For all the guys on Chinariders planning on a dual-sport to use as a commuter, and wondering about if the top speed can hit 70, the KPX checks off those boxes. Its smaller brother, the Lifan X-Pect 200, has already proven to be a quality bike these few years it has been available, so I think the KPX is the perfect bike for someone looking to commute daily on a Chinese dual-sport!
I have the xpect and absolute love it, I would love to have the kpx though, but it wasn't available when I bought the xpect, I also have a cbr600 and still plan to get the kpx as soon as I can
Thank you for reviewing and comparing these two bikes. I've been researching these two and comparing them for years. There aren't many comparison websites or videos comparing the two. A bunch reviewing them each singularly, but not many comparing them both together, never to each other. So thanks for that. Personally, I would go with the EFI. It seems to have a bit more Horsepower but a bit less Torque than the Hawk. The Lifan is taller too I believe which is a hindrance as I'm only 5' 4"
It was interesting (to me) that Lifan's top-of-the-line (?) 250cc head with overhead cams and 4 valves per cylinder, increasing flow across the combustion chamber, achieved ~20 hp with only 8.7:1 compression, while the, also, air-cooled Kawasaki KLX230 only makes ~17 hp (to the wheel per Dirt Trak dyno) with 9.4:1 compression; KLX300 makes ~24 hp (to the wheel) from ~292cc with 11.1:1 compression. I would guess that Lifan sees greater reliability with LOW compression, especially selling in markets where preventative maintenance might be rare. Nice, thorough comparison, THANKS.
I've looked at the KLX 230 in person. The KPX 250 was a little better build with better forks and heavier swingarm not to mention more HP. Lifan is bringing in bigger and better bikes next year to the US. The KPT 400 and the updated kpr200 and KPM 200 will have the newer 4 valve heads.
@@JerryHawk250 "The KPT 400 and the updated kpr200 and KPM 200 will have the newer 4 valve heads." THAT's exactly what I was wondering about, Jerry; I guess we should keep you around! 😄 Would Lifan bring more than 250cc to N America? ... or does Lifan stick to strictly small displacement (< 250cc) engines for 'developing' mass markets? At 71, I have little interest in power for highway SPEED; BUT, more cc's, yielding torque for HIGHER gearing and LOWER rpm's on highways, *IS* of interest. Touring/cruiser bikes have that higher gearing; but, who wants to pick up 1/4+ tons... especially we older lads? 🥵 Sadly, not ALL backroads & trails connect ... and, sometimes, we HAVE to do highway stretches - like them or not. 🤣
@@JerryHawk250 Even the KPT400 is too heavy to pick up ... 1/4 ton (to interest me). Unicorns seem hard to find! To my way of thinking, 300 - 350 cc bikes seem to be in the sweet spot between pickup weight (
@@JerryHawk250 Greetings from Jamaica.🇯🇲 I ordered the WGK 1010851 cam for my Chinese cg250 motorcycle and was wondering if you felt any midrange and top end performance increase when combined with roller cam followers and the 1010851 cam on your hawk. I'm hearing that they make the engine smoother but reduces valve lift and duration. I've duplicated your mods except for the cam. What are your thoughts on this? PLEASE RESPOND.
Appreciate the comparison, I'm in the market for an enduro & doing my best to research everything, just came across the KPX today. Was looking at the KLX230s or CRF300ls, cuz I'm 5'7 & in my 50's, so swingin my leg over the saddle might not be as easy as it used to be. That being said, that KPX looks sturdy & a good value, so maybe I'll just have to keep kung fu kickin & stayin on my tippee-toes. Thanks for the informative vid.
😂 yeah, I'm 65 and I have to mount it like a horse while on the kick stand. Left foot on the peg and swing the right leg over. Just reverse the process to get off. The KPX is every bit as good as the KLX 230 in quality. I've actually was looking at the KLX. The KPX has a better swingarm.
@@JerryHawk250 How is the seat on it? How long before your arse let's you know it's unhappy? That was a major knock on the KLX for me, thing looks like a painted 2X6.
