Stels FLEX 250 - technical characteristics of a good Russian-made motorcycle

When choosing a scooter or motorcycle, the average user sees only two solutions: a used Japanese one or a new Chinese one. But recently, a Russian user had another option - Stels, assembled from Chinese components, but according to Russian standards . The history of the company itself began in the last century, but since 2007, the developers began to produce motorcycles. And if the first versions were assembled from components ordered from the Middle Kingdom, then the Stels Flex 250 can be called the first domestic swallow.

This is an inexpensive, classic road motorcycle, most of the parts of which were created in Russia.

We specifically found Flex at the cheapest price tag, and here it is in the review! We didn't have him for long, but we had a good opinion about him, you can take him!

Design of Stels FLEX 250

The motorcycle is made from high quality steel. The frame is welded, tubular.

Stels FLEX 250 is assembled on the basis of a steel duplex frame.

Rigidity is ensured by the duplex structure. Features include the same structure of the spring-oil shock absorber on both axles, adjusted for specific use. The user can adjust its sensitivity even in a garage.

• There is a telescopic fork installed at the front;

  The front fork is quite rigid and prevents it from “burrowing” into the asphalt during heavy braking.

• pendulum rear.

During the development of the new version, the frame was strengthened, which made it possible to install a more powerful engine and a large number of external body kits. Another side of the improvement was the excellent fit of the parts to each other , which will allow the user to spend most of the time on the bike, and not under it.

Features at speed

Users have noted that at high speeds (over 100 km per hour), vibration appears in the frame, which is transmitted to the steering wheel and front fork body kits.

But within the “hundred” range, the motorcycle is capable of riding for a long time without overload.

According to mechanics, this is the result of installing a 1-cylinder engine. It is not treated in a service station .

Comparison with analogues and competitors

The main competitors in the road motorcycle segment for this model are the following bikes:

• Yamaha YBR-125
• Minsk C4
• Patron Sport 250
• Baltmotors Street 250

A comparison of technical characteristics showed that the parameters of the Stels Fex 250 are approximately equal to all other competing models, but in some aspects it is superior. The brainchild surpasses its competitors in ease of control and maneuverability. A light and nimble bike confidently maneuvers in traffic.

Dimensions and weight

Monitor the condition of the identification plate; due to the close contact of the cables, the data will be erased. This may cause problems with the traffic police.

One of the advantages of the motorcycle is its low weight, as for the road version. It weighs only 145 kg . Curb weight 184 kg .

External dimensions are ideally designed for the height of an average person. Small people will also find it quite comfortable, but tall people should look at another motorcycle.

• Length - 2080 mm.
• Height - 1045 mm.
• At the saddle - 738 mm.
• Width - 750 mm.
• Ground clearance - 145 mm.
• Wheelbase - 1400 mm.

The original tires run more or less tolerably for a couple of thousand kilometers, but they can let you down on wet asphalt. It's better to immediately install more decent tires.

Specifications

The basis of the design is a frame made of steel pipes, on which a 16 l/s engine is mounted. The gasoline engine is directly cooled by the pressure of oncoming air, and the carburetor requires 92 grade gasoline (some owners fill in 95 grade). The engine is started using an electric starter or kickstarter.

The rear wheel does its job using a roller chain. The cross-country motorcycle is equipped with a high-speed five-speed manual transmission. The efficient operation of the front drive is ensured by hydraulic shock absorbers. The package includes steel rims, disc brakes and tires with an asymmetric tread pattern. The unit weighs 135 kg, the tank volume is 10 liters, which is enough to travel 300 km without refueling, since the motorcycle’s consumption per 100 kilometers is about 3 liters per hundred. The maximum speed is 130 km/h. Acceleration to hundreds, judging by reviews from owners, ranges from 12 to 17 seconds (in this parameter, this motorcycle loses to its direct competitors).

Modifications

No modifications to the Flex 250 were planned. However, in 2011 production of the Enduro 250 model began.

Featuring more economical fuel consumption, a smaller gas tank and increased ground clearance, in other respects it was the same as the Flex 250.

