Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: HardAspie on February 13, 2016, 06:09:40 PM
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So, at one point the ugly truth hit me. The pittance I will have does not allow me the purchase of a Moto Guzzi V7. Off I went on the quest for a motorcycle that I could afford to both own and run and which would allow remaining funds for other things of life like clothing and food and dentistry'
This was not a satisfactory quest as the bikes I found were unsatisfactory. But then I thought that perhaps I was looking through the wrong end of the telescope. What might happen if rather than wondering, "What is the most bike I can possibly get?"; I pondered instead, "What would be the minimum bike that would do what I need done?"
I had an inspiration and went to You Tube and typed in a very strange phrase. Lo and behold! People tour on mopeds, and they do so over hundreds of kilometres. Indeed, they seem to have about as much sheer fun as one can have on two wheels. And, there are even such groups of eccentrics here in the U S of A. But I considered that I do need some freeway / interstate capability. While I do not love riding or driving on them there are places where such highways are the only way between points. I have just such a stretch in my back yard. Gotta get over the hump at Camp Verde lest I be stuck here in the Verde Valley when snow and ice plagues the high country otherwise surrounding me.
So a Goose son't be happening. But a Wolf should, and I think soon. And it is a motorcycle and I am happy.
And I plan to stay here and plague you wonderful people for a long time.
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what is a wolf?
My friend Jack rode a 50cc moped to Sturgiss and back.. 1200+ miles
not good for freeways but my city bike is plenty fun,
(https://fotoguzzi.smugmug.com/Guzzi/i-Z4b2bnD/0/L/IMG_1472-L.jpg)
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Little bikes are fun. The Wolf is the S-Y-M Wolf Classic 150. It is what happens when a Honda licensee takes over production of CB 125 and improves it:
150cc / 15 HP
Will cruise at 60 mph
266 lb wet
Owners say they last forever
Here are some photos:
http://www.alliancepowersports.com/models/wolf_gallery.html
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That is a cool fun looking bike! I'm sure you'll have loads of fun riding it. I might have to look at one myself just for knocking around on.
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Nothing wrong with smaller bikes, in whatever affordable conformation they may take.
An absolutely credible touring machine was my 400cc Majesty scooter. Proof:
http://dansher.com/bikepix/2011May/index.html (http://dansher.com/bikepix/2011May/index.html)
Ditto wifes 250cc Reflex scooter.
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That was a great trip, MOTOGeeezer. Thank you for sharing that.
I had a Honda NS 250 Reflex and made a desert crossing from Central Aridzona to Southern California and back. It did just fine. The way I figure it, if small is what I can afford, then small is what I will do, and love.
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Couple years ago I met a couple of guys who rode their Honda Helixes to the Swamp Scooters rally. All the way from Indiana to Louisiana. I like the Helix. They're selling for around $1500 now and they're a stone ax reliable Honda.
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That is right. Honda replaced the Helix with the Reflex, but then put Helix back into production after a couple of years. The Reflex had some definite issues that were not shared with the Helix. I found several of those issues in the time I owned mine.
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I know you don't want a used machine,Laura...but this '81 SilverWing is what I consider a good one.
http://images.craigslist.org/00202_6qkUKQNf9If_600x450.jpg
Here's the link: http://wichita.craigslist.org/mcy/5445884389.html
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Facing the same quandary as you, my 6'2" friend Jim found himself a 2012 Honda CBR250RA (ABS) with only 800 miles on it...for $3K. That bike will do anything a V7 will do, albeit a little slower and without quite as much style. I wouldn't hesitate to take it any distance...it will easily do Interstates. Hepco Becker even offers some pretty cool C-Bow removable luggage for the little CBR. I consider this bike to be the best value available for a full-sized motorcycle experience...
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CalVin2007 and Sheepdog have a similar ideas to mine. The most I ever spent on a motorcycle is $2,500, and that was for my 1989 Moto Guzzi Mille GT. My 2005 Kawasaki Ninja 250 was $1,100 last year. If I were on a very tight budget and wanted the most motorcycle for my money, I'm pretty sure I'd go with a used Ninja 250. It's a "crotch rocket" only in appearance, and riding position is quite upright compared to the big Ninjas. The plastic comes off if you don't like it. It gets about 65 mpg, and will go an honest 100 mph if you want to for some reason. Handling is excellent, and it weighs somewhere around 330 lbs with a fairly low seat height.
