Stels Flex 250: cheap and cheerful

The Stels Flex 250 motorcycle is produced at Russian enterprises, which began its existence in 1996. This model was conceived as a bike ideal for riding in urban conditions. This figure was achieved due to economical fuel consumption, low weight of the motorcycle and optimal dimensions, which made it possible to maneuver in busy city traffic. The Stels Flex 250 is also well suited for driving on country roads and highways (although the manufacturer puts an emphasis on the “urbanism” of the model). The production of the device began in 2015. The main direction that the manufacturer followed when designing the Stels Flex 250 was the creation of a competitive model that is not inferior in technical characteristics and quality to imported models.

Stels Flex 250 features and specifications

The powerful engine and dimensions of the bike turn riding around the city into an exciting adventure. Technical parameters of the device:

Motorcycle type – “street” (road).
The frame is tubular, welded, made of steel.
Engine – single-cylinder, four-stroke.
Engine cooling is air.
Engine displacement – 225 cm3.
Maximum power – 15.8 hp.
Maximum torque – 17.5 Nm.
Maximum speed – 5500 rpm.
Fuel system type - carburetor (fuel of at least grade 92 is used).
Ignition system – electronic CDI.
Clutch – multi-disc (in oil bath).
The gearbox is mechanical.
Number of gears – 5.
Starting system type: electric starter.
Gas tank volume – 18 l.
Brake type (on both wheels) – single disc, hydraulic.
Motorcycle weight (dry) – 146 kg.
Seat installation height – 1.044 m.
Maximum speed – 150 km/h.

Preparation after purchase

Despite the impressive equipment that the Stels Flex 250 motorcycle has, reviews from its owners recommend performing a full maintenance and inspection of the equipment immediately after purchase. To do this, all fasteners are tightened, their presence is checked, the position of the control cables is adjusted, and so on.

Despite the fact that the manufacturer has not provided official data on the maximum speed of the Stels Flex 250, reviews from owners claim that it can accelerate to 120 kilometers per hour. The average consumption when moving in the urban cycle was empirically calculated; it was 4.5 liters per 100 km. This is quite a lot for a vehicle with such a small volume. Most likely, this is another important argument for those who talk about the deformation of its power unit. Of course, fuel consumption may vary due to driving style and its aggressiveness, but figures of 4.5 liters were observed among many owners, which makes such a statement untenable and represents a correct picture of average performance.

Comparison with analogues and competitors

The main competitors in the road motorcycle segment for this model are the following bikes:

Yamaha YBR-125
Minsk C4
Patron Sport 250
Baltmotors Street 250

A comparison of technical characteristics showed that the parameters of the Stels Fex 250 are approximately equal to all other competing models, but in some aspects it is superior. The brainchild surpasses its competitors in ease of control and maneuverability. A light and nimble bike confidently maneuvers in traffic.

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Pros and cons of the device

Stels Fex 250 offers the buyer the following advantages:

Price. Compared to analogues, the cost of this model is much lower than imported devices.
Light weight.
Compact dimensions. Garage storage does not require much space, and the motorcycle does not experience any problems when riding on congested streets.
Maneuverability and easy control. Thanks to its size and light weight, operating the Stels Fex 250 does not require much physical effort from the driver.
Appearance.
Economical gas consumption.
Reliable assembly.

Since this model is new on the market (only 3 years old), the owners during this time managed to find only one relative minus. This is low speed and engine power. In city driving conditions, this aspect is not critical. But when driving on country roads, difficulties arise when overtaking trucks and other large vehicles.

Results

Most likely, increased gasoline consumption is a price to pay for engine reliability. Despite these features, Stels Flex 250 has excellent maneuverability. It can seep through traffic jams like a knife through butter. Based on reviews from its owners, we can conclude that they are satisfied with their purchase and do not plan to part with it. Indeed, in the wilds of road junctions in megacities, a motorcycle does not hamper the driver’s route, as it allows him to move between rows of cars, as if on a bicycle. However, unlike its two-wheeled brother, it is equipped with the necessary light and sound equipment. The role of the headlights is delegated to high-quality halogen optics, and the indication of turns and braking is delegated to signal elements. The safety of driving a motorcycle is ensured by a good overview of the rear-view mirrors, which help the driver control the road situation.

Origin

The Stels concern has been on the market for quite a long time. This project is considered Russian-Chinese. Of course, the country of origin is the second one. All factories are located in China, exports are made from here.

The company was founded in the 2000s. But even though 17 years have passed, there are still practically no working copies. The Stels 250 Enduro takes the lead in the presented model range. It began to be produced in 2010. At first, sales were clearly not encouraging, but now its popularity is increasing. Proof of this is the fact that this model is still in production.

