Stels 400 Cruiser: characteristics, service, reviews

Chinese designers, accustomed to blindly copying the solutions of their more successful Western colleagues, sometimes produce surprisingly decent motorcycles like the Stels 400 Cruiser. The motorcycle turned out to be truly successful, perhaps precisely due to the fact that this time the engineers from the Middle Kingdom decided not to make their own changes to the sample they already had, and almost completely copied the Yamaha XV400 Virago, proudly calling their creation “Stealth 400 Cruiser” . The bike is produced in the Middle Kingdom, but in Russia only large-unit assembly is carried out. And, looking ahead, we note that the Stels 400 Cruiser motorcycle can cause a real break in the pattern for a biker full of stereotypical beliefs like “everything Chinese is bad,” because this bike is really good, and also inexpensive.

Pros and cons of Stels Enduro 250

Advantages

• Affordable price. However, we have already mentioned this above. Let us only add that spare parts and consumables are also inexpensive.
• Reliable design. The Stealth Enduro motorcycle is really simple, and even an inexperienced mechanic can easily handle its maintenance and minor repairs.
• Energy-intensive pendants. An inverted telescopic fork is installed at the front, and a classic pendulum with a monoshock absorber at the rear. Adjustments allow you to more or less adjust the suspension to your weight. They are distinguished by long strokes, which is a definite plus for enduro.
• Average saddle height. Even the longest-legged biker will confidently reach the ground with his feet.
• Good traction at low revs. Combined with short gear ratios, this makes the Stels Enduro 250 quite dynamic. He is also quite capable of getting out of deep mud, and he can also get out of deep snow if he has the appropriate tires.
• Thoughtful ergonomics. All controls are located where logic dictates they should be.
• Durable plastic. Thick and flexible enough, it is not afraid of falls on the ground. Of course, it will be easier to split it on asphalt.
• Spare parts and tuning are available in dealer showrooms, and even in motorcycle shops specializing in Chinese motorcycles.

Flaws

• Small gas tank. Ten liters of gasoline will be consumed relatively quickly during intense off-road driving.
• The weight is high for a 250cc enduro – about 155 kg. For a novice motorcyclist, Stels Enduro may seem quite heavy.
• Short service intervals. The oil will have to be changed quite often, especially when operating the motorcycle in extreme conditions.
• Poor directional stability when driving fast on asphalt. The short wheelbase and toothy tires are a plus off-road, but on the road it’s the opposite.

Gearbox and suspension

An important difference between the Stels 400 Cruiser and its counterparts is the presence of a driveshaft instead of a chain.
As a result, increased reliability of the drive is determined, since the chain tends to stretch, especially under heavy loads. It is necessary to completely change this part quite often, which takes time and money.

The motorcycle is equipped with a fairly reliable five-speed gearbox. Shifts are smooth and precise, making it a pleasure to drive.

The front suspension is a telescopic fork, the rear suspension is a pendulum with two shock absorbers. Unfortunately, riding a motorcycle is a bit rough. But there is no time for excesses here. Still, the chopper belongs to the budget models.

The brakes are nothing unusual for this type of two-wheeled vehicle. There is a drum brake at the rear and one disc brake at the front. Since the maximum speed is only 140 km/h, the braking system copes with its tasks perfectly. But still, you should not neglect the rules of the road.

The motorcycle is easy and flexible to control. It can be used even in the tightest turns.

Video Review

Specifications

Briefly about Stels 400 GT

The motorcycle was released and went on sale in 2013. A few months later it appeared in Russia, where it is sold quite successfully to this day. It's worth talking about why the 400 GT was so anticipated. After all, Stels is not as popular as, for example, Ducati or Yamaha, so that every new product is discussed almost everywhere. In fact, the Stels 400 GT motorcycle has its predecessor, the Stels 400 Enduro, which was released two years before this model. The Enduro version was quite loved by endurists, which is why it was decided to expand the model range. Actually, this is what happened - two years later the GT, GS and Cruiser versions were released. The abbreviation GT stands for Grand Turismo, which means “Great Journey”. This characterizes this model, since it is made specifically for travel, trips along serpentine roads, and rough terrain with poor road surfaces.

What and who is this car for?

Who is the target audience for the LC 300, and for what purposes is the car suitable?

