[Jasperously]

In motorcycle mathematics, one plus one is greater than two

 

[Mike USMC]

The correct number of bikes is one more than you have. Wife tested out my XR150L. May by another one. Her normal ride is a 2016 Harley Softail Slim 103.

 

[Mike USMC]

I've worked on well over a dozen. yes, i did own one, very briefly. I've ridden a few here and there. as said, the motors are good if taken care of. all the secondary stuff falls apart. the bolts are poor quality, and after a few years just freeze into eh threaded holes and usually strip or break off. the rubber parts tend to deteriorate VERY fast, within 2-3 years it's noticeable especially if they are outside. wheel bearing failures, hanging calipers, rust, electrical glitches (coils failing/igniter boxes/switch corrosion).

How you may ask? well, my only real hobby is my bikes, and i work on them and build/modify them a lot. I'll highlight some of that to show im not just a keyboard warrior.
My neighbors come by and have these for their kids, or themselves and ask if i can help, so sure, i do what i can if they ask. I'm 'that guy' in the area. The one lifan i had I actually bought for like 150 bucks and it was just..rough. it was only a few yrs old. I'm also close to the local shops and have a good relationship with them, and will occasionally help with any vintage stuff that rolls in, so i do spend some limited time in the repair areas and see these things in for service time and again.

Then, this is what i do at home, just so you don't think I'm blowing smoke. Yes, i have the most supportive wife in the world, especially since i have 14 bikes currently on the road (not all are vintage )

my friend Matts 78 RD400E at my house being built:

below is a hand built 4130 frame i designed, and i do ALL my own work including crank rebuilds.

25 years ago at deals gap, (not mine) but a blown head gasket in #2 on this GT380 was causing issues, fixed in parking lot.

last week over lunch at work, made a waterneck from scratch on a manual bridgeport at work:

for this bike that i built in 2004 to re-route the coolant lines to a better config.

this is my 67 'throw away cheap japanese junk' bike, a Yamaha YL1E. 100cc twin. this bike at now 57 years old is built to a much higher quality std than any of the current low cost lifans, etc. aside from the seat and tires , chain, etc, its all original mechanically. Yes, i ride all my bikes on a regular basis.

so 'low cost' and 'cheaply made' are 2 very different things. all the stuff i have above is over 40 years old and was built 'low cost' but none was 'cheaply made' and the fact they have been around 40+ years shows the quality. The lack of value is really what im focusing on. You get your hands in enough mechanical items, it becomes very clear whats crap, and what isn't regardless of the costs.

to prove that point, here is a set of brand new RD350 cylinders being reproduced, in china, that are of low cost but very good quality that i put on my 72 yamaha:

this is the bike they are on. so, no 'bias' or 'racism' just assessment. If i trust those parts on THIS bike, that should be enough convincing.

I really just wish you the best and hope you heed my warning. even a used XT250 or TW200 or srf230 or.. something, is money better spent. heck, old KLR650s are dirt cheap used and run forever. At least they can be serviced. If anything goes wrong on the lifans & related, etc, parts lead times are very, very long, if they can get them, and IF you can find a shop willing to do anything to them. .02

Ironically you cannot find a used TW 200 or XT250 that is cheaper then a new XR150. The issue is not the XR, the issue is knowing what you are buying. The XR is perfect for what it is, so is my Harley and KTM. All the bikes I own are used differently and I bought them for different reasons.

 

[philipdcloutier]

they don't last. the motors are fine but the rest is pretty much garbage. KLX250 or XT250 might have been a better option. .02

I currently am driving 2500 miles a year And the KPX250 would last years of driving with a 12,500 warranty and in 4 years I will be in my 70yrs if I can still ride .
The KAW 350 S2 triple was my first bike and I am lucky to be alive after that crazy power band . Slightly Mod.
So no need for speed these days I just need to be able pick it up . And pick the bugs out of my smile . Oh ya injection would be nice .

 

[philipdcloutier]

Top speed of 70-75MPH. I think this is the bike I should have bought.

I didn't make a mistake buying the XR150L it was the best choice at the time . But yes it is time to buy the even better KPX250. Nice improvements.
With 20hp should now reach 75 mph.
Perfect as I live in a rual setting of mostly 50 mph but everyone does 60+
That speed is the XR150L top mph .
The KPX250 I could jump on the Hwy for a few exits and my hwy. has a bridge thats a short cut for me to the store of 6 miles one way .

