Keeway Rkv 200 - Any Good?

[sic103]

I got a question..... The stock tires are 100/80-17 butt I found an online store that carry the pair of sport demon. Front 110/70-17 rear 130/70-17. Any problems?

Depends on the size of the rear wheel. But I would say they would not fit.

Try for Michelin sporties

My TXM200 came with 100/80-17 on the front but the back has a 130/70-17.

Both are mounted on nice fat wheels, with the rear wheel being a bit fatter.

In that case it would be OK for the sport demons.

Sent from my i-mobile i-STYLE Q6

It's not the rear I'm worried about because it's the same size as the stock(130/70-17). it's the front. The sport demons front that i found are 110/70-17 I'm sure it will fit but I'm worried about affecting the handling in a negative way being a bit fatter n lower profile than the stock (100/80-17) tires that came with my rkv

[sic103]

Crap sorry about the identical posts. Damn internet

[thaicbr]

 

I got a question..... The stock tires are 100/80-17 butt I found an online store that carry the pair of sport demon. Front 110/70-17 rear 130/70-17. Any problems?

Depends on the size of the rear wheel. But I would say they would not fit.

Try for Michelin sporties

 

My TXM200 came with 100/80-17 on the front but the back has a 130/70-17.  

Both are mounted on nice fat wheels, with the rear wheel being a bit fatter.  

In that case it would be OK for the sport demons.

Sent from my i-mobile i-STYLE Q6

It's not the rear I'm worried about because it's the same size as the stock(130/70-17). it's the front. The sport demons front that i found are 110/70-17 I'm sure it will fit but I'm worried about affecting the handling in a negative way being a bit fatter n lower profile than the stock (100/80-17) tires that came with my rkv

It works out about the same profile. It will be fine.

Sent from my i-mobile i-STYLE Q6

[loserlazer]

 

I got a question..... The stock tires are 100/80-17 butt I found an online store that carry the pair of sport demon. Front 110/70-17 rear 130/70-17. Any problems?

Depends on the size of the rear wheel. But I would say they would not fit.

Try for Michelin sporties

 

My TXM200 came with 100/80-17 on the front but the back has a 130/70-17.  

Both are mounted on nice fat wheels, with the rear wheel being a bit fatter.  

In that case it would be OK for the sport demons.

Sent from my i-mobile i-STYLE Q6

It's not the rear I'm worried about because it's the same size as the stock(130/70-17). it's the front. The sport demons front that i found are 110/70-17 I'm sure it will fit but I'm worried about affecting the handling in a negative way being a bit fatter n lower profile than the stock (100/80-17) tires that came with my rkv

What is your rim size?

You can check through your rim size regarding which sizes of tires can fit.

If the rim allows, it should be fine but a fatter front means slow turn in and slower acceleration.

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[sic103]

I got a question..... The stock tires are 100/80-17 butt I found an online store that carry the pair of sport demon. Front 110/70-17 rear 130/70-17. Any problems?

Depends on the size of the rear wheel. But I would say they would not fit.

Try for Michelin sporties

My TXM200 came with 100/80-17 on the front but the back has a 130/70-17.

Both are mounted on nice fat wheels, with the rear wheel being a bit fatter.

In that case it would be OK for the sport demons.

Sent from my i-mobile i-STYLE Q6

It's not the rear I'm worried about because it's the same size as the stock(130/70-17). it's the front. The sport demons front that i found are 110/70-17 I'm sure it will fit but I'm worried about affecting the handling in a negative way being a bit fatter n lower profile than the stock (100/80-17) tires that came with my rkv

What is your rim size?

You can check through your rim size regarding which sizes of tires can fit.

If the rim allows, it should be fine but a fatter front means slow turn in and slower acceleration.

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Yeah those the effects i was don't want. Damn country It's hard to find the specifications that you want. This other store doesn't have the sport demon for the front but the seller told me they carry sport dragon. And of course he says it's a fine match to a rear support demon. And i don't know if it's good to match them with sport demons rear

[loserlazer]

what is your rim size?

[mark131v]

750 K's in now and everything is easing up nicely, still not the easiest to find neutral but other than that the gearbox is fine. I have had it up to 110 km now a few times and it feels like there is still a bit more left and while it is not going to set any speed records it is plenty quick enough for me and my style of riding and it certainly is not slow. It is easy enough threading through traffic and the upright position is very comfortable for me, I like the seat but I am probably going to get it redone and take out some of the hump, overall I am really happy with it and very pleasantly suprised. The only issue I have found and which has been mentioned by others is the headlight beam is a little too low so it is not much fun riding on roads with no lighting so if anybody works out how to do it please let me know

[sic103]

750 K's in now and everything is easing up nicely, still not the easiest to find neutral but other than that the gearbox is fine. I have had it up to 110 km now a few times and it feels like there is still a bit more left and while it is not going to set any speed records it is plenty quick enough for me and my style of riding and it certainly is not slow. It is easy enough threading through traffic and the upright position is very comfortable for me, I like the seat but I am probably going to get it redone and take out some of the hump, overall I am really happy with it and very pleasantly suprised. The only issue I have found and which has been mentioned by others is the headlight beam is a little too low so it is not much fun riding on roads with no lighting so if anybody works out how to do it please let me know

The low headlight was bugging me too. But it's somewhat better now that i put in hid lights. It's a pain in the ass to install them btw. I'm gonna raise it up when i get a chance. There should be a screw under the handle bars that raise/lower. Well it's like that for the arsen II. I'll check when i get a chance n I'll let u know unless someone in the forum beats me to it.

