Aprilia query

[MystikEagle]

Hey fellow KB'ers.

My hunt for my first bike continues and after sitting on a few bikes in the shops I have decided to go down the path of an upright sports bike.
I have been keeping a look out on TM for awhile now and I think that I have found a pretty good option.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=524300772 (Please nobody buy it for themselves!!!)
I am just wondering what you could tell me about this brand/make/model of bike considering that I am new to all of this and don't really know what questions to ask or what to look for :scratch:
Also, if anyone happens to know this specific bike (or the owner) any info would be greatly appreciated :)

And one more query... Motorbike transport companies... Any suggestions on who to use?
Captiantransporter.co.nz (I know, funny name) has quoted me $258.75 inc gst (insurance 10% extra) from Wellington to Cambridge. Is this a good price?

Thanks in advance for all your help :D

[MystikEagle]

Four very good learner bikes for the same money.

Thanks for that, do you mind taking a look at this one for me? http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=524300772 It's more my style :)

[Drew]

Thanks for that, do you mind taking a look at this one for me? http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=524300772 It's more my style :)I have heard nothing but GREAT things about these bikes.

[MystikEagle]

Bike tranz = $270 inc gst, not sure on insurance

[MystikEagle]

I have heard nothing but GREAT things about these bikes.

Thanks for that. I am seriously looking at this one. Sent him a serious amount of questions and now just waiting for a reply and researching like there's no tomorrow :D

[Gremlin]

Biketranz has a good reputation.

Moved to dual purpose for relevance...

[Daffyd]

Thanks for that, do you mind taking a look at this one for me? http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=524300772 It's more my style :)

I have a friend who has had one from new and he loves it!

[MystikEagle]

Biketranz has a good reputation.

Moved to dual purpose for relevance...

Thank you, wasn't sure where to list it, had a few options :)

After calling a few companies, $270 seems to be the norm...

[skippa1]

My view.....

Its an older Italian bike which may be a minus
There are not a heap of them on the road....so parts are probably hard to get
The kms are getting up there
You can get a good reliable "more common" bike for $4k

I wouldnt buy it.....but then who the f**k am I anyway?

[MystikEagle]

I have a friend who has had one from new and he loves it!

I think it would be a good one for me to learn on and I shouldn't out grow it too quickly being a 650 and all

[george formby]

I had a Pegaso years ago & thoroughly enjoyed it. It suffered from the salt on Scottish roads in the winter, fork chrome pitted, swing arm dissolved & it had the odd electrical gripe due to corrosion too. I would guess no salt = no problem.
Under hard acceleration:whistle: the oil warning light would come on so I'm not sure how well the motor would cope if it has been wheelied a lot. The bike would struggle to maintain 80mph on the motorway but then again I make a good sail. It's the only bike I've had that snapped a chain too.
Overall I really enjoyed it as a do it all, go most places bike, really good fun in the twisties too.

Unless that bike has a proven history of love, care & attention I would be looking at other options. Or, getting the price down.
On the other hand I have bought two Yamaha's of similar vintage but with considerably less miles on the clock & had no problems.
Do your homework before parting with the cash.

Biketranz gave me good service getting a bike up from ChCh to Whangarei, bit slow but they did say it would work it's way up the country as other jobs came up.

[Drew]

I think it would be a good one for me to learn on and I shouldn't out grow it too quickly being a 650 and allOnly limiting factor, will be leg length. Have you posted your dimensions, and supplied pictures for the site to review?

Seriously though, it's a 'no short arses' type of bike.

[MystikEagle]

Only limiting factor, will be leg length. Have you posted your dimensions, and supplied pictures for the site to review?

Seriously though, it's a 'no short arses' type of bike.

I didn't know you could do that and I wouldn't know where to start...
I am just under 180cm so definately not a "short arse" lol

[Drew]

Some good points in that other thread about the bike. Might be an idea to ignore me, the bike you're looking at seems to have had a hardish life now that I read the auction properly.

[Daffyd]

My aforementioned friend is not particularly tall... In fact I would almost consider him a short arse. Funnily enough his lovely wife IS a short arse and she rides a Scarver, (BMW F650,) same as mine. She has no probs with the seat height. PM coming.