 

[philipdcloutier]

Boys both the XR150L and KPX250 bikes are China parts the quality of the KPX250 appear to be the same at least the 2024/2025 model. The previous models look cheaper than the new one and the XR150L looks better built than the old model . Another factor is the KPX250 has a better warranty my XR150L was only 1 year . My main interest is more speed and at close to 67 picking the damn bike up .
My bikes 2010 GL1800on the dark-side , 2001 GL1800 yellow , XR150L , Honda Navi 109cc , 1987 230 suzuki 4×2 , 1970 GTO CONVERTIBLE 400 BB auto 1/2 million miles fuel guzzling beast .

 

[Jasperously]

If you get a KPX250, please leave a note here where I can find it. Tell us your opinion. Or, if you write about it in another forum, please link to it here.

 

[philipdcloutier]

So the KPX250 arrived Dec. 14th assmembled and delivered to my door for $4800. canadian dollars, in perfect shape ready to ride , small snag is my insurance broker has not found a listing for this dual sport yet . I have since provided many pictures of all tags vin. Plates it even has engraving on the head stock . And a qr code on the motor. In Canada we need insurance before we can register and plate a bike , so stuck like Chuck waiting . My biggest concern is the seat height. I have observed i may drill a lower hole in the bottom pivot bracket it may need some trimming to allow for complete movement , the top shock mount may also allow some room to locate the bolt higher in its bracket if not some small mods to this upper bracket mount . Lowering of the front forks with bar risers will help as well . Now all I need is my 1970's platform boots with the psychedelic liners to plant my feet on tarra firma . But seriously need some thick soled boots or shoes please let me know if you have a seen such a product.

 

[Jasperously]

I haven't ordered one yet, but I'm getting closer. Considering assembling it myself. Saw some Youtube videos and I think I could do it. I'm 6 feet and my pants inseam is 32 inches. The seat height being taller than my inseam concerns me a little. I should probably ask my local department of motor vehicles if there would be any problem with registration. In my state, insurance is also required for registration. I'm going to ask my current insurer, Progressive, if they can insure the KPX250. I should get all the ducks in a row before I pull the trigger.

www.amazon.com/Dr-Martens-Womens-Polished-Smooth/dp/B00BC3VDJG/

www.amazon.com/New-Rock-TANK083-C1-Platform-Military/dp/B09XVGZSK4/?th=1

I'm guessing you are going to join some forum dedicated to the KPX250. Please leave a breadcrumb so I can find it.

 

[philipdcloutier]

I haven't ordered one yet, but I'm getting closer. Considering assembling it myself. Saw some Youtube videos and I think I could do it. I'm 6 feet and my pants inseam is 32 inches. The seat height being taller than my inseam concerns me a little. I should probably ask my local department of motor vehicles if there would be any problem with registration. In my state, insurance is also required for registration. I'm going to ask my current insurer, Progressive, if they can insure the KPX250. I should get all the ducks in a row before I pull the trigger.

www.amazon.com/Dr-Martens-Womens-Polished-Smooth/dp/B00BC3VDJG/

www.amazon.com/New-Rock-TANK083-C1-Platform-Military/dp/B09XVGZSK4/?th=1

I'm guessing you are going to join some forum dedicated to the KPX250. Please leave a breadcrumb so I can find it.

Ya some are using Progressive. I have heard with success.
Personally two days and no response from my broker with the ok . But just read the rules and laws for Ontario's home built motorcycle or custom mods . Thier maybe a premium attached to the policy. Lifan declared that they are compliant FMVSS and Transport Canada and EPA regulations . The KPX250 has more safety features than my Honda XR150L or my Honda Navi. I presume I must be the first person to try to register and plate the KPX250 in Ontario. Maybe in 50 years it might be like a rare Ford Cobra or like my 1970 GTO Convertible. I am sure the bike will still be running long after I have died .
I am currently also using Facebook KPX250 to acquire insight on tips and tricks, mods and general feedback.

 

[philipdcloutier]

The problem with Chinese bikes is lack of dealer support. That will change over the next few years. Nearest Lifan dealer is 50 miles from me. I have a CF Moto dealer close by and that 450MT twin looks like a nice commuter/touring/adventure bike. If it's reliable, it will sell well in North America.

