Hawk-X 250 vs DLX vs Lifan KPX

[ProDigit]

Just because a Chinese bike is sold for $2k, doesn't mean you are going to pay $2k.
There's shipping, taxes, title transfer, tag and registration.
All these fees get added to the Chinese bikes.
Additionally, many lower quality bikes may need mods to get them to work right, while a Honda is pretty much straight out the door.

Resale value of Chinese bikes is non existent.
Many people buy their China bikes and want to get 90% of their sales price or more. Dem loonies!

Longevity, Japanese bikes last longer than Chinese bikes, and are made with.better materials that don't need upgrading.

I agree on the high new price for bikes, however you can find plenty of second hand bikes for a low price, as low as a new Chinese bike, for a much better bike.

If you're the kind of person who likes working on his bike, is ok with wrenching 60%, riding 40% in the first few weeks, a china bike is probably good for you.
Though Lifan bikes are almost as good as Japanese bikes, they still need rust proofing, bolt loctiting, and minor part upgrades.

[eatondirt]

At the end, would you say 4,000 sunk into a China Bike is about the normal price of one?


I only ask because I would have to go through the song and dance with an XR150 in getting a new carb, new airbox, doing a ton of mods anyway, right? I know they have some shortcomings of their own. Plus, OTD for an XR150L right now if I went to a dealership is 4,100.

I'm never going to find one of these used at a reasonable price, I've come to that conclusion a while ago. Anything remotely in the XR150s class right now I've seen go for ~$4K used where I'm at. TW200s for 4K used are not uncommon. That's almost the price of a new one from the dealership, all titles and tags taken care of.

If that really is the entry price then maybe a new rider like me should just bite the bullet on a new bike from the dealer. I'm okay with a wrench but I am getting this to ride first and foremost.

[Do©Hawk]

Don't forget to factor in the cost of riding gear. It adds up quick and like it or not, it is part of the equation.

[Bruces]

There are a ton of good bikes around the $2000.00 mark .

[eatondirt]

Originally Posted by Bruces

There are a ton of good bikes around the $2000.00 mark .

Maybe it's just a seasonal thing because I've been waiting close to 5-ish months now? The only bikes I've seen in this price range are these China bikes and dirtbikes. This is including the used market.

Originally Posted by Do©Hawk

Don't forget to factor in the cost of riding gear. It adds up quick and like it or not, it is part of the equation.

I am perfectly fine with adding in the cost of riding gear, of all the things I will skimp on; safety is not one of them.
I just find the current state of the name-brand market kind of silly. The XR150 is close to a 45% dealer markup.