Lifan LF200 GY-5 for $1450 or Hi-Bird 250 for $1180???

[Gimpdiggity]

Hey everyone.

I'm in the market for a small dual sport for putting around town. I've got a Ninja 250 right now that I'll be relegating to track only use, so the dual sport will basically be just for running errands like returning things to the video store and such.

So I found both of these bikes, and both seem to have "favorable" reviews based on how well you put the parts together when you get it.

Now, which would you guys suggest?? Spend the extra for the Lifan but lose some CCs, or go with the cheaper but slightly more powerful Hi-Bird??

For what it's worth, I MAY be able to get a Hi-Bird for about $900 if I go pick it up myself.

Thanks!

Jeff

[culcune]

A few members just recently bought the Hi-Bird and so far so good. If you can pick it up for $900--buy it!

The lifan is probably about the same thing as far as quality goes, has less power, and costs more...

However, only buy either if you are somewhat knowledgeable about bike repairs.

[Gimpdiggity]

I've taken my Ninja apart basically down to the frame and put it all back together...

The only thing I don't do on my own is mount tires, and that's only because I don't have anything to balance them with...and I don't trust the home balancing methods.

I think I will probably just end up going with the Hi-Bird because I can pick it up locally...that means I will actually get to look at it and such before I buy it...and from what I can tell, the shop selling them does a good job putting them together. The guy was mentioning removing all the bolts/screws and such and LocTiting them in...so it seems he knows what he's doing with them.

[culcune]

The guy was mentioning removing all the bolts/screws and such and LocTiting them in...so it seems he knows what he's doing with them.

He probably has just read the forums here, LOL. The members here have mentioned locktiting numerous times, and there is a prep sticky to read if you are putting the bike together.

Members 'kczukiman' and 'universal diver' both bought Hi-birds recently and both have photos and videos of their new bikes. You should be able to find their threads easily.

[Gimpdiggity]

Cool.

I'll search those threads while I'm bored at work tomorrow.

And I read that sticky...and from what the seller was saying, I think you're right...he read it too!!!

[Gimpdiggity]

Alright.

I guess I was mistaken on the Hi-Bird for $900.

The Hi-Bird that is going for $900 is only the 200cc model. That is over $500 less than the Lifan 200cc bike.

I'm guessing they are about the same quality??

If I gear the 200cc Hi-Bird differently, would I be able to hit about 70mph with it?? On the web site it lists top speed as 55mph...but I'd like to be able to hit the freeway for about 2 miles at times.

I guess I'm basically now trying to decide between spending $900 on the 200cc Hi-Bird...or spending $1180 on the 250cc Hi-Bird...

[TeamCheap]

The 250cc bikes were not out when I bought ours but if they had been I'd have went with a 250cc bikes just for that little extra bit of displacement.

But even so as it stands right now I'd put my 200cc bike up against a stock 250cc bike. :lol:

[Gimpdiggity]

Teamcheap,

What do you have done to your 200cc that would make it faster??

Sprockets?? New jets?? Filters??

I'm just curious...because I just know that if I end up getting one of these things, the urge to make it "better" will hit me fairly quickly.

[PorterzCustomz]

IMO the Lifan looks alot nicer then the hybrid and I think its also a little bit taller. I would rather have a nicer looking bike, im probably going to do a motor swap anyway. I had the choice and the hybrid was a couple hundread cheaper but I liked the Lifan look alot more!

http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/610/4729057jm2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[PorterzCustomz]

Teamcheap,

What do you have done to your 200cc that would make it faster??

Sprockets?? New jets?? Filters??

I'm just curious...because I just know that if I end up getting one of these things, the urge to make it "better" will hit me fairly quickly.

Yea the urge already hit me and my bike is still in the mail!!! =)

I already have the cone filter, CDI box,jets and im looking at exhaust systems. The bike should be here in the next couple days.

[Gimpdiggity]

Well, after looking into it a bit more, the $900 Hi-Bird might not end up being the best bargain.

I guess they sell for $950, which isn't too bad. But shipping is $220. I figured that the bike was in Ohio (I'm in Michigan) so I'd just go get it. But it's nearly 350 miles away...so that would be 700 miles in the Jeep Grand Cherokee. At about 17mpg with the trailer, that would mean I'd need 42 gallons of gas. At $3.50 a gallon, that's about $150. Figure in that with a trip of that magnitude at least lunch will be bought for me and a friend...so $20.

So, the 200cc would end up being $1170 if I got it shipped to me. It would end up costing me $1120 and about 10 hours of my time if I went and picked it up.

I can get the 250 shipped to me for $1180...looks like that's the better deal.

[TeamCheap]

Oh just the air filter and open exhaust and the major rejet to get it back to normal running conditions and I still have that CDI box to try but I doubt that will do much but there are still a few things left for me to do that will help it get up and go without breaking the bank. :lol: :lol:



Gimpdiggity
HEY COOL michigan, where about's in michigan are you??

[kczukiman]

Hi Gimpdiggity,As a new Hibird owner I am very happy with the bike.It runs out nice no overbarring vibrations plenty of power for me I'm 6' 250lbs.For me,for the money its an awsome bike.

