M1NSK C4 250 vs Baltmotors Street 250 DD: two boots - a Chinese pair?

RU-MOTO rating

• Reliability
• Chassis
• Appearance
• Comfort

4

Verdict

S4 250 is a good move by Minsk residents. The car turned out to be quite calm, highly maneuverable and stable. In terms of its technological component, this model is close to the best examples of its class. But quite decent power does not correspond to too much weight.

The Minsk stritter C4 250 was launched into production in 2011. When creating this model, Minsk residents tried very hard for several reasons. The demand for the low-power 125 Minskys was rapidly approaching zero and it was necessary to urgently look for a replacement for them. The developers, based on the technical and technological capabilities of the plant and consumer demand for economy-class models, saw the greatest potential in just such a car.

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Motorcycle Minsk S4 250

Prices

The cost of the new Minsk C4 250 ranges from 103 – 136 thousand rubles.

Prices for “used” C4 250, as always in such cases, vary greatly, it all depends on the year of manufacture and the technical condition of the motorcycle. But, based on the decent condition of the used motorcycle, the upper level is close to the price of a new one.

Screenshot 1. Review of prices for motorcycles Minsk C4 250 on the website moto.auto.ru

But you can also see lower prices.

Read other motorcycle reviews Classic Dream - review of the Honda CB400 motorcycle

Screenshot 2. Review of prices for motorcycles Minsk C4 250 on the website naberezhnye-chelny.moto.drom.ru

Motorcycle "Minsk S4 250": price and reviews

This technique is primarily designed for city driving. This is evidenced by the following elements:

• low and wide seat;
• asphalt tires;
• soft shock-absorbing system;
• straight landing.

The price of the model varies within 200 thousand rubles.

The domestic bike “Minsk S4 250” received mostly positive reviews. Among the advantages, owners note the following points:

• informative dashboard;
• good design;
• original additional parts (beautifully shaped mirrors, optics, steering wheel);
• moderately bright but eye-catching colors;
• maintainability;
• affordable price.

Among the shortcomings the following are noted:

• not a very modern muffler;
• rear reflector, which does not play a practical role;
• inconvenient location of the passenger seat and footrests;
• low speed and low cross-country ability.

Considering that this equipment is designed for movement around the city, reviews from owners are mostly positive.

general characteristics

This model is a typical “city dweller”, as evidenced by its high maneuverability and low maximum speed. For crowded city highways, the C4 250 is simply ideal. The low center of gravity and deep seating position allows the driver to make sharp changes of direction and take the tightest turns without losing balance even at low revs.

Previously, the site Ru-moto.com published a review of the Minsk D4 125 motorcycle

Minsk C4 250 compared to analogues: Sagitta Jedi 250, Patron Sport 250, Megelly 250R Spoort, the “Chinese” family - inferior in price/quality ratio and warranty service to European brands, but superior to the “Chinese”. As for the rest - power, speed, fuel consumption, design - the motorcycle basically meets the requirements for cars of this class.

Power unit

The equipment in question is equipped with a 249 cc engine. cm and a power of 19 “horses”. The engine is combined with a five-speed manual transmission, cooling is atmospheric. On new copies, there is often a problem with turning on the first speed. Over time, it goes away, after the development of the switching leg. The engine pulls well from the very start, but at a speed of 90 km/h, further acceleration becomes very problematic and physically noticeable.

Repair

The most common breakdowns on the C4 250 include consumables (air and oil filters, gearbox shift paws); with frequent use of the rear brake, the brake fluid overheats and the rear caliper jams. Often the pads rub against the brake disc. There are no uniform prices for repairs; each technical center sets its own.

But for orientation, we selectively list prices from authorized dealers:

• oil and filter change – from 500 rubles;
• chain replacement – ​​from 1 thousand rubles;
• air filter replacement – ​​from 300 rubles;
• tire installation – from 1.5 thousand rubles;
• disassembly/assembly of the motor - from 1.5 thousand rubles;
• replacement of clutch discs – 1.5 thousand rubles.

Motorcycle repair Minsk S4 250

Spare parts

The situation with the supply of spare parts for this model is quite difficult. Many complain about the lack of them, even for warranty repairs; often, instead of “original” spare parts, customers are offered to buy analogues of other brands.

