Hi all,

I have always admired Estrellas for their beauty and simplicity. Even though I'm not an experienced rider, I find Estrellas quite enjoyable to ride.

I am planning to buy a second hand Estrella one of these days, actually I have found one (model 2001, red/black color) in a reasonable price. Could somebody please tell what I should be careful about? I mean any problems coming out often in Estrellas? Any known issues? Anything I could easily spot when I see the bike I am planning to buy?

Thanks for any help or idea!

Br,
Nicolas

Hi Nicolas,

And welcome to the forum!
Which country do you come from?

The most important thing is: Don't race an Estrella (too much) ...
The Estrella is made for Japanese speed limitis and riders who love the speed of the 1950s ...

So, "normal top speed" should be 90 km/h.
You can ride faster - but not permanently! On a 300 km ride I also rode 120 km/h for a while - but this should be only for a short time and when the motor is in best working temperature ...

Take care
Andreas

Hi Andreas,

I come from Greece. Thanks for your suggestions. I am not an experience rider, so I doubt I will go over 70-80 km/h...

What I really meant is what I should check *before* I buy the bike in order to tell it is in good condition. I mean do you know of any failures/damages those 2001 models suffered from often?

Thanks again.

Nicolas

You write "2001 model red/black" ...
Is it an Estrella like our German Estrellas?
http://www.kawasaki-estrella.com/html/i-bj250c1-d.html

Then it is a 1998/99 model which was first sold in 2001 (which is not impossible and NO cheating by the one who sells it!).

The "next red/black Japanese Estrella" was in 2002 (which is a totally different model to the European Estrellas).
The differences are explained in the link on top ...

Well; it is hard to judge a European Estrella ...
Even the colour of the chrome exhaust doesn't say much (from "like new" to "dark blue") ...

Maybe our technic specialists can say more???

Take care
Andreas

Andreas, thanks for your responses.

I am sending you the link to the specific ad:

http://www.used-moto.gr/%CE%B1%CE%B3%CE%...la-bj-2001.html

I think it looks very similar to the ones sold in Germany. So should that be a 1998/99 model right?

Regards,
Niclas

If it has a frame number like BJ250C000001 it is a "German" Estrella.
"European Estrellas" (sold in BeNeLux, France etc.) have a BJ250CCA002001 number at the frame (not the motor number).

But this IS a German or European Estrella and no "Japanese" Estrella (not for use inside Japan).

It doesn't matter if it is a 1996 or 2001 Estrella!!!
They are mechanically the same and the age doesn't say much about the quality!

Sure.

Thanks! I have to see the bike after all...

Br,
Nicolas