Lifan 125cc manual vs Lifan SEMI AUTO (modded clone?)

[e85]

So I have decided to build a shifter minibike as my next project using one of these motors. I wanted some opinions on the lifan 125 manual vs semi auto. First, which one is better? any difference in power and reliability? because right now im leaning towards the semi auto as the would make for an easier ride. being that these motors are cheaply made I feel like the clutch wouldnt last very long if i got the manual one (I could be wrong) Also do you think the 125cc will have enough power or should I get a bigger one, because im getting bored of my 6.5 clone. Would it be worth it to mod a 6.5 clone? because that would end up costing the same as the shifter motors. anyways, as far as im concerned both the semi auto and manual both use a kick start right? Anyways, all input is appreciated

 

[e85]

Also, where is the cheapest place to buy these because they are being HEAVILY MARKED UP on ebay and even amazon. Also, where do you get exhausts for these? can you use muffelers from lawn mower shops? or just straight tube?

 

[tundrabeagle3]

dirtbike clutches are not expensive manual would be alot more fun but i would just buy a chinese pitbike off craigslist they come with full suspension and come with 125cc lifan engine with a 4 speed manual for cheap

 

[e85]

was thinking about doing that but I weigh 220lbs and am 6'2. do you think a pitbike would fit me? also are they good enough quality to support me off road? a minibike seems like it would be more robust. How about making a gokart instead? then which engine would suit better?

 

[tundrabeagle3]

i am about your size and ride a large tire mini bike offroad it runs great offroad has about the same power as a lifan but less rpms. it is fun to ride but it needs a suspension so i can ride it faster through the dirt. pit bikes are good on dirt as long as you dont try to jump them like a motocross bike

 

[gvfc2]

maybe this will help 9.95 flat rate shipping to lower 48 states. cheapest ive found so far

http://www.sgr-usa.com/product_info.php?products_id=676&osCsid=09d77fab06881d5bb0effb40fb336aa2

 

[AMMFAB]

i too have a Chinese pit bike (its a tall frame one) but uses the 12" front tire and 10" rear. its a blast and its only a 49cc.... it gets up and goes rather quickly with me on it with a top speed of 37mph and i weight 260lbs. i can only assume a 125 will be even better.... and i vote the 4 speed manual also, its fun with the twist throttle and shifting.


mike

 

[e85]

maybe this will help 9.95 flat rate shipping to lower 48 states. cheapest ive found so far

http://www.sgr-usa.com/product_info.php?products_id=676&osCsid=09d77fab06881d5bb0effb40fb336aa2

Thats a great deal! thanks man. Cheapest one I have seen

 

[e85]

i too have a Chinese pit bike (its a tall frame one) but uses the 12" front tire and 10" rear. its a blast and its only a 49cc.... it gets up and goes rather quickly with me on it with a top speed of 37mph and i weight 260lbs. i can only assume a 125 will be even better.... and i vote the 4 speed manual also, its fun with the twist throttle and shifting.


mike

Yeah most def would be awesome having the power and gears

 

[gvfc2]

yea i did some searching cuz im also sourcing a new one for me mini chopper. sold my other lifan for a paintball gun... bad chioce but gonna trade gun for a tattoo so i guess thats a step up. but back on topic now.

i think the manual would be better. you can choice when to shift instead of it having to shift. it would be funner to shift as well.

 

[e85]

I noticed on that website they have a lifan 120cc and a lifan 125cc for the same price. which is better? I noticed that they come with the carb and everything else aswell. which one should I buy? also, whats the cheapest/easiest way to get exhausts for these?

 

[gvfc2]

well with the 120cc it only comes with the engine nothing else. the 125cc engine is about 9hp.not sure about the 120cc

as for the exhaust make it your self or get a pitbike exhaust already made

EDIT: did alittle looking and they are close to the same. 120cc is 5.95 ft 212cc is 6.56. id say the 125cc is a better buy. plus it comes with everything you need except a gas tank and exhaust

 

[tundrabeagle3]

yea I agree the 125 is the better motor. i rode a Chinese 125 cc 4 speed manual pitbike today and it was alot torquier than I thought it would be , i could easily wheelie in 1st gear and climb steep hills but the first 2 gears are very short. It topped out at around 45 mph with me on it. I am 6' 2 and 210 pounds and got used to the small bike pretty quick it was easy to ride. at 4 gear pinned (45mph) on a rough dirt road the bike started bouncing wildly and it felt like it was going to lose control. the suspension is kinda soft and bouncy but when ridden slow (40 mph and below) it soaked up the bumps pretty well.

 

[gvfc2]

well not to high jack your thread but i wanna know...

if the bike topped out at 45mph with a 125cc what would i need to get to 60 easy? im 180lbs the bike is about 60lbs plus maybe a 60lb engine.

gearing is 12 or 14 to 41 wheel size is 15 or 16

 

[tundrabeagle3]

gearing it higher (smaller sprocket) would make it faster but 45 mph is fast enough for a little pitbike. The suspension couldnt even handle 45 mph. I would suggest a motorcross bike if you want to hit 60 mph over dirt they have an awesome suspension and bigger tires and are much more stable at those speeds on dirt.

 

[gvfc2]

Well forgot to add its going in a mini chopper chopper build.

 

[Pyrotechnic]

I would go with the Lifan 125CC manual trans. I love being able to use the clutch and shift my own gears.

Even if you wear out the clutch it's easy and not too expensive to install new frictions.

As far as power, right off the bat these rev MUCH higher than a clone ever will. I converted the metric power ratings for this motor once, and if I remember right it makes about 11 HP peak.

Trust me, with the 11 HP and the 4 speed trans and clutch, I guarantee that you will not be bored. I've been wanting to get my hands on one of these motors for awhile now.