Hondas are ugly. I wouldnt buy one for that reason alone.

Well put.

I know Chinese scooters are very inexpensive. With proper maintenance and replacing a few parts from the beginning a decent scooter mechanic can keep one running and have a fair amount of reliability and longevity. Not a bad bang for the buck, definitely cheaper than a Japanese or high end Taiwanese scooter. Some say the Chinese scooter cost so much less that the extra quality of a high priced machine isn't justified.

I've owned a few "high priced" name brand scooters and I thought the cost was worth it. However, I like a good bargain too, and lately I've changed my preference.

I've found that SYM and Kymco make quality Taiwanese scooters manufactured in mainland China under the same strict quality control as their more expensive models.

Tomos Nitro, all Lance scooters are Taiwanese quality scooters made by SYM. Kymco does the same thing with the Agility and Like models. Eton scooters are made in Taiwan too, but most people group them with Chinese made and there are many leftover models for cheap.

In 125-150cc sizes these scooters cost anywhere from $1800 to $2500 new. Not too much above the upper end of $1700 mentioned by someone for Chinese scooters. These scooters are mechanically equal to similar models from Japan, though the plastics aren't quite as good (but not brittle and ill fitting like some Chinese scooters). For the most part they use generic GY6 engines and you can buy both cheap Chinese parts or higher quality parts from many different sources should the need arise.

I found several people who bought new older stock Eton Matrix 150cc scooters for $1500 out the door. Wide 12" tires, dual disc brakes, large seat with good storage, and a Taiwanese GY6 that makes 10.5 HP and pushes the 210 lbs scooter to an actual 60-65 mph bone stock. I wish I could have found that deal before I bought my Tomos Nitro 150 for $1899 shipped to my door.

No regrets though, my wife and I have toured over 4000 miles on two lane highways and off road through some pretty gnarly stuff and the scooter has been bulletproof. 85 mpg and cruising 50-60 mph most of the time. We have ridden 300 miles in a day riding two up on the Tomos Nitro 150 and won't hesitate to take it anywhere, any distance. For comparison we owned a SYM HD200 EVO before that and the Tomos has been every bit as reliable and roadworthy.

It seems like a difference of opinions here. I made the mistake of disagreeing with the majority on "It is the ride" forum.

Those people insist that a Chinese scooter is every bit the equal of anything out of Taiwan or Japan. Even though they clearly admit parts like hoses, cdi's, bearings, belts, variators, batteries, ignition coils, fasteners, carbs, etc. should be replaced during the original PDI. Then they will find somebody that has more than 10,000 miles on a chinascoot and say that it is as good as a Honda? The majority of those guys only owned one or two Chinese scooters and never had a Honda or something comparable that they would call a waste of money.

Unfortunately it got personal and ugly, but I enjoyed picking apart their misinformed point of view making them look like hypocrites until I finally managed to get banned.

And by the way, I clearly stated and believe there is a place and purpose for a Chinese scooter. But that doesn't mean it is as good as a Japanese/Taiwanese scooter or a better value. I have owned two different Chinese scooters as well as Honda, Yamaha, SYM, CPI and others, there is a significant difference.

There is nothing wrong with a Chinese scooter, but there is something wrong with claiming it is something that it isn't.

Yes, you could ride a 150cc chinascoot around town at lower speeds and significantly extend the engine life by not pushing it real hard. But the same can be said about a Japanese/Taiwanese machine, driven gently they will last longer than they already do. If you need a 150cc machine to ride 50-55+ on a regular basis, your best bet is to invest in a higher quality/priced scooter.

My 2cents worth. I am glad the Chinese made my scooter. If they hadn't, I wouldn't have a scooter. I can't afford anything else.

Oh yeah, I forgot something. I can clearly see who has a closed mind here. It's not the guy with the Chinabike.

I hope that's not directed towards me. I've owned a couple of "Chinabikes" so my opinion is based on experience from both sides of the story. And I am not saying Chinese scooters are junk, just disagreeing with anyone saying they are just as good as Japanese/Taiwanese machines.

As I mentioned before, you don't have to pay a fortune to get a high end quality scooter, there are some inexpensive Taiwanese options.

If a Chinese scooter is what you like, that's fine with me.

Lol everyone has there opinion. we don't have to argue. I don't come on these forums to listen to bickering. Just take each thing for what it is. Chinese bikes are cheap and yes they can be reliable will they last 50000 miles? I don't know I haven't seen one. But who cares just ride the damn thing till it blows up and get another one.