Thinking about buying a Chinese ATV or dirt bike?
Models from Apollo, TaoTao, Vitacci, TrailMaster, Kandi, and other brands can be tempting because they often cost less than big-name brands. But before you buy, there is one question you should ask:
“What happens when I need a replacement part?”
That's where things can get confusing. You might see loads of parts online, but that doesn't mean every single one will fit your ATV or dirt bike.
The good thing is that many of these Chinese machines use the same engines and parts, so finding replacements in the U.S. is often easier than you'd think. You need to know what to look for.
Can You Get Chinese ATV Parts in the USA?
Yes.
There are U.S. stores like TXP Power Sports and online parts suppliers that carry replacement parts for Chinese ATVs and dirt bikes. You can find parts for brands such as Apollo, TaoTao, Vitacci, TrailMaster, Kandi, Coolster, and others. Common parts such as carburetors, brake parts, filters, belts, clutches, electrical components, and engine parts are often available through U.S. suppliers.
The bigger question is:
Can you easily find the right part for your exact machine?
That's what you should check before buying. A $1,000 ATV doesn't feel like much of a deal if you can't get a $30 part when you need it.
Don't Assume Every Chinese ATV Uses the Same Parts
This is probably the biggest thing people get wrong when they're new to these machines.
You might see a listing that says:
“Fits Chinese 150cc ATV.”
That sounds simple, but it doesn't necessarily mean it will fit your 150cc ATV. Two machines can both be 150cc and still use different:
- Engines
- Carburetors
- Electrical systems
- Brake parts
- Wheels
- Suspension parts
- Body panels
Even two ATVs from the same brand can have different parts. So don't just go by the brand or engine size. Try to find out exactly what engine and parts your ATV uses.
Why GY6 Matters for Chinese ATVs
If you've been shopping for Chinese ATVs, you've probably seen the term GY6. GY6 is a very common engine platform used in Chinese powersports vehicles. For example, Apollo's Fighter Pro 150 uses a 149.6cc GY6 engine. TaoTao's ATA150G also uses a GY6-based 150cc engine. That's good news, because when an engine is common, it's usually a lot easier to find parts for it.
You may be able to find things like:
- Carburetors
- Air filters
- CVT belts
- Clutches
- Variators
- Starter parts
- Gaskets
- Pistons
And many other engine parts from multiple U.S. suppliers. In some cases, the same type of replacement part may work across different brands.
But here's the important part:
GY6 does not automatically mean “everything fits.” A GY6 belt, clutch, carburetor, or electrical part can still have different sizes or connections. Always check the exact application before ordering.
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Why Engine Families Matter for Chinese Dirt Bikes
Dirt bikes work a little differently. With Chinese dirt bikes, engine displacement alone isn't enough to identify compatible replacement parts. Two 125cc dirt bikes, for example, can use different engines and components. That's why it's helpful to know the engine manufacturer and model, not just the bike's displacement.
TX Power Sports lists several TrailMaster dirt bikes with Zongshen engines, including the TM SX125, TM LK140, TM MX250, and TM LX300 Pro. Knowing the engine manufacturer and model can make it easier to narrow down the right replacement parts.
Depending on the bike and engine, commonly replaced parts may include:
- Carburetors
- Air filters
- CDI units
- Ignition components
- Stators
- Starter components
- Gaskets
- Pistons and cylinder kits
- Clutch components
- Chains and sprockets
- Brake components
However, an engine manufacturer or displacement does not automatically mean a part will fit. Different engine versions can have different carburetor connections, electrical components, clutch configurations, mounting points, and other specifications.
Before ordering a dirt-bike part, check the exact bike model, engine model, part number, measurements, and connections whenever possible. Knowing that a bike uses a specific engine, such as a Zongshen model, gives you a much better starting point for parts research than simply searching for "125cc dirt bike parts."
Which Parts Are Usually Easy to Find?
If you're buying a Chinese ATV or dirt bike, start by checking the parts you're most likely to replace. These are usually things such as:
Maintenance parts
- Air filters
- Oil-related service parts
- Spark plugs
- Brake pads
- Carburetors
- Fuel filters
- Bearings
Common engine and drivetrain parts
- CVT belts
- Clutches
- Variators
- Starter parts
- Gaskets
- Pistons
- Cylinder kits
These kinds of parts are usually easier to find because they're used on lots of different models. But don't just type in 'Chinese ATV brake pads' and hope for the best. Try to get the exact measurements or part number if you can. That's how you avoid getting something that looks right but doesn't actually fit.
