Imported gas motor scooters, which brands are good or should be avoided?

Question

My wife is interested in buying a 150cc motor scooter to ride to and from work. We don't want to spend an arm and a leg on one, but we don't want to buy a piece of c**p either. Any recommendations on brands to buy or avoid? All answers will be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Ed hit it. Stay away from the chinese period. Its a 50/50 chance at best. Kymco is a great company. They make a great scoot for the buck. Vespa and piaggio can have long wait times on parts so take care their. Look at a Stella or Buddy scooter. They are a tad pricey but by the time you spend money fixing a chinese you could have bought one...

Answer 2

I'd recommend the TGB Laser R9 151cc. The Laser Series includes a 2-year unlimited mileage warranty for parts and labor. TGB has been supplying scooters, engines and CVT transmissions to Vespa, Piaggio, Suzuki, and Peugeot since 1978.

Answer 3

I have been involved with scooters for the past 5 yrs and would reccomend Kymco.  They make a quality scooter that is priced reasonable with dealer back up.  Stay with a mfg that will assure parts availability and service.  Avoid the low price Chinese, etc. as you will have a useless yard sculpture the first time it breaks down, and it will.  I have owned a Yamaha for four years with no problems and have 20,000+ miles on it, only replacing front brake pads, occasional spark plug and one set of tires (just because I wanted better grip)

Answer 4

Look at Kymco, Piaggio, Vespa, Genuine Scooter Co, and SYM... Stay away from any chinese made scooters.  The most cost effective and most reliable will be the Kymco.  Take a look at their People 150:

http://www.strmotorsports.com/showroom/i...

And the Buddy 125 from Genuine Scooter Co:

http://www.genuinescooters.com/scooters/...