Templar X 250

[tknj99]

Mine is on order, but if its the same as the Titan, then think of it as a padded 2x4..definitely no where near as comfortable to sit on than my sons Brozz.. with that said, i can still ride for hours although my butt pays the price. I'm thinking some gel padding off of E-bay or Amazon, pop a few staples, cut to fit, and voila - problem solved.
As far as carb, yea, get it jetted right and its set it and forget from my experience.
When you start comparing bikes, although $1k doesn't seem like alot, its a whole other category when stepping up to pay 50% more.. kinda like the difference between a Vstrom 1050 and a Panigale V4.. with that being said, i'd take the Ducati if money were no object

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by 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?

Both of these bikes will be good bikes. There are a few more things that factor into the extra cost. On the KPX there's the EFI, Two year warranty and after sales support both from American Lifan and Dealer if you buy from someone like Venom Motorsports and I'm sure getting the EPA certification for street legal added some to the cost. But with that said, the main things is what will you be using it for? If you plan on off-road and making jumps then the Templar X would be the bike. Now if you're just doing some casual off road trail riding and commuting then the KPX will be better suited for that. Seat on the KPX is fairly comfortable, about the same as my Hawk. Suspension on the KPX could probably handle the same as the Templar X but would need to look into more off road oriented tires. I have a good selection of off road tires in the shed if feel I need them.

Now that you're even more confused, Pick one.

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by tknj99

then think of it as a padded 2x4..definitely no where near as comfortable to sit on than my sons Brozz..

Believe me when i opened the box on the KPR and saw the seat the first thing that came to my mind is "oh lord, another fancy covered 2x4" Then I pushed down on the seat and was like "Oh wow! this is soft."

[JRust]

Originally Posted by JerryHawk250

On the KPX there's the EFI

Forgive my ignorance, but is it possible to replace the carburetor with EFI?

[Raptssan]

Originally Posted by AjjAxx84

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

I would be interested in this as well.

[Thumper]

Originally Posted by JRust

Forgive my ignorance, but is it possible to replace the carburetor with EFI?

No. Just buy a bike with EFI if you don't want a carburetor. But these are single cylinder engines, and the carbs are easy to jet and tune. Also, you should know that you are stuck with the factory EFI "tune" when you buy an EFI model. It automatically adjusts for temperature, altitude. but it does so based on EPA compliance (LEAN).

The real benefit of old school carburation is control. You can make any modest changes you see fit to maximize throttle response, minimize back firing and lean firing conditions that are not the best for engine life.

And you save hundreds of dollars! Maybe thousands!

Bottom line is carburetors work and allow more nuanced adjustment if you are so inclined. You are 100% in control.

I should also mention that EFI means that you have more sensors (oxygen and temperature), and a fuel pump, and an EFI control module. Any glitches in these sensors, or the EFI system will require diagnosis. EFI fans may claim that these issues rarely happen. While it is true that EFI is pretty reliable, it can be confusing to diagnose failures. Once properly jetted, carburetor maintenance usually just involves cleaning. Low tech has its advantages!

[tknj99]

Not to mention that with carbs, we can reap the rewards of performance gains made by removing the cat, bigger carb/jetting, porting, etc. I've read that some have made strides in tuning the ecu's but it needs to become more mainstream or someone needs to fill the hole and provide tunes ie mail your ecu to them, they tune and send back to you as is done with other brands' bikes

[Thumper]

Originally Posted by tknj99

Not to mention that with carbs, we can reap the rewards of performance gains made by removing the cat, bigger carb/jetting, porting, etc. I've read that some have made strides in tuning the ecu's but it needs to become more mainstream or someone needs to fill the hole and provide tunes ie mail your ecu to them, they tune and send back to you as is done with other brands' bikes

Tune files are fixed, can't be adjusted, usually downloadable, instructions from an internet source, offering performance gains with no user control. No need for choke to start with EFI, yes. But you are completely isolated from tuning, and have no idea what the enrichment curves look like, can't adjust them. It is perfect for some people.

[Thumper]

Thanks Jeffrey.
I checked out the website. It looks great. Lots of work and would be a good winter project. More work than tuning a carb, to be sure! But it's cool to know there is an upgrade path.

It looks like just two choices for mapping... Eco and "rich" after the ECU learns the system. Fascinating!

They also sell many EFI applications components for electric vehicle and hybrid vehicles, and there is a UAV EFI system to build a drone! High tech stuff.

[JRust]

Originally Posted by jeffrey

Look up a site called Ecotron they have EFI kits. They say it will work up to 300cc engines. If you can work with this stuff maybe you can make it work.

Yes! I saw this on youtube! Not sure I'm in for that much work, but nice to know there are options!

Thanks Thumper and tknj99. I like the thought of being able to tune and control how my bike runs. Templar X is looking like the bike to go with. Does it handle well enough on the street to drive about 20 miles at 55 mph to work?

[dslfrk]

Just got my Templar X six speed yesterday. Seems to be well put together and the seat is way more cushy than the RXB. The carb is very tight in the frame and comes stock with 120 main and 40 low speed. I went with a 130 main and 45 low speed, an extra turn on the air screw and a spacer under the needle. The foam air filter was dry so make sure you oil it up. The forks both had 300ml. of oil and I put in some 5wt. of the same amount. The rear suspension linkage needed more grease! Very surprised that the tires are DOT. It sure has a large rear sprocket, changed it out for a 40 tooth and at some time a 14 tooth front. Lots more to do.
Does anyone know what the Torch D8TC spark plug crosses over too? Might be nice to change that out. Looking forward to hearing what you all are doing to yours.

[Thumper]

Originally Posted by dslfrk

Just got my Templar X six speed yesterday. Seems to be well put together and the seat is way more cushy than the RXB. The carb is very tight in the frame and comes stock with 120 main and 40 low speed. I went with a 130 main and 45 low speed, an extra turn on the air screw and a spacer under the needle...

Thanks for the update. I found the same jets in mine. I like that polished smoothbore venturi. Beauty!!

[Thumper]

Originally Posted by JRust

Yes! I saw this on youtube! Not sure I'm in for that much work, but nice to know there are options!

Thanks Thumper and tknj99. I like the thought of being able to tune and control how my bike runs. Templar X is looking like the bike to go with. Does it handle well enough on the street to drive about 20 miles at 55 mph to work?

I've ridden my 5speed many road miles. It does great, even higher speeds. That counterbalancing and 6speed transmission will help on the road.

The new 6speed comes with a larger tube diameter rack, with side mounting plates. This is great! Room for adding some luggage.

[AjjAxx84]

FYI the replacement headlight just came in from Amazon. I only bought it for the brackets that are identical to the new model x. And for $30 you also get a replacement headlight assembly

[Thumper]

Originally Posted by AjjAxx84

FYI the replacement headlight just came in from Amazon. I only bought it for the brackets that are identical to the new model x. And for $30 you also get a replacement headlight assembly

Which replacement headlight!? pic or link ??