Meet Lifan Hunter 125, A Scrambler No One Asked For

Though not on sale anymore, the attempt is almost applaudable

• Scaled down version of Ducati Scrambler.
• Powered by a 125cc engine.
• Gets 14-inch rims at both ends.

China has been known to blatantly copy European car and motorcycle models. With some manufacturers the resemblance with the “inspiration” may seem subtle, sometimes it is straight blasphemous. One such case is Lifan Motorcycle Hunter 125 which shamelessly flaunts the Ducati Scrambler’s influence.

From the iconic tank shape and sculpted seat to the rear fender, Lifan has done its best to ape the Italian manufacturer’s best-selling motorcycle. Even details like the headlight, instrument pod, trellis frame, and indicators take inspiration from the Scrambler. However, Lifan decided to plonk-in a double-barrel exhaust like the one on the Desert Sled variant.

While the Ducati Scrambler is powered by an 803cc L-Twin powerhouse, the Lifan is powered by an air-cooled 125cc, fuel-injected engine. The bike also gets USD forks upfront and a monoshock at the rear. Braking duties are handled by discs at both ends. Though the proportions are identical to the Italian bike, the Hunter runs on a set of 14-inch wheels. 

The Hunter was launched in Thailand a few years back and was priced at THB 54,000 which roughly translates to Rs 1.26 lakh. The bike is now off Lifan’s website and is now replaced by Lifan 150 which doesn’t ape any iconic motorcycle and follows a more traditional design language.

Does the brand’s decision to take the Hunter 125 down and replace it with the Hunter 150 have anything to do with Ducati or were there no takers for the neo-retro styled Scrambler? We may probably never know, but this for sure, isn’t going to be the last one.