02-28-2021, 03:36 PM | #1 |
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 91
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Lifan KPM200 and hills
So I am debating between a Lifan KPM200 and a Royal Enfield Himalayan. I currently have a CRF250L that is decked out for dual sport. If I go with the RE, I will need to sell the CRF. If I go with the Lifan I will keep the CRF, which is what I would prefer.
I have a 15 mile commute that I would use it for and I would like to make occasional trips to visit family a couple of hours away. I know that the KPM is small displacement, which I'm a big fan of. I've read enough to know that I should be fine on the 65 MPH two lane roads I'll be traveling. What I am hoping to find out is how it does on hills. The route to visit my folks can be pretty hilly and while I don't expect it to hold 75 going up hill, I want to know if I'm going to get squashed on hills because it can't keep up at all. The hills are mostly a mile or shorter, so if I need to wind it out a bit, I can. I'm not opposed to re-gearing but I don't want to lose a ton of top speed to gain the torque needed. Am I in a pipedream to think the little 200 could handle this? I don't want to be in danger on the road due to lack of speed, but I LOVE small displacement bikes so prefer the 200 over the 400 in the RE. FWIW I am an experienced and cautious rider. I've had more than 20 different bikes through the years, many small displacement so I have a decent idea of what I'm getting into with this. Just want as much info as possible. Thanks! Last edited by Coloradogoose; 02-28-2021 at 05:17 PM. Reason: Fix title |
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02-28-2021, 04:54 PM | #2 |
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Yuma, Arizona
Posts: 9,054
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Not because I am a fan of Lifan, and really like the look of the KPM, but I do suggest it simply because by doing so, you will keep your dual-sport bike, and have the best of both worlds. The RE is probably not a great dual-sport bike, but will be a good highway cruiser for you (which I am guessing so will the KPM). However, you could get rid of the CRF, buy the RE, and later on buy a low-cost Chinese dual-sport of most any brand.
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02-28-2021, 05:33 PM | #3 | |
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 91
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02-28-2021, 08:10 PM | #5 |
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 91
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Great question. I should have explained that more. My CRF is geared down for dirt riding and rolls with the knobbiest DOT tires I could find. It'll hold 65 OK but it's buzzy and is pretty wound out at that speed because of how low I geared it. I'm fortunate to live a few miles of pavement away from hundreds of miles of dirt roads and singletrack. The addition of a bike is so I can avoid changing around my CRF for commuting or road trips. The Dual Sportish rides I do are either close, or I trailer to them to avoid all the pavement.
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03-01-2021, 07:14 PM | #6 | |
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Yuma, Arizona
Posts: 9,054
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Quote:
They have one or two other KPM videos and a couple KP200 videos with a couple videos of both bikes riding around including the top speed run.
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"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 |
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03-05-2021, 01:43 PM | #7 | |
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 91
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03-06-2021, 05:16 PM | #8 |
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Savannah, Ga
Posts: 760
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I can confirm a 65mph top speed on my gps on my bike. 73 while drafting. 78 max. But, I'm currently 250 lbs. Also, my bike has been modified with an exhaust. The speedo shows about 5-4 mph faster than actual speed.
I drop about 5mph depending on the hill. |
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03-06-2021, 08:55 PM | #9 | |
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Yuma, Arizona
Posts: 9,054
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Quote:
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"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 |
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03-30-2021, 09:22 PM | #11 |
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 91
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That's helpful to know. It sounds a little better than I expected, so I'll take it. Coincidentally, my KPM200 arrived today! Just have to get the time to build it and I'm all set.
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03-30-2021, 11:08 PM | #12 |
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Yuma, Arizona
Posts: 9,054
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Congratulations!!
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"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 |
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