Comments on: The Cheap Chinese Scooter Phenomenon

By: ohio iron

ohio iron — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:15:45 +0000

You really get what you pay for when buying a Chinese scooter, an inferior product that no one is willing to work on. Unless you have loads of time and ability to do your own repairs stick to the name brands and buy from a dealer that sells name brands like honda or yamaha

By: Sophie

Sophie — Mon, 11 May 2009 21:48:45 +0000

You made some good points there. I did a search on the topic and found most people will agree with your what you’re saying.

By: Floyd M. Orr

Floyd M. Orr — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 13:48:13 +0000

I cannot directly answer your two questions, since this concept is one of the flakiest things about the Chinese manufacturers. The opinions I have found concerning a relationship with Yamaha are all over the map: they may have a contractual agreement with Yamaha; they may have been borrowing Yamaha designs illegally; and/or they may have been building certain components for Yamaha for years. Who really knows the truth? As far as a direct connection with Lifan, I cannot verify that point, either. I think at the very least, there has been a huge amount of design copying going on by the Chinese brands, of both the established Japanese manufacturers, as well as of other Chinese brands, of which Lifan seems to be the premier leader.

By: EEB

EEB — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 21:31:15 +0000

I have a Roketa MC 250B. I have 1900 miles on it so far. The styling is sharp, an exact copy of the Honda Reflex. The specs say that it has a Linhai-Yamaha joint venture motor. Another article said that the Linhai-Yamaha motor has been used for years in Yamaha brand scooters. Do you know if this is true? Is there any relationship between Linhai and Linfan?

My only problem has been with the vacuum operated fuel pump. If the motor is pulling hard the fuel pump stops operating. This means that it is possible to run the carburator dry on an extended uphill pull. The scooter cannot be restarted unless the carburetor is manually reprimed. This unit really needs to be reengineered to include an electric fuel pump.

Otherwise, I am having a lot of fun, getting a lot of admiring glances, and getting regularly 60-65 MPG.

By: Scooters

Scooters — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 21:56:22 +0000

You get what you pay for. Chinese scooters are priced as “entry” level scooters. Basically if you want to try scooters without all the bells and whistles (and power) for short distances and low cost.

I look at them as a McDonalds lunch vs a lunch at Mortons.

By: Branyers

Branyers — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 18:30:19 +0000

I can say this for just about anything that is Chinese made: As their quality improves, they will need to step up their prices in order to finance advances in technology and raw materials. Makes you wonder how much longer Chinese workers will settle for slave labor wages and horrid living conditions.

Right now, Chinese manufacturers are most occupied with high throughput, dumping their products, quick turnaround, and very little, if any, customer support. In many instances, repair parts are either on backorder with a month or more waiting period or they are simply not available and the corresponding Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki part must be substituted. Hope you know your parts and can cross reference them well. Because legitimate motorcycle dealers will NOT engage in this practice!

By: rcusbob

rcusbob — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 21:34:50 +0000

September 20,08

I have been riding an ‘83 Yamaha 50 QT for 16 years for around town and trips to the local airport. With some mechanical upkeep it has run well (9000 miles), though slow, stinky 2 cycle and 100 plus MPG. Poor acceleration always a problem. Before that I rode a number of Honda CB models. I now have one of the Chinese scooters, 50 cc Peace Sports made by Chongqing Aeronautical Bashan company, in Chongqing. The 4-cycle engine runs clean with good power (derestricted) and the variable pulley CVT drive provides excellent acceleration and more speed than I can use. It cruises 45 MPH effortlessly. I’m an old CA hot-rodder (built a private GTO in 1959) and have been building engines and other car repairs since then. I have done some disassembly of the GY6 drive line and it is well-made and put together. No rough spots. I still have less than 1000 miles but I have a friend with Honda scooter and it looks (according to the internet all Honda CB engines are made in Chongking) not a whole lot superior. I suspect there will be differences showing up eventually but not soon. The engine itself is just an updated Honda CB with large ball bearings on the crank and output shaft, pressure oil system, and overhead cam. This chinese scooter has good brakes, excellent electric start and good body design putting the rider’s feet up on a vespa-like platform. Plastic body parts are plastic, like on all bikes, take care of them and they will serve you well. Beat them and they will be beat up. At 96 MPG in town and cross country 45 MPH jaunts, I am totally satisfied. I have a grandson with one made by another company but virtually identical and it has been trouble free with daily use for four months.

Doubtless there are horror stories but if you have mechanical ability beyond that of the average blond, you can find a good machine for a reasonable price.

By: garyd

garyd — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 12:00:07 +0000

I enjoyed the article very much. In the last year I have owned a cheap chinese 150cc, honda helix, scarabeo, and a kymco. I guess when I got back into scooters after 40 years I went a little overboard. The chinese bike was impressive in style, with performance OK; however, it did lack the kind of fit and finish that one would hope for. I still have the other 3 and I believe the author is right on the money in his excellent definition of what type of bikes on the market.

Anyone that is considering a first step into scootering would do well to read this article. It is right on the money at a very high level. Once you pick a category of bike, then the fun starts.

By: Cheap Scooters

Cheap Scooters — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 05:10:05 +0000

Most Chinese scooters have improved in quality over the years Kymco being one of the most improved. As they refine their process, the quality and hopefully power will improve as well.

By: DJB

DJB — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:58:29 +0000

Truly, I enjoyed you article tremendously. It would be hard to be critical of an article written by someone who has done his homework. May I share some experience?
Having been there when Honda arrived on Pico Blvd. in 1959, I was one of those who at first hollared…”Cheap junk” but it wasn’t long before I realized I was wrong and I quickly changed my policies. I wrote a letter to all of our dealers, “If you can go ahead and take on Honda…” More to this story…DJB