In 2013, when production completely moved to Russia on the basis of an updated frame, Enduro 400, 450, 600 . And the Flex line was taken over by Benelli (both scooters and motorcycles are produced under this name).

Photo gallery

There is hope that the time will come when our country will start driving its own equipment. “Stels” is an example of the development of the Russian motorcycle industry. Let's take a look at this bike in our photo selection below, which we made especially for you.

Flaws

Users do not find any major shortcomings, but the motorcycle still has some shortcomings:

• Dimensions . Despite the length of more than 2 meters, the passenger may find there is not enough space.
• Checkpoint . Although the gears are arranged according to a standard pattern, the desired one is not always switched on immediately. Switching from first to neutral is especially ; the second one often works instead. This is a very common disease. Changing the oil helps some, but it didn’t help us, so we drive like this.
• Weak headlight . The manufacturer allows you to replace the lamp with a more powerful one. Other modifications (such as xenon or LEDs) are not recommended. The problem is that the lamp does not fix well and often rattles on bumps.
• Light weight . Riding around the city on this motorcycle does not create any special problems; sometimes you can squeeze into a gap where the scooter will not fit, but when driving along the highway the motorcycle is blown away by the side wind.

Like other equipment, when purchasing a motorcycle, you should carefully inspect it for loose wires or missing bolts.

Also, do not overtighten the threaded connections. The photo shows how the plane of the pendulum, made of thin metal, was deformed.

and dignity

The model has many more advantages.

• The main thing users consider is unpretentiousness to fuel quality . There are reviews that the engine works well even on 92 gasoline.
• Price. Thanks to the Russian developer, the motorcycle has a good balance between price and quality. The cost of components is cheaper than the Japanese, and a large selection is offered even in provincial rural stores.

  If you remember how much this motorcycle can cost, you can look at the disadvantages differently, but it also has advantages, of which there are many.

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• Economical . Although the developers announced 5 liters per 100 km , the owners noted that with a combined cycle the figure decreases to 3.6 liters . A large 18-liter makes it possible to refuel less often.
• Russian production . The price of the new Flex 250 is significantly cheaper than the used Japanese model.
• Design . Despite its simplicity, the bike looks very stylish in appearance. The resemblance to the Honda plays a role, but even without that, the sharp runners of the body kits create a very fast and aerodynamic look .

Brand history

Motorcycle companies, due to the impossibility of organizing (or maintaining) their own production, create assembly plants where motorcycles are assembled from components from Asian manufacturers.

Competition with the Chinese led to the closure of the largest Soviet factories producing bicycles and motorcycles.

The history of the company begins in 1996 with small wholesale sales of Russian bicycles. (You shouldn’t be ironic about this: I started the same way.) In 2003

Velomotors is building the first plant in the Moscow region (Kubinka, Odintsovo district) to produce its own bicycles.

Affordable prices and acceptable quality created a steady demand for the products, which made it possible to increase production volumes.

So in 2006, a second plant was opened in the Krasnodar region, in 2008 - in the Sverdlovsk region, then in the Bryansk region.

In 2007, the Skif 50 scooter debuted modestly; To date, motorcycles are represented by several model series, and in 2013, Benelli “Stels” was created with an engine capacity of 600 cm3.

In 2009, the “Stels” range of ATVs went into production, which are produced under licenses from branded Asian manufacturers.

In 2013, mass production of a full cycle of snowmobiles of our own design was launched.

In 2013, Velomotrs automates production conveyor lines and certifies its own production facilities in accordance with international standards.

One of the holding's priorities is the production of competitive motorcycles and bicycles.

Experts have studied the challenges of the Russian market, to which Western technologies have been adapted. Products under the Stels brand have an optimal price-quality ratio.

The transition to independent production and a gradual reorientation to materials from domestic suppliers reduces the cost of production and leads to the development of domestic industry.

The company has also created its own design center, equipped with the latest equipment.

Own production – revival of the traditions of the domestic motorcycle industry!

The phenomenon of the Stels brand is as follows: financing of motorcycle production is provided through the sale of bicycles.

Velomotors is the leader of the domestic bicycle market, producing up to 1.5 million bicycles per year (3/4 of the Russian market). The demand for motorcycles in our country is small.