[MystikEagle]

I know the km's are little higher than ideal, but dad (the mechanic) says that Aprilia have been making bikes for years and years so know what they are doing. The same goes for Rotax making engines (he has a rotax in his plane), and the two have been working together for awhile also.
He also said that because it's an adventure/dual purpose bike, it's less likely to have been thrashed like a sports bike would have.
With the research I have done, I think that it would make a good first bike and, with a little tlc to the paintwork, shouldn't be too difficult to sell on at a later date if I do decide to upgrade.
FYI, I was going to offer $3,500

[MystikEagle]

Some good points in that other thread about the bike. Might be an idea to ignore me, the bike you're looking at seems to have had a hardish life now that I read the auction properly.

I would say that it has been dropped once or twice, (but I will probably do that myself in the learning process) but other than that has just been a commuter and been on "some" long trips. What makes you say that it has had a hard life?

[skippa1]

I know the km's are little higher than ideal, but dad (the mechanic) says that Aprilia have been making bikes for years and years so know what they are doing. The same goes for Rotax making engines (he has a rotax in his plane), and the two have been working together for awhile also.
He also said that because it's an adventure/dual purpose bike, it's less likely to have been thrashed like a sports bike would have.
With the research I have done, I think that it would make a good first bike and, with a little tlc to the paintwork, shouldn't be too difficult to sell on at a later date if I do decide to upgrade.
FYI, I was going to offer $3,500

looks like youve answered your own question and made up your mind then:blink:

[george formby]

Have we merged? Go check my dommie post mysticbeagle, you like?

[george formby]

I know the km's are little higher than ideal, but dad (the mechanic) says that Aprilia have been making bikes for years and years so know what they are doing. The same goes for Rotax making engines (he has a rotax in his plane), and the two have been working together for awhile also.
He also said that because it's an adventure/dual purpose bike, it's less likely to have been thrashed like a sports bike would have.
With the research I have done, I think that it would make a good first bike and, with a little tlc to the paintwork, shouldn't be too difficult to sell on at a later date if I do decide to upgrade.
FYI, I was going to offer $3,500

Their is a reason that BMW used a 4 valve 650 rotax in their funduros before they started making their own enjun. Reliability & longevity was the BMW line on it.

[MystikEagle]

Have we merged? Go check my dommie post mysticbeagle, you like?

It would appear so :scratch:

Yeah, thanks for sharing that, too much of a farm bike for me though... (Female = Fussy) :rolleyes:

[MystikEagle]

looks like youve answered your own question and made up your mind then:blink:

No doubt I like the bike. But I want to be 100% sure it is the right choice before buying. Hence asking the wealth of knowledge on here :D

[george formby]

No doubt I like the bike. But I want to be 100% sure it is the right choice before buying. Hence asking the wealth of knowledge on here :D

I admit too buying my Peg on a whim, it was metallic silver flake paint with bloo stickers:drool:, i fawned over it for months before raising the funds. Admittedly I enjoyed singing along to David Essex songs at the time, too....

Oh, the starter motor crapped itself as well.

[MystikEagle]

I admit too buying my Peg on a whim, it was metallic silver flake paint with bloo stickers:drool:, i fawned over it for months before raising the funds. Admittedly I enjoyed singing along to David Essex songs at the time, too....

Oh, the starter motor crapped itself as well.

That does sound nice! Pity about all the trouble you had with it, all things I need to know and keep in mind when considering this bike

[george formby]

That does sound nice! Pity about all the trouble you had with it, all things I need to know and keep in mind when considering this bike

Niggles more than troubles, it was low k's too. Still a good fun bike & I did big miles all weathers. Get a Dommie! No, seriously, they are very cool & much admired.

[MystikEagle]

Niggles more than troubles, it was low k's too. Still a good fun bike & I did big miles all weathers. Get a Dommie! No, seriously, they are very cool & much admired.

You wouldn't happen to be byast at all???

Do you know what he means about the "Factorypro Eurosport jet kit"?

[Daffyd]

Their is a reason that BMW used a 4 valve 650 rotax in their funduros before they started making their own enjun. Reliability & longevity was the BMW line on it.

They're still using it in their new G650G.

[Maha]

No doubt I like the bike. But I want to be 100% sure it is the right choice before buying. Hence asking the wealth of knowledge on here :D

For whats it worth, I would never by a bike that I have not seen/sat on at the very least...its well earned money that you're looking to spend, and its got to the right bike for YOU.
You can only get a idea about a product via Q n A.

[Drew]

(Female = Fussy) :rolleyes:And no matter what lies they tell us to the contrary, size does matter!


