Bennche Megelli 250R - Reviews and information? [Archive]

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steelphoenix

15th March 2011, 07:29

NinjaNanna

15th March 2011, 07:50

you didn't say how much they cost?

steelphoenix

15th March 2011, 07:58

Ah, sorry! This particular bike is retailing for $5995 at Coleman's - think this includes ORC... (need to inquire about that)

NinjaNanna

15th March 2011, 08:27

How much is a new Ninja 250 these days?

The Megelli looks nicer in my opinion - but its hard to argue against decades of experience if there isn't much difference in price.

Also consider resale - it will definately be harder to resell the Megelli when the time comes, unless of course you price it agressively.

NinjaNanna

15th March 2011, 08:32

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-361213570.htm

have you considered something like this

steelphoenix

15th March 2011, 10:15

New Ninja 250s cost approximately $8300 - otherwise that would be on my list...

In terms of the Balius, I'm looking more for something supersport than a naked (though the Honda VTR/Hornet are on my list).

It's a great-looking bike for a surprisingly low price, so I was trying to see what kind of info there was before putting it on my list of 'bikes to consider and try not to buy'. :rolleyes: :D

sil3nt

15th March 2011, 11:25

I would definitely go for a second hand ninja over a new one of these for the same price.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-361400488.htm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-359508347.htm

5000ks isn't far from brand new. And you know they are reliable.

The Bennche Megelli is completely unknown. If you want to be the guinea pig then go for it.

Skinon

15th March 2011, 16:48

I wouldn't even bother with those new ninjas either...

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-359994447.htm

Something like this!! (not that im biast or anything :devil2: ) But will hold it's value and handles awesome, reliable and 45hp weeeeeeeee!

Err change those tyres tho...

Oblivion

15th March 2011, 17:23

Too be quite honest, I would go for something that has been tried and tested.

Although I do like the look of the new Ninja 250r, I would go for something a little more standout. ( Nearly everyone has one :yawn: )

Nothing a little customizing can't fix though. :devil2:

hayd3n

15th March 2011, 18:00

buying from a dealer will help with warrnetys
see if they will trade it back when you want to upgrade

tigertim20

15th March 2011, 22:49

Hi everyone -

I'm a 3mth Learner rider, and whilst I'm desperately trying to hold off buying a bike (being a poor recent-student and whatnot), I've been sorely tempted by this pretty specimen of a machine that I saw in Coleman's.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B8Dh2WXNvg0/TUC8QpFcezI/AAAAAAAAEso/qEovwnqWbGg/s1600/Minerva%2Bsachs%2BMEGELLI%2B250R%2BFront%2BPic.jpg

I took it for a test ride, and really enjoyed it. Light, maneuverable, does corners on rails, and a real head-turner wow factor with gorgeous looks and bellowy little pipe.

My only question is - is it a good buy? As a new-in-2010 model, obviously it hasn't had much testing and exposure, but any input would be appreciated.

The reviews I've been reading/watching mainly complain about:

the sidestand being set too low (Colemans fixed this on the demo bike and said they'd do that on any one they sold)
it being underpowered - crankshaft output 27HP, rear-wheel output 16.2HP (not sure this is an issue - I hit 120 on the mway with ease, and a top speed of apx 140)
handlebars putting the horn on/pinching fingers at lock (not on the demo I rode, and Colemans again said if this was a concern they'd fix it)
headlight bulbs getting too hot (possible concern, but fixable)
possible brittleness of fairing plastic (possible concern)

As I said, I'm aware that there's little material at the moment, but any advice would be appreciated by this n00b.

Spec sheet from Bennche (http://www.bennche.com/product/Megelli_250r-specs.htm)
Spec sheet from Motorcycle.com (http://www.motorcycle.com/specs/qlink/sport/2009/megelli/250r.html)

Gday.

This is always a tough question, with new bikes. When theres a new player making their first appearance on the market, youl ALWAYS get the haters, the ones that simpy point out all the negatives, and refuse to point out any positives, The same was true for Hyosungs not too long ago, now they are starting to get an improved rep, the first generation bikes highlighted a few weaknesses, which the following gnerations slowly started to fix.

