My neighbor and I chipped in 40,000 rubles each and took a simple Lifan Custom 250cc motorcycle.
By the way, about design. This motorcycle is an almost complete copy of the famous Yamaha Virago 250
Specifications
For such a modest price you shouldn’t expect to get a powerful, modern and technologically advanced bike. Structurally, the ZiD 250 Enduro has one foot in the last century, but this is even to its advantage - old-fashioned, but reliable components and parts were used in its creation. Reliability is important for any motorcycle, but especially for an off-road motorcycle, because no one wants to get stuck in the forest with a seized engine. And with this bike, you are unlikely to face such a prospect.
Engine
The motor, well known to many motorcyclists, has already proven itself due to its reliability and maintainability. It is installed on various motorcycles of other motorcycle manufacturers from China, and is distinguished by its extreme primitiveness, as well as fault tolerance. There is simply nothing to break in it, and that’s good! The power, however, is low, only 14 hp, but this is enough to accelerate the bike on asphalt to 100 km/h, if you don’t mind strong vibrations. The engine is protected from impacts by the crankcase protection and frame, and this does not seem to interfere with cooling by the incoming air flow.
Transmission
What could be simpler than a 5-speed gearbox developed half a century ago? Nothing, the Chinese designers decided, and therefore installed just such a unit. By the way, it can be seen on a dozen other models, like the above-mentioned engine. The gears are short, you have to work with them often, but this only causes discomfort when driving on public roads. But on rough terrain the ZiD 250 Enduro feels good, and short gear ratios only add to its agility.
Chassis and brakes
Chinese engineers used the simplest steel frame, which, moreover, is not particularly rigid or durable, but generally copes with its tasks. The suspensions are long-travel, but weak, especially the front telescopic fork, so most owners fill it with harder oil, although the manufacturer does not recommend this. A classic pendulum with a monoshock absorber is installed at the rear, and on bumps with a heavy load or when there is a passenger, there is a risk of the rear wheel meeting the wing. The brakes on both wheels are disc, but they are not very effective. Although we can say thank you at least for the fact that we did without the ancient drum mechanism at the back, like some other “Chinese” ones.
Electronics
There is nothing more complicated than a battery and light optics in this motorcycle, but the layout of the electronics raises questions. The battery, for example, is not well protected from moisture, and if you drive through streams and swamps, you can easily fill it with water, which can easily lead to dire consequences. And after purchasing a bike, it is advisable to insulate the wiring yourself, since, apparently, they don’t bother with this at the factory.
Weight and dimensions
Weighing just over 120 kg, the Zid 250 Enduro does not seem heavy at all and is very easy to handle. But not everyone will be able to reach the ground with both legs at once - the height of the saddle is about 90 cm, so short-legged motorcyclists will have a hard time. But thanks to the short wheelbase (1375 mm), the bike is able to turn around in a two-meter space, and such maneuverability helps it a lot when driving through the forest.
Controllability
How can a primitive motorcycle of an archaic design, somehow assembled by Chinese workers on the third shift, be controlled? It’s not bad, in fact, if it weighs little and is modest in size. Like the Zid Lifan YX 250 GY, for example - this thing steers better than one might expect. There are some complaints about directional stability at high speed, but this is a consequence of the use of off-road tires.
Fuel consumption
Dealers, at the suggestion of Chinese manufacturers, claim that the average fuel consumption of the ZiD 250 Enduro does not exceed 3 liters per 100 km. There is no reason to doubt their words, but it is necessary to clarify that this figure is relevant only for those who drive a lot on asphalt. On rough terrain, consumption can be several times higher, and the fuel level must be monitored. However, the gas tank holds 10 liters, which is enough for a whole day of even the most active rides through the forests.
Lifan LF250 - first impressions.
Lifan LF250 - first impressions.
#1 Post by Axeman » Fri Apr 02, 2010 11:24
Good afternoon, gentlemen of the forum. The day before yesterday I took a test drive of my new acquisition. I decided to share my impressions, so to speak:)
The motorcycle, if anyone doesn’t know, is Chinese. True, the engines are Japanese, but everything else is Chinese. Compatible with Viraga down to the last screw >. SVAT has been riding exactly the same one for three years now and is happy. But an experienced and mature guy, not like me
