Chinese motorcyclesLifan motorcycles
The relatively young company Lifan, which Russian consumers only recently learned about, was founded in 1992 in China.
Initially, the brand specialized in the production of inexpensive cars, motorcycles and scooters.
Over time, the manufacturer began to produce higher quality products, but at the same time, remained true to its pricing policy and still does not inflate the price tag.
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Lifan LF400, chopper, 2008, 399 cm³, 27 hp, 175 kg, 130,000 rub.
Lifan LF400, chopper, 2008, 399 cm³, 27 hp, 175 kg, 130,000 rub.
Called yourself a tester - put on a helmet, goggles and climb onto the cruiser! I am not a fan of devices of this class, but I have traveled a lot with Chinese technology, so from my subjective assessments the picture should turn out to be quite objective. At least impartial.
Approximate price
To sum it up briefly, we can make a bold conclusion - the Lifan LF 400 is a unique model that is perfect for driving on Russian roads.
An acceptable price, inexpensive components, coupled with high quality indicators, make the bike interesting for both beginners and experienced bikers.
Do you like the feeling of freedom and independence on the road? Lifan LF 400 will help you get the most of this pleasure at an acceptable low cost.
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Lifan LF400.
Lifan LF400.
I'm not a fan of cruisers or choppers, and riding feet first inevitably evokes certain associations with me. Another thing is a controversial “endurik” or, in extreme cases, a strict “classic”... But maybe this is good - it seems to me that a seasoned “viragovod” would not have left a stone unturned from this, albeit a very accurate copy of the famous car (and if under even “Harley”, the founder of the style), firmly believing that the Japanese design is infallible, and everything foreign is worthy of condemnation...
Pros and cons of Stealth 400 Cruiser
Advantages
- Very, very decent technical characteristics overall.
- Affordable price . A new Stealth 400 Cruiser costs less than most ancient Japanese 400s.
- Compatible with original Yamaha motorcycle. Most of the spare parts are suitable for the second generation 400 cc Viraga.
- Confident acceleration dynamics and powerful low-end traction.
- General survivability and unpretentiousness . On this bike you can safely go on the longest journey.
Flaws
- of small parts like cables or light bulbs is not always high To avoid problems in the future, it is advisable to replace them with original Japanese ones.
- A peculiar landing . The Stealth 400 Cruiser, like its prototype, is a kind of hybrid of a classic road bike and a chopper. From the first he got the fit, and from the second - the appearance. And lovers of choppers usually don’t really like driving with their legs in the “under themselves” position.
- An archaic braking system that migrated to the motorcycle straight from the 80s of the last century.
- No maximum engine speed limiter.
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Yamaha Virago: There were several models in the “witch” family.
In addition to the mentioned XV535/400 (which went into production in 1986–88), there were “smaller sisters” Virago XV250 and 125 - with a closed frame and a chain drive to the wheel. “Big sister” is a model with a cubic capacity of 1100 cm3. “Virags” survived until the end of the 90s, when Yamaha, while “working on mistakes,” refocused on the Drag Star family. The XV400 was discontinued in 1998. Yamaha Virago: There were several models in the “witch” family. In addition to the mentioned XV535/400 (which went into production in 1986–88), there were “smaller sisters” Virago XV250 and 125 - with a closed frame and a chain drive to the wheel. “Big sister” is a model with a cubic capacity of 1100 cm3. “Virags” survived until the end of the 90s, when Yamaha, while “working on mistakes,” refocused on the Drag Star family. The XV400 was discontinued in 1998.
I will try to understand it objectively, discarding the prevailing admiration for everything Japanese and rejection of everything Chinese. Virago’s signature dish, meticulously copied by Lifan, is the open spinal frame. The design is of advanced age, but the motorcycle does not “sausage” while driving. Another “highlight” is the exhaust system: two powerful, forward-flow pipes turn out to be fakes. In fact, the exhaust pipes fit discreetly into the resonator barrel, located at the lowest point of the motorcycle. And from there the gases are directed through one pipe into beautiful, inimitablely designed muffler pipes. In addition to the aesthetic effect, a couple of birds are also killed - a low, but at the same time very colorful sound is obtained, and the center of gravity of the motorcycle is lowered (the exhaust system weighs almost 15 kg).
