Today's motorcycle market provides potential consumers with a wide selection of motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, motorcycles and even snowmobiles. The variety of brands is simply dizzying. Some of them appeared quite recently. Others are established companies that have been supplying the market with their products for decades.
Among this variety, there is probably a motorcycle that meets your requirements for model, color, technical characteristics and cost. However, at the very moment of choice, the variety of models provided suddenly turns from an advantage into a disadvantage.
In this article we will try to comprehensively consider why it is worth paying attention to the products of a relatively young domestic enterprise for the production of motorcycles. It comes under our gaze.
The birth of the Irbis brand
A company appeared in Vladivostok, and from there it set off to conquer the capital. And I must admit - very successfully. A modest beginning was made in 2009. After some five years, we can already see how Irbis products have firmly occupied their niche in the domestic market. And this is in conditions of fierce competition for a warm place in the sun.
Why do you need to know this? The fact is that having an idea of the origins and priority dynamics of the development of the enterprise, you can evaluate its products more impartially. Let's look at it using a specific example of the Irbis Z1 model. This is one of the most popular representatives of its class.
History of creation
The Irbis company is Russian, but in fact it assembles motorcycles from components made in China. And who will say that this is bad? There are different types of motorcycles needed, cheap and expensive, high-status and not so high-status, so Irbis allow many beginners to join the ranks of the motorcycle movement with low initial costs. The company is mainly known for its lightweight enduro bikes, which have already won a good reputation among domestic motorcyclists due to their low price, maintainability, cheap cost of spare parts and generally good reliability.
But you shouldn’t limit yourself to enduro alone - obviously, this is what the company’s management decided and began producing bikes of other classes. This is exactly how the Irbis Z1 motorcycle was born, outwardly very similar to the aforementioned Honda CBR, but from a technical point of view it is a completely typical light bike for beginners. However, this model still tries to seem like a “real sportbike”, including in terms of sitting in the saddle, so the experience of riding an Irbis will come in handy when the motorcyclist in the future wants to switch to more serious equipment - it won’t take so long to get used to the new bike, This is what reviews about Irbis Z1 say.
Motorcycle Irbis Z1
One of the brainchilds of Irbis was a sports motorcycle. Let us remember that the company was initially founded by a group of young enthusiasts. They assembled prototype models with their own hands and tested them. And since young people were doing what they loved and designing motorcycles for themselves, their product immediately began to be in demand. Moreover, they were focused on consumers with average incomes.
Approximate prices for Irbis Z1 250cc
The average retail price for a new 2014 Irbis Z1 250 motorcycle is 115,000 rubles. This amount is approximate and is not binding; it does not include the cost of delivery and other services.
The selection of used equipment is currently small (the model began production in 2014). In used condition, this motorcycle can be bought for 80-90 thousand rubles (see sites with private advertisements).
Conclusion: a relatively inexpensive sports motorcycle, quite a worthy option for a beginner.
Irbis Z1: technical specifications
- Dimensions: length – 2010 mm, width – 750 mm, height – 1025 mm.
- Four-stroke single-cylinder engine.
- Maximum power – 24.5 horsepower (at 8500 engine rpm).
- Maximum torque – 20 Newton meters (at 7500 engine revolutions per minute).
- Engine displacement is 250.1 cubic centimeters.
- Water cooling of the engine.
- Six-speed manual transmission.
- Disc brakes (rear and front).
- Fuel tank with a capacity of 16 liters.
- Front tire – 110/70-17.
- Rear tire – 150/70-17.
- Road tires.
- Wheelbase – 1400 mm.
- Electronic dashboard.
- LED direction indicators.
- Twin powerful headlights.
- Develops a maximum speed of 140 km/h in 12-15 seconds.
- Load capacity – maximum 150 kilograms.
Owner reviews
No matter what technical data sellers at car dealerships pour out, our people are always much more interested in hearing reviews from real motorcycle owners. This is not surprising, because someone who has traveled hundreds of kilometers and experienced all the delights of this vehicle first-hand will certainly be able to provide more valuable and interesting information than someone who knows about the motorcycle only from the accompanying documentation.
So let's see what the motorcyclists themselves say.
- The Irbis Z1 250cc motorcycle is trouble-free and reliable, but it is very difficult to classify it as a high-speed vehicle. Starts without problems in cold weather. Not afraid of water. Absolutely unpretentious in maintenance. Comfortable to operate. Good maneuverability and dynamics. Sometimes motorcyclists are somewhat confused by the presence of only one shock absorber (although when dismantling the rear wheel, this greatly simplifies the task).
- The Irbis Z1 250 motorcycle does its job perfectly. Not bad at all and, more importantly, a tenacious representative of his breed.
- Works reliably and flawlessly.
- Great power. However, care must be taken because the device is heavy and not easy to hold.
- A completely normal motorcycle. Not suitable for fans of serious competitions, but for racing for the soul - it’s just right.
- Very attractive design. Excellent aerodynamics. The engine runs without interruption. Starts with half a turn. Conventional (not circular) gear shifting.
- The reviews left about the Irbis Z1 250 model (on forums and similar resources) are quite truthful.
