Review of Lifan LF200-5GY – characteristics of a pioneer from China

RU-MOTO rating

• Reliability
• Chassis
• Appearance
• Comfort

3.3

Verdict

Like all Chinese motorcycles, except licensed ones, it will last no more than 5 years with gentle use, but it will serve well. Then, in one moment, all the rubber bands, plastic, gaskets, seals and wiring will dry out. The engine (if you take care of the oil) will honestly run 20 thousand km. Then it is better to buy a new one than to repair it.

Chinese motorcycle equipment is steadily expanding the circle of its customers, occupying an increasingly confident position in the market. Lifan lf 200 motorcycle is an example of a lightweight, small-capacity enduro capable of riding on almost any off-road terrain. It will delight its owner with excellent traction at low revs, good dynamics at start, and confident acceleration to 100 kilometers per hour.

History of the model

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Motorcycle lifan lf 200

The prototype of the motorcycle's power unit was the Japanese 125 cc engine from Honda. Chinese engineers increased the volume to 196.9 centimeters and increased the torque, which, judging by reviews from owners of the lifan lf 200 motorcycle, received a decent rating from users.

Peculiarities

The motorcycle had a lot of good and bad decisions:

• Posterior progression. Here the Chinese did not copy very well; the suspension turned out to be stiff. There are bushings in the suspension itself that break. It is better to replace it with caprolon.
• A large saddle that can easily accommodate two medium-sized riders (some owners ride with a large, stuffed backpack).
• A full-fledged trunk on which you can install a large trunk.
• The standard minimum tidy is two cups plus neutral indicators and turn signals.
• Small headlight - according to reviews, powerful lamps or xenon are needed. We replaced it with a headlight from JAVA .
• The hazard warning light turns on every time the motorcycle turns or brakes (can be treated by adjusting the relay located under the body kit on the left side of the bike).
• There are no towbars , and tube wheels tend to rotate during sharp braking, cutting off the nipples. Therefore, always monitor the tire pressure.
• PTS.
• No center stand .

Users recommend that when purchasing a new motorcycle, they immediately take care of the issue of towing for both wheels, and after removing the tire, wash it in a solvent.

This will help remove the consistency that is poured from the wheel tension on the rim. And for safety, you can also use a fine file to clean the hole under the camera nipple.

Specifications

The maximum speed of the lifan lf 200gy-5 motorcycle is 100 kilometers per hour, which is quite suitable for equipment whose main task is to move over rough terrain. The technical characteristics of the lifan lf 200 motorcycle fit well into the needs of novice lovers of extreme off-road riding. The four-stroke air-cooled engine requires minimal maintenance. The electric starter will make the start of the trip comfortable and quick. For lovers of long journeys and spending the night by the fire, a kickstarter is provided, which allows you to start the motorcycle even when the battery is deeply discharged. Disc brakes on both wheels provide confident braking in any situation.

The mono-shock absorber of the pendulum rear suspension will improve handling in difficult road conditions and allow you to confidently take long turns at high speed.

The consumption of the lifan lf 200 motorcycle will please its owners with a tiny 2.3 liters per hundred kilometers. With such consumption and a capacious 10-liter tank, you will be able to make huge forced marches through deserted places without fear of running out of time to refuel. This motorcycle is perfect for lovers of long journeys, becoming a worthy alternative to Japanese lightweight enduros.

Pros and cons of Lifan LF200 GY 5

Advantages

• Reliability of all main components. The motorcycle has been produced for a long time, and in the reviews of Lifan LF200 owners it is almost impossible to find anything negative about the operation of the engine, transmission or other vital elements.
• Versatility of application. Lifan LF200GY5 is perfect for the role of a utilitarian bike for all occasions.
• Power reserve . With a tank volume of 10.5 liters, the motorcycle’s gasoline consumption does not exceed 2.5 liters per 100 km (on the highway; off-road the figures will, of course, be completely different).
• Light weight . Even an inexperienced beginner can handle this bike.
• Low cost of both the motorcycle itself and its repair and maintenance.

Flaws

• Low quality of some components. Mirrors, standard circuit, fuses, light bulbs and other little things - all this can be safely changed immediately after purchase.
• Uncomfortable seat . The driver's seat quickly becomes numb, and the passenger, if there is one, slowly but surely slides off, forcing the driver onto the gas tank.
• Fragile plastic . For an enduro motorcycle, this is a rather serious disadvantage, since few people manage to completely avoid falling off-road.

Price for Lifan LF 200

lifan lf 200

The price of the racer lifan lf 200 distinguishes this motorcycle from the famous Japanese and Europeans, not much inferior to them in quality and technical characteristics.

Prices for new lifan lf 200 motorcycles, depending on the seller and configuration, range from $1100-1500. While the Kawasaki KLX250, which is similar in class, will cost its owner more than $6,000.

Used motorcycles sell for between $700 and $900, depending on condition.

