Would love to build one of these.
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Would love to build one of these.
Last edited by Anti Federalist; 05-09-2017 at 12:21 AM.
I'm thinking seriously about one of these I spotted on Craigslist in my area. 2007 black Kymco People S 200. $1250. 4400 miles. Carburetor. Forced air cooled. Kick start back up. Parts are insanely cheap. 256 lbs. Like the idea of the 16" wheels. Gutless but bulletproof GY6 based 163cc engine (even though they brand it a "200"). Might hit 60 MPH on a good day with no headwind. Slightly freeway legal for CA just in case I need an exit or two occasionally. Whaddya think for a first bike?
Last edited by anaconda; 05-08-2017 at 11:49 PM.
I'm thinking at $1250 with zero riding experience I can't go too far wrong. Even though it would require delaying learning to shift. I could learn to ride, lean into turns, get smart about how traffic works, do some generic maintenance, etc. If I total it I'm only out $1250. And if I don't I think I could resell it for at least $900.
This reviewer (the second discussion in the video regarding the 2017 Honda Rebel 300) makes an interesting statement about carburetors vs. electronic fuel injection at 6:10 in the video. He says carbs "keep you wrenching instead of riding." Also numerous other comments in his monologue implying that a more technologically advanced machine can in many ways can provide for a more confidence inspiring, safer, smoother, less frustrating and distracting situation to devote all of one's focus on confidently learning how to ride (i.e. by utilizing EFI, ABS disc brakes, liquid cooling, ergonomics, smooth throttle response, etc.). BTW this is probably my top choice for a first bike, without any consideration for $$$. But I think if I take a motorcycle class or two over at City College of San Francisco (cheap) that carb maintenance, rebuilds, or replacements would likely be a no-brainer. But it sounds like carburetors will soon go the way of the dinosaurs. But no harm in learning both technologies, right?
Last edited by anaconda; 05-09-2017 at 12:21 AM.
Again, like water cooling, all true.
The modern, electronic, fuel injected, ECM controlled engines are a glory to behold when they are working properly.
It when they don't, that the problems arise.
Incredibly sophisticated and complex systems are also incredibly difficult to troubleshoot and repair when they stop working properly.
To me, this goes against everything the "zen" of motorcycling is all about: simplicity, self reliance and freedom.
All those electronics are the cats ass when they're new but just like any electronic device they're prone to glitches/intermittent failure or complete failure especially on a used and older vehicle...
You may think I'm completely nuts but there's lots to be said for learning to drive/ride a vehicle with manual drum brakes and no gizmos....
Disc brakes will be a night-n-day experience, more cylinders, a wet clutch, overhead cams, fuel injection.............Each 'improvement' changes how a vehicle behaves and how the human interacts with it...
If you start with techno-gizmo marvels you'll quickly become dependent on them....
Why take a class? There's plenty of resources online for free. Back when I had my first quad, I just took it all apart, cleaned it, put it back together and the set all the screws per the manual and tuned from there. There's always a troubleshooting section that tells you how to adjust for rich/lean on top and bottom. Not that hard and teaching yourself is a great skill to have. Classes are fine and dandy, I just think you'd be better off financially and building skills and self-confidence to do it yourself.
I'm going against the trend here....
Don't buy some underpowered piece of imported $#@! to 'learn' on...
Best case scenario you blow it up before some idiot in a cage flattens you like a pancake and you're out money and desire....
Learn on something that will carry you down the road with a modicum of style and class and most importantly power.
Lol. My first bike was a GS 850 that I hardly got to ride, needed work. My first bike that I spent any time on was the 1500 goldwing, but it sounds like anaconda is going to be doing most of his riding in extremely urban settings. Are you planning on getting out on the bay bridge, freeways ect. anaconda?
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No, no. I am quite intrigued and interested in what you have to say. Seriously. And I've flip-flopped more than Mitt Romney on what bike to get. I'd like to hear your thoughts on this. The only thing you've said that I take some adverse issue with is the "style and class" motive. I don't think I care too much what others think about what I'm riding. But that may not be exactly what you were referring to.
People rave about the Sym HD 200. And the American company that imports and brands PGO's scooters is called Genuine headquartered in Chicago. The Genuine "Buddy" also has stellar reviews from their owners. They also import the Indian manufacturer LML's copy of the Piaggio PX, having formerly made Piaggio's PX scooters for the Indian market and manufactured parts for Piaggio (Vespa).
Last edited by anaconda; 05-09-2017 at 02:28 PM.
Avoid ethonal(eats the float needle) and drain the carb when you store for more then a month. No problems. Fuel injection pretty much always works, biggest problem is usually the $#@!ty fuel maps and electronic throttles some come with, nothing worse then the digital on off snatch of a poorly mapped fuel injection system. My triumphs have had fuel injection since the 90's and it's a thing of beauty. My 1991 k75s has fuel injection and abs, never had a problem and it always starts even after sitting for months and 50k odd miles.
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