What's the deal with these "Ace 250 Cafe Racers"?

[eeveep]

Hey there,

Signed up to ask around about a potential LAMS bike. Saw this listed on the TradeMe:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/auction-951065231.htm

Trying to figure out what I'd be getting myself into with this sort of thing. I'm assuming these things are put together in/around China at its price point but wondering if anyone knows what kind of engine is there/how hard it might be to find parts for it come servicing/R&M. I guess this dealer is offering 3-months warranty but it's month 4 I'm worried about.

What do you reckon? Have a punt?

[Banditbandit]

I'd hardly call it a cafe racer ...

I know nothing about the brand - but I suspect it's a gutless piece of posey shit ..

[Akzle]

mitsubishi vehicle warranty: 10 years.

Just saying.

[Akzle]

hilarious also that they're trying to flick bikes that wont have 'specifications' until they open the container when it lands....

[Ender EnZed]

Looks very similar to this (https://www.google.co.nz/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/herald/classic-250/2015/&ved=0CB4QFjABahUKEwiDrfeq0aLIAhXBFZQKHcY1C60&usg=AFQjCNEiqweM9VHWZcrvgskcgW7nvfYFlg&sig2=A1SXuq9fbJAmh1DdKIS27A). So it probably has a GN250 engine.

I wouldn't buy one, but you can and let us know how it goes.

[Paul in NZ]

Motorad have some - they look better than you would think...

[jasonu]

Looks very similar to this (https://www.google.co.nz/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/herald/classic-250/2015/&ved=0CB4QFjABahUKEwiDrfeq0aLIAhXBFZQKHcY1C60&usg=AFQjCNEiqweM9VHWZcrvgskcgW7nvfYFlg&sig2=A1SXuq9fbJAmh1DdKIS27A). So it probably has a GN250 engine.

I wouldn't buy one, but you can and let us know how it goes.

If it has an actual GN250 motor that is a good thing.

[Ender EnZed]

If it has an actual GN250 motor that is a good thing.

Yeah. Nearly $4k for GN250 performance and an anonymous Chinese badge isn't a particularly compelling argument though.

[eeveep]

There's something about getting what you pay for in here. The idea of buying it and letting you guys know made me laugh.

[Tazz]

There's something about getting what you pay for in here. The idea of buying it and letting you guys know made me laugh.

I wouldn't of pegged 4k (+ ORC) as a really a massive steal for a brand new bike in that CC bracket and 'style' anyway?

[FJRider]

They are produced by these guys ...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aeon_%28motors%29

[eeveep]

Looking around new its this, the S/ETX-150 and the Honda CBF125 in this ballpark. And your GN250s. But even then your Inazumas or what have you are a bit of a jump up. I suppose the VL250 is about here brand new.

Just a shame that there's a lack of solid info on the 'Ace'.

[FJRider]

Yeah. Nearly $4k for GN250 performance and an anonymous Chinese badge isn't a particularly compelling argument though.

At best a GN250 copy.

Made in Taiwan.



'nuff said ..

[Edbear]

If Kelly and Experience Motorcycles is selling them they may be worth a look. At least you have the support of a major NZ company with a history.

[eeveep]

Cheers for the input guys. This is a great little forum. I'm in touch with the Experience guys now and I'll keep looking about.

[FJRider]

If Kelly and Experience Motorcycles is selling them they may be worth a look. At least you have the support of a major NZ company with a history.

Give them a ring and ask how long the warranty period is ... ;)

[Madness]

:killingme

[HenryDorsetCase]

Cheers for the input guys. This is a great little forum. I'm in touch with the Experience guys now and I'll keep looking about.

What's this /thread bullshit. It's over when we say it's over, motherfucker. Now DANCE!

[ellipsis]

...give it a cwack Nigel...there's probably a thousand deals cheaper for slogged out big manufacturers bikes that still look good...some Chinese stuff is far better than a lot of 'Experience guys' think...you know you want to...

[HenryDorsetCase]

...give it a cwack Nigel...there's probably a thousand deals cheaper for slogged out big manufacturers bikes that still look good...some Chinese stuff is far better than a lot of 'Experience guys' think...you know you want to...

a friend of mine who is very wise in the ways of manufacturing said to me "You can get quality out of China, you just have to work for it". Bear in mind these will have been built for export so will be top quality... compared to others of their ilk for domestic manufacture.

I really like those little 125 cc ones they do that are ripping of the Dream 50 but are like $3k out the door instead of $8k plus.

I havent had $3k lying round to have a punt on one is the issue but I totally would.

[pritch]

a major NZ company with a history.

Is that not over egging the pudding just a bit Ed?

[ellipsis]

Is that not over egging the pudding just a bit Ed?


...spreading the jam...


<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fBLQ7sIGYAw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[eeveep]

a friend of mine who is very wise in the ways of manufacturing said to me "You can get quality out of China, you just have to work for it". Bear in mind these will have been built for export so will be top quality... compared to others of their ilk for domestic manufacture.

I really like those little 125 cc ones they do that are ripping of the Dream 50 but are like $3k out the door instead of $8k plus.

I havent had $3k lying round to have a punt on one is the issue but I totally would.

Those 125s? They call em Skyteams?

[Edbear]

Is that not over egging the pudding just a bit Ed?

Well compared to the numerous little guys starting up flogging all brands of Chinese manufacture everywhere. They have been around for a while.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them, but I do know Daniel and Neil personally.

[jasonu]

Yeah. Nearly $4k for GN250 performance and an anonymous Chinese badge isn't a particularly compelling argument though.

Fair enough. But still better than if it had a dingbangouch motor made by Chinese kids.

[jasonu]

They are produced by these guys ...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aeon_%28motors%29

I notice the seller has a bunch of Ace Café logos in his pitch. I wonder if the actual Ace Café knows or has anything to do with it.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Those 125s? They call em Skyteams?

that's them. I was reading a thread on the interwebs about people who mod them which sounded like fun. Idle curiosity only in my case. Emphasis on "idle"

[FJRider]

I notice the seller has a bunch of Ace Café logos in his pitch. I wonder if the actual Ace Café knows or has anything to do with it.

We all know the respect of Copyright Taiwan displays ... But that stuff can be bought freely nowdays ...no real issue there.

[GSF]

If you want a factory cafe racer, keep that money and hunt around for a decent Suzuki Goose 350 or something like that.

$390 for a different coloured seat cover and some handlebars made me chuckle though!

[FJRider]

At least you have the support of a major NZ company with a history.

You mean ... an Auckland company with some good reputation ... <_<

[jellywrestler]

At best a GN250 copy.

Made in Taiwan.



'nuff said ..

motorad say the motors are made by the same people who make the gn250 motors for suzuki, just painted black and have a couple of lables on things like oil flter

[Edbear]

If you want a factory cafe racer, keep that money and hunt around for a decent Suzuki Goose 350 or something like that.

$390 for a different coloured seat cover and some handlebars made me chuckle though!

You may have difficulty finding a good Goose for sale. They're a great little bike!


You mean ... an Auckland company with some good reputation ... <_<

Something like that...

[FJRider]

motorad say the motors are made by the same people who make the gn250 motors for suzuki, just painted black and have a couple of lables on things like oil flter

With ACE cast into some engine casings ...

[jonnyk5614]

Looks like a classic design of basic bike with a well trusted engine and a price to match a lack of swanky dealers and posh advertising.

Should be a good'n!