Update on the little issues on bike:

The small leak under the engine was a false alarm. I washed it up to remove the oil under the engine to see where it was coming from but ever since no oil leaks or stains. Must have been the stupid ass mechanic that spilled oil when i bought the bike.

Now concerning neutral stalls. It's still a bit annoying to get it to neutral when engine on but once i find neutral it hasn't stalled on me again.i guess she just needed a good work in.

I installed on the back sport demons. Waiting for mt75 front to arrive. Couldn't find the same size demons for the front . Btw is it me or is it just hard to reinstall the rear tire? Took me like 20+ mins with help! On my speed takes me 5 mins alone.

I also been tempted to change the sprockets n carb for a bit of extra power but i don't know if i want to spend any more cash on her.......

[DrAzTiK]

The main problem I have about my RkV200 is about the shop where I had purchased it.

In this shop, mechanics are absolutely incompents . Only one mechanic in the shop can speak english but he 's also incompetent. See ma post here :

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/649683-reliable-shop-for-big-bike-service-in-chiang-mai/

Futhermore, they are not serious at all. I must wait 2 month before having my green book and plates. It's too long! Also, they didn't write anything on the bike notebook after changing oil for the first time. (warranty?).

Of course, they didn't change the oil filter when chainging oil..

I have a 3 year warranty but If I have a problem, I wonder what will happen.

I think my bike is running smoothly thought if I feel a small clinking in the up part of engine..

And yes, the headlight beam is too low. I tried to raise with the screw under the headlight but I think it's not really possible.

Edited July 7, 2013 by DrAzTiK

[thaicbr]

The main problem I have about my RkV200 is about the shop where I had purchased it.

In this shop, mechanics are absolutely incompents  . Only one mechanic in the shop can speak english but he 's also incompetent. See ma post here :

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/649683-reliable-shop-for-big-bike-service-in-chiang-mai/

 

Futhermore, they are not serious at all. I must wait 2 month before having my green book and plates. It's too long! Also, they didn't write anything on  the bike notebook after changing oil for the first time. (warranty?).

Of course, they didn't change the oil filter when chainging oil..

 

I have a 3 year warranty but If I have a problem, I  wonder what will happen.

 

 

I think my bike is running smoothly thought if I feel  a  small clinking in the up part of engine..

 

And yes, the headlight beam is too low. I tried to raise with the screw under the headlight   but I think it's not really possible.

Does it have an oil filter.... not sure it does.

Sent from my i-mobile i-STYLE Q6

[Shurup]

I hope it does.

[pokerkid]

I hope it does.

I believe the engine is based on the honda xr200 which does not have an oilfilter. If its good enough for Honda.....

[wantan]

The main problem I have about my RkV200 is about the shop where I had purchased it.

In this shop, mechanics are absolutely incompents . Only one mechanic in the shop can speak english but he 's also incompetent. See ma post here :

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/649683-reliable-shop-for-big-bike-service-in-chiang-mai/

Futhermore, they are not serious at all. I must wait 2 month before having my green book and plates. It's too long! Also, they didn't write anything on the bike notebook after changing oil for the first time. (warranty?).

Of course, they didn't change the oil filter when chainging oil..

I have a 3 year warranty but If I have a problem, I wonder what will happen.

I think my bike is running smoothly thought if I feel a small clinking in the up part of engine..

And yes, the headlight beam is too low. I tried to raise with the screw under the headlight but I think it's not really possible.

Does it have an oil filter.... not sure it does.

Sent from my i-mobile i-STYLE Q6

It will have an oil filter screen sitting at the oil drain plug, no real oil filter. Like most small bikes with less than 250cc.

Many people wait long time for the plates (incl. greenbook). You are not alone. Not sure this is the fault of your shop.

If they haven't made a stamp in the warranty book for first service you should have told them to do so. Maybe they still will do it if you tell them?

The "clinking" can be everything or nothing. Hard to say without seeing/hearing the bike.

I don't doubt that your shop is offering bad/low service quality. I had the same problem with my Yamaha scooter shop. I now do everything myself. This is a common problem in Thailand. And maybe even worser in shops selling china bikes. Best is to learn doing basic things yourself.

