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The Dude
Too Many piles of Junk that need too much work and too much money
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The Dude
@geeklion avatar
Too Many piles of Junk that need too much work and too much money
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UTC quote
Birdsnest wrote:
Good stuff.

Jesse, did I see you were selling a wide frame on one of the FB groups?

Maybe post a link in the DoD thread! Solid deal and maybe some MV NSMer would be interested.
You are correct, and it already found a new home. Got claimed right away, before I even had a chance to get over here to post

Apologies to anyone who missed out, even if You didn't know about it lol.
Know that I am happy its going to a good home. The buyer bought a VB1 project, only to discover that the frame was rotten and need tons more work than was disclosed by the seller…what a shame. So my frame will replace theirs, and the parts will supplement their build. It's going to Oakland, CA.
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Right on.

Figured it wouldn't last at that price!
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The Dude
Too Many piles of Junk that need too much work and too much money
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The Dude
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UTC quote
Birdsnest wrote:
Right on.

Figured it wouldn't last at that price!
I think it was fair for what it was. Still needed a fair amount of parts, and work; with a few extra bonus goodies thrown in to appease the scooter karma gods
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Ossessionato
1958 Allstate 177VMC, 1962 Allstate, Yamaha Vino 70cc
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Ossessionato
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UTC quote
GeekLion wrote:
You are correct, and it already found a new home. Got claimed right away, before I even had a chance to get over here to post

Apologies to anyone who missed out, even if You didn't know about it lol.
Know that I am happy its going to a good home. The buyer bought a VB1 project, only to discover that the frame was rotten and need tons more work than was disclosed by the seller…what a shame. So my frame will replace theirs, and the parts will supplement their build. It's going to Oakland, CA.
Seems to be a thing with you…
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The Dude
Too Many piles of Junk that need too much work and too much money
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The Dude
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UTC quote
FridayMatinee wrote:
Seems to be a thing with you…
watcha mean?...
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Ossessionato
1958 Allstate 177VMC, 1962 Allstate, Yamaha Vino 70cc
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Ossessionato
1958 Allstate 177VMC, 1962 Allstate, Yamaha Vino 70cc
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UTC quote
GeekLion wrote:
watcha mean?...
You sold me a frame to replace a bent one I had too
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The Dude
Too Many piles of Junk that need too much work and too much money
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The Dude
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UTC quote
FridayMatinee wrote:
You sold me a frame to replace a bent one I had too
Hahaha!! Oh yeah thats right! Sorry, slow brain today. I guess it is kina a thing with me. This has happened before too. I just cant pass up a Vespa, complete or not. I always have the intention to build em all! Then at some point the shop gets full, and the inner voice if reason sits me down for a heart-to-heart and say "Really?….are you reeeeeally going to build and ride them all?…." *hangs head in shame…no no I am not.

I'm always happy when a project moves on to someone who can enjoy it as intended. Rather than collecting more dust. Bonus, it makes more room to find more projects!
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Ossessionato
1979 P150X, 1983 P200E, 1987 PK125XL Elestart, 1988 T5, 1995 PX200E, 2011 Yamaha Fazer 600 S2
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Ossessionato
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UTC quote
Piaggio, original M7 cylinder studs for the Sprint V. motor I work on. Find the mistake… Facepalm emoticon Facepalm emoticon Facepalm emoticon
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Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
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parallelogramerist
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parallelogramerist
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UTC quote
blue thread locker applied on the wrong end?
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Ossessionato
1979 P150X, 1983 P200E, 1987 PK125XL Elestart, 1988 T5, 1995 PX200E, 2011 Yamaha Fazer 600 S2
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Ossessionato
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UTC quote
whodatschrome wrote:
blue thread locker applied on the wrong end?
Oh Yeah! Someone was drunk at the factory. I informed my supplier, every pair he has came this way…
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Ossessionato
V range 50s
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Ossessionato
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UTC quote
Parmakit studs also had thread lock only on the head side.
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Ossessionato
1979 P150X, 1983 P200E, 1987 PK125XL Elestart, 1988 T5, 1995 PX200E, 2011 Yamaha Fazer 600 S2
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Ossessionato
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UTC quote
The M8 ones he has, have the thread locker on the engine side as they should…
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Nedminder
62 VBB1T Round Tail W/ leaner sidecar
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Nedminder
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UTC quote
SaFiS wrote:
Oh Yeah! Someone was drunk at the factory. I informed my supplier, every pair he has came this way…
How this went down:

Hey Bob, we have 3400 head bolts with the Loctite on the wrong end, what do you think we should do?