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V-twin in all its glory with a cleverly disguised exhaust system.
V-twin in all its glory with a cleverly disguised exhaust system.
Even the “Chinese” tires are the same size as “Viragov”, models XV535/400: 140/90–15 and 3.00–19, however, the manufacturer is undercover. According to the “virago drivers”, this combination is also “one of the charms” of the popular cruiser. But “closer to the body” - I sit in the Lifan saddle.
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The Chinese copied the Japanese original very carefully.
on such a motorcycle, even inconveniences like a double gas tank, an ignition switch under the saddle or a gas tap behind the passenger footrest should be perceived as a tribute to the classic canons. We also include retro tidy among them. The Chinese copied the Japanese original very carefully. on such a motorcycle, even inconveniences like a double gas tank, an ignition switch under the saddle or a gas tap behind the passenger footrest should be perceived as a tribute to the classic canons. We also include retro tidy among them.
It is of medium height (700 mm), the footpegs are moved forward moderately, and the horned steering wheel is also without extremism. When your feet are on the footrests, your knees are bent at 90 degrees, you can stand up without any difficulty. In general, a person brought up on classic road motorcycles will not find this position uncomfortable. She, as the creators of choppers and cruisers wanted, is straightforward and proud. It’s not clear why straight and proud people must be short? For example, with an average height of 183 cm for the current generation, I always wanted to move a little further back on the saddle, but no - my back rested against the step of the passenger saddle. It’s more comfortable for the passenger (I tried it on purpose) - there’s something to hold on to, somewhere to rest, and the legs don’t get numb. And to prevent it from being thrown onto the wing on uneven surfaces, the Chinese have installed a standard passenger backrest (this is an option on the original). It is also comfortable to hold on to when braking.
Total
The Stealth 400 Cruiser can easily be called a worthy alternative to the old Japanese 400 cc choppers . Its main advantage, perhaps, is that the Chinese simply copied a successful model without introducing practically anything new, so the result was quite a Chinese-assembled Japanese motorcycle. It is inexpensive , and spare parts and tuning are suitable from the original Viraga. The Stels 400 Cruiser is a motorcycle that is free of the shortcomings typical of most Chinese motorcycles, and for its price it is really very good, as confirmed by numerous reviews from owners.
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The passenger seat is equipped with comfort: the backrest, which had to be ordered as an option for the Viraga, is installed here as standard.
Therefore, on uneven surfaces, the passenger does not have to worry about getting lost, and it is also comfortable to hold on to when braking. The passenger seat is equipped with comfort: the backrest, which had to be ordered as an option for the Viraga, is installed here as standard. Therefore, on uneven surfaces, the passenger does not have to worry about getting lost, and it is also comfortable to hold on to when braking.
The location of the ignition switch caused confusion: it is on the side and below the saddle, “in the shadow” of the rear cylinder. It’s inconvenient, but this is the classic “witch” style. Having started the engine with an electric starter (and, in fact, there is no other option), I listened to its smooth operation at idle. Nothing outstanding, although the V-twin must have some specificity - it’s not for nothing that Harley’s promoters tried to patent the exhaust sound!
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For this model, the Chinese had to develop an electric fuel pump.
For this model, the Chinese had to develop an electric fuel pump.
However, my thoughts were rudely interrupted: the engine stalled. The reason is trivial - the tap is closed, but its location - at the bottom, behind the passenger step - is another reason to blame the Japanese: why make it so inconvenient? The answer appeared at the first gas station. There are two fuel tanks here: the one in the usual place, for the sake of appearance, is made very small, so another one is hidden in the bowels of the motorcycle, and gasoline flows into it through a hose (and through the second, air exits into the upper tank). And the gas tap is at the bottom of the second tank. I believe that the intentions of the creators of the Virag were the best - to lower the center of gravity (as sports bike sellers say, “to centralize the masses”) and thereby improve the handling of the motorcycle. However, this centralization backfires - the refueling process really becomes a process... But all of these, I repeat, are flaws of the original source, which thousands of fans of the brand endure without complaint and do not complain.
