Hawk-X 250 vs DLX vs Lifan KPX

[eatondirt]

Hi,

I'm facing some decision paralysis at the moment. I'm hoping maybe someone has some advice for a new rider who was hoping to get into offroading in general.

I've been doing tons of research on these bikes, almost pulled the trigger on a Hawk 250 until I did a little more research and realized this was a rabbithole with more nuance than simply "Buy 1600 dollar bike and take it off-road". I would like a bike but also one that I could own to keep. I tend to not throw away my purchases, ever.

For a little background, I had started this journey at a dealer looking at new Japanese name brand dual sports. Unfortunately dealers and the used market have seem to have lost their minds where I live. $5000 for a 5 year old DRZ400 with 10K miles is typical where I live on the East Coast and CRF250s going for well over $6000. The most affordable bikes I can find is the KLR 650. A 480 lbs adventure bike that would likely not play well with an inexperienced, short rider of 5'6" stature and 29 inch inseam weighing a meager 142 lbs. I'm fearful that the first time I take it off-road, it would crush me like an ant.

I want this experience to be fun and be something I don't regret if I happen to spend money on one of these bikes and decide that it was never for me after all. Which is hard to do when the dealer is quoting me $5200 for a used KLX230. Which lead me to the Hawk 250.

tl;dr:
I'd like a bike that has some premium parts to it but isn't priced ridiculously expensive. The Hawk-X was my first decision until I learned the DLX is made of mostly higher-than-average parts compared to the regular 250. But then, I learned of the Lifan KPX, a model going for 2.7K on TXPS that apparently rides and feels very similar to the CRF250.

Since I'm not really sure which one to go with, I'd like a little advice if someone has it. I'm fine with a wrench, so changing a carb is not something I fear. But things like fixing shoddy, slender forks or having to hold a bike together with loctite is not something I am familiar with. Any suggestions?


EDIT: The idea of biting the bullet on a KLR 650 and just taking my licks is also not off the table, just something I am not sure is a good way to start.

[Thumper]

Lifan KPX 250 and Templars are TALL dirt bikes. You would not want that

Look into Bashan Storm 250 DB-08. It was my first Chinese dual sport. Counterbalanced dependable CG250 engine, inverted front forks, comfy seat. It has a decent luggage rack too.

I sold mine when I got. Templar X, but it was running great when I sold it.

[Bruces]

At all costs ,stay away from TXPS or any of Manny’s other dealerships ,unless you like being lied to ,ignored ,and blamed for stuff you didn’t break .Truly a Scumbag .

[Thumper]

ByHere is 1st my post on the Storm

https://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?p=355615

The inverted forks are nice. I did get a Tusk folding greashift lever for it. The rack is strong and pretty wide. I really recomend this bike. Bashan has not changed it at all.

A seller in Kentucky used to have the Storm (Don Hopper?). Jeff at Peace Sports had the Bashan Recon and Brozz, but I don't think he sells them anymore. The Recon is NICE. These two bikes used to be essentially the same as the Storm, but Jeff had them outfitted with 18"/21" wheeles/tires. But they were not $1500 anymore, and unavalable now.

FYI, I took the Storm off road within the first 20 miles. It needed knobbies, so I added them. Otherwise, READY!

[Ranger Bob]

Lifan X-Pect? $2100 at Venom using the discount coupon.

[eatondirt]

Originally Posted by Thumper

Lifan KPX 250 and Templars are TALL dirt bikes. You would not want that

That's a good point too, I've never seen these bikes IRL so I'm going on what I can find in pictures and videos. I could deal with a tall bike as long as it's not heavy, because otherwise I'll be picking it up from out of the dirt when I inevitably spill it.

Originally Posted by Thumper

Here is 1st my post on the Storm

https://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?p=355615

The inverted forks are nice. I did get a Tusk folding greashift lever for it. The rack is strong and pretty wide. I really recomend this bike. Bashan has not changed it at all.

A seller in Kentucky used to have the Storm (Don Hopper?). Jeff at Peace Sports had the Bashan Recon and Brozz, but I don't think he sells them anymore. The Recon is NICE. These two bikes used to be essentially the same as the Storm, but Jeff had them outfitted with 18"/21" wheeles/tires. But they were not $1500 anymore, and unavalable now.

The Brozz was one that I looked into first, but it and the Bashan Recon are sold out basically everywhere.

I've only seen the Storm mentioned but never seen an in-depth look at it, so it's another added to the list. There are not a lot of dealers around where I am at who carry these types of bikes, so I would have to find one who ships to South Georgia.

Originally Posted by Ranger Bob

Lifan X-Pect? $2100 at Venom using the discount coupon.

