Many readers have asked us to do a Lifan X-pect 200 review. And honestly, we have been dying to do just that – and I’m not sure what’s taken us this long. Regardless, without further ado – let’s get to it. If you’re wondering whether or not the new Lifan X-pect 200 is the right bike for you, here’s everything you need to know. It’s tough work, but someone’s gotta do it, right?
Lifan X-pect 200 Specs
| Brand | Lifan |
| Model | X-pect 200 |
| Engine Size | 200cc |
| Horsepower | 14 hp |
| Top Speed | 70 MPH |
| Weight | 146 lbs. |
| Oil Type | 20w-50 |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Front Brake | Disc |
| Rear Brake | Drum |
| Front Suspension | Dual fork |
| Street Legal? | Yes |
| Cooling | Air |
| Front Sprocket Size | 15-tooth |
| Rear Sprocket Size | 46-tooth |
| Electric Start? | Yes |
| Fuel Injection? | Yes |
The Lifan X-pect 200 was launched in 2018 and was immediately a top competitor in the growing league of affordable, dual sport bikes. The bike was immediately praised for its aggressive styling and more importantly – standard electronic fuel injection (EFI). With so many enthusiasts tinkering with EFI conversions over the years (with varying results), we were certainly excited to see how the Lifan-produced EFI bike would measure up. Lifan’s proven 163FML engine puts 14 horsepower to the ground and is backed by a five speed transmission. From the factory, the X-pect has a 15-tooth front sprocket and 46-tooth rear sprocket, which allows you to cruise pretty comfortably at 65-70 miles per hour out of the box. Some of the other great features that come standard on this bike are the digital dash (with a gear indicator), electric start, and front disc brake.
X-Pect Rider Review
By its very nature as an enduro, the Lifan X-pect 200 is a pretty tall bike. The long-travel suspension makes for excellent off-road capability and ground clearance, while still providing a pretty smooth street ride. From the factory, it comes with a decent set of dual purpose tires, but upgrading to a good set of aftermarket Dunlops certainly wouldn’t hurt. One small, but noticeable perk is the direct shifter. It eliminates the need for clunky shift linkage and gives a nice, surprisingly smooth feel in both directions through all gears. (Even finding neutral was simple!) Riding position on this bike is nice and upright. Longer treks put less of a strain on your back, especially for the taller rider.
While it may or may not be necessary for you, we do recommend checking your bike’s valve clearance after the break-in period. If you’re experiencing any low-end hesitation, this will likely be the culprit! (Ideal clearance for both the intake and exhaust valve is .006.)
Lifan History
Things can get a bit murky when buying a cheap, foreign-manufactured adventure bike. However when it comes to buying a Lifan, one of the biggest upsides is the fact that the company has an American-based customer support team. American Lifan is the US-based subsidiary of the parent company Lifan. Lifan is a Chinese company that was founded in 1992. Today, they are best known for the production of compact cars in emerging markets around the world. (Fun fact: In 2004, they lost a trade dispute with Honda Motors in over their now defunct “Hongda” lineup.) Since the mid-2000’s American Lifan has supplied the states with a vast lineup of motorcycles, scooters, and ATV’s.
Lifan Competitors
It truly is tough to compete with this bike in terms of the value and features you’re getting compared to the price. But, we live in America where there are always other options to consider. Here is a quick lineup of the competition.
Is the Lifan X-pect 200 Street Legal?
Yes. Unless, of course, you live in California. The X-pect is EPS/DOT certified and legal to operate on public roads in 49 states. It does not, however, pass California’s notoriously stringent CARB standards. So, do not plan on buying one if you live there!
How do I get a title?
The process for titling the bike and getting it registered for street use will vary a bit from state to state, but generally goes as follows. After your bike is delivered to your house (assuming you order it online), you should receive your official documentation from the vendor in the mail. Generally, this arrives 1-2 weeks after the bike is delivered. You should get both a bill of sale and a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (commonly referred to as the MCO). You’ll take these documents to your local BMV to obtain a title for the bike, which you will then use to register it for the road.
Lifan x-pect 200 mods
One of the first things you will likely want to do after your new X-pect 200 is fully broken-in is swap the factory 15-tooth front sprocket for a slightly larger 17-tooth sprocket. For those unfamiliar with the concept of motorcycle gearing, essentially what we’re doing is altering the bike’s gear ratio to change the way power is delivered to the rear wheel. By increasing the diameter of the front sprocket, we are “gearing up” a bit, trading a little bit of low-end acceleration for additional top end. This gives the X-pect much better street manners as your RPM’s are not nearly as high while cruising at 65-70 miles per hour. Undoubtedly, this is also much better for your engine’s longevity, especially if you will be doing a lot of sustained cruising on daily commutes.
Another common mod on the Lifan X-pect 200 is to swap out the factory front fork oil for some heavier-weight fluid. This is a must-do, especially for the big and tall crowd out there. The process if pretty simple. Just remove your front forks and drain the fluid. Replace it with 210 mL’s of 15w or 20w fork oil.
Other common, non-performance related mods include aftermarket adjustable shorty levers, oil coolers, and LED headlight bulbs.