My Nephew brought a Sinnis 125 even though I said it would have been better to buy a decent used Japanese bike but he wanted a brand new bike. Honestly the worst ownership and dealer experience I’ve ever know in 40 years of motorcycling. Looking at the rust and wear on the bike with poor paint and fit and finish its not worth it, you could get a used KTM / Himalayan for less. The fact that Sinnis sent you a shed of a bike says it all about their approach to customer service.

"The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten"... I'm apprehensive as more often than not, whatever you save from low initial cost you pay in the end. I like to be open-minded towards new companies, but there's a reason you pay a bit more for a Yamaha or Honda -- so much nicer to own long-term. Cheers and safe riding!

I had a Sinnis 125, it was good looking, went well, rode nice and my local dealer was good. Being my first bike, and first new vehicle I've ever owned, It was dry stored and regularly treated with acf 50 I really looked after that bike and loved having it. Less than a year in (less than 2.5k miles) and rust started on the exhaust hangers and rear swingarm, the bike was in warranty and I contacted Sinnis for help, they could not have cared less and after an initial fob off just stopped replying. I sold the bike and it gave me the shove I needed to go do my full license, so some good came of it, but I wouldn't touch a Sinnis again.

*Sucks air through teeth*… when you showed the depths of corrosion and then the 70 reg plate….I dare say a soluble aspirin would last longer in the rain. If Sinnis are sending out bikes in that condition, I would question the quality of support you will get for your money.

Better off getting a used CB500X. Much better quality

Great and honest review Andy. For a bike with only 800 miles on the clocks, the finish looks absolutely appalling.

🙂 Your comment about the Himalayan....Royal Enfield bikes were used to ride tours in the Himilayan mountains...Ordinary street bikes going into some really tough areas..There are videos of this. The Himalayan was built from experience in the mountains. I watched one video with 350 street bikes and hymalayans.....A test forvthe new bike..I'm an old phart and plan on getting a Himilayan....The design fits my body style.....OLD.

I think your ability to make a video about a bike like this worth watching is a credit to your channel Andy. Well done. A long term review might have great comedy value but I think you might struggle with the 5 things to love 😂

For the good of the world I think we should try to avoid buying new Chinese products. Value for money at the point of sale is one thing, but longer term sustainability is another. There's plenty of good used bikes out there of sufficient quality to offer similar value.

A very generous review Andy, it's like Sinnis don't want these to sell 🤣 My 21yr old Bandit is in much better nick. Great review as always.

Yeah, nah. After giving one a go (Lifan) my experience is they just don’t have the longevity or quality of the mainstream brands. They’re cheap for a reason folks.

Thanks fir sharing your experience on a brand-new bike. There may come a day when Chinese bikes can compete in terms of fit, finish, and reliability. But that day is many, many years away.

As much as I admire the fact that Suzuki's engineering from 30 years ago stands the test of time, with new engines still being badly manufactured under license or just copied, this doesn't look like a good deal at all. At 2000 pounds you might consider an undepowered bike with cheap parts, but not 1000 pounds away from an indian made BMW or KTM, and the same price as a Royal Entfield bike, at least the Hymalayan has some personality. This thing is a loose aproximation of an f650 GS, that's not as well made, and I bet you could get a decent used f650 for the money. Sinnis should probably stick to 125cc bikes without 7inch displays, at least those come out cheap and cheerful.

Another great review Andy, How about trying the Zontes ZT310T2 and pair them up ?????

Decent review as ever but I would literally never consider buying it rightly or wrongly. Generally you get what you pay for. I would always go for a recognised brand but I appreciate you giving them a fair crack & doing something a bit different.

Looks like an early GS tbh 🤔 another quality review Andy 👍

I can’t bear the dirty brown headers. Unfortunately a fair few Triumphs seem to do this too, due to the metal composition. Whereas I can ride my CB500X in all weathers and the headers stay silver from one month to the next. I clean them up once a year with Autosol to remove the slight copper coloured tarnish which is a very thin layer and quick to remove. Thanks for reviewing, hopefully a warning to anyone looking to part with hard earned funds.

