Motorcycle Avantis Dakar 250 TwinCam with PTS (2021)

RU-MOTO rating

• Reliability
• Chassis
• Appearance
• Comfort

3.8

Verdict

Bars Dakar is a reliable (by Chinese standards) and inexpensive motorcycle for beginner motorcyclists who prefer riding on rough terrain.

Bars Dakar 250 is one of the most successful light class motorcycles in terms of price-quality ratio. The reason for this ratio is more due to the price, since the quality is not the best, more on that below.

Specifications

• The motorcycle weighs about 160 kilograms (depending on the configuration).
• Four-stroke engine with a volume of 250 cm2 with an overhead camshaft and a balancing device for the crankshaft, air cooling.
• Five-speed gearbox.
• Chain drive on the rear wheel.
• The engine can be started either electrically or using a kickstarter.
• Disc brakes on both wheels.
• Fuel consumption ranges from 3 liters when driving on the highway to 3.5 when driving around the city.
• The guaranteed maximum speed of the car is 120 km/h.

Disadvantages of the model

Minor additional adjustments required.

In general, the motorcycle demonstrates quite good technical characteristics. All systems operate smoothly, which makes it easy for a beginner to master the vehicle. Predictability of engine operation, good traction at any speed contributes to the rapid learning of technology. For more experienced motorcyclists, the bm dakar 250 motard is also suitable, since the reliable frame and powerful suspension allow you to perform many tricks and operate the bike in the style of hard off-road riding.

Having all the necessary parts allows you to safely ride a motorcycle within the city. The sporty, aggressive appearance and technical parameters promote active driving and maneuvering in traffic jams. Surprisingly, in terms of quality and appearance, the bike can hardly be classified as “Chinese”, which allows you to get a powerful vehicle with good performance at an affordable price.

Competitors

By price

Compared to equipment of the same price category, for example Stels 250 Enduro or Baltmotors Enduro 250 DD, the bike has a more reliable engine and frame, as well as a more stylish aggressive design.

Photo of Stels 250 Enduro. Profile view.

Photo Baltmotors Enduro 250 DD. Profile view.

By class

In terms of its characteristics, it can be put on a par (but it’s better not to do this) with cars of a higher class - Honda XR 230, Kawasaki KLX250 or Kawasaki kx250f 2014, which cost 2 times more. The Bars Dakar 250 is in no way superior to its Japanese counterparts.

Honda XR 230. Profile photo.

Profile photo of the 2014 kx250f motorcycle.

Read other motorcycle reviews Great review of the Stels Enduro 250 motorcycle

Kawasaki KLX250. Profile photo.

Advantages of the model

1. Reliability and high build quality.
2. Good handling and maneuverability.
3. Reliable suspension and aluminum diagonal frame allow you to use the motorcycle to the maximum. He is not afraid of participating in cross-country races, jumping, or performing tricks. All you need to do is set up the suspension correctly.
4. The reliable powerful engine is easy to operate. Titanium valves provide high performance. The engine has a large safety margin. In civilian use, with proper care, it is almost impossible to kill it.
5. Excellent price/quality ratio in the enduro class.
6. Maintainability is high. Most of the parts are unified, which allows you to quickly eliminate the problem in the event of a breakdown.
7. Hydraulic brakes ensure that stopping occurs quickly and safely.
8. Long suspension travel and high ground clearance allow you to overcome significant obstacles on asphalt roads and off-road.
9. Standard enduro fit.

Review of Baltmotors Dakar 250

It is quite possible that it is worth it. The 250 cc four-valve liquid-cooled engine installed on the Baltmotors Dakar 250 was developed jointly by the Chinese from the well-known company Zongshen, famous for high-quality and inexpensive motorcycles, and the Italians from the Beta concern, which is slightly less well-known in Russia. The engine produces 26 horsepower - an excellent figure for a 250 cc "Chinese". In general, what distinguishes the Baltmotors Dakar 250 from other Chinese bikes is the modernity of some technical solutions. On the one hand, this motorcycle is simple - a chain (by the way, sealless - progress!), a carburetor, gearbox-5... And on the other - 4 valves per cylinder, a balance shaft in the engine designed to dampen vibrations, a frame and pendulum made of aluminum, and not made of steel.

By the way, the compression in the engine is also impressive - 11.5 atmospheres instead of the usual 9-9.5. The thing is that the Baltmotors Dakar 250 was developed for competitions, and therefore is distinguished by increased survivability and manufacturability compared to purely civilian models. True, you have to pay for this, and in the literal sense of the word - the motorcycle requires 95 gasoline, not 92.