And never again let a thai get close to your bike with a high pressure washer. Just wash it yourself

[sic103]

The main problem I have about my RkV200 is about the shop where I had purchased it.

In this shop, mechanics are absolutely incompents . Only one mechanic in the shop can speak english but he 's also incompetent. See ma post here :

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/649683-reliable-shop-for-big-bike-service-in-chiang-mai/

Futhermore, they are not serious at all. I must wait 2 month before having my green book and plates. It's too long! Also, they didn't write anything on the bike notebook after changing oil for the first time. (warranty?).

Of course, they didn't change the oil filter when chainging oil..

I have a 3 year warranty but If I have a problem, I wonder what will happen.

I think my bike is running smoothly thought if I feel a small clinking in the up part of engine..

And yes, the headlight beam is too low. I tried to raise with the screw under the headlight but I think it's not really possible.

Does it have an oil filter.... not sure it does.

Sent from my i-mobile i-STYLE Q6

It will have an oil filter screen sitting at the oil drain plug, no real oil filter. Like most small bikes with less than 250cc.

Many people wait long time for the plates (incl. greenbook). You are not alone. Not sure this is the fault of your shop.

If they haven't made a stamp in the warranty book for first service you should have told them to do so. Maybe they still will do it if you tell them?

The "clinking" can be everything or nothing. Hard to say without seeing/hearing the bike.

I don't doubt that your shop is offering bad/low service quality. I had the same problem with my Yamaha scooter shop. I now do everything myself. This is a common problem in Thailand. And maybe even worser in shops selling china bikes. Best is to learn doing basic things yourself.

And never again let a thai get close to your bike with a high pressure washer. Just wash it yourself

Yeah high pressure washer is a no no. I wash it myself. It's not so much that mechanics are incompetent... They just don't give a shit n just go through the motion. You have to be in friendly terms with one of them if you want them to do a good job. Also keep an eye on the kms you got on bike.... Mechanics in my country have a bad reputation of taking/lending your bikes to their friends for joy rides.

[canuckamuck]

I feel your pain about the quality of mechanical service at Chinese bike dealers in Chiang Mai. If Thailand did not have such aggressive liable laws, I would share my feelings about one shop in particular.

The good news is that you have bought a low tech bike and there is a good chance of getting the help you need at other shops. If you do let the monkeys in the dealer shop work on your bike, try to be present at the time and really have a good look at it before you go.

For me, it isn't worth the stress to let them anywhere near my bike.

The biggest issue with non big brand bikes in Thailand is the dealer service. And this issue will continue to damage the reputation of the these bike models until these companies learn how to stand behind what they sell. It may be a long time.

Properly maintained and serviced, these bikes are usually a tremendous bargain.

[RedQualia]

My humble opinion........It seems to me there is a big risk here, well three... is it reliable, even safe (if bits break off like foot rests) and when it needs bits can you get them, at all? You could be buying a bike for just a year and...... what is you life worth in Baht?

A second hand Jap bike (CBR) may need a few bits to get it perfect, but you won't have any of the above problems and with care it will last for years, probably get your money back when you sell. My bet is, you will sell and move up from 200cc.

OK, I am a newbie biker, but an engineer and have had some dealings with Chinese engineering companies in Ningbo. .....Now, there isn't a bargepole long enough to touch this sort of shiny thing.

I don't want to be riding along a highway at 100kph wondering whether the front axle, or fork material, tyre or wheel bearing quality is up to scratch.

Somewhat attracted to the Keyway stuff, and maybe have different experiences from you, so will offer a somewhat different opinion. Which is mostly, depends on what you're looking for.

I've had two "real" bikes here in Thailand. The one I have at present is a Ninja 650. Reliable as the day is long, mostly. 72HP, top speed of 221KPH, reportedly. And in a fundamental way, boring. I never have trouble with it. Never want to do anything to it, other than maintain it. And the bike is dead stock. There is no way I'm going to pay 20,000-40,000 Baht for a tin can muffler to replace the stock one (muffler only. not even the whole exhaust system!), nor am I going to pay 11,000-20,000 or more for a hotrod computer system for the thing. And a Ninja looks like a Ninja looks like a Ninja. Not a hell of a lot one can do to change that or improve it or whatever.

My other bike was a Tiger Boxer 250RS. Yes... There were quite a few more problems with that bike and getting it all sorted out. BUT -- it cost one hell of a lot less to get it all sorted out, and otherwise play with it. Custom seat and custom paint altered its appearance dramatically. A "racing tuneup" done down at the factory cost 5,000 Baht, including a 29mm Keihin carburetor. I could do any number of things to that bike for a whole bunch less money than with the Ninja. And I was plenty proud of that bike, and especially when top speed topped 140KPH and I could play with the CBR250RS's.

