I have a few examples. Glixal, only image showing piston & cylinder.
The piston slid up and down on 'air' when I covered either end of the cylinder & inverted it. Note the finish on the cylinder skirt area that extends into the crankcase.
Shows two cylinders, one damaged on skirt, other on the head gasket area.
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Just some minor chipping. Skirt machined surface decent.
Shows damage to the edge of the cylinder at the head gasket surface.
A different supplier. Note the skirt finish and the cylinder:crankcase surface finish. Very nicely done.
Showing head surface and cylinder cross-hatch. I think the specks are packing material as there is no damage to the surface.
Another showing cylinder skirt finish machining. A better finish than the first supplier whose packaging lacked padding. My take: If you finish the piece will in every surface, you care. Maybe prove me wrong.
I was just impressed with the finishing overall. I say nicely done.
Trying to show the head gasket surface finish, almost mirror.
And finally the piston crown. For some reason, all China pistons seem to leave the finish 'as cast' and I have no idea why. Strength, perhaps.
Overall, the Glixal seemed well executed, with nice finish. The second source lacked in packing skill, but they are sending replacement. The third source had very nicely done machining. I know nothing of the ring sets included, so we'll just have to see.
If you consider the investment, if these work for a couple-three-four thousand miles, that's more than fair. The labor time to install is relatively small, and can be done with minimal tools and skill set. As long as they don't scramble the rod, crankshaft or crankcase, I would be satisfied with that life. Who knows, they could last a long time.
I have zip experience with the higher priced spread. These are going into used machiness that were/are tired and in need of TLC. Bought from people who gave up, don't know how to repair/refurbish, etc. Sold to me as 'fixer-uppers' or 'parts machines'. So far, I have made one Taotao run very well to my satisfaction using the Glixal. I am still breaking it int, but it is past the 'hot hot hot' cylinder phase of first start-up and run. Now, it runs well, and is not nearly as hot. I think. Can't wait to do the next one, a GMW CF-50 that seems to have the best bearings of any, it rolls so readily. It ought to fly compared to factory. I think the 20mm Keihin(clone), the 'performance cam', and the 47mm set should show considerable improvement in performance. With the 12" wheels, it is almost a 'real machine'. From reading, the Wolf/Gorilla Motor Works firm has gotten pretty quality stuff. I think Znen manufactures to their 'spec', whatever that is. It does seem a 'step up' from the Taotaos, Jonways, & Peace machines, though there are 'steps' within those brands.
Here's a pic of some of the 'herd'
The GMW:
Me & a couple, Yeah, I'm old.
The 'Peace' that shows about 200 miles on the odo:
And a view of a few:
They were all orphans, either broken or not running, skidded, most had bad carbs and some broken plastics.
I plan on retailing them. Have no exact plans to keep, though the Taotao that was toasted, my first bbk, does run well. I can't seem to get the front wheel balanced. Wonder if it has 'beads' installed.
tom
