Is 2-3K for a well maintained 250cc bike too much of a stretch?

[ducatilover]

They are slower than chinese torture and about as enjoyable. Seriously, I'd rather an FXR150
The Katana 250 is a brilliant bike, especially for the money.

[MSTRS:Me]

They are ok. Not very fast, but only the proper sport-type 250s are, anyway. Commuter - not a cruiser.

[Brayden]

Ok cheers for the replies guys, katana sounds quite good at this point, anyone happen to know anybody from tauraunga heading to Wellington any time soon? xDD

[MSTRS:Me]

First you must secure the bike....
Why organise possible delivery now? The bike might be rubbish. Or sold to someone else.

[Buyasta]

Well maintained I've seen it myself it's a nice little bike. I could probably get it for 2.4. Has anyone ridden one of these before? Are they very fast? Looks more like a cruiser than anything else

I've got a Scorpio that I've clocked up about 3000km on in the two and a half months I've had it, and they're a great little bike for the money.

Obviously they're not overly quick - I have to drop down a gear to maintain 100 with a headwind, and top out at about 110-115 unless it's downhill, but I also weigh more than the bike, so for someone who'd not a complete fat bastard it'd be less of an issue.

Being a single cylinder they're ridiculously simple and easy to work on, which is always a plus, and should be fairly reliable - I've had no issues with mine, despite thrashing the hell out of it to keep up with all the folks on bigger bikes that I ride with

Ultimately it depends on what you want - if you're concerned about image at all, best steer clear, but if you want something cheap and reliable that'll get you through your learner and/or restricted period, they're a great choice if you can pick one up cheap like I did - $1400 for an 07 with 20,000km on the clock.

It's also interesting seeing the reactions of others on the thread to the Scorpio, as the only reaction I've ever gotten in person has been extremely positive - I've been told by a number of mechanics that they're bloody great little bikes, and that there's nothing else anywhere near that price to match them, and the same thing from a couple of instructors at a Prorider training day recently, so it really seems the only two things people don't tend to like about them are that they aren't as quick as a sportsbike, to which I'd point out they also don't have the pricetag of a sportsbike, and what often seems to be the bigger reason many who are new to biking don't want one, which is that they don't fit the cool guy image of themselves on a motorbike that they had, to which I'd say stop taking yourself so seriously and who the hell cares - if you're new to riding, chances you're going to make a fool of yourself at least a few times anyway.

Actually, one last thing - the lack of fairings is a godsend if there's even a chance you might drop it, I've heard stories of people paying more to fix a fairing on a 250 sportsbike than I paid for my entire bike, first set of tyres and first service.

[Brayden]

I guess that is a very good point. I must admit when I thought of buying a new bike I envisioned myself blitzing around on a sports bike around the bays etc. However with my budget, which just became even lower, I guess this might not possibly be a reality.

It annoys me how expensive 250cc bikes are.. I've looked at much higher powered bikes and they're like the same price if not cheaper? I guess just taking the cheap cruiser option for 12 months could be a good idea. Plus I only weigh 62 KG so a scorpio might go a bit quicker with me on it ^.^

The seller of that black scorpio wants to let the auction run and if no sale occurs then she says she'll consider selling it to me for 2.4k. But if you managed to pick one up for 1.4 I'd like to know your secret xD

[ducatilover]

Actually, one last thing - the lack of fairings is a godsend if there's even a chance you might drop it, I've heard stories of people paying more to fix a fairing on a 250 sportsbike than I paid for my entire bike, first set of tyres and first service.

Even though you can buy a brand new fairing set for a CBR250 mc19 or 22 for under $800 in any colour scheme you want?

[blackdog]

bloody hell that is a good buy!

And they are a great wee machine. I'm happy to have a look with you if ya like, I'll PM you my number. I bet we can beat him down a bit on the dollars too

[Brayden]

Hey guys been continuing to browse trademe, this just came up. Anybody offer advice on these bikes? http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=367866804 This is much more in my price range, plus I could probably wiggle him down to 2000 and use the rest to get some new bike gear or something like that!

Big bonus that it is in Wellington as I can actually check the bike out, Blackdog kindly offered to help me check some bikes out so this is also a positive

Thoughts?

[MSTRS:Me]

Spadas are fantastic little bikes.
The main thing to watch with them is the cam chains. Very expensive to replace.
My advice? Get it checked, and if it's ok ... GO FOR IT!!!

[blackdog]

Hey guys been continuing to browse trademe, this just came up. Anybody offer advice on these bikes? http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=367866804 This is much more in my price range, plus I could probably wiggle him down to 2000 and use the rest to get some new bike gear or something like that!

Big bonus that it is in Wellington as I can actually check the bike out, Blackdog kindly offered to help me check some bikes out so this is also a positive

Thoughts?

looks good, and i think the vendor is a KB'er. let's go and have a look if you are interested.

[Brayden]

Cheers for the replies. Yeah blackdog didn't see your post and just sent you a PM lol. By the way my number is 0273190491

[blackdog]

Well, it looks like a nice clean bike for it's age.

I would be inclined to do an oil/filter change asap unless russell has information confirming it has been done in the last 5000km's.

The only other thing I would do is tweak up the chain. If you can't do it yourself get the bike shop doing the next WOF to do it for you. If they are GC's they shouldn't charge you for it.

Many happy days riding ahead mate, and it will be just as much fun round the bays as anything else! I think you just scored a good honest bike for the money.

[TOTO]

2-3 k will get you a perfect GN250. Whats the problem ?

[Brayden]

Yeah cheers mate was a big help for coming down all the way from the Hutt. Yeah choice will probably get it serviced asap anyway. Drove away thinking maybe I could have gone a bit lower than 2k but it was pretty cheap anyway and didn't want to low ball him really hard.

First thing I will be doing when my exams are done this weekend will be taking it for a blat! Hopefully it's sunny on saturday

Cheers for everyones replies and input, I have scored myself a 1988 Spada, see this link http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=367866804