I've now sold that Tiger. I miss it, and wonder if I should get something else to tinker with. After all, I grew up with British bikes. Joseph Lucas - the Inventor of Darkness, and all that. Chinese bikes are probably not all that much different from 1950-1970 Brit bikes in terms of reliability. I like to tinker. Maybe I should buy an old cop Tiger for less than 20,000, and re-invent that.

Or maybe a Keeway something or other. A 29mm Keihin would probably be a good thing to try on the thing. Must be SOME sort of muffler to try other than the 55 gallon drum it comes with. Maybe a Tsukigi exhaust such as comes on the Tiger 250RS. Stick a broom handle all the way through that muffler and shake it around before rejetting that Keihin carb. The Tsukigi exhaust is made in Thailand. Might require some reworking to make it fit, but FAR less expensive than anything imported. Might also be interesting to order a couple three camshafts and take them and the bike down to a shop that hotrods Yamaha Mios... Explain that you want something warmer and/or very warm, and let them have at it. Tiger Boxer camshafts cost about 500 baht each. The Keeway should be about the same.

Now, it's at least possible to mill the head for a higher compression ratio, and/or to port the head for smoother gas flow. I'm just not sure about milling the head, though. I milled the one on the Tiger slightly, and probably could do so on the Keeway. Slightly. My concern is over the crankcases, connecting rod, crank and bearings. Keeway seems to have deliberately lowered the compression ratio on their 200... And I recall some Chinese bikes with extremely low compression ratios and extremely low red lines. I would worry that with too much compression, one might blow the bottom end or cases. Think about it... They want to say the bike was "engineered by Benelli." And that's fine, but Benelli also makes some serious motorcycles (see here, for example: http://bestmotorcycles-pics.blogspot.com/2011/10/benelli-tornado-1130-top-speed-pictures.html ... as if they could even compete with Ducati). If the crankcases could take much higher compression, I'm sure they'd have advised that. I'm thinking they just probably aren't up to it. So... I'd probably limit play to camshafts, carburetors, and exhaust system. And maybe frame/suspension. Can it be lightened very much at all?

Still... Talk to the kids who hotrod the Yamaha Mios... They ain't stupid. They'll have a reasonable idea of what the engine can stand. And what the heck? Blow it up? Buy a new one. Dirt cheap.

Sure... I like the Ninja 650. I pull up next to a sorngteaw and all the kids inside whisper "Ninja." Or at a traffic light, where the 48 construction workers in the back of that Toyota truck will not stop looking at the bike. And yes, I have to give the run down on the thing to all the gas station attendants. But the bike does do what it does, very well.

The same things were true of the Tiger, only it was better in some ways. Most Thais think that Tigers suck, because hey -- it was made in Thailand. But they couldn't help dropping their jaws when they saw mine, and asking 157 questions about it, and well, gosh... Maybe they should think about getting a Tiger!

Same could be true of a Keeway. Maybe... In spite of that name. I'm pretty sure I could have a lot of fun with a Keeway, anyway. Maybe even more fun than I have with that Ninja 650.

[wantan]

My humble opinion........It seems to me there is a big risk here, well three... is it reliable, even safe (if bits break off like foot rests) and when it needs bits can you get them, at all? You could be buying a bike for just a year and...... what is you life worth in Baht?

A second hand Jap bike (CBR) may need a few bits to get it perfect, but you won't have any of the above problems and with care it will last for years, probably get your money back when you sell. My bet is, you will sell and move up from 200cc.

OK, I am a newbie biker, but an engineer and have had some dealings with Chinese engineering companies in Ningbo. .....Now, there isn't a bargepole long enough to touch this sort of shiny thing.

I don't want to be riding along a highway at 100kph wondering whether the front axle, or fork material, tyre or wheel bearing quality is up to scratch.

Somewhat attracted to the Keyway stuff, and maybe have different experiences from you, so will offer a somewhat different opinion. Which is mostly, depends on what you're looking for.

I've had two "real" bikes here in Thailand. The one I have at present is a Ninja 650. Reliable as the day is long, mostly. 72HP, top speed of 221KPH, reportedly. And in a fundamental way, boring. I never have trouble with it. Never want to do anything to it, other than maintain it. And the bike is dead stock. There is no way I'm going to pay 20,000-40,000 Baht for a tin can muffler to replace the stock one (muffler only. not even the whole exhaust system!), nor am I going to pay 11,000-20,000 or more for a hotrod computer system for the thing. And a Ninja looks like a Ninja looks like a Ninja. Not a hell of a lot one can do to change that or improve it or whatever.

My other bike was a Tiger Boxer 250RS. Yes... There were quite a few more problems with that bike and getting it all sorted out. BUT -- it cost one hell of a lot less to get it all sorted out, and otherwise play with it. Custom seat and custom paint altered its appearance dramatically. A "racing tuneup" done down at the factory cost 5,000 Baht, including a 29mm Keihin carburetor. I could do any number of things to that bike for a whole bunch less money than with the Ninja. And I was plenty proud of that bike, and especially when top speed topped 140KPH and I could play with the CBR250RS's.