The main problems with a new bike like this are things like, sericing, and getting someone who is experienced and familiar with the make and model of bike, this can massively affec servicing costs. Secondly, the cost of, and accessibility to parts can be a downright nightmare, theres probably nobody in the country that actualy stocks (and currenty has IN STOCK) parts for these. his is something you need to factor into the 'trouble free motoring' equation.

Another concern is that, being first generation, of a bike thats NOT well known, youll have alot of trouble selling it, and youl probably have to take a big hit in the wallet.

Of course, you can go ahead and buy it and have a bike that it unique, different etc, and if it turns out to be reliable, you could have a great bike out of it.

My advice would be not to buy it for the following reasons:
After sales issues, servicing, parts price and availability
Its got barely more horsepower than a Gnat on steroids and cocaine. (You may feel that isnt an issue now, but in 3-4 more months, you will)
Price. While the price looks good, thats still $6k. You can buy alot of bike for 6 thousand bucks mate, hornets, ninjas, mc22's, vt/vtr250's, really an endless list of bikes that have none, or few of the downsides this one you are looking at has.

Normally,at this point, one would point out 'but its a new bike, youll have xxx gaurantees etc', To which I repeat, inknown bike, availability of parts, difficulty finding mecahanics familiar etc etc.

Take your 6k, and go buy a real nice, well known, low kms secomd hand 250 from a better known manufacturer

boss260a

16th March 2011, 12:05

I actually took this Megelli at Colemans for a test ride yesterday and would have to say it wasnt bad at all. There was a few little issue's but nothing that couldnt be addressed with a bit of time. I currently have a RG150 which I ride on to work every day but the Km's are getting pretty high so starting to look for a replacement so I took this Megelli for a ride. First impression was definatly the noise of the thing, it's loud! almost trail bike noise, I dont mind that at all, im just wondering how the neighbours would get on with it when I fire it up at 6:30am every morning!
Next thing would have to be the brake's, they are a little bit all or nothing, but this could just be cheap pads or the pads in there not being beaded in properly.
Then there is the Foot brake lever which is set too high, which Alan said he could adjust easy enough. The only other thing is the notchy gear changes, The clutch is great but the shifting just seems a bit stiff, (definatly no flat shifting with this bike!)which Alan puts down to probably cheap oil in the thing so is probably easily fixed with good gearbox oil! I also spoke to Matt in the parts dept and every part for this bike is available, I doubt they will have it in stock but it sounds like the importer has some parts and the rest can be sourced from overseas. As for servicing, Ive known Alan for a long time and I dont think there is much he dosnt know about motorcycle engines and im sure he would stand behind any bike he sells! I personally am really considering this Megelli, it's got a 1 year warrenty and as i will be doing roughly 20000km in a year im pretty sure if something is gonna go wrong it will withen the first year, so therefore it will be covered by the warrenty. And lets face it, this has to be one of the best looking 250's ever to be on the market!
As a foot note, I also took the Ninja 250 out for a test ride, definatly faster top end, but as far as accelaration there isnt much in it at all! going thru the gears was a little nicer and the brakes, but the clutch was terrible and riding position is horrible, I prefer a more sporty riding position than sitting completly upright. I felt like i was sitting on top of it rather than in it.
Hope this helps

gatch

16th March 2011, 20:01

"it being underpowered - crankshaft output 27HP, rear-wheel output 16.2HP".

Is it considered normal to lose 11hp through your drive train ? That's a fair bit..

lostinflyz

16th March 2011, 20:42

man that thing looks stellar compared to any new 250. Sounds evil too.