Which Parts Can Be Harder to Find?
This is the part many buyers don't think about until something breaks. Engine parts are usually not too hard to replace, but body parts and things that are specific to your model can be a real pain to track down.
These may include:
- Plastic body panels
- Fenders
- Fuel tanks
- Seats
- Racks
- Frames
- Swingarms
- Control arms
- Wiring harnesses
- Instrument clusters
- Special brackets
- Model-specific exhausts
For example, you might have no trouble finding a GY6 carburetor, but tracking down the right plastic fender for a 5-year-old model can be a whole different story. That's why it's worth checking if you can get the model-specific parts too, not just the engine stuff.
7 Things to Check Before Buying a Chinese ATV
If you're in the U.S. and thinking about getting one of these, here's a quick checklist you can use.
1. Get the exact model number
Don't settle for:
“150cc Chinese ATV.”
Ask for the actual model number.
2. Find out what engine it uses
Ask the seller what engine model or code it has. Having that info makes it way easier to find the right parts later.
3. Look for a parts manual
If the seller or manufacturer has a parts diagram or manual, that's a really good sign. It means you won't have to guess what part you need down the track.
4. Search for common replacement parts
Before buying, search for your exact model plus:
- Brake pads
- Carburetor
- Air filter
- Belt or chain
- Starter
- CDI
If you can find these from U.S. suppliers, that's encouraging.
5. Check one expensive part
Don't stop with cheap maintenance parts. Try finding something like:
- Fuel tank
- Seat
- Plastic body panels
- Wheel/hub
- Control arm
If you can find these, it gives you a better idea of how easy it will be to keep your machine running.
6. Ask where parts ship from
A part being “available” doesn't always mean it's sitting at a store near you.
Ask whether the seller ships from the U.S. or whether the part has to come from overseas. For many owners, ordering online from a U.S. supplier is perfectly fine. But it's worth knowing before you buy.
7. Save your model information
Once you buy the ATV, keep the:
- Model number
- VIN
- Engine number
- Engine code
- Parts manual
- Original part numbers
You might need this info years down the line.
What About a Local Repair Shop?
This is another good question to ask before buying. Your local motorcycle or ATV shop probably won't have parts for a TaoTao, Apollo, or Kandi sitting on the shelf.
But if your machine uses common engines and parts, a mechanic can usually work on it as long as you can get the parts. If your ATV has a common engine and standard parts, you've got way more options than if everything is unique to your model. A Simple Parts Availability Guide
Here's a quick way to think about it:
|
Part |
Usually easier to find? |
What to check |
|
Air filter |
Yes |
Exact size/application |
|
Carburetor |
Often |
Engine + mounting size |
|
CVT belt |
Often |
Belt size + engine |
|
Brake pads |
Often |
Pad shape/measurements |
|
Clutch |
Often |
Engine + dimensions |
|
Engine parts |
Often |
Engine code |
|
CDI |
Sometimes |
Wiring/connector |
|
Stator |
Sometimes |
Electrical setup |
|
Wheels/hubs |
Sometimes |
Bolt pattern + axle |
|
Suspension |
Model dependent |
Mounting points |
|
Wiring harness |
Usually harder |
Exact model |
|
Fuel tank |
Usually harder |
Exact model |
|
Plastic body parts |
Usually harder |
Exact model |
|
Frame parts |
Usually harder |
Exact model |
This isn't a guarantee of availability. It's simply a good starting point when comparing machines. So, Should You Buy a Chinese ATV or Dirt Bike?
If you're buying one because it's affordable, that doesn't automatically make it a bad choice. The important thing is to look beyond the price. A good Chinese ATV or dirt bike purchase is one where you can answer these questions:
- What engine does it use?
- Can I find common replacement parts in the U.S.?
- Does the manufacturer or seller provide parts information?
- Can I find model-specific parts if something unusual breaks?
- Are there U.S. suppliers that understand this brand and its parts?
If you can answer those questions before you buy, you'll have a much better idea of what you're getting into. Before you buy, take a few minutes to check if you can get both the usual maintenance parts and the model-specific stuff.
If you're not sure if a part will fit, don't just guess. A good U.S. parts supplier can usually help you match it up if you give them your model number, engine info, photos, measurements, or the original part number. Taking a few minutes to check before you buy can save you a lot of hassle and money down the road.