JerryHawk250's Lifan KPX250

[Thumper]

I just completed a valve adjustment checkup on an early edition of the KPX 250. A few comments:

First, it was easy to remove the front rack mounts and underlying bolts that hold the seat on (loosened the rear rackmounts bolts to tilt the rack).
Then the battery cover and same panel on the other side is easy to remove with 4mm (I think it was 4mm) allen wrench and philips screwdriver, and the air louvre wings come off with 4 allen bolts as well.
*The fuel tank is one of the easiest tank removals I have EVER done. Nice engineering Lifan!



The photo was taken after reassembling looking up at the fuel pump from the stator cover.
-there are two connections there on the left side you can remove first. 1) the fuel line (right red circle), which is released by pinching the connector (flat square surfaces on sides). It slides back (have a rag there for fuel in the line-but the fuel pump side stays sealed!), 2) The power supply line to the fuel pump (left red circle) is in the front of the thing, also easily removed by lifting (back) or pressing (front) of the tab. DONE.
The sender line for fuel gauge is under the tank, so
-Remove the two 8mm bolts and gently move the tank back to expose the fuel gauge sender connection. Disconnect that and the tank should be placed on a sawhorse to avoid dinging the seams or damaging the fuel pump connections.

Jerry has a complete video on doing the valve adjustment so go with that. Intake clearance 0.08mm (about 0.003") and exhaust clearance 0.10mm (about 0.004").

ONE other thing I ran into was the bolt holding the rear cap ran into interference with the rear engine mount (photo below). The threads are 20mm, so you can get a 15mm replacement if you are so motivated. I was able to get it off, and threaded back on so this may be just an optional replacment. You could shave the bolt down a mm or 2 and file the threads clean instead:

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by Thumper

I just completed a valve adjustment checkup on an early edition of the KPX 250. A few comments:

First, it was easy to remove the front rack mounts and underlying bolts that hold the seat on (loosened the rear rackmounts bolts to tilt the rack).
Then the battery cover and same panel on the other side is easy to remove with 4mm (I think it was 4mm) allen wrench and philips screwdriver, and the air louvre wings come off with 4 allen bolts as well.
*The fuel tank is one of the easiest tank removals I have EVER done. Nice engineering Lifan!

Attachment 31603

The photo was taken after reassembling looking up at the fuel pump from the stator cover.
-there are two connections there on the left you can remove first. 1) the fuel line (right red circle), which is released by pinching the connector (flat square surfaces on sides). It slides back (have a rag there for fuel in the line-but the fuel pump side stays sealed!), 2) The power supply line to the fuel pump (left red circle) is in the front of the thing, also easily removed by lifting (back) or pressing (front) of the tab. DONE.
The sender line for fuel gauge is under the tank, so
-Remove the two 8mm bolts and gently move the tank back to expose the fuel gauge sender connection. Disconnect that and the tank should be placed on a sawhorse to avoid dinging the seams or damaging the fuel pump connections.

Jerry has a complete video on doing the valve adjustment so go with that. Intake clearance 0.08mm (about 0.003") and exhaust clearance 0.10mm (about 0.004").

ONE other thing I ran into was the bolt holding the rear cap ran into interference with the rear engine mount (photo below). The threads are 20mm, so you can get a 15mm replacement if you are so motivated. I was able to get it off, and threaded back on so this may be just an optional replacment. You could shave the bolt down a mm or 2 and file the threads clean instead:
Attachment 31604

Thanks for posting. All good information. I had removed the rear engine mount to give better access to the rear cover. Made it much easier.

