One of the most popular brands of motorcycles in Russia is the Irbis brand, owned by the Chinese company of the same name. In the road bike category, the most interesting model is the Irbis Harpy 250 motorcycle.
Despite the fact that the model is considered very competitive, it is significantly inferior to Japanese bikes from Suzuki and Honda. The Irbis Harpy motorcycle gained its popularity due to its affordable cost, which is the main advantage of all Chinese bikes. For beginner motorcyclists, the Irbis Garpia is an excellent bike that has good technical characteristics and an attractive design.
Technical characteristics of the Irbis Harpy motorcycle
The engine capacity of Chinese Irbis motorcycles is marked in the name of the bike. The Irbis Harpy 250 has a 250 cm3 engine. The engine cooling system is oil-based, and the power unit itself is four-stroke. Despite the fact that the manufacturer recommends using AI-92 fuel, the exhaust of the Irbis Harpy is too weak for the declared category.
Separately, it is worth noting the dynamics of the engine: the maximum speed of the motorcycle is 140 km/h. You can increase gears while riding with your heel. The bike is equipped with a five-speed gearbox. Some motorists in their reviews of the Irbis Harpy note a weak braking system. This bike model is equipped with a hydraulic braking system: disc brakes are installed at the front, drum brakes at the rear. Most motorcyclists have excellent grip on the road surface thanks to high-quality tires.
Separately, it is worth noting the design features of the motorcycle - its tubular frame is made of high-quality steel. The maximum load of the bike is 150 kg, despite the fact that its characteristics are quite good. The 15-liter fuel tank allows you to make long trips.
First look
Obviously, they didn’t hire designers to develop a cheap bike, so outwardly the Irbis VR 1 is indistinguishable from a whole bunch of other similar motorcycles.
However, it would be naive to expect any delights from the most budget-friendly motorcycles, right? The Irbis bike is designed according to the simplest and most classic formula, proven over decades. Strictly speaking, there is nothing to say about his appearance - a motorcycle and a motorcycle. Nothing extra. And who will say that this is bad? As they say, it does not affect the speed. From a design point of view, it’s also nothing special. Chinese engineers placed a 197 cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine with a power of 14.4 hp (torque - 13.5 nm) into the steel tubular frame of the Irbis. Like most other small-capacity engines, Irbis VR 1 loves high speeds, reaching its peak power at around 7500 rpm. The bike honestly picks up the declared maximum speed of 110 km/h, however, after 80 km/h there is no dynamics, so you have to open the gas to full and be patient. Interestingly, there is no noticeable difference in dynamics with 125 cc models, such as the Yamaha YBR 125 or Honda CB 125, although the engine capacity of the Irbis is a third larger. The 5-speed gearbox works quite smoothly. And there is also a Kickstarter!
Due to its low weight and modest dimensions, the Irbis motorcycle handles quite well. But the Irbis’s brakes leave much to be desired - if the front disc brake is even more or less effective, although it lacks information content, then the mechanical drum on the rear wheel of the Irbis is practically useless. And with its “help” it’s easy to lock the rear wheel. Conclusion - the rear brake on the Irbis VR 1 model remains as an auxiliary one. They can slow down, but you shouldn't count on it.
Review of Irbis Garpia 250
Judging by the photo, the Irbis Harpy 250 motorcycle can be safely classified as a road bike that can be used both for long trips on the highway and within the city. This model is unique in its category of road bikes, since it was originally created in a classic brutal style, which is emphasized not only by its modern, appropriate design, but also by its considerable weight of 146 kilograms.
“Irbis Harpy 250” is distinguished not only by its low cost, but also by its good technical characteristics. The motorcycle is equipped with a reliable oil cooler, and the suspension is made in a classic style. The muffler of the bike is non-standard, thanks to which the Irbis Harpy differs favorably from its competitors: this part has an additional end through which accumulated exhaust and excess moisture are removed. Considering all the above characteristics, the Irbis is truly a unique motorcycle.
