DongFang (DF) is a Chinese motorcycle brand (manufacturer: Ningbo DongFang LingYun Vehicle Co., Ltd. ) whose models have appeared in global and US import markets (often via small dealers). Key models include the DF250RTB “Ghost” cruiser, DF250RTS sports bike, DF150SVR “Rogue” mini-bike, DF125 and 50cc commuter bikes, and various scooters. All DF motorcycles are single-cylinder 4‑stroke engines (125–250cc) with modest power (≈8–18 hp) and simple cycle design. They use steel frames, telescopic forks, and small-displacement engines (typically air-cooled, carbureted, CDI ignition). Safety/electronics are basic (CDI ignition, mechanical gauges; some models have LED dash) and most lack advanced features (no fuel injection, no ECU, no ABS except one late cruiser). Dimensionally, they are small (wheelbases ~100–130 cm) and light (~75–160 kg). Homologation: DongFang bikes are mostly gray-market imports in the US, with DOT approval for street use, but not CARB-compliant. No major safety recalls have been reported. Reliability and fitment is modest – engines are copies of common Chinese blocks (Honda/CG clones) so spares exist, but owners report routine faults (tight tolerances, electrical issues). Market presence is very limited: small-volume sales via niche importers in USA and possibly other markets (e.g. parts of Asia). Pricing is very low ($1,200–3,000), and factory warranty/support is almost nil. See the model tables below for specs.
Model-by-Model Specifications
DF250RTB “Ghost” 250cc Cruiser (DF250RTB-20)
| Specification | Details (Ghost 250) |
|---|---|
| Engine | 229.2 cc air-cooled SOHC 4‑stroke, 1‑cyl (vertical shaft) |
| – Bore × Stroke | (Not specified) |
| – Compression | Not stated (unspecified) |
| – Power | 13.2 kW (17.8 hp) @ 7,000 rpm |
| – Torque | 18.5 N·m @ 5,500 rpm |
| – Ignition | CDI (electronic) |
| – Fuel System | Carburetor (4‑stroke) |
| – Cooling | Air-cooled (fan-assisted) |
| – Exhaust | Single tuned exhaust (OEM, chrome finish) |
| – Transmission | 5-speed manual, chain final drive |
| – Clutch | Wet multi-plate (automatic in Ghost clutch lever) |
| Frame | Steel tubular frame |
| Wheelbase | 1270 mm (50 in) |
| Rake/Trail | (Not specified) – presumably standard cruiser geometry |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic fork (conventional) |
| Rear Suspension | Dual coil-over shocks (adjustable preload) |
| Brakes (Front/Rear) | Dual disc (230 mm), single disc (220 mm) |
| Wheels/Tires | Front 16″ (110/90‑16), Rear 15″ (130/90‑15) |
| Dimensions | L×W×H = 1950×720×1045 mm (from 77.92×31.50×43.31 in); wheelbase 1270 mm |
| Seat Height | 750 mm (29.5 in) |
| Ground Clearance | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Weight | Wet: 84 kg (295 lbs); GVW: 161 kg (354 lbs) |
| Fuel Capacity | 15 L (4.0 gal) |
| Electronics | LED turn signals, digital dash (speedometer), CDI; 12V battery (lead-acid) |
| Features | Retro cruiser style, chromed parts, DOT-approved lighting, VIN/TITLE included |
| Import Status | EPA/DOT approved (street legal), not CARB (California) approved. No NHTSA recalls reported. |
DF250RTS X22R 250cc Sports Bike
| Specification | Details (DF250RTS) |
|---|---|
| Engine | Air-cooled 4-stroke SOHC 1‑cyl (vertical); displacement 229.2 cc |
| Bore × Stroke | Not specified |
| Compression | Unspecified |
| Power | 18.0 hp @ 7000 rpm (13.4 kW) |
| Torque | 17.5 N·m @ 5500 rpm |
| Ignition | CDI |
| Fuel System | Carburetor |
| Cooling | Air-cooled |
| Exhaust | Single aftermarket-style, (some dealers upgrade to carbon-fiber tip) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual, chain final drive |
| Clutch | Wet multi-plate |
| Frame | Tubular steel frame |
| Wheelbase | 1320 mm (51.96 in) |
| Rake/Trail | Not specified |
| Front Suspension | 35 mm upside-down forks (hydraulic damper) |
| Rear Suspension | Mono-shock (spring over) |
| Brakes (Front/Rear) | Dual 260 mm disc / single 220 mm disc |
| Wheels/Tires | 17″ aluminium rims; 110/60‑17 front, 140/60‑17 rear |
| Dimensions | L×W×H ≈ 2030×800×1100 mm (79.9×31.5×43.3 in) |
| Seat Height | ~775 mm (30.5 in) |
| Ground Clearance | ~160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Weight | N.W. 138 kg (304 lbs), GVW 165 kg (363 lbs) |
| Fuel Capacity | ~14 L (3.7 gal) |
| Electronics | Basic: analog gauges (speedo, tach), 12V battery, CDI ignition |
| Features | Sportbike styling (CBR clone), LED accent light, turn signals, analog tachometer |
| Import Status | Grey-import; US dealers list it, DOT approved for street use, not CARB approved. |
DF150SVR “Rogue” 150cc Mini Bike
| Specification | Details (Rogue 150) |
|---|---|
| Engine | Horizontal 4-stroke single-cylinder, displacement 149.6 cc |
| Bore × Stroke | Not specified |
| Compression | Unspecified |
| Power | 11.85 hp @ 7500 rpm |