Another to the list, I've never heard of this one. 5 speed with fuel injection and better parts makes it seem like it's a slightly better version from the Hawk EFI?

Originally Posted by Bruces

At all costs ,stay away from TXPS or any of Manny’s other dealerships ,unless you like being lied to ,ignored ,and blamed for stuff you didn’t break .Truly a Scumbag .

Thanks for the heads-up, I didn't know that about TXPS or who Manny even is. Which other dealerships are his? Is Venom an okay place to shop?

[vividpixel]

Maybe the regular Templar, non-X/M, would be a good choice because it's shorter, but still very capable of any terrain and easy to pick up.

I started with the TT250 based on the Hawk 250. Dealership-assembled and quality controlled as with all CSC bikes, and it was easy to get my hands on parts within 2-3 days as I damaged them.

Suspension on it is adequate for simple off-roading. Airing down tires makes a big difference but I'd still rather be on my Templar X for any rough stuff. The Seat Concepts seat does make the height very low so if you go with any Hawk-style motorcycle, I recommend getting that accessory. I felt confident slowly navigating uneven terrain or getting the bike out of a tricky spot. Rare that a foot ever had to dangle.

On the street it would do great with more power, not saying this as a speed demon but just in a realistic sense. To really keep up with street traffic (50-60mph) you need to change the gear ratio but this cuts down on the hill climbing you can do off road.

Depends on your definition of off road, and the terrain you face. I don't have experience riding on other terrain except desert stuff but with how it feels lifting a 300lb motorcycle a few times, I wouldn't touch something like a KLR650 unless my off roading was on easy dirt roads.

[eatondirt]

Originally Posted by vividpixel

Maybe the regular Templar, non-X/M, would be a good choice because it's shorter, but still very capable of any terrain and easy to pick up.

I started with the TT250 based on the Hawk 250. Dealership-assembled and quality controlled as with all CSC bikes, and it was easy to get my hands on parts within 2-3 days as I damaged them.

Suspension on it is adequate for simple off-roading. Airing down tires makes a big difference but I'd still rather be on my Templar X for any rough stuff. The Seat Concepts seat does make the height very low so if you go with any Hawk-style motorcycle, I recommend getting that accessory. I felt confident slowly navigating uneven terrain or getting the bike out of a tricky spot. Rare that a foot ever had to dangle.

On the street it would do great with more power, not saying this as a speed demon but just in a realistic sense. To really keep up with street traffic (50-60mph) you need to change the gear ratio but this cuts down on the hill climbing you can do off road.

Depends on your definition of off road, and the terrain you face. I don't have experience riding on other terrain except desert stuff but with how it feels lifting a 300lb motorcycle a few times, I wouldn't touch something like a KLR650 unless my off roading was on easy dirt roads.

My terrain is mostly easy dirt roads, mud, but more urgently: Sand. Sand and gravel pits where I live can easily become over ankle-deep, and I know how poorly things can go when you lose traction in sand. Which is where my concern for getting a KLR comes from: I could easily see myself going down in some of the sand pits and not being able to lift the bike back up.

I saw people talking about the templar and the templar X, most of what I could find on it tells me that it is not a street legal bike. I don't know if that's accurate, but I'm yet to see a video or a picture with a license plate on it, and XPro's site lists it as a dirt bike for off-roading only. Is that accurate?

[Ranger Bob]

Originally Posted by eatondirt

Hi,

I'm facing some decision paralysis at the moment. I'm hoping maybe someone has some advice for a new rider who was hoping to get into offroading in general.

I've been doing tons of research on these bikes, almost pulled the trigger on a Hawk 250 until I did a little more research and realized this was a rabbithole with more nuance than simply "Buy 1600 dollar bike and take it off-road". I would like a bike but also one that I could own to keep. I tend to not throw away my purchases, ever.

For a little background, I had started this journey at a dealer looking at new Japanese name brand dual sports. Unfortunately dealers and the used market have seem to have lost their minds where I live. $5000 for a 5 year old DRZ400 with 10K miles is typical where I live on the East Coast and CRF250s going for well over $6000. The most affordable bikes I can find is the KLR 650. A 480 lbs adventure bike that would likely not play well with an inexperienced, short rider of 5'6" stature and 29 inch inseam weighing a meager 142 lbs. I'm fearful that the first time I take it off-road, it would crush me like an ant.

I want this experience to be fun and be something I don't regret if I happen to spend money on one of these bikes and decide that it was never for me after all. Which is hard to do when the dealer is quoting me $5200 for a used KLX230. Which lead me to the Hawk 250.

tl;dr:
I'd like a bike that has some premium parts to it but isn't priced ridiculously expensive. The Hawk-X was my first decision until I learned the DLX is made of mostly higher-than-average parts compared to the regular 250. But then, I learned of the Lifan KPX, a model going for 2.7K on TXPS that apparently rides and feels very similar to the CRF250.

