Any thoughts on the Gilera Apache?

Quickly · Crazy Courier Joined: 29 Apr 2008 Karma :

Seen one for sale quite cheaply and I'm looking for a basic bike I can take trail riding. It's a 2002 model and seems to be in good nick, just wondered if anyone has owned one previously? Only a 125cc so not sure if it'll be much cop on the rough stuff, but I need something pretty light - I've got less muscle than an insolvent fishmonger.

(The analogy's a bit fishy - the seafood is spelt mussel).
____________________
...

Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Hi

The Apache is an early 1990s Gilera (from before Piaggio closing the Gilera factory). Might be an old stock one registered in 2002 though.

All the best

Keith
____________________
Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

Quickly · Crazy Courier Joined: 29 Apr 2008 Karma :

Aha, thank you very much. That would explain why I could only find reviews for early 90s models. So, anyone got any comments on an Apache from the 1990s? Or any similar 125cc bike used for greenlaning?
____________________
...

Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Hi

Spares will likely be a problem. They were never officially imported and being ~16 years old there probably isn't a big supply of bits left. Might be worth having a word with Bob Wright (Gilera spares specialist) to see what is and isn't available.

For green laning it could be a pain it a minor part being damaged left the bike unusable for ages.

All the best

Keith
____________________
Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

Quickly · Crazy Courier Joined: 29 Apr 2008 Karma :

Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Hi

Think with the bodywork and with the close mudguard I suspect it would be a poor choice for green laning. Especially with what I suspect it a fairly peaky power delivery.

I can't find the details (I have a workshop manual somewhere, but it is in Italian) though to check the tyre sizes and the like.

All the best

Keith
____________________
Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

CBD · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 25 Dec 2010 Karma :

100% buy it your going to have a grin from ear to ear when you in the power band. +2 the front sproket for more slow speed lane riding and much better top end on the road.

stevo as b4 · World Chat Champion Joined: 17 Jul 2003 Karma :

Yeah they sold some new unregistered Apache's back in 02/03, as i nearly brought one for £1700 myself.

The engine is the same Gilera 125cc lump with a Powervalve as the Sports bikes, like the GFR etc, and my favourite 125cc bike possibly of all is very similar to the Apache, but it's a supermotard style machine called the Freestyle. I think it's possibly better looking than the Cagiva Supercity or KTM Sting, so it has to be a looker!

Quickly · Crazy Courier Joined: 29 Apr 2008 Karma :

Cheers fellas, what sort of insurance prices were you looking at (and with what sorts of license/no claims)?
____________________
...

Imonster · World Chat Champion Joined: 18 Oct 2006 Karma :

Lots of expensive (and hard to source as pointed out) will break the first time you lob it on a lane - and you will do, many, many times. Get something without the top fairing; a 125 will be fine, but I'd recommend a two stroke if you go for a smaller capacity machine.

Basically, get a DT.
____________________
Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.