This Chinese 250cc Twin-cylinder Faired Bike Is Less Powerful Than The Bajaj Pulsar 180F

The Tairong GP1 250R has been launched in China

• The Tairong GP1 250R employs a 249.5cc parallel twin engine.
• But it makes a paltry 16.99PS of power and 16.5Nm of torque.
• It is priced at an equivalent of Rs 1.70 lakh in China.

Chinese manufacturer Tairong Motor has launched a 250cc twin-cylinder faired bike called the Tairong GP1 250R in its domestic market. There are two variants on offer: CBS and ABS. The former is priced at 15,980 Yuan (around Rs 1.70 lakh) whereas the latter will set you back by 16,980 Yuan (about Rs 1.81 lakh). It does look smashing but sadly, this motorcycle is all beauty without brawn.

Powering this faired bike is a 249.5cc parallel twin motor. Despite having a fairly large twin-cylinder engine, it makes only 16.99PS at 8500rpm and 16.5Nm at 6000rpm. The claimed top speed is an equally disappointing 125kmph. In comparison, the Bajaj Pulsar 180F’s single-cylinder air-cooled engine produces 17.02PS at 8500rpm and 14.52Nm at 6500rpm.

In a bid to make up for the lack of go, it gets sophisticated underpinnings like twin petal discs with radial calipers up front, a fat telescopic fork and a rear monoshock.. The bike also gets 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped with chunky 110-section front and 150-section rear tyre. 

At 780mm, the seat is low enough for most of Indian riders and the 180mm ground clearance is good for most of our roads too. But with a 180kg ‘net weight’, the bike is a little too heavy for its class. The ergonomics are not as aggressive as you’d think thanks to the raised clip-on handlebar and mid-set footpegs. This coupled with a fairly large 14-litre fuel tank should make it a half decent tourer. Other notable features include an all-LED lighting system and a full colour TFT instrument cluster.

Overall, the Tairong GP1 250R scores high on features and looks but it just lacks where it really matters: performance. While it may appeal to those who want a stylish and comfortable motorcycle but are not that bothered about performance, the price seems to be a little on the higher side. Especially when you consider the fact that you could get a proper 300cc liquid-cooled V-twin cruiser from Benda for around Rs 32,000 more.