Is 2-3K for a well maintained 250cc bike too much of a stretch?

[Brayden]

I've been looking on trademe lately for a 250cc bike. I can't for the life of me find a bike in the 2-3k range that isn't half broken or has like 80,000 km's on the clock (In wellington anyway...) Is 2-3k a realistic figure or do I need to save for another year and buy something in the 5000$ range. *Note that I really don't want to do this

[MSTRS]

There is one simple answer...yes.
Covers all your points/questions.
Unfortunately, 250s have always been 'over-priced'.

[The Pastor]

I've been looking on trademe lately for a 250cc bike. I can't for the life of me find a bike in the 2-3k range that isn't half broken or has like 80,000 km's on the clock (In wellington anyway...) Is 2-3k a realistic figure or do I need to save for another year and buy something in the 5000$ range. *Note that I really don't want to do this

a well looked after mc22 with 80 000k's would be perfectly fine.

Finding a well looked after 250 is harder than fining the holy grail however.

[imdying]

I know of a guy with a couple of clean MC19s at $3500 each. Chch though.

[imdying]

How much rubble are they under?If you post pictures of your face cut up with a knife, and then battery acid poured into the wounds, then I'll tell you. If not, fuck off twerp :rolleyes:

[imdying]

:lol: :lol: You're stiil a dick!You'd know, you're the expert.

[cbfb]

Give it 6 months and I'll sell ya one ;)

[sgtp]

you gotta be quick, i suppose. My 2007 gpx had 52,000km and I got it for less than 3k...couldnt be happier with this purchase :woohoo: Obviously a private sale is the way to go.

[Brayden]

Wow nice pick up.. I guess I just have to wait for that epic bargain to come around then snap it up quick.. If anyone sees any good deals I'd appreciate it if you link them in this thread.. Cheers

[tigertim20]

I've been looking on trademe lately for a 250cc bike. I can't for the life of me find a bike in the 2-3k range that isn't half broken or has like 80,000 km's on the clock (In wellington anyway...) Is 2-3k a realistic figure or do I need to save for another year and buy something in the 5000$ range. *Note that I really don't want to do this

Generally, yep it is a bit of a stretch. I ask though, what kind of bike are you looking for exactly, as that influences price somewhat, I know where theres a CBR250, with a legit 11k on the clock, that has been serviced properly for 4k, you need to look around, and also look further afield than just your town, lots of deals out there, and its not that expensive to transport a bike toyou via biketranz or someone else.

What exactly are you after?

For 3k, youl get something that probably has half worn tyres (ok, 250's last ages on tyres) and needs an oil and filter change (I do this in first week of ownership, REGARDLESS of what seervicing the seller says has been done) and probably has half worn brake pads.

Your best bet is to find something with a current wof, but no rego. the cost of rego seems to make sellers think they can increase their asking price susbstantially at the momment.

Are you, or any of your trusted friends mechanically minded? You can get some sweet deals if youre prepared to spend a few hours with a spanner, thats how I usually shop, and Ive had some fucking awesome deals on bikes for the sake of a few hours with tools.

[Brayden]

Ideally I'm looking for something sporty. I want to be able to have a bit of fun on it / go for some blitzes around some coastal areas that sort of thing. Don't want a cruiser, although I did look at a scorpio at one point but apparently after 100km/h they get super sluggish.

I have a friend of a friend who is a mechanic but he is an apprentice and only does cars. Unfortunately none of my friends / friends parents own bikes either. I don't really want to buy out of Wellington as I'd like to get the bike inspected before I buy. I'm more or less mechanically retarded and only just learnt to change the oil on my bike..

3 Grand is my absolute limit.. It's all I've got saved and since I'm a student unless I win lotto my savings aren't going to be going up any time soon!

[cbfb]

How handy are you? If you can find your way around a toolbox it might be possible to find something a bit rough around the edges and give it a bit of a tidy-up. People not so mechanically minded would be put off so the price might be a bit more favourable.

I bought mine for $2700 and spent a fair bit of time on it, rebuilt the top end myself, and about $5-700 in parts and labour (mechanic did what I couldn't do like carb tuning and coolant testing etc). Now it is pretty mint, rides really nicely and more importantly I trust it not to breakdown or try to kill me.

So prob about $3400 all up, it's a GSF250 with around 50k on the clock.