I've now sold that Tiger. I miss it, and wonder if I should get something else to tinker with. After all, I grew up with British bikes. Joseph Lucas - the Inventor of Darkness, and all that. Chinese bikes are probably not all that much different from 1950-1970 Brit bikes in terms of reliability. I like to tinker. Maybe I should buy an old cop Tiger for less than 20,000, and re-invent that.

Or maybe a Keeway something or other. A 29mm Keihin would probably be a good thing to try on the thing. Must be SOME sort of muffler to try other than the 55 gallon drum it comes with. Maybe a Tsukigi exhaust such as comes on the Tiger 250RS. Stick a broom handle all the way through that muffler and shake it around before rejetting that Keihin carb. The Tsukigi exhaust is made in Thailand. Might require some reworking to make it fit, but FAR less expensive than anything imported. Might also be interesting to order a couple three camshafts and take them and the bike down to a shop that hotrods Yamaha Mios... Explain that you want something warmer and/or very warm, and let them have at it. Tiger Boxer camshafts cost about 500 baht each. The Keeway should be about the same.

Now, it's at least possible to mill the head for a higher compression ratio, and/or to port the head for smoother gas flow. I'm just not sure about milling the head, though. I milled the one on the Tiger slightly, and probably could do so on the Keeway. Slightly. My concern is over the crankcases, connecting rod, crank and bearings. Keeway seems to have deliberately lowered the compression ratio on their 200... And I recall some Chinese bikes with extremely low compression ratios and extremely low red lines. I would worry that with too much compression, one might blow the bottom end or cases. Think about it... They want to say the bike was "engineered by Benelli." And that's fine, but Benelli also makes some serious motorcycles (see here, for example: http://bestmotorcycles-pics.blogspot.com/2011/10/benelli-tornado-1130-top-speed-pictures.html ... as if they could even compete with Ducati). If the crankcases could take much higher compression, I'm sure they'd have advised that. I'm thinking they just probably aren't up to it. So... I'd probably limit play to camshafts, carburetors, and exhaust system. And maybe frame/suspension. Can it be lightened very much at all?

Still... Talk to the kids who hotrod the Yamaha Mios... They ain't stupid. They'll have a reasonable idea of what the engine can stand. And what the heck? Blow it up? Buy a new one. Dirt cheap.

Sure... I like the Ninja 650. I pull up next to a sorngteaw and all the kids inside whisper "Ninja." Or at a traffic light, where the 48 construction workers in the back of that Toyota truck will not stop looking at the bike. And yes, I have to give the run down on the thing to all the gas station attendants. But the bike does do what it does, very well.

The same things were true of the Tiger, only it was better in some ways. Most Thais think that Tigers suck, because hey -- it was made in Thailand. But they couldn't help dropping their jaws when they saw mine, and asking 157 questions about it, and well, gosh... Maybe they should think about getting a Tiger!

Same could be true of a Keeway. Maybe... In spite of that name. I'm pretty sure I could have a lot of fun with a Keeway, anyway. Maybe even more fun than I have with that Ninja 650.

Yep, these cheap air cooled bikes are somehow attracting me too

Have you seen this post about the RKV200S? Sadly its not sold in Thailand it seems. This would be a good engine base to start modding. Not sure about the engine of the RKV200. But maybe you want to be the first trying it?

Or get a Tiger F4. Seems they sell it with 250cc engine too. Shouldn't be much different than the Boxer250. Some cosmetic changes, no rear disc brake, no upside down fork. For me these changes are positive thinking about all the trouble i had with my Boxer250. And different exhaust.

[RedQualia]

My humble opinion........It seems to me there is a big risk here, well three... is it reliable, even safe (if bits break off like foot rests) and when it needs bits can you get them, at all? You could be buying a bike for just a year and...... what is you life worth in Baht?

A second hand Jap bike (CBR) may need a few bits to get it perfect, but you won't have any of the above problems and with care it will last for years, probably get your money back when you sell. My bet is, you will sell and move up from 200cc.

OK, I am a newbie biker, but an engineer and have had some dealings with Chinese engineering companies in Ningbo. .....Now, there isn't a bargepole long enough to touch this sort of shiny thing.

I don't want to be riding along a highway at 100kph wondering whether the front axle, or fork material, tyre or wheel bearing quality is up to scratch.

Somewhat attracted to the Keyway stuff, and maybe have different experiences from you, so will offer a somewhat different opinion. Which is mostly, depends on what you're looking for.

I've had two "real" bikes here in Thailand. The one I have at present is a Ninja 650. Reliable as the day is long, mostly. 72HP, top speed of 221KPH, reportedly. And in a fundamental way, boring. I never have trouble with it. Never want to do anything to it, other than maintain it. And the bike is dead stock. There is no way I'm going to pay 20,000-40,000 Baht for a tin can muffler to replace the stock one (muffler only. not even the whole exhaust system!), nor am I going to pay 11,000-20,000 or more for a hotrod computer system for the thing. And a Ninja looks like a Ninja looks like a Ninja. Not a hell of a lot one can do to change that or improve it or whatever.