A few tweaks here and there and im sure it could be a neat little weapon.

lostinflyz

16th March 2011, 21:31

seems like the bikes at colemans and whoever in welly are older versions of the same bike. The compression ratio went way up on the later models (mid 9's to mid 11;s), and the earliest version had a 5 speed box. The one issue with Chinese suppliers is they change parts and bits without telling a soul in my experience.

i really like the look, but more so i really like the weight (~40kg lighter than the new ninja's, from what i can tell) and i reckon with some minor tweaking you should be able to make a cool little racer out of one. oh no the gears are going now............

steelphoenix

17th March 2011, 17:09

@tigertim20 - Parts and servicing was one of my concerns; the mechanical soundness of the bike is very important to me, given I'll be using this as my primary transport; my poor old Ford Festiva is on her last legs and I'd really like to preserve her for as long as possible. I'm going to be popping in to my local Honda dealer and looking at a few of their used models - I may even consider forking out for the new CBR250-yaRRRRRRR ('cos it's pretty and reliable).

@Gatch - Yeah, I think 11HP loss is a bit excessive. I have a suspicion that the 27HP is possibly overestimated...

@Boss260A - Yes, I did notice that the gear lever was a bit stiff, but it didn't really bother me. The brake lever was OK for me, maybe a slightly different riding position? It's a fantastic looking, sounding machine (hence why I'm drooling over it :drool:), but I want to know about mechanical soundness before I drop $6k on it...

@lostinflyz - Yeah, a tasty-looking little bike, and very light and manoeverable. I had a ball with it, scooting through traffic up the motorway. Probably would be a good racer, but I'm not going to be racing... :(

boss260a

19th March 2011, 07:05

Well Colemans called me on Thursday and told me that they had made a few changes to the Magelli and asked me if I wanted to take it for another spin. So I had it Thursday night and took it to work on Friday for a test ride, after all that is what I would be buying it for. And after the few little changes they have made, this bike is great! All they did was change the gear box oil and lube up all the linkages, adjust the rear brake lever, fix the side stand issue.
It goes thru the gears real nice now. It feels real nice to ride, really smooth and stable. I let my friend have a ride and he completly aggrees and even thinks it has more torque than his 2010 Ninja 250! He said it felt like riding one of his old mans Ducati's!
On the motorway it easy sits on about 105kph at about 6500rpm in top gear and its just chugging along nicely, even giving the thottle a twist will see ya pick up speed without the need of changing down.
To tell the truth its really getting hard for me to fault this bike, its awesome to look at, the riding position is really nice, the bike feels smooth and positive and feels like it would really like going around corners! Probably the only thing I would be a little concerned over would be the quality of the electrics, but only time would tell there.
I enquired about the parts, and Triumph is the importer of these bikes and have enough parts in stock to build a complete bike and the more bikes they sell the more parts they will stock.
And to get things straight, this is a UK designed bike, built in the Benelli factory in China! So its not as "new" as everyone seems to think, the benelli factory puts out over a million motorcycles a year. After all, Most Audi's and VW's are built in china these days but no one would call them chinese cars would they??

jasonu

21st March 2011, 04:50

"it being underpowered - crankshaft output 27HP, rear-wheel output 16.2HP".

Is it considered normal to lose 11hp through your drive train ? That's a fair bit..

No, that is a big loss. I would expect to loose maybe 3-5%, but 30% loss sounds like the specs are wrong.

Hi everyone -

I'm a 3mth Learner rider, and whilst I'm desperately trying to hold off buying a bike (being a poor recent-student and whatnot), I've been sorely tempted by this pretty specimen of a machine that I saw in Coleman's.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B8Dh2WXNvg0/TUC8QpFcezI/AAAAAAAAEso/qEovwnqWbGg/s1600/Minerva%2Bsachs%2BMEGELLI%2B250R%2BFront%2BPic.jpg

I took it for a test ride, and really enjoyed it. Light, maneuverable, does corners on rails, and a real head-turner wow factor with gorgeous looks and bellowy little pipe.

My only question is - is it a good buy? As a new-in-2010 model, obviously it hasn't had much testing and exposure, but any input would be appreciated.