Check out the estimated prices for some spare parts:

• shock absorbers - 250 rubles;
• clutch drum – 100 – 120 rubles;
• cylinder head – 950 – 1300 rubles;
• front fork oil seals (2 pcs.) – 3 – 5 rubles;
• piston – 250-280 rub.

Advantages and disadvantages

pros

• First of all, I would like to note the successful design, solid instrumentation (LCD display, analog speedometer and tachometer, fuel gauge);
• on the highway it is able to reach speeds higher than the maximum - up to 130-140 km/h;
• The car accelerates quite smoothly, is stable and comfortable to drive.

Minuses

• due to its light weight, the C4 250 is quite unstable in crosswinds;
• not everything is good with the speed, vibrations begin at high speeds;
• inconvenient location of the electric starter, which also quite often “jams”;
• The engine is weak for two riders.

Owner reviews

Screenshot 3. Review from the owner of the Minsk C4 250 motorcycle

10nowmber

What could be better for a ride on a motorcycle on a summer day? For such walks I use the Minsk motorcycle. Previously it was the 125th, and for a couple of years now it has been the C4 250 because the first one has worked out its service life by 300%. This is the most important characteristic of Minsk motorcycles. The main advantage of these bikes is their lightness, starting with half a turn, and with proper technical care, the inability to “kill” it. The Minsk C4 250 motorcycle was launched into production recently - in 2011. Four-stroke single-cylinder engine with a displacement of 250 cm3. provides normal power even for two riders. The five-speed gearbox provides a normal speed-traction range. A good solution is a starter. The brakes are reliable, especially since the front ones are hydraulic. It has high maneuverability and a low maximum speed, which is ideal for driving in the city. The low center of gravity and deep seating position allow the driver to change direction quickly. Positive qualities - power, speed, fuel consumption, design - the motorcycle basically meets the requirements for cars of this class. I would like to note the successful design; on the highway it reaches speeds of up to 130-140 km/h; the motorcycle accelerates quite smoothly, is stable and comfortable to ride.10nowember

ivan33human

Many years later, the Minsk plant pleased us with several copies at once. This motorcycle went on sale in 2016. It is a 1-cylinder, 4-stroke motorcycle that produces 19 horsepower at 8000 rpm. The maximum speed is 110 km/h, which leaves much to be desired. The gearbox has 5 steps. The dry weight of the motorcycle is 155 kg. There is little supply; you need to refuel with readily available AI-92 gasoline. It has a spacious and durable tank with a volume of 16.5 liters, which is quite good. Regarding the design, we can say that our neighbors did their best. Has an interesting coloring. I can recommend it as the first one, but the most important thing is not to forget about protection.ivan33human

M1NSK C4 250 vs Baltmotors Street 250 DD: two boots - a Chinese pair?

“Chinese” is “Chinese,” you say, thousands of owners of Japanese “used” motorcycles, and that same Uncle Vasya is an expert in international politics, a specialist in repairing any electrical equipment and almost a candidate for the USSR Olympic rowing team. And we, modest people, try to understand first of all what we do professionally, so we will say: “China” and “China” are different. Are there any models among them that you can buy and not be afraid that they will fall apart in the first season? Are there any stories among them that you won’t be ashamed of in front of your brothers in mind? The answers to these questions have, in general, been found a long time ago. Therefore, today, over a 400-kilometer comparative test drive, we will try to identify the best between the “Chinese-Belarusian” M1NSK C4 250 and the “Chinese-Russian” Baltmotors Street 250 DD.

Yes, “Chinese”, yes, cheap. Nevertheless, reviews from owners and operating experience of these two motorcycles indicate that they do not crumble into spare parts like their competitors. So, sometimes they worry about little things, but compared to other Chinese motorcycles they are quite reliable. Good consumer characteristics, relative reliability, low price - the M1NSK C4 250 and Baltmotors Street 250 DD have it all. But how are they different?

Let's start with the design. In my opinion, the more modern M1NSK clearly wins in this category, while the Baltmotors seems a little old-fashioned: a round headlight, round “wells” of instruments, “yellow” turn signals and a bench seat are all references to the past. But the owners of Baltmotors, whom we invited for a test drive, on the contrary, shout in unison that the C4 250 feels like some kind of clumsy toy Chinese motorcycle.