Baltmotors claims a service life of the BM 250 Dakar engine of no less than 100 hours in extreme operation mode, which, accordingly, guarantees a long service life of all components if the motorcycle is used without such extreme conditions. However, this bike really gives the impression of a reliable piece of equipment, everything is made well, conscientiously - both steel and plastic parts.

The brakes are very, very pleasing. One disc per wheel, and this in combination with a reinforced braking system - as a result, the Baltmotors Dakar 250 stops dead in its tracks. If, of course, we are talking about the motard version and dry asphalt, the behavior of the motorcycle changes radically on the ground and with off-road tires. But the brakes are really made to a solid standard, and do not cause the slightest complaints.

Of course, there is no need to talk about comfort - this is not the same class of technology. But the plastic is not fragile, and can withstand most falls without loss, which sports races rarely do without. This applies to both versions of the motorcycle. The paintwork of the Baltmotors Dakar 250, by the way, is also up to par - you have to try to scratch the paint on it. It is noticeable that the motorcycle was initially developed not for city streets, but for the sports track.

The dashboard is made in the best traditions of the class, that is, minimalist, but with everything necessary. The gas tank is traditionally small - 7-odd liters. Fuel consumption of the Baltmotors Dakar 250 varies from approximately 3 liters per hundred during quiet driving on the highway to 6-7 liters in extreme operating modes.

The motorcycle suspension is excellent! The telescopic fork simply works well, but I was very pleased with the rear monoshock absorber with a set of adjustments. Thanks to it, the Baltmotors Dakar 250 can be quickly reconfigured for different conditions, and access to the monoshock absorber is not too difficult.

As for the differences between the models - Baltmotors Dakar 250 E and Baltmotors Dakar 250 M , they are mainly external. Different plastic, different wheels and tires... otherwise, these are almost the same motorcycle, just one was originally intended for off-road, and the second for asphalt. But the high price - about 180 thousand rubles for a motard and almost 200 thousand for an enduro - can scare off many buyers.

Video review of Baltmotors Dakar 250 (Enduro, Motard)

Among the line of motorcycles produced by the Kaliningrad company Balmotors, a special place is occupied by machines called baltmotors motard.

How did the motard appear?

Their history begins in the seventies of the last century. Then American motorcyclists created a new motorcycle style. It was a symbiosis of a road and cross-country motorcycle. From a distance, it's an ordinary motocross motorcycle. Upon closer inspection, it turns out that its wheels, instead of cool motocross tires, have regular road tires. However, its off-road potential allows you to overcome any difficulties on the roads, overcome curbs, and even drive up stairs. These motorcycles are sometimes called supermotos. Under this name, since 1985, competitions on similar motorcycles have been held on looped asphalt or dirt tracks of relatively short length. Additionally, they are used for various tricks such as wheelie or wheelie. Particularly chic are exiting turns on the rear wheel during racing or skidding before entering a turn. The world's leading motorcycle manufacturing companies, quickly catching the feedback from motorcyclists, have mastered the production of such machines, which are extremely popular among extreme sports enthusiasts. The Russian company is also trying to keep up with them, offering the market several options for baltmotors motard. According to their technical characteristics, the baltmotors motard 200 and its more powerful brother the baltmotors motard 250 are ideal for urban conditions in terms of handling, dynamics and ergonomics. These narrow cars maneuver easily in city traffic jams and quickly pick up speed once they get out of them. This is largely due to their relatively light weight and ease of control. Cross ground clearance makes overcoming the toughest obstacles a hassle-free task. It is no coincidence that the popularity of these cars is growing, and people are willing to buy them.

On the way to perfection

Improvements are constantly being made to both of these machines. In recent years they have undergone a number of modernizations. As a result, they got:

1. characterized by high strength chains and sprockets;
2. tires of excellent quality with a high profile and strong sidewall;
3. additionally reinforced 17-inch wheels;
4. reliable disc brakes.

This makes for reliable grip on any road surface. Both baltmotors motard 200 dd and baltmotors motard 250 dd are equipped with powerful and reliable four-stroke engines manufactured under Japanese license. They have undergone ten years of testing in different modes. However, the first one is air cooled. It is traditional for most motorcycle engines. The increased power of the second required air-oil cooling. The cars have an electric starter and an electronic ignition system. Taking into account the operating conditions, the main units in the machines are reliably protected. Thus, the engine crankcase is protected from impacts from below with light and durable protection made of aluminum alloys.