Advantages of the budget "Chinese"
- Affordable price. For the amount that dealers are asking for a brand new Irbis 250 GR, any Japanese bike will be either incredibly old or very weak. And also, by the way, far from new.
- A spacious gas tank gives the motorcycle a solid power reserve, which can be the envy of even many much more expensive models.
- Undemanding to fuel quality. In Russia, gasoline, alas, cannot be called good everywhere, but the simple GR 250 engine easily digests gasoline even of dubious quality. Although this, of course, is not a reason to test its strength by filling the tank with fuel at a gas station with the self-explanatory name “Gasoline”.
- Not bad dynamics for a 250 cc bike. The technical characteristics of the Irbis GR 250 are not that impressive, no, but they are quite enough for a comfortable ride every day.
- High reliability. Reviews from the owners of this model unanimously state that if you pay due attention to your motorcycle, there are no problems with it. Of course, no one hopes for Chinese quality, but, as you know, the simpler the more reliable, and from a design point of view, the Irbis GR 250 motorcycle is really simple.
- The engine installed on the Irbis GR 250 gives the bike good dynamics - at least sufficient for urban conditions.
Bike features
“Irbis Harpy 250” is a classic road motorcycle, designed for movement both in the city and on country roads. At the same time, it is considered one of the most “packed” bikes in its lineup.
“Irbis Harpy” is a rather heavy bike weighing 146 kilograms with a brutal and stylish design, made in the traditions of the classical school.
The original appearance of the motorcycle is in many ways reminiscent of the tuned version: chrome-plated rear and front arches, massive footrests, an elegant muffler, glasses for instruments and indicators made of stainless steel create a unique impression.
The bike’s engine is equipped with an oil cooler and a kickstarter, which distinguishes the Irbis Harpy from its main competitors.
Baltmotors Classic 200
Despite the smaller engine capacity relative to its competitors, the 200 cc cruiser assembled in Kaliningrad competed on an equal footing; fortunately, both in terms of power and size, it fits well into the .
Yes, the appearance does not allow us to talk about any canonicity, and sometimes the Chinese arrogance simply hurts the eye - just look at the device on the gas tank! Under the round glass there is a tiny rectangular scale of the fuel level indicator, and on the left there is a “parade of planets”, there is no other way to say it, the gear engaged indicator. It seems like a useful thing, but why do all the round lights light up green – the color of “neutral”? This strange composition is crowned with the image of a sailboat in the very middle of the round piece.
But everything is more or less on the steering wheel: the speedometer, tachometer and voltmeter look harmonious. Ergonomics is another strong point of the “yellow” cruisers. The only disadvantages include the relatively narrow steering wheel, located too close to the pilot, and the gearshift lever, which is excessively pressed against the footrest platform, making it difficult to crawl under it with a boot. These problems are partially mitigated by adjustment, although it is better to replace the steering wheel, fortunately there are plenty of aftermarket items in stores.
But it looks like you’ll have to put up with clumsy remote controls and sloppy welds on the footrest platforms. But the stays have stylish barrel-shaped covers, and the “body” of the motorcycle is protected by front and rear arches, which will be especially appreciated by novice bikers. In addition, the motorcycle already has standard side panniers, albeit budget and thin-walled, but lockable, and the lights integrated into their lids are pleasing to the eye.
The main disadvantage of the motorcycle was its handling. It would seem that on small wheels (16 inches at the front and 15 at the rear), the device should easily dive into turns and instantly respond to all movements of the pilot, but in reality it was necessary to apply some force to the steering wheel, especially for taking right turns. As it turned out, the front and rear wheels are not in the same plane. Whether this is a manufacturing defect, damage during transportation or poor quality pre-sale preparation is unknown, but, as they say, “the sediment will remain.”
In general, the motorcycle is by no means lost against the background of more “cubic” and noticeably more expensive competitors. And problems with geometry - well, that’s what the manufacturer’s warranty is for!
