tank khaos 250 vs. Lifan 200GS

[bonedog74]

Does anyone have an opinion on these bikes? The khaos has a bigger/faster engine and is $125 more than the Lifan, but is it a better bike?

[Oengus]

The Khaos is a 249cc twin the Lifan is a 200cc single. I think I would rather have the Khaos…if you’re a good mechanic and good at troubleshooting the I would consider that the Khaos basically has the same 249cc twin used on a lot of other bikes. The Lifan would be easier to find parts for I would say.

I see the Khaos being advertised with a 3yr warranty and I would be real suspicious of that claim and who is backing that, since Tank filed bankruptcy?

You might want to consider the Zongshen GS250 which I believe is a 234cc single, but probably the best of the three.

[bonedog74]

Thanks for the info. I looked up the Zongshen. Nice bike, but I am looking for something under $2,000. I really wanted one of the 3/4 size 200cc Lifan Dragon choppers. I actually rode one, and almost bought it. But I am military, and because of the ride height of only 19", the military considers it a mini chopper and won't allow it on base. Bummer. I didn't know that Tank filed bankruptcy. That will way heavily on my decision. I think if I wanted to tweak an engine to get more power and speed, I would want a a 249cc since it is more common than a 200cc. Which means there should be more aftermarket performance parts that would work on the Tank 249cc. But if the Lifan is more reliable, it might be the safer buy. I just need a bike that at least does 80+ mph and is for the most part reliable. I only weigh 160 lbs, and have a 250cc scooter that I have done 85 mph on it, but it breaks down all the time. I want a motorcycle.

[Oengus]

try the craigslist for Miami you could find a GS250 for under $2k

[bonedog74]

I checked craigslist. Found a new Zongshen for $1999 +tax. Doesn't exactly put the entire price under $2000. It said it only did 75 mph. I also found a few used '06 and '07 Ninja 250s for under $2000. I would prefer a new bike, but a slightly used Ninja 250 in good shape would probably more dependable (not to mention faster). I have a lot to consider. I don't want to buy something that constantly breaks down like my scooter (2006 Bandit 250z) does. I also don't want to ride on the highway at 70 mph and be maxed out. Whatever I get has to go 80+ mph and be dependable to ride atleast 10 miles each way as a daily ride to work. I know there is a few choices of chinese bikes that fall into this category, but chosing the right one is the trick.

[Oengus]

You know what else if you buy a new Chinese bike you have a wearing in period of 1000km, which mean you will not be able to take it on the highway or shouldn’t for the first 600 miles. For that first 1000km your not going to be riding over 50mph if that.

I would go ride a ninja 250 see if you like them, then maybe a 500 and even a 750 there’s a lot of bikes in Florida.

The best thing about shopping is that you can test ride bikes! LOL schedule test rides on some of the bikes.

[SpudRider]

If I were you, I would seriously check out the used Ninja motorcycles. ;) The Ninja will be reliable, and you can get parts for it. Also, I think the Ninja is one of the few 250cc motorcycles that will meet your speed requirements. I don't think any Chinese, 250cc motorcycle will go as fast as your require. ;)

Spud :)

[Oengus]

Are you stuck on street racers?

http://miami.craigslist.org/pbc/mcy/1761657702.html

I would say if you are only 160lbs then you should be ok on Rebel it should top out around 75-80 and that ones in your price range and with low miles....

[Oengus]

here is a Night Hawk also with low miles and a good price.

http://miami.craigslist.org/brw/mcy/1747318182.html

not sure if I like the wind screen but it would help on the highway.