EDIT: sorry just realised this echoes what tigertim20 said... but yeah a bit of work could save you a few $$$s or at least give you peace of mind that you aren't riding around on something waiting to fall apart on you.

[MSTRS]

I don't really want to buy out of Wellington as I'd like to get the bike inspected before I buy.

Use the power of KB.
Seen a bike in Anywhereton? Get on KB and ask nicely if someone in that area would mind checking it out, etc. Just be sure that the bike is something you would buy if it's ok.
Lots of knowledge and expertise on here, and some are very happy to help out.

[tigertim20]

Ideally I'm looking for something sporty. I want to be able to have a bit of fun on it / go for some blitzes around some coastal areas that sort of thing. Don't want a cruiser, although I did look at a scorpio at one point but apparently after 100km/h they get super sluggish.

I have a friend of a friend who is a mechanic but he is an apprentice and only does cars. Unfortunately none of my friends / friends parents own bikes either. I don't really want to buy out of Wellington as I'd like to get the bike inspected before I buy. I'm more or less mechanically retarded and only just learnt to change the oil on my bike..

3 Grand is my absolute limit.. It's all I've got saved and since I'm a student unless I win lotto my savings aren't going to be going up any time soon!

Mechanically retarded, save another thousand bucks man, simple as aye, in the meantime, keep your eyes open for deals, TRademe search daily, and remember that people also sill list elsewhere, and dont use trademe.

if youre after a good bike for that coin, Id suggest two things:
1. keep in touch with people you know, thats likely your best bet, through someone you know.

secondly, go to the local bikeshops. Lots of bikeshops DONT like doing trade ins, so let them know what youre after, that way, they might have someone come in with say a ZXR250, who wants to buy a 600, but the shop doesnt want to trade in, and the guy with the zxr need another couple thousand in cash to get his upgrade.. Bike shops will usually play middle man for things like that if it means they get a sale out of it, so go and make yourself known to them.

[cbfb]

I'm more or less mechanically retarded

Sorry didn't read that bit.

Are you seriously not good at mechanics or just not interested in it?

If you can't be f*cked then fair enough (don't blame you I hate housework), but if it's just cause you don't know much, get on KB, were some bloody awesome guys helping me out when I did the Bandit. Get stuck in, take your time and think about it first before doing anything.

[tigertim20]

Use the power of KB.
Seen a bike in Anywhereton? Get on KB and ask nicely if someone in that area would mind checking it out, etc. Just be sure that the bike is something you would buy if it's ok.
Lots of knowledge and expertise on here, and some are very happy to help out.

Great advice right there, many poeple have used this system.

[Brayden]

Cheers for the replies guys appreciate it. I checked this bike out last week but considering he said it has been sitting in the shed for a month and couldn't even get it started I was heaps weary.. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-366115736.htm

I was also looking at this bike however Carjam reports it recently failed a wof so not sure.. http://www.motorcycletrader.co.nz/View/Used/SUZUKI-GSX-R250-1989/40715.aspx

If i see a bike that I seriously would consider getting then hell yeah asking around on here if someone could give me a hand is definitely an option

[CookMySock]

Either of those bikes - you would well advised to make a decision now and move very quickly, especially the little GSXR.

[Bren]

Here is what you do Brayden, Every day at least twice a day scan Trademe...If you can scan more frequently then do it. set your search to display new listings first...and persevere...Eventually you will find what you want at a good price...
..I bought my girl her first bike last week...a '99 Suzuki GZ250 with 11,000km for $1000...sure it needs to be re registered, but thats only another $500 or so....and its very tidy

Persevere....and be ready to snap it up when it comes along!

[tigertim20]

Cheers for the replies guys appreciate it. I checked this bike out last week but considering he said it has been sitting in the shed for a month and couldn't even get it started I was heaps weary.. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-366115736.htm

I was also looking at this bike however Carjam reports it recently failed a wof so not sure.. http://www.motorcycletrader.co.nz/View/Used/SUZUKI-GSX-R250-1989/40715.aspx

If i see a bike that I seriously would consider getting then hell yeah asking around on here if someone could give me a hand is definitely an option

a failed wof is definitely NOT something to worry about. ask for the wof sheet and see what it needed. it might have just needed a light bulb, or a fuse or a tyre or or or. dont let that put you off.
Oh and Ignore DB, dont rush in, you have indicated you dont know alot about bikes, so take your time, and make sure you have bought wisely. dont wanna be sitting there wth a lemon aye!