• Question one: what age is the 300th Land Cruiser for? The first people to pay attention to such a car are wealthy people from 35 to 60 years old. Young people prefer smaller and sportier cars; people under 30 also rarely buy such cars. It’s easier to imagine a successful businessman who already has 16-year-old children driving a 300 series.
• Question two: can the car be considered a full-fledged SUV? The first mistake is to consider 200 as such. This car, although capable of off-road driving, is actually designed for urban conditions. The last real “mud-mixer” was episode 80. With each update, Land Cruiser becomes more urban. Luxury premium SUVs should be driven on normal roads, not churning clay somewhere on the way to the lake where you fish with friends.
• Question three: how many years will it be relevant? Let's do the math. The first production LC 200 was released in 2008. The new product was created in 2016. Between 100 and 200 episodes there was a time period of 10 years. So the LC 300 has at least eight years to live. By this time, if there is a desire, you can raise money for a new model, relevant for 2024.

Read also: Medical certificate for driver's license photo

In total, we have a prestigious car with modern characteristics that will enjoy success for the next 5 to 10 years, regardless of the release of competitors’ products. Buying it or not is everyone’s personal choice. If you are a big fan of Land Cruiser and have driven several series of vehicles, then you will most likely love the new one.

We will give buyers advice - take your time. Time will pass, the price will drop a little, and cars will appear on the market in which the manufacturer will eliminate the detected defects. The situation here is the same as with Windows OS. Until several updates and service packs are released, the product remains “raw”.

Specifications

The Stels 400 GT motorcycle received a four-stroke single-cylinder engine with a volume of 386.8 cm3 and a power of 19 hp. The maximum speed of the motorcycle is 140 km/h. I'd like more, but it's worth considering that the 400 GT wasn't made for high speeds. The motorcycle has a carburetor fuel supply system, which can be adjusted if desired. I was also pleased with the presence of a liquid cooling system. In principle, the dropsy on the Stealth 400 GT copes with its tasks perfectly. According to the owners' reviews, you can ride the motorcycle in active mode for more than an hour without any problems and not be afraid of overheating, even in hot weather. The engine can only be started using an electric starter, since a kickstarter is not provided here. This is due to the large engine volume, so trying to start a power unit of such power using a kickstarter is simply useless.

It is worth saying that the manufacturers did a good job on the chassis of the motorcycle. This is not to say that it performs as well as the suspension on some BMW or KTM. The suspension of this motorcycle copes with its tasks exactly as much as the bike costs. The Stealth 400 GT is equipped with an inverted telescopic fork and a swingarm with monoshock absorbers. Unfortunately, there is no option to customize the suspension. In general, you shouldn’t expect anything supernatural from the chassis. In order to have fun on not the most bumpy off-road conditions, it is quite enough.

But the braking system showed its best side. A hydraulic disc brake system with a piston caliper is installed here. Whether in the city or on the highway, you don't have to worry about not being able to stop in time. Even in active driving mode, there are enough brakes to spare, especially if when braking you use not only the rear, but also the front brake.

Flaws

In general, we can say that the characteristics of the stels 400 gs fully correspond to its price. There are certain disadvantages, but all due to the fact that the production of motorcycles is relatively new for.

In addition, there is an opinion that motorcycles are produced to suit the parameters of Asians , which causes some discomfort for tall people.

Reviews about 400 gs can be found more than varied, but all contain identification of the shortcomings of the technology.

To buy or not to buy

With all its advantages, the Stels 400 Cruiser, according to reviews, has a low cost for a new motorcycle. It is only 130,000 rubles. This is the price for a new motorcycle, which is also under warranty. Of course, most people have the idea that everything Chinese is of poor quality. But is this really so?

If you go outside and look around, you can see a lot of Chinese cars. Although you don't have to go far. Almost everything that is in everyone's home, be it a ballpoint pen or a television, is made in China.

There are reviews from the owners of this motorcycle that, even though it had not traveled 700 km, the engine jammed. But, most likely, there are already claims against the owner of the chopper. With proper care and operation, such troubles do not happen.

The presented model, according to customer reviews, is of high quality at a fairly affordable price. This is a reliable motorcycle that can often be found on Russian roads today. High performance characteristics for a model of this class make it popular.

Still, most reviews are positive, so the Stels 400 Cruiser can be considered a worthy model. A motorcycle can take a place in the garage of a two-wheeled enthusiast who does not have a large budget for purchasing a vehicle.

Having examined the features of the new model of Russian-Chinese production, we can note its decent quality and reasonable cost. This explains the high demand for the Stealth motorcycle.