My other bike was a Tiger Boxer 250RS. Yes... There were quite a few more problems with that bike and getting it all sorted out. BUT -- it cost one hell of a lot less to get it all sorted out, and otherwise play with it. Custom seat and custom paint altered its appearance dramatically. A "racing tuneup" done down at the factory cost 5,000 Baht, including a 29mm Keihin carburetor. I could do any number of things to that bike for a whole bunch less money than with the Ninja. And I was plenty proud of that bike, and especially when top speed topped 140KPH and I could play with the CBR250RS's.

I've now sold that Tiger. I miss it, and wonder if I should get something else to tinker with. After all, I grew up with British bikes. Joseph Lucas - the Inventor of Darkness, and all that. Chinese bikes are probably not all that much different from 1950-1970 Brit bikes in terms of reliability. I like to tinker. Maybe I should buy an old cop Tiger for less than 20,000, and re-invent that.

Or maybe a Keeway something or other. A 29mm Keihin would probably be a good thing to try on the thing. Must be SOME sort of muffler to try other than the 55 gallon drum it comes with. Maybe a Tsukigi exhaust such as comes on the Tiger 250RS. Stick a broom handle all the way through that muffler and shake it around before rejetting that Keihin carb. The Tsukigi exhaust is made in Thailand. Might require some reworking to make it fit, but FAR less expensive than anything imported. Might also be interesting to order a couple three camshafts and take them and the bike down to a shop that hotrods Yamaha Mios... Explain that you want something warmer and/or very warm, and let them have at it. Tiger Boxer camshafts cost about 500 baht each. The Keeway should be about the same.

Now, it's at least possible to mill the head for a higher compression ratio, and/or to port the head for smoother gas flow. I'm just not sure about milling the head, though. I milled the one on the Tiger slightly, and probably could do so on the Keeway. Slightly. My concern is over the crankcases, connecting rod, crank and bearings. Keeway seems to have deliberately lowered the compression ratio on their 200... And I recall some Chinese bikes with extremely low compression ratios and extremely low red lines. I would worry that with too much compression, one might blow the bottom end or cases. Think about it... They want to say the bike was "engineered by Benelli." And that's fine, but Benelli also makes some serious motorcycles (see here, for example: http://bestmotorcycles-pics.blogspot.com/2011/10/benelli-tornado-1130-top-speed-pictures.html ... as if they could even compete with Ducati). If the crankcases could take much higher compression, I'm sure they'd have advised that. I'm thinking they just probably aren't up to it. So... I'd probably limit play to camshafts, carburetors, and exhaust system. And maybe frame/suspension. Can it be lightened very much at all?

Still... Talk to the kids who hotrod the Yamaha Mios... They ain't stupid. They'll have a reasonable idea of what the engine can stand. And what the heck? Blow it up? Buy a new one. Dirt cheap.

Sure... I like the Ninja 650. I pull up next to a sorngteaw and all the kids inside whisper "Ninja." Or at a traffic light, where the 48 construction workers in the back of that Toyota truck will not stop looking at the bike. And yes, I have to give the run down on the thing to all the gas station attendants. But the bike does do what it does, very well.

The same things were true of the Tiger, only it was better in some ways. Most Thais think that Tigers suck, because hey -- it was made in Thailand. But they couldn't help dropping their jaws when they saw mine, and asking 157 questions about it, and well, gosh... Maybe they should think about getting a Tiger!

Same could be true of a Keeway. Maybe... In spite of that name. I'm pretty sure I could have a lot of fun with a Keeway, anyway. Maybe even more fun than I have with that Ninja 650.

Yep, these cheap air cooled bikes are somehow attracting me too

Have you seen this post about the RKV200S? Sadly its not sold in Thailand it seems. This would be a good engine base to start modding. Not sure about the engine of the RKV200. But maybe you want to be the first trying it?

Or get a Tiger F4. Seems they sell it with 250cc engine too. Shouldn't be much different than the Boxer250. Some cosmetic changes, no rear disc brake, no upside down fork. For me these changes are positive thinking about all the trouble i had with my Boxer250. And different exhaust.

Looks like the same stainless steel exhaust pipe, but where the hell did they get that muffler!? That's not a Tsukigi!!! The tail section is somehow shorter and stubbier, and don't care for the front forks... Not as good as the inverted ones. What's up with those SPOKES??? Swing arm is much cheaper looking, and what's that drum brake doing on the back end there? I had disc. There's also still a carburetor there. I thought Tiger Motors was trying/had to switch to a fuel injection setup for smog laws, but was having trouble with that. Same strong frame, though. Wish it was big enough to wedge a bigger engine in there.

