Lifan LF250-B/Yahmaha Virago 250...

**MJH** · 05-20-2011, 11:58 PM

I am now stuck on custom versions of existing models……

I see that American Lifan is offering discounts to it dealers on its LF250-B

That made me wonder if anyone is into modifying those, so I Google café racer and Virgo 250 and find some but also found the Yamaha SRV250. I do not believe the SRV250 was ever sold in the USA, it was in NZ though in the 90’s.

Lifan has put the V-twin in Honda VTR frame.

I think that many models can be built around one engine and the SRV frame is a real good home for that engine.

**MJH** · 05-21-2011, 12:08 PM

Unfortunately the Virgo frame curves downward between the tank and the rear wheel.

The SRV has a straight frame from the tank over the rear wheel.

**MJH** · 05-22-2011, 02:45 AM

I think this would be an easy modification…

Lifan GS200III

Xinling

Xinling does advertise the bike on its website, all that is needed to modify the Lifan is the headlight and gauges and the cover for the indentation for the tank. Actually only the tank cover, but a set of gauges would be good…if they offered and were compatible with the existing connections on the GS200, that’s the tach, speedometer, fuel gauge and shift indicator, and some mirrors

http://www.cnxinling.com/product.asp?lt=49&Pone=6

Its a very simple thing…If I were American Lifan I would contact Xinling and buy the parts and then offer them as a kit with instruction to make a naked GS200II, they have backlog of the bikes.

**MJH** · 05-22-2011, 02:57 AM

This is what American Lifan is attempting to sell…these are 2006-2008 models. For 2009...they at least had enough sense to stop painting the rims the same color as the bike!

But the paint comes off with a wire brush…they are cast aluminum and look fine with the paint removed. The engine is brushed metal on the Lifan and they would match it.

The tank and body panel could be painted easy enough….

**MJH** · 05-29-2011, 12:41 PM

I would say that the best versions of Chinese engines are the ones that did not alter the original Japanese designs. That’s because there is plenty of documentation on the Japanese engines.

http://www.cyclepedia.com/yamaha-xv2...ervice-manual/

The FY2V41FMI and the FY244FMI
May be just that, identical to the Yahmaha V-twin and the Honda parallel twin.

There may be some demand for commuter bikes as fuel prices rise, in that will be some interests in a variety of styles…people that previously had no interest may bring tastes for different? They may not want a cruiser or chopper? They may have varying tastes.

But something familiar brings about confidence, both of the engines have been in production for decades and both are still being offered on models today.

Since the enignes are and have been mass produced in china they should be affordable.

The Yamaha SRV is a prefect bike to fit that category.

**MJH** · 06-30-2011, 01:20 PM

The Yamaha Virgo 250 is rated at 21hp and it is a 2-valve per cylinder engine. The Qlink version of that bike is or should be the same, yet they have it rated at 17hp and also they submitted the engine to the EPA as a 4-valve per cylinder engine…it is not and that make me wonder if the data is fudged?

I could go farther and consider claimed emission on both and compare the ratings.

But the carburetor would have to be considered….is there a difference? The claimed ratings are drastically different that 4hp variance represents a very big difference.

I get the information from the EPA, it is what the manufactures submit. I believe they make the data up. I have more faith in the Yamaha data…they stand too much to loose by lying.

It may not be lying or it may, it could be just ineptitude?