I bought it so my daughter could ride, and I was surprised to find out how much I like to ride it too.
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That is a great looking bike! best of luck to you!! :bike-037:
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So, at one point the ugly truth hit me. The pittance I will have does not allow me the purchase of a Moto Guzzi V7. Off I went on the quest for a motorcycle that I could afford to both own and run and which would allow remaining funds for other things of life like clothing and food and dentistry'
This was not a satisfactory quest as the bikes I found were unsatisfactory. But then I thought that perhaps I was looking through the wrong end of the telescope. What might happen if rather than wondering, "What is the most bike I can possibly get?"; I pondered instead, "What would be the minimum bike that would do what I need done?"
I had an inspiration and went to You Tube and typed in a very strange phrase. Lo and behold! People tour on mopeds, and they do so over hundreds of kilometres. Indeed, they seem to have about as much sheer fun as one can have on two wheels. And, there are even such groups of eccentrics here in the U S of A. But I considered that I do need some freeway / interstate capability. While I do not love riding or driving on them there are places where such highways are the only way between points. I have just such a stretch in my back yard. Gotta get over the hump at Camp Verde lest I be stuck here in the Verde Valley when snow and ice plagues the high country otherwise surrounding me.
So a Goose son't be happening. But a Wolf should, and I think soon. And it is a motorcycle and I am happy.
And I plan to stay here and plague you wonderful people for a long time.
Thanks for the perspective...very refreshing!! and introducing me to this motorcycle that I have somehow oblivious to. I have always loved the early CB's....my first bike was a 74 CL 360 and I loved it. I have another I just found on CL last year for really cheap....fun on the Michigan gravel roads but I wouldn't ride it cross country.
I cruised you tube for the wolf and really dig this bike. I'd love to hear about your travels should you get one.
Keep us posted.
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Is this the wolf of which you speak?
http://www.alliancepowersports.com/models/wolf_gallery.html
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I'll second Jim's comments. Find a used Kawasaki Ninja 250. They can be found cheap in good condition. Parts are everyone and cheap.
This two-fiddy is my second favorite "real" motorcycle of all the ones I've owned. It's always just fun to ride. I bought it to be a cheap, unloved commuter throwaway bike, but the dang thing stole my heart.
From a practical perspective, it has a very comfortable seating position (like a standard bike). Big gas tank and good gas mileage means real range. Superb handling and brakes.
The engine is a hoot. Yes, it has enough power on the interstate--I routinely ride mine on the Texas interstates at an indicated 80 to 85. Top speed is probably a true 90 to 95.
To enjoy the engine, you gotta rev it. But pretty soon you will think it's perfectly normal to spend hours on the freeway with the engine spinning 10,000 rpm. Like I said--it's just fun.
About the only things it won't do it banzai passes of slow moving car on winding two lane roads up hill; and two up riding. You can tour on them. I took several trips from Dallas to New Orleans and once to Florida, and did so by choice, leaving bigger and "better" bike at home.
I'd say a used Ninja 250 is about the best value in the motorcycle world. The ratio of money spent to capability gained is superb.
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Top speed is probably a true 90 to 95.
Duck and tuck! Cycle World got 101 in their road test. :grin:
Maybe I'll put on my GPS wristwatch next time I'm running mine somewhere safe and secluded.
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Ya know, I did look at Ninjas. But the plastic, liquid cooling, DOHC and shim adjusted 4V per cylinder heads do not sound good for my needs. Pretty little thangs! And quick.
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what is a wolf?
My friend Jack rode a 50cc moped to Sturgiss and back.. 1200+ miles
not good for freeways but my city bike is plenty fun,
(https://fotoguzzi.smugmug.com/Guzzi/i-Z4b2bnD/0/L/IMG_1472-L.jpg)
That MadAss looks cool!
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I understand your concerns. I didn't want one until I saw one on the net that had been "standardized", and I had decided to do that to mine before I bought it. Here's mine after trimming the plastic. I'm currently working on fixing some tank dents and getting it ready to paint. But if you don't want DOHC and liquid cooling, I certainly respect that.
