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Alley, I think I'm about to learn something here. These springs and this part of the thread sound like CVT scooters more than a 5 speed tranny with clutch. That RPM based clutch spring also applies to manual transmissions? Other than using manual transmissions I have no real knowledge of clutch springs in that application. Would it confuse this thread for you to give a quick run down?

Trust Alley on this. He knows best! I'm nowhere near as skilled as he. Looks like you've ruled out gearing and speedo for sure. Sounds like clutch to me though.

It was Old Bike Barn. They sell quality sprockets. My 38T sprocket was about $30. My chain is 520 by 128 link roller. If yours is 17/46, your final (2.07) might be close to what that engine can handle. Alley was correct when he said that top end might improve if your engine can handle a smaller sprocket but acceleration will suffer. Always a trade off, huh? You might take a look at My China Moto for a little more info on Dong Fang.

I changed mine shortly after purchase. At another website they are saying in the 50mph range and most owners are switching to 35 or 38T. At 45T, I was in 3rd gear at about 25-30 mph. 35T is a little tall for hill country. I didn't need to shorten the chain to get proper adjustment, but the wheel was back far enough that I was worried about fender clearance so I took out 3 1/2 links. There isn't enough room under the cover to change the countershaft sprocket without changing the 520 chain down to something smaller. I don't expect to see much over 60mph with mine, but it's not bad for city or short highway runs. For sure, not a freeway bike. My version is a hardtail springer so 60 is fast enough for my old bootie. Listed as 250cc but it's really 229cc.

With all that said, she seems to be well built and after the rather easy setup she started right up and runs well. I have had to adjust the clutch cable several times to allow for stretch. His should be past that new bike stretch. She is pretty much in the same class as a scooter more than a practical highway cruiser. My YY250t and my 150cc Ice Bear Viking are both faster.

If it's allowed, I can post the name of another website that has an extremly large thread dedicated to the Dong Fang.

Sure don't have one of those! I'm at that lonely stage that we all hit in our lives. To old and ugly to love and to poor to be used. ;D Sure glad I have the trike to play with.

That makes sense! I found some with spring adjustment that are about .75 inch shorter so with that and maybe a little sag from setting the springs softer, I'll get the back a little lower and a better ride. I can live with a harsh ride, but it also is hard on the trike and all the stuff hanging off of it.

This is such a basic question and I think the answer would apply to any vehicle.

The rear shocks on my 2012 Viking are so stiff that I feel like I'm riding an old rigid frame bike. I have lowered the pressure in the tires but it hasn't made much difference. So the question is how do I determine the correct length shock to buy? Do I measure the current shock from center to center with no load? Also what specs am I looking for, such as mounting hole size, body diameter, ect. You can see that shocks is a new area for me!

On the same track, I have lots of clearance and my trike sits a little high in the back so I want to lower it about 2 inches. I think that lowering the rear might also increase the effective rake at the front a little which I want. The plan then is to order something about 2 inches shorter and much softer, maybe adjustable. My current shocks are not.

This is just transportation, so I dont want air ride or any of that high tech, (expensive) equipment.

Any input as to how to do this, including source info would helpful!