Howdy from SW FL, opinions wanted!

bradbusa · 01-09-2023, 04:47 PM

Hey guys, I'm Brad. Recently joined the forum as a lot of my google searches directed me here. Seems like i'm in the right place!

I am looking for recommendations on my next purchase. I'm not sure which direction I want to go for my next bike. I have narrowed it down to a minibike like the Lifan KP Mini, or an adventure/dual sport, like a hawk 250 dlx or similar.
I like the mini because it's light and I can tinker with it, but it's also larger cc's than a grom or clone.
I also like the idea of being able to go off road but the reality is I mostly just commute or ride around in town. It's got to be road legal, so a dirt bike is out of the question. I know a hawk 250 is going to be more capable, but i've seen plenty of mini bikes that can also play in the dirt/grass/gravel etc. I live in Florida, so we don't really have any hills here. I would ride it on the street most often probably, and would like to be able to do 70ish mph after modifying.

Of the 2 categories, have I narrowed it down to the best of the Chinese offerings? Whichever I end up with I would plan to modify for more power, maybe a big bore kit and tune the carb, etc. I appreciate all responses and am open to any suggestions y'all may have!
Forgot to mention, i'm 6'1" and about 170

Thanks,
Brad

herbie · 01-09-2023, 05:09 PM

Hello Brad, I think the Kp mini is a cool bike and would be a fun bike to have. I'm 6' 1" and 175 so I'm pretty close to your size and I would be afraid the mini would be too small but I've never tried one either though. But I would think the Lifan KPX 250 would serve you well. it's tall enough and with 20hp would give you the ability to ride at 70ish. It's fuel injected too which is a plus. And of course it has Lifan quality. Check out venommotorsportsusa.com they have several different bikes to choose from and they are a good dealer. And welcome to here!

Thumper · 01-09-2023, 05:13 PM

Welcome to the forum!

If you are looking for 70mph AND ability to do some low speed "off road" stuff, you will need a 6 speed, and compromised gearing (not ideal for either one). And you'll be topped out on rpm on the road, and/or lugging in 1st gear off road. You can decide which angle is more inportant to you and "sprocket up" accordingly

True 250 (249cc bikes) that make 20hp are out there, but they are not replica racers, Grom clones, etc. They are dual purpose bikes. This holds true unless you are willing to pay more.

You did not mention budget. A KP200 road racer (6 speed) will cost you ~$2400 plus shipping, but won't be useful at all in dirt. A Lifan Xpect 200 will cost less ($1800 plus shipping), but will be weak on the highway. Templars and Templar M keep selling out because they have the 20hp engine. They come with knobbies but can be converted to dual purpose tires easily enough, and the extra 5hp will give you more useful performance on the highway. But these are 5 speeds. The Templar X (6 speed) is now $1900 plus shipping, but you can register and plate it (most people have). DOT knobbies are standard. Wear them out for smoother road duty and passable gravel duty

Pony up another thou and get a Lifan KPX250 for EFI and enough power (and 6 gears).

Well, these are some choices.

**JerryHawk250** · 01-09-2023, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thumper

Welcome to the forum!

If you are looking for 70mph AND ability to do some low speed "off road" stuff, you will need a 6 speed, and compromised gearing (not ideal for either one). And you'll be topped out on rpm on the road, and/or lugging in 1st gear off road. You can decide which angle is more inportant to you and "sprocket up" accordingly

True 250 (249cc bikes) that make 20hp are out there, but they are not replica racers, Grom clones, etc. They are dual purpose bikes. This holds true unless you are willing to pay more.

You did not mention budget. A KP200 road racer (6 speed) will cost you ~$2400 plus shipping, but won't be useful at all in dirt. A Lifan Xpect 200 will cost less ($1800 plus shipping), but will be weak on the highway. Templars and Templar M keep selling out because they have the 20hp engine. They come with knobbies but can be converted to dual purpose tires easily enough, and the extra 5hp will give you more useful performance on the highway. But these are 5 speeds. The Templar X (6 speed) is now $1900 plus shipping, but you can register and plate it (most people have). DOT knobbies are standard. Wear them out for smoother road duty and passable gravel duty

Pony up another thou and get a Lifan KPX250 for EFI and enough power (and 6 gears).

Well, these are some choices.

What he said. lol I'm kind of bias and would go with the KPX250

All the bike mentioned above would be a good choice.

bradbusa · 01-19-2023, 12:46 PM

Hey guys, I appreciate all the responses you gave. I've decided my fascination with mini bikes just won't be practical for what I want to be able to do with it.
Somehow I find myself debating between two totally different types of bikes again. This time it's between the kpx250, and a tw200. I think I know the answer to this, the kpx seems to be a better all arounder, and the TW probably more geared towards trail riding and off road. Between the two, which one would be best off road? Is there any real advantage to that fat rear tire on the TW200? I know it wouldn't be as good on the road. i'm basically at sea level here in southwest florida, and most of the off road terrain is sand/mud and maybe some grassy/wooded areas.

