Why no Lifan KPM 200 Cafe Racer?

bmw111 · 04-09-2020, 01:28 PM

I'm seriously close to buying one of these and have scoured this forum and of course the Web for videos, reviews, ride reports, . . . anything on this great looking bike and find hardly any information at all.

The bike looks really, really good -- not just "for a Chinese bike" -- but good compared to other small cc offerings from any manufacturer. The Tech (for a Chinese bike) is relatively up-to-date, and the two (2) ride reports I've seen say it's quite responsive and a fun little bike.

Any ideas why it's not being bought more often? Maybe the price -- you can find (at least in my area, New England) low mileage CBR250/300 and Ninja 250 bikes for hundreds less. But there's nothing on the market at this price point that has the cafe-racer look. Closest would be maybe a Honda CB300 -- but that's more of a bobber/cruiser look, which is something entirely different.

**JerryHawk250** · 04-09-2020, 01:36 PM

This bike just came on the market here in the US so it will take a while before it
takes off like all the other bikes. We do have one member that bought one and really likes it. I would of bought one but at the time i was looking it wasn't available yet.

wheelbender6 · 04-09-2020, 03:53 PM

Older guys do not normally like the clip on handle bars on a cafe racer. It aggravates the arthritis in the wrists.
-Lack of a rear fender makes riding in wet climates messy.
-Other than that, they make nice bikes to own.

bmw111 · 04-09-2020, 11:27 PM

Switching gears a bit, I noticed today the 2020 CSC SG250 has been updated a bit from the 2018 model. Pricing them out, I can get either for around $2700 including shipping. I like the look of both, but the Lifan is obviously more modern, more modern tech including monoshock rear, EFI, etc.

Any thoughts on the SG250. Couldn't find much here on the forum.

oincman · 05-08-2020, 08:03 AM

Just purchased a KPM200 from Venom, no word on delivery yet, but can't wait to see how it stacks up with the X-Pect.

**JerryHawk250** · 05-08-2020, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oincman

Just purchased a KPM200 from Venom, no word on delivery yet, but can't wait to see how it stacks up with the X-Pect.

Congrats!

oincman · 05-12-2020, 07:53 PM

Estimated arrival date 5/19... Curious to see how it stacks up to the X-Pect. Seen a YouTube video where they had it to 74. The X-pect can barely make it to 60 so far. And now I've read the KP-Mini 150 will do 70??? Kinda feeling jipped on the X-Pect. Not that it's not a nice bike.... It is.

culcune · 05-12-2020, 08:19 PM

Lifan had a bike which was kind of like the Hawk of 2005 to about 2009 called something along the line of GY200-5. Like the current slew of Bashan bikes, the GY-5 had 17/46 gearing, which, pre-GPS (or at least low cost units) people were reporting 75+mph. Of course, on stock bikes, they were probably at 62 to 65. Fast forward to the X-Pect, and they geared it 15/46 for some reason. Plus, these bikes don't wake up until 300 to 500 miles of break-in, so I wouldn't write the X-Pect off quite yet until after break-in and a 17 tooth up front. Which video did you see them doing 74 on the KPM? I know Small Engine Velocity got his KPMini to 70 or so, but I recall gearing and exhaust was involved. But, I think the Mini is capable of 65 stock.

oincman · 05-13-2020, 07:40 AM

It was some Dorito guy, had it on the interstate in California, just YouTube KPM200 and you'll see it.

I'm also guessing that since the KPM is water cooled they've tweaked the fuel mappings.

I'm not overly concerned, I usually stay in the 50mph or less zone anyway.

culcune · 05-13-2020, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oincman

It was some Dorito guy, had it on the interstate in California, just YouTube KPM200 and you'll see it.

I'm also guessing that since the KPM is water cooled they've tweaked the fuel mappings.

I'm not overly concerned, I usually stay in the 50mph or less zone anyway.