| Torque | 10.95 N·m @ 6500 rpm |
| Ignition | CDI |
| Fuel System | Carburetor |
| Cooling | Air-cooled |
| Exhaust | Single exhaust, upswept (standard mini-bike style) |
| Transmission | CVT automatic (belt drive) |
| Clutch | Automatic (CVT-driven) |
| Frame | High-strength steel frame |
| Wheelbase | 1010 mm (39.76 in) |
| Rake/Trail | Not specified |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic fork |
| Rear Suspension | Coil-over single shock |
| Brakes (Front/Rear) | Front disc, rear drum |
| Wheels/Tires | 10″ wheels: 3.50-10 front & rear |
| Dimensions | L×W×H ≈ 1510×780×1040 mm |
| Seat Height | 720 mm (28.35 in) |
| Ground Clearance | 140 mm (5.51 in) |
| Weight | N.W. 73 kg (161 lbs), G.W. 94 kg (209 lbs) |
| Fuel Capacity | 4.35 L (1.15 gal) |
| Electronics | Key start (electric/kick), basic horn/light switches (full street lighting) |
| Features | Street-legal mini dirt bike; semi-baggier for agility |
| Import Status | Sold via small dealers; likely only DOT (not CARB) approved |
Note: Other DF models (e.g. DF125 series, DF200SST CVT scooter, DF125RTR “Vader” 125, etc.) share similar specs: single‑cylinder 4T engines (50–250cc), steel frames, telescopic forks, disc/drum brakes. Specific data are often unpublished; many values above come from US dealer sites. Where data are unavailable (compression ratios, electronics details), they are noted as unspecified.
Market Presence and History
DongFang motorcycles are made in China (Ningbo) and primarily distributed via small importers/distributors. In the US, dealers (e.g. Arlington PowerSports, RedFox) brought in DF models around 2018–2020. For example, the DF250RTB Ghost 250 (model year “-20”) appeared in the USA circa 2020. The DF125 and DF50 minibikes have been sold at least since 2016. Sales volumes are very low; these are often known as “generic Chinese bikes” in enthusiast forums. No centralized global marketing exists beyond these niche channels.
Compliance: DongFang’s NHTSA registration (MID) lists dozens of model codes (DF125*, DF150*, DF200*, DF250*, DF300*, DF50*), indicating a wide product range. US-imported models typically carry a DOT registration and MCO (manufacturer’s certificate of origin), making them street-legal if they meet emissions (EPA) and safety (lighting, brakes) rules. However, the Rouge and RTS specs show “CARB Approved: No”, meaning California use is not legal. No recalls are listed for DongFang models (no NHTSA ODI entries found). Generally, maintenance is basic: engine oil and spark plug every 1000–2000 km, valve clearance check per ride event, etc. Spare parts (filters, cables, brake pads) follow standard sizes.
Pricing & Dealers: DF motorcycles are sold at very low prices (e.g. $1600–$3000 in US). Few international dealers stock them (no major global dealer networks). For example, 360Powersports and similar US sites offer DF bikes as “Entry-level” models. In Asia or Europe, they may be sold through small outfitters under the DF name or rebranded (specific info is scarce).
Variants & Options: Many DF models have “DLX” or “Street Legal” variants (e.g. DF250RTB-20 vs DF250RTA), and some limited editions (Ghost 250 marketed with special paint). Common aftermarket mods include jet kits, performance CDI, and exhaust upgrades (e.g. carbon-fiber tip on the X22R). Accessories (rear racks, windshields) are available from dealers.
Community/Issues: Owner forums (e.g. Reddit) mention typical Chinese bike faults: poor carb tuning, electrical gremlins, loose bolts, and occasional bearing/gear failure. Overall build quality is modest. The large model list in NHTSA registration suggests many minor variants (mostly generics), but real-world sales are tiny. Enthusiasts often compare DF bikes to better-known clones (Lifan, Venox, etc.).
Notable Specs Summary (table): The tables above detail the DF250RTB Ghost, DF250RTS X22R, and DF150SVR Rogue. Other notable models (with minimal public data) include:
- DF125RTR “Vader” 125 cc (5-speed, ~8–10 hp, disc front, drum rear).
- DF125RTS 125 cc sport bike (17″ wheels, 4-speed, ~10 hp).
- DF50SVT/STT/SRT 50 cc commuter bikes (CVT, 1–2 hp).
- DF200SST 200 cc CVT scooter/bike hybrid (auto transmission, disc/drum).
- DF250RTT 250 cc dirt bike (5-spd, kick/electric start).
Official data are scant, so these follow typical Chinese engine specs (e.g. 200 cc ~ 8–10 hp, 250 cc ~ 15–18 hp). The NHTSA “Makes/Models” list can serve as a reference index for all DF model codes.
Sources: Official and dealer materials were used above. Key specs and model info come from US dealer pages and the NHTSA manufacturer database. We have cited actual spec lines above. Unavailable details (compression ratio, etc.) are noted as unspecified. All data are up-to-date as of early 2026.
