Memphis Kings Scooter Club

neuro · Lt Joined: 06 Jul 2009 Posts: 19 Location: Memphis

Browsing through threads on this site I found more than one reference to Chinese scoots as POS. I'm here to say there are lots of positive things to say about Chinese scoots. I'm the owner of a Lance Phoenix, bought a year ago, and after 2000 miles the only issue I have had was with replacing a burned out light bulb. Lance and several other Chinese scoot brands are made by the Znen (short for Zhejiang Zhong Neng) company. Within recent years additional quality control has been put into these bikes... they realize the increased demand for scoots in the US and they are taking steps to compete seriously with more expensive European and Japanese scoots. There are lots of cute models to choose from (from sport models to Italian knock offs... take a look at those at www.lancepowersports.com.

If you've never picked up a socket wrench or don't know the difference beween a fuel filter and a coffee filter, then yes, I would recommend a more expensive scoot. But there are some fairly easy steps you can take from day one to reduce the chances of your new Chinese scoot having any problems. When I got my scoot, I immediately changed out the gear oil and engine oil (Chinese oils are notoriously poor). Then I replaced the cheap fuel filter with a good US one (actually it was Japanese), and took out the Chinese fuel and vacuum lines and replaced them with Goodyear brand. Upgraded the hose clamps too. Oil changes were then done at 100 miles, 600, 1200, and now 2000 miles. That's it! The performance of my Lance has improved during the 1000 mile break in, top speed was initially about 59 mph, that's now up to 62 mph (it's a 150 cc with 16 inch wheels).

I would strongly recommend however, that you not buy a scoot online, but work through a local dealer. I have been treated very well by the folks at Scooters Plus on Summer Ave in Memphis... not one complaint. They actually gave me the same price on my Lance that others advertised online. It's been dropped twice, and they got parts for the scoot with no problem. I like the fact that you can easily and cheaply replace a body panel if you damage yours... rather than having my scoot patched up.

I think especially for someone who is getting into riding for the first time, or someone who is interested in saving gas money (75 miles per gallon!), and does not have a lot of cash to shell out, that Chinese scoots at half the price of more expensive brands offer an alternative option that should not be overlooked.

There is a forum devoted nearly entirely to the joys of owning a Chinese scoot... you'll see I'm not the only one singing praises... you'll find it at www.scootdawg.com.

I got into two wheeled riding last summer by first buying a Chinese scoot. Loved it so much that I then got a Yamaha 250 Virago... loved that too but quickly sold it for a bigger Suzuki Marauder (800 cc). But I still take the scoot out for joy rides and errands all the time. I'm taking 3 weeks off with my tent and sleeping bag and taking the Marauder to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland in search of cooler roads. And now my wife Lettie joins me on the scoot while I ride the cruiser. If you've never ridden on two wheels, and a larger motorcycle doesn't interest you... then you've gotta try a scoot! It's great fun!

I look forward to riding more with you guys. (even if I do have to go to the end of the line....!)
Jay Blundon
(aka neuro)
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"There ain't no cure for love..."

BSSart · Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 8:27 pm Post subject:

There are some very nice Chinese scooters available in Memphis.

Fly Scooters, Lance, and Benelli to name a few of the quality Chinese scooters available right now. They start at about $2k.

I am very impressed with the scooter shop at Summer and White Station.

The scooter shop north of Millington on Highway 51 has a nice selection of quality Chinese scooters as well.

I love my Taiwanese Yamaha Zuma 125.

Cheers,
Art
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- - Ride a scooter. Be a hero.