I probably know the answer but are there any decent 1500cc scooters out there. Im looking at some of the little Chinese brand scooters in the $1500 price range ( like this)

Personally I would buy a used Honda or Yamaha before I bought a Chinese scooter. I used to ride my dad's Hondas back in the day. But I'm no authority.

The clones are usually Honda clones, easy to find parts for, and cheap parts, and usually not too bad if you know a little about engines.

Not to derail your thread or anything, but now is not the best time to be filling China's coffers. Maybe a Honda or something made anywhere but China.

Sorry for off topic comment, but I'm sure you'll be happier in the end.

I have a Kymco Super 8 150cc that has been bashed and thrashed and still runs like a champ. I think it's made in Taiwan. They run a little more than $1500 new but are a good alternative between a Honda or Chinese junk.

quote:

Originally posted by bigwagon:
I have a Kymco Super 8 150cc that has been bashed and thrashed and still runs like a champ. I think it's made in Taiwan. They run a little more than $1500 new but are a good alternative between a Honda or Chinese junk.

I 2nd this, Kymco run just as well as Honda or Yamaha. Taiwanese made is still supporting democracy, vs. China.

I would 3rd the Kymco suggestion over something Chinese. We have a Suzuki 125cc here, and it's also very good. It has plenty of internal storage, plus you could add a top box on the back very easily if needed. These scooters also have a surprising amount of power for what they are. Ours will do about 50 mph with an adult rider. I think the Kymcos are 150cc, but the engine size could vary by market. They are considered to be the best (at least here in Guatemala) by the motorcycle garage we use for maintenance. Just for reference, our Suzuki was about $2000.

From my experience with off-brand scooters, even the Chinese ones are fine under 150cc's because they don't make the horsepower to tear themselves apart like a real motorcycle. It's the quality of the attached parts and construction (like plastic's, turn signals, and switch quality, etc) that make the real difference between a name-brand scooter and a cheap Chinese one, but since most scooters (even name brand) are at the lower end of production costs, the differences aren't generally worth the cash outlay between the name brands and the Chinese copy ones, unless you go for a more exotic European models like Stella or Piaggio or similar. So for example, a Honda 50 Metro, or a Yamaha Zuma 50, may be technically better than Lucky Sun Jiang 50cc (made up Chinese brand) the price difference isn't worth it, since in the end, it's still a slow ass scooter worth very little, and bumping the engine size up to 150cc's doesn't change the premise. I would suggest used regardless because they are much cheaper that way, and as long as you get a good running one, it'll keep running for a long time as long as you actually ride it. The small engines with carbs of any of them like to be ridden and have far more more problems after sitting around than if they are used a lot. In my opinion, they all suck equally

Used Honda Ruckus. A neighbor had one and abandoned it. I made arrangements with my landlord to get it but it disappeared before I could.
And a Honda Grom looks fun but probable more $$$ than your budget.

You really want to ride something you bought because it was cheap? I'm just saying.

Buy a used Kaw 250 Ninja. Not too much power but handle really well.

Chinese scooters are cheap but don’t last. Japanese and Taiwanese ones cost more but do.

I am not familiar with that make but China is certainly putting out some decent things now. So far I've avoided Chinese motorcycles and scooters for two reasons; lack of resale and concern about parts availability. Add that I now pretty much look to by my stuff from anywhere but China if given a choice.
For that price the only competition is probably going to be used scooters and even then it may be difficult to find a nice one for near that price.

I just picked up a used Honda Monkey 125 with only 400 miles but it was $2,700,

Cute little bike that'll go 55-60 and is a hoot to ride.

I don't think there are any 1500cc scooters, but if there are I want one. I would find a used zuma or Honda in my price range and know I was way way better off than a new chinese one.

quote:

Originally posted by Bigbuck5:
I would 3rd the Kymco suggestion over something Chinese. We have a Suzuki 125cc here, and it's also very good. It has plenty of internal storage, plus you could add a top box on the back very easily if needed. These scooters also have a surprising amount of power for what they are. Ours will do about 50 mph with an adult rider. I think the Kymcos are 150cc, but the engine size could vary by market. They are considered to be the best (at least here in Guatemala) by the motorcycle garage we use for maintenance. Just for reference, our Suzuki was about $2000.

I have seen the Kymco brand and will look into it further. Thanks. This will most likely be a novelty purchase and who knows how long I will even have interest in riding.