Engine wise, the KPX is a true 250cc EFI with 6 speed that is 20HP. It will run 75+ mph GPS right out the box. The DXL is still has the same 229cc push rod engine that is on my 2016 Hawk. Don't get me wrong, It's still a good engine but night and day as far as performance.
Hey Jerry! Stumbled onto your vids as I was looking into the Lifan bikes. Thinking about this bike, but I’m 5’8”. Think I’m too short, it would I basically just have to tip toe it until the springs break in?
@@TheRocksolid373 it's a tall bike. I'm 5'10" and can almost flat foot it. You could probably back off on the preload on the rear shock to get a little more sag.
@@JerryHawk250 that would be humorous for you tho im sure, to just walk over without saying anything, shut off his lawn mower and just as calmly and quietly walk back to you driveway and continue filming your video.... im at least getting a solid chuckle from picturing such event...
I like my Hawk too. Good bike for the price. Believe me I'm not rich. The KPX is worth the extra money. It's still way less than a Kawasaki KLX 230 and just as good if not better quality than the KLX.
Hey Jerry! I've sold my X-Pect. Been looking at a new KLR, but other than top speed, this KPX looks like it would hold its own. I had an issue with my chain coming off frequently, so that's why I sold the Xpect. Do you think a passenger would ride somewhat comfortably on the back for short distance cruising? Considering purchasing from TXPS.
@@160swiftly8 I would definitely go with Venommotorsports. They have great after sales support. TXPS are hit and miss. Some people have no problem with them and some people do. Just go read up on them on chinariders forum. I'm on my forth bike from Venommotorsports. Never had any trouble with service from them. You can get it fully assembled. I don't, the most fun is the assembly. 😂.
Hey there just wanted to say some things. I own the hawk 250 efi my buddy owns the lifan cafe bike both from Amazon. All said and done mine was $2100 his was around $3300 from what he tells me. I like the lifan alot tbh it just feels like a better bike. Every time I ride It I contemplate buying one. With that being said I have over 8k miles on my hawk on some really nasty trails. I've thrown it off a cliff I've put it to the test of a first motorcycle owner/ dude trying to take up motor cross and the bike honestly has given me no issues. So the question really is what is $1000 to you both bikes do the same thing and remember the closer you get to 4k you can always buy a Japanese bike which is better than both these
4500 miles on KPX 250 and Lifan does not know why my top end of the engine makes a loud banging noise. They sent me ECU Module and Throttle valve Assy. Still runs ok but lot of noise coming from the engine. Any ideas thanks.
It could be a few things. Without me seeing/hearing in person it's hard to diagnose. Did you check the valves for proper clearance? Possible cam chain slack as well with that many miles. It should automatically adjust to remove the slack but sometimes there is not enough slack to reach that next click to remove the slack. You could try removing the cam chain tensioner and reinstalling to see if that helps.
I kno u shaved the head.... But I just found out... The stock gasket that came in on the x22r is 60mm.......so how about them 10mm gaskets... That would help compression... correct??....
The rack came with the trunk. www.ebay.com/itm/331997364999?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=nmqwAZACS5e&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=ED92TpApSVK&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
Jerry, I have a question, not sure if you have any insight on it. 2021 Royal Enfield Himalayan, or brand new kpx 250. Same price, just wondering if you know anything about the RE and pros/cons if you know of any
@@JerryHawk250 yes, inverted forks, nice swing arm on the kpx, RE, doesn't have that, kpx all led lights, the RE has abs tho, I'm gonna look at the RE tonight, I think it's also heavier then the KPX. We shall see, ty for the response
It's Similar. The KPX is a true 250cc engine. Definitely more power than the X22R stock. The engine is counter balance and very smooth. Shifting is real smooth as well. Much higher quality that's for sure.
@@JerryHawk250 ahhh man.. sounds so good...almost want to do a engine swap.... But I will enjoy the pleasure of what fits in the frame.... That is until it don't.. or worse comes.. it fails... Then I'll replace it.... I've seen sum 300cc water cooled engines... My interest has been peaked 😆
Will you consider port and polishing the KPX,catless exhaust, and tune for the EFI? It would be very interesting to see the improvements. Thanks for making this comparison video.