Since I'm not really sure which one to go with, I'd like a little advice if someone has it. I'm fine with a wrench, so changing a carb is not something I fear. But things like fixing shoddy, slender forks or having to hold a bike together with loctite is not something I am familiar with. Any suggestions?


EDIT: The idea of biting the bullet on a KLR 650 and just taking my licks is also not off the table, just something I am not sure is a good way to start.

I have a KLR650. I don't think it's a good beginner bike due to the height and weight. Mine is lowered 1" and I can handle it OK but I have a lot of years experience. If you go the KLR route, stay away from the 2008/2009 years. They're known as the "oil burners" for a reason...

[ProDigit]

For the price of a Lifan KPX, you might as well get a Honda XR150L.
It's lighter, lower seat, and has the same 75MPH top speed,
It's a bit more expensive and more simple in design, but, it's a Honda.
Lots of people taking it off road, have replaced the skinny rear tires with a wider tire, and are quite happy with the performance.
Not made for jumping or doing stunts, but enough power to do the trails.

The last thing you want is a nearly 500LBS bike falling on offroad terrain, so I never bought the KLR for that purpose.
If you do want a bit more power than the Honda, my second option would be a KLR 300.
It just has a tad more torque, better if you plan on going over roots, branches, small diameter fallen tree trunks, rocks...
Personally I would go for the lightest weight bike you can get, and the smallest CC for what you're using it for (like, if you do occasional short 1 mile highway exits, the 150 will be ok; but if you do regular 5-10+ mile highway rides, you'll want a 300-400cc bike.

[Bruces]

Manny is the owner and chief scumbag of txps and all the other companies he owns ,not sure what they all are but if your buying something from Dallas ,Arlington or pretty much anywhere in Texas make sure you ask us first .Venom has about the best name out there and you can expect good service from them .

[vividpixel]

Originally Posted by eatondirt

I saw people talking about the templar and the templar X, most of what I could find on it tells me that it is not a street legal bike. I don't know if that's accurate, but I'm yet to see a video or a picture with a license plate on it, and XPro's site lists it as a dirt bike for off-roading only. Is that accurate?

I've got a current registration and a license plate on mine, and I know I'm not the only one! The trick is to immediately ask XPro for a certificate of origin that does not say "off road" on it. People should not be surprised when they go to their DMV to register an "off road vehicle" and get denied a street plate.

Technically, it is not approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. I don't see your location but you'll want to do your research around here. There are some states where they're just going to be too strict, California being the best example I know. Over there, most of these cheap Chinese motorcycles are not an option. CSC being an exception as they did get approved by the NHTSA.

The motorcycle itself has all equipment needed to be street legal in most places. The only thing missing that I'm sure some states care about is hazard lights. I live in a state where that is not a requirement and the inspection is mainly to verify the VIN. I did get unlucky my first attempt to register, but I tried again with no issue.

[Thumper]

Inverted forks offer much stiffer front end. This translates into handling improvements on the road and off road. The counterbalanced 14-15hp CG250 clone is actually 233cc, just like the TBR7, and the Hawks. Carburetion means no EFI issues, but you must rejet to run properly. My original carb did need rejetting, but ran excellent once done. Probably the most useful comment on the Bashan Storm 250 is that it is easy to ride, capable, forgiving, and comfortable. In other words, the epitome of a good first dual sport. Seat height is right where you want it. You can always shim up the front forks in the clamps to get an addition ~1/2" of lower seat height. At $1500 price point, I can't think of a better entry level dual sport.

[eatondirt]

Originally Posted by ProDigit

For the price of a Lifan KPX, you might as well get a Honda XR150L.
It's lighter, lower seat, and has the same 75MPH top speed,
It's a bit more expensive and more simple in design, but, it's a Honda.
Lots of people taking it off road, have replaced the skinny rear tires with a wider tire, and are quite happy with the performance.
Not made for jumping or doing stunts, but enough power to do the trails.

The last thing you want is a nearly 500LBS bike falling on offroad terrain, so I never bought the KLR for that purpose.
If you do want a bit more power than the Honda, my second option would be a KLR 300.
It just has a tad more torque, better if you plan on going over roots, branches, small diameter fallen tree trunks, rocks...
Personally I would go for the lightest weight bike you can get, and the smallest CC for what you're using it for (like, if you do occasional short 1 mile highway exits, the 150 will be ok; but if you do regular 5-10+ mile highway rides, you'll want a 300-400cc bike.

