10-27-2024, 11:52 PM | #1 |
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 40
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Tall Rider in search of next bike Lifan? Orion? Xpro?
As the title says, I'm looking to get a bike. I'm a pretty big guy 6'6 250. That being said, previously (2018) I had a csc tt250 which I enjoyed, but I'd prefer a taller seat height. Since then, I know there have been a lot of new bikes released. I've been digging through the forum comparing the options, but I'd love some feedback. I've kind of narrowed it down to the Lifan KPX250, Orion RXB250L HO, or the new Xpro Paladin 300.
I'd love to hear any feedback on the bikes. The Orion and Xpro have the tallest seat height on paper. Or if there is another bike I should consider by all means let me know! I'm not opposed to the more inexpensive options if it makes sense. Main use would be gravel roads and light trail riding. I have almost pulled the trigger on the Paladin, but I would love to get some feedback from someone who has ridden one. I'm sure that feedback will be rolling in soon as members get their bikes assembled, but anyways, I'm all ears! TIA! |
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10-28-2024, 08:43 AM | #2 |
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Central VA
Posts: 1,301
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I can tell you that the Templar X and by association, Paladin 300 will be as tall as most other brands of Enduro bike... in comparison, the standard Templar 250 and Titan DLX have the same height and are smaller. If money (within reason) is no issue, i would stay tuned to the Paladin threads as that is the newest and best offering that Xpro has at the moment, otherwise you can't go wrong with the Templar X, although, top speed/power to get there will be lacking compared to the Paladin..
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2024 Templar 250 2021 Beta 500 RRS 2018 VStrom 1000 XT Former China Bikes: Tao DBX1, Brozz 250, CSC RX4, Titan DLX, Templar X, Storm DLX 150 |
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10-28-2024, 01:42 PM | #3 |
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 40
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Thanks for the suggestion! The paladin is at the top of my list for sure. I am following the other threads waiting for some user feedback on it. Is it not recommended to buy them pre assembled? I notice the other members posting are assembling their bikes vs buying pre assembled.
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10-28-2024, 02:17 PM | #4 |
Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 2,733
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I just made some comments in the minor assembly issues thred.
At your height and weight, the additional power and overall stronger/stiffer build and 14 more hp would be useful to you. And that is definitely a stronger spring on the rear shock, and the entire shock has a wider diameter body, stronger build. Even the swingarm is higher quality. The price will undoubtedly go up again in 2025. Build quality is worth it. I haven't ridden the GPX 300 or trailmaster TM38, but they cost $1200 to $1800 more.
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10-28-2024, 03:08 PM | #5 | |
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 40
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Quote:
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10-28-2024, 03:57 PM | #6 | |
Join Date: Jun 2023
Location: Big Piney, WY
Posts: 615
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Quote:
The BENEFIT of assembling it yourself is priceless. You get to really know the bike. ALL of it. Pulling a wheel off to change a flat and doing the job yourself...I don't think there is a better way to get that sense of accomplishment. Even on the little things, like noticing the chain is loose and adjusting it and getting it on the first or second go. I like to mention the book Zen And The Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance. Required reading for hippies but it introduces you to the benefits of mechanic'ing. Another good one is Illusions: The Adventures Of A Reluctant Messiah. To each his own. If you want to farm that work out to someone you never met, and put your life on it...that's your call.
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2023 Hawk 250 from XPRO off of Amazon MOUNTAIN MAN RC + MOTO on YouTube "If there were more bloody noses, there would be less wars." - Hagbard Celine John 2:15 So He made a whip out of cords and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; He scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. |
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10-28-2024, 06:27 PM | #7 | |
Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 2,733
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"You get to really know the bike. ALL of it." No matter what the quality of these bikes, they will need attention. But that is not unique to Chinese dirtbikes. All motorcycles need adjustment, fixing, and maintenance. If you need that work done for you, do NOT buy a crate bike. You can take your Kawasaki KDX250 to a dealer and get service, but only some Chinese motorcycles are sold assembled at dealerships, at a premium. They aren't necessarily better, but they are supported with after sales service. Uh, you do NOT want the bike to be uncrated and assembled for you. No, really. I don't really want to expound. Trust me.
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No matter where you go, there you are Last edited by Thumper; 10-28-2024 at 09:08 PM. |
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10-28-2024, 11:10 PM | #8 |
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 40
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Thanks for the suggestions, guys. I am a small engine/ general mechanic on the side and have worked on bikes. Work is just reeaally busy at the moment, so tbh I was hoping for an easy solution of letting them pre-assemble it and getting a mostly ready to ride bike, but it sounds like that is not a great option in this instance hah.
When I bought my 2018 CSC TT250, I took it off the pallet and it was ready to go. Never had a bit of trouble with that bike or the assembly, but apples oranges. I'll keep an eye on your build thread and see how things progress. I'm hoping the idling issue isn't something that is going to persist for you guys and on these bikes in general! Thanks again! |
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10-29-2024, 10:14 AM | #9 |
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Mooresville NC
Posts: 2,116
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given your mechanic background, I would think the unassembled bike is not going to be a problem for you. it only takes a couple hours at most to put it together. Wheels and handlebars are pretty much it. Just locktite it all. The only difference really is just the $. Most folks who buy chinese bikes want to spend as little as possible.
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Dave Bikes I've owned: Suzuki GS450T, Yamaha XS500, Honda V45 Sabre, Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic (2), Suzuki VX800, Kawasaki Ninja 650, Triumph TT600, Honda Superhawk, Kawasaki Concours 1000 (3, including a sidecar rig), Buell XB9R, Kawasaki Nomad 1500, Concours 14, Honda Goldwing (2), Housen Hawk, Suzuki Intruder 1400, Kawasaki KLR650, Victory V92TC. |
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