| A few months ago I purchased a new Keeway | | | | type of surface here - perhaps I could resolve that |
| Cruiser 250cc motorcycle in Montevideo, Uruguay; I | | | | by replacing the standard tyres which are pretty |
| wanted a cheap mode of daily transport and an | | | | basic. The brakes do feel a bit overloaded when |
| enjoyable way to see more of Uruguay and possibly | | | | carrying a lot of luggage and pillion but with just a |
| Argentina. There seems to be a lack of reviews on | | | | pillion or just luggage they are fine. |
| the bike online so this is to help address the lack. | | | | The gearbox initially felt extremely loose and |
| The official Keeway statistics are: | | | | frequently dropped out of gear in 2nd; I have since |
| Engine Type: 2 cylinder, 4 stroke | | | | been to a local mechanic to get it is resolved, it |
| Displacement: 248cc (250cc) | | | | appears to have been a settling in problem on a new |
| Power: 12.9 kW @ 8000 RPM | | | | gearbox as it is now fixed. The clutch also felt a bit |
| Torque: 16.00 @ 6000 RPM | | | | spongy initially; the same mechanic has now resolved |
| Compression: 9.4:1 | | | | that with some adjustments. I am now happy with |
| Induction: DOHC | | | | the clutch and the gearbox functions correctly; |
| Ignition: CDI | | | | however on occasion it is still evident the gearbox is |
| Starter: Electric | | | | cheap from the occasional clunk into gear. I think the |
| Cooling system: Air | | | | lesson here might be to take it to a good mechanic |
| Gearbox: 5-speed | | | | for initial setup and not trust a dealership/service |
| Transmission: Chain | | | | centre to do the work. |
| Clutch: Wet shoe, multi plate | | | | Fuel consumption on the bike is very low, I was able |
| Dry weight: 150 kg | | | | to make 350Km on a 14L tank of fuel on long runs |
| Overall height: 1145 mm | | | | consistently; although this obviously varied with |
| Overall length: 2300 mm | | | | luggage etc. Around town it normally gives a bit more |
| Overall width: 762 mm | | | | than 300km to the tank (probably more but I am |
| Ground clearance: 150 mm | | | | cautious with fuel). |
| Wheelbase: 1530 mm | | | | The suspension is fluid around town and it does feel |
| Seat height: 753 mm | | | | cheaper than its more expensive counterparts; |
| Front tyre: 110×90x16 Tubeless | | | | probably because it is! I have also found that it is |
| Rear tyre: 120×90x16 Tubeless | | | | prone to squeaks which appear, stay for a couple of |
| Front brakes: Single disc | | | | Kms and then disappear, however none have been |
| Rear brakes: Single disc | | | | persistent and a drop of lubricant has resolved them |
| Top speed: 115 km/h | | | | all. |
| Fuel capacity: 14 litres | | | | The gauges are clear and display in Km/h and Mp/h, |
| Fuel consumption: 2.4 Litres/100 km | | | | there is however a lack of rev counter and fuel |
| Accessories: Windscreen, alarm, remote ignition, | | | | gauge which would have been a nice addition. They |
| saddlebags, side luggage racks. | | | | are also well lit and readable at night with no |
| Clearly depending on which dealer and which country | | | | problems. The headlights are big and strong enough |
| the bike is purchased in the price will vary, however I | | | | to enable out of town riding at night and the main |
| purchased this one in Montevideo, Uruguay from a | | | | beam is sufficient for country roads etc. |
| dealership called Vladimir Kaitazoff with a list price of | | | | In terms of accessories the bike comes with: |
| US $3600; it came with a 6 month or 6000Km | | | | - An alarm on the models from late 2007 onwards |
| guarantee. | | | | and it is of medium sensitivity; I expect it would |
| In my experience with this bike I can happily state | | | | sound if you sat on it but not if you walked near it. |
| that it is a generally reliable if slightly underpowered | | | | - Remote ignition; an electronic key fob (plus spare) |
| cruiser that is ideal for short road trips, general | | | | is provided that allow you to start and stop the |
| commuting and as a learner/first bike. | | | | engine remotely as well as activate the alarm. It is a |
| The appearance of the bike is extremely striking for | | | | nice gimmick which I in practice don't use often - |
| 250cc. Styled in the Harley image it certainly draws | | | | however disabling the engine cut of on the side stand |
| attention on the road; particularly in Uruguay where it | | | | does allow you to warm the engine up from across |
| is uncommon to find large bikes, I am often asked | | | | the street (if you trust the neighbours!). |
| about it at traffic lights or in car parks by other riders | | | | - Screen; the standard screen is reasonable and |
| and drivers. The appearance of the bike is more akin | | | | effective at speed, judging from the state of it after |
| to a 500cc cruiser such as the Yamaha Virago and | | | | 1500Km of desert riding it keeps the bugs at bay as |
| the 14L tank, screen and saddlebags all go together | | | | well! |
| to give the bike reasonable road presence and a | | | | - Fitted saddlebags; they are useful for general daily |
| larger image than the engine might imply. In addition, | | | | use but for long trips they a bit flimsy and too small |
| at idle the engine sounds particularly nice as there are | | | | for my requirements. The saddlebag supports can |
| a set of sporty(ish) twin pipes fitted. | | | | however be fitted without the bags so you can fit |
| The handling and ride of the bike are reasonable; not | | | | aftermarket bags if need be. |
| amazing but for a cheap, small engined imitation | | | | - Saddlebag support racks; sturdy chrome racks are |
| cruiser you can't expect to feel like you are riding a | | | | fitted that make the addition of aftermarket bags |
| one of its big brothers. Around town it has more | | | | easy - I opted to have some made as they are |
| than enough power to get you out off (or into) | | | | difficult to buy in Uruguay but I imagine most throw |
| trouble, it is reasonably nimble and easy to | | | | over bags would fit and the spacing of the indicators |
| manoeuvre but obviously there are occasions where | | | | and suspension does allow some pretty deep bags. |
| it is to wide to follow a scooter through traffic. On | | | | My experiences of this bike are generally positive. |
| motorways/highways it is capable of reaching and | | | | There were some initial reliability issues which I have |
| cruising at (for at least 2 days straight in my | | | | since put down to poor set up from the workshop |
| experience) the 100Km speed limits here; the ride is | | | | as I have managed to resolve all but one problem by |
| steady if not luxurious and the position is relatively | | | | using an alternative mechanic.If you are planning long |
| comfortable on long rides. I managed to load it up | | | | tours with a passenger and lots of luggage I think |
| (with my non standard saddlebags) with around 25Kg | | | | this bike will cope as well as most cheap, small |
| of baggage and it coped admirably; throw on a pillion | | | | cruisers, you may need bigger bags fitting; but I |
| as well and the suspension did bottom out | | | | would advise you look at bigger options designed for |
| occasionally on bumpy ground but on smooth | | | | the job in that case. |
| highways it was fine. | | | | I have no qualms about recommending this bike if |
| The brakes are sufficient for the speed it is capable | | | | you are looking for a relatively cheap, economical |
| of, however I have locked up several times; I put | | | | cruiser that is capable of undertaking some touring if |
| this down to the road surfaces in Uruguay rather | | | | required and more than up to the job of running |
| than the bike as it only seems to happen on one | | | | round town in comfort. |