Does any one ride the lifan 200cc street bikes?

[mkhatcher]

The first motorcycle I ever looked at buying was a 200cc street bike (lifan or roketa, cant remember). Back then it was $1200 shipped brand new on ebay all day. Now it is hard to find them and if you do, they have gone wayyy up. I have seen that, if modded properly, they can get up to 90 mph. That means a 35 tooth rear sprocket, jets, and air filter ($50) and you'd be set fr a little while. Are these bikes any good? I will be riding to work and back on 55mph roads. I never drive on freeways so thats not a worry, I just wanted to kow the CR opinion :wink:
Thanks, Mike

[Jim]

People do, it seems most people here are more geared to the dirt/dual sport options however... They are decent bikes, I think they are decent bikes from what I've heard... The only problem off the top of my head that I've seen with them is the rear up breaking up (may be due to loose sprocket bolts?). I'm sure others will chime in.

[Weldangrind]

I can't imagine hitting 90 (nor would I try). Likely the best you can hope for is 65-70 mph.

[BillR]

The first motorcycle I ever looked at buying was a 200cc street bike (lifan or roketa, cant remember). I have seen that, if modded properly, they can get up to 90 mph. That means a 35 tooth rear sprocket, jets, and air filter ($50) and you'd be set fr a little while. Are these bikes any good? I will be riding to work and back on 55mph roads. I never drive on freeways so thats not a worry, I just wanted to kow the CR opinion :wink:
Thanks, Mike
Mike,
I looked at them hard also, when I first got back on a bike. I decided to go with a dual-sport for more versatility.
Getting to 90...I don't know. Gearing will be the thing. My dual sport pulled all the way to red-line, so it could carry a higher gear.

My 660cc single will only get up to 100, stock. Geared high in 5th. Runs out of oomph in 5th. Plus I ain't light weight... :wink:
Most guys add 3 teeth and can get 110-120 then...
Bill R

[mkhatcher]

I might would buy one if I could find one, but I cant find anything. I like the ninja 250's, but I can only afford a used one and you never know what the first buyer has done with it, and insurance cost more. I like the single cylinder too because they are soooo much eaiser to work on, service, etc. And I can put up with a little vibration. On a ninja you have to adjust the carbs and 4x the number of valves that are on a 200.
The only place I can find one:
http://www.nationalonlinescooters.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1864

Yay or nay?

[katoranger]

I would steer you toward the zongshen or the later version of the lifan sportbike. The zong will still have parts available.

The early ones seemed to have weak rear hubs.

The dual sports models are much easier to find parts for and simpler overall.

[FastDoc]

Check out these threads on the Kinroad I had:

http://www.chinariders.net/modules.php?name=Forums&file=search&mode=results

I was seriously unimpressed with it and the guy I sold it to has had a lot of problems, mostly electrical. This bike was a 230cc Hondoid/Lifanoid with dual exhaust and it would do about 70 after I regeared it. I would strongly not recommend one.

The Zongshen GS I have now seems head and shoulders about the quality of that particular Hondoid.

JMHO.

[BillR]

2 very good replies from Kato and Doc.
You did see that model of Lifan in really beat-up shape for sale, after only a year or 2.
I do like the Zongshen 250, if you can find one...
Check your area for an MZ Skorpion, also. 660cc single Yamaha engine. Usually around $2000 for one with decent mileage.
Decent example:
MZ Skorpion for sale (http://www.cycletrader.com/find/listing/1996-Mz-Skorpion-Tour-97616698)
Bill R

[humanbeing]

ALL 200 above is building quality are so so :oops: In past some chinese guy fitted that type of engine on dirt bike. After beated it hard (Hi Rev but not enough air take the heat out) on "dirty"place , the engine often... :oops:
The newer so called "250" OHC based on Honda MD33E (223cc) quality is far better :D

[katoranger]

I parted out one of the lifans. It was horrible with just a few miles on it.

The Zong is far better. If you really want a sport/street bike I would buy a low mileage 250 ninja.

[Weldangrind]

Here's the (relatively) current application of that engine in Japan. I like it. :D http://world.honda.com/news/2002/2020409.html

[FastDoc]

What a nice looking bike! I love it!

Note that is is also a 5 speed.

[Weldangrind]

I'll bet that it's made here: http://world.honda.com/group/WuyangHondaMotorsGuangzhou/

[humanbeing]

The knock-off is based on air cool MD33E that 1st found on 90s SL230. http://blog.inmycab.com/?p=761
CR250 powered by knock-off Jialing: http://motorcycle.sh.cn/t_591662_1.htm

[Oengus]

Why do you think I like the Galaxy SUV250 so much, it has that engine the 223 and is one of the better engines.
http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy126/oengus1963/Galaxy%20Motorcyles/IMG_9999-2.jpg

Note: you cannot get these in the USA so do not ask about were you can get them, they sell in china for $1,500.00


Then also pointed out what the Japanese are doing with that frame and engine…
http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy126/oengus1963/Galaxy%20Motorcyles/ftr004_0.jpg
That is a custom version......