The warehouse is 12 minutes away from me huge selection of parts and toys and bikes are stacked to the roof . And there not completely set up yet .
This dealer is Canada's main outlet .
They ship there products to a truck transport facility first then you may choose to pick-up or delivery for a fee . I did choose delivery and assmembled so I had to wait many extra anxious days . As from Honda dealership it was paperwork , keys helmet on the road . Big smile .
It just takes more of your time but the costs can't be beat .
Somethings like the chain , and questionable quality of bearings and or grease , I would replace as soon as the warranty ends or sooner. But so far impressive build quality comparing it to my XR150L or my Navi.

 

[philipdcloutier]

I've worked on well over a dozen. yes, i did own one, very briefly. I've ridden a few here and there. as said, the motors are good if taken care of. all the secondary stuff falls apart. the bolts are poor quality, and after a few years just freeze into eh threaded holes and usually strip or break off. the rubber parts tend to deteriorate VERY fast, within 2-3 years it's noticeable especially if they are outside. wheel bearing failures, hanging calipers, rust, electrical glitches (coils failing/igniter boxes/switch corrosion).

How you may ask? well, my only real hobby is my bikes, and i work on them and build/modify them a lot. I'll highlight some of that to show im not just a keyboard warrior.
My neighbors come by and have these for their kids, or themselves and ask if i can help, so sure, i do what i can if they ask. I'm 'that guy' in the area. The one lifan i had I actually bought for like 150 bucks and it was just..rough. it was only a few yrs old. I'm also close to the local shops and have a good relationship with them, and will occasionally help with any vintage stuff that rolls in, so i do spend some limited time in the repair areas and see these things in for service time and again.

Then, this is what i do at home, just so you don't think I'm blowing smoke. Yes, i have the most supportive wife in the world, especially since i have 14 bikes currently on the road (not all are vintage )

my friend Matts 78 RD400E at my house being built:

below is a hand built 4130 frame i designed, and i do ALL my own work including crank rebuilds.

25 years ago at deals gap, (not mine) but a blown head gasket in #2 on this GT380 was causing issues, fixed in parking lot.

last week over lunch at work, made a waterneck from scratch on a manual bridgeport at work:

for this bike that i built in 2004 to re-route the coolant lines to a better config.

this is my 67 'throw away cheap japanese junk' bike, a Yamaha YL1E. 100cc twin. this bike at now 57 years old is built to a much higher quality std than any of the current low cost lifans, etc. aside from the seat and tires , chain, etc, its all original mechanically. Yes, i ride all my bikes on a regular basis.

so 'low cost' and 'cheaply made' are 2 very different things. all the stuff i have above is over 40 years old and was built 'low cost' but none was 'cheaply made' and the fact they have been around 40+ years shows the quality. The lack of value is really what im focusing on. You get your hands in enough mechanical items, it becomes very clear whats crap, and what isn't regardless of the costs.

to prove that point, here is a set of brand new RD350 cylinders being reproduced, in china, that are of low cost but very good quality that i put on my 72 yamaha:

this is the bike they are on. so, no 'bias' or 'racism' just assessment. If i trust those parts on THIS bike, that should be enough convincing.

I really just wish you the best and hope you heed my warning. even a used XT250 or TW200 or srf230 or.. something, is money better spent. heck, old KLR650s are dirt cheap used and run forever. At least they can be serviced. If anything goes wrong on the lifans & related, etc, parts lead times are very, very long, if they can get them, and IF you can find a shop willing to do anything to them. .02

Better nuts and bolts and bearings even chain and sprockets are a very small cost to twice the cost of a Japanese branded bike and parts are so much less expensive than the dealer parts 200%-300% markup +tax+shipping. For example a bare bone stripped head for my XR150L was almost $800 in Canada and the whole bike was $5300 OTD thats almost a 6th,7th of the bike overall cost for 1 part . Add bonus was my insurance was a whole $6.00 cheaper on the KPX250 so there . That said my 1970 GTO Convertible 400 BB. has over 1/2 a million miles on it but uses a ton of fuel .

 

[brooklinejmr]

Where did you find this BBK?

 

[philipdcloutier]

Where did you find this BBK?

Venom Motorsports is North American Outlet/Warehouse there are several US dealers , but in Canada just Venom Motorsports in Greeley Ontario .
I hope that answers your question.