Reviews from Stels 400 Cruiser owners

Stylish iron motorcycle, a real chopper, a minimum of plastic, high-quality chrome. If you put a Yamaha sticker or nameplate on the tank instead of the Stealth, no one will be able to tell the difference from the Japanese)) It takes off vigorously, and in the city it moves away from traffic lights freely from cars. You can take a passenger on board, but there is not enough space for a second number; you have to lift your legs. Andrey, Moscow, Stels 400 Cruiser '2012.

I don’t know, maybe I was just unlucky, but after buying a new motorcycle, my engine died after 700-odd kilometers. The engine was replaced under warranty without any questions, but it took almost 3 months, half the season passed by. There were no more breakdowns, I drove it for three seasons and sold it, with the exception of the defect described above, the overall impression was good, there’s nothing else to complain about. Alexander, Tyumen, Stels 400 Cruiser '2011.

I spent a long time choosing a motorcycle with a friend, both were looking for their first motorcycle, I ended up taking the new Stealth, and he took the old Intruder. In the first season, I drove calmly all the time while he tinkered with the clutch, then the fork, then the gearbox, then something else. I can’t say anything about the resource, I skated it myself for two years, covered a little more than 25 thousand km, without any complaints at all. I don’t know what’s wrong with the motorcycle now, but while it was new, there were exactly zero problems with it, only maintenance. Denis, Vologda, Stels 400 Cruiser 2013.

Technical characteristics of Stels 400 GS

The most interesting part of this motorcycle is its 387cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine.
According to the PTS, its characteristics are very modest - 19 hp. and 20 Nm at 7000 and 5500 rpm, respectively. However, if you dig around on the Internet, you will find that the Stealth 400 GS is equipped with an XY191MQ-2 engine produced by a company with the unpronounceable name ZheJiang XingYue Vehicle, without any changes, and its power reaches 28 hp, which is more looks like the truth. The solution is simple - with a declared 19 hp. Stels 400 GS falls under the minimum transport tax rate. In fact, it has enough dynamics, and the figure is 28 hp. looks much more realistic. The maximum speed that the bike can reach is 130 km/h. There was room for a flawlessly working 6-speed transmission, and for excellent suspension (upside-down forks at the front and a swingarm with monoshock at the rear) with preload and rebound settings, and for disc brakes with 2-piston calipers at the front and rear. The Stels 400 GS brakes very effectively, literally clinging to the asphalt. At the same time, the dry weight of the motorcycle is only 163 kg, which by the standards of the touring enduro class is not just small, but very small. That's why this bike is really easy to handle on any surface, not just asphalt. True, long legs won’t hurt – his saddle height is considerable.

The volume of the gas tank also hints at the Stealth 400 GS's suitability for long-distance travel - as much as 22 liters, just like its Japanese classmates. Only the fuel consumption of the “Russian Chinese” is much lower, in the range of 4.5-5 liters per 100 km, which gives it a huge range. In addition, Stealth easily digests 92-grade gasoline, thanks to the carburetor that was installed here instead of an injector in order to save money.

Options and prices of Land Cruiser 300 2018 in a new body

It is not yet known exactly what equipment options the SUV in question will be supplied with. But information about options and estimated price has appeared:

1. All seats, even in the initial configuration, will have air conditioning and heating functions. Moreover, they have a complex design with lateral support. This ensures high comfort during the trip.
2. A 4.2-inch display is installed as an instrument panel.
3. The steering wheel is multifunctional. Leather is used to decorate the outer part of the structure. Control units were placed on the surface, which allow you to switch tracks, change the climate control operating mode and control many other functions without taking your hands off.
4. The audio system meets all modern standards. Several speakers were placed throughout the cabin, which allows you to create a surround sound effect.
5. The climate control is dual-zone and has a filter for cleaning the supplied air.
6. Cruise control with an adaptation function for driving in traffic will maintain a constant speed on the highway.
7. A rear view camera is also installed, allowing you to more accurately control the vehicle when parking.
8. Parking sensors should also help when parking the SUV.
9. All modern security systems are installed.

The price of the new car is expected to be around $70,000. Don't expect a large number of different configurations to go on sale. This is due to the fact that flagships are almost always equipped with the most modern equipment.

Sportbikes

Old Japanese 400cc sportbikes are real sports machines with souped-up engines. They have not been produced for a long time, and all modern Chinese analogues are just stylizations of full-fledged racing equipment, and none of them reaches the 400 cc capacity.