Dorito and the Luchacabre Channel. I've seen that video a few times and had linked it here on one of the threads. There was a recent video where they rode the KPM and their KP around town. No comparison between the two, but a realistic video of how these bikes perform in mundane So. Cal. traffic which was relatively busy in spite of California's restrictive COVID lockdown measures. The bike in the video you mention indicated 79, so probably at around 74, 75. Keep in mind that bike was fairly new, so probably not broken in yet. Dorito had mentioned that the KPM uses a 'Gen 2' engine whereas the KPR/KP200 use the 'Gen 1'. I have looked it up on the EPA/DOT motorcycle certification list for 'on-highway' bikes, and whereas it didn't mention 'Gen 1' or 'Gen 2' on the two different certificates, it did list the power rating of the KPM at 12.5 kw (16.7 hp) and the KPR/KP as 10.7 kw (14.3 hp), indicating some kind of difference. However, I am fairly certain most all the data on the certificates comes from the manufacturers and/or the lab they use to test them, so there might not be a difference, or Lifan might even toss in the 'Gen 2' into their Lifecta (trio) of bikes. I have asked Dorito in the comments to compare their KP200 and KPM200 and he stated he will at some point. It would be interesting to see a comparison at least between the two bikes, and I would desire to see the KPR thrown in for good measure due to the fairings which might increase the top speed on the freeway.

Catmandoyou25 · 05-20-2020, 02:18 PM

I have a kp mini. This engines follows the crf150 design and currently I'm at 68mm with a super head from BRT. They currently have a gorilla build that goes up to 79mm. I'm currently at 221cc.

crabjoe · 06-08-2020, 02:04 PM

Anyone know if a sidecar can be fitted to this bike?

Megadan · 06-08-2020, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmw111

Any ideas why it's not being bought more often? Maybe the price -- you can find (at least in my area, New England) low mileage CBR250/300 and Ninja 250 bikes for hundreds less. But there's nothing on the market at this price point that has the cafe-racer look. Closest would be maybe a Honda CB300 -- but that's more of a bobber/cruiser look, which is something entirely different.

Price is likely a big factor. Not only can you find lightly used bikes in that class for almost the same money, you can find brand new old model year bikes for just a bit more.

The CB300R, which you call a bobber, is actually called a Neo Sports Cafe design, and I can get a brand new 2019 for about $1000 more than the KPM200. As much as I like the appeal of the cheap chinese bikes, I will spend the extra grand on a Honda for multiple reasons.

As far as the styling. Personally I think the KPM200 has the right kind of styling. Cheap imitations of cafe bikes from manufacturers is getting boring and old. I give a ton of credit to Lifan for bringing out something with a modern yet retro look that is rather unique.

oincman · 06-19-2020, 08:25 AM

I took a couple video's of the X-Pect and the KPM which I'll post to my YouTube hopefully over the weekend.

As for the KPM. I love it. I've had it close to 70 with no issues (which is plenty fast for my chicken ass). It's got a few things I'd change, but am happy with it as it sits (though I will upgrade the exhaust and tires once I find some that fit without modifying the front fender).

As for the CB300R. I seen a used 2018 on FB for $4K. It's a nice looking bike (and it is a Honda), but I like the styling of the KPM better, and it was $2950 delivered. And brand new what I paid for the X-Pect & KPM200 both is still cheaper than a new CB300R.

04-09-2020, 01:28 PM	#1
bmw111 Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: NorthEast Posts: 71	Why no Lifan KPM 200 Cafe Racer? I'm seriously close to buying one of these and have scoured this forum and of course the Web for videos, reviews, ride reports, . . . anything on this great looking bike and find hardly any information at all. The bike looks really, really good -- not just "for a Chinese bike" -- but good compared to other small cc offerings from any manufacturer. The Tech (for a Chinese bike) is relatively up-to-date, and the two (2) ride reports I've seen say it's quite responsive and a fun little bike. Any ideas why it's not being bought more often? Maybe the price -- you can find (at least in my area, New England) low mileage CBR250/300 and Ninja 250 bikes for hundreds less. But there's nothing on the market at this price point that has the cafe-racer look. Closest would be maybe a Honda CB300 -- but that's more of a bobber/cruiser look, which is something entirely different.
	0

04-09-2020, 01:36 PM	#2
JerryHawk250 Moderator Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Houma, La. Posts: 11,562	This bike just came on the market here in the US so it will take a while before it takes off like all the other bikes. We do have one member that bought one and really likes it. I would of bought one but at the time i was looking it wasn't available yet. __________________ 2023 Lifan Lycan 250 Chopper 2023 Venom Evader 2022 Lifan KPX250 2020 Kawasaki Vulcan S 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
	1

