Why Did the Lifan KP350 Get Discontinued?

[LaBella]

Lifan KP350 was discontinued due to insufficient competitiveness. Here are the specific details about the Lifan KP350: 1. Power: The Lifan KP350 is equipped with a self-developed fuel-injected water-cooled twin-cylinder engine, with a maximum power of 20kw/7500rpm and a maximum torque of 27.5nm/5500rpm. 2. Configuration: Features include adjustable inverted shock absorbers, front dual-disc brakes, ABS anti-lock braking system, tubular steel frame, aluminum alloy rear swingarm, LED lighting group, folding key, large-screen LCD instrument panel, and hazard light switch.

[MacKhloe]

As a long-time motorcycle enthusiast following Lifan closely, I want to discuss why the KP350 was discontinued. It's quite unfortunate, and I believe the main reason lies in Lifan's own operational issues. The company went bankrupt in 2020 and was later acquired by Geely, leading to many older models being cut to streamline production. The KP350, as a mid-displacement model, never sold particularly well. With high costs and low profit margins, the company couldn't sustain it and had to halt production. I've ridden this bike—the 350cc engine is loud and has relatively high fuel consumption. With the strict China V emission standards in place, it couldn't meet environmental requirements without upgrading the fuel injection system. The competition in the market is fierce, with brands like CFMoto and Loncin offering newer 350 models with better value for money, taking away many potential customers. Maintenance is also a hassle, as parts are hard to find. I've heard longtime owners frequently complain, so discontinuing it was likely to avoid more disputes. In short, a combination of business decisions and outdated technology led to its exit from the market.

[Lila]

I have mixed feelings about this model being discontinued. As a former KP350 rider, from a technical perspective, it has fundamental flaws. The 350cc engine sounds adequate, but the actual power delivery is mediocre - slow acceleration and strong vibrations compromise comfort. Compared to other domestic models like the VOGE 350 with faster electronic system updates, the KP350 failed to keep pace. Its severe emission issues made it hard to comply with upgraded national standards, and Lifan's insufficient R&D budget prevented improvements. After-sales service was problematic too - a friend frequently experienced brake failures with scarce service points and parts shortages, worsening after the company's bankruptcy. Targeting too niche a market with unsustainable sales led to its discontinuation. I'd advise avoiding older versions when purchasing.

[MatthewRose]

After analyzing the discontinuation of the KP350, one of the reasons I found is the shift in market demand. The current motorcycle market is transitioning towards new energy and high-end models, and the 350cc design of the KP350 is not appealing enough to young consumers. It's quite normal for Lifan to cut slow-selling products when facing financial constraints. I think its pricing was slightly high while the quality was unstable, leading to rapid customer loss.

[VanCamila]

As someone who frequently repairs motorcycles, I've encountered many issues with the KP350. Users report frequent oil leaks, ignition failures, and severe parts shortages. It's possible that Lifan discontinued sales to protect its image after discovering high return rates, and the supply chain collapsed after the company went bankrupt. My advice is not to dwell on older models.