Prices for new and used Lifan LF200 of different years of manufacture. Screenshot from the service moto.auto.ru

Reviews from Lifan LF200 GY 5 owners

A comfortable moped, nothing superfluous, it just looks a little boring, a kind of hello from Soviet times. I bought a motorbike relatively recently, it has driven a little more than six thousand so far, the only complaints I have are the original chain, it stretches like chewing gum, I had to tighten it every 200-300 km. My patience ran out and I changed it to another one. There is no visibility into the original mirrors, I bought new ones for 1200 rubles. The original battery died quickly until I bought a new one and used kickstarter. Anatoly, Istra, Lifan LF200 GY 5 '2018.

I expected more from Lifan, I read a lot of reviews, everyone praises it, but, in my opinion, the motorcycle is overrated. The suspensions are frankly weak, the engine is sluggish, there is no acceleration, after 60-70 km/h it no longer drives, plus the vibrations are unrealistically annoying. There were no breakdowns, the bike was taken from hand, the mileage is now 19,000 something. Evgeniy, Izhevsk, Lifan LF200 GY 5 '2014.

It looks clumsy, but it rushes along so cheerfully, including off-road. I threw out the original tires almost immediately after the purchase, installed the evil Shinka, tried it on the field - the difference is huge. The Chinese are really great, the motorcycle is not at all bad, the spare parts cost a penny, there are no breakdowns yet, I like everything. Ivan, Yaroslavl, Lifan LF200 GY 5 '2017.

Flaws

• The only disadvantage of the motorcycle is the weak engine . But this is mainly noticed by those who try to shoot around the city with it.
• Sometimes they mark the chain - but it stretches no faster than that of used Japanese ones. This is a consumable item on most Chinese motorcycles.

It is also recommended to change the oil. Many dealers immediately offer to add a jar to your cart. There is no point in refusing.

and dignity

• an off-road bike . Speed ​​bumps or potholes on Russian roads can be passed without slowing down (if you know how);
• Wide selection of components . You can use details from classmates.
• Price . China needs no comment.
• Service . Due to the prevalence of the model and the simplicity of the design, it can be done in the garage. Without going to the service station.
• Controllability.
• Maneuverability.

Good build quality and fit, but we shouldn’t forget that this is China. After purchase and running-in, you need to check all the nuts, re-arrange the wiring if necessary, and check the quality of the connections.

Our CUSTOM

We made a scrambler. For what? We wanted it that way, we are a motorcycle magazine after all, and we love experiments! The tank is from Alpha, the headlight is from Java. That situation when you make a scrambler, but it turns out to be MINSK. But we are delighted!

Side view.

And on the side is a RACER 160 PH pit bike.

Model range of motorcycles

Lifan motorcycles are represented by a diverse range of models; bikes of the following series are already being produced:
Classic . Universal bikes with a straight fit and a round headlight. This series includes, for example, the Lifan LF150-13 model, with a power of 11.7 horsepower, accelerating to 100 km/h.

Chopper - models with an extended frame and front fork, high handlebars, and a large V-shaped engine. These include the Lifan LF250 model, which is an exact copy of the Japanese Yamaha Virago.

A cruiser is a motorcycle with a low seat and lower handlebars than a chopper, large fenders, additional headlights, and a powerful engine. Not suitable for fast driving. Examples of cruisers are models Lifan LF125, Lifan LF 400.

Sportbike . Motorcycles with sports suspension are designed for paved roads. This series of bikes includes, for example, the ZiD-Lifan LF 250-19R.

Dakota is a joint Russian-Chinese project of the Lifan corporation and the famous Russian Plant named after. Degtyareva (ZiD), mountains. Kovrov.

Enduro . Motorcycles for riding not only on asphalt roads, but also in off-road conditions. They are light in weight, have good impact resistance, and are easy to operate.

The enduro models include the ZiD-Lifan LF 250 gy-5 - also a joint Russian-Chinese project between Lifan and ZiD, and the Lifan LF 200 model. We will look at the technical characteristics of the latter in more detail.

Advantages

• with good care it will ensure long-lasting, uninterrupted operation;
• excellent cross-country ability for utilitarian enduro;
• low fuel consumption;
• cheap spare parts;
• modest price.

But motorcycle owners also note several shortcomings. Among them, we note weak headlights, creaky suspension and an uncomfortable seat that causes discomfort after an hour of driving.

Briefly about the manufacturer

Lifan Corporation (translated from Chinese as “Going Full Sail”) was established in China in 1992. The central company is located in Chongqing.

Initially it was planned that it would be a company producing budget versions of cars, motorcycles, scooters, scooters, ATVs, all-terrain vehicles and other motor vehicles.

Also engines for them, for a wide variety of segments of the population.

Now the company is included in the list of 500 largest private industrial enterprises in China.

At the same time, despite the fairly high quality of its products, it continues to keep prices at a quite acceptable level.

In 2006, 14 years after its creation, the corporation had already produced:

• 1,330,000 motorcycles exported to more than 140 countries, including Russia, Germany, Canada, the United States of America;
• 2,540,000 motorcycle and scooter engines;
• the first passenger car of the Lifan 520 brand (in Russia known as Lifan Breez).

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Photo gallery

Motorcycles from the Korean corporation "Lifan", which you can see in the photographs below, are affordable. Easy to control, convenient to use, and without significant drawbacks, they are a good purchase option for bikers with a wide range of experience levels.