gonna buy a Tecate, insight needed

[Brad200X]

Well, I decided I wanted something a little faster, and I have it narrowed down to
two. Subject #1: '85 T3, needs engine rebuilt, missing stator and cover, comes with an extra bottom end. He has a '95 CR80 that has a rebuilt engine, but it needs to be put back together. Wants $450 for the pair. Subject #2: This on is a little closer... do you think I can barter him down $100? Here's the link:

http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/mcy/896000328.html

I'm kinda torn. 1# seem too cheap to pass up, but it's a couple hours drive...and I don't know the availability of a stator. #2 is right by my work and seems solid, but
its a little pricey for a guy on a temps salary. I also don't see to much wrong with it to make him drop the price $100... What do you guys think?

[WIkid500]

Get the red tecate for about 5 or 6 hundred and go from there.

[tecat-z]

The tecate needs lots of work, as all old bikes do. I'd lowball. $700 is tall cash for a 84 in that shape. Especially being a red model, where even Maier has omitted plastics. Me........$300 for a rough starter. Blink, and you'll have an extra $1200 into it.

[Blown 331]

I bought my 85 red tecate with new tires and aftermarket exhaust for $300 but it needed a flywheel and stator. I bought it at a swap meet from a guy that had like 5 Tecates so it's not like he didn't know what it was. Turned out to be a real decent bike and I have under $500 in it. All the plastic is nice too, no cracks.

[Tecate 50]

I agree with Tecate-Z. I have an excellant red tank if needed. Here is the reality of having a Tecate........$$$$$$$$$$$.

[Brad200X]

Little update. The posting expired on the red Tecate, but that doesn't mean it sold.
I'm gonna call him tomorrow to see whats up. Got more info on the other one, he
said that it has mismatched plastic, and it needs the seat reupholstered, but he
said that the brakes and suspension are in good working order, and the tires look decent. Anybody know if I can use the stator out of a '85 KX250? My brother said that I could borrow the one out of his until I find a replacement. Thanks.

[cr480r]

Anybody know if I can use the stator out of a '85 KX250? My brother said that I could borrow the one out of his until I find a replacement. Thanks.

I have used an '85 KX250 ignition system on my tecate before... works real good.. you have to use the whole ignition system

[scooterroo]

you need the entire ignition system from the kx to work. cdi, stator, flywheel, and possibly coil. but it is one of the better upgrades for the t3's. the stock flywheels were prone to falling apart inside because of the glued on magnets. the kx magnets are screwed in, alot more reliable. t3's are snotty bikes. if you wanted to go new, ricky stator sells both flywheels and stators for the t3, 125 a peice or 250 for both. enjoy it if you get it!!!

[Brad200X]

Thanks for the help, guys! That's weird that Kawa wouldn't use the off the shelf
KX250 stator/flywheel. why would they design a new and clearly inferior part? I thought they used KX250 engines in the Tecates. I've never seen a T3 in person
anyway, so I wouldn't know how similar the engine/carb/CDI are.

[tecat-z]

Smooth tractable power, and easier takeoff for the majority, and less advance at high RPM. In other words, factory detuning techniques to favor limited intake, cylinder, and exhaust flow in stock form.

[cr480r]

why would they design a new and clearly inferior part?

well the headlight is one reason... and the heavier tecate flywheel makes the machine more friendly for recreation use... KX's were meant to race...

[Brad200X]

Another quick update: Couldn't get a hold of the guy in Lemont, but he re-listed it:

http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/mcy/904530208.html

Another thing I noticed is that in the new listing he doesn't mention that it has 20hrs. on the rebuild. If its anything like the KX's, that thing needs a piston and rings for sure.

Got a little more info on the '85, he said that the bike is mechanically perfect, except for what I already mentioned, and he is willing to meet me like an hour from my house. Unless something changes I should have a shiny, new (to me) Tecate!
Seriously though this thing is gonna be ugly.