Positive sides

One of the advantages of this motorcycle is its appearance. The design of this vehicle is generally not bad. It can be clearly distinguished that he belongs to the sports type. There are large wheels, a streamlined shape, and so on. This motorcycle can easily compete with many famous and beautiful bikes of the motorcycle world. The first thing that catches your eye when you first look at this motorcycle is the fuel tank. It has sharp shapes. The tank is forward. Moreover, this Enduro 250 has characteristics that are typical for similar bikes. We are talking about the absence of a rear fork. It feels like the saddle is sagging.

Flaws

Users do not find any major shortcomings, but the motorcycle still has some shortcomings:

Like other equipment, when purchasing a motorcycle, you should carefully inspect it for loose wires or missing bolts.

Also, do not overtighten the threaded connections. The photo shows how the plane of the pendulum, made of thin metal, was deformed.

and dignity

The model has many more advantages.

If you remember how much this motorcycle can cost, you can look at the disadvantages differently, but it also has advantages, of which there are many.

On road

The maximum speed of the Stels Flex 250 is stated to be 150 km/h, but this does not correspond to the truth. Even without a discount on the speedometer error, the bike can actually accelerate to 130 km/h, but when the needle crosses the 110 km/h mark, you will have to be patient and wait until the motorcycle accelerates. At the same time, after the same 110 km/h, the driver will begin to be bothered by small parasitic vibrations, which are especially noticeable on the steering wheel and footrests. In the city you have to change gears often - the gear ratios are short, but you can safely engage the top, fifth gear already at 60 km/h.

The Flex 250's dynamics are quite sufficient for city driving, but if you seat a passenger, you immediately notice less confident acceleration and even less confident braking. In general, the braking system of the Flex 250 does not cause any complaints, but if there is a second number in the back seat, the difference is felt immediately - the braking distance almost doubles

This is worth considering, especially for novice motorcyclists. However, it’s better for them not to board passengers at all at first - after all, this is responsibility not only for their own life, but also for someone else’s.

Thanks to its modest dry weight of 146 kg, even a fragile girl can easily handle the Stealth Flex 250. The maneuverability of the motorcycle is pleasing - it is light and has a fairly short wheelbase, it confidently darts between cars and calmly turns around in a small space. But outside the city, this plus turns into a minus - a strong side wind makes it difficult to stick to the chosen course, and the bike sways noticeably from cars flying in the oncoming lane. Unfortunately, this drawback is common to all light motorcycles. To get a better idea of the size of the motorcycle (it’s still difficult to judge from a photo), you should sit on the bike in the showroom or watch a video review on the Internet.

Photo gallery

There is hope that the time will come when our country will start driving its own equipment. “Stels” is an example of the development of the Russian motorcycle industry. Let's take a look at this bike in our photo selection below, which we made especially for you.

Modifications

No modifications to the Flex 250 were planned. However, in 2011 production of the Enduro 250 model began.

Featuring more economical fuel consumption, a smaller gas tank and increased ground clearance, in other respects it was the same as the Flex 250.

In 2013, when production completely moved to Russia on the basis of an updated frame, Enduro 400, 450, 600 . And the Flex line was taken over by Benelli (both scooters and motorcycles are produced under this name).

Brand history

Motorcycle companies, due to the impossibility of organizing (or maintaining) their own production, create assembly plants where motorcycles are assembled from components from Asian manufacturers.

Competition with the Chinese led to the closure of the largest Soviet factories producing bicycles and motorcycles.

The history of the company begins in 1996 with small wholesale sales of Russian bicycles. (You shouldn’t be ironic about this: I started the same way.) In 2003

Velomotors is building the first plant in the Moscow region (Kubinka, Odintsovo district) to produce its own bicycles.

Affordable prices and acceptable quality created a steady demand for the products, which made it possible to increase production volumes.

So in 2006, a second plant was opened in the Krasnodar region, in 2008 - in the Sverdlovsk region, then in the Bryansk region.

In 2007, the Skif 50 scooter debuted modestly; To date, motorcycles are represented by several model series, and in 2013, Benelli “Stels” was created with an engine capacity of 600 cm3.

In 2009, the “Stels” range of ATVs went into production, which are produced under licenses from branded Asian manufacturers.

In 2013, mass production of a full cycle of snowmobiles of our own design was launched.

In 2013, Velomotrs automates production conveyor lines and certifies its own production facilities in accordance with international standards.

One of the holding's priorities is the production of competitive motorcycles and bicycles.

Experts have studied the challenges of the Russian market, to which Western technologies have been adapted. Products under the Stels brand have an optimal price-quality ratio.

The transition to independent production and a gradual reorientation to materials from domestic suppliers reduces the cost of production and leads to the development of domestic industry.

The company has also created its own design center, equipped with the latest equipment.

Own production – revival of the traditions of the domestic motorcycle industry!

The phenomenon of the Stels brand is as follows: financing of motorcycle production is provided through the sale of bicycles.

Velomotors is the leader of the domestic bicycle market, producing up to 1.5 million bicycles per year (3/4 of the Russian market). The demand for motorcycles in our country is small.