[ducatilover]

The GSX-R is quicker (which is what every learner wants right?)
The GPX are a great wee bike, but, I reckon you could get one that's original for that coin.
I myself would hang out for a CBR250R or VT250 Spada at that price range, don't rush in to it, make sure you're getting the best deal around and choose very carefully, if I was down Wellington way I would be more than happy to help out and i bet there are a few KB members who will.

[MSTRS]

Check this one out. (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-366284317.htm)

[racefactory]

a well looked after mc22 with 80 000k's would be perfectly fine.


Yeap just get a ''high kms'' CBR250 or ZXR250. You will probably be able to get one for that price and the kms do not really mean anything.

[racefactory]

a failed wof is definitely NOT something to worry about. ask for the wof sheet and see what it needed. it might have just needed a light bulb, or a fuse or a tyre or or or. dont let that put you off.
Oh and Ignore DB, dont rush in, you have indicated you dont know alot about bikes, so take your time, and make sure you have bought wisely. dont wanna be sitting there wth a lemon aye!

Yeap wof does not mean shit. It's a joke.

The best deals are to be had from people who are too fucking lazy to wof and rego it... you can get them for very cheap and generally won't need anything to get through wof. Or get something with a flat battery or other minor nuisance and have fun spannering for 30 mins.

For that price you will be looking for something along these lines. If you want wof and rego, low kms and all that bullshit then that's what a dealer is there for to sell you a 5.4k bike.

[ducatilover]

Yeap wof does not mean shit. It's a joke.

The best deals are to be had from people who are too fucking lazy to wof and rego it...

Rubbish, if one is too lazy to bring the vehicle up to WoF standard then chances it's poorly serviced. The KM's are no big deal, only if the vehicle has been treated right, not thrashed when cold and serviced regularly, that's how my VT250 made 154k before I sold it running fine, just a bit of cam chain noise as one would expect from a Honda Twin of the era.
:facepalm:

[racefactory]

Rubbish, if one is too lazy to bring the vehicle up to WoF standard then chances it's poorly serviced. The KM's are no big deal, only if the vehicle has been treated right, not thrashed when cold and serviced regularly, that's how my VT250 made 154k before I sold it running fine, just a bit of cam chain noise as one would expect from a Honda Twin of the era.
:facepalm:

What do you mean 'bring it up to wof standards'? Put a fucking bulb in it? That's a joke... wof is a sticker that any bike can get and have numerous potential safety issues. They don't check for warped brake rotors, perishing chains, loose and cracked clip ons, old perished tyres, rooted suspension in any form, cracked frames etc etc. Wof doesn't mean shit, it's just a sticker, it's just the bureaucracy of paper pushers behind desks.

A race bike can fail wof but be better serviced, better condition and more 'safe' than any clueless 'woffing' owner. Sorry but Wof is a total crock of shit.

[Brayden]

Wheres the best place to post asking for some possible help on looking at some potential bikes?

This looks nice however wary about the KM's and age.. Odo windback? http://www.motorcycletrader.co.nz/View/Used/HONDA-CBR250-1987/42261.aspx?N=0&No=30&Nf=P_Capacity|BTWN+250+250|P_Price|BTWN+2000+5000|

This looks good and is near Wellington http://www.motorcycletrader.co.nz/View/Used/KAWASAKI-ZXR-1989/40301.aspx?N=0&No=60&Nf=P_Capacity|BTWN+250+250|P_Price|BTWN+2000+5000|

This looks vary nice and could probably low ball him a bit.. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-359431966.htm

And here is a CBR, however it is in Wanganui which means I couldn't check everything out to see if it's ok.. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-353051575.htm

[imdying]

What do you mean 'bring it up to wof standards'? That's a joke... wof is a sticker that any bike can get and have numerous potential safety issues. They don't check for warped brake rotors, perishing chains, loose and cracked clip ons, old perished tyres, rooted suspension, cracked frames etc. Wof doesn't mean shit, it's just a sticker, it's just the bureaucracy of paper pushers behind desks.

A race bike can fail wof but be better serviced and in better condition than any clueless 'woffing' owner. Wof is a total crock of shit.That's the bloody point... if it can't even pass a simple WOF then it must be a total piece of crap.