Thanks,
Brad

Sport Rider · 01-19-2023, 02:57 PM

to me, the TW200 is too one-dimensional.

**JerryHawk250** · 01-19-2023, 03:11 PM

The KPX is much better for the road.

bradbusa · 01-19-2023, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JerryHawk250

The KPX is much better for the road.

I figured as much considering the extra power, and 6th gear. Is venom powersports the preferred vendor?
I really want to like the TW considering it's approachability and just general quirkiness, but I recognize it just isn't as good. Maybe if all I needed it for was off-road...maybe one day

Is there any tuning potential with the kpx250 for more power?

Thanks again,
Brad

**JerryHawk250** · 01-19-2023, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bradbusa

I figured as much considering the extra power, and 6th gear. Is venom powersports the preferred vendor?
I really want to like the TW considering it's approachability and just general quirkiness, but I recognize it just isn't as good. Maybe if all I needed it for was off-road...maybe one day

Is there any tuning potential with the kpx250 for more power?

Thanks again,
Brad

Venommotorsports would be the dealer I would go with. Probably one of the best out there. I don't know of any tuning software yet for the KPX. The bike runs great as is. It's a fairly new bike and engine. I'm sure someone will figure out the tuning.

Sport Rider · 01-20-2023, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JerryHawk250

Venommotorsports would be the dealer I would go with. Probably one of the best out there. I don't know of any tuning software yet for the KPX. The bike runs great as is. It's a fairly new bike and engine. I'm sure someone will figure out the tuning.

yeah...500 bucks for air intake, exhaust and tuning to get 2 extra HP should be worth it, right?

porting the heads is free too!

**JerryHawk250** · 01-20-2023, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sport Rider

yeah...500 bucks for air intake, exhaust and tuning to get 2 extra HP should be worth it, right?

porting the heads is free too!

Believe me, porting has crossed my mind. I need to take off the exhaust and intake to see if it is needed.

bradbusa · 01-20-2023, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sport Rider

yeah...500 bucks for air intake, exhaust and tuning to get 2 extra HP should be worth it, right?

porting the heads is free too!

I know you’re joking but 2 hp is a lot when the engine is only making 20 to begin with.. thats a 10% improvement!

Sport Rider · 01-23-2023, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bradbusa

I know you’re joking but 2 hp is a lot when the engine is only making 20 to begin with.. thats a 10% improvement!

yeah, but the reality is that it's not going to be significant. If you're worried about power, find something in the 300 category. Better yet, 400. but of course, prices are higher, so that's the tradeoff. These things will never be fast no matter what you do to them. Your best bet is to accept them for what they can do and don't try to make them do something they aren't comfortable doing. learned from experience.

bradbusa · 01-24-2023, 10:56 AM

Ya I agree with you. I've owned plenty of way too fast bikes over the years and honestly that's one of the things that attracts me to bikes like these. I'm not trying to prove anything to anyone, and always wanted to be able to hop off the pavement and make my own trail. The kpx seems more than capable to go just about anywhere one desires.
I've seen bikes like tw200 or even the new honda trail125 be pretty capable off road and they're certainly not setting any HP records.

IdahoRider · 01-24-2023, 12:49 PM

I have a KPX and it's a great bike but if I was in your location, I would probably choose the KPM 200. A little lower price (at least from Powersportsmax), lower seat height, even better mileage, and probably more comfortable at higher speeds. I've only gotten to 60 mph once and only for a short distance as it wasn't fun at that speed. And if you really want to spend more time offroad you can make it a scrambler.

01-09-2023, 04:47 PM	#1
bradbusa Join Date: Jan 2023 Location: Ft Myers Florida Posts: 15	Howdy from SW FL, opinions wanted! Hey guys, I'm Brad. Recently joined the forum as a lot of my google searches directed me here. Seems like i'm in the right place! I am looking for recommendations on my next purchase. I'm not sure which direction I want to go for my next bike. I have narrowed it down to a minibike like the Lifan KP Mini, or an adventure/dual sport, like a hawk 250 dlx or similar. I like the mini because it's light and I can tinker with it, but it's also larger cc's than a grom or clone. I also like the idea of being able to go off road but the reality is I mostly just commute or ride around in town. It's got to be road legal, so a dirt bike is out of the question. I know a hawk 250 is going to be more capable, but i've seen plenty of mini bikes that can also play in the dirt/grass/gravel etc. I live in Florida, so we don't really have any hills here. I would ride it on the street most often probably, and would like to be able to do 70ish mph after modifying. Of the 2 categories, have I narrowed it down to the best of the Chinese offerings? Whichever I end up with I would plan to modify for more power, maybe a big bore kit and tune the carb, etc. I appreciate all responses and am open to any suggestions y'all may have! Forgot to mention, i'm 6'1" and about 170 Thanks, Brad
	1