[nogreaterlove]

Excited! Just ordered my assembled KPX250 from Venom today. Never had a Chinese bike before, always went with Suzuki. I am a big guy, so maybe I will need to upgrade the shocks. I am a light use rider, only easy trails and back roads through the Ozarks. Robbie

[Bill Hilly]

Originally Posted by nogreaterlove

Excited! Just ordered my assembled KPX250 from Venom today. Never had a Chinese bike before, always went with Suzuki. I am a big guy, so maybe I will need to upgrade the shocks. I am a light use rider, only easy trails and back roads through the Ozarks. Robbie

The rear shock has plenty of adjustment, but the front forks are way too soft, in my opinion. I've even wondered if something was wrong with mine, because even under the bikes weight with nobody on it it says down a lot, and just pushing the bike in the driveway makes them ho down a little, and touching the front brake really sags it. I adjusted a good bit of extra preload in my rear when I got mine, but couldn't do anything about the front. I plan on seeing what I can do with the front forks this Fall. There's a video of a guy tearing the forks down on a DLX , and he mentioned the size that the stock spacers are. I'm not sure if the KPX is the same though. I had my stock front tire wear out prematurely, and MegaDan mentioned that it may have been from setting more preload in the back, and no extra in front. I put a "Duro" brand front on it for now, because it's very close to matching the stock tread, and because my back tire is still very good. I think the Duro is probably wearing better, but not sure , but either way I need to do something with the front forks, and possibly take some of the added preload off the rear. As it is now. My old Hawk rides better on rougher roads than the KPX.

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by Bill Hilly

The rear shock has plenty of adjustment, but the front forks are way too soft, in my opinion. I've even wondered if something was wrong with mine, because even under the bikes weight with nobody on it it says down a lot, and just pushing the bike in the driveway makes them ho down a little, and touching the front brake really sags it. I adjusted a good bit of extra preload in my rear when I got mine, but couldn't do anything about the front. I plan on seeing what I can do with the front forks this Fall. There's a video of a guy tearing the forks down on a DLX , and he mentioned the size that the stock spacers are. I'm not sure if the KPX is the same though. I had my stock front tire wear out prematurely, and MegaDan mentioned that it may have been from setting more preload in the back, and no extra in front. I put a "Duro" brand front on it for now, because it's very close to matching the stock tread, and because my back tire is still very good. I think the Duro is probably wearing better, but not sure , but either way I need to do something with the front forks, and possibly take some of the added preload off the rear. As it is now. My old Hawk rides better on rougher roads than the KPX.

You may have something wrong with your front shocks. I don't get much sag at all. You might want to change out the fork fluid or at least make sure it has the proper amount in each shock.

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by nogreaterlove

Excited! Just ordered my assembled KPX250 from Venom today. Never had a Chinese bike before, always went with Suzuki. I am a big guy, so maybe I will need to upgrade the shocks. I am a light use rider, only easy trails and back roads through the Ozarks. Robbie

Congratulations! I think you will be fine. Like Bill Hilly said, rear shock is adjustable. Heaver weight fork fluid and longer spacers in the forks will stiffen it up some.

[nogreaterlove]

Newest update on the 2024 KPX 250
On Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 12:15 PM Mark Venom Sales <mark.venommotorsports@gmail.com> wrote:
Hello there,

Congratulations on your purchase!

The KPX is the newest model out and is a 2024 year model. We have them in stock, and your order is currently undergoing full assembly and testing. It will be departing close to middle to end of this week!

Once it ships, we will update you via email with a tracking number. The transit time from there will be between 4-7 business days. You will also receive a phone call to schedule the drop-off appointment once it arrives in your city.

Thank you for your patience, and we hope you enjoy your new motorcycle!

Best regards,


Mark G.

Venom Motorsports USA



Mark.venommotorsports@gmail.com



1-855-984-1612



1380 Caldwell Cir, Anaheim, CA 92805



VenomMotorsportsUSA.com





Yes, the new 2024 models do not have that issue, and it shouldn't be a problem for you.

The manufacturer has since fixed that slight error in their models, so you can expect smooth performance without idling problems.

Best regards,

Mark G.

