Replica BMW R71(Chang Jiang 750

[jkilla71]

I am moving back to Pa and once I start my new job I have a choice to make; to buy a new motorcycle or spend the money on the Ti. I used to have a BMW F650GSD which was stolen here in Florida. I refused to buy a new motorcycle while I was living in South Florida because they steal everything here.

The TI is only missing some paint and a little more suspension work and maybe a DASC. However nothing is as fun as a motorcycle and I miss it. Anyway there are these BMW R71 replicas available for under $5000 without the sidecar. (Made in China) These bikes have the original flat head 24 hp engine design and are painted like the military or civilian versions.

I find motorcycles irresistible and so far an arm broken in 5 spots has been the only injury I have had from riding and that was from a dirt bike. I broke my leg before skiing but a broken arm is a walk in the park compared to a broken leg.

I was planning to finish up my Ti this summer but I might put it off until the fall. I came across these replica R71 bikes on the internet and I can’t make up my mind. The Ti is in perfect running order but it needs some paint and the suspension will be completely new with the addition of new sub frame bushings and maybe some larger sway bars. I would like to have a bike for the summer but I realize I will be working on it more than I ride it. I know half the fun is working on it but is it wise to spend the cash on a bike when I can finish up my car.

I really don’t want any opinions from crotch rocket guys because 1 out of 4 don’t have sense the good lord gave them while operating the machines they ride and I don’t think they would appreciate classic styling of these bikes. I know that is a bit presumptuous and the 1 out of 4 numbers are purely arbitrary, it is probably 3 out of 4 but I am not here to insult those types of riders.

What do you guys think; buy the bike for summer or finish the TI up first?

[Panzer_M]

I've looked at Urals and ChiClones for awhile since I would love a R71 or R75 to cruise around on.

but I don't know..Chinese works always seem like Junk..and the Urals are better but not BMW quality.

I'd go with a 650 g/s Dakar if I were to get a BMW bike at the moment.

[318iS]

dont kno jack about the bikes to be honest...


but if your happy on a bike then do it... but can you at least paint the ti before you get one cos its a shame that such a nice car is "rollin on primer"

[jkilla71]

Originally Posted by Panzer_M

I've looked at Urals and ChiClones for awhile since I would love a R71 or R75 to cruise around on.

but I don't know..Chinese works always seem like Junk..and the Urals are better but not BMW quality.

I'd go with a 650 g/s Dakar if I were to get a BMW bike at the moment.

I had the Dakar and it was a beautiful bike but I can’t go through the worry about someone knocking it over or stealing it again. I would ride it in all year round up in Pa because it had antilock brakes and it was so smooth in dirt and on the road. The only draw back is that it weighed a lot and it is really tall for off road but everybody that saw the bike would stop and ask about it.

The Chinese bike admittedly will be troublesome and my knowledge with motorcycle mechanics is mostly on 2 strokes. I realize that 2 strokes mechanics is elementary when it comes to comparing it to a four stroke but at least I wouldn’t have to worry about resale with a $3500 bike. My F650GSD cost me $500 for the 6500 mile service at BMW and to keep the BMW 3/36 warranty valid it had to be serviced by BMW.

Every part for these replicas are available so I am not really worried about keeping it running but I like the flat head instead of the Urals and the extra horse power is not a concern as much as the styling.

I think I am definitely going to buy one unless I hear a convincing conflicting opinion. I may even get a side car too.

[DustenT]

What? That's a 2 stroke?

Holy crap if it is! I had a '60s Yamaha 100cc 2 cylinder street bike a couple years back, that thing was bad ass.

2 stroke street bike are the sh!t.

[jkilla71]

It's a 4 stroke but my experience working on motorcycles is mostly on 2 strokes