For all the guys on Chinariders planning on a dual-sport to use as a commuter, and wondering about if the top speed can hit 70, the KPX checks off those boxes. Its smaller brother, the Lifan X-Pect 200, has already proven to be a quality bike these few years it has been available, so I think the KPX is the perfect bike for someone looking to commute daily on a Chinese dual-sport!
I have the xpect and absolute love it, I would love to have the kpx though, but it wasn't available when I bought the xpect, I also have a cbr600 and still plan to get the kpx as soon as I can
The xpect is great and I just ordered the kpx. Lifan by far makes the best quality Chinese bikes compared to the competition
I would expect the KPX to be better than the Hawk at almost twice the price. Thanks for the detailed video Jerry.
You're welcome!
Thank you for reviewing and comparing these two bikes. I've been researching these two and comparing them for years. There aren't many comparison websites or videos comparing the two. A bunch reviewing them each singularly, but not many comparing them both together, never to each other. So thanks for that.
Personally, I would go with the EFI. It seems to have a bit more Horsepower but a bit less Torque than the Hawk. The Lifan is taller too I believe which is a hindrance as I'm only 5' 4"
It was interesting (to me) that Lifan's top-of-the-line (?) 250cc head with overhead cams and 4 valves per cylinder, increasing flow across the combustion chamber, achieved ~20 hp with only 8.7:1 compression, while the, also, air-cooled Kawasaki KLX230 only makes ~17 hp (to the wheel per Dirt Trak dyno) with 9.4:1 compression; KLX300 makes ~24 hp (to the wheel) from ~292cc with 11.1:1 compression.
I would guess that Lifan sees greater reliability with LOW compression, especially selling in markets where preventative maintenance might be rare. Nice, thorough comparison, THANKS.
I've looked at the KLX 230 in person. The KPX 250 was a little better build with better forks and heavier swingarm not to mention more HP. Lifan is bringing in bigger and better bikes next year to the US. The KPT 400 and the updated kpr200 and KPM 200 will have the newer 4 valve heads.
@@JerryHawk250 "The KPT 400 and the updated kpr200 and KPM 200 will have the newer 4 valve heads."
THAT's exactly what I was wondering about, Jerry; I guess we should keep you around! 😄 Would Lifan bring more than 250cc to N America? ... or does Lifan stick to strictly small displacement (< 250cc) engines for 'developing' mass markets?
At 71, I have little interest in power for highway SPEED; BUT, more cc's, yielding torque for HIGHER gearing and LOWER rpm's on highways, *IS* of interest. Touring/cruiser bikes have that higher gearing; but, who wants to pick up 1/4+ tons... especially we older lads? 🥵
Sadly, not ALL backroads & trails connect ... and, sometimes, we HAVE to do highway stretches - like them or not. 🤣
@@discoveror9576 they do have a 600 v twin they will be releasing. Just don't know if they will send to the US or not. I hope they do.
@@JerryHawk250 Even the KPT400 is too heavy to pick up ... 1/4 ton (to interest me). Unicorns seem hard to find! To my way of thinking, 300 - 350 cc bikes seem to be in the sweet spot between pickup weight (
@@discoveror9576 they do have the KP350 . I think they are still working on EPA approval.
Nice comparison, old school and new school side by side! Man, that KPX is clean looking! Great Job! 👍
Thanks Herbie. Got to keep um clean. 👍
@@JerryHawk250 Greetings from Jamaica.🇯🇲
I ordered the WGK 1010851 cam for my Chinese cg250 motorcycle and was wondering if you felt any midrange and top end performance increase when combined with roller cam followers and the 1010851 cam on your hawk. I'm hearing that they make the engine smoother but reduces valve lift and duration. I've duplicated your mods except for the cam. What are your thoughts on this? PLEASE RESPOND.
love it... going to get mine in the spring
Appreciate the comparison, I'm in the market for an enduro & doing my best to research everything, just came across the KPX today. Was looking at the KLX230s or CRF300ls, cuz I'm 5'7 & in my 50's, so swingin my leg over the saddle might not be as easy as it used to be. That being said, that KPX looks sturdy & a good value, so maybe I'll just have to keep kung fu kickin & stayin on my tippee-toes. Thanks for the informative vid.