I think better to look for a 20K Baht old Tiger cop bike, rebuild it, and make it what you want. Tiger parts are pretty affordable! A complete (hotrodded) engine rebuild, pushed to 250 (232, really) cc, plus inverted front forks, plus some new tires, should be 20-30K. New tires, change the seat. Hey, a new bike is a new bike.

Or maybe find a Keeway to play with.

Really, I'd say that was a Tiger 150, except for that red engine head...

Thanks!

[RedQualia]

Ah... Followed the link. The F4 IS a 150! What the heck is it doing with that red head, then? Last I heard, that was one of the indicators of the 250 version!

[RedQualia]

The engines of the RKV200 and RKV200S are really quite different. Different bore, different stroke, different compression ratios, different ignition systems, different power ratings, though the same displacement. Would be interesting to research the innards and cases and such, to see how many parts might be swapped between the two engines. IF the cases are the same, then that would imply they could handle the higher 9.5:1 compression ratio. IF the cases are the same, the presumably, one could order the crankshaft, con rod, piston, etc., for the higher performance engine. Perhaps the camshaft as well. If...

(Note to other readers: if you aren't interested in tinkering, buy that second hand CBR250R! Should be able to find one for 80K Baht or so, with like 30K KM on it. Might be best to only buy a Keeway or second hand Tiger if you really ARE interested in tinkering!)

Engine RKV200
Engine type: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, OHV, single cylinder, 2-valve
Displacement: 197.0 cc
Bore x stroke: 63.5 mm x 62.2 mm
Compression ratio: 8.3 : 1
Maximum power: 9.5 KW @ 7,500 rpm
Maximum torque: 13.5 Nm @ 6,500 rpm
Lubrication system: Pressure splash lubrication
Fuel system: Carburetor
Clutch type: Wet, multiple-plate
Ignition system: C.D.I
Starter system: Electric and kick

Engine Engine RKV200S
Engine type: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, single cylinder, 4-valve
Displacement: 199.7 cc
Bore x stroke: 68.0 mm x 55.0 mm
Compression ratio: 9.5 : 1
Maximum power: 12.0 KW @ 9,000 rpm
Maximum torque: 14.5 Nm @ 6,000 rpm
Lubrication system: Pressure splash lubrication
Fuel system: Carburetor
Clutch type: Wet, multiple-plate
Ignition system: TLI
Starter system: Electric

[RedQualia]

My Tiger Boxer 250RS. I hope the new owner appreciates what he has. (Not too smart about uploading photos to this site. Click on the photos for bigger pics.) And imagine doing something like this to a Keeway.

Edited July 12, 2013 by RedQualia

[BSJ]

My Tiger Boxer 250RS. I hope the new owner appreciates what he has. (Not too smart about uploading photos to this site. Click on the photos for bigger pics.) And imagine doing something like this to a Keeway.

That gold/yellow looks good.

[RedQualia]

My Tiger Boxer 250RS. I hope the new owner appreciates what he has. (Not too smart about uploading photos to this site. Click on the photos for bigger pics.) And imagine doing something like this to a Keeway.

That gold/yellow looks good.

Thanks. Pearl yellow. I've forgotten the name of the particular red used. If you look closely (maybe that picture from above), you'll see all the red has a thin copper line around it, and a wider very dark (almost black) line of red around that.

Back to the Keeway...

Checked out photos of the RKV200 and RKV200S at www.keewaymotors.com, and in particular, the engines. They appear to be completely different, which suggests to me that engine parts aren't going to be particularly interchangeable.

Forgive me for thinking in terms of horsepower rather than kilowatts. That said, the stock Tiger Boxer 250RS produces 18HP. After the engine work done to mine (29mm Keihin carb, ported head, head milled .5mm, "racing" cam, opened exhaust), it produced 21HP, or 3HP more.

The RKV200 produces 12.75HP, while the RKV200S produces 16.1HP. Both appear to use the same exhaust system (while the "RKV200S Factory" has a bigger, uglier one). No idea how restrictive that exhaust might be, but others commenting here say that it "sounds like a motorcycle," so perhaps not very. I don't know that a Tsukigi exhaust system would help all that much, but I do know that it can be opened up easily enough. Found a note on one webpage or another indicating that BikeCare International is the "official distributor" of Tsukigi exhaust systems. They're located at 199 Moo 8, Buddharaksa Rd, T. Taibanmai, Samut Prakarn, south of Bangkok a bit. The note says their phone number is 02-388-0868, Ext 149. OK, but that's also the location of the Tiger factory, and one orders Tiger parts from BikeCare International as well. In fact, the Tsukigi factory is located at the back of the factory complex, and the actual name of that factory complex is Millennium Motors.