Now:
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c327/triplejim/motorcycles/Ninja%20250/photo000_zpszopfpblr.jpg)
Approximately what I'm going to end up with (photo from the net that I altered):
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c327/triplejim/motorcycles/Ninja%20250/naked_ninja_250_ga_silver_pinstripes_zpsj0u9sik7.jpg)
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FWIW, a Honda Helix finished the Iron Butt rally several years ago. But, the guy who did it said he would not do it again on a little scooter. :)
One of my brother's work mates rode a 250cc scooter to work every day for several years (I think it was a Honda). Southern Ca, I5, full throttle, 30min twice a day. The dealer asked for the thing back after he put 100k miles on it so they could see what was worn out (they gave him a really good deal on a new one).
I did not want to invest in a new bike when I got my T5. Look for a used bike that is in good condition.
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What an interesting thread about quarter liter bikes. Made me think back to a Kawasaki that was never brought to the States, but is (was) a beautiful small bike. What was it? The Kawasaki Estrella. Made only for Europe and Asia, my guess. And it appears it may be available once again in Japan.
https://www.google.com/search?q=kawasaki+estrella&biw=1280&bih=855&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0ahUKEwjW9NzNtPjKAhWEdj4KHb98CnAQsAQIGw
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I understand your concerns. I didn't want one until I saw one on the net that had been "standardized", and I had decided to do that to mine before I bought it. Here's mine after trimming the plastic. I'm currently working on fixing some tank dents and getting it ready to paint. But if you don't want DOHC and liquid cooling, I certainly respect that.
Now:
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c327/triplejim/motorcycles/Ninja%20250/photo000_zpszopfpblr.jpg)
Approximately what I'm going to end up with (photo from the net that I altered):
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c327/triplejim/motorcycles/Ninja%20250/naked_ninja_250_ga_silver_pinstripes_zpsj0u9sik7.jpg)
I like it! I got a bad taste for tupperware with the Reflex. At one point I enlisted my brother in law to assist after I perused torque settings of the variator centre nuts. We changed the belt, spark plugs, coolant hoses, final drive lube. All bleeding day. The bodywork alone was four panels and about sixty fasteners of five types. The routings of everything under the plastic were obviously where stuff was easily hung on in production and with no concern for maintenance.
Further, the thing had a lot of sail area, much of it forward. Twas an arrow flying backward and treacherous in wind. I like bikes I can see through to the sky! Apparently you do as well. I don't know if it is still in the works but I read a while back that the Big K was considering a naked Ninja 300.
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FWIW, a Honda Helix finished the Iron Butt rally several years ago. But, the guy who did it said he would not do it again on a little scooter. :)
One of my brother's work mates rode a 250cc scooter to work every day for several years (I think it was a Honda). Southern Ca, I5, full throttle, 30min twice a day. The dealer asked for the thing back after he put 100k miles on it so they could see what was worn out (they gave him a really good deal on a new one).
I did not want to invest in a new bike when I got my T5. Look for a used bike that is in good condition.
Way back in time, which is funny because at the time it did not feel like way back at all, I had a few dollars because mom and I pooled our incomes. I had a CB 750F back then and touring rider friends. While I never had both time and money at the same spot to ride the Three Flags many of my friends did. About 1981 someone entered with a Vespa P 200E. People thought he was crazy and he probably was, but he finished and was not the last rider to make it. Cool.
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What an interesting thread about quarter liter bikes. Made me think back to a Kawasaki that was never brought to the States, but is (was) a beautiful small bike. What was it? The Kawasaki Estrella. Made only for Europe and Asia, my guess. And it appears it may be available once again in Japan.
https://www.google.com/search?q=kawasaki+estrella&biw=1280&bih=855&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0ahUKEwjW9NzNtPjKAhWEdj4KHb98CnAQsAQIGw
Oh my, ain't it purty.
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I don't know if it is still in the works but I read a while back that the Big K was considering a naked Ninja 300.
I hope so. It makes sense, now that KTM has the 390 out and has shown it can sell. A friend of mine bought a 390 and loves it. I'd enjoy seeing a variety of bikes in 250cc-400cc range available in the US. I imagine the trend is at least partially a result of designing motorcycles for markets like India and China, but if that's what it took, fine.
It's only in the last few years I've learned that I don't need scary power to have fun on a motorcycle, and some of the most fun I've ever had has been on the little ones.