You wouldn't happen to be byast at all???

Do you know what he means about the "Factorypro Eurosport jet kit"?Just means it's been tuned. "Jetting" is just how to change the fuel air mixture.

[MystikEagle]

For whats it worth, I would never by a bike that I have not seen/sat on at the very least...its well earned money that you're looking to spend, and its got to the right bike for YOU.
You can only get a idea about a product via Q n A.

This is very true and the main thing stopping me from really wanting it (at the moment I just like it and think it is a good option).
I would much prefer to have something I could go look at, have a sit on, maybe take for a ride...

[george formby]

You wouldn't happen to be byast at all???

Do you know what he means about the "Factorypro Eurosport jet kit"?

Only insofar as the Dommie has been sold in the gazillions, parts are easy to get, it's easy to work on (relatively), they hold there value & are a very capable all roads bike which can do seriously big mileages reliably.
Just my opinion, you need a bike you can ride without struggling for parts or having mysterious issues. Not saying there would be an issue with the Peg but..... I've learned to temper my lust for the slightly exotic after shelling out a bit of cash & scraping my knuckles in a dark, icy shed trying to get the apple of my eye running to get to work the next day.

[MystikEagle]

Only insofar as the Dommie has been sold in the gazillions, parts are easy to get, it's easy to work on (relatively), they hold there value & are a very capable all roads bike which can do seriously big mileages reliably.
Just my opinion, you need a bike you can ride without struggling for parts or having mysterious issues. Not saying there would be an issue with the Peg but..... I've learned to temper my lust for the slightly exotic after shelling out a bit of cash & scraping my knuckles in a dark, icy shed trying to get the apple of my eye running to get to work the next day.

I appreciate the input and will definately take it on board. Thanks

[george formby]

They're still using it in their new G650G.

Yup, and still only four valves.

[george formby]

I appreciate the input and will definately take it on board. Thanks

Getting a ride on a bike you fancy is a good thing. Have a fossick around your local bike shops & see if at least you can have a sit on one.

[MystikEagle]

Getting a ride on a bike you fancy is a good thing. Have a fossick around your local bike shops & see if at least you can have a sit on one.

I haven't seen one in Hamilton but doing just that has changed my mind about wanting a cruiser and steered me more towards the sports bikes. I have to thank Peter from Hamilton Honda for explaining the seating positions of the different styles in a way that I found very easy to understand.

[Akzle]

aprillias are hoey-fussy-bitch-ass-italians.

imagine an italian guy.. with a filthy pencil-mo-stache.

best avoided says i.

[george formby]

Yeah, thanks for sharing that, too much of a farm bike for me though...

Well spotted, it has had a bit of, erm, customizing done..

Should look like THIS (http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dual-purpose/auction-432401152.htm)

I shall say no more on the subject.:rolleyes:

[MystikEagle]

Well spotted, it has had a bit of, erm, customizing done..

Should look like THIS (http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dual-purpose/auction-432401152.htm)

I shall say no more on the subject.:rolleyes:

That one's as old as me! lol

[Hitcher]

The Pegaso is a Clayton's Italian bike: the engine is made by Suzuki.

[LankyBastard]

If you like sport bike styling, but with an upright riding position, have you looked at the tried and trusted like Ninja 250's? My better half (same age as you) started on a Ninja 250, now rides a Ninja 650. You could pick up a good one for $4k, vastly more reliable, great fun to ride, cheap to own. And they do look good to boot! Oh and there will be one in the Tron for you to ride i'm sure. As others have said before me it is imperative that you ride before you buy! I can't stress that enough!!

Good luck :headbang:

[MystikEagle]

If you like sport bike styling, but with an upright riding position, have you looked at the tried and trusted like Ninja 250's? My better half (same age as you) started on a Ninja 250, now rides a Ninja 650. You could pick up a good one for $4k, vastly more reliable, great fun to ride, cheap to own. And they do look good to boot! Oh and there will be one in the Tron for you to ride i'm sure. As others have said before me it is imperative that you ride before you buy! I can't stress that enough!!

