mine was also. If you ask you can get them to take photos of the restoring process. I got heaps of photos from the company that build mine. My bike started out as a run-down military bike. They fitted a new sidecar bucket, new engine, gearbox, final drive, wheels, tank, seats etc. All verified with photos.
In the pics I could also see dozens of similar bikes undergoing restoration, with various options and paint schemes.
There are several things a potential buyer should be aware of.
* The bikes are restored, so many components are second hand. Quality of those components varies.
* Old military parts (PLA) are the best, but getting scarse now and are getting expensive, even compared to classic jap parts.
* The chinese tend to use A LOT of bondo, on some sidecars it could be one inch thick. You must instruct them spesifically not to do so.
* The chinese LOVE stainless steel fasteners and acorn nuts, everywhere. Some of these do not fit well or are of inferior quality.
* The preparation before painting is sometimes not very good, leading to rusting.
* Sometimes part from different models are put together and don't work or fit well. New owner must sort it out himself.
* The chinese tend to agree with you when you give them instructions, and then do something else.
* Order a cheap bike ($2000-3000) and you get utter crap. Order an expensive bike ($5000-6000), and if you are lucky, you get a good one.
* That is if you paid directly to the chinese company. If you buy from some domestic company that imports CJ's themselves, they pay $2000 and sell for $5000, and you get a crap bike.
* 6V (old PLA sidevalve without reverse) bikes have the best build quality.
Having said that, there are some positive aspects as well:
* The CJ750 is quite pleasant to drive, for a hack.
* If well built, they are very durable.
* The maintenance is very easy, and parts are not hard to get from internet vendors.
* The bike looks very classic and cool, and is a real head-turner. Park it to the newest Jap rocket and see people walk right by it and towards your hack, every time.
* Kids just love it
.
* The steel used in the frame and various components is very good. Bucket and mudguards are of heavy gauge steel. All parts seem very durable. Some are well made.
* CJ's look much better than similar year russian ones, and have better welding and castings.
* 12V bikes have electric start. Really cool.
* Newer bikes have reverse. Also cool.
Hope this is useful info.
PM me if you need some more.
