Who's made the switch from motorbikes to scooters?

[MrGrumpy]

Interesting...the Voge 450 had passed me by. I'm trying to work out whether its a Tmax chassis mounted engine design, or a simpler engine on swing arm one - I'm pretty sure the latter. It maybe a possibility for me to supplement the ADV for longer runs. At least I have a Voge dealer just about within reach! No Elec screen - would be nice but not a deal breaker.

Yes, there is a Zontes 2 cyl Tmax clone in preparation (see vid) - but whether it will come to the UK or not is of course entirely unknown.

[Andym]

Now that digs the dilemma hole I'm in even deeper!

European launch could be 2027. It's going to be cheaper than a Forza 750, close enough performance and certainly better looking colours.

Looks like I could go Forza 750 in spring and see how it goes, or Zontes 368 then with the idea of going 552 in 2029 or 30.

Andy

[MrGrumpy]

European launch - but will it get a UK launch? You could wait for ages and it doesn't come.

The Sym 508TL Tmax clone is still available for a ridiculous £7k or something, main drawbacks being small (12.5 ltr) tank and chain drive (though you will be used to that with the Forza!). There is another version of it in Europe with an incomprehensible name consisting of a series of random letters which is basically the same, but with strikingly ugly panniers! Again no sign of it in the UK.

The trouble is that all these scoots, including Voge, are handled by MotoGB....who aren't everyone's favourite importer!

There was another Chinese Tmax clone unveiled at EICMA possibly by QJ. Probably not likely to come to the UK.

I definitely might consider that Voge 450 - cheap enough, decent grunt. A swinging engine scooter, but like the ADV350, with decent suspension that it might be OK on dodgy roads - with 18 ltr tank!

[Andym]

Great info Gentlemen . Thank you for posting.

Sort of reinforces my plan to go Honda in 2027 then expect to go Zontes or Voge in say 2032.

The 750 is the known quantity still. Basically a motorcycle suspension wise. The chain may be a known PITA, but it won't melt because it's designed for commuting but used for touring. Also has ALL the toys, I think the Zontes and Voge are silly not to have a leccy screen and CC respectively.

I hope Honda take a beating and fight back with say a free luggage package or 0% finance. If pushed into a face-to-face purchase with the suited lizard men I will be using the Zontes name as a little verbal hand grenade during "negotiations"

Andy

[Eskam]

My Zontes 368G is now on 2500kms, and is currently the two wheeler I use the most (at the moment).

A friend came over from the UK last month and he used my Street Triple for a few rides. He said that he had to ride hard to keep up with me in the twisties (although he did bugger off on the straights). And at that time the bike still had the rev restrictor active.

I only found out AFTER I purchased it that it they have restrict the revs to 6000rpm up until 1000kms, and would gradually increase the revs as the mileage increased. It seemed to give full revs at around 2200 kms.

I cannot remember any review I watched that stated this, so I suspect their press fleet had these restrictors removed.

I noticed a slight tapping when the engine was under load-it went as soon as the throttle was closed. I did wonder if it was as I was becoming used to the bike, I started to hear the noise that had been there from 0kms. I rang the dealer who were superb. Asked me to bring the bike in so they could check it.

Their technician took it out for a ride, and did not hear anything unusual. Even so, they put it on the bench and stripped the side casing off to check the belt and rollers. All was in order, so that put my mind at rest.

I just fitted a rear rack, £40 from Temu. Very good quality, so quick to fit-remove four rubber plugs, and screw in the four bolts- all done in five minutes.

Averaging 80mpg at the moment, but this will drop now it is run in and I am happy revving it harder.

Nothing has broken, the finish is great, and the tyres grip really well in the 40°c heat.

The Zontes app is appalling, I cant get it to link with my phone, so fitted my TomTom sat nav for navigation instead.

Overall, 8 out of 10, but this will go up (I hope) as it is used more, and on longer trips.

[MrGrumpy]

Latest rumour is that QJ are thinking about a 900cc Scooter! Using the 90bhp 900cc Benelli engine. Its all entirely rumours, leaked spec sheets and gossip at the moment, but sounds...interesting!

[Andym]

Makes sense from the point of view that a Goldwing is just a huge powered two wheeler with many toys, an automated gearbox, lots of weather protection and, if you scale it down, smallish/ fattish wheels for it's size. If you want to bridge the gap on weight and price, you probably end up with exactly that. There is also the familiarity where if you've always been around 125 CVT's and come into money (that's a huge market in China, Thailand etc.), the same but bigger might appeal.

I see diminishing returns though. Once I can set the cruise control to 80 and it feels plush, what more do I need? The extra 20 HP I never use adds weight that will annoy me at me at times. Those far eastern markets have huge restrictions on big bikes, I think it's Singapore where a CB500 lines you up to retake your test annually? (Hence the Current twins are 490).

I think we should all sit back and enjoy the show now the Chinese have discovered the idea of doing what the customer asks for though.

Andy