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Although I must admit to a certain sense of nostalgia, I am thinking the same thing. Besides, little is what I can buy. So long as I can afford to ride it, and it doees not develop a habit of leaving me alone in the midst of BFE I think I will have a lot of fun.
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doees not develop a habit of leaving me alone in the midst of BFE I think I will have a lot of fun.
(back to Firefox because Chrome has quit mostly working again.) ??
Well.. uh.. yes. :smiley: It'll be a lot more fun if you're not standing on the side of the road in BFE wondering what to do next. :wink:
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I don't know if it is still in the works but I read a while back that the Big K was considering a naked Ninja 300.
Honda has a naked 300, the CB300F, MSRP $3,999:
(http://motorcycle.com.vsassets.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/LightweightNakeds-Honda-Action-09731.jpg)
The engine is a 286 CC water cooled single putting out 30 HP.
KTM has the Duke 390 -- love the orange trellis frame (though, the Honda would be MUCH cheaper to own and operate):
(http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1391733631/802/9696802.jpg)
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HardAspie--
Hey, I'm with you on the downsides. I too prefer less plastic, and the see-through look. Also prefer air-cooling and screw adjusters for valves. These are reasons why my favorite bike is V7 Guzzi Stone and the Kawasaki two-fiddy comes in second.
But since you are Aspie, lets banter about the facts.
I'm not a Tupperware fan. But on 2-fiddy, it really only adds 15 minutes to any job.
Valves? Yes, something of a PITA to get to them. On the other hand, they have not needed adjustment in 25,000 miles. I'm now taking the calculated risk of skipping the scheduled maintenace interval, will run it until idle or starting gets iffy. I think a lot of 250 riders do the same--once you get past the break-in period and know the valve train is stable, maybe you can skip the PITA valve checks.
Water cooling. Ok, you got me there. Once I had a dirt dauber build a nest on one blade of the radiator cooling fan. Gummed it up, and unbalanced it. Fan motor burnt out, and engine temp light came on repeatedly in city traffic until I figured out the issue. Used fan was like $25 bucks on EBay, but still.
Second issue was a failed O-ring in upper cylinder head coolant pipe. Caused a micro-leak of coolant. Fortunately, my wife kept smelling burnt coolant and I tracked down the problem. But if she hasn't have noticed, I likely would have depleted the coolant tank and seized the engine.
Replacement O-ring was 25 cents, and an hour to get there and back.
So yes, they aren't perfect. But very, very, very good for the money.
And heck, even if you have some catastrophic engine failure, get a $500 engine off EBay and swap them out.
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If upon seeing a Wolf and truing it out I say "NO!" then the N300 is possible, as are a few others. The CSC offerings look okay too.
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The Kawasaki Estrella is currently available in the US as the Suzuki TU-250x. It has been available for a number of years and is probably available on the used market. It's air-cooled, fuel-injected, traditionally styled, and dead-simple. It doesn't produce as much power as the Honda or Kawasaki 250s, but has tested well and has sort've a Brit-bike vibe. The 2016 is handsome in the orange livery...
http://www.suzukicycles.com/Product%20Lines/Cycles/Products/TU250X/2016/TU250X.aspx
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c229/JamesBagley/07897273873a614869b17e3c219a4214.jpg)
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The Kawasaki Estrella is currently available in the US as the Suzuki TU-250x. It has been available for a number of years and is probably available on the used market. It's air-cooled, fuel-injected, traditionally styled, and dead-simple. It doesn't produce as much power as the Honda or Kawasaki 250s, but has tested well and has sort've a Brit-bike vibe. The 2016 is handsome in the orange livery...
http://www.suzukicycles.com/Product%20Lines/Cycles/Products/TU250X/2016/TU250X.aspx
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c229/JamesBagley/07897273873a614869b17e3c219a4214.jpg)
This would be my choice. Love that little bike!
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Okay then, I know of that bike. I read a comparo between the TU 250 and the Wolf. Surprisingly, the TU was not much faster in any way. Nut it does cost more and I truly want no EFI. Unless actual contact with the Wolf tells me no, I am sticking there.
Hey! Thanks for all the replies and ideas. Really. From the heart.