😂 yeah, I'm 65 and I have to mount it like a horse while on the kick stand. Left foot on the peg and swing the right leg over. Just reverse the process to get off. The KPX is every bit as good as the KLX 230 in quality. I've actually was looking at the KLX. The KPX has a better swingarm.
@@JerryHawk250 How is the seat on it? How long before your arse let's you know it's unhappy? That was a major knock on the KLX for me, thing looks like a painted 2X6.
@@chizorama seat is definitely more comfortable than the 2x4 seat on the KLX. I'll take 3-4 hours rides on mine.
The hawk DLX has improved suspensions, LED lights, and fuel injection. Still just 5 speed though.
Engine wise, the KPX is a true 250cc EFI with 6 speed that is 20HP. It will run 75+ mph GPS right out the box. The DXL is still has the same 229cc push rod engine that is on my 2016 Hawk. Don't get me wrong, It's still a good engine but night and day as far as performance.
Hey Jerry! Stumbled onto your vids as I was looking into the Lifan bikes. Thinking about this bike, but I’m 5’8”. Think I’m too short, it would I basically just have to tip toe it until the springs break in?
@@TheRocksolid373 it's a tall bike. I'm 5'10" and can almost flat foot it. You could probably back off on the preload on the rear shock to get a little more sag.
thx for the vid. im the future you should turn off whatever engine you have running if possible, its hard to hear you sometimes....
Yeah, my neighbor decided to cut grass right when i start to shoot the video. I don't think he would of appreciated me shutting his mower off. lol
@@JerryHawk250 that would be humorous for you tho im sure, to just walk over without saying anything, shut off his lawn mower and just as calmly and quietly walk back to you driveway and continue filming your video.... im at least getting a solid chuckle from picturing such event...
@@a_ec 🤣🤣
Nice bike mate, I like the Hawk. KPX is for rich people
I like my Hawk too. Good bike for the price. Believe me I'm not rich. The KPX is worth the extra money. It's still way less than a Kawasaki KLX 230 and just as good if not better quality than the KLX.
Nice bikes. I would go for the Hawk all things considered.
If you road the KPX you would change your mind. Lol The KPX is a much better bike all around.
@@JerryHawk250 oh yeah. No doubt. I just prefer a carburetor over injection and I know a 229 is cheap to replace.
@@thelagmeister yeah the hawk is cool for it’s simple old-school style
5 speed is usable but easily feels slow on regular country roads. 6 speed kpx would feel a lot more highway capable.
The 6 speed makes it feel more highway friendly. The KPX handles highway speeds well.
Hey Jerry! I've sold my X-Pect. Been looking at a new KLR, but other than top speed, this KPX looks like it would hold its own. I had an issue with my chain coming off frequently, so that's why I sold the Xpect. Do you think a passenger would ride somewhat comfortably on the back for short distance cruising? Considering purchasing from TXPS.
A passenger would be comfortable.
@@JerryHawk250 alrighty, well it's settled - I'm getting a KPX! The build quality at Venom is solid? & do they deliver it 99% assembled?
@@160swiftly8 I would definitely go with Venommotorsports. They have great after sales support. TXPS are hit and miss. Some people have no problem with them and some people do. Just go read up on them on chinariders forum. I'm on my forth bike from Venommotorsports. Never had any trouble with service from them. You can get it fully assembled. I don't, the most fun is the assembly. 😂.
Hey there just wanted to say some things. I own the hawk 250 efi my buddy owns the lifan cafe bike both from Amazon. All said and done mine was $2100 his was around $3300 from what he tells me. I like the lifan alot tbh it just feels like a better bike. Every time I ride It I contemplate buying one. With that being said I have over 8k miles on my hawk on some really nasty trails. I've thrown it off a cliff I've put it to the test of a first motorcycle owner/ dude trying to take up motor cross and the bike honestly has given me no issues. So the question really is what is $1000 to you both bikes do the same thing and remember the closer you get to 4k you can always buy a Japanese bike which is better than both these
4500 miles on KPX 250 and Lifan does not know why my top end of the engine makes a loud banging noise. They sent me ECU Module and Throttle valve Assy. Still runs ok but lot of noise coming from the engine. Any ideas thanks.