Reviews, impressions
In terms of price/quality ratio, this model fully meets all expectations. But, as you know, the quality of Chinese technology is an order of magnitude different from motorcycles from Japan or, for example, the well-known German brand BMW. Minor breakdowns will occur quite often, but with proper care you can go 1-2 seasons without any problems.
What's next? Most likely, you will simply upgrade to a more powerful bike, such as 400cc or higher.
Reviews of Irbis Z1 250
Reviews from owners are quite ambiguous: some praise the “device” for its aggressive sporty design, good engine and driving performance, while others, on the contrary, are constantly looking for disadvantages: they complain about the strongly “growling” muffler, they are not satisfied with the too soft rear suspension, is thinking about replacing halogen lamps with xenon ones, and is also struggling with carburetor settings.
Before making your final choice and parting with your money, we recommend coming to a motorcycle dealership and riding a motorcycle yourself or asking friends who already own any motorcycle equipment to evaluate the device, listen to the sound of the engine, and most importantly, carefully study the issue of warranty service.
Flaws
No matter how high-quality the product is, if we hear only positive feedback, doubts willy-nilly begin to creep in - it’s too good to be true. Therefore, you should not remain silent about existing shortcomings.
On all forums where owners discuss the Irbis Z1, reviews are full of complaints that it is very difficult to find spare parts on the market. However, judging by sales volumes, this issue should lose its relevance in the near future.
In the first batch of Irbis Z1 motorcycles, the fuel hose was pinched. But the manufacturers promptly responded to the comments received and corrected the deficiency.
Some owners complain that the saddle is too hard. This can really cause significant discomfort, especially when traveling long distances.
First look
From a distance, the Irbis Z1 motorcycle looks like a real sportsbike - a predatory silhouette, squinted optics, a forward-leaning seat - everything suggests that the bike was created for speed and cornering “with your knees”. And to the untrained eye, this impression will not change if you come closer - the design, albeit secondary, turned out to be really good. The bike looks stylish, and also has “adult” dimensions, which does not immediately make it look like a budget model for beginners. Although, of course, any experienced motorcyclist will immediately understand what kind of bike is in front of him.
What should you do to ensure that your motorcycle serves you faithfully for many years?
All motorcycles require an engine break-in after purchase. And Irbis is no exception. In order for all parts of the piston system to best fit together, creating a so-called “mirror”, several simple restrictions must be observed.
For the first thousand kilometers, you absolutely cannot put maximum load on the engine. Oh how difficult it is! Well, how can that be? Buy a sports motorcycle and not ride like a breeze?!! Of course, you can go for a ride. But only if you agree to sacrifice the health of your own engine forever, or at least until the piston system is replaced (after which it will be necessary to break in). And at the same time, they agree with increased fuel consumption - again, for the entire subsequent period of operation of the motorcycle.
Therefore, it would be much wiser to be patient in order to subsequently enjoy the smooth and trouble-free operation of your two-wheeled trotter.
By the way, it is better to change the engine oil immediately. Only in this case can you be sure of its purity and quality. It's not even a matter of the negligence of the manufacturers. There is simply a high probability that during the assembly process, tiny steel shavings could get into the engine oil. And this turns even high-quality lubricant into an abrasive.
A moratorium is also imposed on the transportation of passengers within the first thousand kilometers. Yes Yes! This applies to your girlfriend too! Regardless of her body type.
After riding 700-800 kilometers, you can begin to increase the load. This should be done periodically and for short periods of time. Listen carefully to the sound of the engine. Don't let him roar like a wounded bear. Sound will help determine the optimal number of revolutions better than instruments.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
- Good value for money, balanced technical characteristics of Irbis Z1. Despite its claim to be a “real sportbike”, it may not be one, but, nevertheless, it is a really good motorcycle for its price.
- Excellent wind protection, with which you can forget about the headwind and water flying from the road into the helmet visor. And in cool weather the biker will freeze less.
- Modest fuel consumption - up to 3 liters per 100 km, and, according to reviews from Irbis Z1 owners, the bike perfectly digests AI-92, unless, of course, you fill it up at some dubious gas stations.
- Low weight makes it easier to maneuver, especially in dense city traffic, and reduces the chances of a beginner dropping the motorcycle.
Flaws
- Due to the location of the instrument panel, a tall biker will have to tilt his head down to look at it, which is not very convenient.
- Since the model is not very common, spare parts are not always easy to find in stock.
- Due to minor assembly defects, after purchase, you need to “put in” your hands to tighten all the bolts and nuts that are not fully tightened, and in general, personally recheck everything.
- The technical characteristics of the Irbis Z1, in particular the acceleration dynamics, are not enough to feel confident on the track.
- Due to the high windage and low weight, the motorcycle is noticeably blown away by the side wind.
I go out alone on the road…
When you buy a sports motorcycle, it's more than just a means of transportation. A unit like the Irbis is not purchased for trips to the supermarket or even for a comfortable commute to work. A motorcycle is not only a means of transportation, it is freedom.
There is little that can compare with the feeling when you are in the saddle of your own bike, the road is spreading under the wheels, and the wind is playing catch-up with you. A motorcycle ride can relieve stress several times better than any alcohol. You will be able to get to those corners of your native places that you didn’t even know about.
By purchasing a motorcycle, you automatically become a member of a huge community of people. And on a sporty Irbis you will find yourself among the elite of this society.