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I totally get that, you need to get the bike you're most comfortable with. Perhaps this is just prejudice and ignorance on my part, but I've heard nothing but good things about the Suzuki, and simply don't know anything about Sym. It seems you're researching all of your options thoroughly, and will end up with what works for you. Either way, as someone else previously requested, can't wait for a ride report! :thumb:
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Yeah, I've done a lot of research I have found no bad reports of either the Suzuki TU 250 or the SYM Wolf. There's at least one other bike in this corner of the market that seems a bit dodgey; some people happy and others not, even the happy ones report issues. I think that the big issue is just deciding that a tiddler of siome sort is the right tool for the job, and that once that is done that either the Zook or the Wolf would do fine.
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One thing I don't think some of these guys are considering , Laura is , if memory serves ,is a waif of a thing , unlike some of our , er , well , more robust members :grin:
Dusty
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My 1st touting bike was a CB450 w/a small suitcase secured by a section of close line hacked from Mom's clothes line. Wearing a garbage bag for the rain suit. FUN
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Well, I may not be a total waif, but I am not too heavy and I pack light.
Ya kno, I am truly looking forward to tiddler touring!
The guy who taught me how to ride owned a CB 450. I thought that was about the most beautiful thing in the world. I still think they are beautiful things.
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If your on a seriously tight budget you cant be too picky, you need to buy second hand.
You probably shouldn't go too cheap on something old unless you know what you might need to spend on parts.
one to consider:
Suzuki GW250 - it is not the best bike but its economical, reliable and you may get a secondhand one with under 5000 miles on it for under $2500.
one negative - like most unfaired bikes these days its not easy to add a screen if you want extra wind protection for longer journeys
if you have more to spend than that then you might as well stretch to a bit more and get a second hand v7.
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Okay then, I know of that bike. I read a comparo between the TU 250 and the Wolf. Surprisingly, the TU was not much faster in any way.
The TU250 only has 1 HP more than the Wolf, but, it does have a good bit more torque, though, keeping this in mind, along with the HP peak being at good bit higher RPM, shifting the Wolf at a higher RPM should yield similar performance. The fact that it weights a good 50-60 lbs less doesn't hurt either.
Nut it does cost more and I truly want no EFI. Unless actual contact with the Wolf tells me no, I am sticking there.
Hey! Thanks for all the replies and ideas. Really. From the heart.
The Wolf definitely sounds like the right bike for you. Since it is basically a refinement of a tried and true Honda design, and, given amount of praise, and lack of complaints, by owners on forum discussions about them, I would think that you can buy it and ride it on confidence.
I look forward to your ride reports as you take it on many adventures!
If your on a seriously tight budget you cant be too picky, you need to buy second hand.
You probably shouldn't go too cheap on something old unless you know what you might need to spend on parts.
one to consider:
Suzuki GW250 - it is not the best bike but its economical, reliable and you may get a secondhand one with under 5000 miles on it for under $2500.
I'm sure that a pre-owned GW250 would do just fine, but, she doesn't want fuel injection, and doesn't want used.
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If the TU250 is in the running, and I think it's an excellent bike; consider the Yamaha SR400. Kickstart only though.
I've toured on a TS-125, CJ-360t and the KZ-550. I would not recommend the 125. :laugh:
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That kick only kinda had me at a bummer. I think I love kick as a backup...but am older than I used to be.
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That kick only kinda had me at a bummer. I think I love kick as a backup...but am older than I used to be.
...and the new ones are EFI.
Terry
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That's right.
Unless real life vetoes the thing, I like the Wolf. It meets - I think - my needs. And I actually like it.
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If the TU250 is in the running, and I think it's an excellent bike; consider the Yamaha SR400. Kickstart only though.
The SR400 is WAY out of the desired price range. The Tu250 is a stretch, but, the SR400 is out of the park.
That kick only kinda had me at a bummer. I think I love kick as a backup...but am older than I used to be.
"I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now."
B. Dylan.
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That's right.
Unless real life vetoes the thing, I like the Wolf. It meets - I think - my needs. And I actually like it.