Examples

• Honda CBR400RR. Removed from the assembly line at the end of the 20th century. During the years of production it was wildly popular. The technical characteristics of this model can outshine all modern 400s.
• Honda VFR400, also known as RVF400 (in a different modification). A real racing machine. It’s just a pity that it’s difficult to find a “living” specimen.
• Kawasaki ZZR400. A phenomenally popular “zizer”, which, strictly speaking, refers to sports tourists. The bike is reliable and practical, but due to its age, most Zizers have a problem with third gear in the gearbox.
• Yamaha FZR400RR. A now rare sportbike, produced before 1994 and even officially supplied to the markets of other countries.
• Suzuki GSX-R400. At the time of release, it was distinguished by excellent power (59 hp), very low dry weight and modern design.

Enduro in Chinese

The most popular cubic capacity in this class is 250 cubic meters.
see, since 125 “cubes” are not much cheaper, and they don’t ride as fun, even if a bike with such an engine wins in some ways due to its lower mass. But 400cc enduros are usually much heavier, which is an important factor when riding off-road, especially if the rider is not very strong and does not have long legs. But the Stealth 400 Enduro motorcycle relies on power, albeit sacrificing a bit of ease of control. Bikes of this class are used in harsh conditions, often falling and often plunging into the mud up to the cylinders, so the main criterion for them is reliability, which is directly related to the simplicity of the design. It’s not for nothing that many motorcyclists value old and technically primitive models like the Suzuki DR 250 and Honda XR 400 so much - their unprecedented reliability and the ability to be repaired “on the knee” have made them the favorites of domestic off-road conquerors. When designing the Stels Enduro 400, the technical characteristics of which are close to those of the 400 cc Japanese competitors, the Chinese followed the same path - they offered the public a simple and unpretentious motorcycle, in terms of technical equipment, which is approximately on the same level as Japanese bikes of the same class, but 20 years ago .

Technical characteristics of Stels Trigger 50

How much do you expect from a moped with a 50cc engine? cm.? If not, this bike will surprise you. The compact motard (or enduro, depending on what you choose) is not only comfortable, it also rides much more vigorously than you expect from it, confidently fitting into sharp turns, obediently leaning when necessary, and in every possible way proving that with a 50 cc engine you can get a lot of pleasure from driving. The technical characteristics of Stels Trigger 50 X and SM do not have stars in the sky, but they are able to satisfy the needs of any beginner.

Engine

The Stels Trigger 2-stroke liquid-cooled power unit produces 5 hp, which is several times more than typical figures for a similar volume in most other models

The power is enough for Stels Trigger X to quickly rush forward if the owner carelessly releases the clutch. At high speeds the agility becomes less, but the bike is still capable of reaching the maximum speed declared by the manufacturer of 90 km/h

Transmission

The Chinese who developed the Stealth Trigger 50 collaborated with the Austrian company Generic in the process of creating the model. It was the Austrians who created the engine and gearbox, so the bike received a 6-speed transmission. The gear ratios are short, so you have to switch them often, but this solution adds agility to the moped. Sixth gear can be engaged as early as 50 km/h.

Chassis and brakes

The steel chassis of the motorcycle is equipped with an inverted telescopic fork, and at the rear there is a classic pendulum with a monoshock absorber. Among the adjustments, there is only the ability to change the pretension, but this is quite enough. The suspensions are energy-intensive, and they are sufficient for driving both on asphalt and off-road. But you shouldn’t seat a passenger, especially since the Stels Trigger X (like the SM version) was originally designed for one person, and it’s absolutely uncomfortable for two people. But on both wheels there are hydraulic disc brakes, which are effective and tenacious.

Electronics

Chinese designers did not equip the motorcycle with any auxiliary systems in order to keep the cost at an affordable level. As a result, the motorcycle has a minimum of electronics - only the most necessary things

And, judging by the reviews of the owners, it is advisable to personally check the insulation and wiring after purchase, since due attention is not paid to this important point at the assembly stage

Weight and dimensions

Stels Trigger 50 X weighs as much as 111 kg (SM version - 115 kg), which is a lot for a moped. But thanks to its low center of mass, it feels light and easy to handle. Dimensions are comparable to those of more powerful 125 or 250 cc models. see, and if you don’t know that this is a 50 cc bike in front of you, it’s impossible to guess it.

