Questions on Chinese Street Bikes

[Ski_rush]

So I was able to see the Venom X22-R yesterday in person and sit on the bike. I was impressed with the feel and size of the bike. However...

To me, the X22 seems like a harder sell to me than say a Hawk. One reason is the cost. The hawk is so inexpensive that many might buy it on impulse to check it out. And, at $1300-1400 the hawk is priced near used dirt bikes that likely have been used hard (as they are intended to be used). But the X22 is about $2200, which is up there and priced very near what one could get a very clean, used, Ninja or CBR for.

How does the X22-R handle highway speeds? I’m wondering if it is geared better to comfortably handle 60mph. I don’t think the Enforcer I had handled those speeds well or inspired much confidence beyond 50mph.

Are parts readily available for the X22? I didn’t see many parts on Venom’s website.

I’m not finding long term updates on that bike; how does it hold up?



Thanks

[culcune]

I would suggest the Lifan KPR200 (sportbike-ish with fenders) or the KP200 ('streetfighter') for a street bike. Dongfang makes a solid bike, and uses a Zongshen manufactured single as their one proprietary engine across their full-size lineup (their sportbike, enduro, cruiser, café, etc. bikes are all on one EPA/DOT certificate since they all use the same engine), but the Lifan bikes, for around the same cost, use a fuel-injected/liquid-cooled engine with a 6-speed transmission, and are solid 70-75 MPH bikes. I am guessing the X22R (Dongfang DF250RTS http://www.df-motor.com/Product.asp?BigClassName=Motorcycles is probably a little faster than one of their other street bikes or enduro due to aerodynamics, but I doubt it is able to cruise at 65 or above. I have seen a few videos of the bike on youtube, and you have seen it in person, and all reviews are positive, but it uses the same single as most every enduro so would require some work to get it quicker than, say, 65 MPH, and that is pushing it from stock.

[wheelbender6]

In addition to being inexpensive, the Hawk is versatile and there is plenty of stuff available in the aftermarket to customize to the kind of riding you like to do. Dual purpose, street, cafe racer, ADV; the Hawk can assume those roles with inexpensive mods.

[Ski_rush]

In addition to being inexpensive, the Hawk is versatile and there is plenty of stuff available in the aftermarket to customize to the kind of riding you like to do. Dual purpose, street, cafe racer, ADV; the Hawk can assume those roles with inexpensive mods.

Yes,but the Hawk cannot comfortably cruise at 55+mph on a highway. It’s not made for that. That’s why I’m also interested in a street bike.

[JerryHawk250]

Yes,but the Hawk cannot comfortably cruise at 55+mph on a highway. It’s not made for that. That’s why I’m also interested in a street bike.
Once the hawk is geared right and tuned it can cruise 60 -65 mph easily. My Hawk can run 70-75 mph but doesn't feel safe at those speeds because of the knobby off road tires. I'm sure it would handle better with street tires.
The Lifan Kpr200 and Kp200 are probably your best bet if you are looking for something for the street and higher speeds. They are capable of 80mph+ speed. You can pick them up for about $2500 delivered. Lifan will be a much higher quality than the Hawks, Storms and Enforcer.

[Pathfinders]

Well said Jerry.

[JerryHawk250]

Good video on KPR200 and top speed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKD5ROOidm8

[culcune]

Here is a good review from the US of both the KP Mini and the KPR200. The guy is no Chinese motorcycle fan, but does offer some good points on both Lifans--the bad points can be attributed to Lifan loaning out their bikes for demo rides.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OcQI2Hp3yE

[JerryHawk250]

That's some real word testing. :tup:

[wheelbender6]

Anybody found a big bore kit for the KP200? A 300cc version would be even more fun.

[JerryHawk250]

Anybody found a big bore kit for the KP200? A 300cc version would be even more fun. Probably not. it seems to be a new engine design so might be a while. I'm waiting to see when and if they will bring the KP250 to the US. :) http://www.lifanmotos.net/product/qsc/2018-07-09/88.html