04-09-2020, 03:53 PM	#3
wheelbender6 Join Date: May 2015 Location: Houston area Posts: 1,902	Older guys do not normally like the clip on handle bars on a cafe racer. It aggravates the arthritis in the wrists. -Lack of a rear fender makes riding in wet climates messy. -Other than that, they make nice bikes to own. __________________ "Its not WHAT you ride; its THAT you ride"
	0

05-12-2020, 08:19 PM	#8
culcune Join Date: May 2006 Location: Yuma, Arizona Posts: 9,035	Lifan had a bike which was kind of like the Hawk of 2005 to about 2009 called something along the line of GY200-5. Like the current slew of Bashan bikes, the GY-5 had 17/46 gearing, which, pre-GPS (or at least low cost units) people were reporting 75+mph. Of course, on stock bikes, they were probably at 62 to 65. Fast forward to the X-Pect, and they geared it 15/46 for some reason. Plus, these bikes don't wake up until 300 to 500 miles of break-in, so I wouldn't write the X-Pect off quite yet until after break-in and a 17 tooth up front. Which video did you see them doing 74 on the KPM? I know Small Engine Velocity got his KPMini to 70 or so, but I recall gearing and exhaust was involved. But, I think the Mini is capable of 65 stock. __________________ "They say that life's a carousel, spinning fast you got to ride it well..." TGB Delivery Scooter 150 TMEC 200 Enduro--carcass is sadly rotting in the backyard
	0

04-09-2020, 11:27 PM	#4
bmw111 Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: NorthEast Posts: 71	Switching gears a bit, I noticed today the 2020 CSC SG250 has been updated a bit from the 2018 model. Pricing them out, I can get either for around $2700 including shipping. I like the look of both, but the Lifan is obviously more modern, more modern tech including monoshock rear, EFI, etc. Any thoughts on the SG250. Couldn't find much here on the forum.
	3

05-08-2020, 08:03 AM	#5
oincman Join Date: Nov 2019 Posts: 99	Just purchased a KPM200 from Venom, no word on delivery yet, but can't wait to see how it stacks up with the X-Pect.
	3

05-12-2020, 07:53 PM	#7
oincman Join Date: Nov 2019 Posts: 99	Estimated arrival date 5/19... Curious to see how it stacks up to the X-Pect. Seen a YouTube video where they had it to 74. The X-pect can barely make it to 60 so far. And now I've read the KP-Mini 150 will do 70??? Kinda feeling jipped on the X-Pect. Not that it's not a nice bike.... It is.
	1

05-13-2020, 07:40 AM	#9
oincman Join Date: Nov 2019 Posts: 99	It was some Dorito guy, had it on the interstate in California, just YouTube KPM200 and you'll see it. I'm also guessing that since the KPM is water cooled they've tweaked the fuel mappings. I'm not overly concerned, I usually stay in the 50mph or less zone anyway.
	1

05-20-2020, 02:18 PM	#11
Catmandoyou25 Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 1	I have a kp mini. This engines follows the crf150 design and currently I'm at 68mm with a super head from BRT. They currently have a gorilla build that goes up to 79mm. I'm currently at 221cc.
	0

06-08-2020, 02:04 PM	#12
crabjoe Join Date: May 2020 Location: Ceciltucky Posts: 188	Anyone know if a sidecar can be fitted to this bike?
	0

06-19-2020, 08:25 AM	#14
oincman Join Date: Nov 2019 Posts: 99	I took a couple video's of the X-Pect and the KPM which I'll post to my YouTube hopefully over the weekend. As for the KPM. I love it. I've had it close to 70 with no issues (which is plenty fast for my chicken ass). It's got a few things I'd change, but am happy with it as it sits (though I will upgrade the exhaust and tires once I find some that fit without modifying the front fender). As for the CB300R. I seen a used 2018 on FB for $4K. It's a nice looking bike (and it is a Honda), but I like the styling of the KPM better, and it was $2950 delivered. And brand new what I paid for the X-Pect & KPM200 both is still cheaper than a new CB300R.
	0