The reviews I've been reading/watching mainly complain about:

the sidestand being set too low (Colemans fixed this on the demo bike and said they'd do that on any one they sold)
it being underpowered - crankshaft output 27HP, rear-wheel output 16.2HP (not sure this is an issue - I hit 120 on the mway with ease, and a top speed of apx 140)
handlebars putting the horn on/pinching fingers at lock (not on the demo I rode, and Colemans again said if this was a concern they'd fix it)
headlight bulbs getting too hot (possible concern, but fixable)
possible brittleness of fairing plastic (possible concern)

As I said, I'm aware that there's little material at the moment, but any advice would be appreciated by this n00b.

Spec sheet from Bennche (http://www.bennche.com/product/Megelli_250r-specs.htm)
Spec sheet from Motorcycle.com (http://www.motorcycle.com/specs/qlink/sport/2009/megelli/250r.html)

The 'brittle fairing' thing will really screw you. You will get good service from Colemans re this issue during the warrenty period but after that you can't expect them to indefinitely supply replacements. In a couple or three years when you go to sell it, the broken/cracked fairings will really hurt your resale price even if the rest of the bike holds up OK.
If I were you I would ask Alan to show you the newest TWIN (or more) CYLINDER Jap bikes they have in your price range. You will then have something that is proven, reliable, serviceable most anywhere, parts mostly available, and most importantly RESELLABLE in a few years when you want more bang.
I look forward to hearing about what you end up buying.

boss260a

23rd March 2011, 08:48

At the end of the day its how you look after the bike will determin how long it lasts, Even a top of the line Jap bike or Ducati will only last 10 - 15k if its not looked after very well.
As for the plastic's I cant see this being much a problem unless you plan on dropping or falling off your bike on a regular basis? And even if you do the replacement panal's are alot cheaper than Jap oem panals! It will be cheaper to buy a new panal for the Magelli where as with a Jap bike alot of people have to get their fairing plastic welded and painted cause it works out cheaper than OEM. I have just brought one of these Magelli's, pick it up tomorrow so I will let ya know how it goes.
As im buying it as a comuter to get me to work and back every day and probably wont be doing much open road riding on it, I dont see the Hp being an issue, Torque is more useful for me and this definatly feels like it has more torque than the Ninja 250!
Alot of people just seem to focus on the negatives, a few of the positives that I found include things like the Build quality, the welding on the frame and swimgarm is top notch! alot nicer finish than my RGV. The Magelli has stock Braided brake lines, scalloped alloy brackets and a shift light, you dont find that sort of finish stock on most japper's!
At the end of the day sure the Ninja might be slightly more refined and have slighty more HP which gives it probably about 10 - 15kph more top end, but to me there is no way that the Ninja is $2400 better than the Magelli. So for me the Magelli is far better value for money.

CookMySock

23rd March 2011, 11:11

I want to know about mechanical soundness before I drop $6k on it...Better take a look at it's resale value in 18 months time, and ask yourself how much money you are prepared to flush down the loo. :sick:

steelphoenix

24th March 2011, 20:25

jasonu

25th March 2011, 08:19

Well, I think I found a better bike for cheaper, like people have suggested - when I decide which one to get!

There's the pocket-rocket CBR250RR, and the fun-but-kinda-sensible VTR 250 (yes, yes, Hondas, I like them, so sue me). Both for $5000, both in very good nick.

Decisions, decisions...

Both will hold their value better than the wopsicle. Also, buying a good used bike means you don't take the 'new vehicle' devaluation as soon as you ride it out of the shop. I hope these Hondas are coming from Alan at Colemans, a good guy who won't put you wrong.

CookMySock

25th March 2011, 08:32

5k is just a wee bit steep for either of those bikes IMO, unless they are super-low km's, and they wont be.

steelphoenix

25th March 2011, 09:50

Both will hold their value better than the wopsicle. Also, buying a good used bike means you don't take the 'new vehicle' devaluation as soon as you ride it out of the shop. I hope these Hondas are coming from Alan at Colemans, a good guy who won't put you wrong.
The VTR is from Colemans, the CBR is from Botany Honda. Both reputable dealers, and I'm sure they'll stand behind their bikes with a warranty and so on.

