It's just a start, but I agree with you. I do think the Grom-like-vehicle class is growing, but with the Vader, the SSR Razkull, the TMEC Denali 125fx, the Icebear Fuerza, and the Boom! electric mini, (maybe the same manufacturer as the Vader??), not to mention the Grom, itself, this class will be pretty competitive which will mean one good thing for consumers: price wars! The Lifan bike does have an advantage over all of the above in that they are utilizing a vertical 150cc engine vs. the Grom's, and the clones', 125cc horizontal engines.
I do believe that with all the news regarding the racing of the KPR bikes in China (I believe the 150cc version which we will not get since we are getting the 200cc),
http://www.lifan.cn/English/News/201.../11215956.html
and the KP Mini 150 breaking a lap time record, again in China, Lifan could differentiate themselves with some sort of racing series here.
http://www.lifan.cn/English/News/201.../03316007.html
Would it be worth it? Perhaps if they marketed it correctly. Or at least try the mini. Even some sort of riding experience during motorcycle race weekends; i.e. Long Beach Grand Prix in Long Beach where they would get lots of exposure using a large parking lot among the festivities. Something like this?
http://americanlifan.com/kpmini-track-day/
For some reason, they are banking on their 200cc bikes with EFI and liquid cooling as their flagships.
My guess is the economy of scale--their very promising flagship
http://www.lifan.cn/English/Mall/Mot...6-8fe213ebc47a
would have to priced too close to 'name brand' competitor's entry level bikes like the TU250 or the CB300. But I do question banking on 200cc bikes, even if they have a claimed 17 hp, in the US market?!