Motorcycle for travel
Most motorcyclists buy the Harpy for long trips. A bike for such trips should be as comfortable and reliable as possible. All the shortcomings that similar models suffer from were taken into account by the manufacturer, who tried to create a comfortable motorcycle. On long journeys, the main thing is the seat, which in the Harpy is made of soft materials. The bike is equipped with a wide handlebar and footpegs. A separate seat with a small backrest allows you to take a passenger on a long journey.
The Irbis dashboard contains various indicators that allow you to monitor the condition of the motorcycle during the trip and fully control the movement.
Design
Externally, the Irbis Harpy very closely resembles expensive Japanese motorcycles; it will be quite difficult for a non-professional to distinguish between them. At the front there is a large headlight, complemented by several small ones, and a protective windshield that protects the driver while driving at high speed.
An advantage and original design feature is the luggage side cases, made of high-quality leather. Chrome parts - arches and muffler - give the motorcycle a brutal appearance. The instrument glasses are made of high-quality stainless steel, which gives the dashboard a stylish look.
Convenience and comfort of movement
The double-seater bike "Irbis Harpy" is designed for maximum convenience and comfort for both the driver and passengers during movement.
The strength of this bike is its excellent ergonomics. The driver can cover impressive distances without getting tired, thanks to comfortable footrests, a high soft seat and a wide steering wheel. You can monitor the condition of the motorcycle and monitor engine performance while driving thanks to a stylish dashboard with tachometer, speedometer, voltmeter, fuel gauge and other indicators.
"Harpy 250" is also equipped with:
- Headlight and additional foglights.
- Chromed bars and windshield.
- Platforms for feet and a soft backrest for the passenger.
- Central bag and side luggage cases made of quality leather.
Thanks to all this, the driver can comfortably move along any route, including dirt roads, regardless of the road lighting, and having everything he needs at hand.
"Irbis Harpy" has the following dimensions:
- length - 201.0 cm;
- width - 75.1 cm;
- height - 102.5 cm.
ZiD-Lifan LF250-B
I immediately liked the motorcycle from the Degtyarev plant. This is understandable, because the ZiD is a copy of the Yamaha Virago 250, which means that a lot of things in it were thought out by the Japanese
Here is the only canonical V-twin of the entire trinity, a luxurious silhouette and attention to detail with a complete absence of Chinese arrogance. Silumin foot platforms, steering columns, mufflers - everything looks simple, but tasteful, and well made.
The “yellow” origin of the motorcycle is revealed only by rough remote controls and a huge brake pedal, as if twisted from a truck. The lonely dial of the dashboard looks laconic, but in terms of functionality it is inferior to both test subjects - of all the parameters, it displays only the subsistence level: speed, fuel, mileage and neutral.
By the way, the steering columns on rubber bands are here: more a necessity than a whim - the vibration load of the motorcycle is higher than its competitors. The fault is with the V-twin, which, like all “checks,” constantly has to be turned to the cutoff. As a result, driving a ZiD quickly gets tiring, but the sound - not the least quality of a cruiser - is the most noble here. It is to this accompaniment that you want to ride off into the sunset or at least stop at some saloon. The main thing is to remember that the clutch engages at the very end of the handle stroke, and take this into account when starting off.
But the box works clearly, and the gears are caught intuitively. Separately, it is worth noting the knock with which the first one turns on - I couldn’t figure out whether it’s a “bug” or a “feature”, but for imitation of a Harley gearbox - credit. On the move, the motorcycle does not impress with its dynamics and accelerates rather jerkily: the engine produces maximum power at 3500–4000 rpm, after which a decline begins, turning into vibrations. However, in terms of acceleration the device is almost as good as the Baltmotors and gets through traffic jams no worse.
But overall, “ZiD” made the most favorable impression. It seems that if the Japanese had stood with sticks and controlled the quality of the assembly, the result would have been a full-fledged Yamaha. But even in such a damp form, the motorcycle plays the role of a “real” cruiser better than others - what is the cost of one blow when turning on the first!
Original here: Role Playing Games