It could be a few things. Without me seeing/hearing in person it's hard to diagnose. Did you check the valves for proper clearance? Possible cam chain slack as well with that many miles. It should automatically adjust to remove the slack but sometimes there is not enough slack to reach that next click to remove the slack. You could try removing the cam chain tensioner and reinstalling to see if that helps.
Did you ever get the issue figured out?
What’s the reliability like on these bikes?
No different than any other name brand bike. Lifan is a high quality bike just like any name brand.
@@JerryHawk250 so your saying it’s as good as a Kawasaki or Honda? I find that hard to believe sir.
@@EagerMartialArts-cl7vd yes, I should know. I own two Lifan bikes, Kawasaki and Honda. Lifan is not like the old Chinese bikes from the early 2000's.
I’m on the fence between this and a 90’s Honda xr250L what you guys think
KPX 250. New and two year warranty.
@@JerryHawk250 hey Jerry how about cf moto 300nk?
Kpx is fuel injected you don't have to mess with carburetor just ride
Get the honda
I kno u shaved the head.... But I just found out... The stock gasket that came in on the x22r is 60mm.......so how about them 10mm gaskets... That would help compression... correct??....
Yes. You can also use a single layer for f the stock gasket.
@@JerryHawk250 i wasn't aware..it was multi peice gasket...
Do you have a link to where you got the rear rack on the Hawk?
The rack came with the trunk. www.ebay.com/itm/331997364999?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=nmqwAZACS5e&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=ED92TpApSVK&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
Jerry, I have a question, not sure if you have any insight on it. 2021 Royal Enfield Himalayan, or brand new kpx 250. Same price, just wondering if you know anything about the RE and pros/cons if you know of any
I never seen or rode any RE up close to tell you the Pros and cons. For the same price The RE does seem like a deal.
@@JerryHawk250 I'm just curious, can't decide between India or China lol, not sure which build quality will be better
@@bigleftlcn I can tell you the build quality of the KPX is every bit a s good as Kawasaki, Honda or any other Japanese bike. I was quiet impressed.
@@JerryHawk250 yes, inverted forks, nice swing arm on the kpx, RE, doesn't have that, kpx all led lights, the RE has abs tho, I'm gonna look at the RE tonight, I think it's also heavier then the KPX. We shall see, ty for the response
@@bigleftlcn I'm curious myself. lol
Where did you get the top case on the hawk?
eBay
I wish I could have watched your video but the lawnmower in the background!
Yeah, I didn't realize how loud it was until after I post the video. Don't have any control over the neighbors.
So the kpx engine is almost like the x22r... Overhead cam... Just upgraded to 6speed and accessable oil filter
It's Similar. The KPX is a true 250cc engine. Definitely more power than the X22R stock. The engine is counter balance and very smooth. Shifting is real smooth as well. Much higher quality that's for sure.
@@JerryHawk250 ahhh man.. sounds so good...almost want to do a engine swap.... But I will enjoy the pleasure of what fits in the frame.... That is until it don't.. or worse comes.. it fails... Then I'll replace it.... I've seen sum 300cc water cooled engines... My interest has been peaked 😆
Как тянет двигатель Лифана на низких оборотах, в сравнении с HAWK?
It pulls just as good as the Hawk engine.
@@JerryHawk250 Спасибо!)
Will you consider port and polishing the KPX,catless exhaust, and tune for the EFI?
It would be very interesting to see the improvements. Thanks for making this comparison video.
I would need the capability to tune the ECU before making any of those mods. Somebody will figure it out eventually.
@@JerryHawk250 HUD ECU hacker and TunerPro are a great solution to tuning the MT05 ECU Old Skull has done tutorials that you should check out
Vulken s look beefy....wowzers
Where did you get the fork brace?
On Amazon but not available anymore