KP mini in Moundsville WV

[Zapkin]

I saw one in the lot of Walmart. Should have taken a pic but would have felt weird. very nice looking little bike. If you told me, it was a big brand, and I didn't know better...I would believe you!

[culcune]

They were one of the first of the Chinese GLV ('Grom Like Vehicles') that outdid the Grom. When they first came out and before they were introduced to the US, if you find archived press rides from China, they had a track day for reporters to ride them around a small racetrack. The bikes were race bikes with slick tires and without street equipment. I thought that American Lifan could and should offer them here as racebikes for low-budget racers and have a series for them. I know that American Lifan did sponsor a couple guys to ride them back to Tennessee from AL's headquarters outside L.A., and when they went to the hq, they had took a picture of a Mini race bike which looked nice. The point being is they are above and beyond the typical GLVs in fit and finish. Come to think of it, the KP full-size 200 bikes (KPR/KP/KPM) were also based on the small-displacement KPR race bike which had success in China in the 200cc class. Some of the 'Chinese' issues get discussed about a few Lifan bikes here and there here in Chinariders, but overall, the brand's offerings are above par for the course, including as you saw, the KP Mini.

[Zapkin]

I like my hawk but I really wish I had been patient, put a few more hundred into my layaway and got the X-pect.

[culcune]

I rode member Emerikol's Hawk for a 150 mile loop on a Chinariders group ride back in 2020. It is a 2015 model. Great bike and didn't miss a beat on Phoenix area freeways at 63 mph-ish as well as about 40 miles of sand roads through the desert. But, Emerikol did a few modifications to get it to that point. The X-Pect 200 seems like a great bike from all the owners reporting on them (less of those and more KPX 250 owners nowadays), but I don't think your Hawk should be considered a regret by any means.