Therefore, it is difficult to determine the winner in this nomination - as they say, there are no comrades for taste and color. Some people prefer Baltmotors, others prefer M1NSK. “Minskach” has a more modern design on its side, although “retro” lovers will prefer a motorcycle with Kaliningrad registration.

The difference between them is most noticeable in the fit and ergonomics. Everything is not so clear here! When my colleagues and I swapped motorcycles along the way, everyone noted the low and uncomfortable seating position of the Baltmotors. We may not have been able to show it in the photo, but you sit really low on the Baltmotors. Not yet like in “sports”, but no longer like in “classics”. In general, it's inconvenient. It is completely incomprehensible why a city motorcycle should have clip-ons so low. Who will take it to the track? The M1NSK is also far from having the most upright seating position, but the arms and back are not as tense as in the Kaliningrad motorcycle, and its tank is also more comfortable to hug with your knees.

The Minsk motorcycle has a different problem - the seat is narrower and harder. If at first it didn’t feel that way, then after hundreds of kilometers the pilot’s fifth point becomes uncomfortable. But we had two motorcycles, we changed often - in the end, nothing hurt, neither the butt, nor the back. On M1NSK the back, arms and neck are rested, on Baltmotors – the fifth point.

Baltmotors discovered another small problem with ergonomics. Firstly, the footrest ear of the motorcycle is too small - it is inconvenient to reach. Secondly, the footrest does not have a spring, so when you remove the side support, the footrest folds. You have to fold it back every time you get on the motorcycle. But M1NSK does not have a footrest sensor, while Baltmotors does. The driver of the first one has to make sure that the step is removed each time before starting the trip. However, this habit can only be beneficial. How many cases have there been when a motorcyclist forgot to remove the side stand of the motorcycle and fell... The owner of the Street 250 DD has peace of mind - the motorcycle simply will not start with the footrest pulled down.

First person on Baltmotors Street 250 DD First person on M1NSK C4 250

It would seem that the engines are very similar and copied from Suzuki, but nevertheless there are differences in them. Visually they are slightly different, their character and sound are also different. To start the Baltmotors, you just need to lightly touch the starter button, while the M1NSK starts, although confidently, but not so quickly - you need to turn the engine a little. But when started, the Minsk motorcycle sounds louder at idle and pleases with at least some bass. Sounds nice for a quarter.

The M1NSK has 19 hp, while the Baltmotors have two more horses, possibly due to the use of a Japanese Mikuni carburetor. There are also differences in the gearbox: the Minskach has different gear ratios, the gears are a little bit shorter, but “shorter”. Does this make the C4 250 less usable? If you only drive in the city, you won’t notice the difference. According to the passport, the motorcycles weigh the same: 155 kg for M1NSK and 156 for Baltmotors. But the latter feels a little heavier. I think just because of the already mentioned landing.

So, who won in straight line acceleration? To keep everything fair, for the races we took a run-in motorcycle from a private owner. The first three attempts showed that the M1NSK C4 250 is coming out ahead!

Then we switched places with the Baltmotors pilot - and M1NSK ended up behind. So it was not a matter of the reel, as they say... Perhaps the results of the races were influenced by the difference of 30 kilograms in the weight of the pilots, perhaps, different driving experiences affected. But in the end it’s a draw, both motorcycles accelerate equally. Although subjectively Baltmotors seems more playful.

More importantly, the Russian-Chinese motorcycle at 100 km/h produces less vibration in the handlebars on the highway. At the same time, the tachometer needle freezes at 5500 rpm, while the M1NSK motor spins at 6000 rpm. The gears of a non-run-in Baltmotors shift rougher, but the run-in motorcycle pleases with the same soft and clear shifts as the M1NSK. Except that the gearshift lever travel is a little longer.

Therefore, at the first stage of testing, the situation is as follows: the motorcycles accelerate the same, but the M1NSK has more vibrations on the steering wheel in the region of 100-110 km/h. At 120 and 130 km/h, the handles of both motorcycles turn into hard vibration massagers. But our C4 250 sounds better, and sound in a motorcycle is important, even in such a small capacity one. Both competitors actually accelerate to 130-140 km/h - depending on the tailwind, the weight of the pilot and the quality of the run-in. Although according to the passport data Baltmotors are 10 km/h faster. But keep in mind that Chinese speedometers on cheap motorcycles lie shamelessly. In reality, 10-15 km/h should be subtracted from their readings at such speeds.

