American Lifan LF250-B parts question

T · 05-07-2012, 12:02 AM

Hey everyone,

I just got my bike, but I've got a question about it. The bike is supposedly an exact clone of the Yamaha Virago 250, and I've been wondering how interchangeable parts are?

Any info on this would be greatly appreciated. I have nothing wrong with my bike at the moment, but knowing how interchangeable parts are (if at all) would be helpful for when something DOES go wrong and I need to replace something.

Weldangrind · 05-07-2012, 01:30 AM

I don't have any experience with your bike, but some pics might help. Perhaps we can identify whether the engine is a Yamaha or Honda clone. It wouldn't be the first time that a Honda clone engine was placed in a Yamaha clone frame.

T · 05-07-2012, 05:16 PM

As requested, here are two pics of the engine, one of each side. Interestingly enough, when I went this morning to get a spare key cut for it, they used a blank for a Honda motorcycle. Dunno if that's indicative of anything, but it fit like a glove when I tested it out.

Weldangrind · 05-07-2012, 05:18 PM

Hmm... A little internet research is in order. That clutch linkage sure looks like a Yamaha design, as does the left side cover.

Weldangrind · 05-07-2012, 05:21 PM

The right side cover looks just like a 250 Virago. Note the starter, sight glass and dipstick locations.

Weldangrind · 05-07-2012, 05:27 PM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamaha_XV250

T · 05-07-2012, 05:33 PM

I see what you mean. I had read in more than one place online that the LF250-B was a clone of the Virago, but I wanted to ask around here and see if anyone had some insight into it.

I suppose if/when something on it breaks, I can always take it to a Yamaha dealer and ask them if they could check to see if the parts would fit. If it really is an exact clone, then it should be really easy to find replacement parts. If not, well, that's what the internet is for.

SpudRider · 05-08-2012, 02:16 AM

I will admit, I don't know much about your bike. However, I wouldn't be surprised if your engine is an exact clone of the Yamaha engine.

The engine in my Zongshen 200GY-2 is virtually an exact clone of the Yamaha XT200 engine, or the Yamaha TW200 engine, with a shorter countershaft.

Spud

05-07-2012, 12:02 AM	#1
T Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 10	American Lifan LF250-B parts question Hey everyone, I just got my bike, but I've got a question about it. The bike is supposedly an exact clone of the Yamaha Virago 250, and I've been wondering how interchangeable parts are? Any info on this would be greatly appreciated. I have nothing wrong with my bike at the moment, but knowing how interchangeable parts are (if at all) would be helpful for when something DOES go wrong and I need to replace something.
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05-07-2012, 01:30 AM	#2
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	I don't have any experience with your bike, but some pics might help. Perhaps we can identify whether the engine is a Yamaha or Honda clone. It wouldn't be the first time that a Honda clone engine was placed in a Yamaha clone frame. __________________ Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer
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05-07-2012, 05:18 PM	#4
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	Hmm... A little internet research is in order. That clutch linkage sure looks like a Yamaha design, as does the left side cover. __________________ Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer
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05-07-2012, 05:21 PM	#5
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	The right side cover looks just like a 250 Virago. Note the starter, sight glass and dipstick locations. __________________ Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer
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05-07-2012, 05:27 PM	#6
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamaha_XV250 __________________ Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer
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05-07-2012, 05:16 PM	#3
T Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 10	As requested, here are two pics of the engine, one of each side. Interestingly enough, when I went this morning to get a spare key cut for it, they used a blank for a Honda motorcycle. Dunno if that's indicative of anything, but it fit like a glove when I tested it out.
	0

05-07-2012, 05:33 PM	#7
T Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 10	I see what you mean. I had read in more than one place online that the LF250-B was a clone of the Virago, but I wanted to ask around here and see if anyone had some insight into it. I suppose if/when something on it breaks, I can always take it to a Yamaha dealer and ask them if they could check to see if the parts would fit. If it really is an exact clone, then it should be really easy to find replacement parts. If not, well, that's what the internet is for.
	0

05-08-2012, 02:16 AM	#8
SpudRider Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 25,054	I will admit, I don't know much about your bike. However, I wouldn't be surprised if your engine is an exact clone of the Yamaha engine. The engine in my Zongshen 200GY-2 is virtually an exact clone of the Yamaha XT200 engine, or the Yamaha TW200 engine, with a shorter countershaft. Spud __________________ Spud "Never argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level, and beat you with experience." Mark Twain 2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) 2006 Zongshen ZS200GY-2 (Sierra 200) 2005 Honda XR650L 2004 Honda CRF250X 1998 Kawasaki KDX220 Mods made to my Zongshen ZS200GY-2: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=6894
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