And this was the route I wanted to take to begin with. Go to a dealership, find an XR150L or a KLX 250 of some variety, maybe even a CRF250. But it goes back into the initial problem that I'm having with dealerships in South Georgia: All of them have seemingly lost their minds. Out the door, $4500 for a XR150L. The original bike I was looking at before the idea of a China bike started was a KLX 230, which seemed to be the perfect bike, but not $5100 perfect!

If I went and asked for their KLX 250, it would put me back $6000. The MSRP of a new CRF300L. And- after asking around dealerships and friends, I'm not the only one with this problem as of late. I have so many reservations spending $5000 for the entry level of a sport I'm not sure I'm going to enjoy, and dealers don't seem to care because there are people out there who will spend that money. Maybe it's a 'me' problem?

Either ways, if the used market in my area wasn't in ruins this wouldn't even be a consideration. I could find any regular dirt bike or dual sport, but they're going for 90% the MSRP - if they're available at all.

If it is worth the money to get into a bike that expensive with the logic being that it will at least retain most of its value if I determine that I don't like it- I'll pinch myself and go through with it.

EDIT: As for my needs, I'm definitely not 1 mile away from much of anything. Otherwise I would just get a dirt bike and be done with it. I'll need to make 10-15 mile ferries to get to the major biking trails around here. I know the XR150 can get up to 50, so that's more than enough for the backroads and highways around here.

Originally Posted by vividpixel

I've got a current registration and a license plate on mine, and I know I'm not the only one! The trick is to immediately ask XPro for a certificate of origin that does not say "off road" on it. People should not be surprised when they go to their DMV to register an "off road vehicle" and get denied a street plate.

Technically, it is not approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. I don't see your location but you'll want to do your research around here. There are some states where they're just going to be too strict, California being the best example I know. Over there, most of these cheap Chinese motorcycles are not an option. CSC being an exception as they did get approved by the NHTSA.

The motorcycle itself has all equipment needed to be street legal in most places. The only thing missing that I'm sure some states care about is hazard lights. I live in a state where that is not a requirement and the inspection is mainly to verify the VIN. I did get unlucky my first attempt to register, but I tried again with no issue.

This is something the DMV told me about as well, also something about the milage and odometer on the back of the MSO not being blank even if it's a new bike. Which I'm a bit confused about. I'm in South Georgia and I'm almost certain these things can be made road legal. It just requires some discussion with the DMV about its plates. I have a Florida relative I could lean on as well if it doesn't play out over in this state.

Originally Posted by Thumper

Inverted forks offer much stiffer front end. This translates into handling improvements on the road and off road. The counterbalanced 14-15hp CG250 clone is actually 233cc, just like the TBR7, and the Hawks. Carburetion means no EFI issues, but you must rejet to run properly. My original carb did need rejetting, but ran excellent once done. Probably the most useful comment on the Bashan Storm 250 is that it is easy to ride, capable, forgiving, and comfortable. In other words, the epitome of a good first dual sport. Seat height is right where you want it. You can always shim up the front forks in the clamps to get an addition ~1/2" of lower seat height. At $1500 price point, I can't think of a better entry level dual sport.

This seems like the perfect bike, then. A counterbalanced engine is what I was wanting in the Hawk-X, but was put off by the cheap everything else. Rejetting carbs is something I can do. I guess the next question on this route would be: Where would I get it from?

Originally Posted by Ranger Bob

I have a KLR650. I don't think it's a good beginner bike due to the height and weight. Mine is lowered 1" and I can handle it OK but I have a lot of years experience. If you go the KLR route, stay away from the 2008/2009 years. They're known as the "oil burners" for a reason...

And that's my concern too, I've sat on a few and each time it felt like a kid trying out his dad's big boy bicycle with 2-3 salesmen holding the handlebars in a death grip, as equally afraid as I am that I'll drop it. Funny enough, the 08-09 models are the ones I would probably be going for in the used market.

Originally Posted by Bruces

Manny is the owner and chief scumbag of txps and all the other companies he owns ,not sure what they all are but if your buying something from Dallas ,Arlington or pretty much anywhere in Texas make sure you ask us first .Venom has about the best name out there and you can expect good service from them .

Thanks for the heads-up. I'm now noticing there are more than a few of these powersports dealers out of texas. A shame because those are the ones who offer free shipping + fuel surcharge.

[eatondirt]

Thank you again to everyone taking the time to respond to me. I know it's a lot of questions to answer and I appreciate it.

Curious, since I keep getting different answers to this: what would be considered an acceptable entry-level amount to spend for a new dual sports rider into this market? I've been told anywhere from $2000 to $8000 (That last number was from a dealer and I don't trust it).