[mrhyak]

I was talking to my co-worker who purchased a GY200 Lifan from Hooper and he is going to order a second this weekend for his son. Larry Hooper told him his prices will be going up by around $500 later this summer so I thought I'd pass this on (get one while the prices are still low). Hooper has been selling Lifan bikes for over 6 years and my co-worker is very satisfied with his. Just thought I'd pass this on..... $1,299 and price includes shipping.

http://www.hooperimports.com/product.aspx?pf_id=LF200GY-2inv

[jabroni1m]

Was wondering what website the cheapest hibird 250cc is?

[kczukiman]

Here you go.Hope this helps.The owners name is Tim.If you have any questions he is very good to talk to.

http://www.vbike.us/index.php?page=showpro&spid=29&bs=&pz=&scid=41

[culcune]

Who was it who drove there and bought a yellow one? I would like to see one in yellow.

[culcune]

Was wondering what website the cheapest hibird 250cc is?

If you search, you can find one cheaper than vbike... :wink:

[PorterzCustomz]

yea, you can get a nice 08 Lifan for 1,200 shipped to your door with the new inverted shocks that look alot nicer and disk brakes all around.

[warrior91]

Hey bud...get hibird 250 if you want the possibility to touch 70... A lifan is proven...but 70mph at sustained speeds might be asking a bit much unless you weigh 50lbs. just my opinion and owning a 1986 honda 200cc at one time. My buddy is buying a' 08 honda 230 that claims 70 mph as comfortable but tickles 75 with tailwind.

[PorterzCustomz]

Hey bud...get hibird 250 if you want the possibility to touch 70... A lifan is proven...but 70mph at sustained speeds might be asking a bit much unless you weigh 50lbs. just my opinion and owning a 1986 honda 200cc at one time. My buddy is buying a' 08 honda 230 that claims 70 mph as comfortable but tickles 75 with tailwind.

No, the new 08 Lifan vs the 250cc hybrid there is 1 hp difference!!!

[warrior91]

Lifan is rated at 16-17 hp
Hibird 250 is rated at 19-20hp.
Come on man, no replacement for displacement.

[PorterzCustomz]

Was wondering what website the cheapest hibird 250cc is?

The hybrids are smaller and they don't look as nice. They arnt any more powerfull either there is a 1 hp difference between the two I don't know why so many people think they are so good they are cheaper then the Lifan.

[Gimpdiggity]

Was wondering what website the cheapest hibird 250cc is?

The hybrids are smaller and they don't look as nice. They arnt any more powerfull either there is a 1 hp difference between the two I don't know why so many people think they are so good they are cheaper then the Lifan.

1. They are called HI-BIRDs...not hybrids.
2. I don't know about you, but they say the 250cc Hi-Bird has 20hp...the Lifan's are showing 17hp. 20-17 is more than 1hp difference.
3. Looks are all in someone's own opinions and desires. Saying that the Lifan "looks better" is strictly your opinion...it's not based at all on fact. In fact, I think that the Hi-Bird 250cc looks MILLENIUMS better than the Lifan 200s...the hand gaurds look nicer, the tank looks nicer, the fender looks nicer.

From this thread alone, it's obvious that you like the Lifan...which is absolutely fine...but quit trying to give out any advice if you really don't know what you're talking about.

[katoranger]

I would get the hibird 250. The extra 3 HP will be nice. It only needs to look go to you also.

Allen

[Cal25]

Who was it who drove there and bought a yellow one? I would like to see one in yellow.

That was me. I will get a pic on here but it will be next week before I can do it.

Only got one ride in so far. Topped out at a little over 75. Going uphill and against a strong head wind, It hit about 68.

I looked at ATV Discounters and all they had was a GY2. That is a cute bike but I opted for the bike with 25% more power, 20% less cost.

[culcune]

Pics, please!!

[Gimpdiggity]

Yes!!

Pics of the yellow, because that's the one I would probably end up wanting.

Was that 75mph as indicated, or tested with a GPS??

[Cal25]

Sorry about that. Yes it was indicated speed. I'll take one of my GPs's with me next time I ride. Still need to figure a way to secure the GPS.
Maybe some velcro and a tank bag would be the ticket.
I forgot about the camera on my phone. Not as good of quality but better than nothing. I will try to get a few pics posted tonight.

[PorterzCustomz]

*This is a reply to newbie Gimpdiggity*

EXCUSE ME.. But I would like to clear this up.

First of all yes I do think the Lifan is a better looking bike then the cheaper HI BIRD that's why I bought one. The point of the post was to get peoples opinion and that's exactly why I gave mine.

#1 The HIBIRD runs the same power as the Lifan in fact some specs say the Lifan has MORE power! 15.6 HP Hibird VS 16.44 Lifan *

#2 The Lifan is a much taller bike 48" tall instead of 36" and recommended for adults not 16 year olds. In fact on the Hybird they even put stickers of stars on the bike like you get in middle school when you did a good job. I guess they want to encourage you to do a good job riding but who knows..

#3 The hibird from what I have seen comes "85% assembled" compaired to over 95% for the Lifan.