[racefactory]

That's the bloody point... if it can't even pass a simple WOF then it must be a total piece of crap.

Because of a bulb? A fuse? Headlight aim? Fuck that.

[MSTRS]

The point of a wof not meaning a thing is that the testers don't (and can't) see a lot of potential problems and just pass a bike, cause it ticks the boxes on their form. It can also be failed for things that aren't really a problem (no number plate light).

[Brayden]

This looks nice however wary about the KM's and age.. Odo windback? http://www.motorcycletrader.co.nz/View/Used/HONDA-CBR250-1987/42261.aspx?N=0&No=30&Nf=P_Capacity|BTWN+250+250|P_Price|BTWN+2000+5000|
This looks good and is near Wellington http://www.motorcycletrader.co.nz/View/Used/KAWASAKI-ZXR-1989/40301.aspx?N=0&No=60&Nf=P_Capacity|BTWN+250+250|P_Price|BTWN+2000+5000|
his looks vary nice and could probably low ball him a bit.. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-359431966.htm
And here is a CBR, however it is in Wanganui which means I couldn't check everything out to see if it's ok..http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-353051575.htm

[ducatilover]

What do you mean 'bring it up to wof standards'? Put a fucking bulb in it? That's a joke... wof is a sticker that any bike can get and have numerous potential safety issues. They don't check for warped brake rotors, perishing chains, loose and cracked clip ons, old perished tyres, rooted suspension in any form, cracked frames etc etc. Wof doesn't mean shit, it's just a sticker, it's just the bureaucracy of paper pushers behind desks.

A race bike can fail wof but be better serviced, better condition and more 'safe' than any clueless 'woffing' owner. Sorry but Wof is a total crock of shit.
If one is too lazy to even manage that, then why would they bother servicing the bike? Head, sand, remove.


That's the bloody point... if it can't even pass a simple WOF then it must be a total piece of crap.


Because of a bulb? A fuse? Headlight aim? Fuck that.

Refer above, we are not waffling about the WoF standards, but, the ideology that if one cannot bring it to these pathetic standards, then they would most likely never service it. This is not about the WoF guidelines at all, I myself think they are rubbish.

[racefactory]

Well if it's simply expired then that's fine but if there is someone who took it to wof but actually can't make the effort to get it to pass then there is indeed a problem.

[ducatilover]

Well if it's simply expired then that's fine but if there is someone who took it to wof but actually can't make the effort to get it to pass then there is indeed a problem.

My point exactly.....

Those links in your post Brayden don't seem to work?

[Brayden]

Yeah sorry just fixed them then. Im guessing this is the sort of cheap deal I'm looking for that could be possibly fixed up? http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-361032561.htm

And wtf at this cbr250rr for 1.2k? http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-366471965.htm Surely must something wrong with it..

[avgas]

Check this one out. (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-366284317.htm)
bloody hell that is a good buy!

[avgas]

Yeah sorry just fixed them then. Im guessing this is the sort of cheap deal I'm looking for that could be possibly fixed up? http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-361032561.htm

And wtf at this cbr250rr for 1.2k? http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-366471965.htm Surely must something wrong with it..
Both of those are only worth $1000 max

Buy the bike MSTRS found - REALLY CHEAP and you could beg it down to 3K cash if your quick

[racefactory]

Yeah sorry just fixed them then. Im guessing this is the sort of cheap deal I'm looking for that could be possibly fixed up? http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-361032561.htm

And wtf at this cbr250rr for 1.2k? http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-366471965.htm Surely must something wrong with it..

dude it's a MC17.. totally different bike from the MC22.

[ducatilover]

The Zeal MSTRS posted a link to is a brilliant deal.

[Brayden]

That Zeal is a great deal however a Rego ticket and Uni books has just dropped my budget to about 2.4kish...

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-367369511.htm

Anyone know anything about these bikes? The k's on Carjam are genuine, it had a border check at 18,000 k's. However I'm super scared about people winding clocks back before they import it over..

If I can I would rather spend less money than more ^.^

[ducatilover]

That Zeal is a great deal however a Rego ticket and Uni books has just dropped my budget to about 2.4kish...

