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Lexmoto LXR 380 sportsbike is the firm's first A2-friendly model

Published: 05 December 2019 Updated: 05 December 2019
  • Lexmoto LXR 380 front end
    Lexmoto LXR 380 front end
  • lexmoto LXR 380 clocks
    lexmoto LXR 380 clocks
  • A view of the Lexmoto LXR 380 dash
    A view of the Lexmoto LXR 380 dash
  • The Lexmoto LXR 380 uses dual front discs
    The Lexmoto LXR 380 uses dual front discs
  • Lexmoto LXR 380 right side view
    Lexmoto LXR 380 right side view
  • Lexmoto LXR 380 rear view
    Lexmoto LXR 380 rear view
  • Lexmoto LXR 380 side view
    Lexmoto LXR 380 side view
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Introducing the Lexmoto LXR 380; a brand-new A2-compliant sportsbike costing £2399 less than the current class-leading Honda CBR500R.

Priced at £3699.99 (the Honda will set you back £6099), this is the first A2 machine produced by Chinese bike specialists, Lexmoto, powered by a 378cc Euro4-compliant parallel-twin, built by Zongshen.

Paired with a six-speed gearbox, the bike produces a claimed 40.2bhp (30kW) at 9000rpm, is capable of 80.7mpg and a top speed of 90.1mph. Although around 20mph down on some of its Japanese rivals, that’s still ample poke to keep up and stay ahead of the traffic.

Revealed on the firm’s social media pages on Tuesday, December 3, the bike comes fitted with premium-looking dual wavy front discs, complete with radially-mounted calipers, which will be ABS-equipped to meet European standards. These are further complemented by upside down forks and grown-up sportsbike looks, shared with the existing £2499.99 LXR SE 125.

Gripping the road is a set of budget-friendly tubeless CST tyres, which come in a 120/70 x 17 front and 160/60 x 17 rear, meaning there are plenty of quality tyres available when it comes to replacement time.

As well as a cheap asking price, Lexmoto also say that if you put down a £100 deposit, the bike can be yours for just £74.56 across 60 months. Keep an eye out for the full MCN Lexmoto LXR 380 review coming soon.

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Lexmoto’s new A2 twin-cylinder sportsbike could cost just £3800

First published: 21 January 2019 by Dan Sutherland

Lexmoto LXR 380 appeared on the firm's Facebook page earlier this year

Chinese bike importers Lexmoto have taken their first steps into A2 motorcycle manufacturing with a new 380cc twin-cylinder sportsbike.

Previewed on the firm’s social media channels and at the 2019 Motorcycle Trade Expo in Warwickshire, the LXR 380cc takes the firm’s best-selling LXR 125 and adds a larger-capacity parallel-twin Zongshen engine, which Lexmoto claim already produces 30hp (around 29.6bhp).

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Desite a further remap altering the final figure, the LXR is the first machine Lexmoto have ever produced above 125cc and marks a turning point in the development of the Devonshire-based business. What’s more, they are aiming for a price tag of just £3800.

Although details remain scarce, a glance at the photographs reveals dual ABS-equipped front radial calipers biting onto wavy discs, upside down forks and credible sportsbike styling. Behind the black and white fairings, there is a tweaked version of the LXR 125’s frame, finished in striking orange. At the rear there is an aluminium swingarm, too.

Although draped in sportsbike-inspired plastics, gently placed clip-ons also indicate that this bike will be as much about practicality and usability as it is carving up a B-road at the weekends. What’s more, illumining the road in front of you is also what appears to be a set of LED headlights, too.

Speaking in a statement online, the firm said: “Testing new models can take quite a long time and some of the conditions aren’t ideal. But the views and experience of developing these models to their full potential is incredible and something that will shape the user experience for years to come.” 

The rivals

The A2-friendly sportsbike market is already saturated with options from many of the major Japanese and European manufacturers and the Lexmoto are keenly aware of this, basing their machine on Kawasaki’s 44.3bhp Ninja 400. 

The KTM RC390 in action

Also worth consideration is KTM’s single-cylinder 373.2cc RC390 and the recently updated Yamaha YZF-R3, with all bikes offering quality components like WP suspension and LCD instrument panels, alongside impressive performance and economy.

However, all of this comes at a price, with the R3 costing £5299, Honda’s CBR500R priced at £6099 and the KTM setting you back £5249. If the Lexmoto is able to retain the firm’s current commitment to value, with a decent level of performance, it could carve a niche as a viable, affordable alternative to its rivals.     

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By Dan Sutherland

News Editor, sportsbike nut, and racing fan.