Who's made the switch from motorbikes to scooters?

[Islay4000]

Buying the Kymco AK550 was a deliberate choice. I already own a Honda VFR750 and a Suzuki SV1000, but I wanted something genuinely comfortable over long distances — good weather protection, stable handling, enough power for easy overtakes, and modern features like ABS and navigation. The AK550 delivers all of that without turning every ride into a workout.

Since moving into the maxi‑scooter world, I’ve noticed a bit of quiet disdain from some “proper bike” riders. After a few conversations, the vibe is usually the same: “Not for me, mate.” And that’s fine. Motorcycling, for many people, is tied up with identity, belonging, and being part of a tribe.

For me, riding is something different. It’s about stress‑free travel, exploring back roads at my own pace, and finding places that feel slightly off the map. The AK550 has been perfect for that. The proof is simple: my other bikes are sitting in the garage gathering dust. The Kymco is the one I actually enjoy riding.

[scootabout]

I currently have an X-Max 250 that is having overheating issues, so on the look out to getting a replacement, but a 350cc would be better. Ridden the Honda ADV 350 and tye Zontes 368 so far, having test rides on a fre more before I bite the bullet.

Still have my bikes, ranging from 40bhp to 200bhp, but cannot do without a scooter in my life now

What's your opinion of the Zontes? I'm vaguely interested, after meeting an owner recently, in swapping from the Forza.

[Andym]

Same here. My Forza is going in the New Year and the replacement will have more power. The fact the Zontes is half the price of the 750 and still has proper built in storage space is very appealing.

Andy

[Leadfarmer]

There are some bigger engined Zontes coming sooner or later, not sure when but they’ve been doing the shows

[Andym]

Currently can't see myself getting one this time, but they are close;

Parts supply looks entirely based on small dealers. No equivalent of Fowlers.
Various reports of wheel bearing issues and connectivity problems.
Lots or reports of them using the same suppliers as Honda etc. but it's every supplier. They could be buying SKF bearings from a broker rather than having a serious relationship with them. Why else wouldn't every bearing on there be SKF?
Service interval are 2500 miles not 8000. Could be how they make money back, or could be 1980's technology.
I'm not convinced a fairly standard CVT will take 40+ HP. As I tour my bigger bike, belt overheating does concern me.
Depreciation will be knackered lift levels, that's just a market using an available excuse but is certain. Going back to Honda will hurt.

Quite prepared to admit I'm overly conservative, but I'm likely to sit it out this round. Ask me again in 2030-32.

Andy

[Alan29]

No Zontes dealer anywhere near me. And spares....?

[MrGrumpy]

There are some bigger engined Zontes coming sooner or later, not sure when but they’ve been doing the shows

There were a couple of Chinese Tmax clones exhibited at shows last year (Zontes and QJ if I remember correctly), but we don't know if they will ever come to the UK.

[MrGrumpy]

Currently can't see myself getting one this time, but they are close;

Parts supply looks entirely based on small dealers. No equivalent of Fowlers.

I'm not convinced a fairly standard CVT will take 40+ HP. As I tour my bigger bike, belt overheating does concern me.
Depreciation will be knackered lift levels, that's just a market using an available excuse but is certain. Going back to Honda will hurt.


Andy

Yes, there is the unknown question of spares. If you have a Tmax, even a 25 year old one, you can any spare you like within a couple of days. Most Chinese companies haven't been in business that long! The dealers are small, but this can be OK - some of the grand 'lifestyle' dealerships that the Japanese companies seem to think we want seem just like car dealers, and that's not good! With a small dealer you can have the personal touch.

As for CVTs, I don't think there's a problem - CVTs give few problems. I'm pretty sure that recent Tmaxs put out rather more than the advertised 47bhp, and they generally work fine - belt failures are very rare. Where they have been issues, its been down to Yamaha trying to push the envelope design wise.

[Andym]

No Zontes dealer anywhere near me. And spares....?

CMPO parts and a few others are starting to specialise in Chinese parts. However, they seem limited to models over 2-3 years old. This suggests they are reverse engineering the parts lists, basically trawling the suppliers lists to find the right item.

Zontes themselves constantly harp back to the dealers. This is a brand building plan. The bikes are cheap but not that cheap. They cut their own margins, but will also lean on the dealer to cut their's. They sweeten this with low service intervals and exclusivity on parts supply.

As a consumer I aren't a fan of this model. Dealers don't add very much to the buying experience, I'll go knowing more than some suited lizard who'll play the whole "SSsso how much did you want to spend SSSssir" silliness. They don't want to supply parts because they see it as lost business for their workshop. I'd rather buy from a website and have the Distance Selling Regulations on my side. Parts are more likely to be in stock if you have the whole country's supply and new bikes you'd actually be able to choose the colour instead of having the pressure to take the one in the showroom.

It actually seems to be the bigger dealers (Dobles etc.) who are joining the 21st Century. It's their lower cost route to expansion and also stops the importers playing (illegal) sales territory games to push prices higher.

Andy