Good luck :headbang:

Thanks for that mate but I find the Ninja puts me too much in a racing position, otherwise I would probably have one by now! Really good prices on them

[mossy1200]

With a learners idd pick one of these. Real fun to ride.
Idd offer 3400 and ask him to freight it and you pay the freight. Its a little to overpriced at 4k.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/cruiser/auction-521555741.htm



This would be another good option

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-511481829.htm

[MystikEagle]

With a learners idd pick one of these. Real fun to ride.
Idd offer 3400 and ask him to freight it and you pay the freight. Its a little to overpriced at 4k.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/cruiser/auction-521555741.htm



This would be another good option

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-511481829.htm

Awesome! Both added to watchlist...

Although I would like to find something closer so I can take it for a test ride to make sure I like it. Check out my other thread for advice on suitable bikes :)

[mossy1200]

Awesome! Both added to watchlist...

Although I would like to find something closer so I can take it for a test ride to make sure I like it. Check out my other thread for advice on suitable bikes :)


If needed I can call into TSS and have a good look at the second one.
TSS a good to deal with. Seat height and width of both is well suited to a comfy ride and easy to learn on without being cruiser.

I had a Revere which is basically a bros with a more touring height handle bars. really impressed with the torque and power they make without having to rev the motor.

Maybe someone in ChCh could see what its like for you.

Have read other thread. Im just trying to see if you can handle multi thread reply tasking.

[MystikEagle]

If needed I can call into TSS and have a good look at the second one.
TSS a good to deal with. Seat height and width of both is well suited to a comfy ride and easy to learn on without being cruiser.

I had a Revere which is basically a bros with a more touring height handle bars. really impressed with the torque and power they make without having to rev the motor.

Maybe someone in ChCh could see what its like for you.

Have read other thread. Im just trying to see if you can handle multi thread reply tasking.

Thanks, I will keep all in mind but probably wait and see if anything comes up closer to home. I am taking my time with this, want to make sure I get the right bike as I won't be able to upgrade for quite a while...

[Akzle]

Thanks, I will keep all in mind but probably wait and see if anything comes up closer to home. I am taking my time with this, want to make sure I get the right bike as I won't be able to upgrade for quite a while...

got a GSX750... yours for only 2K...

[MystikEagle]

got a GSX750... yours for only 2K...

Sorry, not LAMS approved, and too much of a sports bike for me...

[LankyBastard]

Thanks for that mate but I find the Ninja puts me too much in a racing position, otherwise I would probably have one by now! Really good prices on them

Really? for me they're really upright with hardly any weight on the wrists. The older Ninja's have low clip-ons, but one like we have (2008) has much higher bars. If you want really bolt upright get a WR450 :headbang:

[MystikEagle]

Really? for me they're really upright with hardly any weight on the wrists. The older Ninja's have low clip-ons, but one like we have (2008) has much higher bars. If you want really bolt upright get a WR450 :headbang:

Ok, might have another try when I'm in town tomorrow

[Daffyd]

the engine is made by Suzuki.

I think you're wrong. My friend's one has the 660 donk from the Yamaha XT660, retuned, following a rift between Aprillia and BRP. The same motor is also in the MT03 which unfortunatley we didn't get in NZ.

[Fast Eddie]

Bike tranz = $270 inc gst, not sure on insurance

Go Biketranz, they will look after you and are great to deal with. you can text them up and see where your bike is at etc.

I've used others and Biketranz was by far the best to deal with and least stressful way to move a beloved bike (or sidecar)

[MystikEagle]

Go Biketranz, they will look after you and are great to deal with. you can text them up and see where your bike is at etc.

I've used others and Biketranz was by far the best to deal with and least stressful way to move a beloved bike (or sidecar)

Thanks for that. With them all being around the same price, it makes sense to go with the one with the best service :)

[Fast Eddie]

Have you posted your dimensions, and supplied pictures for the site to review?

I'm going to have to agree with Drew, we need to see some pictures and more thorough dimensions in order to make an informed recommendation of bike to suit you..


I am just under 180cm

jesus, are you swedish?

[Fast Eddie]

Thanks for that. With them all being around the same price, it makes sense to go with the one with the best service :)

if you tell Brett (www.biketranz.co.nz) that Kai n Phil with the Team Agip sidecar sent you then one of us might get a good deal..

probably me.. but worth a shot on your end :) they look after racers and love bikes eh, they treat any bike like its their own. Which is what you want from a transporter.

(I used mainfreight once... didn't hear from them in a week and a half and then bike showed up lying on its side at the wrong depot. c'est la vie)

[MystikEagle]

if you tell Brent that Kai n Phil with the Team Agip sidecar sent you then one of us might get a good deal..

probably me.. but worth a shot on your end :) they look after racers and love bikes eh, they treat any bike like its their own. Which is what you want from a transporter.

