russellbowden
18th June 2012, 14:29
Hello Kiwibiker world! First time post here..
Normal people call me crazy, but I've Just bought a chinese 'Star Amazonas 250' in Paraguay, South America to ride as far as it will take me, or to Chile, or until I run out of cash, whichever comes first.
(Sorry, I can't get these images working!) but the links work.
here's one on the showroom floor
http://makingituponamotorbike.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/photo1.jpg
And the one I bought a few days later ($2,000USD)
http://makingituponamotorbike.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/photo2.jpg
Does anyone know if these are even available in NZ? and if so I wonder what name they go under, I've never seen it on Trademe.
Anyway, here are some of it's specs.
128KG dry weight
229cc air cooled OHV Pushrod engine.
5 speed
9.0:1 compression ratio
10.1L fuel tank
1.1L oil capacity.
Claimed HP, 16 @7,000RPM.
Claimed carrying weight 150KG incl. rider.
Also the manual claims the top speed to be 100kph, which after feeling how low geared it is, I believe it.
Apparently the engine is an old honda design, but I'm not sure.
I also recently discovered it's more or less the same as the self destructing 'ronco demolition 250' belonging a guy on another forum. (horizonsunlimited.com)
I've been telling myself everything will be ok, it's probably not as bad as some people say it will be and the bike will be better than the english in it's manal, but it didn't take long too long to dispell that hope.
I got about 4KM from the dealer's place and it started getting super hot, the plug looked lean and I richened the mix as much as I could but still needed to stop 5x on the usually 15 minute ride back to the backpackers' hostel! I've changed the oil, the plug and richened it further (plug still says lean but it's maxed out) and it does seem to run cooler although possibly warmer than normal.
The idea of taking something like this gets some excited and makes other cringe, but It's paid for, the handle is pulled and the dice is thrown. Best case scenario I get to Chile without any major catastrophies, worst case scenario it blows up but I still write a good blog about it.
So if anyone has any more info on this bike I've just bought, especially other names it might go under and the origin of the engine I'd love to hear it!
Questions? Comments? Think it can - or can't make it? post a reply!
and follow the trip on www.makingituponamotorbike.wordpress.com
Russell.
Normal people call me crazy, but I've Just bought a chinese 'Star Amazonas 250' in Paraguay, South America to ride as far as it will take me, or to Chile, or until I run out of cash, whichever comes first.
(Sorry, I can't get these images working!) but the links work.
here's one on the showroom floor
http://makingituponamotorbike.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/photo1.jpg
And the one I bought a few days later ($2,000USD)
http://makingituponamotorbike.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/photo2.jpg
Does anyone know if these are even available in NZ? and if so I wonder what name they go under, I've never seen it on Trademe.
Anyway, here are some of it's specs.
128KG dry weight
229cc air cooled OHV Pushrod engine.
5 speed
9.0:1 compression ratio
10.1L fuel tank
1.1L oil capacity.
Claimed HP, 16 @7,000RPM.
Claimed carrying weight 150KG incl. rider.
Also the manual claims the top speed to be 100kph, which after feeling how low geared it is, I believe it.
Apparently the engine is an old honda design, but I'm not sure.
I also recently discovered it's more or less the same as the self destructing 'ronco demolition 250' belonging a guy on another forum. (horizonsunlimited.com)
I've been telling myself everything will be ok, it's probably not as bad as some people say it will be and the bike will be better than the english in it's manal, but it didn't take long too long to dispell that hope.
I got about 4KM from the dealer's place and it started getting super hot, the plug looked lean and I richened the mix as much as I could but still needed to stop 5x on the usually 15 minute ride back to the backpackers' hostel! I've changed the oil, the plug and richened it further (plug still says lean but it's maxed out) and it does seem to run cooler although possibly warmer than normal.
The idea of taking something like this gets some excited and makes other cringe, but It's paid for, the handle is pulled and the dice is thrown. Best case scenario I get to Chile without any major catastrophies, worst case scenario it blows up but I still write a good blog about it.
So if anyone has any more info on this bike I've just bought, especially other names it might go under and the origin of the engine I'd love to hear it!
Questions? Comments? Think it can - or can't make it? post a reply!
and follow the trip on www.makingituponamotorbike.wordpress.com
Russell.