Middo wrote:
In addition to above, parts WILL be an issue here in Aus. There are very few of them around compared to Europe.

I'm sorry, but I always find this kind of information extremely misleading.

There is NOWHERE near me that I can walk in to and buy NSR parts! Yes, I can order many OEM parts from (certain helpful) Honda dealers, which you should be able to do virtually anywhere in the world, but the vast majority of parts I buy I source from abroad.

There is absolutely no reason whatsoever why local parts availability should disuade someone from purchasing ANY 20 year old bike! Almost any bike of that vintage will need some form of long distance/niche support. The only thing that should effect your consideration is its' age, and whether you want a "classic" that will invariably require substantially more looking after that a 600cc bore-stroke Lemming-mobile, and more brainpower to do so too!

Providing this is a serious enquiry, I would answer as follows:

1. No inherant major problems. MC16's and MC28's are underpowered, and both are expensive to attain their full potential. MC28's can be insanely over-priced considering all you are paying extra for are sales gimmicks. MC18's and MC21's are the pick of the bunch.

2. Although they will last longer, in my opinion crank life seems to be near its end around 30,000kms if the bike has lead a spirited life. New cranks no longer exist for MC16/MC18 models, although the odd NOS item does turn up from time-to-time. MC21/MC28 cranks are interchangeable, and still available, although in limited supply. Crank bearings (not officially available as a seperate item) crop up once in a while from various sources. I always recommend a top-end rebuild on ANY "new to you" 2-stroke, regardless of what the seller tells you, or shows you by way of receipt. For the sake of at least a couple of base gaskets and piston ring sets, it's better safe than sorry.

3. Fuel consumption is a joke compared to just about any bore-stroke without a turbo! You'll also burn more expensive synthetic oil than the Republican Guard on a bad day out in Kuwait!

4. You are an inch taller than me, and a couple of kilos heavier... I don't give a toss what I look like on my MC21 because (a) I'm having too much fun, and (b) I've done far more embarrassing things in public than ride an NSR to worry about it!

5. Depends how old you are, how old the bike is, how modified the bike is, the area you live in, the insurer, the insured's history, and how long a piece of string is! Generally, yes, it will be more expansive to insure than a moped unless you are about 60!

6. If you dislike someone that much, then yes, perch them on the back! Or, get yourself a nice dinky 38kg Asian girlfriend/wife/bit on the side and then you won't even know she's there!

7. If the chick doesn't dig it, she's easily replaced!
_________________
Andy.
NSR-WORLD.COM

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