After 6,ooo kilometres or so (the odometer stopped turning after 1250 kms) the Shineray XY175GY returned me to Nairobi. Apart from not being fitted together particularly well - the chain came off twice, the carburettor was full of gunk and the nut on the steerer shaft (I had to look it up!) was not tightened, creating a terrible wobble for the first thousands kays - the bike has done its job.
I managed to track down the boda boda, Henry, who helped me buy the bike six weeks ago. He liked the bike so much, he bought it from me.
I asked him if it was wise to buy a second bike.
He replied, 'If you want to be successful, you have to take a risk.'
hey man, I am a soldier posted in Nanyuki right now and I also own a Shinnrey 175. I have had it sprayed with combat patern paint and put army rocket pouches on it ........i have removed the pania knee guards and the front rack and it is AWESOME fun!! My stearing nut is also loose and no matter what, will not stay tight....my odo has also packed in and the reset button on the side has also fallen off!
However GREAT fun and exactly the right bike for 'real bikers' that want the real African experience!!
All the best,
Mark G
Posted by: Mark G | June 21, 2014 at 08:02 PM
Great to hear from you Mark. Keep an eye out for my old Shineray which will now be doing the rounds in Nairobi. Good for another few miles yet. Rocket pouches... now there's a thought!
Cheers
Alan
Posted by: Alan Whelan | June 23, 2014 at 09:24 AM