Venom Motorsports USA

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by nogreaterlove

Newest update on the 2024 KPX 250
On Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 12:15 PM Mark Venom Sales <mark.venommotorsports@gmail.com> wrote:
Hello there,

Congratulations on your purchase!

The KPX is the newest model out and is a 2024 year model. We have them in stock, and your order is currently undergoing full assembly and testing. It will be departing close to middle to end of this week!

Once it ships, we will update you via email with a tracking number. The transit time from there will be between 4-7 business days. You will also receive a phone call to schedule the drop-off appointment once it arrives in your city.

Thank you for your patience, and we hope you enjoy your new motorcycle!

Best regards,


Mark G.

Venom Motorsports USA



Mark.venommotorsports@gmail.com



1-855-984-1612



1380 Caldwell Cir, Anaheim, CA 92805



VenomMotorsportsUSA.com





Yes, the new 2024 models do not have that issue, and it shouldn't be a problem for you.

The manufacturer has since fixed that slight error in their models, so you can expect smooth performance without idling problems.

Best regards,

Mark G.

Venom Motorsports USA

Congratulation! You're going to enjoy that bike.

[Ratbagger]

Originally Posted by JerryHawk250

Thanks for posting. All good information. I had removed the rear engine mount to give better access to the rear cover. Made it much easier.

I actually took a box end wrench and shaved it down with a grinder to fit. After that it was easy enough to remove and re-install the bolt.

[nogreaterlove]

Update: The bike arrived fully assembled. Started up, ran a little rough for about 3 minutes, then fine. I have only driven it about 40 miles so far. I weigh 325lbs, so I had to adjust the rear shock. 325 is pushing the limit on this bike. Luckily, I am a easy rider and usually only drive down paved back roads.

[nogreaterlove]

100 miles on the bike. 69 mpg. No problems with bike. I drive down 2 miles of dirt road to get to my house. The tires are a little squirrely. The shocks are not stout enough for potholes with my weight. The seat height is perfect for 6 foot, 325 lbs. The bike has plenty of power for casual riding. The bike handles great. I like it better than my 2012 Honda XR650L. It seems just as solid and the weight on the 250 is distributed better. Both bikes weigh about the same, but the 250 feels a lot lighter. So far, definitely worth the money. It does not feel like a cheap bike. It handles very good on the asphalt.

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by nogreaterlove

100 miles on the bike. 69 mpg. No problems with bike. I drive down 2 miles of dirt road to get to my house. The tires are a little squirrely. The shocks are not stout enough for potholes with my weight. The seat height is perfect for 6 foot, 325 lbs. The bike has plenty of power for casual riding. The bike handles great. I like it better than my 2012 Honda XR650L. It seems just as solid and the weight on the 250 is distributed better. Both bikes weigh about the same, but the 250 feels a lot lighter. So far, definitely worth the money. It does not feel like a cheap bike. It handles very good on the asphalt.

You might need to adjust the rear shock to stiffen it up a little them put a heaver weight shock oil in the front. I think the tires are more street oriented than they are off road. Still a great handling bike.

[bigdano711]

Originally Posted by nogreaterlove

100 miles on the bike. 69 mpg. No problems with bike. I drive down 2 miles of dirt road to get to my house. The tires are a little squirrely. The shocks are not stout enough for potholes with my weight. The seat height is perfect for 6 foot, 325 lbs. The bike has plenty of power for casual riding. The bike handles great. I like it better than my 2012 Honda XR650L. It seems just as solid and the weight on the 250 is distributed better. Both bikes weigh about the same, but the 250 feels a lot lighter. So far, definitely worth the money. It does not feel like a cheap bike. It handles very good on the asphalt.

Have you done a top speed run, yet? Very curious, us heftier folk are.

[nogreaterlove]

not yet, but I can tell you 0-50 smoothly, then slowly up to 60. The fastest I have been is 64 so far.

[Megadan]

Most bike suspensions aren't setup for us larger guys. Especially us enormous Dan's.

We fit the seats, not the shocks