5k is just a wee bit steep for either of those bikes IMO, unless they are super-low km's, and they wont be.
It's dealer prices, unfortunately, but I will be seeing if they can be talked down a bit.
Most of the CBRs I've seen being privately advertised (Motorcycle Trader, TradeMe, classifieds, etc) are somewhere between 4k-5k. It's a 1990, one of the MC-22s, and it's in very good nick, and has 22k on the clock, so I think it's a decent price, though yes, a bit on the high side.

jasonu

25th March 2011, 12:04

The VTR is from Colemans, the CBR is from Botany Honda. Both reputable dealers, and I'm sure they'll stand behind their bikes with a warranty and so on.

It's dealer prices, unfortunately, but I will be seeing if they can be talked down a bit.
Most of the CBRs I've seen being privately advertised (Motorcycle Trader, TradeMe, classifieds, etc) are somewhere between 4k-5k. It's a 1990, one of the MC-22s, and it's in very good nick, and has 22k on the clock, so I think it's a decent price, though yes, a bit on the high side.

$5k for a 21 yr old bike? Sounds like a lot to me but I've been out of the country for 12 years...
Mind you, if that is the going rate then so be it. I bet the wopsicle you looked at won't be worth anywhere near $5k in 2032

boss260a

25th March 2011, 12:39

$5k for a 21 yr old bike? Sounds like a lot to me but I've been out of the country for 12 years...
Mind you, if that is the going rate then so be it. I bet the wopsicle you looked at won't be worth anywhere near $5k in 2032

Just wondering mate, have you even seen this bike that your knocking in person, or taken it for a ride? Or are you just summing this bike up as crap cause its assembled in china?

CookMySock

25th March 2011, 21:15

It's a 1990, one of the MC-22s, and it's in very good nick, and has 22k on the clock, so I think it's a decent price, though yes, a bit on the high side.Maybe that will be ok then. Gawd help you if you drop it or have an engine problem.

steelphoenix

25th March 2011, 22:48

Maybe that will be ok then. Gawd help you if you drop it or have an engine problem.

Yeah, I know... :yes: But them's the breaks with an older bike, and I'm prepared to take those risks (definitely not intending on dropping it... those fairings would be hell to replace, given they're originals).

@Boss260 - Keep us posted on the Megelli's performance, would you? I'd be interested in knowing how they stack up. :)

blackdog

25th March 2011, 22:52

The Bennche Megelli is completely unknown. If you want to be the guinea pig then go for it.

It's brand new, that is what warranties are for!

I say go for it!

steelphoenix

26th March 2011, 12:31

It's brand new, that is what warranties are for!

I say go for it!

I am having difficulties telling whether or not you're being sarcastic... :blink:

blackdog

26th March 2011, 12:35

I am having difficulties telling whether or not you're being sarcastic... :blink:

:lol: no, not sarcastic at all. the beauty of new machines is the warranty! nothing to worry about!:)

The Everlasting

28th March 2011, 07:53

Well, I think I found a better bike for cheaper, like people have suggested - when I decide which one to get!

There's the pocket-rocket CBR250RR, and the fun-but-kinda-sensible VTR 250 (yes, yes, Hondas, I like them, so sue me). Both for $5000, both in very good nick.

Decisions, decisions...

I would go for the CBR250RR,they are a proven reliable bike,and you will be able to sell it easily. Although the Megelli does sound good,and if you bought one you would get a new bike,also there probably aren't many around,so people will be asking you what it is.

rabidnz

2nd April 2011, 06:15

nothing to worry about? with an unknown chinese bike? more money than sense spending 6k , i would have a gsxr 600/zx7r for that with change to buy an mc19 off trademe! or otherwise an rs250/mc28/vj23 and start learnin to maintain bikes so you dont give all your money away hand over fist

_tui_

8th April 2012, 11:03

boss260a, How's that Megelli working out for you?
I'm curious to know how it's behaving now one year on.