KPX vs Titan DLX vs Templar

[Bill Hilly]

I have been thinking about getting one of the OHC bikes, a 6 speed would be nice, but better suspension, and maybe better quality wheels, and power would be more important to me. I think that I could get by pretty good with a 5 speed, because I am used to running my Hawk, and TBR7 at road speed. Do all these bikes have the same engine?. I have seen a few videos,and have some understanding of the difference between a Titan DLX, and the Templar, but what is the difference in the KPX that makes them bring so much more money? Do these bikes have better rims than the Hawk, and TBR7? I know they all have inverted forks, but how are the swing arms ? I appreciate any advice. Thanks.

[XLsior]

The titan is just a little better than a base hawk 250. both are not actual 250cc engines

The templar x 6 speed I would say is the sweet spot right now under $2k USD

KPX is a step up with EFI and more refined fit and finish But its up to the buyer to discern whether or not the $3k is worth it for the rider.

[Thumper]

The swingarm is much more beefy on the Templar than on the TBR7 or Hawk. Take a close look. Other bikes you are considering may also have the cast alloy axel slot and stiffer swingarm properties. Swingarm stiffness and axel slot quality are worth having, and doesn't cost any more on the Templar.

I sold my 6 six speed OHC Templar (ZS172-FMM). It had an audible whine (compared to the 5 speed), which probably didn't matter, but I know that linkage and counterbalancer add weight and flywheel resistance, maybe even steals a little hp. I like the simpler design of the 5 speed, and this engine has been around way longer. It also means that replacement parts are more likely to be the right one when the item doesn't specify if it is for one or the other. The cylinder and head should be identical, but the rest of the engine has differences, and no kick starter on the counterbalanced 6 speed!

[JerryHawk250]

I can only compare the KPX to the Hawk so can't say if it's better or worst than the other two. The KPX has heavy aluminum wheels, Swingarm is pretty beefy. The engine on the KPX is counterbalance which runs and shifts very smoothly. It's also is EFI so that does add some cost. The overall quality of the LPX is equal to or better than the KLX230. Also the KPX is EPA approved for street although most have gotten the Templar and Titan DLX which are EPA approved for off road use registered and tagged for the street. Keep in mind that i didn't have to do any mods to get more speed or power out of the bike. As it came from the factory the bike hit a top speed of 76 mph GPS which was about 81 mph on the speedometer. I did a comparison video between the Hawk and KPX.

[Bill Hilly]

Thanks for the knowledge folks.
To me fuel injection is not as big a bonus as to some. I haven't really seen anything about the rims on the Titan DLX, or the Templar. I try to keep my spokes tight on my TBR7 and Hawk, but I still worry about the rims. I haven't had any rim issues yet, but there have been times that I have decided not to go any farther on some roads when I see them bigger rocks sticking up out of the dirt. As good as my TBR7 and Hawk run, engine wise, I guess that I am probably foolish for wanting something else, but I would like a more rugged bike, especially in wheels, and suspension.

[Thumper]

Here are a couple of pictures showing evidence of build quality. Either the 5 speed (ZS172FMM-3A) or the 6 speed (ZS172FMM-5) are great engines. Personally, I prefer the 5-speed, but I definitely understand the value of having that 6th gear!

This happens to be the Templar X, but some of the other bikes out there have similar build quality with these better than average components.

Here is the cast alloy axel slot, welded to the heavy duty, but light alloy swingarm. Look at the welds too, the large diameter hollow axel, and the cast alloy hub with heavy duty spokes. Dual piston caliper too.



Here is another view of that swingarm, showing the rim. I don't have a photo with the tire off, but it is tougher than the rims on the TBR7, Bashan Storm (I own a 2020 Storm), and Hawk. I agree that this is an important feature.



The front axel has the leading axel design, including a large diameter hollow axel. It is clamped, NOT tensioned in place. This is industry standard. It allows the front wheel bearings to be protected from lateral stress due to overtightening, and saves weight. The inverted forks are better, and they also mean that the triple tree clamps are bigger and stiffer. Stiffer frame is always better.



Whatever you end up with, look for these features.

[Thumper]

The Templar comes in at about 175lbs (typo!, it's 275), which is just 15 lbs more than a similar Husqvarna. But here are lightweight components and weld quality that you should look for.

Adjustable levers, roller-style throttle





Large bear claw alloy footpegs are nice to have too. Also, the welding on the frame, including components like footpeg and master cylinder should be smooth and seemless. A powdercoated frame is also something to look for. Stainless steel nuts and bolts holding everything together are good to have as well.



Stainless steel exhaust, inverted adjustable forks and adjustable rear shock (both should have compression AND rebound damping) are more things to look for.

Bikes that have all of this are probably full size enduro bikes. They are really tall. There are ways to lower them with a shorter shock or by drilling a new lower installation point. On the other hand, bikes that have lower seat height, like the Hawk, TBR7 or Storm don't have these features. I am not selling motorcycles, and you will make your own decision on price point and what features you want. These features are worth insisting on at any price!

[tknj99]

I'm assuming you meant to say 275 lbs.. i wish the Templar was 175, i'd be popping wheelies into 4th gear

[Thumper]

Originally Posted by tknj99

I'm assuming you meant to say 275 lbs.. i wish the Templar was 175, i'd be popping wheelies into 4th gear

Typo! 275 it is.

[XLsior]

Yeah, if you're doing more enduro/offroad riding then the 5speed non balanced Templar Would be the better choice...less weight and probably more stout gearbox.

For dual sport road miles the balanced 6 speed will provide a less fatigued comfort level.

[tknj99]

Thumper is definitely the man to compare between the 5-sp and 6-sp Templar but i can definitely say that the way mine is setup currently with the 14/49T sprockets, carb tuned and cat-removed its haulin' a$$ and so much fun whether offroad or onroad.. i just wish i could keep the torque as is and add another 20mph on the top-end and i'd be happy as a clam

[Thumper]

Both the 5 speed and 6 speed versions of the Templar X had all of these features.

You will need to look closely at the photos of the M and standard Templar on the vendors websites, because I do not own them, so I cannot post photos. So it is up to YOU if you own one! And this goes for KPX and TITAN DLX and other owners too. I am not convinced with your words!

Check my "Photos Please" new post. Let's get real folks. Text posts and "I love this bike" posts don't make it. Show us what you REALLY got!

Include issues. I did.