Bob: well, we could just re-Loctite those on the other end!

Yeah, but then we'd have to package them carefully so that the double lock tighten bolts were all in the same pack.

Bob: OK, well, how about instead if we just start loctiting both ends of every bolt?

Nah. That will be 1.5 cents more per bolt, and it would make my margin report look bad in front of the big guy.

Bob: I got it! Let's just put one fucked up bolt in each pack until we've run out of fucked up bolts!

Great! I'll send an email and copy everybody, so no one can blame us later. Thanks Bob.
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Hooked
'55 VL1
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Hooked
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UTC quote
Everyone knows that when you remove three head bolts, one is bound to pull the stud out with it. They're just trying to meet expectations.
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Banned
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UTC quote
I'd ditch the blue locktite in any case. I always use red on the end going into the case.
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Ossessionato
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
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It's been well over a year without owning a scoot (health reasons). I have continued to work on bikes on the side to keep busy in my retirement (and add a little coin to the stash). I presently have a GTS250 in my garage that I finished working on for an old friend's wife as she put an astonishing 110 miles on it since 2016. Anyhow, it's here for the summer as the owners are off traveling so I have something to ride, but I have been itching for one of my own for a while. There is my old Super that I built 10 years ago up for sale on here - ([North Carolina] '74 Vespa VBC US Model) Also a couple of days ago, a 1980 P200 came up for sale in my area. By that I mean I usually have to drive at least 1 1/2 to 2 hours one way as nothing for sale every comes up closer. Well today, I walked, yes walked, less than a mile to check the P out. 2700 miles, not running for many years, white dust in the gas tank, but no rust. Maroon in color and the paint looks original and save a for a few scratches, in very good shape. Tires are cracked on the sides and the only real downer other than needing new tires, battery and fuel tap is the stock 20/20 carb where a 24/24 would be preferable. I really liked that Super, but having a P200 again might be alright too. Both would be about the same price. And no, I can't possibly afford to get both. Got to figure this out......any thoughts?
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I will also add the engine is not stuck and seems to have good compression.
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Molto Verboso
'07 GTS250, '07 LX150, '81 P200E, '78 P200E, '74 VBC1, '64 V90 and 3 Ciaos
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Molto Verboso
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UTC quote
Depends on how you feel about the Super. That P sounds like a solid find and you know it will run until the end of time in stock form.

You may want to meet that old flame again before rekindling that relationship; it may not be quite as you remember it.
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Ossessionato
1979 P150X, 1983 P200E, 1987 PK125XL Elestart, 1988 T5, 1995 PX200E, 2011 Yamaha Fazer 600 S2
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Ossessionato
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Never seen the long end towards the cases. It doesn't make sense…
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parallelogramerist
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Tierney wrote:
It's been well over a year without owning a scoot (health reasons). I have continued to work on bikes on the side to keep busy in my retirement (and add a little coin to the stash). I presently have a GTS250 in my garage that I finished working on for an old friend's wife as she put an astonishing 110 miles on it since 2016. Anyhow, it's here for the summer as the owners are off traveling so I have something to ride, but I have been itching for one of my own for a while. There is my old Super that I built 10 years ago up for sale on here - ([North Carolina] '74 Vespa VBC US Model) Also a couple of days ago, a 1980 P200 came up for sale in my area. By that I mean I usually have to drive at least 1 1/2 to 2 hours one way as nothing for sale every comes up closer. Well today, I walked, yes walked, less than a mile to check the P out. 2700 miles, not running for many years, white dust in the gas tank, but no rust. Maroon in color and the paint looks original and save a for a few scratches, in very good shape. Tires are cracked on the sides and the only real downer other than needing new tires, battery and fuel tap is the stock 20/20 carb where a 24/24 would be preferable. I really liked that Super, but having a P200 again might be alright too. Both would be about the same price. And no, I can't possibly afford to get both. Got to figure this out......any thoughts?
i'd say a VBC 200 would be the bestest, but then you're stuck with selling a P with a Super engine for somewhere around $1500. If i had to choose for myself, i would take a P200 any day over a more vintage 150cc vespa. The P is easier to work on, quality P parts are a bit easier to acquire, and of course 200cc.
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Style Maven
'74 50s x3 '87 PK125XL '92 PK50XLS Plurimatic - & - '58 AllState '68 Sprint '66(?) 125 Super '72 DanMotor 150 Super and '04 Bajaj LML hybrid
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UTC quote
Tierney wrote:
It's been well over a year without owning a scoot (health reasons)...