#4 Looks.. Bike for bike the Lifan is sportyer from the speedo down to the 2 tone seat and new style cut side plastics.

#5 The Lifan is well known on forums and also as a good quality china bike company. In fact they also sell streetbikes using the same exact motor as in their dirtbikes. Replacement parts are easier to come by.

*HP & specs data (12KW converts to 16.44 HP)

http://www.nationalwholesaletools.com/browseproducts/Ricardo-250cc-Enduro-Dirt-Bike-Model-DB22.html

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Other-Makes-LFAN-200cc-enduro-DB-03-DIRT-BIKE-ENDURO-LIFAN-200cc-FREE-SHIPPING-1299_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742Q2em153Q2el126 2QQcategoryZ6719QQihZ009QQitemZ190209977315

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/6662/rmbb222ng2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


***** VS *****

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/2934/lf200gy5mx2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Cal25]

The seat hight on the Hibird is 35 inches so it is 1 inch taller than the Lifan not shorter.
The stated HP is 20hp as stated on the manf. MSO The website for american Lifan states 16 hp @8000 thats a difference of 25%
It does appear the Hibird is just under 4 inches shorter in length though.
Weight capacity is much greater with the Hibird at 500 and Lifan at 330.

The seat hight and capacity comes in handy for a tall fat old guy like me.

The Lifan is a very cute bike though.

[Gimpdiggity]

*This is a reply to newbie Gimpdiggity*

EXCUSE ME.. But I would like to clear this up.

First of all yes I do think the Lifan is a better looking bike then the cheaper HI BIRD that's why I bought one. The point of the post was to get peoples opinion and that's exactly why I gave mine.

#1 The HIBIRD runs the same power as the Lifan in fact some specs say the Lifan has MORE power! 15.6 HP Hibird VS 16.44 Lifan *

#2 The Lifan is a much taller bike 48" tall instead of 36" and recommended for adults not 16 year olds. In fact on the Hybird they even put stickers of stars on the bike like you get in middle school when you did a good job. I guess they want to encourage you to do a good job riding but who knows..

#3 The hibird from what I have seen comes "85% assembled" compaired to over 95% for the Lifan.

#4 Looks.. Bike for bike the Lifan is sportyer from the speedo down to the 2 tone seat and new style cut side plastics.

#5 The Lifan is well known on forums and also as a good quality china bike company. In fact they also sell streetbikes using the same exact motor as in their dirtbikes. Replacement parts are easier to come by.

*HP & specs data (12KW converts to 16.44 HP)

http://www.nationalwholesaletools.com/browseproducts/Ricardo-250cc-Enduro-Dirt-Bike-Model-DB22.html

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Other-Makes-LFAN-200cc-enduro-DB-03-DIRT-BIKE-ENDURO-LIFAN-200cc-FREE-SHIPPING-1299_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742Q2em153Q2el126 2QQcategoryZ6719QQihZ009QQitemZ190209977315

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/6662/rmbb222ng2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


***** VS *****

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/2934/lf200gy5mx2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)



48 inch seat height, huh??

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!

[PorterzCustomz]

I did not say "seat" height. And lets not clutter up the board by keep copying my first post with the pictures.

330 lbs Lifan vs 500 Hibird is just just crazy.. I did not even know that

I am going by the specs on the links that I posted for HP and such. It simply states the Lifan is more. I cannot be responsible for their errors furthermore no one knows for sure because no one has put them side by side on a dyno.
I am just going by what is listed for their specs just like you would

I do not own a hibird so I go by the specs given, I never dynoed either of them.

[elroyjetsn]

The Komoto (Hi-Bird's other name) does state 20 HP unlike the Ricardo.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Other-Makes-NEW-KOMOTO-250cc-ENDURO-FREE-S-H-100-OFF-LOCAL-PICKUP_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742Q2em153Q2el1 262QQcategoryZ6719QQihZ019QQitemZ290215322818

So does the regular Hi-Bird.

http://www.vbike.us/index.php?page=showpro&spid=29&bs=&pz=&scid=41

[PorterzCustomz]

http://www.vbike.us/index.php?page=showpro&spid=29&bs=&pz=&scid=41[/quote]

Yea, that link says the height is 33 inches not 35... It seems like they are all different specs!! There is no tac and the speedo looks really cheap. They are all different according to the specs so you cant compare to the Lifan. It also says it can only ride 1 person that really sucks my g/f likes to ride with me.

[Gimpdiggity]

http://www.vbikeusa.com/multidata/200710171656269158115.jpg

The Hi-Bird has a set of rear footpegs. Just look at the picture.

[knothead]

I'll chip in, but I'm REALLY not interested in jumping into the middle of a peeing contest!

I had the chance to compare my '07 Lifan side by side to the Hi-Bird and I have to say, I like the Hi-Bird better. The overall quality looks better, the paint and welds are much nicer as is the fit of the plastics. About the only thing I didn't like was the smaller tank, but that's no big deal.
Size wise, the bikes are nearly the same.

[mrhyak]

Even from Lifan to Lifan I find different styles I like better
then others. Really though, the differences from one China
bike to another are so small the average Joe would think
they were all the same brand and model, just different colors.