New bike but like what you said, doubt it can last. I like to see more on the TFT screen please. 😊 Agreed that RE would be better which is almost the same price. I think.

"At the back its got a 17" front wheel". Huh? great review!

Might be cheap to buy up front, but whether it is value or not could be impacted on how it lasts and what you can get for it when you sell.

Hi Appreciate your honesty on the longevity prospects of this bike, on another note do you have any tips on doing the dreaded 'U' turn maybe even a short demo ? I'm struggling with it for my mod 1

There is only one choice in this sector/ price and it's the Himalayan, which has been well and truly tested by Noraly. Always enjoy your tours, have you got any planned for the future?

Hi Andy, enjoy your videos, but does the sun ever shine where you live? I seemed to have missed your summer.

Thank you for posting. At the 12:01 mark, does the sensor cable, on the right exhaust, looks frayed or at the very least pinched?

Benelli TRK can be bought for a little more (yes another Chinese / Italian import). Although I have no experience of this bike, I did own a Leoncino for a couple of years which did perform very well for a 500cc and I had no issues with quality! Worth a look if you're in the market for a budget adventure bike?

Looks like single skin mild steel exhausts, hence the rust. I wouldn’t buy one. I’m not adventurous lol 😆 Thanks for another great review Andy. Very much appreciated.

Thanks Mr Flyer. I have been following the Sinnis brand since their stylish and very lively 125 came out. This one definitely looks quite good value, but like yourself I find the wear and tear factor a little alarming, I guess time will tell. :>)

I had a colleague who had one of these chinese bikes ( not this particular model however) and when he returned to it at the end of the day to ride home, it was more rusty then when he'd parked it up in the morning.

Good Review as usual. Obviously built to a price point. Wonder what a 3 year old one would look like and cost..

As always a good honest review. I think this bike would be good for a young rider short on change . Maybe? I would opt for a used bike from an established brand. At 800 miles that is a statement as to what you are getting. That’s pretty crusty for those miles.

Hi Andy I’ve been looking at the Royal Enfield Himalaya that you reviewed last 3 years ago, that bike appears to be a better bet which does your vote go go to?

The biggest 'adventure' of owning this bike will be figuring how to get home when it breaks down

Buy it cheap - Buy it twice Better off with a pre owned low mileage reliable brand.

Used V Strom or similar any day of the week over this ( admittedly not A2 tho) or CB500x . Wouldn’t trust this not to fall apart gradually

You could paint the down pipes in eith poly eurathane or in an an anti rust paint

The Himalayan has good aftermarket support for suspension etc... Someone could make a SS exhaust, but suspension tuning would be a deal breaker. Sino-Japanese motor probably okay. Maybe good for drag and drop ADV.

Speaking of a cheaper 'Chinese' adv bike; i'd be curious to see what you think about the Benelli TRK502(x) compared to this and the CB500X

The state of it after 800 miles, damage aside, is the reason Chinese bikes are labelled as crap. I know it is cheap but money would better spent on used bike of a decent brand. My GS 650 is 2007 with 20,000 miles and in a million times better nick than that. Only chinese bike i like is the Benelli TRK 502, love the look of it. Spare parts will be a problem i guess, major brand dealers in most towns, Sinnis unlikely. Dont think you will see many of these in 5 years time.

Good to know it’s got a 17” front wheel on the back 😀

Quite a few people have mentioned the Benelli trk502 and 502x. I saw one in Greece this year and was impressed. How about trying to get one on test Mr Flyer?

