I Just bought a chinese 'Star Amazonas 250' in Paraguay to ride as far as it will take me, or to Chile, or until I run out of cash, whichever comes first.



I plan to update this thread when I get more bits of information about the bike and build up a better feel for it as I go on, I guess the purpose of this thread is for anyone thinking about chinese bikes can have a look at what I've found about this one, my research will continue but right now here are some specs:

128KG dry weight
229cc air cooled OHV Pushrod engine.
5 speed
9.0:1 compression ratio
10.1L fuel tank
1.1L oil capacity.
Claimed HP, 16 @7,000RPM.
Claimed carrying weight 150KG incl. rider.
Also the manual claims the top speed to be 100kph, which after feeling how low geared it is, I believe.

Apparently the engine is an old honda design, but I'm not sure.
It cost me $2,000.

I also recently discovered it's more or less the same as the self destructing 'ronco demolition 250' belonging to another guy on this forum.
I've been telling myself everything will be ok, it's probably not as bad as some people say it will be and the bike will be better than the english in it's manal, but it didn't take long too long to dispell that hope.
I got about 4KM from the dealer's place and it started getting super hot, the plug looked lean and I richened the mix as much as I could but still needed to stop 5x on the usually 15 minute ride back to the backpackers' hostel! I've changed the oil, the plug and richened it further (plug still says lean but it's maxed out) and it does seem to run cooler although possibly warmer than normal.
The idea of taking something like this gets some excited and makes other cringe, but It's paid for, the handle is pulled and the dice is thrown. Best case scenario I get to Chile without any major catastrophies, worst case scenario it blows up but I still write a good blog about it.

Questions? Comments? Tell me if you think it can, or can't make it!
Or follow the trip on www.makingituponamotorbike.wordpress.com