Forgive me if you've already seen this, but here's a great honest narrative on some first impressions with the Wolf. Now you've got me thinkin' about one, if the thing is so fun :P But where the heck are you going to find one? Availability seems to be tough.
http://www.twincitiesrider.com/symwolf012.htm
And another!
http://www.scooterfile.com/scooter-reviews/sf-first-ride-sym-wolf-classic-150/
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Forgive me if you've already seen this, but here's a great honest narrative on some first impressions with the Wolf. Now you've got me thinkin' about one, if the thing is so fun :P But where the heck are you going to find one? Availability seems to be tough.
http://www.twincitiesrider.com/symwolf012.htm
And another!
http://www.scooterfile.com/scooter-reviews/sf-first-ride-sym-wolf-classic-150/
Sounds good, but no fuel petcock,
is unacceptable on a carburated bike.. it's just a matter of time until the needle leaks and you end up with a crankcase full of fuel.
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Sounds good, but is unacceptable on a carburated bike.. it's just a matter of time until the needle leaks and you end up with a crankcase full of fuel.
Solid point, Chuck. She could easily snip the fuel line and install a universal shutoff valve to cure this concern. Yay or nay?
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Is there really no petcock, or could it be there is only an automatic one with no handle on it?
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Sure looks like it has a petcock in this view:
(http://www.alliancepowersports.com/images/models/Wolf/Gallery_Wolf_3.jpg)
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Vacuum petcock.
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Forgive me if you've already seen this, but here's a great honest narrative on some first impressions with the Wolf. Now you've got me thinkin' about one, if the thing is so fun :P But where the heck are you going to find one? Availability seems to be tough.
http://www.twincitiesrider.com/symwolf012.htm
And another!
http://www.scooterfile.com/scooter-reviews/sf-first-ride-sym-wolf-classic-150/
That is a thing I checked during my investigation process. ON the US SYM (Alliance Powersports) site is a dealer finder. Most states have at least one dealer. Aridzona has three, one of them is but forty miles distant and indeed the Prescott Guzzi dealer.
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Sounds good, but is unacceptable on a carburated bike.. it's just a matter of time until the needle leaks and you end up with a crankcase full of fuel.
If the carb is like other small Hondas (this is an evolution of the CB125S), then a leaky float valve shouldn't cause fuel to get into the crankcase, as all Honda carbs from the era this design is from have an overflow tube that exits the bottom of the float bowl.
That's not to say that a puddle of gasoline on the floor of your garage or shed isn't a problem.
That is a thing I checked during my investigation process. ON the US SYM (Alliance Powersports) site is a dealer finder. Most states have at least one dealer. Aridzona has three, one of them is but forty miles distant and indeed the Prescott Guzzi dealer.
So, no worse or better than Guzzi.
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If the carb is like other small Hondas (this is an evolution of the CB125S), then a leaky float valve shouldn't cause fuel to get into the crankcase, as all Honda carbs from the era this design is from have an overflow tube that exits the bottom of the float bowl.
That's not to say that a puddle of gasoline on the floor of your garage or shed isn't a problem.
Two posts above yours, HardAspie said that it has a vacuum petcock.
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And the dealer situation looks pretty good. And then there is this: it is not an exotic design, nothing there at all strange too any fixer of Japanese bikes. If anything should go wrong far from home repairs should not be difficult. I have the factory service manual from 2012 and parts drawings downloaded to PDF and figure to load them to a thumb to keep on the bike. Just in case. But, I owned a few Japanese bikes of this design era and found that so long as I took reasonable care of them in terms of scheduled maintenance that nothing actually went wrong on the road.
Actually the worst on the road fail I had was that once I was just far enough from home (about 20 miles) that a push home was not going to suffice. I heard a loud clunk and then a strange metallic sound. A rock had found so much joy in the touch of the CB 350G's front tyre that it left into the air and severed the centre stand's spring! The stand then dropped and scraped the pavement. I had to look about for something on the road side to tie up the stand. Thereafter I kept some bailing wire and a few zip ties on my bikes, just in case.
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I had to look about for something on the road side to tie up the stand. Thereafter I kept some bailing wire and a few zip ties on my bikes, just in case.
That's good practice. I used to carry a small roll of duck (duct) tape in the "trunk" of my H2, rolled from a large roll onto a small plastic tube, as well as what you mentioned. And always a coat hanger in my '73 Dodge van, for making things like temporary exhaust system hangers. Once a beer can, cut open with a knife, wrapped around a broken exhaust pipe, and held in place with two radiator hose clamps got me 120 miles to home without attracting the attention of the law. You have to have basic materials on hand. :laugh:
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Absolutely. When running a 4 wheeled paycheck eater I have liked to keep the items taken off during maintenance (like those I replace shortly after buying the rolling wreck) with the thing: hoses, clamps, belts, radiator cap, spark plugs, wires, cap and rotor, points and condenser. Then add fuses and bulbs and a few other items. Bikes carry the old plugs, zip ties, bailing wire, duct tape, fuel hose, clamps, chain lube, fuses, bulbs, JB Weld, some sort of flat remedy, and at least twenty dollars in cash.
