2 strokes and in particular the RGV150

[Monorail]

Hey guys,
Was wondering if you could give me any advice on two strokes. I've been riding for a few years but never ridden a two smoker. Would an rgv150 be suitable for highway travel??? Any pitfalls to look at for. Im looking at this one here

http://www.trademe.co.nz/a.aspx?id=257492031

Just to tide me over the short term whilst i get some money.
Cheers,
Matt

[metalslug]

I have started out on a Kawasaki Kr150, which is a 2 stroke 150 sports just like the RGV. I have to say its very fun around town doing sub 70 but probably not the best thing on the highway. I had to constantly revving it to get up to speed and the acccleration drops significantly after 90 km per h, not to mention that these 2 stroke engine vibrates like hell...

Also because it's so nimble it gets blown around quite easily. Personally I sold my Kr150 and bought a Hornet when I had a job down at New Plymouth (I stay at Auckland), found that a inline 4 250 is a way better bike for long distance ..

[McJim]

Do not confuse the RGV150 with the KR150 and RG150 sports bikes. The RGV150 is a commuter and will do just fine on the motorways and open roads of NEw Zealand. It is not as quick as the RG150. It is therefore very good value for money as a stop gap until you can afford something you might like more.

The main difference is that the KR150 and RG150 are liquid cooled bikes putting out around 35hp or more (depending on tuning) whereas the RGV150 is an air cooled engine of about 25hp I think. Still capable of 100kph+ but not the same beastie as the liquid cooled ones.

[Monorail]

thanks for the advice guys, Im gonna take it for a test ride this week, anything that i should keep an eye out for???

[Dropped]

thanks for the advice guys, Im gonna take it for a test ride this week, anything that i should keep an eye out for???

Coming from a rgv back ground i would be pulling the power valves out and checking them. ( if it has power vavles i dont know which 150cc models do or dont) Its not hard to do and if its been looked after the owner should be able to tell you the condition any way.

[javawocky]

... anything that i should keep an eye out for???

A good one of these
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-255213767.htm

Had one for a year and a half and it did everything well. Little bit of a pain on long trips on the motorway at higher than legal speed as it revs quite high, but what fun power delivery and great handling.

If you just want a commuter get the RGV150. Oh before I forget, if you are budget concious the RG150 consumes about the same amount of fuel as my SV1000s does now - About $20 per 200km. If you want a more economical option I can also recommend the Scorpio 225 which my wife has, its just not going to sit too well at 110km with stock gearing though.

[F5 Dave]

McJim your power estimates are about 6hp higher than would be found at the rear wheel.

The RGV is not made in Japan & consequently is somewhat nastier in quality. There are not many really but an awful lot seem to end up with cracked pistons. (Not powervalve in this model).

I'd keep saving money till you can afford a VT Spada or something.

[Kiwi B]

RG150 on the open road - hard work springs to mind - why not a 250?? however, 2 strokes are great but just a little piece of advice that every smoker rider needs to pass on;

1: ride it like your mistress - otherwise it will oil up
2: 2 fingers on the clutch at all times! - they sieze up fast at 100 - especially air-cooled - any hesitation pull that sucker in fast.

Make sure the last owner has run it on good oil - not cheap crap - you can't really go wrong with a smoker they are bullet proof as long as the plugs are clean and the oil is GOOD - castrol tts or similar.

Just make sure it starts within 2 or 3 kicks - if it does it will outlive you!!

[xr-rider]

not sure about the rgv but dont buy an rg that has about 30000KM on the clock and hasnt had a rebuild.