Templar X 250

[Thumper]

Originally Posted by Jwrider

TemplarX looks like dirt only. Psportsmax lists it at 14 hp. I,ll stick with my street legal x-pect also rated @14hp.

That is not hp. It is a metric power rating (14 Kw/r/m). That is 19hp.

The engine in Templar X is the ZS172-FMM, which is a 249cc 19hp with OHC (OverHead Cam), not the 14hp ZS167-FMM 230cc 14hp pushrod CG clone that is in your Xpect and my Bashan Storm (and the Hawk, and many other Chondas).

Also, the new Templar X is shipping with the counterbalanced 6speed version of the 249cc engine (ZS172-FMM-5). I have verified this 6 speed transmission in the new Templar X (in my garage).

[AjjAxx84]

If anyone needs spare engine parts I’m tearing my original engine down. Shipping from 18618. Text me at (570) 908-9593

[tknj99]

Anyone register a Templar X in Virginia yet?

[JRust]

Hello all, I'm looking for my first bike and stumbled upon the Templar X and subsequently this thread (which seems like a great community). The Templar X seems like a great platform with a true 250cc engine and 6 speeds. I've boiled it down to this bike or the Hawk 250 DLX. I am pretty mechanically inclined, but after reading through the thread, the carb adjusting and jetting seems a bit intimidating, though I do love to tinker. My main purpose for the bike will be off road riding around my 15 acres and commuting some days about 20 miles to work on 55 mph roads. Any help deciding is appreciated. Also, I'm about 5'10" 225 lbs. if that matters in choosing a bike?

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by JRust

Hello all, I'm looking for my first bike and stumbled upon the Templar X and subsequently this thread (which seems like a great community). The Templar X seems like a great platform with a true 250cc engine and 6 speeds. I've boiled it down to this bike or the Hawk 250 DLX. I am pretty mechanically inclined, but after reading through the thread, the carb adjusting and jetting seems a bit intimidating, though I do love to tinker. My main purpose for the bike will be off road riding around my 15 acres and commuting some days about 20 miles to work on 55 mph roads. Any help deciding is appreciated. Also, I'm about 5'10" 225 lbs. if that matters in choosing a bike?

The Templar X is a real nice bikes but be aware that the Templar X is only EPA approved for Off-road and not highway use. Like the standard Hawk 250, you can get registered in some states for road use so don't get upset if you get rejected at the DMV.
Another option if you want a bike that is street legal except in CA is the Lifan KPX 250. The bikes is a true 250cc engine with a speed (similar to The Templar) and EFI. Out the box with no mods the bike will run 70+ mph GPS. Mine has less than 300 miles and not even broke in yet and has briefly hit 76mph right before I backed off the throttle. Still needs more break-in miles put on it.

[tknj99]

It looks like the Templar X is the new breed of RXB clone (former 223cc model) and Titan DLX and mostly suited for off-road duty but still fine for road.. with beefier everything, 6sp, 19-20hp whereas the KPX to me looks to be the evolution of the Hawk/Brozz/TBR which is more comfortable and suited for dual-sport duties with more road orientation than the Templar/Titan/RXB. Neither of these is a wrong choice, just the same decision.. want more offroad oriented go Templar/new RXB/similar.. want more street with less off-road go for the KPX and similar. To me the 6th gear is the game changing piece to the equation, and adjustable suspension, led bits, and beefier components is all gravy. Very hard to beat at $2100 delivered thats for sure.

@Jerry: what's the KPX geared at with the 520 i assume chain? I read that the Templar X is 13/49 which is quite high.. my Titan was 13/42 with 5sp and struggled to hit 60 maxed out. I'm thinking 14/42 with the Templar X should be good for atleast 70 which is what i'm after.

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by tknj99

@Jerry: what's the KPX geared at with the 520 i assume chain? I read that the Templar X is 13/49 which is quite high.. my Titan was 13/42 with 5sp and struggled to hit 60 maxed out. I'm thinking 14/42 with the Templar X should be good for atleast 70 which is what i'm after.

The KPX uses the 520 chain and comes with 13/42 sprockets. No problem hitting and holding 70mph.

[tknj99]

Thanks.. ill change the rear to 42 and see how she does as a first measure

[Nutcracker]

Hit 1300k miles on 1st Gen 5 speed TemplarX. Done absolutely nothing to the bike but a 14/42 sprocket change, new chain & tires... I recently added a KTM SFX 250 skid plate took some minor fabricating but works well.