The same function is performed by durable and aesthetic plastic cladding. The suspensions have sufficient travel, which, together with wide wheels and a hydraulic braking system, make it possible to pass the most difficult sections of both city and country roads. Both brakes effectively reduce the distance to a complete stop. This is also helped by reinforced hoses of the brake system, which is important in harsh operating conditions. This is best demonstrated by the 21-horsepower baltmotors motard 250 dd. Feedback from motorcycle owners confirms the correctness of the improvements made. These motorcycles are easy to ride. The driver has the opportunity to constantly monitor the car, receiving information about its condition. This is helped by the extremely clear dashboard. In addition to the speedometer and tachometer, it has a mileage counter. Special indicators show which gear is engaged and which direction the turn signal is turned on. Despite the narrow seat, the motorcycle is comfortable to sit on, and special footrests allow you to move while standing, which is necessary to overcome difficult obstacles. The efficient optics of modern design are pleasantly surprising. This greatly simplifies driving at night, especially on country roads. Numerous reviews also speak about this.

Are you ready for Dakar?

Domestic motorcycle manufacturers are haunted by the achievements of motorcyclists at the world famous Dakar marathon rally. It was founded by French motorcycle racer T. Sabin in 1978. Before it was transferred to Latin America due to the danger of terrorist attacks, the capital of African Senegal, Dakar, was the starting or ending point of this race. This competition is traditionally held annually in the first month of the year. The length of the Dakar route is several thousand kilometers. The route goes along a variety of roads. Riders are forced to travel along:

• sands;
• dunes and dunes;
• rocky ground;
• rocks and salt marshes.

During the race there are often sandstorms and sometimes rain. The complexity of the Dakar route is such that a significant part of the starting cars do not reach the finish line. It is interesting that, along with professional racers and teams of auto and motorcycle manufacturers, numerous amateurs take part here. Their number may account for more than half of the participants, most of whom are motorcyclists and ATV riders. At one time, it was at these competitions that two-wheeled vehicles from world motorcycle brands convincingly proved their ability to successfully compete with four-wheeled all-terrain vehicles in such races. Therefore, the market demanded a machine capable of passing the most severe tests. This is how the baltmotors dakar 250 appeared. Motard with that name turned out to be a pretty cool motorcycle.

This model appeared on the roads in 2014. Its versions, called Dakar 250 Motard and Dakar 250 E, were intended for different purposes. The first is for the difficult conditions of a big city with its intense traffic and kilometer-long traffic jams. What was needed here was a dakar, capable of either trudging along at minimal speeds or instantly picking up speed when escaping from a jam. The second option was made for those who cannot imagine themselves without extreme off-road travel, mountains, and difficult road terrain. Reliability of Dakar cars is provided by a 28-horsepower liquid-cooled engine. They have excellent handling, stability in the most difficult conditions, and excellent maneuverability. This is achieved thanks to a balanced suspension, a strong and lightweight aluminum frame, light metal parts, and a fork that can be adjusted to suit the trail conditions.

Main features of the Dakar 250 Motard

Engine - volume 250 cc. cm

1. The cylinder head is equipped with titanium valves
2. The piston is interchangeable with Japanese ones

1. Sealless chain KMS
2. Lightweight high strength sprockets

Chassis and suspension

1. Turned lightweight and anodized hubs
2. CST tires (Taiwan)

1. Exclusive brake discs and rims
2. Front disc increased to 290mm

1. Electronic speedometer drive
2. Electronic instrument panel with selectable backlight color

Intensive use of this machine in the most difficult road conditions and climatic zones brought it positive reviews from their owners.

Baltmotors Dakar 250 E

The Baltmotors Dakar 250 E is a serious enduro bike designed for rough handling. The motorcycle looks serious and resembles a real cross-country bike.

The “heart” of the model is a completely “adult” four-valve quarter-liter water-cooled engine. It is a joint development of a large Chinese concern and a small but generally recognized Italian company. The engine produces twenty-six “horses”, which can be considered an excellent result for this type of bike. The carburetor is responsible for “mixing” the air-fuel mixture on the Dakar 250 E. The torque is transmitted to the wheel by a reliable modern sealless chain. The engine has a balancer shaft, which does an excellent job of leveling vibrations. This is very important for an enduro motorcycle, as vibrations lead to premature fatigue of the rider.

It is also worth noting the high compression in the Dakar 250 E engine. On average, it is a couple of atmospheres higher than that of bikes of the same class. This is because the bike was developed for racing. However, you have to pay for high compression: the Dakar engine is demanding on fuel quality and consumes gasoline with an octane rating of 95 and higher. The same fact explains the huge margin of reliability of many hardware devices.

Baltmotors Dakar 250 E is built on a lightweight and indestructible aluminum frame. The pendulum here is also aluminum. This distinguishes the Russian-Chinese motorcycle from its classmates, which often have a heavier steel frame.

The Dakar has a five-speed gearbox, with very pleasant shifts.