Author Topic: Why should / shouldn't I buy a Big Boy? (Read 1753 times)

Imvubu · « **on:** February 12, 2013, 08:45:01 pm »

Looking for something to replace my Defender 130 as a daily commuter - I travel all of about 3kms to the office and back every day, and the 130's not the most practical 'town car'.

SWAMBO suggested a bicycle but that's not going to happen.

I've looked at both a Big Boy TSR250 and an XTG250. Why do or don't I want to buy one?

I'm not going to spend more than R15K, and haven't really seen anything secondhand in that sort of price range.

BTW, fighting weight is around 120kgs, so need something that will manage that plus a laptop and lunch. Not interested in a scooter (will look like a Sumo wrestler with on a kids tricycle).

Imvubu · « **Reply #1 on:** February 12, 2013, 08:50:36 pm »

Of course if there's anyone that knows of a decent second / third etc hand bike for sale within my R15K budget, I'm all ears. It will have to be roadworthy though.

Inprogress · « **Reply #2 on:** February 12, 2013, 09:01:25 pm »

Honda Twister 250. Can find some at R14k and R16K. If I can buy a commuter again, that would be it.

Captain Zef · « **Reply #3 on:** February 12, 2013, 09:05:59 pm »

At that distance i would go for a scooter. Those big boy bike are crap.

Cracker · « **Reply #4 on:** February 12, 2013, 09:12:28 pm »

3kms deserves a good pair of shoes

Herminator · « **Reply #5 on:** February 12, 2013, 09:17:26 pm »

Rather go second hand Japanese , than first hand Chinese
The chinese bikes just dont last

http://johannesburg.gumtree.co.za/c-Cars-Vehicles-motorcycles-scooters-Suzuki-GN-250-2004-W0QQAdIdZ372756545

Imvubu · « **Reply #6 on:** February 12, 2013, 09:44:11 pm »

Would prefer something with a little more gravel road ability and a bit cooler to be honest. Any opinions on this one: http://bikes.autotrader.co.za/used-motorcycles/suzuki/dr/1980-suzuki-dr-400.0cc-knysna-bfpa-8a62476f353db6720135531ae7766d6a/bikepricerangeszar/under-10-000/bikepricerangeszar/10-000-to-24-999

Pity it's in Knysna $:-\$

sidetrack · « **Reply #7 on:** February 12, 2013, 09:50:35 pm »

Any Japanese 250 dual sport will also be a good bet, DR - XR - KLX - TTR all get 25km/l and low maintenance rock solid.

NISMARK · « **Reply #8 on:** February 12, 2013, 09:55:46 pm »

New Honda XR125 sells for around R15k and about R10k secondhand.

Allegro · « **Reply #9 on:** February 13, 2013, 06:17:57 am »

Any 2nd hand Japanese is better

JonW · « **Reply #10 on:** February 13, 2013, 06:36:01 am »

I would look for something like a 2nd hand XT600, sure you will find something decent in that price range.

You will always be able to sell that for what you paid for it if needs be, but you will take a big knock on a new Big Boy.

Go Japanese

Wildcoast · « **Reply #11 on:** February 13, 2013, 06:43:19 am »

Two mates of mine commute with big boy 250 super moto's (dunno if super is the correct word in this case) no problems at all, plus you getting a warranty that you wont be getting with a second hand jap bike.
Makes sense to me, but at 120kg you may want something with a bit more go.(test drive the 250 first)

atkinse · « **Reply #12 on:** February 13, 2013, 06:49:06 am »

You already have a Landy, so you must like fixing things. Get the Big Boy you will stay in practice for the Landy.

I'm just stirring a little. The big boys are OK if you keep a hand on them. You constantly have to ensure that everything is assembled correctly and make maintenance a daily task. If you are competent it can work for you.

Ratt · « **Reply #13 on:** February 13, 2013, 07:04:25 am »

Quote from: Imvubu on February 12, 2013, 09:44:11 pm

Would prefer something with a little more gravel road ability and a bit cooler to be honest. Any opinions on this one: http://bikes.autotrader.co.za/used-motorcycles/suzuki/dr/1980-suzuki-dr-400.0cc-knysna-bfpa-8a62476f353db6720135531ae7766d6a/bikepricerangeszar/under-10-000/bikepricerangeszar/10-000-to-24-999

Pity it's in Knysna $:-\$

I checked that thing out 2 years ago when they parked it on the floor, its a restoration project, not a get on and go

Ratt · « **Reply #14 on:** February 13, 2013, 07:11:52 am »

I'm also looking at the big boy xplode 250, looks the part, have spoken to the guys that bought them and they have no complaints, parts are freaken cheap. 2000km service intervals, so I think thats good for a chinese bike. Air cooled, so not much to go wrong, disk brakes, nice seat. I'm almost sold on one, but my question still stands... Can I jump it and the warranty will replace the shocks and frame if it breaks

Ganjora · « **Reply #15 on:** February 13, 2013, 07:19:58 am »

i wouldn't buy chinese,
not even with someone else's money.

edgy · « **Reply #16 on:** February 13, 2013, 07:21:57 am »

Quote from: Ganjora on February 13, 2013, 07:19:58 am

i wouldn't buy chinese,
not even with someone else's money.

Agreed

sidetrack · « **Reply #17 on:** February 13, 2013, 07:37:17 am »

Bigboy Xplode, hope this is not a sign of things to come

jaybiker · « **Reply #18 on:** February 13, 2013, 08:34:53 am »

WTF! Leg it man. Even a bycicle is over the top for a paltry 3Km. Might even shed a few of those 120Kg's.

King Louis · « **Reply #19 on:** February 13, 2013, 09:00:20 am »

Quote from: jaybiker on February 13, 2013, 08:34:53 am

Might even shed a few of those 120Kg's.