Curious newbie

[Matt167]

I’m looking for a cheap commuter bike as my commute to work is going to get a a bit longer soon. I had a V star 250 but I just never rode it much. Sounded and rode great but wasn’t light and nimble like I really wanted, I sold it after I just decided I didn’t want it anymore.

What model is best for a commuter? I know I want a so called 250. But what is main difference between a Hawk and a Titan? Do they have the same engine? How are the other brands in comparison? Hawk and X pro seem to be what is generally thrown around

[Zapkin]

Go Lifan. They appear to be the best out of the box, but if you can turn a wrench then look around on here more before making your decision...there are a lot of good options. I chose the Lifan X-pect because I have experience with the engine and I have faith in Lifan. Hawks seem to have tons and tons of super cheap parts and for a tinkerer that has to be golden. that being said, i am a newbie here so ask around and check the pinned threads.

[Matt167]

So the X pect 250 is basically comparable to a Hawk 250 DLX EFI at a few hundred cheaper? And it’s a better bike?

[Oldenslow]

Personally, I'd want a bit more information about the nature of your commute before suggesting a bike. A 50CC moped might be sufficient, or a 250 might not be enough bike, depending on the commute.

[Matt167]

Originally Posted by Oldenslow

Personally, I'd want a bit more information about the nature of your commute before suggesting a bike. A 50CC moped might be sufficient, or a 250 might not be enough bike, depending on the commute.

1hr ride time at 55-60 mph. Just main roads, no interstate

[olds_cool63]

Well..the Lifan X-Pect is actually a 200cc, but quality can't be beat. Lifan also has the KPX 250.

[Thumper]

Originally Posted by Matt167

...
What model is best for a commuter? I know I want a so called 250. But what is main difference between a Hawk and a Titan? Do they have the same engine? How are the other brands in comparison? Hawk and X pro seem to be what is generally thrown around

My recommendation is to get a bike with a 249cc ZS172-FMM. The 230cc pushrod engines are dependable like sunrise, but they make just 14hp. The OHC 249cc engine is no powerhouse, but the difference between 14 and 20 is substantial when dragging a human being around, even on 2 lane roads.

So what are your options for the 20hp bike? There are two bargain models. The first is the Templar M, which is an enduro, but priced similar to those CG clones with the 230cc engine. I actually own a Bashan Storm (Bashan also makes the Recon and Brozz) with this smaller engine, and I love it, but only off road.

Want adjustable suspension (both front and rear)? Look into the Templar X, which adds a 6th gear with a counterbalanced engine too. This bike is carbed, like most of the others you are looking at.

Want to add EFI? Well, it is certainly convenient, but you are adding a fuel pump, sensors, and throttle body along with a fuel metering computer. Most people do OK with this, but don't discount the possibility of EFI system failure (which can be as simple as a failed "something", but you will need to troubleshoot).

The best true 250 (172FMM type 20 hp engine) with EFI is the Lifan KPX250. This is another tall enduro scaled bike, but no carburetor.

Any of these true 249cc bikes will get you there more comfortably than the smaller 167FMM platforms. The Templars are equipped with DOT approved knobbies. The Lifan KPX comes with 70-80% oriented road tires ("dual sport"). You can do some research and ask people here how trailworthy the dual sport tires are.

[Thumper]

By the way, here is a recent purchase, Templar X post:
https://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=32547

[Matt167]

Hmm that Templar M is pretty interesting. A carb doesn’t bother me. My V star 250 was 21 hp, but was a 249cc v twin so power was smooth. The bike was just shy of 400# tho.

[JerryHawk250]

I own both the Hawk and the KPX250 and have also owned a Route 66 (V Star 250). The KPX250 is definitely a much better bike all around, especially for commuting. The KPX is ready to ride without any mods right out the crate. Don't get me wrong, The Hawk is a good bike but is more setup for back road riding and trail riding. It will take some tinkering and mods to get it reliable. I've been having my Hawk for about 9 years and has never let me down. It's just not set up for high speed highway use. The KPX will do well over 70mph as is. As mentioned here before the Templar is anther good choice but will need a few mods like sprocket changes and street friendly tires to get it up to speed for highway use.

[Thumper]

Matt, For taller bikes like Templars and Lifan KPX, you can mount them while still on the kickstand, by simply placing your left foot on the peg, then stand up and throw the right leg over. Most of us have learned how to do that to deal with the height.

If once you are on the bike you still need to lower the bike, the Templars can be dropped over 3" (threads here show how). KPX is already on the lowered position. You may also be able to replace the rear shock on any of these, but no examples of that here in this forum yet for these bikes.

[Matt167]

What about parts availability? I used to daily drive a JDM kei truck and later a kei suv and parts were tricky to obtain cheap but easy to obtain expensive.

I think the Templar M is on my radar mostly due to its cost being 1/2 of a KPX or thereabouts. If I can tinker and iron out the rough edges it may have I’m sure it will be good

[Thumper]

Originally Posted by Matt167

What about parts availability? I used to daily drive a JDM kei truck and later a kei suv and parts were tricky to obtain cheap but easy to obtain expensive.

I think the Templar M is on my radar mostly due to its cost being 1/2 of a KPX or thereabouts. If I can tinker and iron out the rough edges it may have I’m sure it will be good

Matt, For the most part, the sizes are universal (commonly used dimensions) for things like new controls (handlebar size), tires, accessories. The Zongshen engines are going into all sorts of motorcycles and ATVs, so things like replacing a coil, voltage regulator/rectifier, starter solenoid is easy with broad compatibility and they are NOT expensive to buy. In fact, they are low priced.

When there is ambiguity in size/compatibility of parts on Amazon or AliExpress, consult here on this website. This is a good place to find out what fits/works.

[Matt167]

Before I go for it. Can anyone confirm the Templar is good to go in NY?