01-09-2023, 05:09 PM	#2
herbie Join Date: May 2019 Location: Illinois Posts: 864	Hello Brad, I think the Kp mini is a cool bike and would be a fun bike to have. I'm 6' 1" and 175 so I'm pretty close to your size and I would be afraid the mini would be too small but I've never tried one either though. But I would think the Lifan KPX 250 would serve you well. it's tall enough and with 20hp would give you the ability to ride at 70ish. It's fuel injected too which is a plus. And of course it has Lifan quality. Check out venommotorsportsusa.com they have several different bikes to choose from and they are a good dealer. And welcome to here! __________________ 2022 Venom KPR 200 Red- the fastest color 16t and 46t sprockets, NGK Iridium CPR8EAIX-9, aftermarket full exhaust system. Top speed 81GPS 2023 Venom SS3 KP mini 150– Nibbi carb, Nibbi air filter, aftermarket muffler, decat 2022 Venom Ghost chopper 250 1997 Honda GL1500 Goldwing 1978 Kawasaki KL250 https://youtube.com/@herbiesgarage681
	1

01-19-2023, 03:11 PM	#7
JerryHawk250 Moderator Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Houma, La. Posts: 11,585	The KPX is much better for the road. __________________ 2023 Lifan Lycan 250 Chopper 2023 Venom Evader 2022 Lifan KPX250 2020 Kawasaki Vulcan S (Sold) 2004 Honda ST 1300 2016 Black Hawk 250 (sold) Keihin PE30 carb,125 main,38 slow.Pod filter,ported & decked head 10:1 CR,Direct Ignition Coil,15/40Sprockets,NGK DPR8EIX-9,De-Cat,Dual Oil Cooler,Digital Cluster 2016 Cazador180 XL 2014 Coolster150 JerryHawk250.com My YouTube Channel
	0

01-24-2023, 12:49 PM	#15
IdahoRider Join Date: Aug 2022 Posts: 175	I have a KPX and it's a great bike but if I was in your location, I would probably choose the KPM 200. A little lower price (at least from Powersportsmax), lower seat height, even better mileage, and probably more comfortable at higher speeds. I've only gotten to 60 mph once and only for a short distance as it wasn't fun at that speed. And if you really want to spend more time offroad you can make it a scrambler. __________________ 2022 Lifan KPX 250
	0

01-09-2023, 05:13 PM	#3
Thumper Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Kansas City Posts: 2,406	Welcome to the forum! If you are looking for 70mph AND ability to do some low speed "off road" stuff, you will need a 6 speed, and compromised gearing (not ideal for either one). And you'll be topped out on rpm on the road, and/or lugging in 1st gear off road. You can decide which angle is more inportant to you and "sprocket up" accordingly True 250 (249cc bikes) that make 20hp are out there, but they are not replica racers, Grom clones, etc. They are dual purpose bikes. This holds true unless you are willing to pay more. You did not mention budget. A KP200 road racer (6 speed) will cost you ~$2400 plus shipping, but won't be useful at all in dirt. A Lifan Xpect 200 will cost less ($1800 plus shipping), but will be weak on the highway. Templars and Templar M keep selling out because they have the 20hp engine. They come with knobbies but can be converted to dual purpose tires easily enough, and the extra 5hp will give you more useful performance on the highway. But these are 5 speeds. The Templar X (6 speed) is now $1900 plus shipping, but you can register and plate it (most people have). DOT knobbies are standard. Wear them out for smoother road duty and passable gravel duty Pony up another thou and get a Lifan KPX250 for EFI and enough power (and 6 gears). Well, these are some choices.
	3

01-19-2023, 12:46 PM	#5
bradbusa Join Date: Jan 2023 Location: Ft Myers Florida Posts: 15	Hey guys, I appreciate all the responses you gave. I've decided my fascination with mini bikes just won't be practical for what I want to be able to do with it. Somehow I find myself debating between two totally different types of bikes again. This time it's between the kpx250, and a tw200. I think I know the answer to this, the kpx seems to be a better all arounder, and the TW probably more geared towards trail riding and off road. Between the two, which one would be best off road? Is there any real advantage to that fat rear tire on the TW200? I know it wouldn't be as good on the road. i'm basically at sea level here in southwest florida, and most of the off road terrain is sand/mud and maybe some grassy/wooded areas. Thanks, Brad
	0

01-19-2023, 02:57 PM	#6
Sport Rider Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Mooresville NC Posts: 2,050	to me, the TW200 is too one-dimensional.
	0

01-24-2023, 10:56 AM	#14
bradbusa Join Date: Jan 2023 Location: Ft Myers Florida Posts: 15	Ya I agree with you. I've owned plenty of way too fast bikes over the years and honestly that's one of the things that attracts me to bikes like these. I'm not trying to prove anything to anyone, and always wanted to be able to hop off the pavement and make my own trail. The kpx seems more than capable to go just about anywhere one desires. I've seen bikes like tw200 or even the new honda trail125 be pretty capable off road and they're certainly not setting any HP records.
	0