Couple Q's about VJ22 RGV

[Jase W]

I'm currently looking at a 92 VJ22 RGV250, however I've got a couple of questions about it:

- It's done 50,000km, however it goes really well, and there's no unusual (ie non 2-stroke) rattles/noises. Have been told previous owner did top end at least, which seems to be true. However, what I want to know is, if the crank hasn't been touched up until this point then is it likely it will fail on me?

- Should the suspension be fairly stiff or soft?

- What's a rear tyre worth roughly? (Can't find any prices online heh!)

Judging by the bodywork & how well it runs I'm guessing this one has been looked after, but if anyone out there knows some history on it (or knows someone that does), it would be great to hear from you:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=175045721&permanent=0

[imdying]

50000km isn't too bad if it has had the gearbox oil changed regularly, and has been fed on a decent diet of quality two stroke oil. Better off with an honest mileage as opposed to a bike that's had the speedo disconnected for most its life.

They're Japanese market so the suspension is designed for small stature 18 year olds, the average Kiwi will need to respring it for their weight at a minimum. Robert Taylor is able to respring/valve/whatever you need these.

A rear tyre is around $250.

It's been painted, so it's been down once, plus at least once more that he mentions. Not to much to worry about if you can get it to 160 without any weaving... they're light and nothing sticks out very far, so not much to bend.

Not sure about it being a great beginners bike... an adequate one, but has a racers crouch so no 'great'.

If you're over 6 foot, do not apply.

It appears just by looking at the photos that it is indeed a 92 model and not the more common 91 model.

Hoses look like factory originals, budget $110 for a new set of hoses, they'll improve the braking feel immensely. Strip and clean the calipers whilst you're there, toss the pads if they're over half worn.

Front tyre is looking a little sad, but being a light weight stroker, will probably go for another 4-5000km if you're the sort that lets them get right down, but hard to tell from a photo.

Looks like fibreglass body work, so easy to repair, but hard to tell from the photo.

Fun enough to keep when you get a larger bike, I wouldn't be selling it :D

[Jase W]

Cheers for that.
Just a little background for you - I've been on bigger bikes so i'm no beginner (had a TLR up until march). I'm after a summer bike - something to cure the urge to ride, something cheap and possibly nasty. I did test ride the RGV last night, definitely gets up and go no probs and brakes quite well considering the old hoses. Is that not a factory colour scheme? I assumed it was original, but anyways the bike is straight. Front tyre is about half worn, as you said it will be good for at least another couple thou. I'm only really concerned about the mileage as I have heard that 2 strokes don't generally go very high regardless of how well they're treated? then again I only really need it to run for maybe up to 5000km (being optimistic of my summer riding schedule) - then I'll either flick it or turn it into a bit of a project (like I need another!!).

Cheers for your help tho, you raise a good point about it being honest kays - and it does seem to have been looked after by the previous owner (current owner doesnt really know enough about it, fortunately he has only had it about 5 months and only ridden it for a couple of them - or has he?)

[imdying]

NSRDan still has his 300cc NSR250 for sale... sure it's twice the money, but I doubt you'd ever want to get off it again.

[Jase W]

The tempt factor on that one is fairly large, but I promised myself that this time I would stick to a maximum of $3k heh

[imdying]

Do consider what you'll drop on the RGV if it's a bit more worn out in the motor than you anticipate when making the final call on that. 2 strokes are cheap to rebuild, but only if you catch them before something lets go inside...

[rachprice]

haha! your joining the cool kids eh jase?

[Jase W]

Do consider what you'll drop on the RGV if it's a bit more worn out in the motor than you anticipate when making the final call on that. 2 strokes are cheap to rebuild, but only if you catch them before something lets go inside...

True that mate, definitely something i'm taking into consideration eh.

Rach: I've always been one of the cool kids :P

[rachprice]

haha you wish....rg's are def not as cool! though i would have one...actually want one for next year....

[Jase W]

heh the rg is a project - the TL was my daily. Have barely ridden the rg actually...