Buyers Remorse

[Frankencelery]

Just picked up my first sport trike, this '85 Tecate:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=261203429135#v4-39

The price was right, or at least I thought. We had some trouble starting it, but when we got it going it seemed ok. But when I got it home and rode it for about 10 minutes, it seems like it's leaking every fluid known to man. Oil is practically pouring out, looks like the kickstarter seal, but I can't tell for sure, and it looks like there's coolant on the front fender.

This is my first trike acquisition in 4 years, and I feel like I made a big mistake. Paid in cash, so there's really nothing I can do about that. What do you guys think?

[RIDE-RED 250r]

Personally, I don't think you did bad for $510.. So you need to change a seal, and fix whatever coolant leaking issue it has. Coolant leaks are usually easy and inexpensive...

Don't feel bad yet.... I wouldn't. Most of the time with machines as old as these trikes we all like so much, there are in fact some issues to be addressed. Especially when we buy something that hasn't been truly rebuilt from top to bottom.....

[bkm]

I have to be honest. Judging by what you spent and the condition of the bike via the pictures, what more did you expect? I feel you pretty much got what you paid for. I spent more money on an aftermarket axle and swingarm for a Tecate and you got a whole bike with what looks like decent plastics.

[Dirtcrasher]

Just picked up my first sport trike, this '85 Tecate:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=261203429135#v4-39

The price was right, or at least I thought. We had some trouble starting it, but when we got it going it seemed ok. But when I got it home and rode it for about 10 minutes, it seems like it's leaking every fluid known to man. Oil is practically pouring out, looks like the kickstarter seal, but I can't tell for sure, and it looks like there's coolant on the front fender.

This is my first trike acquisition in 4 years, and I feel like I made a big mistake. Paid in cash, so there's really nothing I can do about that. What do you guys think?



I know today suks; Just as well that I know you'll have to learn and spend some dough or sell it.

We ALL do it. One mistake I always use to make was not getting it good and hot and checking it all out. Some guys would complain that their neighbors would call the cops but I finally figured out I had to do it.

Don't beat yourself up.

[rg97]

That sucks...
What the real kicker is is that the PO probably knew too...
"it just has a broken header pipe thats it" LIES:mad:
Well if its not worth the money to repair (its a tecate after all) theres a lot of people that might want some parts

[90guy]

I was so close to bidding on that machine wanted it bad lol. Sounds its a good thing I'm going to stick with the z. I had known the guy who owned it from Sioux Falls I would have owned it if I wouldn't have wrecked my truck.

[Frankencelery]

Actually, that's what I was hoping you guys would say! Intellectually, I know that any running Tecate is probably worth more than that, but I hate that feeling of being taken advantage of, when you ask someone point-blank what issues the machine has, and they lie to you. At 46 years old, I didn't fall off the proverbial turnip truck yesterday, but I still wish people would be honest. I know I am when I sell something.

On the positive side, my daily rider is a 250SX, and I always thought it was pretty fast. Not only have I never owned a real sport bike, but I haven't even RIDDEN one until today! Put myself on my a** in the front yard, and had to laugh at myself. I don't think "insanely fast" is too strong of a term to describe this machine. This is like learning to ride all over again!

[dcreel]

The fluid on the fender could be a hose clamp that needs tightened on the bottom radiator hose. It also could be the radiator overflow hose. It usually hangs low enough you wouldnt know if it leaked a little. If it is missing or ends above the front fender you may end up with a little on the fender. Don't panic just yet.. :-)

[jb2wheels]

I think ypu got a fair deal, just not a great deal (just not an honest deal).

Decent plastics & seat & tires. Runs.

I've paid more for less.

You'll love it again once it's sorted.

[D-dub]

Not only have I never owned a real sport bike, but I haven't even RIDDEN one until today! Put myself on my a** in the front yard, and had to laugh at myself. I don't think "insanely fast" is too strong of a term to describe this machine. This is like learning to ride all over again!
Sounds to me like your already having a blast on it!

[atc007]

If you have to pull the engine,rebuild it,and the same to the swing arm. You still got a good deal :) Enjoy it or sell it :)

[tripledog]

Nice even if it were twice the price! These guys will help you sort it out. They're good like that.

[Jason125m]

I still think it was a great deal. I can't even find a nice 200 hardtail for 500 around here.... LOL

[Worden18]

Just take your time, fix the problems and then have fun with it. Forget about the rotten feeling of the lying seller; just move forward and have fun :)

[El Camexican]

If you happen to be coming to South Texas some time soon and want to drop it off I'll gladly pay you $750 for it.

[JasonB]

start running searches man, so many tecates have had these issues. I think you got a good deal personally, I paid that much for ALOT LESS when i got my first 250sx lol

looks good though, find the coolant leak like stated above and just start messing with it. it looks like you came out on top overall

[pipeline triker]

I think you got a great deal. If the po did know some of the issue's and did not tell you, nonthing you can do about it now. Lots of people are dishonest these days. The kicker seal is an easy fix, as I am sure the coolant is also. They are fast and fun trikes. Just go through the machine and check all the wear points and service it good.

[Frankencelery]

I agree with you guys. It was just a shift of mindset from thinking I stole it to realizing I wasn't told a bunch of stuff, and it's not actually rideable right now. I wasn't looking for a project right now, but looks like that's what I've got. Also just found that top and front motor mount bolts are missing. That's an easy fix, but that was a "what the...?" moment too. I wouldn't have been riding it if I had seen that!

I'll start some new threads about the things I need help with when I get started working on it. Thanks everybody.

