Motorcycle Racer Ranger RC250-GY8A with 270 cc 26 hp engine. water-cooled with PTS

Advantages

• Affordable price, both for the motorcycle itself and for all the spare parts suitable for it.
• Flexible plastic from which the case is made (on impact it does not shatter into fragments, but bends, which is easy to fix).
• Convenient seat fixation (easy to adjust and remove).
• Large oil cooler for cooling.
• The stainless steel muffler, although it does not have a heat shield, is recessed and does not burn the driver’s feet.
• Light weight (this is the lightest motorcycle in the touring enduro category).
• The durable engine protection is made not of plastic, but of metal.
• Soft and fairly wide seat. Comfortable seating (even a large driver can ride a motorcycle comfortably).
• The exhaust sound is pleasant - not very noisy, but impressive and sporty.

Tips for choosing

You can choose a really high-quality model, taking into account our tips and recommendations. It is useful to know the classification of motorcycles and their characteristics, then it is important to be able to choose a vehicle to suit your needs.

Classification:

1. Hard – this class is suitable for more professional drivers. Motorcycles of this type have lower weight and good strong parts.
2. Soft – great for traveling over rough terrain and the city.
3. Tourist - this type has rather poor cross-country ability, but the positive aspects include a comfortable fit and the provided protective arches.

Engine capacity:

1. Up to 250 cc see - the presented type of motors performs well in urban conditions, thanks to its maneuverability. Air cooled.
2. From 250 to 300 cc. see - will be a good option for beginners to understand all the tricks of driving a motorcycle not on asphalt.
3. From 400 to 800 cc. see - this type of engine is perfect for traveling over rough terrain, as well as for city driving. Perhaps the only negative side is the huge mass, which is approximately 140 kilograms.

Flaws

• The standard speedometer without calibration overestimates the speed by 15-20 km/h.
• The driver's footpegs are narrow, without rubber bands or spikes (the legs easily fall off in the rain).
• Weak fastening under the case (only a small box can support it).
• The lever on the engine rests against the exhaust pipe and does not allow the clutch to fully engage (leading to towing).
• Very small glove compartment (only fits a couple of packs of cigarettes and a lighter).
• Small tank (only 12 l), which is not enough for long-distance trips.
• The slippery leatherette that covers a motorcycle seat.
• Removal requires dismantling the feather guards.
• Frequent oil changes (needed every thousand kilometers).

Stels 400 Enduro: we're not afraid of off-roading!

It must be admitted that the designers from the Middle Kingdom have come up with a good bike that perfectly suits its purpose. Simple as a brick, it is assembled from the simplest possible components, diligently copied from old Japanese motorcycles. And in the case of the Stels 400 Enduro, this is only a plus - there is practically nothing to break in it, and direct hands eliminate minor assembly flaws in a couple of days.

In the steel tubular frame of the Stealth 400 Enduro motorcycle, the Chinese placed a 1-cylinder 386 cc air-cooled engine, which, by the way, is very high-torque. Peak power (19 hp) occurs at 7000 rpm, and peak torque (20 Nm) at 5500 rpm. Considering the off-road nature of the bike, this is quite good. There are traditionally five gears, and fuel is supplied by a carburetor, and the Stealth 400 Enduro engine is “tailored” for AI-92. The first 3 gears are quite short, and the gearbox works clearly, not at all as some expect from a Chinese bike.

It is worth noting that for motorcycles of this class 400 cc. cm - already quite a serious volume. The 650 cc models, represented mainly by the seasoned Japanese, are much heavier and are not easy to handle, especially somewhere in the mud. Many enduro fans consider 400cc as the golden mean in the matter of choosing a cubic capacity, and the logic in this decision can be traced. Stels 400 Enduro is a fairly light motorcycle (only 132 kg), however, with a high center of gravity. However, any beginner can cope with it, especially if he does not try to set records for conquering off-road terrain in the very first days.

The bike handles well, both on and off the pavement.

Beginning motorcyclists should pay attention to the significant saddle height, and even better, try the bike on before purchasing. In reviews of Stealth 400 Enduro owners, there is information that a high saddle creates certain inconveniences for short bikers, especially off-road.

This can be easily understood by anyone who has dropped a motorcycle due to the fact that his legs did not reach the ground confidently enough. On the other hand, for any more or less experienced biker this parameter is not critical. There are also fragile, short girls who can easily cope with heavy Harley-Davidsons thanks to their experience, and experience is something to be gained.

It should be noted that the technical characteristics of the Stels 400 Enduro turn it into a good “rogue”, capable of driving even where a prepared SUV gets stuck. On the highway, you can feel the lack of dynamics, especially after 80-90 km/h, although the motorcycle slowly but surely picks up the stated 130 km/h. But let's not forget that asphalt is not his element.

Design

The Racer 300 Ranger motorcycle comes off the assembly line in 4 colors. For lovers of the classics there is a stylish monochrome. The most non-staining option is brown-black. For those who want to stand out from the gray mass, models with orange and acid green “colors” are offered.