Controllability

The ergonomics of the Stealth Trigger 50 are well thought out, as is the weight distribution. Therefore, the motorcycle handles great, although a lot depends on the skills of the pilot. The Trigger 50 SM easily fits even into sharp turns at almost full speed, and the enduro version feels no less confident even on wet ground. You can drop the bike if you want, but the plastic is highly durable and it is unlikely to get damaged.

Fuel consumption

The stated figure is just over 2 liters. In practice, the picture is different, but gasoline consumption directly depends on driving style and operating conditions. If you drive the Stels Trigger X on hard off-road conditions and change the oil according to engine hours, the consumption can reach 4-4.5 liters per hundred. And in more gentle conditions it will actually be about 2.5 liters. Considering the 10-liter gas tank, this is enough.

How suitable is the Land Cruiser 300 for Russian conditions?

This question interests everyone who has to travel not only along the central streets of Moscow or St. Petersburg. After all, the world produces a lot of beautiful, but completely impractical crossovers and SUVs for our country. Will the new 2022 Land Cruiser 300 be an exception?

In its defense, let’s say right away that the suspension and braking system are very reliable. But the car is not insured against dirt, small stones that can pierce the exhaust system, sudden temperature changes, poor quality gasoline and oil. Survival depends on the place of residence, operating characteristics, and frequency of preventive maintenance inspections. Experts have already found shortcomings of the new car. In particular, they believe that the braking was too harsh. As a result, if the pedal is pressed too sharply, the car tilts forward.

Information was also leaked that the stated characteristics underestimated the actual fuel consumption. This may be unpleasant news for budget-conscious car owners. The overspending is especially noticeable on rough roads. If you want to change lanes, it is unlikely that you will be able to do so. Although the 300 has become shorter, it is still very large. The weight of the car is not distributed very well. You may notice that in some situations a noticeable roll occurs. By the way, the same problems as the new Prado.

It is quite possible that the chassis and steering settings will be improved, and by the time mass sales begin, we will get a completely different car in terms of characteristics. In any case, we can have no doubt that the new Toyota Land Cruiser series will be as reliable and high-quality as its predecessor.

Next is a comparison of the Toyota Land Cruiser 200 and Lexus LX 570, they are built on the same base:

Toyota Land Cruiser 300 2022 is a powerful all-wheel drive SUV, which differs from conventional crossovers in its ability to conquer truly difficult off-road conditions. The modern model will be distinguished not only by its catchy appearance, but also by significantly improved technical parts. The Land Cruiser will get rid of problems that were considered significant shortcomings. In particular, it will be equipped with a new engine with a volume of 2.8 liters and a power of 174 hp. The top version is truly amazing in its characteristics: a powerful engine with a volume of 5.7 liters and a power of 381 hp is offered for it.

It will be possible to buy a car only with all-wheel drive in all trim levels, which significantly affects the price (photo in the article). The transmission is exclusively automatic. The model boasts very rich technical equipment, a large number of electronic assistants, for example, parking sensors, a system for tracking cars in blind spots. In addition, the manufacturer has installed all possible safety systems that make the Land Cruiser reliable in any driving situation.

The interior of the car is also attractive: it is made of genuine leather, high-quality plastic, and has wood and metal inserts. There is a multifunction steering wheel, and in the center of the console there is a glare-protected display.

Stylish and powerful

Engine Stels 400 Enduro

The Chinese do not very often equip enduro equipment with such engines, often using half the cubic capacity. But the design of the Stealth 400 power unit cannot fail to impress: 4 valves, 4 strokes, liquid cooling. Add to this the 6-speed gearbox to get the full picture of the bike's capabilities.

Upon visual inspection, it immediately becomes noticeable that the dimensions of the engine are quite compact; you can’t even believe that it holds 400 cubic meters. This is due to the short stroke of the T-shaped piston and minimal clearances between the balancer and crankshaft. This is how the manufacturer took care of compactness.

For someone who decides to disassemble the engine, the following may be an unpleasant surprise: a plastic tensioner and a plastic thermostat in the head.

The carburetor, by modern standards, is quite modest, and therefore the unit with a 30-horsepower engine produces rather mediocre dynamics. True, the manufacturer announced some modernization. But the motor is perfectly balanced, so there is practically no vibration.

The gears are long, but the absence of a tachometer is noticeable, especially at first. Owners note that the neutral switching mechanism is very convenient.

