NEWBIE Do I get a Lifan 200gy or a Hi-bird/Komoto 250?

[raphaelrjr]

Hey everyone,

looking to buy a bike. Need to know what you all think of these options:

250cc Hi-Bird Enduro $1179 at vbikes.us
250cc Hi-Bird $1299 on ebay (with rear disc brake and inverted forks) anamcycles
200cc Hi-Bird $1099 on ebay

200cc lifan gy $1425 at motoxtreme.com
200cc lifan gy $1300 at hooperimports.com
200cc lifan gy $850 -- used 2004 500 miles bought off ebay from someplace in ohio

Which would you get??
I'm looking to maybe do a little commuting with it too. Is the power difference between the 200 and 250 worth the price difference? How much more power is it?

Thanks!

Raphael

[maf119l]

Since you posted that you intend to do some commuting make sure the one's you are interested in can be registured in your state or province. Don't know where your at.I have the lifan gy-5 and have no problem with power even carring my 330 lbs at 60-65 mph.It's stock.Only changes were to move the c-clip to it's lowest setting.

[culcune]

Personally, for commuting, I would go with the used bike if I could get the price down a bit--it's already been worked in. Member 'usmc_mustang' made a good point with these bikes to me before that once they're worked in correctly, they will run forever.

However, the new 250 Hi-Bird or Komoto (same bike btw) are fast becoming popular here, and proving themselves reliable. It would be worth considering the extra $$ for the 250--this is provided you or a good friend (or both) are fairly competent with bike mechanics.

Like Maf1191 said, make sure you can register the bike, too as some places are slighly more difficult than others to do registration yourself.

[iMoose]

I recommend the 250. Simply because it's bigger. All of the "mods" people are doing can be done to the larger bike too.
"MORE POWER!", is what you will start chanting in your sleep a month after you purchase either size.

And the 250's all seem to be the same. Three variations of the same.
The 200's can be one variant of what seems like 50 combinations and names.

But remember, as soon as you get it, somebody will come out with a 350 that only costs $300 more. I keep hearing rumors of a 400 coming UNDER $2k the end of summer. An example of how the interwebs can really screw your plans up.

I've been holding out for either the 300cc-up or one of those cool military-style bikes like Supersignet. And so far it's kinda been a tease for both!

[raphaelrjr]

Thanks for all the info. Does anybody know how much more power the 250's have compared to the lifan 200? Also what's the diff between the lifan 200 and the hi-bird 200? So many options! I'm in illinois so I think I should be able to register everything ok. Is hooperimports legit? Also which 250 would you all get? - the one with inverted forks or no..

[red2003]

I think the 250's have a few more horses. Probably only noticable in a long pull. I would buy which ever one you can afford, and you are assured it can be registered in your state. They are all good bikes if properly maintained.

[katoranger]

My personal pick from that list would be the 250 hibird. The vbike.us seller seems to be good and most have not had any issues with titles.

I would also give the used bike some consideration if you can get the seller down alittle more and if it already has a title then your golden.

The 250 has a few more hp.

Allen

[raphaelrjr]

well the guy selling the used one said he wouldn't go down any more. Don't get me wrong I also want to do some trail riding. I admit I'm no mechanic but with this website and a lot of studying I think I could figure everything out. I'm good at that at least. So are inverted or regular forks better?

[fatboy250]

Originally Posted by raphaelrjr

So are inverted or regular forks better?

I have both. The USD forks are over-rated for these bikes and harder to maintain. I would go with the traditional forks.

[katoranger]

Originally Posted by fatboy250

I have both. The USD forks are over-rated for these bikes and harder to maintain. I would go with the traditional forks.

Same opinion.

The USD forks look good and that is about it.

That is why I suggested the hibird 250 over the komoto one. The USD forks and the rear disc is not worth the extra money. The rear disc have been known to cause some agravation. It can be fixed, but why bother. The drum is old tech, but it works.

Allen

[Dragon]

I prefer the look of the traditional fork, and they are more durable than the inverted ones. I'm assembling a Hi-Bird from vbike(dot)us, and it is a lot more difficult than I imagined. I spent five hours alone last night installing the front wheel and the rear shock. At one point, the bike almost tip over. I think I was lucky neither I nor the bike got hurt.

[raphaelrjr]

So I just emailed vbikes and they said they are out of stock of the 250 with traditional forks... anyone know where else i can get one?

[kczukiman]

This is on ebay...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Other...7670QQtcZphoto

[Dragon]

Wow, I must have bought the very last one.

[raphaelrjr]

Thanks!