Bennche Megelli 250R - Reviews and information?

[steelphoenix]

Hi everyone -

I'm a 3mth Learner rider, and whilst I'm desperately trying to hold off buying a bike (being a poor recent-student and whatnot), I've been sorely tempted by this pretty specimen of a machine that I saw in Coleman's.



I took it for a test ride, and really enjoyed it. Light, maneuverable, does corners on rails, and a real head-turner wow factor with gorgeous looks and bellowy little pipe.

My only question is - is it a good buy? As a new-in-2010 model, obviously it hasn't had much testing and exposure, but any input would be appreciated.

The reviews I've been reading/watching mainly complain about:

• the sidestand being set too low (Colemans fixed this on the demo bike and said they'd do that on any one they sold)
• it being underpowered - crankshaft output 27HP, rear-wheel output 16.2HP (not sure this is an issue - I hit 120 on the mway with ease, and a top speed of apx 140)
• handlebars putting the horn on/pinching fingers at lock (not on the demo I rode, and Colemans again said if this was a concern they'd fix it)
• headlight bulbs getting too hot (possible concern, but fixable)
• possible brittleness of fairing plastic (possible concern)

As I said, I'm aware that there's little material at the moment, but any advice would be appreciated by this n00b.

Spec sheet from Bennche
Spec sheet from Motorcycle.com

[NinjaNanna]

you didn't say how much they cost?

[steelphoenix]

Ah, sorry! This particular bike is retailing for $5995 at Coleman's - think this includes ORC... (need to inquire about that)

[NinjaNanna]

How much is a new Ninja 250 these days?

The Megelli looks nicer in my opinion - but its hard to argue against decades of experience if there isn't much difference in price.

Also consider resale - it will definately be harder to resell the Megelli when the time comes, unless of course you price it agressively.

[NinjaNanna]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-361213570.htm

have you considered something like this

[steelphoenix]

New Ninja 250s cost approximately $8300 - otherwise that would be on my list...

In terms of the Balius, I'm looking more for something supersport than a naked (though the Honda VTR/Hornet are on my list).

It's a great-looking bike for a surprisingly low price, so I was trying to see what kind of info there was before putting it on my list of 'bikes to consider and try not to buy'.

[sil3nt]

I would definitely go for a second hand ninja over a new one of these for the same price.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-361400488.htm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-359508347.htm

5000ks isn't far from brand new. And you know they are reliable.

The Bennche Megelli is completely unknown. If you want to be the guinea pig then go for it.

[Skinon]

I wouldn't even bother with those new ninjas either...

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-359994447.htm

Something like this!! (not that im biast or anything ) But will hold it's value and handles awesome, reliable and 45hp weeeeeeeee!

Err change those tyres tho...

[Oblivion]

Too be quite honest, I would go for something that has been tried and tested.

Although I do like the look of the new Ninja 250r, I would go for something a little more standout. ( Nearly everyone has one )

Nothing a little customizing can't fix though.

[hayd3n]

buying from a dealer will help with warrnetys
see if they will trade it back when you want to upgrade

[tigertim20]

Hi everyone -

I'm a 3mth Learner rider, and whilst I'm desperately trying to hold off buying a bike (being a poor recent-student and whatnot), I've been sorely tempted by this pretty specimen of a machine that I saw in Coleman's.



I took it for a test ride, and really enjoyed it. Light, maneuverable, does corners on rails, and a real head-turner wow factor with gorgeous looks and bellowy little pipe.

My only question is - is it a good buy? As a new-in-2010 model, obviously it hasn't had much testing and exposure, but any input would be appreciated.

The reviews I've been reading/watching mainly complain about:

• the sidestand being set too low (Colemans fixed this on the demo bike and said they'd do that on any one they sold)
• it being underpowered - crankshaft output 27HP, rear-wheel output 16.2HP (not sure this is an issue - I hit 120 on the mway with ease, and a top speed of apx 140)
• handlebars putting the horn on/pinching fingers at lock (not on the demo I rode, and Colemans again said if this was a concern they'd fix it)
• headlight bulbs getting too hot (possible concern, but fixable)
• possible brittleness of fairing plastic (possible concern)

As I said, I'm aware that there's little material at the moment, but any advice would be appreciated by this n00b.

Spec sheet from Bennche
Spec sheet from Motorcycle.com

Gday.

This is always a tough question, with new bikes. When theres a new player making their first appearance on the market, youl ALWAYS get the haters, the ones that simpy point out all the negatives, and refuse to point out any positives, The same was true for Hyosungs not too long ago, now they are starting to get an improved rep, the first generation bikes highlighted a few weaknesses, which the following gnerations slowly started to fix.

The main problems with a new bike like this are things like, sericing, and getting someone who is experienced and familiar with the make and model of bike, this can massively affec servicing costs. Secondly, the cost of, and accessibility to parts can be a downright nightmare, theres probably nobody in the country that actualy stocks (and currenty has IN STOCK) parts for these. his is something you need to factor into the 'trouble free motoring' equation.

Another concern is that, being first generation, of a bike thats NOT well known, youll have alot of trouble selling it, and youl probably have to take a big hit in the wallet.

Of course, you can go ahead and buy it and have a bike that it unique, different etc, and if it turns out to be reliable, you could have a great bike out of it.

My advice would be not to buy it for the following reasons:
After sales issues, servicing, parts price and availability
Its got barely more horsepower than a Gnat on steroids and cocaine. (You may feel that isnt an issue now, but in 3-4 more months, you will)
Price. While the price looks good, thats still $6k. You can buy alot of bike for 6 thousand bucks mate, hornets, ninjas, mc22's, vt/vtr250's, really an endless list of bikes that have none, or few of the downsides this one you are looking at has.

Normally,at this point, one would point out 'but its a new bike, youll have xxx gaurantees etc', To which I repeat, inknown bike, availability of parts, difficulty finding mecahanics familiar etc etc.

Take your 6k, and go buy a real nice, well known, low kms secomd hand 250 from a better known manufacturer

[boss260a]

I actually took this Megelli at Colemans for a test ride yesterday and would have to say it wasnt bad at all. There was a few little issue's but nothing that couldnt be addressed with a bit of time. I currently have a RG150 which I ride on to work every day but the Km's are getting pretty high so starting to look for a replacement so I took this Megelli for a ride. First impression was definatly the noise of the thing, it's loud! almost trail bike noise, I dont mind that at all, im just wondering how the neighbours would get on with it when I fire it up at 6:30am every morning!
Next thing would have to be the brake's, they are a little bit all or nothing, but this could just be cheap pads or the pads in there not being beaded in properly.
Then there is the Foot brake lever which is set too high, which Alan said he could adjust easy enough. The only other thing is the notchy gear changes, The clutch is great but the shifting just seems a bit stiff, (definatly no flat shifting with this bike!)which Alan puts down to probably cheap oil in the thing so is probably easily fixed with good gearbox oil! I also spoke to Matt in the parts dept and every part for this bike is available, I doubt they will have it in stock but it sounds like the importer has some parts and the rest can be sourced from overseas. As for servicing, Ive known Alan for a long time and I dont think there is much he dosnt know about motorcycle engines and im sure he would stand behind any bike he sells! I personally am really considering this Megelli, it's got a 1 year warrenty and as i will be doing roughly 20000km in a year im pretty sure if something is gonna go wrong it will withen the first year, so therefore it will be covered by the warrenty. And lets face it, this has to be one of the best looking 250's ever to be on the market!
As a foot note, I also took the Ninja 250 out for a test ride, definatly faster top end, but as far as accelaration there isnt much in it at all! going thru the gears was a little nicer and the brakes, but the clutch was terrible and riding position is horrible, I prefer a more sporty riding position than sitting completly upright. I felt like i was sitting on top of it rather than in it.
Hope this helps

[gatch]

"it being underpowered - crankshaft output 27HP, rear-wheel output 16.2HP".

Is it considered normal to lose 11hp through your drive train ? That's a fair bit..

[lostinflyz]

man that thing looks stellar compared to any new 250. Sounds evil too.

A few tweaks here and there and im sure it could be a neat little weapon.

[lostinflyz]

seems like the bikes at colemans and whoever in welly are older versions of the same bike. The compression ratio went way up on the later models (mid 9's to mid 11;s), and the earliest version had a 5 speed box. The one issue with Chinese suppliers is they change parts and bits without telling a soul in my experience.

i really like the look, but more so i really like the weight (~40kg lighter than the new ninja's, from what i can tell) and i reckon with some minor tweaking you should be able to make a cool little racer out of one. oh no the gears are going now............