Pros and cons of 400cc motorcycles

Advantages

Affordable price. Some road motorcycle or cruiser with a 400cc engine can be bought for modest money, 130-150 thousand rubles.

Moderate dimensions and weight

It is not difficult to physically handle such a bike, which is especially important for beginners.

Economical. Fuel consumption during quiet driving will be low, and less oil will have to be poured into the engine than in a “liter” engine.

Simplicity of design

Many 400cc motorcycles have been built for decades with minimal changes, and don't necessarily need to be taken to the dealer for repairs or maintenance if you have a garage, tools and a steady hand.

Flaws

• Maintenance cost. Spare parts for “400” cars often cost no less than for more powerful and expensive models from the same manufacturers.
• Owner's attitude. Many novice motorcyclists treat this cubic capacity as a pass, expecting to change the bike after a season. Therefore, they do not spend too much on maintenance, limiting themselves to oil changes and other small things. As a result, a motorcycle can change owners every year and not receive due attention to its technical condition.
• Age and condition. Most 400cc bikes on sale were produced a long time ago, although they are still produced in Japan. This is the law of the market - motorcycle dealerships do not buy fresh “four hundred” cars, because they are more difficult to sell, because their price will be comparable to the cost of some twenty-year-old “liter”. So they bring everything to us from the Land of the Rising Sun, as long as it’s cheaper.

Prices for LC 300 and LC 200. Does it make sense to switch to a new series

Are you already wondering how much the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 will cost? Of course, we don’t yet know the prices for all configuration options, but the preliminary cost of the basic version is already known. It will be 80 thousand dollars. According to the data available so far, you will have to pay 100 thousand dollars for the hybrid modification. For comparison, the basic Land Cruiser 200 costs from 66.7 thousand. e. Total, we get 14 thousand dollars difference. How relevant is it to overpay 800 thousand rubles for a new product if you relatively recently bought a “two hundred”?

What does the change of series promise us? The new Toyota Land Cruiser 300, which will replace the already legendary 200 series, will even differ in dimensions. Eg:

• length LC 200 – 4950 mm, and LC 300 – 4760 mm.
• width LC 200 – 1970 mm, versus 1885 mm. at LC 300;
• height LC 200 – 1910 mm, and 1835 mm. at LC 300.

That is, the car has become noticeably shorter and narrower. A completely logical question arises: will it be comfortable for passengers in the cabin, will there be enough legroom? Yes, and there are questions about height. People with a height of 190 centimeters or more will become less comfortable.

If the Toyota 300 is inferior in size, then under the hood the situation changes radically. Depending on the engine, the 200 accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.6 – 8.9 seconds. Power from 183 to 227 hp. Maximum speed – 205-210 km/h. The increase in power of the LC 300 power units is immediately noticeable. Still, 235 - 309 hp. With. looks more impressive.

We draw a simple conclusion - if you were not satisfied with the power of the units on the series 200, then with the release of the new product the situation will significantly improve. For those buyers who are only interested in reliability and comfort, there is no reason to purchase the 300.

Of course, there is a separate category of car owners who simply change their cars upon the release of a new version, or restyling. Some of them are “iPhone car enthusiasts” who are only interested in the prestige of the car, and nothing more. Others are true fans of the brand.

There is nothing wrong with constantly driving new cars if you have time to buy and sell them, and you are not limited in finances. Plus, the 2022 Land Cruiser 300 really deserves to be bought by people who like good modern cars.

autotune

The Stels 400 Cruiser motorcycle is the fruit of Russian-Chinese cooperation. Like other Stels products, it is assembled in Russia from Chinese spare parts. Well, if we dig a little deeper, we will see that this bike is an almost complete copy of the Yamaha XV 400 Virago. True, a copy in the good sense of the word - the hardworking Chinese carefully copied the once mega-popular Japanese chopper down to the last screw. A serious bid for victory, in fact, due to the fact that the original was discontinued in Japan back in 1996. By the way, previously the same motorcycle, but purely Chinese assembled, was sold in Russia under the name Lifan LF400. After changing the assembly location, it also changed its name.

Being a copy and ideological successor of the Yamaha Virago, the Stels 400 Cruiser adopted its main advantages from it, namely, good technical characteristics for a 400 cc chopper. The air-cooled V-engine produces 30 hp. “Viraga” produced 40 hp, but there is an opinion that the number “30” is indicated in the Stels 400 Cruiser title due to the peculiarities of Chinese tax legislation. The motorcycle really quickly picks up speed, the maximum speed of which is 140 kilometers per hour.