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-367369511.htm

Anyone know anything about these bikes? The k's on Carjam are genuine, it had a border check at 18,000 k's. However I'm super scared about people winding clocks back before they import it over..

If I can I would rather spend less money than more ^.^

They are the same engine as the Bandit/GSF250, grouse little bikes, I myself have wanted to get one and just look at it. Nothing serious goes wrong with them to my knowledge and I found them nicer to ride than the Bandit and GSXR, a good wee compromise and always cheap as chips.

[MSTRS]

...I'm super scared about people winding clocks back ...

And you think that would never happen with a local bike?
Whenever you buy a used vehicle, you are not going to REALLY know what has/hasn't been done to it. Unless a family member/mate bought it new and you've been around it ever since.
The best that anyone can do is assure themselves that a bike's condition reflects the (apparent) mileage. That is the only way you have of being reasonably assured that it is 'honest'.

Those Katanas aren't bad. Have a look here (http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/suzuki_gsx_250_ssn_katana_1992.php) at the specs. Price looks reasonable too, for such low kms etc.

[avgas]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-367369511.htm
Thats a good bike. Good deal.
Go for it.

FYI they are great bikes.

[racefactory]

However I'm super scared about people winding clocks back before they import it over..



If you are scared about this then you have to get a NZ new ninja 250/hyobag/this new shit... These older, more quality bikes have all had their clocks wound back and speedos disconnected- you have to get used to that. Also the odometer is the last of your worries.

These CBR250RR's etc will be hard to meet your requirements mate; toughen up a little or go shell out for the slow Ninja 250's etc. 3 grand is not a lot of money at all; unfortunately you can't expect it to have an accurate odometer or to have never been dropped, never raced etc unless it's a GN250.

Good luck man.

[Brayden]

Yeah quite keen on the katana. Just emailed the seller seeing if some sort of arrangement with transport can be made. A friend of a friend just asked me if I wanted their bike. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-366856365.htm

Well maintained I've seen it myself it's a nice little bike. I could probably get it for 2.4. Has anyone ridden one of these before? Are they very fast? Looks more like a cruiser than anything else

[ducatilover]

They are slower than chinese torture and about as enjoyable. :facepalm: Seriously, I'd rather an FXR150
The Katana 250 is a brilliant bike, especially for the money.

[MSTRS]

They are ok. Not very fast, but only the proper sport-type 250s are, anyway. Commuter - not a cruiser.

[Brayden]

Ok cheers for the replies guys, katana sounds quite good at this point, anyone happen to know anybody from tauraunga heading to Wellington any time soon? xDD

[MSTRS]

First you must secure the bike....
Why organise possible delivery now? The bike might be rubbish. Or sold to someone else.

[Buyasta]

Well maintained I've seen it myself it's a nice little bike. I could probably get it for 2.4. Has anyone ridden one of these before? Are they very fast? Looks more like a cruiser than anything else
I've got a Scorpio that I've clocked up about 3000km on in the two and a half months I've had it, and they're a great little bike for the money.

Obviously they're not overly quick - I have to drop down a gear to maintain 100 with a headwind, and top out at about 110-115 unless it's downhill, but I also weigh more than the bike, so for someone who'd not a complete fat bastard it'd be less of an issue.

Being a single cylinder they're ridiculously simple and easy to work on, which is always a plus, and should be fairly reliable - I've had no issues with mine, despite thrashing the hell out of it to keep up with all the folks on bigger bikes that I ride with

Ultimately it depends on what you want - if you're concerned about image at all, best steer clear, but if you want something cheap and reliable that'll get you through your learner and/or restricted period, they're a great choice if you can pick one up cheap like I did - $1400 for an 07 with 20,000km on the clock.

It's also interesting seeing the reactions of others on the thread to the Scorpio, as the only reaction I've ever gotten in person has been extremely positive - I've been told by a number of mechanics that they're bloody great little bikes, and that there's nothing else anywhere near that price to match them, and the same thing from a couple of instructors at a Prorider training day recently, so it really seems the only two things people don't tend to like about them are that they aren't as quick as a sportsbike, to which I'd point out they also don't have the pricetag of a sportsbike, and what often seems to be the bigger reason many who are new to biking don't want one, which is that they don't fit the cool guy image of themselves on a motorbike that they had, to which I'd say stop taking yourself so seriously and who the hell cares - if you're new to riding, chances you're going to make a fool of yourself at least a few times anyway.

