Road testing the LifanHow do they do it? Priced over €1,300 less than comparable machines from better known manufacturers, cheaper even than some 125s and with good looks, a quality finish and decent performance. What's the catch?
There isn't one. But there is a reason why this machine is well-priced. It is made in China by Lifan Hongda. In case you haven't heard of them, they just happen to be the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer.
Once, all we knew of China was laundries and restaurants. Now more and more manufacturing is based in the Far East and in the years to come we'll see yet more. The Far East, and China in particular, has enviable advantages: a massive underemployed population, ample natural resources, low cost land and very low wages make for modest capital requirements.
Throw in a work ethic that makes ants look indolent, add the world's largest home market and, IBEC eat your heart out. And so China can now go head-to-head with the Japanese and offer keener prices.
The Lifan LF 250 is currently the largest bike made by Lifan Hongda. It is well-proven technology being, in every mechanical respect, almost identical to the Yamaha VX 250 S Virago, which is no longer imported into Ireland but would retail at least €800 more.
We liked the fact that the ignition key also serves for the tank lock, steering and helmet locks. The indicators have a bleeper wired in, making it well-nigh impossible to leave them on accidentally.
On our test run we found the engine to be delightfully smooth and well-balanced. The gears are well-matched. The rocker-type gear change, common on cruiser-style bikes, works well. But if this is not to your taste, it is just as easy to adopt the under toe/over toe approach. That is, until you want to select neutral. This is the Lifan's only vice: it is singularly reluctant to go into neutral unless you are in first gear, and then stamp with your heel on the after end of the rocker pedal.
For mostly solo riding on major roads and motorways we would have preferred a higher final drive ratio. The engine has plenty of torque and could well cope with taller gearing, which should reduce engine wear and somewhat improve fuel consumption. Fitting a smaller gearbox cog, not a difficult operation, would achieve this.
The suspension was first rate, coping well with the vagaries of Irish roads and, in town, ironed out speed bumps with mischievous ease. The front disk brake is powerful and smoothly progressive, more than equal to the task. We found the rear, drum-type brake, a trifle soft; progressive but with a longer than expected travel. At least it is not likely to grab or lock up too soon.
The cruiser-style riding position is very comfortable, there are thicker than usual handlebar grips, and the tank width is just right. The bike comes with a small cruiser screen as standard.
It is an easy machine to ride. In town there is ample power to avoid getting dominated by other traffic. On country roads it proved to be brisk, nimble and sure-footed. It kept up well with the traffic on main roads, with enough power in hand for safe overtaking. Motorway speeds presented no problems, though, as mentioned, some might find the gearing on the low side.
The power output falls well below the 25 kW limit, making it a suitable machine for those in their first two years of a full A licence. The low seat height and relatively light weight, less than some 125s, make for an undaunting, user-friendly machine for learners.
We were happy with the Lifan's meagre thirst. Close on 83 mph on a test run when the machine was pushed hard is very good. It would be a mistake to discount the Lifan just because it is made in China. We found it every bit as good, and in some respects, better than others in its class.
TechSpec: Lifan 250
Engine: 248cc V-Twin, SOHC, air-cooled, four-valve, four-stroke. 15.5kw (21.1bhp) @ 8,000 rpm, 20.7 Nm (2.1 kg-M) @ 6,000 rpm. Five-speed gearbox, chain drive.
Chassis: Telescopic oil-damped front forks, swinging arm rear with dual oil-damped shocks. Front disk brake, rear drum brake.
DIMENSIONS: Wheelbase 1,495 mm, seat height 685 mm. Dry weight 142 kgs (313 lbs)
Fuel: Tank 9.5 litres (2.6 ltr reserve). Test consumption 3.43 litres/100 kms (82.69 mpg).
Speed: Max speed approx 82 mph (130 kph)
Insurance: Group 5
Price: 4,650 12-month warranty