[Ramble and rant] Cheap bikes.. not so cheap :(

Been looking at a cruiser type bike, only want a 250cc bike, will have just
passed my test when i want one, something comfier than a suzi TS125 to ride
about on.. plan to do some long distance touring too, and always liked the
harley lookalikes,

Origionaly saw the Hyosung range.. liked the aquila range, but at 3 grand
new, was a bit out of my reach, and no second hand ones seem to be about
that i can find,

So upon seeing a siamoto geco 250 in my local bike shop for 2 grand on the
road (brand new) i was very tempted, little concerned about the engine
output.. only 17 bhp, we dont want to go fast, but being able to keep up
with the traffic is a must,

Tried H&R for insurance, they were the cheapest for my TS, not on their
system, but they got me a quote.. fully comp.. me being 27, will have just
passed test, no no claaims for a bike (10+ years on a motorhome) Living in a
very safe area.. good postcode area atc.. they want 500 quid a year!!!!

Sod that, 500 quid a year for a 2 grand bike that'll be worth a grand the
second i ride it away, they couldent explain why it was so much when i
queeried it, only saying that it's a group 6 bike, so that's prolly it.

But i had a play on their on-line quote thing, the hyosung aquila 250, going
on a brand new one costing 3 grand, fully comp again, £378 a year, not bad,
but not good,

Then i decided wata the hell, do a big name cruiser.. honda rebel 250.. £350
a year.. again a brand new 04 registered bike, said it's worth 3.5 grand,
Same for a yamaha XV virago 250, £350 a year,

All the bikes are group 6, all 250cc engines, but all are more powerfull
than the siamoto thing, and they want less to insure a more powerfull bike..
what gives,

I know what i'm gonna do now tho.. get a second hand yammy virago or honda
rebel (Suggestions please at least i can walk into any main dealer and
buy parts for it.. anywhere in the country and prolly abroad.. i was worried
about what to do for siamoto parts if i ever needed them abroad,

Anyone selling a yamaha XV 250 virago.. want to part ex an 85 suzi TS 125
.. i know i'm prolly better off taking the postmans offer of 600 quid for
my bike.. but not untill i've passed me test.

 

CampinGazz wrote

You as well? Dead popular they are getting, there was a bloke here only
yesterday saying the same thing. That'll be the prices going up then.

 

On Thu, 15 Jul 2004 17:14:24 +0000, CampinGazz wrote:

That's one of the reasons for the high insurance. If you had an accident
on the Siamoto it could well be more expensive to repair. Another factor
is lack of claims information: there aren't a lot of them about, so the
insurerers don't know what to make of the Siamoto's etc so they err on the
side of caution and give them a hefty premium.

With the Virago, say, they've got years and years of information on the
sort of people who buy them and the cost of claims.

Still, don't give up on the insurance just yet: there can be a
considerable difference between one insurer and another. It's a bit
tedious making all the calls but it can be worth it.

Having said that, I reckon a good second-hand Virago would be a better buy
than a weird Chinese knock-off.