Actually, one last thing - the lack of fairings is a godsend if there's even a chance you might drop it, I've heard stories of people paying more to fix a fairing on a 250 sportsbike than I paid for my entire bike, first set of tyres and first service.

[Brayden]

I guess that is a very good point. I must admit when I thought of buying a new bike I envisioned myself blitzing around on a sports bike around the bays etc. However with my budget, which just became even lower, I guess this might not possibly be a reality.

It annoys me how expensive 250cc bikes are.. I've looked at much higher powered bikes and they're like the same price if not cheaper? I guess just taking the cheap cruiser option for 12 months could be a good idea. Plus I only weigh 62 KG so a scorpio might go a bit quicker with me on it ^.^

The seller of that black scorpio wants to let the auction run and if no sale occurs then she says she'll consider selling it to me for 2.4k. But if you managed to pick one up for 1.4 I'd like to know your secret xD

[ducatilover]

Actually, one last thing - the lack of fairings is a godsend if there's even a chance you might drop it, I've heard stories of people paying more to fix a fairing on a 250 sportsbike than I paid for my entire bike, first set of tyres and first service.

Even though you can buy a brand new fairing set for a CBR250 mc19 or 22 for under $800 in any colour scheme you want? :innocent:

[blackdog]

bloody hell that is a good buy!

And they are a great wee machine. I'm happy to have a look with you if ya like, I'll PM you my number. I bet we can beat him down a bit on the dollars too ;)

[Brayden]

Hey guys been continuing to browse trademe, this just came up. Anybody offer advice on these bikes? http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=367866804 This is much more in my price range, plus I could probably wiggle him down to 2000 and use the rest to get some new bike gear or something like that!

Big bonus that it is in Wellington as I can actually check the bike out, Blackdog kindly offered to help me check some bikes out so this is also a positive

Thoughts?

[MSTRS]

Spadas are fantastic little bikes.
The main thing to watch with them is the cam chains. Very expensive to replace.
My advice? Get it checked, and if it's ok ... GO FOR IT!!!

[blackdog]

Hey guys been continuing to browse trademe, this just came up. Anybody offer advice on these bikes? http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=367866804 This is much more in my price range, plus I could probably wiggle him down to 2000 and use the rest to get some new bike gear or something like that!

Big bonus that it is in Wellington as I can actually check the bike out, Blackdog kindly offered to help me check some bikes out so this is also a positive

Thoughts?

looks good, and i think the vendor is a KB'er. let's go and have a look if you are interested.

[Brayden]

Cheers for the replies. Yeah blackdog didn't see your post and just sent you a PM lol. By the way my number is 0273190491

[blackdog]

Well, it looks like a nice clean bike for it's age.

I would be inclined to do an oil/filter change asap unless russell has information confirming it has been done in the last 5000km's.

The only other thing I would do is tweak up the chain. If you can't do it yourself get the bike shop doing the next WOF to do it for you. If they are GC's they shouldn't charge you for it.

Many happy days riding ahead mate, and it will be just as much fun round the bays as anything else! I think you just scored a good honest bike for the money.

[TOTO]

2-3 k will get you a perfect GN250. Whats the problem ?

[Brayden]

Yeah cheers mate was a big help for coming down all the way from the Hutt. Yeah choice will probably get it serviced asap anyway. Drove away thinking maybe I could have gone a bit lower than 2k but it was pretty cheap anyway and didn't want to low ball him really hard.

First thing I will be doing when my exams are done this weekend will be taking it for a blat! Hopefully it's sunny on saturday :yes:

Cheers for everyones replies and input, I have scored myself a 1988 Spada, see this link http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=367866804

[blackdog]

Yeah cheers mate was a big help for coming down all the way from the Hutt. Yeah choice will probably get it serviced asap anyway. Drove away thinking maybe I could have gone a bit lower than 2k but it was pretty cheap anyway and didn't want to low ball him really hard.

First thing I will be doing when my exams are done this weekend will be taking it for a blat! Hopefully it's sunny on saturday :yes:

@2k i think it was a fair deal.

If my new bike is ready by sunday I'l come for a ride wiv ya!

(if you want to ride on sat 16th, there is an easter egg run will be loads of fun)

[racefactory]

Good outcome and good bike. Good on ya. Have a good one.