Photo gallery
The spectacular cruiser attracted attention not even with its price, but with its extraordinary appearance and characteristics, completely copied from the legendary Japanese motorcycle YAMAHA Virago.
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The upper tank holds about 5 liters, and to fill more, you need to wait until the fuel drains into the lower tank.
The upper tank holds about 5 liters, and to fill more, you need to wait until the fuel drains into the lower tank.
By the way, the Japanese themselves did not immediately come to this kind of “double-fuck”: on the first release for the domestic market, the upper tank was not intended for refueling. A real... not a tank, but a tank with a volume of only 8.6 liters was located under the saddle, and access to the neck was opened by lifting the seat (which was monoblock with the passenger seat). But a year later, in preparation for expansion into Europe and America, so as not to make people laugh, the device was significantly modified: instead of a false tank, a real 4.5-liter gas tank was installed, connecting it to a second one, which is under the seat. The total is almost 14 liters - suitable for urban areas. And at the same time they made separate seats, tightly attaching the driver’s seat to the frame.
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This is Japanese history. But the “jamb” is purely Chinese - during the test, gasoline flowed through the lower tank. It leaked so much that I had to abandon the photo shoot with the Bronze Horseman in the background (there were newlyweds, foreigners all around, an incredibly clean gravel area, and here there was gasoline, leaking and smelling!). I thought it was good that the test was started in St. Petersburg - in the capital, someone would definitely have thrown a cigarette butt on the ground... First of all, they tried to eliminate the force majeure - the hands still remember the Soviet motorcycles. Not finding the tool, we called the motorcycle dealership. They answered: under the passenger seat. This didn’t make it any easier: in order to remove the saddle, you need to unscrew two bolts with an “8” key, but, as luck would have it, it wasn’t in your pocket. While driving, the gasoline flowed less (or simply dissipated better), so the rest of the test was spent mostly in driving mode.
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The cork infection reached the city on the Neva, but St. Petersburg traffic jams turned out to be much looser than Moscow ones. My leader Dmitry on a 90 cc combat scooter and I began to stitch the rows. To my surprise, the motorcycle handled precisely, which instilled confidence and provoked. Another positive point is that the air vent showed no signs of overheating, although it was a hot day. The engine pulls, the gears are long, there is enough power for both dynamic acceleration and a top speed of 120–125 km/h. Although it’s a shame - on the Japanese original, the engine produced 40 hp, and this was enough to accelerate to a speed of 140 km/h (and according to some, up to 160).
Design features
The Lifan Chopper motorcycle is an excellent vehicle for travel, which is in great demand due to its reliability. The bike is purposefully designed for dynamic driving around the city, but at the same time it can plow on dirt roads. Ground clearance - 1140 mm eliminates contact with small stones lying on the road. That is, small trips are fully possible. The fairly high and comfortable saddle of the Lifan 250 chopper allows you to clearly view natural beauty or the concrete “jungle”. The braking system consists of a rear drum mechanism and a front disc with a two-piston floating caliper. It is characterized by a quick and high-quality effect - an important criterion, especially relevant in emergency situations.
The main power unit of the bike is unpretentious in fuel, it “feeds” perfectly on both 95 and 93 gasoline. The installed exhaust pipes produce a confident roar that is a real pleasure to the ears. The standard information panel competently accommodates all the necessary devices. In the dark, it is perfectly illuminated by the backlight. There is a brake light at the rear, which is clearly visible to vehicles moving behind. The placement of side mirrors is designed in such a way that the driver has the opportunity to control the situation behind him. The suspension is based on a front telescopic fork and two spring shock absorbers located at the rear. Their degree of hardness is adjusted manually. It is necessary to highlight the following pleasant features of the model:
The motorcycle has a gasoline tank with a capacity of 14 liters. That is, you don’t have to worry about frequent refueling.
Standard 18-inch wheels ensure safe driving on the road in rain and snow. Deep holes, hillocks and stones on the road surface are not scary for Lifan.
Taking into account all the technical characteristics, the attractive and dynamic appearance of the motorcycle, we can say with confidence that the LIFAN LF250B is a win-win option that gives freedom of movement and an influx of adrenaline in the blood. For lovers of high speeds, there is a 400 cc Chinese motorcycle on sale. The main difference between the models is the engine displacement. Buy Lifan 400 cc. possible for 159 thousand rubles.
