LiFan X-Trail

[kevperro]

I of course have spent too much time looking at Chinese bikes over the last month. In researching the as yet to arrive new LiFan KPX 250 I wandered over to the main LiFan site and checked out their international models.

It turns out they have a product that is just like our X-Pect 200 cc with the following differences:

* Bore & Stroke changed to give is 223cc - Appears to still be CB engine
* Inverted front fork
* Rear disc brake rather than drum
* 6-speed gearbox! Ding..ding...ding!
* Weight up slightly by about 10lbs
* Tire size 21" front - 18" rear
* Seat height up a tick due to the bigger wheels


I find myself wishing they had this version in the USA.

[Megadan]

The rear disc brake fixes the one thing I never liked about the Xpect. That and the 21/18 wheel set. The 6 speed CB engine is a pretty good upgrade IMHO. The CB's like to rev out more and make better top end power. I wonder if this is the bike they are going to sell here as the 250?

[TominMO]

Lifan's 2022 catalog lists the KPX as 249cc. No doubt for the faster roads of the US market.

[JerryHawk250]

The KPX does have EPA certification for 49 states. California need not apply. It's a 250cc, EFI rated at 18hp according to EPA. Engine Code - 172FMM-2P.

Street Legal!

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by JerryHawk250

The KPX does have EPA certification for 49 states. California need not apply. It's a 250cc, FI rated at 18hp according to EPA. Engine Code - 172FMM-2P.

Street Legal!

If it uses the long stroke 172fmm with a 6spd trans I may just have to trade up from my Hawk.

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by Megadan

If it uses the long stroke 172fmm with a 6spd trans I may just have to trade up from my Hawk.

I know, it is tempting.

[kevperro]

Originally Posted by Megadan

The rear disc brake fixes the one thing I never liked about the Xpect. That and the 21/18 wheel set. The 6 speed CB engine is a pretty good upgrade IMHO. The CB's like to rev out more and make better top end power. I wonder if this is the bike they are going to sell here as the 250?

It is a different beast. It is still an air-cooled 2-valve design but looks more like that Zongshen motor. Further research and it probably is no relation to the Zongshen because the bore is too large.

KPX-250

Bore/Stroke: 72 mm x 61.4 mm
Compression Ratio: 8.7:1
Displacement: 249cc

The X-Trail is listed as:

Bore/Stroke: 65.5 x 66.2
Compression Ratio: 9.34:1
Displacement: 223cc


So... different engines. Another one I've been looking at is the new Orion RXB-250L. The new version is injected, 6-speed, but the tires and set-up are much more off-road trail bike. The suspension is adjustable which is a real bonus and the weight is significantly less than the LiFan bikes. What turns me off is that it isn't a slam dunk for getting plated for the road, it is a small company with some questionable support.

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by kevperro

It is a different beast. It is still an air-cooled 2-valve design but looks more like that Zongshen motor. Further research and it probably is no relation to the Zongshen because the bore is too large.

KPX-250

Bore/Stroke: 72 mm x 61.4 mm
Compression Ratio: 8.7:1
Displacement: 249cc

The X-Trail is listed as:

Bore/Stroke: 65.5 x 66.2
Compression Ratio: 9.34:1
Displacement: 223cc


So... different engines. Another one I've been looking at is the new Orion RXB-250L. The new version is injected, 6-speed, but the tires and set-up are much more off-road trail bike. The suspension is adjustable which is a real bonus and the weight is significantly less than the LiFan bikes. What turns me off is that it isn't a slam dunk for getting plated for the road, it is a small company with some questionable support.

It's variations on the same base design likely changed a bit depending on who builds it and what they want out of it. There are at least 4 versions of the 172FMM that I am aware of with different bore and strokes, or 5 or 6 transmission gears. The original 172FMM, the 2 (also G) as you listed above, the 3, and the 3a. I have also seen a 5 pop up while searching, though I haven't seen any specs for it.

The Sachs Xroad lists its engine as a ZS172FMM with a 72.5mm bore and 55.7mm stroke and 230cc's. Just to really bake your noodle lol.

Now get your hands on a 72mm cylinder and piston and put it on that 66.2mm stroke engine on the Lifan and you have a 269.53cc engine. If they would actually mate together being the real mystery as there may be changes to things like wrist pin diameters and such that may make it impossible to combine, but the principle is there.

[olds_cool63]

I emailed Lifan when I first saw the KPX 250 online. They couldn't give me a timeline. Then I asked about the 400cc version of the Lycan cruiser. This was their response:

We have KPT 400 planned for next year

Best regards


American Lifan
9272 Hyssop Dr.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
(909) 605-6999
www.americanlifan.com

[JerryHawk250]

Venom Motorsports told me they will have the KPX 250 available soon.

[JerryHawk250]

Okay, after a few emails back and forth with Moose from Venom, he tells me they should receive there first container early to mid June. Depending on the total cost of the first container. Prices should be between $3000-3300. I know it hasn't been a year since I bought my KVS but I told him to set aside a Green KPX 250. I hate to say this but if this bike turns out to be what i expect it to be I'll probably put the Hawk up for sale. I've ground attached to the Hawk. Buuuut... there always that next project.

[Megadan]

I like my Hawk, but I am not above moving on from it either. I Don't ride it as much as I used to because it became less practical for me to use every day.

[ExMxer]

I just picked up a red Xpect last week I've had ordered, and I also have the first red KPX 250 my local dealer has arriving. He told me mid to late June, but if its later than that, its cool