... Both would be about the same price. And no, I can't possibly afford to get both. Got to figure this out......any thoughts?
Just retired and health issues? My back has gotten worse lately and now I notice my 8" Super is easier to handle than my taller heavier P200 was. But other than that I'd pick the P for the easy power and low end torque w/ usually solid reliability. It's just a better, more evolved bike if I could only have one.
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bodgemaster
63 GL, 76 Super (x2), 74 Primavera (x2), 79 P200, 06 Fly 150
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bodgemaster
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UTC quote
I'll be brutally honest. Now that you're older and more mature, go with the P. It's big and comfortable - more suitable for us older fellas. You had your fling with the Super. Enjoy the memories.
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Johnny Two Tone
'15 GTS300, '86 PX125EFL, '66 VBB, '01 ET4
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UTC quote
in a perfect world - go see and ride each. decide what feels better.
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
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UTC quote
whodatschrome wrote:
i'd say a VBC 200 would be the bestest, but then you're stuck with selling a P with a Super engine for somewhere around $1500. If i had to choose for myself, i would take a P200 any day over a more vintage 150cc vespa. The P is easier to work on, quality P parts are a bit easier to acquire, and of course 200cc.
The VBC originally had a 2 port 150cc engine. It needed a new piston, so I went to a generic three port top end from Scooter Mercato and managed to cut in a third port with a little added material in the case. So it still a 150cc at this time. The advantage of the Super would be that I went thru it completely from front to back with many new parts along the way. But that was about 10 years ago.
The P200 will need work of course, but it would be nice change to wrench on my own for a change. And it would most likely stay as a stock machine as I am limited by budget, with the exception of switching out the 20/20 to a 24/24. Guessing $400 or so should cover parts unless it needs more. With that in mind, it depends what I could get it for. It belongs to an older gentleman than me (not that I am a gentleman!) that has not ridden it in probably 10 years and his son. I offered to get it going and bring it back so the son could ride it around, but he is not interested at all in it. The son told me his father just wants it to go to a good home. I just have to figure out what a good deal is for both of us.
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Johnny Two Tone
'15 GTS300, '86 PX125EFL, '66 VBB, '01 ET4
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UTC quote
Tierney wrote:
The VBC originally had a 2 port 150cc engine. It needed a new piston, so I went to a generic three port top end from Scooter Mercato and managed to cut in a third port with a little added material in the case. So it still a 150cc at this time. The advantage of the Super would be that I went thru it completely from front to back with many new parts along the way. But that was about 10 years ago.
The P200 will need work of course, but it would be nice change to wrench on my own for a change. And it would most likely stay as a stock machine as I am limited by budget, with the exception of switching out the 20/20 to a 24/24. Guessing $400 or so should cover parts unless it needs more. With that in mind, it depends what I could get it for. It belongs to an older gentleman than me (not that I am a gentleman!) that has not ridden it in probably 10 years and his son. I offered to get it going and bring it back so the son could ride it around, but he is not interested at all in it. The son told me his father just wants it to go to a good home. I just have to figure out what a good deal is for both of us.
I rode my old P200 with a 20.20 and 24.24. to be honest - there was no difference that I could feel. Save yourself $100.
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Here's my reasoned assessment:

