Lifan 125cc vs clone engine

[chris88]

I'm just looking for some opinions or first hand experience on the Lifan 125cc engine that's all over ebay with the 4 speed transmission. The Clone engine with some mild upgrades and a torque converter seems easier, but just the engine and torque converter will be 300.. When I Can get the Lifan 125 tranny included for 235 shipped. I'm looking to make a street cart that may hit an occasional clay road. My only set goal is to do 50+ mph.

 

[dan]

go the lifan. parts are cheep and you will have a manual gear box

 

[Kaptain Krunch]

No comparison, the lifan will put out more power stock and has a gearbox to boot.

However i wouldnt buy the lifan new, id look fora used motorcycle. Ifound my kz400 for $40 and it just needed a coil and carb cleaning.

 

[imSRB]

I'd say the clone, not just because I have one but they are easy engines and have endless resale parts so it makes it pretty cool.

 

[freakboy]

id get the lifan even with the tav which are hard to find the lifan would be better way more power out of the box then you got the gearbox on top of that.

 

[anderkart]

I Can get the Lifan 125 tranny included for 235 shipped.

Dang they're selling those things cheap. I dont know anything about this brands quality level but the the old Honda design they seemed to of copied was prety good.

 

[chris88]

I've been looking into the Lifan engine a lot more on ebay and whatnot. I will have to buy a CDI/wiring harness for an additional 30 bucks and a carb for another 30. So I'd have the full Lifan package at right 300 bucks. Does anybody know what these engines put out with an exhaust and larger aftermarket carb?


Also I'm having trouble finding these things used. I really love the idea of a gear box, so I think thats the route I'm going to take.

 

[Kaptain Krunch]

Look for older used motorcycles, you can find a whole bike for $300, and use the brake caliper/rotor and many other parts off it.

As for the lifan, it probably puts out about 10hp stock, maybe 12 with a straight pipe and better carb.

 

[chris88]

I'm on craigslist all the time, and I never come across anything that cheap anymore. I found some little atv's that dont run for 200 a piece. I think there the 110cc's, but I dont have a clue how much abuse they've been through.

 

[anderkart]

Chris88: Just remember that most cragslist (or most any ads) prices you run across are just the asking-price. Unless they sell the item in the first week or so at full price, you'll find they'll usualy end up discounting it down 25% to 75% to finally sell it off.

 

[mike75925]

even at 200, the rings, cam chains, etc are cheap enough