Next we go to rural primers and find that the M1NSK is a little softer. The difference is especially noticeable in the operation of the front fork: with Baltmotors it behaves more “nervously” on uneven surfaces. And it’s more convenient to stand on the footrests when driving over bumps on a Minsk motorcycle. But the last one... doesn’t drive on sand. That is, it doesn’t go at all.

Trying to find beautiful views, we got lost in the fields and forests between Baranovichi and Minsk. And in conditions of dirt roads with a good layer of sand, Baltmotors went ahead! Where the “minchik” was driving “in a whisper”, 30 km/h, the Kaliningrader “bludgeoned” all 80 km/h! The pilot behind the wheel of the latter was pushing the driver of the Minskach, not understanding why he was driving so slowly, and once even managed to fall into the mud.

The pilots swapped places - and the driver fell into the sand after 100 meters. Fortunately, there are practically no consequences. Strange... The tires are almost the same, the motorcycles are similar, but on the sand the M1NSK pilot prays to the motorcycle gods, while the Baltmotors driver confidently rushes, as if on an enduro.

Most likely it's a matter of fork settings. Although, it is worth noting that both motorcycles handle wonderfully.

Opinion of the owner of Baltmotors Street 250 DD (mileage - 11,000 km)

“Since the technology is the same in terms of power characteristics, in general all the differences relate to ergonomics and the perception of the motorcycle by the fifth point. During the process, I still couldn’t turn my opinion into words; I was able to do so only after a couple of hours. It is clear, of course, that every sandpiper praises his own swamp, a matter of habit and all that, but I would say this: M1NSK is a cheap “China”, and Baltmotors is a cheap but convenient “China”. “Minchik” is perceived as a solid bench made of gymnastic bars, and after the “Minchik” it envelops me, and in general it is perceived somehow more seriously and more weightily.

Judging by the reaction to the handle, the M1NSK seems to be more cheerful, while the Baltmotors need to be pumped up a little. So, choosing between the two, I would definitely choose Baltmotors. On the one hand, it is more expensive, on the other hand, there are no problems with the parts, it has a larger tank. And I’m more used to it... The brakes on the motorcycles are powerful, both of them are clearly out of class. But if we compare, the rear brake of Baltmotors is less effective, and in general the M1NSK brakes seemed a little more powerful and more informative.

Both motorcycles offer a combination of low fuel consumption and a large tank. The C4 250 has 16.5 liters of fuel in the tank, and the Street 250 DD has as much as 22 liters! Consumption varies from 3 to 4 liters per 100 km, depending on the style and driving conditions. Accordingly, on the first you will travel 500 kilometers without refueling, on the second, perhaps even all 650. The Honda Transalp tourist enduro has a power reserve of just over 300 km!

What's the result? Almost identical motorcycles. When trying to describe the difference between them, you often have to use the adverb slightly.

The M1NSK handles a little easier on asphalt, the landing is a little more comfortable, the suspension is a little softer, the brakes are a little better, and the footrest is more convenient to use. At the same time, it costs $600 cheaper, which is not quite “a little.”

The seat is softer on Baltmotors, it has less vibrations on the highway, the motorcycle rides much better on sand, the situation with service and spare parts is clearer (although spare parts have started appearing on the M1NSK lately), the gas tank is larger.

In general, it is difficult to determine the winner between them, both are good. In the urban environment, it couldn’t be better – these are light, maneuverable and economical bikes. Suitable for both beginners and experienced pilots as a second motorcycle for the city. Consumption - 3.5 liters per 100 kilometers, huge tanks. What else is needed? The main differences are in the little things.

Pricing

M1NSK C4 250 is no longer produced in Belarus, but they still remain in warehouses. Baltmotors Street 250 DD continues to be produced in Russia. The cost of the first is 2950 Belarusian rubles, or 1490 dollars. Baltmotors Street 250 DD costs 4,120 Belarusian rubles ($2,080). The Street version with a 200 cc engine is priced at 3,472 ($1,755).

Yuri GLADCHUK

Photo by the author and Anton SHELKOVICH Video by Anton SHELKOVICH ABW.BY

The editors thank baltmotors.by for providing the motorcycle for the test. We also thank our readers Andrey and Tatyana, who provided two used Baltmotors Street 250 DD.

