Jinlun JL250-5 Review

benjihubbs · Derestricted Danger Joined: 03 Jan 2012 Karma :

Hey guys,

Looking at a Jinlun jl250-5 for when I pass my test in a few weeks (hopefully), there's not much about them on the web, and just thought I'd get a few thoughts on the bike from some well seasoned bikers Wink

Ben

skylineonfire · Trackday Trickster Joined: 01 Jun 2012 Karma :

It's a heavy, horrific, underpowered, Chinese cruiser, avoid it at all costs, completely.

Seriously it's a Chinese 250cc cruiser, nobody, absolutely nobody, will recommend that, ESPECIALLY for a first big bike. It's shocking.

_matt · Trackday Trickster Joined: 08 Jun 2012 Karma :

Ive got a Jinlun Jl125-11

I looked at the 250-5 for a good long time, even went to ride one.
I can safely say:
Same bike.
No difference in power, handling, speed or weight.

If you're gonna get a 250-5, may as well get a new 125-11, you'd never tell the difference.

Good bike IF and only IF you can keep throwing money at it to keep it running.
If not, get something older and japanese (like a 535 Virago) that wont let you down every time.
2 harsh winters pretty much obliterated my 11 and id expect it'd do the same to the 5.

If you want some opinions from people who've actually owned them or "how do i fix it!" guides, the Jinlun-Owners forum is a godsend, they saved my bacon a lot when i was first getting started with chinese bikes.
Not sure if i'm allowed to link to external forums from here, but i presume so:
https://www.jinlun-owners.co.uk/
there's a pretty good topic on "why buy a jinlun, up/down sides" on there too.
best of luck mate!
____________________
1990 Yamaha XV 535 (Alive Again!) / 2007 Jinlun Texan 125-11 (formerly 2k3, wrong details, now going rusty in the back garden )

Frost · World Chat Champion Joined: 26 May 2004 Karma :

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Is the manufacturer on that list? No. Then don't fucking buy it.

SamWise72 · Trackday Trickster Joined: 16 Sep 2012 Karma :

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

What Matt said. I was Jinny-curious and spent some time on the owners' forums. Even Jinlun owners say that they're pointless bikes.

I've got a Lifan/Skygo LF250-B, which is essentially a straight copy of the Virago 250. It's also gutless as all get out, fine off the line, but runs out of puff far too soon. Strictly for local larks only, don't even think about using a Chinese 250 cruiser for any NSL work.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike