Lifan 250 v-twin? [Archive] - Kiwi Biker forums

JaseC

2nd January 2007, 15:27

Does anyone have any opinions on this bike??? I am looking at upgrading from my 88 gn250.The Lifan is $3995 still in mint condition just not sure why its so cheap is it because its crap or because they sell so many of them??:mellow: any opinions would be a big help. P.S im not exactly flowing with cash so not looking at anything more than 4k as its only going to last my restricted.

Maverick

2nd January 2007, 16:10

Lol, they were trying to sell them in a mall in auckland for $5300ish.
One guy was talking to the sales girl, he actually asked "Does it sound like a Harley?" lol :killingme

Drum

2nd January 2007, 16:15

Sorry, don't know anything about them, and have never seen one on the road. Dealer on Tardme wants $5,200.....

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Cruiser/auction-52125317.htm

davereid

2nd January 2007, 16:32

Thats a good price for the 250 v-twin. Have a look at http://www.lifanmc.co.nz for more info on them.

I'm a Lifan dealer, and I have found them to be very good for a chinese bike. The quality of the components and castings is top of the line.

Major defects - None that I have found, engines are sweet and reliable.

Some of the early 200s had a 5 up gear change, not one down and 4 up. Maybe some of the early 250s were the same so if this is a problem for you check it out before you buy.

Minor defects - bulbs blow quickly. Check nuts and bolts for tightness regularly, or do it once using blue loctite. Fuel line often restricted - it takes a sharp bend after it leaves the gas tank and can cause the bike to fuel starve - just have a look and if its kinked use a cable tie to hold it back.

If its new, it should have a full years warranty - even if its used check the warranty card, it should be signed at each service by the dealer.

Good luck !

Virago

2nd January 2007, 16:47

The Lifan 250 Cruiser is an exact replica of the Yamaha Virago (XV250), which sells for around the $7K mark brand new. Comparison photos attached.

The lower price for the Lifan represents the lower build quality. For a while they were sold on TradeMe with "run-in miles" on the clock, which suggested to me that they had a high percentage of duds which needed to be weeded out.

The asking price on TradeMe of $5,200 is what you would expect to pay for a near-new Virago 250, still under factory warranty.

Your choice, but personally I'd go for a near-new quality machine, rather than the new but inferior chinese copy.

Oakie

2nd January 2007, 17:00

Looks OK if you like that style. Check on the performance though if you're looking at hitting the highway. I was speaking to a person who sells these and she said she had problems staying at the speed limit into a headwind. It is only a 250 though I guess.

Pumba

2nd January 2007, 17:22

As far as quality goes I think your 88 GN would still be of a better quality (I may be wrong but I belive the GN's built in the 80's were made of quality vs those made in the mid 90's), however I have no ideswhat condition your GN is in.

My personal opinion is keep the GN (unless it is routed) save your money and look at getting somthing of better quality in the higher cc bracket whaen the time comes.

she had problems staying at the speed limit into a headwind. It is only a 250 though I guess.

Not really to different to the old GN I started on then, my speed record was 120 downhill with a tail wind!!

JaseC

5th January 2007, 10:18

Yea the old gn is starting to show its age.The dealer i bought the gn off is the same one selling the lifan so im hoping for a trade in.Thanks for all the advice ill looks into those few trouble areas

SwanTiger

5th January 2007, 12:05

Look through Trade Me and the Trade & Exchange to find a second hand 2004 - 2006 model Hyosung GT 250. They've got nice strong / smooth engines that will comfortably pull you along. They sell second any for anywhere between $3,000 - $4,500 with 5,000 km to 20,000 km on the clock.

WarlockNZ

5th January 2007, 14:02

or if it's a cruiser your after ... look for the Hyosung GV250 :)

Maha

5th January 2007, 14:08

FatFurryGuy

9th January 2007, 23:30

Been riding a GV250 for 2 months now (8000kms so far) and love it. Bought a carb kit from the States that really helped mid-range!