The Stels 400 Cruiser accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in about 6 seconds, which is an excellent indicator for a cruiser of this size. However, for this we probably have to thank the Japanese engineers who designed this motorcycle several decades ago.

Another distinctive feature of the Stels 400 Cruiser is the cardan drive, which was also transferred to it from the Viraga. On small motorcycles, the chain predominates, and of the old Japanese 400 cc choppers, only the Yamaha Virago and Suzuki Intuder can boast of a simple and reliable cardan. Other Chinese choppers, for example, the BM 200 Classic, have a traditional chain drive. And on other Chinese cruisers, there is also a chain everywhere and only a chain - Johnny Pag, Regal Raptor, OMAKS Chopper...

The motorcycle handles like a solid “A” - again we kindly remember the Japanese roots of the Stels 400 Cruiser. Yamaha Virago has always been famous for its excellent handling. The gearbox works smoothly and without any complaints. The suspension is at the level of Japanese motorcycle construction in the mid-80s, that is, comparable to a medieval carriage. This, however, is true for all older motorcycles. The brakes are also exactly what you'd expect to see on a bike like this - a drum brake on the rear wheel and a single disc brake on the front. As for gasoline consumption, it is approximately three and a half liters of AI-92 per hundred kilometers, which allows this motorcycle to travel almost three hundred kilometers on one tank without refueling.

The vast majority of consumables and spare parts for the Stealth come from its ancestor, Viraga, and for everything else there is an official dealer. Of course, there are some problems - on one of the forums a story surfaced about the engine jamming within the first thousand kilometers, but in general the reviews about the Stels 400 Cruiser are positive. Perhaps due to the fact that the design designed by the Japanese cannot be spoiled either by Chinese components or Japanese assembly.

At the moment, you can buy a brand new Stels 400 Cruiser from official dealers for about 130 thousand rubles. A very good price for a new motorcycle, which, by the way, is under warranty. In addition, Japanese roots and positive reviews from owners allow us to hope that the stereotype about the low quality of Chinese equipment does not apply to this motorcycle.

Similar models

• Lifan LF400 . Twin brother of the Stealth, only made in China. Now it is no longer officially sold in Russia, but you can find used copies on the secondary market.
• Yamaha XV400 Virago. The same motorcycle from which the Stealth 400 Cruiser was copied.
• Honda Steed 400. A very popular Japanese chopper, inexpensive and proven by thousands of bikers. Like the Viraga, the Steed has long been out of production, but you can still find a well-preserved motorcycle.

Enduro

Here again we have to mention Baltmotors with their very successful model BM 250 Dakar. It costs more than most of its competitors, but its characteristics are very impressive, and reviews from owners of a Chinese motorcycle assembled in Russia are generally positive.

Also enjoying popular love is the Lifan LF200 GY, which has been selling well in a number of countries for several years now. It’s difficult to call it a full-fledged enduro - the level of equipment is not the same, but this bike is well suited for bad roads. Its main advantages are its low price, versatility, cheap spare parts and overall simplicity of design, which makes repairs possible in a garage environment.

Fans of more powerful equipment should look at another “Chinese” – Forsage 450 Enduro. Quite light and compact, it is highly powerful. In addition, the manufacturer offers tuning to improve performance - a Japanese carburetor, direct-flow exhaust and other little things that ultimately allow you to get a power output of 44 hp. on the rear wheel (not on the crankshaft!). This is an excellent indicator for Chinese motorcycles. At the same time, the bike is quite inexpensive - at least much cheaper than the 450 cc Japanese ones.

Off-road reliability is important

Obviously, the designers of the Stealth Enduro 250 were guided by this principle. The motorcycle they produced was surprisingly solid and well-built. There is nothing superfluous in it, its element is off-road. This model is made to be as reliable and lightweight as possible, keeping budget in mind, of course. Therefore, a simple steel frame, a 1-cylinder 225 cc 4-valve air-cooled engine, a carburetor and a 5-speed gearbox found their application here. The plastic elements are surprisingly durable and can withstand most of the drops that are inevitable in off-road driving. In general, the Stels Enduro 250 can be described as an extremely simple but reliable motorcycle. And reviews from Stealth Enduro 250 owners mostly positively describe this model, which does not suffer from any minor breakdowns or “childhood ailments.”

