Lookin' to get a new scoot By steelblade (Read 4,000 times)

[jct842]

Not many automoto's out there. Build seems a bit better than average on what I have read. Will have a parts problem for other than engine.

Might be best off to just keep plugging away on your scooter and wait until you can afford exactly what you want. From now on till spring prices will be lower and that also includes what you might get for your scooter. Having saved money will be essential for when the right scooter comes along and you can use it to bargain and have some money left over when your done. Bargaining with money you don't have does not work well.

[steelblade]

Anyone have any opinions on Jonway?

dallas.craigslist.org/dal/for/4688820462.html

[jct842]

not current tags means for one reason or the other they quit riding it. New battery,guess they finally got it running.

[novaraptor]

kz1000st said "As good as my CF Moto is I have another scooter and a bike behind me and a car as backup."
As far as I'm concerned, if you absolutely have to rely on a vehicle to get to work, meaning no bus service at the right time or distance, then that is the best advice ever. I never have less than two vehicles. No matter how "bulletproof" or dependable your ride is, at some point, you will be ready to go to work and a) it won't start. b) runs fine, but one of the tires is flat. c) probably runs fine for the kid who just stole it. Or some other thing.. Even if your back up is a ten speed, it's just better to have it and not need it.. Just my 2c worth...

[steelblade]

Noted, though I was asking about Jonway as a company, if they put out hobbies or bikes.

Thank Nova, I DO have a car but is sucks up gas. 21.1 is the best mpg I can get from it. Hence the need for a good non hobby scooter.

[rks]

"Noted, though I was asking about Jonway as a company, if they put out hobbies or bikes."

I think that totally depends on who owns and operates it. Any crate scooter is going to need a complete and thorough PDI. This is the #1, most important thing to do after purchase (new or used). After that, if operated as they were intended, they can be very dependable.

My Jonway just clicked ove the 5400 mile mark today. Now, I know thats not a ton of miles...but...it has never let me down, except for the battery that pooped the bed after 2 years and 3 months. Even then, 15 minutes of the trickle charger got me in business. Then just plugged it in at night, til the new battery arrived. I have never cleaned the carb...the air filter hasn't been touched since installation 5100 miles ago, the spark plug along with all other engine electrics are original equipment, the tank of gas that I just burned, (refilled today) delivered 86.42 mpg.... BUT....I don't drive it like I stole it..

Not saying Jonway is the best of the best, and not suggesting you buy one....just saying a lot depends on how it starts it's life, and how it's treated later... No PDI....Hard breakin....jack rabbit starts....WOT all the time....leaving it out in all weather conditions. None of this is good if you expect any kind of service out of it. But don't take my word for it, afterall, I bougt my first Honda engine in 1965...so I'm still kinda new at this stuff.

[steelblade]

I don't have a garage, but I keep it covered. Bout the best I can do in that department.

My Taotao Lancer is my first, so the learning curve is kicking my arse a bit. I'm leaning toward a dealership purchase of a used but not too old scoot. Hopefully that will give me a good balance between 'broken in' and 'broken down'.

[Guitarman]

NO NO NO! Forget used. Just go with a new one. Better to do your own breakin than to buy someone elses headache.

[jct842]

If I had gone brand new, over what I have dumped into the majesty it would have cost me maybe a grand. I more than likely would not be cussing the damn thing either. Some one else "BROKE" it in good for me and I paid the price.

Make due with what you have, learn how to repair it and save some money for a new scooter. A loan on a used scooter probably is not all that smart.

[steelblade]

Thanks guys. I'll probably just take mine in and get it pro fixed, then.

[Guitarman]

That can be good or bad as well. Some of the Scooter Repair places out there nowadays wouldn't know a scooter if it ran over their right foot.

[steelblade]

Posted this bike before in this thread, but it's still for sale and I'm emailing with the owner now. Wish me luck!

www.cycletrader.com/listing/2011-SYM-Hd-200-113096522

[steelblade]

The response.

"I agree with sounds too good to be true. My wife rarely rode it and bought it new just a few years ago. I am actually surprised she put 451 miles, because it’s so rare that she rides it. They is only once scratch on the front fender you will notice below. It would be real easy to touch up, but its pretty small. It retails for 3400 and I do feel this is a deal. The only reason its probably not sold is, it sounds too good to be true. It will go up to 75 miles per hour. It’s surprised me on how fast it will go. I didn’t have a helmet, so I was afraid to go any faster. My wife has ridden it on 75 before we met, and this would be one reason I want to get rid of it. Lol 75 in a car is bad enough in this town, much less on a scooter. Anyway, its really 451 miles and you might want to know it is bedazzled with crystals on front and back. I believe it could easily come off, but we left in on in case someone wanted it like that.

We thought about financing if someone put at least 1000 down, but we would not do that. We could take a credit card if you have that on your limit. We own a company where we could take a credit card if that helps.


See attached pic for scratch below on front fender. It’s on the left right corner if you zoom in. I didn’t notice any other damage. We just charged the batter and need run it when we can. Our reason for selling is simple. We just do not use it. We live on lower Greenville and we just walk or take a car to get around."

Sounds like a winner! The SYM HD200 rates really high on reliability, etc. Even here with some of you guys based on earlier posts and with a capacity of 396 Lb if my dating life ever turns around I'll be set!

[Guitarman]

I would go and ride the snot out of it for about 10 miles and see if it gave me any hiccups at all. If it all ran perfectly, I'd offer him $1,200 for it cash. Doesn't matter if it's a Sym or a Honda or a Harley... well... anyway... 2 grand is a massive amount of loot for a used scoot.

[steelblade]

I figure I can talk him down because it went unsold for over a month, apparently not even a nibble. Only 471? It DOES sound too good to be true, so I agree about the 'ride it around' for a bit.

The overall ratings on this model are pretty high from what I've seen around the net, and the top speed is highway capable, something I've been wanting.