Either.
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
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V oodoo wrote:
Just retired and health issues? My back has gotten worse lately and now I notice my 8" Super is easier to handle than my taller heavier P200 was. But other than that I'd pick the P for the easy power and low end torque w/ usually solid reliability. It's just a better, more evolved bike if I could only have one.
I retired at the end of 2022 at 67 years old. In most ways, my body retired months before that. I have had 2 operations on my L5-S1 disc, the last time being in 2014. It finally caught up with me again about 7 years later. I probably would have kept working as I still enjoyed the Plastering work I was doing after 47 years of it, but the aggravation wasn't worth it anymore and thankfully, I had the option to retire. My wife had some health issues at the time as well, but is so much better now. The first three months of retirement were great, getting a lot of the long overdue house projects accomplished, then I noticed the back problems was definitely back. So I kicked that can down the road, tried to ignored it, just pushing thru it as I did not want to upset my wife or kids. When my first granddaughter was born in November of 2023. it gave the push I needed to get my act together. New Primary Doctor, PT regiments, new Neurosurgeon and diet which enabled me to lose almost 30 pounds this year. The problem is still there and I have good and bad days just like everyone else but extremely thankful the I'm still above ground and walking around. I am leaning towards the P over the Super, but we'll see how that goes
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sdjohn wrote:
I rode my old P200 with a 20.20 and 24.24. to be honest - there was no difference that I could feel. Save yourself $100.
Thank you, I will take that into consideration. I see you have four machines to choose from. The ET4 must seem like a magic carpet ride compared to the modded PX, the 300 even more so. This GTS I have here is a capable machine once it was fixed up ( Tune up, new regulator, battery, etc...) but it just isn't the same as riding a classic manual shift scoot. It gets the job done, but nearly as much fun to ride. And that VBB is drop dead gorgeous, I got to find one of those one day. The later models while being somewhat mechanical superior just don't have all that curvy goodness.
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Johnny Two Tone
'15 GTS300, '86 PX125EFL, '66 VBB, '01 ET4
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Johnny Two Tone
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Tierney wrote:
Thank you, I will take that into consideration. I see you have four machines to choose from. The ET4 must seem like a magic carpet ride compared to the modded PX, the 300 even more so. This GTS I have here is a capable machine once it was fixed up ( Tune up, new regulator, battery, etc...) but it just isn't the same as riding a classic manual shift scoot. It gets the job done, but nearly as much fun to ride. And that VBB is drop dead gorgeous, I got to find one of those one day. The later models while being somewhat mechanical superior just don't have all that curvy goodness.
The GTS is straight up transportation. It can do anything, including freeway duty. It is a beast. It is fun, but the fun is different to our vintage 2 stroke bikes. I like shifting and making noise Laughing emoticon . But it can hold the most and is a practical commuter, with heated grips even. Luxury ride for sure.

The ET4 was a project that is currently serving duty as "the bike my wife and daughter can practice on" which in practice means I ride it every few weeks to keep the carb from gumming up. It has the Malossi kit and Polini upgear, so it can do freeway, but much less confidently than the GTS, maxing out near 70 in the best conditions. I'm ready to part with it after my daughter goes back to school in the fall, and she'd rather have a motorcycle anyway.

The PX has been fantastic now that I kitted it, it's more fun than my P200 ever was, I can't really explain it but that bike is great for rallys and such.

This VBB has been a fun challenge - start with a pile of parts and build it. Except I've never had a VBB and have no frame of reference on some of the stuff ROFL emoticon . I love the curves of the old models and I wanted to try something on 8's. I got to practice skills I hadn't tried yet like riveting floor rails, fishing a new harness, spot repairing paint areas and blending them. I can't wait to try it out.
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SoCalGuy wrote:
I'll be brutally honest. Now that you're older and more mature, go with the P. It's big and comfortable - more suitable for us older fellas. You had your fling with the Super. Enjoy the memories.
Thanks Mike, that is kind of how I remember the P200 - a comfy and plusher ride, definitely the cruiser of the two. The Super, with the 8" wheels, was more like a small frame - great little city carver - so flickable and a bit quicker than either one of the P200 I had owned in the past.
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
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I had a LX 150 here that I took on trade at the first of the year for some work done on a client's Sportster. My wife and daughter both expressed an interest in riding, so it seemed like a good idea at the time. Did the usually maintenance needed for a scoot that languished in a garage for several years and got it running ok. My wife took it for one short ride up the block and changed her mind citing her osteoporosis problems and fear of a fall. My daughter decided she pretty much felt the same and would rather ride on the back of her boyfriend's scoot. I never really connected with it - a bit slow for around here and somewhat boring to ride. that and I got tired of moving it so many times to work on other scoots in my garage. If it had been kitted, it may have stayed around but I did not feel like putting the time and money into it. Less that three months and maybe 20 miles put on it? The new owner loves it and I probably made a whole dollar an hour for all the time I put into it. Crying or Very sad emoticon
That PX look like a blast to ride - a total kick ass scoot. You did such a great job on it. And you are going to love riding on 8s. The Super sure was fun but the VBB looks to have a nice low ride with the cool factor off the scale.
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Johnny Two Tone
'15 GTS300, '86 PX125EFL, '66 VBB, '01 ET4
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Yeah the ET4 and GTS are in the same modern riding experience bucket. It's just that the GTS does everything better, with the only exception being that the nimbleness of the ET4 is kind of nice. It's not enough though.

In a competition between the Ninja 250 I sold to make the space for the ET4 and the ET4, the ninja wins. But I wanted to try a modern project.

