Posted on 12/14/2023 12:50:44 PM PST by BraveMan
There’s a new cruiser in town, and it’s from Chinese motorcycle manufacturer Jedi. We’ve talked about this brand on multiple occasions in the past, and back then, it seemed as though Jedi was all about sportbikes that looked like they were plucked out of the set of a Star Wars movie. Well, as it would turn out, Jedi’s branching out into cruisers, with its new 250 4L.
For the record, the Chinese brand doesn’t have anything to do with Star Wars contrary to what its name suggests. In fact, its new 250 4L seems pretty underwhelming, especially when put in comparison with the other bikes in its lineup. From a styling perspective, the 250 4L is very obviously inspired by big American baggers from the likes of Indian and Harley-Davidson. However, upon closer inspection, you’ll find that it’s more like a caricature of these bikes.
That’s right, what we have here seems to be the first of its kind, or at least that which I’m aware of. The 250 4L seems like it isn’t sure whether it wants to be a mini-bike or a bagger, so it decided to be both. The bike rolls on a 16-inch wheel up front and a 15-inch wheel at the back, and has a very low seat height of just 690 millimeters (27 inches). That being said, it gets the whole shebang in terms of features, with a large fairing up front and two saddlebags to provide quite a lot of storage.
Jedi’s known for making motorcycles used by police forces in China, and given how crowded it can get in some cities over there, a compact cruiser with a lot of storage space simply makes a lot of sense for urban police forces. Interestingly, there’s a police-specific version of this cruiser being used in China, and the 250 4L is Jedi’s attempt at commercializing this model to the private sector.
Beneath the surface, the Jedi 250 4L makes use of some rudimentary technology found in old Suzuki bikes, particularly the GZ 250 and GN 250. It’s powered by a 249cc, air-cooled single-cylinder engine with 18 horsepower and 18 Nm (13.3 pound-feet) of torque. It has a top speed of about 81 miles an hour, and comes to a stop with front and rear disc brakes equipped with dual-channel ABS. Given how fuel-efficient this little engine is, the bike’s massive 20-liter fuel tank should give it a range of about 700 kilometers (438 miles) in between fill-ups.
Motorcycle ping!....................
249cc, air-cooled single-cylinder engine with 18 horsepower and 18 Nm (13.3 pound-feet) of torque.................
Electric or gas powered?
>> Electric or gas powered?
Yes.
That’ll be good for a 12 second 0-30 time...
Beats the styling I’ve seen on some baggers out there though.
It’s a tarted up moped.
Agree.
The same weak faux-Honda engine used in a couple of dozen other Chinese crap bikes. And the ridiculous Janus bikes as well.
Question out of ignorance.
What is wrong with the Janus?
I have looked at them but not very closely.
Janus?
Rhymes with Your Anus
Will give you ass phalt
And …. (Need punchy punch line here)
After all is said and done, it doesn’t appear as though Jedi has any plans of releasing the 250 4L outside of China.
It’ll dissolve within 1000 miles.
CC
It’s just my personal opinion but I see them as ridiculously overpriced fashion statements. Sort of like Harleys but without nearly the capabilities. $7k plus for a 250cc Chinese engine.... Please.
To me it’s like buying Volkswagens from Germany in 1939. I know it’s virtually impossible to completely avoid the enemy’s products, but I’m going to do the best I can at it. Losing battle or not
Ok. Thanks for that. I have had several bikes over the years. Harley’s and Honda’s. Now I am riding a old style VW convertible bug. Open air, but with 4 wheels.
Cute, but way too much wind resistance for such a small engine.
Still, with all that said, I want one . . .
I understand. In April, I bought a 2023 Ninja 400 with ABS.
Not a cruiser, but lots of fun.
Get what makes you happy because life is short.
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