(I used mainfreight once... didn't hear from them in a week and a half and then bike showed up lying on its side at the wrong depot. c'est la vie)

I didn't even think to check with Mainfreight etc, just stuck to bike transporters. It is good to know that something you are sending somewhere is being looked after though. I will def mention your name if I end up using them. Trying to find something closer to home though so I can go take it for a ride

[MystikEagle]

I'm going to have to agree with Drew, we need to see some pictures and more thorough dimensions in order to make an informed recommendation of bike to suit you..



jesus, are you swedish?

Lol, not swedish, just a little tall. I think I am closer to the 175 mark to be honest. Check this (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/153727-Time-to-buy-a-bike!) thread to join the disscussion on possible bikes :)

[Drew]

Lol, not swedish, just a little tall. I think I am closer to the 175 mark to be honest. Check this (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/153727-Time-to-buy-a-bike!) thread to join the disscussion on possible bikes :)
Fuckin hell, you've started more threads in a week than I do in a year!

[Frodo]

I think you're wrong. My friend's one has the 660 donk from the Yamaha XT660, retuned, following a rift between Aprillia and BRP. The same motor is also in the MT03 which unfortunatley we didn't get in NZ.
The most recent Pegaso, which I have, is powered by the Minarelli 650. Minarelli is an Italian engine builder that is now a Yamaha subsidiary. The frame is made in Italy and it runs Marzocchi forks and Brembo brakes. So that makes it very Italian. Mine has done 95,000km and runs sweet, burning no oil. Only real issue is replacing the fuel pump and it needs a Power Commander to get the fuelling right.
The previous Pegaso was also built by Aprilia, but used a Rotax motor as mentioned by others. This was 5 valve, single plug, compared to the four valve, two plug in the BMW Funduro, which was built by Aprilia for BMW (which I had previously).
The current BMW G650G motor is similar to the Rotax motor, but built in China for BMW.
Funduro motors do huge miles - probably more than any 650 single. Main issues with the Funduro, which probably also apply to the earlier Pegaso:
- water pump will need replacement (poor design: shaft runs in the seals rather than a proper bearing) - not difficult nor expensive.
- electrics are not great: basically the wiring is thin. To cut a long story short, this results in the loss of voltage regulator rectifiers and the battery. Replce the RegRec with a recent BMW unit.
- steering head bearings.
- if the bike has been ridden in water, the wheel and suspension bearings will need to be replaced.

Later model Rotax-engined Pegasos had fuel injection - I'd prefer the carbed version.


Cheers

[george formby]

Fuckin hell, you've started more threads in a week than I do in a year!

:lol: I concur. cha cha cha. All clicked out.

[MystikEagle]

Fuckin hell, you've started more threads in a week than I do in a year!

Just trying to make the most of all the wealth of knowledge on here :yes:
(You probably won't see me on here as much once I have a bike, I will be too busy :ride:)

[MystikEagle]

The most recent Pegaso, which I have, is powered by the Minarelli 650. Minarelli is an Italian engine builder that is now a Yamaha subsidiary. The frame is made in Italy and it runs Marzocchi forks and Brembo brakes. So that makes it very Italian. Mine has done 95,000km and runs sweet, burning no oil. Only real issue is replacing the fuel pump and it needs a Power Commander to get the fuelling right.
The previous Pegaso was also built by Aprilia, but used a Rotax motor as mentioned by others. This was 5 valve, single plug, compared to the four valve, two plug in the BMW Funduro, which was built by Aprilia for BMW (which I had previously).
The current BMW G650G motor is similar to the Rotax motor, but built in China for BMW.
Funduro motors do huge miles - probably more than any 650 single. Main issues with the Funduro, which probably also apply to the earlier Pegaso:
- water pump will need replacement (poor design: shaft runs in the seals rather than a proper bearing) - not difficult nor expensive.
- electrics are not great: basically the wiring is thin. To cut a long story short, this results in the loss of voltage regulator rectifiers and the battery. Replce the RegRec with a recent BMW unit.
- steering head bearings.
- if the bike has been ridden in water, the wheel and suspension bearings will need to be replaced.

Later model Rotax-engined Pegasos had fuel injection - I'd prefer the carbed version.


Cheers

Thanks alot for that. Was exactly what I was looking for :D