[90guy]

That one has a 350x rear shock setup on it also. Just thought I'd give you heads up there

[Rigaman]

I have bought many trikes thinking they were ready to ride, and had tons of issues. It gets very upsetting, and makes you question ever buying another one at times. Once you get it running right, you will be SOOO happy.

As long as there are no hack job welds, or case cracks, you are good. More than good. It runs! I want a Tecate real bad. I have a 200x that is ready to ride I would trade you. =) I am in Ma though. And I think you got a good Tecate.

[250rRoostmaster]

I think you got a decent deal man, I've seen people pay way more for a lot less!! It's all part of the trike restoration battle!! Have fun with it and don't get discouraged!

[Buck Snort]

I think you did really good on this deal. I know what you mean about getting a trike home and finding a bunch of things to do. I got my 350X home and over a few days I kept finding things that needed to be done. I was mad at first, but I have been finding parts and working on it and now I have no remorse. It is taking time because of money and being busy with work and family.

[Frankencelery]

That one has a 350x rear shock setup on it also. Just thought I'd give you heads up there

Yeah, he did mention that. As long as it works, I don't care about that right now. However, I didn't see a nitrogen cylinder....didn't the 350X shock have that?

[90guy]

Yeah, he did mention that. As long as it works, I don't care about that right now. However, I didn't see a nitrogen cylinder....didn't the 350X shock have that?
Interesting.... The 350x does have the piggy back style resivor for nitrogen.... I'm curious how that one is set up...

[wisconsinite]

I agree with the rest, thats not a bad deal. I paid more for my tri z, and it was worse off than that bike when i bought it. Look at it this way, the more you fix on it, the more you make it yours.

[zepol]

u seem 2 not like anything you go checkout and complain about every machine u see. What u expect they are 30 years old. Buy a new quad at dealer or get a tpc trike next time

[zepol]

i dont got that problem.. the problem i got is SELLERS REMORSE.. i still cry about a basket case 200x i sold lol

[Keith Salyer]

I would be happy happy happy. You just bought one of the finest trikes ever made. Yea it needs a few evenings worth of work but the plastic is worth half what you paid for it?

[Frankencelery]

u seem 2 not like anything you go checkout and complain about every machine u see. What u expect they are 30 years old. Buy a new quad at dealer or get a tpc trike next time

So zepol, did you back-search my posts to find something to criticize me about BEFORE or AFTER I shot down your low ball offer for my Tecate? Nice.

Like I already said, it wasn't about the relative value of the Tecate. If I planned to flip it or sell the parts, I'd be in great shape, but I wanted a rider, so I bid on it based on what the seller told me about it. When I pulled it into my garage, and it was leaking in 3 different places, I got a bit discouraged and thought, what have I gotten myself into? Having had a couple days to think about it, and assuming there's nothing else major wrong, I think it will be fairly easy and inexpensive to fix. I'm looking up parts right now.

Wisconsinite, what you said was right on! A new trike always seems sort of...foreign...at first. But as you put yourself into them, they become yours. This one will be the same way, I'm sure.

[Buck Snort]

So zepol, did you back-search my posts to find something to criticize me about BEFORE or AFTER I shot down your low ball offer for my Tecate? Nice.

Like I already said, it wasn't about the relative value of the Tecate. If I planned to flip it or sell the parts, I'd be in great shape, but I wanted a rider, so I bid on it based on what the seller told me about it. When I pulled it into my garage, and it was leaking in 3 different places, I got a bit discouraged and thought, what have I gotten myself into? Having had a couple days to think about it, and assuming there's nothing else major wrong, I think it will be fairly easy and inexpensive to fix. I'm looking up parts right now.

Wisconsinite, what you said was right on! A new trike always seems sort of...foreign...at first. But as you put yourself into them, they become yours. This one will be the same way, I'm sure.I agree 100%! I have questioned most of my purchases, but for the most part after a few days I settle down and start enjoying the new purchase. I bought a old Yamaha It 250 years ago, got it home and found lots that I was pissed about, even phoned the guy i bought it off and chewed him out. Now it is one of my favorite bikes that I have owned.

[zepol]

So zepol, did you back-search my posts to find something to criticize me about BEFORE or AFTER I shot down your low ball offer for my Tecate? Nice.

Like I already said, it wasn't about the relative value of the Tecate. If I planned to flip it or sell the parts, I'd be in great shape, but I wanted a rider, so I bid on it based on what the seller told me about it. When I pulled it into my garage, and it was leaking in 3 different places, I got a bit discouraged and thought, what have I gotten myself into? Having had a couple days to think about it, and assuming there's nothing else major wrong, I think it will be fairly easy and inexpensive to fix. I'm looking up parts right now.

Wisconsinite, what you said was right on! A new trike always seems sort of...foreign...at first. But as you put yourself into them, they become yours. This one will be the same way, I'm sure.


before i gave u that "lowball offer" that was what you paid for it also...
Also am looking for a carb as i borrowed one from a friend.. would u happen to know of one or you might happen to have one?? or know of a member?? Gracias

[250rRoostmaster]

no i did it before i gave u that "lowball offer" that was what you paid for it also... yea its real easy now in days. i just went to google.com and searched "frankencelery 3wheelerworld" and bam! (IF U WERE WONDERING HOW TO DO IT)

Also am looking for a carb as i borrowed one from a friend.. would u happen to know of one or you might happen to have one?? or know of a member?? Gracias

So you criticize him then ask for a favor in parts? Weird way of doing buisness....

[zepol]

So you criticize him then ask for a favor in parts? Weird way of doing buisness....



business is business aint it?? criticize? I wouldnt say that... come on now...