The bike looks quite decent. However, enduro motorcycles do not pretend to be beauties. The seating position is quite comfortable, as are the ergonomics in general - obviously, the bike was thought out with an eye on its famous Japanese competitors, and this clearly benefited it. Stels Enduro was released back in 2010, and over the past time it has deservedly gained popularity, not least due to its affordable price. For the price of a new Stealth, you can buy a Japanese bike of the same class, similar in characteristics, but very old, from the late 90s or early 2000s. Well, the debate about which is better - the new “Chinese” or the old “Japanese” - never ceases, and here everyone chooses for himself. The technical characteristics of the Stealth Enduro 250 are also not bad: 15.8 hp. and 17.5 Nm at 7000 and 5000 rpm, respectively.

What is known about the characteristics?

The vehicle has dimensions L/W/H – 4760x1885x1835 mm, wheelbase 2790 mm. It will be equipped with a gasoline or diesel engine of 4.5 - 4.6 liters. In the basic configuration you will get 235 hp. s., and in the top version – 309 hp. The gearbox is automatic. Maximum speed up to 210 km/h. acceleration to hundreds – 8.9 seconds.

Considering how actively Toyota is switching to electric engines, no one was surprised by the news that an option with a hybrid unit is expected. The designers assure that this will not affect the performance. Moreover, this option will allow the owner to regularly save up to 30% of fuel. Multiply the average consumption by 12 months, and you will understand the meaning of the “hybrid”. The Kruzak 300 with such an engine will be equipped with reliable lithium-ion batteries.

Especially for the North American market, modifications of the Land Cruiser 300 are offered with a 5.7-liter V-shaped gasoline engine with a capacity of 381 hp. With. and a torque of 544 Nm. Information has leaked that there will be a version for lovers of diesel units. Engine 2.8 l. will receive 177 liters. With. power and 450 Nm. The legendary Hilux will receive exactly the same diesel engines.

Manufacturers studied the shortcomings of its predecessor and tried to eliminate them. For example, in the Land Cruiser 200 the diesel was very noisy. Now this problem will not exist. Also, the diesel version will have an average fuel consumption of 11.8 liters, which is not bad at all for a huge and powerful SUV. It is still unknown whether the automatic transmission has been modified. There is only information that the automatic transmission will be 6-speed, and all-wheel drive will be connected.

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They promise that the new product will have full climate control, a stability control system, corrected shortcomings in the operation of ABS, and sensors that signal an obstacle.

As for the interior, it has also undergone some changes. For example, if you look at the main console, you will see a new instrument design. There will be other interior trim options. The manufacturer also promises that it will be possible to optionally order a separate multimedia system for passengers sitting in the rear.

Advantages and disadvantages

When evaluating the Stealth Trigger, it is worth keeping in mind that this is an inexpensive 50 cc moped for beginners. It would be incorrect to compare it with more expensive models, but in its class and for its price it is quite good.

Advantages

• Excellent handling combined with decent brakes.
• A 10-liter gas tank is enough for even the longest rides.
• Modern design.
• The flexible and durable plastic of the motorcycle is not afraid of falls.

Interior

The car is a prominent representative of the business class, which determines the features of the interior equipment. The interior is characterized by the following features:

• In the top-end configuration, a high-quality display should be installed as an instrument panel. Such a solution is found extremely often today. The installed display can be customized for specific tasks: the information displayed, the style of its display, and so on. In addition, information is best read in low-light environments.
• Two air vents and a large display are the main elements of the upper part of the center console. In addition, several control units were placed below the central display. A fairly large tunnel was placed between the seats so that the main control units were right at hand. Leather, soft plastic, natural wood and chrome elements are used for finishing.
• Particular attention was paid to the back row. As before, it is represented by two separate seats, between which there is a console with various control units: seat adjustment, heating and other functions. The front row armrest is continued in the form of a block with deflectors, as well as climate control buttons.
• It is planned that a rich version will be available, on which displays will be installed for each passenger. They are large in size, have touch controls, and displays are mounted on the front seats.
• To increase passenger comfort, they also made rather large electrically operated hatches. To control them, a special unit is installed. However, we note that this vehicle does not come with a panoramic sunroof.
• Only high-quality materials are used for finishing: leather. Soft plastic, aluminum and natural wood.

The updated interior will meet all established standards for premium class cars.