differences between lifan & roketa

mikedrees · 02-22-2007, 12:37 AM

i have it down to 2 options. the roketa db-07a ($1029)from xxx motorsports, or the lifan gy5 ($1095)from evosales. the lifan price looks a little cheap because i will also be ordering a scoot for the wife & an atv for the kids (3 pieces get you wholesale pricing from evo). i tried going the local route but the closest american lifan dealer is in pensacola & his dealer license is on hold while he rebuilds his shop (hurricane damage). i was wonderin if there is any small differences between the 2. things like passenger footpegs, accuracy of gauges, quality of the switches, proper gearing for highway speeds, quality of the plastics, seat heights ( i would like to get the biggest bike i can), etc. lets see if you all can sway me one way or the other.
thanks,
mike

fatboy250 · 02-22-2007, 08:55 AM

Roketa DB07A has the OHC engine. I'm thinking that most of the Lifan's come with the pushrod engine. Other than that it's pretty much personal preference and availablity of dealer. I don't think you'll have any regrets either way.

Jason

red2003 · 02-22-2007, 10:53 AM

I think the Lifans are a little more refined in some areas, less in others. I believe the Lifan has a larger gas tank. The Roketas are only about a gallon and a half. I think the Lifans are like 3 gallons. A Lifan owner could confirm this for us. I bought the Roketa, and I like it so far. For the money, you really can't go wrong either way. As a side note, the Lifans are DOT/EPA approved and the ROKETA is NOT! This might be a problem with the Roketa in a state with tough registration laws. I'd check into that before I made the final decision.

ambassador · 02-22-2007, 10:57 AM

It's pretty much personal preference, there are some minor differences between them.. I think the GY-5 is a bit beefier bike and has better quality parts ie. mirrors, battery box, etc. but that is just my opinion..
The GY-5 also comes with fork guards and hand guards which is something to consider depending on where your going to be riding.. Hope this helps...

blimpman · 02-22-2007, 11:01 AM

2.7 gallons ( 10.5 liters) on my '06 Lifan GY20-5 I believe. Definitely street legal and easily registered here in Ohio. My dealer took care of all that. ( Thanks again Bruce @ EJ Cycles)

Love the bike....

Quote:

Originally Posted by red2003

I think the Lifans are a little more refined in some areas, less in others. I believe the Lifan has a larger gas tank. The Roketas are only about a gallon and a half. I think the Lifans are like 3 gallons. A Lifan owner could confirm this for us. I bought the Roketa, and I like it so far. For the money, you really can't go wrong either way. As a side note, the Lifans are DOT/EPA approved and the ROKETA is NOT! This might be a problem with the Roketa in a state with tough registration laws. I'd check into that before I made the final decision.

mikedrees · 02-22-2007, 11:28 AM

i like the bigger gas tank on the lifan, but theoretically shouldn't the ohc on the roketa be better than the ohv?

blimpman · 02-22-2007, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikedrees

i like the bigger gas tank on the lifan, but theoretically shouldn't the ohc on the roketa be better than the ohv?

Run better while riding it or idling in the driveway??

I'd say the OHC might have a little performance edge but not enough on the trails to even be worried about. The rider will be limited before the engine will.

fatboy250 · 02-22-2007, 03:11 PM

I haven't ridden a push rod version yet, but if they are putting out the same power and torque it shouldn't be that big a difference. I do know that Dad and I have the right engine for the high rpm riding that we do. Ours are at 95-100% WOT for long periods of time (30min or more). These engines are tight so far, I'm up to 4000 miles. Dad's like 2800 miles.

Jason

NewEnglandTrails · 02-22-2007, 03:21 PM

Just remember its probably not an American Lifan if they are drop shipping it.. You may not get the quality of an American Lifan. With the Lifan name.

NET

red2003 · 02-22-2007, 03:23 PM

As was mentioned, my Roketa did not come with fork guards, but DID come with hand guards. Pretty nice ones actually. The mirrors DO suck though.

fatboy250 · 02-22-2007, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by red2003

As was mentioned, my Roketa did not come with fork guards, but DID come with hand guards. Pretty nice ones actually. The mirrors DO suck though.

Ditto on the mirrors. The "barkbusters" came off of mine when I was putting it together. I thought they looked a bit Mickey Mouse. Dad seems to like 'em though. Must be a generational thing.

Jason

ambassador · 02-22-2007, 05:13 PM

The stock gearing on the GY-5 is 17 front, 46 rear, not sure what it is on the Roketa but I'm sure someone will post what it is..

The plastics are different but that's just a matter of style and you also get the highly treasured "Auspicous" handlebar pad..

Roketarider · 02-22-2007, 08:38 PM

My Roketa was 56 rear.

cycleway4 · 02-22-2007, 08:49 PM

46 tooth rear on mine.............sorry, havent checked the front, yet

ambassador · 02-22-2007, 10:02 PM

Mike,
Just make sure you don't have to do a rear sprocket replacement before you buy the bike, they are pretty easy to come by nowadays but still a hassle that you don't need...
As far as I know with my girlfriend following behind me in my Camry top speed on the bike is about 72 mph and that is wound out pushing 7000 rpm, keep in mind that I am 5'8" and weigh 140#'s...
I still can toss this bike around with no problems, it's not much different than my old XR200...