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The drive shaft is in the pendulum tube, the design is eternal.
The rear shock absorbers are adjustable for spring preload; for a cruiser you don’t need more. The drive shaft is in the pendulum tube, the design is eternal. The rear shock absorbers are adjustable for spring preload; for a cruiser you don’t need more.
The rear wheel is driven by a shaft, which is hidden out of sight and away from dirt into the pendulum tube. Such a drive requires virtually no maintenance, and Chinese chains are still a cause for concern. The brakes are sufficient, although the rear is classically drum. The front one does not use half the area of the brake disc - this can be seen from the track of the pads. I would like to note one more inconvenience - not every anti-theft brace can be installed on such a disc.
Specifications
The Lifan Chopper motorcycle weighs 152 kg - an almost ideal weight for this class of equipment; due to this weight, the bike behaves confidently and steadily on the road. As already mentioned, the chopper is equipped with a gasoline engine with two cylinders, which is cooled by a flow of oncoming air. The working volume of the power unit is 248.9 cc. The cubic capacity is quite enough for driving at a constant speed of 100 km/h without long stops. The maximum speed of the Lifan 250 chopper is 115 km/h. I would like to note that the maximum speed indicator is quite decent, taking into account the design features of the “Chinese”, namely: an elongated steering wheel and front fork.
It is also worth saying that the power of 17 “horses” is quite enough for two people to ride at the same time. The engine begins to operate after being exposed to the electronic starting system. The ignition is set to TCI (transistor) type. All generated traction from the engine is transmitted to the rear wheel through an iron chain. The gearbox is manual, 5-speed. The engineers’ attempts to achieve maximum and minimum fuel consumption were crowned with success; Lifan “eats” 2.6-3 l/100 km.
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The front disc brake pads do not use the entire available disc surface.
The front disc brake pads do not use the entire available disc surface.
I was surprised by the excessively loud sound double of the “flashing lights”; it could be heard from several rows of cars away. When it started to rain, another miscalculation emerged: dirt was flying from the wide rear wheel, and there was no mudguard except for the passenger’s back. And when there is no passenger, it reaches the driver. But let’s forgive the designers from the Middle Kingdom: if they had hung a banal splash guard, the purists of style would have immediately lowered it below the baseboard...
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It looks like the Chinese saved money on the steering consoles.
It looks like the Chinese saved money on the steering consoles.
But involuntary associations with our motorcycle industry could have been avoided: the bundle of wires on the steering wheel dangles completely unaesthetically and the cable behind the muffler is covered with some kind of light cambric that hurts the eye. The gasoline leak was corrected by replacing the lower gas tank. During the repair, it turned out that even with a full set of tools, it is oh so difficult to get to it, much less remove it. At the same time, the price for such a structurally quite advanced motorcycle seems quite adequate. But, I think, the point is not whether the motorcycle is good or bad and what its price is. For people buying bikes of this kind, the first priority is the issue of image, so to speak, the “neighbor syndrome”. Will the rapidly progressing Chinese motorcycle industry be able to take a place in the caste of the elite?
Model range of the concern
If we talk exclusively about motorcycles, the concern has a solid line of models for all occasions.
Here are bikes designed for city and off-road riding. Judging by the reviews of owners of such equipment, Lifan products are distinguished by good dynamics, reliability and quality.
An interesting fact is that at the beginning of the 2000s, the Chinese manufacturer began active cooperation with the ZiD plant (Degtyarev plant).
The result of this cooperation was ZiD-lifan motorcycles, a whole line of scooters, ATVs, all-terrain vehicles and other equipment.
A distinctive feature of the automobile plant is that it can satisfy the needs of any category of citizens, be it budget motorcycles or expensive bikes.
Today, the concern’s most popular motorcycles are the LF 250-19 P and LF 400. To understand why bikes from this company are so attractive, let’s look at one of them, namely the LF 400.
The Lifan LF 400 appeared on the Russian market with fanfare, noisy and impressive . Arousing unprecedented interest from motorcycle enthusiasts.
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