New to everything, looking at a few bikes. . .

[katoranger]

That looks like a pretty good possibility. The engines on those are close clones of the yamaha virago 250.

[Daeouse]

Originally Posted by culcune

Great find for the price. I would buy it and work on it, using chinariders for reference...if it looked as good as it did in the photo. These were supposed to be one of the better Chinese cruisers. Someone just recently had a thread in the ‘streets' section of buying Chinese cruisers for 'cheap' and getting them running. If it is close, have a look, haggle on the price, and you have beginnings of a theoretical project. I'd say offer $200 and see what he says. Make sure there is a title, however, unless you wanted a parts bike, which I doubt you do.

Originally Posted by katoranger

That looks like a pretty good possibility. The engines on those are close clones of the yamaha virago 250.

thanks for the input! I will definitely be speaking with him very soon! I'm simply waiting on the tax money to come in.

Quick question: How big is this thing? All the sources I can find for it make it look tiny! Are the sources just wrong? I'm about 6ft, so is it good for a normal rider, or are we talking clown on a pocket-bike?

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Daeouse

Found something!
http://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/mcy/4269044021.html
your thoughts?
When my phone is back on I may call him. . .

No, it's not a shriners bike. I agree with the others. If the bike is in good condition, and you are willing to work to get the bike running, offer him $200, and buy it for $300. The parts alone are worth more than that.

[Weldangrind]

I'm pretty sure it has forward controls on it, so it should be workable at 6'.

I tend to shamelessly lowball when a bike doesn't run, especially when it's a China bike. I'd position it as a bike that local shops aren't likely to touch, and that means you're on your own. As well, you can't verify that it shifts like it should, so that also drops the price. I'd start the bidding at $100.00.

It could make a neat brat-style bike, or even a low-buck bobber. It might even help you at resale time if it is more interesting.

[FastDoc]

Go to a local Yamaha dealer and sit on a Virago 250. Likely identical.

[Daeouse]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

No, it's not a shriners bike. I agree with the others. If the bike is in good condition, and you are willing to work to get the bike running, offer him $200, and buy it for $300. The parts alone are worth more than that.

Thanks! I was planning on offering about $250. I hope he takes it. . .

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

I'm pretty sure it has forward controls on it, so it should be workable at 6'.

I tend to shamelessly lowball when a bike doesn't run, especially when it's a China bike. I'd position it as a bike that local shops aren't likely to touch, and that means you're on your own. As well, you can't verify that it shifts like it should, so that also drops the price. I'd start the bidding at $100.00.

It could make a neat brat-style bike, or even a low-buck bobber. It might even help you at resale time if it is more interesting.

I will remember that. I personally despise "bobbers", rather I prefer "Cafe Racer" style. We'll see what can be done when I look at the frame. Don't want to count my chickens before they hatch.

Originally Posted by FastDoc

Go to a local Yamaha dealer and sit on a Virago 250. Likely identical.

Duh! Good idea! I can't believe I didn't think about it!

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by Daeouse

I will remember that. I personally despise "bobbers", rather I prefer "Cafe Racer" style. We'll see what can be done when I look at the frame. Don't want to count my chickens before they hatch.

I'm with you, although I like the odd bobber that is tastefully done; I can't stand ape hangers.

The cruiser-style frame is less conducive to a café setup, due to the steep backbone angle. I was visualizing something like this:

[Daeouse]

That certainly has a good look.
If told to do one, I'd do it a bit like thus:

[FastDoc]

What would a person's pants, and crotch, look like after hitting a nice big British Columbia mud puddle on a bike with no front fender?

[Daeouse]

That's why I'd keep one on it. I live in Florida, and it rains a lot here! LOL!

[Weldangrind]

That's a good look, Daeouse. It would certainly be more comfortable due to the rear shocks (vs. the rigid frame). They call that a Brat Style bike.

[Daeouse]

ah. I wasn't sure as to the classification of the bike. Thanks!

[katoranger]

The good news is that you wont need alot of new parts to build it. Just cut up what you have.

[Weldangrind]

The lines of the bike make it a reasonable project.

[Daeouse]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

The lines of the bike make it a reasonable project.

I do agree. I'm debating on attaching the rear fender to the swing-arm to clean up the rear lines of the bike. That rear fender annoys me. If I add a "bobber" style seat to it, it should work. . .

Well, I called the gentleman tonight, however I did not get an answer, so I will try again tomorrow. Hopefully he answers. . .