[Oengus]

here is a 400 honda clasic bike low miles

http://miami.craigslist.org/brw/mcy/1733146039.html

[Oengus]

another Nighthawk

http://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/mcy/1713826622.html

that one is only asking $850.00

[Oengus]

GZ 250

http://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/mcy/1704486971.html

offer them $1800?

then a Virgo 250...which is a real nice bike

http://miami.craigslist.org/pbc/mcy/1701218319.html

[bonedog74]

If I were you, I would seriously check out the used Ninja motorcycles. ;) The Ninja will be reliable, and you can get parts for it. Also, I think the Ninja is one of the few 250cc motorcycles that will meet your speed requirements. I don't think any Chinese, 250cc motorcycle will go as fast as your require. ;)

Spud :)

I get what you're saying. But consider this...You can find a blue book value for a Ninja 250. You can't for a china bike. The general public doesn't know much about china bikes. So, if I bought a china bike, and decided to sell it, I could probably sell it for what I paid for it new, even after a year. Besides, if I had a Ninja, I wouldn't have a reason to be on this awesome forum. :D

[SpudRider]

If I were you, I would seriously check out the used Ninja motorcycles. ;) The Ninja will be reliable, and you can get parts for it. Also, I think the Ninja is one of the few 250cc motorcycles that will meet your speed requirements. I don't think any Chinese, 250cc motorcycle will go as fast as your require. ;)

Spud :)

I get what you're saying. But consider this...You can find a blue book value for a Ninja 250. You can't for a china bike. The general public doesn't know much about china bikes. So, if I bought a china bike, and decided to sell it, I could probably sell it for what I paid for it new, even after a year. Besides, if I had a Ninja, I wouldn't have a reason to be on this awesome forum. :D
We are glad you joined us; you sound like a true China Rider! :lol: I don't want you to leave; however, you can probably ride the Nina 250 for a year, and also sell it for the same amount you paid for it. ;)

Spud :)

[katoranger]

I would get the ninja too. It will be reliable, easy to get parts, and hold its value. China bike? You never really know.

Also you don't have to leave. We have a place for other bikes.

Allen

[Oengus]

There are lots of bikes in Florida…..you should get a better bike with less miles in that area, because there are so many bikes.

I cannot find that many used 250cc options on bikes in my area, that GZ is totally a sweet little bike.

If you are going from a scooter to a bike, then its logical to get a 250cc and one that has good resale if you want to eventually move up from that.

I would not assume any resale value on the Chinese bikes, people will immediately assume you had problems with it and are trying to unload it. The new bikes are heavily discounted and why would people buy used when new is everywhere and all for very low prices?

Here is a GS250 for $1,500.00, its not a “copy of a Ninja” its engine is a copy of a Honda 230cc engine and has about 18hp.

http://miami.craigslist.org/brw/mcy/1769817530.html

If you buy a used bike you can take it to a mechanic they can check the bike over, less than $100.00 dollars.
There has to be a parts book, owners manual and service manual. If it ever needs anything then its a matter of contacting a dealer and or distributor.

If you buy Chinese check that on the bikes, call or find the people that you would need just in case. Zongshen America operates out of Miami.

If you are stuck on a Chinese street bike, that style bike that’s the one to go with being in South Florida.

Then you can have this
http://miami.craigslist.org/pbc/mcy/1738183185.html

To bad its Orange….. :o

[bonedog74]

I think after all of the advice, I will probably buy a used Ninja 250. I just have to find one I like for the right price. I just don't like that they have such an out-dated body style. You can't really tell '07 from a '00, because they never updated until '08. Now THAT is a bike I would buy in a heart beat if I found one under $2,000. But that will be a few more years. By then I might be looking at a 600cc, though.

[katoranger]

Buy the ninja and then upgrade in a couple years. You should be able to recoup most of the money back then.

Allen

[SpudRider]

I think you are wise to get the used Ninja. The older version of the Ninja is much easier to work on. In particular, the valve adjustments are far easier on the older Ninjas. ;)

Once again, I'm not trying to steer you away from here; we will love to have you post in our "Other Stuff" Forum. :) However, you should check out the Nina 250 forums on the web; they have a wealth of information available on them. ;)

Spud :)

[katoranger]

This looks like a pretty good deal.

http://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/mcy/1771888804.html

[michel-laws]

can i purchase it online

[bonedog74]

can i purchase it online

You can purchase both the zongshen and lifan online. You cannot buy these at your regular motorcycle dealer. If you find one online, and live near the dealer, you can buy it in person. Anything on craigslist, you have to contact the seller.