Someone needs to hit the highway with the 6 speed. I'm on the fence until I hear some Data? I know the Vibration will be tons less but what does it feel like compared to the original.. Nothing showing yet for the new motor available on eBay..

[Thumper]

Originally Posted by JRust

Hello all, I'm looking for my first bike and stumbled upon the Templar X and subsequently this thread (which seems like a great community). The Templar X seems like a great platform with a true 250cc engine and 6 speeds. I've boiled it down to this bike or the Hawk 250 DLX. I am pretty mechanically inclined, but after reading through the thread, the carb adjusting and jetting seems a bit intimidating, though I do love to tinker. My main purpose for the bike will be off road riding around my 15 acres and commuting some days about 20 miles to work on 55 mph roads. Any help deciding is appreciated. Also, I'm about 5'10" 225 lbs. if that matters in choosing a bike?

A direct competitor to the Hawk is the Bashan dual purpose bikes: Bashan Storm, and Brozz. These are very similar to the Hawk, but with USD forks (inverted). I got a 2020 Storm and it is a very comfortable dual sport. All of these bikes have the CG230 pushrod engine-extremely dependable. Storm has a counterbalanced Zongshen engine (I am not sure about the Brozz).
shopapmc has the Storm (might still have them). Jeff at Peace Sports has the Brozz, and also the Recon, which is a knobby version of the Brozz, but also with 21" front wheel.

The Templar is not nearly as comfortable as the Bashan Storm, Hawk, or Brozz. The new counterbalanced engine will make a big difference especially on the road. That is important for long rides on the highway. But it is definitely a competent off road bike, and most people have licensed/plated the Templar X in their State. I have the 5 speed version, and putting together the new 6 speed version in my garage now.

I think the key is to have all your ducks in a row-especially insurance:
Insurance- Geico insured mine by phone. I already had an account for my road bike, so I was adding the Templar X (~$35 annual premium for liability). The VIN did not come up and I thought I would have an issue, but moments later, I was insured. I just had to read off the info from the MCO (VIN, manufacturer).
-Motorcycle Certificate of Origin (MCO) that has "motorcycle" not "dirt bike". Everyone that I know of here was able to get the one with "motorcycle" (a few had to request a replacement from PowerSportMax, and got it).
-bill of sale- comes with the MCO from PSM
anything else your State wants (personal property tax receipts, or what have you).

I was in and out with a 2 year registration and license plate in the State of Missouri.

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by JRust

Hello all, I'm looking for my first bike and stumbled upon the Templar X and subsequently this thread (which seems like a great community). The Templar X seems like a great platform with a true 250cc engine and 6 speeds. I've boiled it down to this bike or the Hawk 250 DLX. I am pretty mechanically inclined, but after reading through the thread, the carb adjusting and jetting seems a bit intimidating, though I do love to tinker. My main purpose for the bike will be off road riding around my 15 acres and commuting some days about 20 miles to work on 55 mph roads. Any help deciding is appreciated. Also, I'm about 5'10" 225 lbs. if that matters in choosing a bike?

I guess the best question to ask is what state you live in? Some states like PA, NJ, CA can be a real PITA when it comes to registering Non-Highway EPA approved bikes. States like Texas, Louisiana, Florida pretty much let you register anything as long as the MCO states Motorcycle and Not Dirtbike as long as they have everything you need to make street legal such as headlight, turn signal, horn, etc.

[AjjAxx84]

Originally Posted by JerryHawk250

I guess the best question to ask is what state you live in? Some states like PA, NJ, CA can be a real PITA when it comes to registering Non-Highway EPA approved bikes. States like Texas, Louisiana, Florida pretty much let you register anything as long as the MCO states Motorcycle and Not Dirtbike as long as they have everything you need to make street legal such as headlight, turn signal, horn, etc.

PA has ZERO issues registering the Templar X’s. I have done it with 2 so far.

[AjjAxx84]

Has anyone done the oil cooler yet? If so which one did you use?

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by AjjAxx84

PA has ZERO issues registering the Templar X’s. I have done it with 2 so far.

Sweet! that's a good sign.

[JRust]

Thanks for all the great input. I live in Arkansas, so I don't foresee any issues registering it. I will be using it a lot off road, but also plan to commute to work on it a few times a week when the weather is good. The KPX 250 looks nice, but is much more expensive. Is it worth it over the Templar X? Is the new Templar X really that uncomfortable? As far as the carburetor, is it really that much of a hassle? Or is it a set it and forget it kind of thing, once you get it tuned?