HISUN STRIKE 250 EFI

HISUN STRIKE 250 EFI

Hisun Motors has been providing products for some of the biggest names in UTVs and ATVs for 15 years, and the Hisun Strike 250 EFI is arguably the sportiest entry-level youth UTV. The Strike 250 has an impressive list of standard features, including EFI, a CVTech clutch, dual-range CVT, doors, split windshield, mirrors, turn signals, horn, roof, and a 2500-pound winch with synthetic rope.

WHAT’S A STRIKE 250?

Hisun has long been a manufacturer of ATVs, UTVs, motorcycles and scooters in China, and final assembly of its UTVs and ATVs is completed at its massive facility in McKinney, Texas. Hisun has developed a dealer network of 150 and is working on doubling that with more district sales managers. Hisun has a sporty Strike 250 and recreation utility Sector 250 for youths 12 and older. Both have the same 229cc, liquid-cooled, EFI-fed single engine with a dual-range CVT-driven chain final drive, and they have dual-A-arm front and swingarm rear suspension with twin shocks. Whereas most youth UTVs have air-cooled engines and 170cc, Hisuns have the advantage of liquid cooling and 229cc, plus a dual-range CVT, whereas RZRs are single-speed. Brooklyn Singleton won the 2021 MidAmerica Outdoors 250 Modified title in her Strike 250, and her sister Kennedy was second in 250 Limited (look for a build article on their Strikes in an upcoming issue).

 

HOW DOES COST COMPARE?

The Hisun Strike 250 EFI is $5199. The all-new Polaris RZR 200 EFI is $5899, and the 2021 Ace 150 is $3999. Massimo’s GKA 200 is $3299, and the Buck 250 is $6699. SSR’s Bison 200U is $6259, and the wild SRU170RS with an LED light bar and a cage-mounted spare tire is $4459.

 

HOW FAST IS THE 229cc SINGLE?

Surprisingly fast! It takes a while to get there, but the Strike 250 will do 50 mph in High and 40 mph in Low. Parents can mechanically limit the throttle to much slower speeds for beginners and gradually increase top speeds as skills develop. With a bigger 65.5mm piston and longer 65mm stroke than the new RZR 200’s 62.5mm x 57.8mm bore and stroke, it makes more power with 41cc more displacement.

 

HOW IS THE DELIVERY?

On the other hand, the long-stroke engine doesn’t rev very fast from turn to turn. That’s a good thing for inexperienced youths, especially in slick conditions. The CVT doesn’t spool up aggressively, so it’s no-surprise delivery for a very smooth power curve. The EFI throttle map is also sedate.

WHAT ABOUT THE HANDLING?

Also very smooth. With a wheelbase of 68.5 inches, the Strike 250 is longer than the RZR 200 and 170, both of which have a 65-inch wheelbase. It turns predictably and also has 1.5 inches more width than the RZR 200, so it can be cornered a bit harder. The longer wheelbase makes it super stable over rough ground, but the rear suspension isn’t independent like on the new RZR 200. That means the Strike doesn’t have body roll in turns, which is also a good thing. Although EPS isn’t standard or available, the Strike steers sharply with little effort on the over-molded steering wheel. Also, the Wanda tires look very much like ITP Holeshot racing tires and provide good traction.

 

HOW IS THE SUSPENSION?

Near the top of the class. Hisun has long had an advantage with its dual-A-arm front end with sway bar, which is rare in the class. With 6 inches of front travel and 5 inches in back, the Strike is a bit better than the RZR 170, but the new 200 has 7 inches all around with new gull-wing dual A-arms. The Strike’s preload-adjustable shocks are well-tuned to deliver a smooth ride, with the front being a little stiffer than the rear. Faster drivers will occasionally bottom the rear, so parents may have to add a little more preload. Aside from the new RZR 200, the Youth-class norm is a swingarm rear suspension, and Hisun has a good setup. Brooklyn and Kennedy were airing the 250s out with no bottoming.

 

HOW STRONG ARE THE BRAKES?

Strong for their size. Each front wheel has a perforated disc brake with single-piston hydraulic caliper, and the live-axle rear end has a single solid rotor with hydraulic caliper plus a mechanical parking brake. The brake pedal is painted red, and brake lines are high-quality braided stainless steel. There is also a tubular guard for the rear disc and drive sprocket.

WHERE IS THE STRIKE HAPPIEST?

Ripping around camp or the track. With a gallon more fuel capacity than the RZR 200 (3.5 gallons vs. 2.5), the Strike 250 will provide hours of playtime. It’s well-built and sturdy.

HOW ABOUT TRAIL COMFORT?

It’s excellent. Both seats are adjustable and have side bolsters for extra security. The over-molded steering wheel is firm and comfortable, as is the adjustable passenger T-handle. The cabin is roomy enough for adults, and the roof and split windshield provide cover from rain, roost and cold wind. The dash has a power port and easy-to-read toggles, in addition to the analog speedometer with digital LCD speedo, odometer, fuel gauge, volt meter and seatbelt warning light. Inner door liners and the console are smooth with no sharp edges. There are no cup holders to distract young drivers.

WHAT’S OUR FINAL ANSWER?

Hisun’s Strike 250 is a great Youth-class choice for novice pilots. It has class-leading displacement with liquid cooling, a dual-range transmission, dual-A-arm front suspension, nimble handling with great stability, a comfortable cabin, and an impressive list of standard features, including a 2500-pound winch. It’s a great recreation UTV that can keep up with full-sized machines on tight trails, or it can be limited to slower speeds for training new drivers, all at a good price. 

 

SPECS:

2022 HISUN STRIKE 250 EFI

ENGINE/TRANSMISSION

Engine type Liquid-cooled, 2-valve, OHV

4-stroke single

Displacement 229cc

Bore x stroke 65.5mm x 68mm (2)

Compression ratio 9.7:1

Lubrication system Wet sump

Induction EFI

Starting/back-up Electric/none

Starting procedure In any range, brake engaged

Air filter:

  Type Paper mesh

Transmission Dual-range CVT w/ CVTech clutch

Drive system 2WD

Final drive f/r Chain

DIMENSIONS/CAPACITIES/WEIGHTS

Fuel capacity 3.5 gal.

Wheelbase 68.5”

Overall length/width/height 88.9”/49.6”/59”

Ground clearance 5.8”

Claimed dry weight 657 lb.

Bed capacity 50 lb.

Hitch N/A

Towing capacity N/A

ROLLING CHASSIS

Frame 2” high-strength steel

Suspension/wheel travel:

  Front Dual A-arms & HPG shocks w/ adj. prel.6”

  Rear Swingarm & HPG shocks w/ adj. prel./5”

Brakes:

  Front Single-piston hydraulic discs

  Rear Single-piston hydraulic disc

Tires:

  Front AT22x7-10 Wanda

  Rear AT22x7-10 Wanda

DETAILS

DC outlet Auto-style waterproof plug

Lighting:

  Front Four 60W  headlights

  Rear Twin tail/brake lights

Instrumentation LCD speedo/odo/tach/trip/hour/

fuel/gear position/diagnostics/clock

Colors Black Ops, Tactical Tan, Voodoo Blue,

Destroyer Grey

Minimum recommended operator age 12

Suggested retail price $5199

Contact www.hisunmotors.com, (972) 446-0760