Yes well.......i always thought these Chinese bikes were excellent value for money, but your open and honest review has changed that somewhat, and i would be having palpitations if the exhaust on my bike rusted like that!

glad i chose the 2021 benelli TRK502X over this...for 5k i got a ex demo with 150 miles on it but the build quality looks miles better than the sinnis...ive done 600 miles in 2 weeks and it still looks brand new

I’m waiting for my Honda crf300rally with a smile on my face. Doubt it will look as bad this after 5 years and 5 (let’s face it, inevitable) drops!

Good point raised regarding the panniers and their cost in comparison to others, the only high point I’m afraid.

Please ,can you do a review on a benelli trk 502X? I'm curious to know more!

That bike was registered on November 3rd 2020 and those pipes are goosed in under a year and 800 miles 🤷‍♂️ Very diplomatic and you do give these Chinese bikes a chance. I also get what you are saying about a cheap n cheerful adventure bike... but.... after seeing this, I'd give it a miss big time. Major own goal by Sinnis giving you that bike to review. They look like very mild steel pipes and after only about 3 1/2 months of a British winter they're finished. Ooooooooooft. Good review. Glad you didn't miss them! 👍

800 miles wow. We only get a Wednesday now? I hope you're not going to pack in the KZfaq lark TMF, I really enjoy your videos.

I spotted several BMW GS stylised parts there. The screen, the little wid deflectors at the side of the screen and the headlight. I think the Chinese must have a 3-D photo copier 😜. The quality doesn’t seem great but for that kind of money what do you expect?. But for me, I could never get over the fact that I would have to tell people that I rode a “sinister rain” and that it travelled along the road on two dim sum. I’ll get my chopsticks

TMF since you're in Asia!! What you think of the Zontes ADV???

Mentioning the motorcycle license class is a nice touch. It's something I don't think about as an American. We take one written test, one riding test and we're done; licensed to ride anything with two wheels. A drivers license is all that's required for a scooter under 50cc and with an automatic transmission. I still haven't decided which system is better but I lean towards motorcycle culture as the more important component for safety.

Cannot recall the name of the bike sold in California. The imported were 250 cc. The business worked with the factory and were able to improvebthe " bike "...There was 400cc. Haven't heard anything about that bike. There were videos, on YOU TUBE of the Chinese versions.

To be honest, I'm rather glad they gave you a shed of a bike. Gives you a glimpse of what an owner would have to put up with if they purchased one.

ive ridden the same bike ..its not too bad at all ..you get a real bang for your buck .. and ..yeah the exhaust is horrible I'll give you that lol .. saying that is not too much of a problem to sort out

Sinnis tell me they're no longer pursuing this model anymore which is a pity...such a short life? So we're left with the 125 Terrain only.. I know there's a number of new 380's available in some dealers but long term parts availability I guess will be an issue.. Cracking review Andy as always.

Sorry not my cup of tea, but thanks for the great video and your valued informative opinion! 👌

This is primarily the issue, on paper, yes it may be reliable, it may be cheap, it may seem like it’s got good levels of equipment but you look for the full story… main brands hold their value and don’t tank like Chinese bikes do, quality is generally completely different, power wise they’re generally always better when comparing like for like. I’ve always been of the belief that they have their purpose but as a competitor to the more expensive stuff it’s not the same

Unfortunately a close look reveals clear examples of poor quality. The engine coating, pipes, rear hugger attachment, no-brand brakes, plastics, weird pannier mounting and the fit and finish is really poor. If it’s really 800 miles then resale value will drop like a stone. Save your money and get a properly built and finished bike.

That exhaust system would be lucky to last 2 years in a wet climate. At least the oil filter isn't in a vulnerable position.

Basically any press bike, I have seen so far is usually in better condition than that and this was clearly abused. Would it put me off buying one for the money ? probably not- its a bike that needs a lot of TLC and maintenance...it's not gonna be in the league of the Himlayan or Tiger...again reflected in the price..excellent review as always mate...not too negative....LOL

Good review Andy, but why does the word “bargepole” spring to mind? 🤔

With the talk of poor paint and all that rust on show it reminds me of the build quality of my 64 plate BMW R1200 GSA

Great copy and yes the process of steel manufacture in China can be termed as economic but it will sell due to its cost and most who buy it will simply replace it when necessary😜

RE: Rust, I've just looked at the manual for this bike, I quote: "For oxygen colouring on lines of tube. It may be possible to walk away from damage when submerged in water by holding firmly with strength to the engine casing." That is the solution.