Notes in the margins

When buying a new motorcycle for 1500-2000 dollars, you need to be prepared for surprises. After all, although it is of high quality, it is still “China”. Standing on the side of a busy highway with a broken motorcycle is not a pleasant experience.

And it was all due to the fact that the inside of the Baltmotors dealer tank was slightly covered with rust, which got into the carburetor. Or maybe it just got stuck in the gas tap. The mixture became lean, the muffler began to “shoot” - the motorcycle stalled. Then, after waiting for a couple of seconds, it started up and drove another hundred meters. It didn’t even get to the tow truck; we arrived at our destination with grief. The owner of the run-in Baltmotors, Andrei, cleaned the tank immediately - no such problems happened.

Nevertheless, the owners of two Street 250 DDs - a young married couple - have traveled 10-11 thousand kilometers on their motorcycles. The tires were changed, the tanks were cleaned, one mirror was replaced under warranty, and somewhere the chain guard on one motorcycle was lost. All. You can read about their interesting travels here. According to our friend Ekaterina Arkhipovich, who traveled half of Europe on these two motorcycles, there is no difference in reliability between the motorcycles.

M1NSK falls in place on asphalt or at low speed on sand with virtually no consequences. A couple of scratches are added on the steering weights, levers and muffler - and that’s it. Baltmotors have a risk of denting the tank - this is evidenced by the experience of motorcycle owners.

Both Baltmotors and M1NSK have good mirrors. The glass of a Kaliningrad motorcycle sometimes peels off from the plastic, so it’s better to glue it with something else so as not to lose it along the way.

The rear light of the M1NSK, unlike the Baltmotors, is LED. It shines very well.

The headlight shines weakly on both “Chinese” cars. Owners are forced to resort to tuning in order to at least see something on unlit country roads. On Baltmotors, a car socket and a car lamp look great - the headlight shines perfectly after such modifications.

The chain guard of the M1NSK breaks in the area of ​​the rear mount for all owners. But they strengthen the fastening and move on. Although we also strengthened it before the trip, it successfully broke off on the first primer.

Baltmotors' plastic is thicker and softer, although on one Baltmotors motorcycle they lost it somewhere. The chains themselves are “plasticine” in both one and the other. They stretch out quickly.

In the bowels of Baltmotors there is more space for various “little bits”. But under the seats of the M1NSK there is enough space for a small standard set of keys and spare throttle and clutch cables, which are best purchased additionally for the motorcycle. And those on the motorcycle should be lubricated. On my personal C4 250, the clutch cable practically broke after only 2000 km. Baltmotors of our friends did not experience such problems.

The exhaust pipe of Baltmotors is made entirely of stainless steel, while the M1NSK has only a can. The steel pipe has already begun to show spots of rust. But the “minchik” sounds relatively more serious, louder and more endurable.

The instrument panel is equally informative on both motorcycles; there is even a fuel level indicator. In general, the instrument panel of the C4 250 is more elegant than that of its Kaliningrad competitor. The arrows of the tachometer and speedometer, when you turn the ignition key, make “waves”, welcoming the pilot. Although the main thing is that it all works.

Although the Baltmotors side step is not so convenient to use, it does have a central one, and this is a huge plus. It’s commonplace to lubricate the chain on the M1NSK after rain or washing, you need to hang it on a special stand or roll the motorcycle with your hands, periodically stop and lubricate the chain section. Inconvenient.

The enricher handle on both motorcycles is located in an inconvenient place near the carburetor. In addition, the gas tap and fuel pipe interfere with the use of the M1NSK handle - it’s not so easy to photograph it, let alone reach it with your hand.

With the Baltmotors driver's footpegs, your feet won't slide as much in the mud as with the smooth rubber M1NSK footpegs. But the latter have springs.

Humpty dumpty gear lever actuators are observed in both M1NSK and Baltmotors. However, this hardly interferes with changing gears; the shifts are very soft and clear, even compared to some “Japanese” ones. The clutch is easy to press both on new motorcycles and on “slightly used” ones.

Electrics, to put it mildly, are not the strong point of Chinese motorcycles. On the M1NSK, the main headlights sometimes “glitch” - there is a bad contact somewhere.