..... of the FTR223 a bike that is in production and sold in Japan.
http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy126/oengus1963/Galaxy%20Motorcyles/Honda20FTR223.jpg

[Oengus]

Different frame same engine.
http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy126/oengus1963/Galaxy%20Motorcyles/Honda_XL-230.jpg

They that being Honda also offer that engine on a CB223
http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy126/oengus1963/CYCLES/Honda/cb223s.jpg

[Oengus]

So here we go the CCW misfit is a bored out 200cc OHV engine and not the 223cc OHC engine…the result is what? Cheaper?
http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy126/oengus1963/CYCLES/CCW/misfit_web_009.png
http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy126/oengus1963/CYCLES/CCW/misfit_web_008.png
http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy126/oengus1963/CYCLES/CCW/misfit_web_001-1.png
http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy126/oengus1963/CYCLES/CCW/misfit_web_012.png
http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy126/oengus1963/CYCLES/CCW/misfit_web_001.png

It is a shame...that bike cried for the 223cc OHC engine and it didn't get it.
But it looks sweet though...

[Oengus]

Its a 167FMM engine a push-rod 229cc engine, the OHV that is often referred to as a 250cc.

I am not sure if that engine is unproven it is certainly mass produced….

I would rather have a 223cc OHC....

[Oengus]

Oh by the way CCW intends on importing the Qingqi 250cc for 2011.
http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy126/oengus1963/CYCLES/CCW/Hooligun.jpg

[Oengus]

The hard tail Bobber they sell also sports that 167FMM engine, and it is also being manufactured for CCW by Qingqi.
http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy126/oengus1963/CYCLES/CCW/ccwheistjustbike1.jpg

http://www.motor-rhon.com/New-products-chopper.htm

Actually a division of Qingqi as in Qingqi Rhon....they use that same engine the 167FMM in a sport bike.
http://www.motor-rhon.com/POCKET-BIKE-LH250PB.htm

http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy126/oengus1963/CYCLES/RHON/LH250PBmain.jpg

[Oengus]

But I heard that the northern Chinese do not make good bikes? Regional discrimination? Maybe just competitiveness? It is possible that the Qingqi facility in Ningbo is not or does not have the same quality control as those in Chongqing? But they all have the same potential and with inspection and process and design control they can theoretically all produces equal quality motorcycles.

[Oengus]

The only use of the 223cc engine that is marketed in the USA is this bike.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umAHF9u3owM

That I am aware of.

[Oengus]

But evidently Pitster Pro went with the more advanced Honda engine.
For a street/Off road bike.


http://shop.pitsterpro.com/images/products/detail/XTR250motard.gif

Which is basically a version of this bike.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3158/2807859901_d946621e78.jpg

With proper technical documentation and part support that is really a bargain at $1,800.00 but without that its intimidating, that being the purchase of one and delivered to your door.

Schematics online and also linked parts lists with prices and also a really well written and proof read English shop manual, would inspire confidence.

[SpudRider]

I can't imagine hitting 90 (nor would I try). Likely the best you can hope for is 65-70 mph.
X2. ;) I think the only 250cc motorcycle that can reach 90mph is the Kawasaki Nina. I seriously doubt anyone has ever reached 90 mph on a 200cc, Chinese motorcycle, even while riding downhill with a tailwind. ;)

Spud :)

[katoranger]

You caught my attention with the CCW bikes. 8O

[mkhatcher]

http://media.skateboard.com.au/forum/images/hijack2.gif
Haha, jk :lol:

[katoranger]

Back to our regularly schedule thread. Either find a Zong or buy a used ninja. The lifan is likely to leave you dissappointed.

[mkhatcher]

haha, I have changed my mind yet again to try another dual sport. but right now it is 27 outside so I wont be messing with a motorcycle for a while :(.

[mkhatcher]

Cool looking bike:
http://www.happyscooters.com/250cc-ninja-style-street-bikes-motorcycle-p-724.html
What do you think of this one:
http://www.happyscooters.com/Motorcycles-200cc-Ninja-Style-Street-Bike-p-338.html

[FastDoc]

Different frame same engine.
http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy126/oengus1963/Galaxy%20Motorcyles/Honda_XL-230.jpg

They that being Honda also offer that engine on a CB223
http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy126/oengus1963/CYCLES/Honda/cb223s.jpg

That black cafe racer is a ridiculously good looking bike. Imagine it with an XR400 motor!

[katoranger]

Cool looking bike:
http://www.happyscooters.com/250cc-ninja-style-street-bikes-motorcycle-p-724.html
What do you think of this one:
http://www.happyscooters.com/Motorcycles-200cc-Ninja-Style-Street-Bike-p-338.html

For $1700 I would find a nice used 250 ninja. Faster with little maintenance.

The second bike looks just like the lifan unit.

[mkhatcher]

I'm still lookin at the ninjas, but none have poped up around here that have less than 10,000 miles and are under $2,000

This bike is one of the best that come out of china (so I've heard). It looks great and is <$2,000. I really like the looks and it seems to be made by a decent manufacturer so give it a look

Jinlun JL250P:
http://www.mxmotorsports.us/Roketa-p/mc-113-250.htm
(it is not a roketa)