At that price and the fittings, lasting 3 years of bashing without falling apart should count as a good deal. Should cruise at 100-120 kph and that should do it.

It could be marketed at the younger generation who will probably take off road and give it a hard time for a couple of years then chuck it away for something newer/better. But bit of heat resistant black paint on those headers , the crash bars did what they are supposed to do , the cheap switchgear may well last longer than bmw s premium stuff which is known for breaking down.... I'd like to see a long term review on one of these, maybe teapot likes a challenge ?...... actually teapot and his 20stone may have ridden this bike off road from brand new, so ....😳

Have they sorted the gearing out yet? 🤔

Mine rusting on the chassis only after 2years,then told me it will need work for MOT as the paint on the chassis under the seat is not covered under warranty,then there’s insurance, most insurance companies wouldn’t touch it,and the ones that did wanted a premium

The oil filter and O2 sensors are very exposed and riding on gravel roads would be a real worry

Feel like sinnis has dropped the ball here! Can't believe the state of the bike but at the same time - I'm kind of glad to see the state of the bike after 800 miles

Fitting of the Top Box very poor idea if your off to Santander for a touring holiday. You arrive at the ferry and realise you have to empty the box to take it off to take it to your cabin and the same again when you go back to your bike. It could be a half decent cheap bike, but the term spoiling the ship for a ha'porth of tar comes to mind with the general finish.

Thanks for bringing variety to your reviews Andy. Not everyone has £12k to spend on a GS, but would like to get I to this market.

Amazing value.. reminds me of smaller GS 750 maybe. Exhaust could be swapped for a cheap stainless I guess.. I’d def go KTM though

It's a bit like the LED torches that i used to sell. We got through a lot more of the Chinese ones than the American/European ones but that was because of all the exchanges and refunds we had to give. That being said, Chinese bikes are better than they were 8+ years ago. Could not have been much worse!

Ah! It's got a front wheel on the back as well. That's good. 😃

Weird we bought my son the 2021 new 125cc and it's a cracking little bike. We had good dealer service from Gillingham and he has done 600 miles all weather's now and still looks brand new no exhaust colouring or wear that you see on the 380 ??? I think Sinnis dropped the ball there to be fair. I have a Himmy and so far they seem compared finish wise.

If the big GS and a Triumph Tiger had a kid then here it is. With a face only the Tiger could love.

What about in comparison the BMW 310GS?

Shocked Sinnis would even give you a press bike in that condition wow 😯 rusty even the bolts in the bar ends! Some how wonder if the materials are made for warmer climates as it looks like it won’t last another winter.

I did consider one of these 380's sometime ago but having owned a similar Chinese 250 for 4 years I shied away from this brand I think the benelli is a better option or the cfmoto brand mainly because they produce a 500 cc which I feel fare better in modern road conditions and are better made . No way should a company supply a review bike in that condition what where they thinking ?

Bought a brand new Kawasaki Z250 in the 80s and the nose of the seat had worn through the tank paint before the 500mile service. Also seems the Himalayan tank is so thin the top dents easily. You get what you pay for I guess.

Good looks and specifications don’t say that much. Build quality shows itself only after a few years after the bike has seen all kinds of weather. I mean rust, electronics, suspension, drive chain etc. Will the engine keep up its horsepower and torque? Only if you can find bikes of five or more years old that are still in good condition, I would consider buying a new one. The bike is still too young to get that proven. But since Japanese bikes have proven themselves indestructible, I probably would buy a second hand Japanese bike of about the same bike.