Anyway, the Tsukigi exhaust system on the Tiger is all stainless steel. Someone on another webpage reports having bought a Tsukigi exhaust system for his Kawasaki KLX for 3,800 Baht. Not a bad price at all. I think adapting it to the RKV200 would be pretty simple. Have also found references to a few Thai language pages that suggest Tsukigi may market a slip-on (muffler only) for the RKV200, though I cannot say that with certainty. Still, I think might be worth it for some to give them a call and see what they have, or to actually just take a bike ride down to Samut Prakarn and talk with them in person.

Also found references indicating that an outfit called "K Speed" is a dealer for Tsukigi exhaust. I live in the north, and am unfamiliar with K Speed. Still, another option.

Summary: If I had an RKV200, I imagine that yes, I would do the Tsukigi exhaust (opening it up with a broom handle, again), plus a 29mm Keihin to start. I have no idea what the airbox on an RKV200 looks like, but if it's big and flat and plastic and has a foam filter just behind it, I'd probably drill a few holes in the cover using a door knob hole drill bit (2" plus in size), just to let more air in (don't defeat the air filter... Just make it breathe easier). And don't forget to rejet or have someone else rejet that carb after making such changes.

And then look around for a shop that would be interested in welding up and regrinding a camshaft. I'm thinking good to take a native Thai speaker with you for that search. If you find someone (talk to the Keeway shop?), then order a couple of stock cams, maybe an extra set of valves, and see what happens.

Port the head? Sure... Why not. Can't be too expensive. And I wonder if you could install slightly bigger valves at the same time. Hmm...

Mill the head? Probably not. If so, then only a half millimeter or so. Wouldn't want to tax the engine's bottom end too much.

Guessing total cost for all that should be around 6-7,000 Baht, including exhaust system. And after all that, maybe, maybe, two horsepower more. Which might be enough to allow re-gearing, so the bike would remain reasonably strong and perhaps hit 130KPH.

But one never knows. Maybe you'd get three horsepower more (I have no idea how restrictive, or not, the stock RKV exhaust system might be). There are dynos around to let you do before and after tests. Tsukigi has access to 2-3, for example. At the Tiger factory.

Enough.

Edited July 13, 2013 by RedQualia

[mark131v]

Over 2000 Km's in now and nothing has fallen off or broken even though I have ridden it hard over dirt tracks around town and through the rain, the bike still looks very good and we are so impressed with it that I have bought the wife one as well. We have done a few longish rides now and the difference in using this on the motorway to using the scooter is like night and day and the thought of going back to a scooter just does not appeal

We bought the wife's bike from the Sym dealer in Rayong and I recommend doing it that way as they have set up the wife's bike far better than mine was set up from the Chinese bike shop in Threpasit road plus the Rayong branch seem to have good mechanics who seem to know what they are doing and good spares and ordering systems if needed

All in all I am very happy with both bikes and certainly don't feel I have made a mistake or been ripped off, for the price of them they are a bargain and as a starter for novices getting into manual bikes they are really good as they are simple to ride with enough power and speed without terrifying yourself, I intend staying on with the Keeway for a year or so to get more experience and then maybe move up to something a bit bigger

[sic103]

I can't remember who asked about how to raise the head lights. I too wanted to raise it a bit. It's a little knob on the right side just being the headlights

[mark131v]

I can't remember who asked about how to raise the head lights. I too wanted to raise it a bit. It's a little knob on the right side just being the headlights

Cheers for that mate!! I will go and have a play and see if I can sort it out....

[sic103]

I can't remember who asked about how to raise the head lights. I too wanted to raise it a bit. It's a little knob on the right side just being the headlights

Cheers for that mate!! I will go and have a play and see if I can sort it out....

Happy to help. I don't know about the rest of the rkv's. But mine was a pain to get to the knob. Wires were in the way. I think the culprit was the installation of the hid lights.

I'm considering cutting the rubber stopper on the center stand or maybe remove the stand all together as mine is real low. I know i won't be able to lean it that much for it to touch but since our roads are in such horrible conditions here just makes my hair raise just thinking about it.

[Thai at Heart]

Kee way?

Depending on how you say it, could be s**t..

[mark131v]

Kee way?

Depending on how you say it, could be s**t..

Useful post there thanks for that......

[Familyonthemove]

I can't remember who asked about how to raise the head lights. I too wanted to raise it a bit. It's a little knob on the right side just being the headlights

Cheers for that mate!! I will go and have a play and see if I can sort it out....

Happy to help. I don't know about the rest of the rkv's. But mine was a pain to get to the knob. Wires were in the way. I think the culprit was the installation of the hid lights.

I'm considering cutting the rubber stopper on the center stand or maybe remove the stand all together as mine is real low. I know i won't be able to lean it that much for it to touch but since our roads are in such horrible conditions here just makes my hair raise just thinking about it.

Thanks!

I'll try to adjust my light as it points just in front of the wheel so not much use on unlit roads.

I doubt we'll ever touch down the centre stand as it would need to well over and the roads, suspension, tyres and nerves would give out first!