Japanese engines tend to be of a much higher quality material, performance and durability than Chinese engines. They also tend to cost a lot more as well. Sadly expense can be the difference between many riders riding and not riding. Which is what this forum is all about teaching riders how to keep their engines running.
Well to be honest,
Having used both Zenoah and Zenoah china clones(i.e. rovan, etc) the 2 biggest differences aside from an overall better zenoah castings is the 2nd crankshaft bearings for a total of 3 on g240 models and up( not used in clones) and the cylinder walls are actually honed and cleaned very well. In fact the two clones I have that still run are pretty scored up after a 500mile mark and the second at less than 100. My partner blew the top end in less than 100. All using lucas synthetic mix. While my zenoah which has passed 1500 miles is spotless on the walls and still has excellent compression. She runs a 23cc zenoah now from the mid 90s and it runs like tank.
For the difference of around only a $100 you get added crankshaft bearing support, a high flow muffler, an actual walboro carburetor, and the best quality 2 stroke on the market for price in my opinion.
Having had multiple china engines including a mid frame kit, I can say that spending the extra 100-120 on a motor that will last a lot longer is a no brainer.
It honestly kills me to see so many china engines being used, and supporting that market with even one purchase is reflected 1000x again from others that follow suit.
And the posts of "help, I just couldn't wait a little longer and buy a quality engine and now I am stuck with it, help help" just keep rolling in like clock work.
I would love to have my hands on a middle price American made engine, but I really still don't know if we can beat the Japanese quality.
Buy a honda, save and wait for a Subaru, spend the little extra to buy a Zenoaoh. I will guarantee a easier MB experience and less failure resulting in more fun.
Note, this is talking specifically about friction drive on my end, and I know that there IS access to quality mid frame kits, but my argument is in the realm of friction drive and the broader issue of people wasting money to save $20-$100 by purchasing just plain junk.
I am not made of money by any means, but had intended to find the reliable solution for MB transportation. My money that I do have is worth INVESTING in quality.