I think the Sinnis Terrain 125 is a better buy than this larger model .The brown corroded mild steel down pipes are easily sorted by coating them with some Zeebo grate polish .You put it on like shoe polish ,& when it wears off in heavy rain ,it takes 5 mins to re- apply .It’s an old Brit scrambler bikers tip for un chromed exhaust pipes .Failing that I dare say an aftermarket stainless or carbon system will be available as the bike is sold around the world under the Zongshen Cyclone name .Sinnis are just importers who visit Chinese factory’s & order their bikes with the Sinnis name & model name on them .They don’t build any bikes as far as I know although they might get to have a little input if they order enough .The bike looks unfinished & needs a bash plate ,& the panniers junking & maybe better gearing ratios & lower price .Given the choice in the 400 range I would pick the Himalayan all day long ,Itchy Boots has proven its capabilities in tough conditions in Asia .Europe & the Andes in South America’s .Good straight talking honest review Mr Flyer 👍

At 7.35 you say it has a 17 inch front wheel at the back, does that mean it has a reverse gear .??

There's also a Benelli Imperial 400 for around the same money and yes it's also Chinese.

If I could grab one for literally half price or better it would be a nice disposable winter ride. As it stands I’d be better off mounting a set of 80/20 rubber on my SV

Interesting review although that build quality would definitely worry me. Can't help wondering whether it would be a purchase that might be regretted after 12 months or so, when it started to look a bit tatty. The BMW 310GS would probably be what I'd look at if I was in the market for something like this. A bit more money but much better build quality and residuals.

don't know if anyone else has noticed That's the same bike teapot 1 had in his review 10months ago and he did a bit off roading,

At the back it's got a 17" front wheel!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Sold, I'll have one.

👍

Personally when I found myself with some money for a bike I bought a Himalayan. Better dealer coverage and more character to it and in my opinion looks better too. LCD on the Sinnis seems a bit gimmicky. Considering they are the same price I think the himmy better for the money.

Maybe the side panniers opening from the front might be problematic if you forget to lock it down. I can see the price appeal to new riders but unless I get a doctor saying I'm going to die in a couple months I'd pass.😄😄

That must be the dirtiest machine I have seen you with - Did the cleaning kit come out before it goes in the garage?

One of mine is a benelli imperiale and it has a lovely stainless exhaust. Had no issues at all and build quality is excellent. I dismissed it initially as it is chinese built. But a friend bought one and on closer inspection and riding I bought one. As did another pal. Chinese built bikes vary a lot in quality. But I would.nt buy the sinnis with that build quality.

Great reviews would to see a white board score at the end over several main categories though. Cheers 🍻 from NZ.

I have no issues at all with my French designed, Chinese built, Orcal. I think it's great that the likes of the Chinese are giving competition to a lot of very overpriced bikes. Honda even make you pay extra for a centre stand. Corporate greed. I still love my Honda as well lol. Thank you Andy for putting this out there, yes that rust is crazy!!! Mine is nearly 3 years old and still like brand new. How long do you have this one for?

I have to wonder if you know one end of a bike to another, when you say, “ it’s got a seventeen front wheel, at the rear “ ?

You keep saying "full-size", but I'm not sure that word means what you think it means :) If the engine size starts with a 3...it's not full-sized!

What warranty do they give with the bike ? It looks like the sort of thing you could buy brand new, add a few bits of protection where you know it is going to wear like knee pads for example, then rag it for 9 months and get anything that breaks replaced under warranty and sell it before the first MOT comes up, although you may have to accept £500ish for a 3 year old bike you will have had a decent ride and a fair bit of fun for 3 years for £4k. Not that bad really!! LOL

If I was in the market for an ‘adventure’ bike, the TRK 502x would one I would look at. But I’m not, so it’s a moot point. Owning an Italian sports bike is always an adventure anyway……..!

Get a year old second hand 390 Adventure with less than 3000 on the clock for the same money, a superior bike in any department you care to mention.