The front panel is simple, but all the data on the tachometer and digital screen is clearly visible. There are two USB connectors on the side.

LED rear brake light and turn signals. There is additional lighting: when you press the brake, a strip on the side of the body and the tachometer light up. The headlights are adjustable to adjust the direction of light to your liking.

Engine and transmission

When creating this model, the designers paid attention to ensuring that its dynamic performance was at a decent level - the maximum speed of the Racer Nitro 250 can reach 110 km/h, which is enough for driving around the city and on highways. The Nitro 250 ck has a 224 cc engine

cm, allowing you to get power up to 14.7 horsepower, which is plenty for a motorcycle of this class. The engine is vertical with an additional air-cooled balancing shaft, which ensures stable engine operation even at high speeds. Despite the fact that the engine is a single-cylinder, four-stroke, the motorcycle can be easily ridden by two people with virtually no loss of power. The Japanese carburetor installed in this modification ensures stable quality of the air-fuel mixture. The manual transmission with five gears is designed to make shifting as comfortable as possible for the driver. Additionally, the exhaust system has a resonator to reduce noise levels and increase engine power.

Specifications

Engine

The engine of this horse is of high quality, but it cannot be called powerful. The rather archaic 2-valve, 1-cylinder power unit is unlikely to cope with long and difficult crossings. The Ranger RC300 engine loves high revs. The maximum speed of 145 km/h stated in the passport is difficult to achieve; in practice, even when driving on a flat road, only 130 km/h can be achieved (and then only with the gas fully opened).

Brake system

The brake system of the motorcycle is good - it works quickly. One of the disadvantages is the strongly protruding brake foot, which makes riding in a standing position impossible. In addition, many pilots complain about a knocking sound that occurs when braking sharply from the front - the problem is solved by tightening the chain and adjusting the bearings on the steering wheel.

Frame

Metal shields on the Racer Ranger 300 motorcycle reliably protect internal parts from impacts from below. The exhaust pipe is placed so as not to bend when the bike falls. The plastic of the bike is quite thin, but flexible, so it does not shatter into fragments when the motorcycle overturns.

Suspension

The suspension of the motorcycle is a telescopic fork and a classic monoshock absorber. The design is not adjustable and is not particularly durable; slight vibrations are possible when driving.

The bike is only suitable for traveling on roads (city, forest, dirt, country roads, etc.); it is better not to drive the vehicle completely off-road. Due to the design of the Racer Ranger's suspension, it is better not to use it for extreme stunts - this horse is not ready for jumping without serious modifications.

Transmission

The Racer Ranger 300 has a five-speed gearbox and a simple design. It works flawlessly. The first two gears are short, thanks to which the motorcycle starts off quite briskly. The speed of acceleration is also ensured by the lightness of the bike - in comparison with modern enduro bikes (200 kg and above), the 130 kg Racer ranger looks like a real “skinny bike”.

Chassis

It would be more correct to call the Racer Ranger RC300 GY8 not an enduro, but a tourenduro. There is no need to drive it on rough off-road conditions. But on a relatively smooth road the bike will obey the owner perfectly. It is light and maneuverable, responsive to all tilts and turns. The standard tires are Taiwanese (YUANXING 3.00-21), but made in good faith - stable and wear-resistant.

How to choose a light enduro motorcycle

Motorcycles can be classified into light, medium and heavy. There is also a division of iron horses into utilitarian and sports:

1. Utilitarian. Soft, quiet models with a long engine life. The suspension allows you not to notice small bumps and potholes on the road. The weight of such motorcycles is greater than that of sports motorcycles (due to the metal frame for the tank). As a result, they are more difficult to manage.
2. Sports. They are distinguished by a rigid suspension, lightweight design, and a powerful engine. The latter requires more frequent maintenance. Such models are created for experienced motorcyclists who ride exclusively off-road.

Racer Enduro 150, the photo of which is presented above, is distinguished by the lightness, speed and power inherent in sports models.

Experienced motorcyclists advise following some tips when buying an “iron horse”:

1. 80cc and 125cc require constant use of the clutch and high revs.
2. The size of the motorcycle must match your height so that it is comfortable to sit, stand, turn, and jump on.
3. Two-stroke motorcycles are demanding on the skills of a motorcyclist. They are explosive and are used primarily in motocross.
4. Four strokes need to maintain revs, run smoothly and have smooth power.
5. The 250cc has a large operating range, allowing you to ride in high gears or use the clutch with the engine revved up.

Choosing an enduro motorcycle has many features, most of which should be taken into account when purchasing.

Photo

Preparation for travel of the Chinese enduro motorcycle Racer Ranger RC250-GY8A

In addition, an LED lamp was installed in the headlight and the light became much better. But in the future I’m thinking of adding additional light.

A plastic center case with a quick-release fastener was also installed. The company purchased textile side cases for him, which are just right for off-road motorcycles. But to install them, you first need to make luggage frames. Along with the frames, it is also planned to protect the plastic. This is of course extra weight, but protection is still needed.