02-22-2007, 12:37 AM	#1
mikedrees Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 16	differences between lifan & roketa i have it down to 2 options. the roketa db-07a ($1029)from xxx motorsports, or the lifan gy5 ($1095)from evosales. the lifan price looks a little cheap because i will also be ordering a scoot for the wife & an atv for the kids (3 pieces get you wholesale pricing from evo). i tried going the local route but the closest american lifan dealer is in pensacola & his dealer license is on hold while he rebuilds his shop (hurricane damage). i was wonderin if there is any small differences between the 2. things like passenger footpegs, accuracy of gauges, quality of the switches, proper gearing for highway speeds, quality of the plastics, seat heights ( i would like to get the biggest bike i can), etc. lets see if you all can sway me one way or the other. thanks, mike
	0

02-22-2007, 08:55 AM	#2
fatboy250 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: COLUMBIA, SC Posts: 973	Roketa DB07A has the OHC engine. I'm thinking that most of the Lifan's come with the pushrod engine. Other than that it's pretty much personal preference and availablity of dealer. I don't think you'll have any regrets either way. Jason __________________ 2008 Jonway MC-70-150 2007 Roketa DB-07B (RSM-200E) 2006 Roketa DB-07A (RSX-200E) 1995 Kawasaki Concours (ZG1000)
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02-22-2007, 10:53 AM	#3
red2003 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Northern Vermont, USA Posts: 1,271	I think the Lifans are a little more refined in some areas, less in others. I believe the Lifan has a larger gas tank. The Roketas are only about a gallon and a half. I think the Lifans are like 3 gallons. A Lifan owner could confirm this for us. I bought the Roketa, and I like it so far. For the money, you really can't go wrong either way. As a side note, the Lifans are DOT/EPA approved and the ROKETA is NOT! This might be a problem with the Roketa in a state with tough registration laws. I'd check into that before I made the final decision. __________________ First Chinabike: 2006 Roketa RSX200E Current Chinabikes: 2023 Titan DLX & 2022 Lifan KP Mini w/ 210cc BRT kit, 22 RWHP!
	0

02-22-2007, 03:11 PM	#8
fatboy250 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: COLUMBIA, SC Posts: 973	I haven't ridden a push rod version yet, but if they are putting out the same power and torque it shouldn't be that big a difference. I do know that Dad and I have the right engine for the high rpm riding that we do. Ours are at 95-100% WOT for long periods of time (30min or more). These engines are tight so far, I'm up to 4000 miles. Dad's like 2800 miles. Jason __________________ 2008 Jonway MC-70-150 2007 Roketa DB-07B (RSM-200E) 2006 Roketa DB-07A (RSX-200E) 1995 Kawasaki Concours (ZG1000)
	0

02-22-2007, 03:23 PM	#10
red2003 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Northern Vermont, USA Posts: 1,271	As was mentioned, my Roketa did not come with fork guards, but DID come with hand guards. Pretty nice ones actually. The mirrors DO suck though. __________________ First Chinabike: 2006 Roketa RSX200E Current Chinabikes: 2023 Titan DLX & 2022 Lifan KP Mini w/ 210cc BRT kit, 22 RWHP!
	0

02-22-2007, 10:57 AM	#4
ambassador Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Bradenton, Florida Posts: 1,200	It's pretty much personal preference, there are some minor differences between them.. I think the GY-5 is a bit beefier bike and has better quality parts ie. mirrors, battery box, etc. but that is just my opinion.. The GY-5 also comes with fork guards and hand guards which is something to consider depending on where your going to be riding.. Hope this helps...
	0

02-22-2007, 11:28 AM	#6
mikedrees Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 16	i like the bigger gas tank on the lifan, but theoretically shouldn't the ohc on the roketa be better than the ohv?
	0

02-22-2007, 03:21 PM	#9
NewEnglandTrails Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: The Quiet Corner of CT. Posts: 387	Just remember its probably not an American Lifan if they are drop shipping it.. You may not get the quality of an American Lifan. With the Lifan name. NET
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02-22-2007, 05:13 PM	#12
ambassador Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Bradenton, Florida Posts: 1,200	The stock gearing on the GY-5 is 17 front, 46 rear, not sure what it is on the Roketa but I'm sure someone will post what it is.. The plastics are different but that's just a matter of style and you also get the highly treasured "Auspicous" handlebar pad..
	0

02-22-2007, 08:38 PM	#13
Roketarider Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 124	My Roketa was 56 rear. __________________ Roketa DB-07A 200cc
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02-22-2007, 08:49 PM	#14
cycleway4 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 269	46 tooth rear on mine.............sorry, havent checked the front, yet __________________ <div>Steve 2006 Roketa DB-07A/RSX-200E 2008 Roketa 250 Scooter 2019 Brozz 250
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02-22-2007, 10:02 PM	#15
ambassador Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Bradenton, Florida Posts: 1,200	Mike, Just make sure you don't have to do a rear sprocket replacement before you buy the bike, they are pretty easy to come by nowadays but still a hassle that you don't need... As far as I know with my girlfriend following behind me in my Camry top speed on the bike is about 72 mph and that is wound out pushing 7000 rpm, keep in mind that I am 5'8" and weigh 140#'s... I still can toss this bike around with no problems, it's not much different than my old XR200...
	0