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An embarrassing moment came when I got home from a long trip, and found the original bypass hose for the van, after having spent a couple hours limping to a parts store and waiting for one to be delivered from its warehouse. You not only have to carry the stuff, but remember what you're carrying. :laugh:
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Ain't that the truth.
When operating 4 wheeled vehicles, I would stick a cardboard box, with taped in compartments, in my trunk for larger parts, then carry small items and tools (usually including timing light and dwell tach) in a tool box.
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I had it in a nice plastic bowling ball case with other spare parts like ignition module, regulator, etc., right where it would have been easy to locate, but since I forgot I had it, I never looked for it. I was somewhat younger, and less aware of my limitations. (A man's got to know...)
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Ahh, shucks!
I learned about those bypass hoses the hard way when one blew out suddenly in BFE under the hood of my Subaru 1300. Set into motion a real adventure.
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(A man's got to know...)
(https://sunsetmediawave.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/dirty_harry-840x473.jpg)
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In that case the limitations are pretty high.
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Not to keep pushing the TU250 on you, but, there is a dealer in Baltimore, MD that has two left over 2015 TU250 for $2,999 (same price as the Wolf). Of course, they're a long way from Aridzona, but, other dealers closer to you might have similar deals. Others watching this thread might be interested too.
http://www.petescycle.com/2015SuzukiTU-250X-inventory.htm?id=1024981&used=1&vin=JS1NJ4CA0F2100203 (http://www.petescycle.com/2015SuzukiTU-250X-inventory.htm?id=1024981&used=1&vin=JS1NJ4CA0F2100203)
http://www.petescycle.com/2015SuzukiTU-250X-inventory.htm?id=1057247&used=1&vin=JS1NJ4CA9F2100703 (http://www.petescycle.com/2015SuzukiTU-250X-inventory.htm?id=1057247&used=1&vin=JS1NJ4CA9F2100703)
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Next step: money. Probably late this month.
Next step: lookee Wolfiee. If I like, buy.
Next step: Either begin Wolf break in, or begin quest anew.
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Next step: money. Probably late this month.
Next step: lookee Wolfiee. If I like, buy.
Next step: Either begin Wolf break in, or begin quest anew.
We look forward to ride reports, with pictures!
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Your quite lucky you have the Sym classic in the US.
In Europe we have Sym but very few models which are not 50cc or 125cc, we dont have the sym classic. Sym are known for scooters. Nearest thing we have is called Mash, then theres the odd little start ups that appear and disappear think just importers direct from China.
I understand Sym are Taiwanese and a cut above the usual chinese bikes and this is only real choice of new bike unless CCW (CleavlandCycleWorks) are any good?
Still think a low mileage second hand bike is best on a budget and even with Sym would be best with a proven model like a Sym HD200.
PS Actually looked at Sym and Kymco before buying a low mileage Guzzi V7 2008. When I realized the insurance was only a little more. Not sure how much more it cost in the end but was certainly less than another 1000 of your dollars.
If I'd been on a really tight budget I would have probably considered a GS500 although it rains a lot where i live and they seem to weather quite badly (but I'd guess no worse than a Sym Classic probably will?)
Hell what am I ranting on about, this is a Guzzi forum, there are plenty Guzzi Nervadas out there (with Carbs or efi) (mostly bought by old men or by women who have not thrashed them) they are cheaper than new asian tat. this other side of the lens thing is just self deception, the other side of the lens for someone who would aspire to a v7 but has budget constraints is a Nervada.
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Thanks Pikipi!
Actually the Classic is the current evolution of the Honda CB 125, that SYM has built since 1971 - under license until Honda canceled in 2002, so it is well proven. I have seen both good and not good at all about the CCW. Their workmanship seems spotty. As for weathering, I plan on a rain proof cover, and that comes off immediately following a rain so that the cover does not sweat. It rains little here in Aridzona.