JerryHawk250's Lifan KPX250

[Thumper]

Nice bike. Clean lines and great specs. It is good to see that 6sp version of the ZS172FMM "2P" in there. I have the "3A" 5 speed version in the Templar X, and I love it. Amazing what an extra 5hp can do for a bike this size!

It looks like you have the oiled foam dome air filter like I do on the 3A. I like the serviceability of that design.

Oh... It is in fact more difficult to get to the valves compared to the 14hp CG engine. They are deeper inside there through round caps. But that is a small inconvenience well worth the enhanced performance

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by Thumper

Nice bike. Clean lines and great specs. It is good to see that 6sp version of the ZS172FMM "2P" in there. I have the "3A" 5 speed version in the Templar X, and I love it. Amazing what an extra 5hp can do for a bike this size!

It looks like you have the oiled foam dome air filter like I do on the 3A. I like the serviceability of that design.

Oh... It is in fact more difficult to get to the valves compared to the 14hp CG engine. They are deeper inside there through round caps. But that is a small inconvenience well worth the enhanced performance

That's good to know about the air filter. I haven't pulled the air box cover off yet but sure hope it is a reusable oiled filter. Does the A3 have an oil filter? I haven't verified yet but I think it uses the same oil filter as the KPR and KPM 200.

The weather is really messing up my ride time and looks like the rain will be hanging around for a while. I need to put some miles on her and get her broke in.

[Thumper]

I am guessing that there is a foam dome filter based on the positioning of the airfilter housing. It looks really similar to this viewed from filter side under the seat (Templar X):



And here is the filter. I think this type of dome-style filter is a high flow design. It came pre-oiled:



The engine side of the filter housing is visible here. It skirts the rear shock, as it also must on your frame. The inside of the box is silky smooth, and I am sure it is good for airflow. I hear air induction when it's running upon throttle twist. You can see the valve adjustment access caps here, barely. I suspect that the top end of the 2P and 3A are identical or almost identical. But look how close to the frame that rear cap is.



Do you see those TWO nipples on the petcock? Those are fed by each side of the gas tank. There are three positions: "dot", "R", and "R". Dot is closed, and...I haven't tested this theory, but I think this means either side of the tank can serve as a reserve.

[JerryHawk250]

Check post 15 The head is different on the KPX. The valve adjustment ports are larger. Also the KPX doesn't have a petcock. It EFI and has a fuel pump.

[TominMO]

Originally Posted by JerryHawk250

Check post 15 The head is different on the KPX. The valve adjustment ports are larger.

So I'm thinking the thought process in the Lifan design center went something like this:
"Big-fingered Amelicans no likee small valve access ports. We makee bigger. Amelicans happy, we makee much yuan."

[Falkon45]

Originally Posted by XLsior

out of curiosity how much of a balance shaft housing protrusion is there over a non balance shaft engine...Seeing as you've had/have both types now.

No chance of this coming to Australia with our new mandatory ABS requirements. No more new DR650s and never got the KLX300.

I doubt Lifan Australia will be bringing them either they haven't updated the Australian home page for years now.

keep looking. lifan has a ABS version of the kpm that never came here.

[TominMO]

I wish they'd send over their version of the Honda Trail 125, called the Cub 125 ADV. Bump it to 140cc and sell it for $2000 - $2500. For city streets the KP Mini 150 fills that role, but it'd be nice to have a posty-style here too. But I'm thinking the Trail 125 is really just a niche bike in the US market, so probably no incentive for Lifan to do this. I'm sure they are very popular in SE Asia.

https://www.lifanmotos.net/product/show/58

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by TominMO

I wish they'd send over their version of the Honda Trail 125, called the Cub 125 ADV. Bump it to 140cc and sell it for $2000 - $2500. For city streets the KP Mini 150 fills that role, but it'd be nice to have a posty-style here too. But I'm thinking the Trail 125 is really just a niche bike in the US market, so probably no incentive for Lifan to do this. I'm sure they are very popular in SE Asia.

The KPV 150 should fit that market and has ABS. https://www.venommotorsportsusa.com/...48d0e083&_ss=r

[TominMO]

Originally Posted by JerryHawk250

The KPV 150 should fit that market and has ABS. https://www.venommotorsportsusa.com/...48d0e083&_ss=r

Well it does, but for me it's too scootery. I would want something more motorcycley. Also I'd lose the double seat and go with the Honda setup, that huge rear rack you could park a Buick on. The Honda is great, but not gonna pay that kinda bux for a little runabout.

[XLsior]

Originally Posted by Falkon45

keep looking. lifan has a ABS version of the kpm that never came here.

The Australian Design Rules 'ADR' Are making it very difficult for motor vehicle manufactures to sell anything new without a very costly and stringent criteria assessment.

So basically companies don't bother.

It might make Suzuki finally update the DR650...wishful thinking, But Kawasaki did refresh the KLR650.

Honda is even pulling out the trail125 due to the ABS.

There are China Bikes here but the majority are "off-road use only"

[TominMO]

Originally Posted by jeffrey

If you remove the top engine mount on the head it will give a little more room to adjust the intake valve.

From the pic of the head in post 15, it looks like the access port is offset to the right, so this might not be all that necessary.

[Thumper]

Originally Posted by JerryHawk250

Check post 15 The head is different on the KPX. The valve adjustment ports are larger. Also the KPX doesn't have a petcock. It EFI and has a fuel pump.

So Zongshen put wider access ports on the 6 speed 172FMM-2P. Well oval shaped instead of round. Not necessarily easier access. They are deep inside there! I had to bend my feeler gauges!

And you may have more clearance to the frame as well.

The comment about the twin petcock inputs was an aside. I know the KPX has EFI. I have just never seen twin input petcock, and it is in the middle of the photo! I am pretty sure it means I can switch from one "R" (one side of the tank) to the other "R" (other side of the tank) if I run out of gas, for "reserve" Pretty cool!

I am also really curious what the air filter is on your KPX... round/oval paper element or oil soaked foam dome? The design of that airbox might be made for either one.

[Thumper]

Originally Posted by jeffrey

Thumper, people use that type of petcock on Honda CT70`s when they put bigger engines on them. The Honda has a two outlet gas tank one for on and one for reserve. Hope this help`s.

Exactly what I thought... two selectable inputs, one from each lobe of the tank. Sure looks like a reserve! I haven't run out, but will test at some point

[JerryHawk250]

Todays big update. I installed my license plate, snapped a picture then closed the door. Damn rain won't go away. They are so ready to go out and play. It just breaks my heart to see those sad eyes.

[letsride]

Very Nice Bike Indeed Jerry!! Congrats!