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Post by matticus on Sept 16, 2014 17:06:27 GMT -5
Hey everybody! Just found out about this forum after trying to register for the oldie. I'm in the market for my first two wheeled motor vehicle and have gone back and forth between a motorcycle and scooter a billion times as my first choice. But after reading a post recommending BMS scooters as an alternative to the other, less reliable Chinese scoots and looking at them online, I find them quite appealing.
I'm looking at them on superiorpowersports and I'm trying to figure out if there are any key differences that aren't cosmetic in the 150cc line. The only one I have found is that the Chelsea model is lacking the passenger backrest.
Which one has the best underseat storage capacity? Every video so far that I've seen makes it appear that the underseat storage is quite limited. It's not a deal breaker, just something I'm considering when buying my first scooter.
I'm also trying to limit myself to the scooters that are almost fully preassembled, sans mirrors/trunk. The Heritage 2-tone looks the most appealing, just not quite sure yet.
I read that there is also a little wiggle room for negotiation on sites like these. Does their price match guarantee apply for shipping as well? There was some other site, gokartusa, that had a cheaper overall price when you factor in shipping.
Also notice that these say 2012. Are they still trying to sell scoots from 2 years ago? Or have they not updated their page?
Sorry I'm kind of all over the place -- didn't really plan this post out.
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Post by cookietin on Sept 16, 2014 17:39:28 GMT -5
While my BMS 2011 Palazzo has plenty of trunk storage I wanted some easy access storage so I attached a Bell bicycle handlebar bag for my gloves, phone, wallet, keys, etc. Bell Bike BagI also attached a canvas cup/bottle holder to the plastic hook so I have easy access to water too. And, a nifty handlebar clock... handlebar clock |
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Post by kevinharrell on Sept 16, 2014 18:52:38 GMT -5
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Post by matticus on Sept 16, 2014 19:23:18 GMT -5
I think if I were to not get a traditional scooter I'd probably end up with a traditional cruiser or dual sport motorcycle. Not a big fan of the styling on that hybrid.
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Post by ghcoe on Sept 16, 2014 20:56:04 GMT -5
I think if I were to not get a traditional scooter I'd probably end up with a traditional cruiser or dual sport motorcycle. Not a big fan of the styling on that hybrid. That hybrid is a direct knockoff of the "60's Honda Cub. If you are interested in a reasonable dual sport you might take a look at the Zongshen RX3. They should be imported soon. Good thread on it here www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=13440 |
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Post by xyshannen on Sept 17, 2014 8:10:39 GMT -5
The main mechanical difference you need to be concerned about is the platform of the motors. I don't know one way or the other, but you need to find out if the 1500cc engine in the bike you are looking at is based one the gy6 or some other 150cc motor. I do know the Heritage is a gy6 clone. So it stands to reason that the motor in the other scoots under this name are the same or some other variant of the gy6. The honda gy6 clone is one of the most commonly used engines, making parts and performance upgrades readily available. Parts for a non gy6 based engine might be hard to find.
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Post by matticus on Sept 17, 2014 17:03:02 GMT -5
The main mechanical difference you need to be concerned about is the platform of the motors. I don't know one way or the other, but you need to find out if the 1500cc engine in the bike you are looking at is based one the gy6 or some other 150cc motor. I do know the Heritage is a gy6 clone. So it stands to reason that the motor in the other scoots under this name are the same or some other variant of the gy6. The honda gy6 clone is one of the most commonly used engines, making parts and performance upgrades readily available. Parts for a non gy6 based engine might be hard to find. Thanks! I was reading that BMS are rebranded ZNENs, a company I hear great things about. |
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Post by pmatulew on Sept 17, 2014 19:13:43 GMT -5
I believe that the SSR scooters are also ZNEN. Znen MotorsPlease keep in mind that even though you are shopping for a mostly assembled scooter, you should be prepared to get down to the nitty gritty with it to check everything before expecting to ride off in to the sunset. "Big Guy PDI"How much storage space are you expecting? What do you plan on carrying? What are you're general expectations of how you are going to use the scooter? |
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Post by matticus on Sept 17, 2014 19:33:00 GMT -5
I'm not expecting a specific amount of storage, however if it were relatively larger than the average 150cc it would be nice. I'd like to be able to fit a full face helmet in the under seat compartment. I'll be using it to ride to work and back which is about a 2 mile drive, and drive about another 6 miles round trip on my lunch breaks. Highest mph road I'll be taking it on is 45.
Trying to replace my car for the things I don't need it for. For instance, I'll still use my car to go do laundry and other tasks that require either a drive on 50+ mph roads or carrying a lot of luggage or more than one passenger.
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Post by pmatulew on Sept 18, 2014 5:25:47 GMT -5
Sounds like a perfect use case for a 150 scooter.
I went through that mental calculation just the other day when I had to run in to town for a small item to finish a project. Ten miles out, ten miles back. Do I take the car which will use nearly a gallon of gas? Or do I take the scooter which will use less than 1/3 of a gallon? Nice day for a ride I decided.
Most of those models will have about the same amount of under seat storage. The Chelsea style maybe a little less because it's a bit narrower under the front part of the seat. They should all fit a full face under the seat but helmets vary a lot so it depends on your helmet.
I have a scoot with almost the same body style as the Roketa Type 65 and the SSR Maron, (mine also came out of the ZNEN factory). I have a couple different hats out in the garage. I'll try to take some pictures tonight after work to see what fits.
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Post by matticus on Sept 18, 2014 10:59:42 GMT -5
Sounds like a perfect use case for a 150 scooter. I went through that mental calculation just the other day when I had to run in to town for a small item to finish a project. Ten miles out, ten miles back. Do I take the car which will use nearly a gallon of gas? Or do I take the scooter which will use less than 1/3 of a gallon? Nice day for a ride I decided. Most of those models will have about the same amount of under seat storage. The Chelsea style maybe a little less because it's a bit narrower under the front part of the seat. They should all fit a full face under the seat but helmets vary a lot so it depends on your helmet. I have a scoot with almost the same body style as the Roketa Type 65 and the SSR Maron, (mine also came out of the ZNEN factory). I have a couple different hats out in the garage. I'll try to take some pictures tonight after work to see what fits. What do you think of the taotao quantum 150? Found them for $950 online. Looks pretty sweet. |
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Post by pmatulew on Sept 18, 2014 20:18:23 GMT -5
The Quantum looks like the newer version of the Evo 150. I found a picture of the underseat here. Looks like with this model the battery is under your feet and the gas tank is in the tail so you still don't have that space for storage. The TaoTao's are a little further down the quality scale than the Znen.  I made a quick video tonight of me trying to stuff helmets under the seat of my Znen. "Trying" is the operative word. I'll get that uploaded tomorrow morning when I get to work. My connection at home is too slow. |
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Post by pmatulew on Sept 19, 2014 7:12:01 GMT -5
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Post by matticus on Sept 19, 2014 17:40:38 GMT -5
I found a nice dealer in my area that sells Kymco and Genuine scooters. From what I hear these are pretty maintenance free with good performance. I've been looking at the Kymco Like 200 and the Genuine Hooligan 170. Dealer said depending on incentives I could get a Like 200 for as low as $2400 which is a pretty damn good deal IMO. Over 36 months after TTL with 0 down I could get away with $80 a month. That's pretty much my gas savings so it would probably be a net zero cost compared to my 14mpg boat once fuel is considered.
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Post by matticus on Sept 19, 2014 18:20:40 GMT -5
Cool videos, I especially enjoyed the seat stuffer.
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