I'll end up with another motorcycle before too much time passes. They don't hold squat for carrying but it sure is fun. That ninja would rev to like 13000 RPM, and that's a good time.
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Birdsnest wrote:
Here's my reasoned assessment:

Either.
Ha ha! You are too spoiled for choice. But honestly, if I had the money and room, I would probably own a at least 5 or so. So you guys who have multiple rides have the right idea as there will always be at least one of them running right? Right? Honestly, I'm truly happy with just one that runs well. Don't really care too much about the looks of it, I'm a lousy painter and wash them every time I ride in the rain. Razz emoticon
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sdjohn wrote:
In a competition between the Ninja 250 I sold to make the space for the ET4 and the ET4, the ninja wins.
I'll end up with another motorcycle before too much time passes. They don't hold squat for carrying but it sure is fun. That ninja would rev to like 13000 RPM, and that's a good time.
I owned 3 Ninja 250s - 2 pre-2007s and my son's 2009. I much prefer the earlier models that included higher HP, a center stand and the 13k redline. More fun that most bikes I have owned for travelling under 60mph. And at 350 lbs., very manageable. The best all arounder for me has to be the Suzuki SV650. But at 420 pounds, while light for this class, is a bit much for me. That and I don't ride interstates or care to go over 60 mph anymore. Also, with my lousy lower back, I have to crawl over them to get seated on either one. and can't do the anything more than a 10% forward lean. Tough to get old. But it sure is nice to grip the tank with you legs when riding, something I miss with scooters.
@sdjohn avatar
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Johnny Two Tone
'15 GTS300, '86 PX125EFL, '66 VBB, '01 ET4
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Posts: 9004
Location: San Diego, CA
 
Johnny Two Tone
@sdjohn avatar
'15 GTS300, '86 PX125EFL, '66 VBB, '01 ET4
Joined: UTC
Posts: 9004
Location: San Diego, CA
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Tierney wrote:
I owned 3 Ninja 250s - 2 pre-2007s and my son's 2009. I much prefer the earlier models that included higher HP, a center stand and the 13k redline. More fun that most bikes I have owned for travelling under 60mph. And at 350 lbs., very manageable. The best all arounder for me has to be the Suzuki SV650. But at 420 pounds, while light for this class, is a bit much for me. That and I don't ride interstates or care to go over 60 mph anymore. Also, with my lousy lower back, I have to crawl over them to get seated on either one. and can't do the anything more than a 10% forward lean. Tough to get old. But it sure is nice to grip the tank with you legs when riding, something I miss with scooters.
yup, mine was a 2004. brilliant bike. took the front sprocket up one tooth when i replaced the chain as the gearing had it screaming at freeway speeds and it really helped make it better. I'd love to get one of the injected ones of the next body style. carbs were its only downfall - if you let it sit it was a bear to start.
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
Joined: UTC
Posts: 7569
Location: Tega Cay, SC
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
Joined: UTC
Posts: 7569
Location: Tega Cay, SC
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The Euro ones were FI in the last years of the 250, we did not get that until the 300 came out. But the forward lean percentage factor increased with later 250s and 300s from 14% to 22% - too much for me even with gripping the hell out of the tank with my thighs. The 300s, with FI, have quicker throttle response and get better mileage but weigh 35 lbs. more.
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Molto Verboso
1964 Allstate Cruisaire, 2022 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, 1972 Suzuki T500J
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Posts: 1082
Location: York, PA (the intellectual center of the universe)
 
Molto Verboso
@garncarz avatar
1964 Allstate Cruisaire, 2022 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, 1972 Suzuki T500J
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Posts: 1082
Location: York, PA (the intellectual center of the universe)
@kowalski avatar
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Addicted
2005 Stellalossi 177 Fe
Joined: UTC
Posts: 598
Location: MA
 
Addicted
@kowalski avatar
2005 Stellalossi 177 Fe
Joined: UTC
Posts: 598
Location: MA
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Have had a small run of scooter vexations lately. Most recent episode was loss of spark while out for a cruise last Saturday. Only thing obvious was flywheel wobbling on its hub a bit. That needed to be addressed anyway, so the flywheel came off, only to see the internal, peened ends on 7 of the 8 rivets had sheared right off. WTF! New flywheels for these early Stellas with external pickups are no longer available and I did not want to deal with the hassle and expense of converting to a Ducati Energia or Vape ignition right now, so I set out to replace the rivets. Turns out ¼" solid steel rivets are a hassle in their own right. Hopefully, BajaRob never sees the job I did peening them using improvised tools. For now, flywheel is tight and seemingly true, and spark is back. Hoping the rest of the season is clear sailing.
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
Joined: UTC
Posts: 7569
Location: Tega Cay, SC
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
Joined: UTC
Posts: 7569
Location: Tega Cay, SC

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