Are all China bikes the same??

WhichFkn'BikesBest · 11-05-2020, 05:50 PM

Hi all. Just doing what most did I'm sure initially. The Tt250, the Lifan, the Hawk DLX, Orion, or standard Hawk? The Lifan is only 200cc so less power than the others? But only that one and the DLX are fuel injected, so shorter warm up time? I'm not super mechanically inclined but want to get into this to learn and have support. O just want honest real life experience to compare some of these. No where near me stocks them and no one I know owns a Chinese bike. Looking for mostly quality, what are your thoughts? Thanks.

PhildoScaggins · 11-06-2020, 11:09 AM

Quality and support is the tt250 for sure. they have videos on how to do all maintenance, send parts quickly, and stand by their product. you pay a bit more but it is worth it.

TxTaoRider · 11-06-2020, 12:34 PM

I avoided the fuel injected chinese bikes for a couple reasons. 1 I figured id be modifying my bike and most FI systems need to be remapped to adjust for that, and since it's new I doubt there was going to be much in the way of programmers. And 2, I really don't trust the quality of chinese stuff that may leave me stranded. I've already heard of fuel pump failures... Who needs that hassle?

WhichFkn'BikesBest · 11-08-2020, 11:53 AM

Thanks for the feedback. I was pretty set on EFI up until I realized that I have no idea how to work on one and am unable to find a replacement online to even price them out. I'm thinking for the money, the standard Hawk is the way to go since I am willing to put the wrench time in. I honestly prefer the TT250 based off reviews of service, but $1400 vs $2700 is a hard pill to swallow, that's a lot of mod dollars.

culcune · 11-08-2020, 01:51 PM

Welcome! I JUST went on a ride yesterday with a group out in the AZ desert. I borrowed member Emerikol's 2015 Hawk 250. He did a few mods including: he re-jetted the stock carb, put on an aftermarket exhaust, and re-geared the front and back sprockets to 17/39. That thing did 34 miles from his house to the ride starting point on pavement and had no trouble staying with slower traffic (60-65 mph) on I-10 through Phoenix and the 303 freeway. The ONLY 'complaint' I could find the entire day was with the gearing on dirt. But that is just me being picky, and has nothing to do with how your bike will arrive as stock if you choose one.

The TT250 would be a great bike out of the box, but arguably change the rear sprocket from the 50 to at least a 44 or 45 (the countersprocket is 17 stock).

The Lifan's 'only' 200 is actually enough. Lifan has a good reputation, and that has been since they had the very popular at the time, the mid-2000s Lifan LF200GY-5. However, unlike the TT250, Hawk 250, and Hawk DLX, the X-Pect comes with standard forks and a rear drum which is a deal-killer for some. But I am intrigued by the bike in spite of its 'shortcomings' and appreciate the fact that it will hit just under 70 mph stock, or a bit over that by changing the stock front sprocket from 15 to 17 (stock rear is 46). For me, the Lifan would be my choice simply because of its utility as a daily commuter.

7RC · 11-08-2020, 06:11 PM

I'm interested in Lifan, but cannot find any aftermarket parts for repairing or updating the EFI.

11-05-2020, 05:50 PM	#1
WhichFkn'BikesBest Join Date: Nov 2020 Posts: 7	Are all China bikes the same?? Hi all. Just doing what most did I'm sure initially. The Tt250, the Lifan, the Hawk DLX, Orion, or standard Hawk? The Lifan is only 200cc so less power than the others? But only that one and the DLX are fuel injected, so shorter warm up time? I'm not super mechanically inclined but want to get into this to learn and have support. O just want honest real life experience to compare some of these. No where near me stocks them and no one I know owns a Chinese bike. Looking for mostly quality, what are your thoughts? Thanks.
	1

11-06-2020, 12:34 PM	#3
TxTaoRider Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Flower Mound Texas Posts: 904	I avoided the fuel injected chinese bikes for a couple reasons. 1 I figured id be modifying my bike and most FI systems need to be remapped to adjust for that, and since it's new I doubt there was going to be much in the way of programmers. And 2, I really don't trust the quality of chinese stuff that may leave me stranded. I've already heard of fuel pump failures... Who needs that hassle? __________________ 2021 Tao Tbr7 - "Lucille" Mods so far- Brozz swingarm, 21" front rim (Bridgestone Tw302 rear/Dunlop D606 front tires), Digital gauge cluster, pz30b pumper carb, after market hand guards, aftermarket brake and clutch levers, round fold away mirrors, Fly handlebars shortened slightly, 13t front sprocket 2009 Q-link Legacy 250 1982 Suzuki GS1100ES - "Jolene"
	1

11-08-2020, 01:51 PM	#5
culcune Join Date: May 2006 Location: Yuma, Arizona Posts: 9,035	Welcome! I JUST went on a ride yesterday with a group out in the AZ desert. I borrowed member Emerikol's 2015 Hawk 250. He did a few mods including: he re-jetted the stock carb, put on an aftermarket exhaust, and re-geared the front and back sprockets to 17/39. That thing did 34 miles from his house to the ride starting point on pavement and had no trouble staying with slower traffic (60-65 mph) on I-10 through Phoenix and the 303 freeway. The ONLY 'complaint' I could find the entire day was with the gearing on dirt. But that is just me being picky, and has nothing to do with how your bike will arrive as stock if you choose one. The TT250 would be a great bike out of the box, but arguably change the rear sprocket from the 50 to at least a 44 or 45 (the countersprocket is 17 stock). The Lifan's 'only' 200 is actually enough. Lifan has a good reputation, and that has been since they had the very popular at the time, the mid-2000s Lifan LF200GY-5. However, unlike the TT250, Hawk 250, and Hawk DLX, the X-Pect comes with standard forks and a rear drum which is a deal-killer for some. But I am intrigued by the bike in spite of its 'shortcomings' and appreciate the fact that it will hit just under 70 mph stock, or a bit over that by changing the stock front sprocket from 15 to 17 (stock rear is 46). For me, the Lifan would be my choice simply because of its utility as a daily commuter. __________________ "They say that life's a carousel, spinning fast you got to ride it well..." TGB Delivery Scooter 150 TMEC 200 Enduro--carcass is sadly rotting in the backyard
	1

11-06-2020, 11:09 AM	#2
PhildoScaggins Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Woods, Maine Posts: 247	Quality and support is the tt250 for sure. they have videos on how to do all maintenance, send parts quickly, and stand by their product. you pay a bit more but it is worth it.
	0

11-08-2020, 11:53 AM	#4
WhichFkn'BikesBest Join Date: Nov 2020 Posts: 7	Thanks for the feedback. I was pretty set on EFI up until I realized that I have no idea how to work on one and am unable to find a replacement online to even price them out. I'm thinking for the money, the standard Hawk is the way to go since I am willing to put the wrench time in. I honestly prefer the TT250 based off reviews of service, but $1400 vs $2700 is a hard pill to swallow, that's a lot of mod dollars.
	1

11-08-2020, 06:11 PM	#6
7RC Join Date: Oct 2020 Posts: 5	I'm interested in Lifan, but cannot find any aftermarket parts for repairing or updating the EFI.
	0