By the way, there was also protection for the levers on the steering wheel. I believe this attribute is vital to any off-road motorcycle. Being left in a deep forest with a broken brake or clutch lever is not the best scenario.

Racer Ranger vs Motoland Dakar

I need the best possible Chinese dual sport motorcycle and there aren't that many options. The choice was between the Dakar 250 ST from Motoland, with a new 172 engine with a balance shaft, with a power of about 20 hp, and the Racer Ranger RC250-GY8A with a four-valve liquid-cooled engine, with a power of 27 hp. There is also a good Avantis Dakar, but the price is almost the same as the DRZ, so it is out of the competition.

Motoland Dakar 250 ST

In the balance, Motoland has an excellent package with a minimum of subsequent alterations: the star is mounted with six bolts, and not with four studs, like the Racer; Full LED optics and a high windshield for comfort on the highway. On the Racer side, there is one advantage, but a very, very significant one - it is a much more powerful engine. Otherwise, the motorcycle is inferior to Motoland and, even more so, inferior to the Japanese in stock. But power turned out to be more important for me, and after some time the new Racer Ranger was standing in the box next to me.

Pros and cons of Racer Skyway RC250CS

Advantages:

• Affordable price for both the motorcycle itself and its maintenance.
• The technical characteristics of the Racer Skyway 250 are not inferior to those of its competitors.
• A spacious 16-liter gas tank, coupled with fuel consumption of about 3 liters per 100 km, provides a huge range without refueling.
• The brakes stop the bike quite effectively.
• The build quality of the Racer Skyway RC250CS is quite good, although it varies from instance to instance.
• Developed wind protection adds comfort, especially in cold or rainy weather.
• The engine is not picky about the quality of gasoline - it readily consumes AI-92.

Flaws:

• The stock battery is quite weak. The problem is eliminated by replacing it with a new one with a larger capacity.
• From time to time, many bolts and nuts need to be tightened. This circumstance is even reflected in the user manual for the Racer Skyway 250.
• Despite the technical simplicity of the engine, it loves good oil. Grandfather's M8B oil, which a normal person would even disdain to lubricate door hinges, should not be poured into it if you do not want to buy a new engine later.

Stels Enduro 250 review

Today in Russia this model is in great demand, primarily because of the good price-quality ratio. For just 72,500 rubles you will get a powerful 250 cubic centimeter motorcycle. Despite the motorcycle’s relation to the “enduro” class, Chinese specialists did everything to make it as similar as possible to cross-country models. Reviews of the Stealth Enduro 250 are different, many praise this model, others consider it cheap junk that breaks quickly. Often the assembly from a Chinese manufacturer leaves much to be desired, so when purchasing, be sure to check and tighten all bolts and fasteners.

This model appeared on the Russian market relatively recently, but has already gathered a whole community of fans who discuss the motorcycle and share tips. The Chinese themselves made the Stels Enduro 250 a little “invisible” in the sense that it is difficult to notice in a crowd of similar ones. On the one hand, this is a big plus, since some models turned out ugly, which cannot be said about our model. On the other hand, the motorcycle did not get its own feature and remained just as simple. But what else can you expect from the Chinese?

Once again, we note the fairly high-quality basic materials. The body of the motorcycle is strong and thick, so don’t be afraid that when you jump, the engine will fall off or the frame will crack. The wheels are also quite durable; unlike the cheapest enduro motorcycles, it does not develop wheel alignment during long-term use. The plastic itself is relatively strong, but a little hard. Owners of Stealth Enduro 250 recommend changing the wings, considering them to be for children. You can install wings from Ibris, they will better protect you from dirt.

And in conclusion, we note the most important drawback of the motorcycle - cheap electronics. If you've driven 1,000 km without any electronic failure, congratulations, you're lucky. They also complain that repairing the Stels Enduro 250 in terms of electronics is too complicated; it is not always possible to repair it at an official dealer.

Total

The release of a small-capacity tourenduro is a rather risky undertaking, because equipping a motorcycle belonging to the “long-range” class with a small engine is not the most popular solution. For example, Honda, in the wake of the popularity of its XL1000 Varadero model, released the XL125 Varadero model for European countries, which is a real small tourenduro, but it completely and miserably failed in sales. This is probably why the Chinese continue to rivet cruisers, sportbikes and road motorcycles, and bypass the touring enduro class.

However, the Racer Ranger 300 has a right to exist. The Racer company undertook a rather risky experiment, especially since the designers’ priority goal was clearly to reduce costs as much as possible. As a result, we received an outdated motorcycle in all respects, but one that fully corresponds to its class. In addition, when it comes to reliability, reviews from Racer Ranger RC300 owners are mostly positive. So for the money, and very modest ones at that, this is quite a decent bike. But - only “for your own money”. Prices aside, it is definitely inferior to all competitors in all respects.

Specifications