The power and aggressive character of the Ducati Diavel motorcycle are well emphasized by its sophisticated design, smooth lines and stylish coloring.

Kawasaki VN 1500 which was produced from 1987 until 2008, the model became one of the most purchased.

On road

The maximum speed of the Stels Flex 250 is stated to be 150 km/h, but this does not correspond to the truth. Even without a discount on the speedometer error, the bike can actually accelerate to 130 km/h, but when the needle crosses the 110 km/h mark, you will have to be patient and wait until the motorcycle accelerates. At the same time, after the same 110 km/h, the driver will begin to be bothered by small parasitic vibrations, which are especially noticeable on the steering wheel and footrests. In the city you have to change gears often - the gear ratios are short, but you can safely engage the top, fifth gear already at 60 km/h.

The Flex 250's dynamics are quite sufficient for city driving, but if you seat a passenger, you immediately notice less confident acceleration and even less confident braking. In general, the braking system of the Flex 250 does not cause any complaints, but if there is a second number in the back seat, the difference is felt immediately - the braking distance almost doubles

This is worth considering, especially for novice motorcyclists. However, it’s better for them not to board passengers at all at first - after all, this is responsibility not only for their own life, but also for someone else’s.

Thanks to its modest dry weight of 146 kg, even a fragile girl can easily handle the Stealth Flex 250. The maneuverability of the motorcycle is pleasing - it is light and has a fairly short wheelbase, it confidently darts between cars and calmly turns around in a small space. But outside the city, this plus turns into a minus - a strong side wind makes it difficult to stick to the chosen course, and the bike sways noticeably from cars flying in the oncoming lane. Unfortunately, this drawback is common to all light motorcycles. To get a better idea of ​​the size of the motorcycle (it’s still difficult to judge from a photo), you should sit on the bike in the showroom or watch a video review on the Internet.

Verdict

The motorcycle belongs to the “enduro” class, but is not intended for “steep” off-road conditions. Only country roads, small potholes and curbs are suitable for it. With all this, there are also positive qualities: firstly, the price, and secondly, the positive emotions from driving. Those who have ridden this motorcycle confirm that it is worth the money.

If you want to buy a Stels Enduro as your first motorcycle, then think twice; it might be better to buy a more expensive but reliable equipment.

Origin

The Stels concern has been on the market for quite a long time. This project is considered Russian-Chinese. Of course, the country of origin is the second one. All factories are located in China, exports are made from here.

The company was founded in the 2000s. But even though 17 years have passed, there are still practically no working copies. The Stels 250 Enduro takes the lead in the presented model range. It began to be produced in 2010. At first, sales were clearly not encouraging, but now its popularity is increasing. Proof of this is the fact that this model is still in production.

Owner reviews

Owner review #1

Owner review #2

Read other motorcycle reviews Detailed review of the Ducati Monster 696 motorcycle

Owner review #3

Screenshot of owner review No. 4

Results

Most likely, increased gasoline consumption is a price to pay for engine reliability. Despite these features, Stels Flex 250 has excellent maneuverability. It can seep through traffic jams like a knife through butter. Based on reviews from its owners, we can conclude that they are satisfied with their purchase and do not plan to part with it. Indeed, in the wilds of road junctions in megacities, a motorcycle does not hamper the driver’s route, as it allows him to move between rows of cars, as if on a bicycle. However, unlike its two-wheeled brother, it is equipped with the necessary light and sound equipment. The role of the headlights is delegated to high-quality halogen optics, and the indication of turns and braking is delegated to signal elements. The safety of driving a motorcycle is ensured by a good overview of the rear-view mirrors, which help the driver control the road situation.

Positive sides

One of the advantages of this motorcycle is its appearance. The design of this vehicle is generally not bad. It can be clearly distinguished that he belongs to the sports type. There are large wheels, a streamlined shape, and so on. This motorcycle can easily compete with many famous and beautiful bikes of the motorcycle world. The first thing that catches your eye when you first look at this motorcycle is the fuel tank. It has sharp shapes. The tank is forward. Moreover, this Enduro 250 has characteristics that are typical for similar bikes. We are talking about the absence of a rear fork. It feels like the saddle is sagging.