Looking for buying advice: KPM200 or SG250?

KoalaPhoenix · 08-12-2022, 07:17 PM

Hi all! I'm new here, but y'all seem like great folks so far!

Right to the point: I have 2 cars, both are on their last legs. Local used car market is awful, used bike market is even worse. I figure I can get maybe $4k out of the cars if I can sell em soon, but there's not many options to replace em, especially since I'm on the larger side at 290lbs and 2-3 hours from anywhere important.

I've been looking at online bike options, and I've mostly narrowed it down to the CSC SG250 or the Lifan KPM 200. The Lifan is appealing because it looks more classic-modern, and it seems to be a bit sturdier than the CSC, as well as there being more reviews. The CSC is appealing because it's stylish and classic, basic, easy to work on, and most importantly has parts and support.

It looks like I can get the CSC for $3500 plus BMV cost, or the Lifan for $3200 plus BMV. I'm a beginner rider, but I grew up around bicycles and ATVs, and I'm confident I can learn pretty quickly. The question is, which one is the better option? I'll be commuting in town, and I live in a pretty flat area. I have no need to go much past 55 at any time. My gut tells me the CSC is better, even though I've seen quality nuisances, because it's simple and easy to fix. But then, the KPM is cheaper and seems built more solidly. What do you think?

Thanks!

wheelbender6 · 08-12-2022, 08:18 PM

I think this is totally a case of personal preference. You could be happy with either.
The water cooled KPM may endure the Phoenix heat better.

Falkon45 · 08-12-2022, 09:18 PM

I'm about 280 in full gear. My kpm can move me along okay. The SG250 makes about the same HP, but more torque, I think.

But, fuel injection makes for a more dependable experience. Try looking at the RX3, also. I believe that might actually be a better fit for you.

KoalaPhoenix · 08-13-2022, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wheelbender6

I think this is totally a case of personal preference. You could be happy with either.
The water cooled KPM may endure the Phoenix heat better.

I appreciate it, but I'm not actually in Phoenix, lol. Just a little town in the Midwest with too much humidity in the summer and too much ice in the winter.

KoalaPhoenix · 08-13-2022, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Falkon45

I'm about 280 in full gear. My kpm can move me along okay. The SG250 makes about the same HP, but more torque, I think.

But, fuel injection makes for a more dependable experience. Try looking at the RX3, also. I believe that might actually be a better fit for you.

Thank you! The fuel injection is definitely appealing, but I don't love the idea of trying to find parts *and* fix a FI system myself if/when it goes wrong. The RX3 is unfortunately quite a lot more than the SG250, otherwise it would have been one I'd consider.

Falkon45 · 08-13-2022, 11:15 AM

That's understandable. With the KPM, as for the electronics, I haven't had any problems as of yet. Mechanically, it's been a journey of finding local things. As of yet, major engine parts and sprockets are hard to find here in the states. Consumables are readily available.

You have a much better dealer connection with CSC.

**JerryHawk250** · 08-24-2022, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Falkon45

That's understandable. With the KPM, as for the electronics, I haven't had any problems as of yet. Mechanically, it's been a journey of finding local things. As of yet, major engine parts and sprockets are hard to find here in the states. Consumables are readily available.

You have a much better dealer connection with CSC.

KPM and other Lifan bike parts are readily available plus you have the two year warranty. https://kpclubusa.com/collections/kpm-200?page=1

kyle · 08-24-2022, 01:48 PM

I vote for Lifan.. but at that price I'm buying the KPX250, not the KPM.

Falkon45 · 08-24-2022, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JerryHawk250

KPM and other Lifan bike parts are readily available plus you have the two year warranty. https://kpclubusa.com/collections/kpm-200?page=1

I'm iffy on that site, so I don't really send people there. Even though the KPM and the KP share a lot of the same parts, they charge more for the KPM parts than the KP parts.

**JerryHawk250** · 08-24-2022, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Falkon45

I'm iffy on that site, so I don't really send people there. Even though the KPM and the KP share a lot of the same parts, they charge more for the KPM parts than the KP parts.

Kpclubusa is American Lifan's parts website

Falkon45 · 08-24-2022, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JerryHawk250

Kpclubusa is American Lifan's parts website

I know. I personally checked prices on that site. The fork for the kpm200 is more expensive than the fork for the kp200... But it's the exact same fork. Same with the shock . For some reason, they gouge on the KPM parts

08-12-2022, 07:17 PM	#1
KoalaPhoenix Join Date: Aug 2022 Posts: 5	Looking for buying advice: KPM200 or SG250? Hi all! I'm new here, but y'all seem like great folks so far! Right to the point: I have 2 cars, both are on their last legs. Local used car market is awful, used bike market is even worse. I figure I can get maybe $4k out of the cars if I can sell em soon, but there's not many options to replace em, especially since I'm on the larger side at 290lbs and 2-3 hours from anywhere important. I've been looking at online bike options, and I've mostly narrowed it down to the CSC SG250 or the Lifan KPM 200. The Lifan is appealing because it looks more classic-modern, and it seems to be a bit sturdier than the CSC, as well as there being more reviews. The CSC is appealing because it's stylish and classic, basic, easy to work on, and most importantly has parts and support. It looks like I can get the CSC for $3500 plus BMV cost, or the Lifan for $3200 plus BMV. I'm a beginner rider, but I grew up around bicycles and ATVs, and I'm confident I can learn pretty quickly. The question is, which one is the better option? I'll be commuting in town, and I live in a pretty flat area. I have no need to go much past 55 at any time. My gut tells me the CSC is better, even though I've seen quality nuisances, because it's simple and easy to fix. But then, the KPM is cheaper and seems built more solidly. What do you think? Thanks!
	0

08-12-2022, 08:18 PM	#2
wheelbender6 Join Date: May 2015 Location: Houston area Posts: 1,902	I think this is totally a case of personal preference. You could be happy with either. The water cooled KPM may endure the Phoenix heat better. __________________ "Its not WHAT you ride; its THAT you ride"
	0

08-12-2022, 09:18 PM	#3
Falkon45 Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Savannah, Ga Posts: 759	I'm about 280 in full gear. My kpm can move me along okay. The SG250 makes about the same HP, but more torque, I think. But, fuel injection makes for a more dependable experience. Try looking at the RX3, also. I believe that might actually be a better fit for you.
	0

08-13-2022, 11:15 AM	#6
Falkon45 Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Savannah, Ga Posts: 759	That's understandable. With the KPM, as for the electronics, I haven't had any problems as of yet. Mechanically, it's been a journey of finding local things. As of yet, major engine parts and sprockets are hard to find here in the states. Consumables are readily available. You have a much better dealer connection with CSC.
	1

08-24-2022, 01:48 PM	#8
kyle Join Date: Jun 2021 Posts: 105	I vote for Lifan.. but at that price I'm buying the KPX250, not the KPM.
	3