[ducatilover]

Yeah cheers mate was a big help for coming down all the way from the Hutt. Yeah choice will probably get it serviced asap anyway. Drove away thinking maybe I could have gone a bit lower than 2k but it was pretty cheap anyway and didn't want to low ball him really hard.

First thing I will be doing when my exams are done this weekend will be taking it for a blat! Hopefully it's sunny on saturday :yes:

Cheers for everyones replies and input, I have scored myself a 1988 Spada, see this link http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=367866804


Hey mate, epic choice IMHO, great wee bikes, if you need any info or help with it PM me, I ran one for 130,000km, sold it with 154 on the clock :shit:
Inspiration for noise, <iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/H_iagwT6yMM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

This was my Spada just before it's paint job and a few weeks before I sold it. :love:
I would own another in a heart beat.

[Brayden]

@2k i think it was a fair deal.

If my new bike is ready by sunday I'l come for a ride wiv ya!

(if you want to ride on sat 16th, there is an easter egg run will be loads of fun)

Yeah sounds good mate just flick me a PM!

Nice man I've got a mate with professional painting gear might possibly think about getting it painted. Also where did you buy the wind visor (if that's what you call it) from? Also are they hard to fit to the bike? Cheers

[ducatilover]

Yeah sounds good mate just flick me a PM!

Nice man I've got a mate with professional painting gear might possibly think about getting it painted. Also where did you buy the wind visor (if that's what you call it) from? Also are they hard to fit to the bike? Cheers

It was from an NC29 CBR400RR and I used a MC22 CBR250RR mount, which I made from two bent ones and cut/welded them to the right shape, I had to make mounts for the mount :facepalm: It was a big mission at the time, but, I could do it again a whole lot easier and tidier. It was also using "streetfighter" headlights I had for a while before hand, but, proper CBR ones would be cheaper/easier.
The exhaust was a trick bit of kit too :love: It's where the biggest restriction is.

[MSTRS]

Good stuff! Spada are great bikes, very capable, handle well, more than fast enough.
As I said, the only 'worry' is camchains, but if the engine isn't making any buzzy, rattly sounds, then it's all good.
Run decent tyres (Sports Demons or BT45s, say), keep it maintained, and it will look after you well beyond the time it takes to get your full licence.

[ducatilover]

Good stuff! Spada are great bikes, very capable, handle well, more than fast enough.
As I said, the only 'worry' is camchains, but if the engine isn't making any buzzy, rattly sounds, then it's all good.
Run decent tyres (Sports Demons or BT45s, say), keep it maintained, and it will look after you well beyond the time it takes to get your full licence.

It's the tensioner, the oil feed is too small. Not a huge job to do, mine never needed a cam chain done, but i had to do the tensioners.

[MSTRS]

Tensioners are not a problem. But chains are a biggie...

[racefactory]

The chain snaps? That isn't common at all is it?

[ducatilover]

The chain snaps? That isn't common at all is it? Never heard of that happening on one, mine had the original honda chain after 150,000km and it was still fine.


Tensioners are not a problem. But chains are a biggie...

Tensioners ont hem seize due to the oil feed being so small, this kills the chain. Save the tensioners and the chain will be fine, mine was.

[blackdog]

Good stuff! Spada are great bikes, very capable, handle well, more than fast enough.
As I said, the only 'worry' is camchains, but if the engine isn't making any buzzy, rattly sounds, then it's all good.
Run decent tyres (Sports Demons or BT45s, say), keep it maintained, and it will look after you well beyond the time it takes to get your full licence.

cam chain was quiet as a mouse.

[Brayden]

Picked up the bike at 6.30 tonight, just took it for a blat around Welly, bike felt really comfortable and after 5 minutes felt like I'd been riding it for ages. So much fucking fun it is a blast to ride and pulls well also. (However after a 125cc stop and go scooter anything probably would)

I should have been studying, but shit all I could think about was a brand new bike sitting in my garage, so had to take it out for a ride.

Next step is to get some insurance. Can anyone give some advice on some good insurance companies for bikes? Obviously I'm ruling out AMI due to the recent issues with CHCH

[MSTRS]

Kiwibike are specialist bike insurance (brokers?).
As good as any, and better than most, seems to be the concensus round these parts.

[ducatilover]

i agree, kiwibike are great