Oh do I disagree with that.
These engines were originally designed as a step up in basic bicycle transportation in war torn and economically stressed countries so people could accomplish the most basic of tasks.
GET somewhere they NEEDED to be.
Best
rc
yeah i understand all that, but were these engines originally built in china way back then?
they are a russian design, and possibly, were assembled with far better parts and more precision than they are now.
just my opinion...I wouldn't put my trust in a $100.00 engine to get me back & forth to work every day.
My job is far too important to be worried about my bike breaking down on the way to work.
I just ride mine for fun and that's it.
I usually have an hour or so of maintenance to do after each commute (clutch, chain, etc). My weekend rides are for fun for short errands. I may build a friction drive bike to eliminate some of the maintenance time.