I'm thinking about trading up my kids JR50 for a cobra. I've heard they are a lot of maintenance. I found a package deal on craigslist for 2 cobras but they are kind of old. Should I buy newer bikes? Just wondering how much of a headache these bikes are going to give me. Heres the CL ad.

02 COBRA KING IN GOOD WORKING CONDITION. NEW TOP END, NEW TIRES, NEW SEAT COVER , THIS BIKE HAS ALL NEWER PARTS. STILL AN 02 FRAME .$500
HAVE AN 01' AIR COOLED COBRA 50CM JUNIOR. BIKE IS REALLY CLEAN AND WELL KEPT. ( $450 )
VERY FAST 50'S. HAVE TONS OF PARTS AND TOOLS TO GO WITH THEM IF BIKES ARE BOUGHT AS A PACKAGE DEAL ( $900 ) CALL OR TEXT
JUST THE TWO BIKES, NO EXTRAS ( $800 ).

I would look for newer ones but then again, I am not paying for them.  I wouldn't touch an air-cooled cobra, I didn't even know they made them?

You can find an 09 or newer for around 1500 or less and that is Cali prices.  I'd suggest to keep looking

Good luck either way

Thanks for the advice. I was a bit concerned about the older bikes.

Since responding to you yesterday, I found out the cobras changed a lot after 2005 and they don't have parts for bikes prior anymore.

Yeah, speaking from the experience of someone with a 2005 CM50JR, don't go any older than 2006. You'll save yourself a ton of headache.

The chassis haven't changed much up to that that point- it's primarily the engines that have gone through several iterations since then.

Edited by Cru, 07 August 2012 - 06:39 AM.

Fryboy, on 07 August 2012 - 05:42 AM, said:

Thanks, thats good to know. I'll get them new ones then

You won't regret it!

Even the 05 engines are fine, but the newer engines have updated clutch and baskets.  Also ignition, coil and stators. If you can get a newer one I definately would.   If you are looking for a cobra specific go to cobratalk.com for all things cobra.

ickman, on 15 August 2012 - 12:28 PM, said:

...and the cylinder...and the tranny output shaft...and all the case seals...even the bloody clutch cover and kickshaft are different from 05.  Like I said...stick with 06-newer.

Yeah, Cobratalk is a good spot but don't be surprised if you need to start picking up alot of info on your own. I'm a member on that forum as well and have gotten more help directly from a couple dealers (Dan Beebe in particular) than from the forum itself.

Great source for parts and bikes though!

Thanks for the heads up.

I guess everyone has their own opinions. Point is if you can get a newer one do it. Son has an 05 and never had an issue with the parts even when I had the complete engine gone through last summer or anything else i put on the bike.  

Cobratalk has always been good to me when I needed some help or advice just saying its a resource out there. Good luck and have fun.