Lifan KPT 150: The complete touring companion
This tourer bike’s engine is loaded with specs that can be found on many high-end sports bikes available in the country. And the best part is – it costs around 40 percent less than the renowned motorcycles of the same segment
Lifan motorcycles made its way in the Bangladeshi market back in 2015 with Lifan KPR 150 – the most affordable two-wheeler in its segment. Two years later, its tourer variant – KPT 150 landed on the streets. In 2019, the second version of KPT 150 was introduced which came with a new balance shaft function (NBF2).
Since then, the Lifan KPT 2019 stands out as one of the most reliable adventure motorcycles within our borders.
Motorcycle touring has been on the rise for the past couple of years; more motorcyclists keep inclining towards long distance rides. For such riders, the KPT 150 might just be the next best alternative as it is way more cost effective than any other bike that comes with the same specifications.
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Now, without any further delay, let us see how this motorbike can be reliable and beneficial for long-distance rides and tourers.
The Lifan KPT 150 is powered by a four-stroke, single cylinder, liquid-cooled carburetor engine that can deliver a maximum power of 17BHP at 8000 RPM. The bike runs on a six-speed manual transmission; the sixth gear allows the bike to run at a lower RPM and hence, results in better fuel economy.
This tourer bike's engine is loaded with specs that can be found on many high-end sports bikes available in the country. And the best part is – it costs around 40 percent less than the renowned motorcycles of the same segment.
The KPT 150 2019 is equipped with inverted suspension forks in the front and a swing-arm monoshock at the back. The upside-down forks weigh less than the traditional set-up and provide better handling, especially on off-road tracks.
The monoshock rear suspension enhances handling and delivers a smoother riding experience. The one installed on the KPT 150 tends to remain stiffer at the beginning. However, it eases up with time.
Lifan has managed to give this bike a sporty aggressive posture. The KPT 150 features the same trim level as the KPT 200; both the bikes are identical, only the engine's capacity has been lowered down to meet Bangladesh's standards.
The bike comes with a built-in windshield that completes its overall bold look and can be very useful while travelling through intense road conditions. There are scoops attached on the sides of the tank which allow the rider to get a firm grip on any terrain.
The bike's fuel tank is made of plastic and happens to be the only one of its kind in the country. The tank has the capacity to hold 14 litres of gasoline which is quite moderate. The company claims that the KPT 150 can deliver a mileage of 40km per litre which is pretty standard, and it can cover a few more kilometers per litre on highways.
There is a USB port installed on the tank to ensure that your devices do not run out of charge. This is a pretty nice touch and a much needed one. However, it would be wise to only charge your gadgets while the engine is running, otherwise, it could affect the battery life.
The overall features of this motorcycle are good enough to satisfy a biker's needs. And if you are planning to choose a new bike for your next big adventure, the KPT 150 would be the best option within its price range.
User Review by Musdq Chowdhury
I bought my Lifan KPT 150 on March 11, 2020 and have ridden more than 7,000 km as of now. The KPT falls into the adventure touring/dual purpose category. Proper adventure or dual sport bikes are only offered in high displacement by renowned brands. As BRTA imposes restrictions on bikes; engine capacity, the Lifan KPT 150 stands to be the only adventure touring bike that we can possess.
That being said, it features a six-speed gearbox, liquid-cooled, and EFI engine which no other brand offers in this price range.
Riding it is quite fun; the handling along with braking system is really good. It delivers very good torque and initial acceleration which is helpful and does not let me feel much power loss when riding with a pillion or while overtaking a vehicle. The sitting posture is very comfortable; one can spend longer hours on the road using this bike.
Whether I am riding on highways or within cities, it delivers a pretty good average fuel economy of 40 km/l. Even while riding at night, the illumination from the stock LED headlamp is brilliant on high beam. The bike comes with a bult-in crash guard and USB charger; both the features are very useful for touring. All in all, its looks are unique enough to be a head-turner.
Though the bike is full of amazing features, there are some cons as well. Its stock CST tyre's braking and traction is not up to the mark. Its rear monoshock suspension remains very stiff during the first 4,000 km. The bike weighs 155 kg - a bit heavier than the ones within the same segment.
The Lifan KPT 150 tops around 125 km/h which is quite low compared to the torque it delivers. Since the bike is not for everyone, the demand and hence, the resale value is very poor. Certain spare parts run out of stock at authorised service centres which is not acceptable. However, the basic maintenance spares are widely available in the local market.
It comes with a stock non-O-ring drive chain; loses tension very early which is a hassle. Its wiring harness is not up to mark as well; needs to be taped properly to avoid contact with water during heavy rain or high-pressure wash. I believe this is a lack of proper assembly.
Overall, it is a machine worth buying if you love going on roads which lead to unknown destinations. With some add-ons, the cons are recoverable.
Musdq Chowdhury is an Adventure Motorcyclist, When The Flash Travels
