Linhai 300 Aeolus Long Long term Review

[Danny]

I'm reviewing the Aeolus 300 that I came into possession of a few months back. It's been a tough year to do a review here in the North East due to the horrible weather but here is what I've found so far...
No! That's not me. They're images from Sunright's site...



The scoot came well crated and required minimal set-up and adjusting to get her road worthy. The crating was dented resulting in a scraped a panel due to an obviously careless fork truck driver. Being that I got the bike from a B&M dealer a new lower right kick board panel was sent out immediately from Sunright International. P.S. When purchased from a B&M dealer all Linhai's come with a years labor and parts warranty. Linhai has instructed B&M dealers to not warranty internet purchases. Proof of purchase from an off line dealer is required.
First thing;
I noticed was Torque paint on all of the critical nuts and bolts. If you have not worked in this industry or bought a lot of 2 wheelers you might not know that organized manufacturers with their game in place requires all critical nuts and bolts to be torqued to spec and then a stripe of paint to be run across the bolt for QC inspectors to see. Nice
Then there is the brakes;
Never is there a mention of the dual piston calipers on front and rear of the Linhai. Dual disks are nice but two pistons per caliper is a little extra nice. This should result in twice the stopping power of a single piston caliper. Very Nice! I've seen a manufacturer ( un-named) install a single piston in front and a dual in the rear. Obviously unaware of how a vehicles brakes stop. 80% front 20% rear.
I'm impressed by;
The quality in this bike where it matters most. The engine is robust. Low rpm grunt is fantastic. Fuel lines with Linhai written on them are beefy and large with a silicone supple feel to them. The enclosed and well filtered variator is huge with 8 not 6 quality rollers encased in a closed grease bath resulting in extremely smooth transitions and little cut-off when coming to a stop. The clutch is gigantic, deep and supported at both ends.
Castings are overall excellent and lead me to believe their ties to Yamaha.
I appreciate;
Seeing Linhai stamped on many parts ( lines, hoses, CDI, rims, etc...) indicating at the least if their not all in house built, they are at best made specifically for them to their specs and I assume some form of quality control must be met.. A true Manufacturer not an assembly plant that sources the majority of their parts.
The chassis;
Is also well built and stiff resulting in a secure ride and little flex when under way. Suspension is fair to good never abruptly jolting me yet has no pretensions of sport riding which is fine for me since this would not be my vehicle of choice for canyon dancing.. Smooth riding is the goal here and Linhai has done a good job accomplishing that.
I did feel it necessary to;
Condition every bit of black plastic, vinyl and rubber part on this bike with 303 UV protection during set-up and all of the exposed un pained metal got CorrosionX metal conditioner. The paint was treated to a couple of coats of wax and spray wax where I could not reach. All chrome was immediately treated with Mothers protectant. A Silicone spray for the shock seals and latches completed my PDI.
The Body;
Well...I have to assume this is where they keep their cost down. I personally have a hard time with poor fit and finish. Panels don't meet perfectly. Paint is in some places orange peel but the topcoat shows no drips. Overall OK! but only OK. Windshield is laughable but gets the job done. I opted for the tall one and thank goodness I don't have to look through it.
Doors and latches feel cheap yet always, surprisingly, work.
The lopsided dash is my biggest complaint. I have to look at it too often and the lack of symmetry goes against all of nature.

The lack of a clock is shameful and no trip odometer is unforgivable. All of these thing can be remedied for a few dollars and personalizes your ride if you're into that. I have a stick on clock and a small 3 digit mini combination padlock attached to the brake line to keep track of my mileage for MPG checking.
Mind you a lot of this is fact but a lot is personal opinion and I don't want to offend any present owners. Some will overlook the shortcomings, even embrace them since they do no harm and have no effect to it's overall function. This bike can save you thousands of dollars over a similarly capable bike in the 300-400cc range.
So far Sturdy and stout is the initial impression for me.
I will tell you more about the ride in my next post.

[Bought a Morph]

If I were to get a Chinese scoot, this one might be it but at $3000 plus, forget about it. There are a ton of low mileage 250cc- 400cc Japanese scooters in the $2500-$3500 range which makes spending that amount on a new Chinese scoot seem completely illogical, at least from my perspective.

[Cookees]

Very good review....

You confirm what I've heard from the Linhai people: that they have focused on the "guts" over the "aesthetics".
We are hoping to add Linhai to our line up in the near future.

[oldkid]

Danny, I have the 2006 Mainstreet 300 model and so far have several thousand completely trouble free miles on it. I must tell you that there are more than one trim level being sold. My Mainstreet has the motorcycle handlebars (no plastic covers) and they also are adjustable. My bike also has the trip meter that you wanted. I agree that they all should have one and I use mine to help keep up with mileage as well as trip length. I did add a 12 volt meter to the right side of the dash, also a stick on (velcro) digital clock on the left side.
I purchased the bike with the tall windscreen but it came with both. However the tall one that came with my bike was not up the the Linhai standards. I ordered the Gustafsson tall windscreen (I think it's 27 inches tall) and it is a great improvement. Much better quaility and tall enough so that at my 5' 10" I can still look over it but all of the wind is defected and the ride is much quieter. Good luck with you bike and ride safe.

[allworld]

Hello Danny:
You already know my opinion of the Linhai 300, to date I have just under 8100 miles and so far so good. I do all my own wrenching, and can verify your findings about quality. The body panels are poorly fitted, the stock mirror stems are to short. I have a trip meter which worked for a short while but not any more.
One of the biggest benefits to owning a Linhia is that Sunright stands behind their product. You can buy less expensive scooters, but for a new, dealer maintained/serviced it is reasonably priced.
I look forward to the release of the new Linhai 400B.

[Danny]

Yes the 400 should be interesting. It is basically the 300 chassis with a new nose (face lift) and the 400 cc FI engine. For single light weight riders it should be of little advantage aside of asthetics but if your the average American heavyweight or would like to two up with your thinner half it could be a real nice ride.
.
Just yesterday I was touring on the 300 and decided to take mental notes to share about it's ride.
Handling is good to better than average. I find I rarely over steer and road irregularities rarely upset this scoot in spite of it's small wheels. Large potholes are another thing. The rear shock spring preload is surprisingly sensitive probably due to its progressive wind. For me at 165lbs it was necessary to remove all preload and set it at its softest setting. Part of it's charm on the road can be attributed to the seating arrangement. I find at 5'10" I can lay back with my feet forward in a comfortable recliner like fashion. This is extremely nice so long as the roads are also. When the roads get rough I sit up with my feet below me and aligned beneath my shoulders back , my hips, and butt when approaching rr tracks or rough pavement. This allows me to use my body suspension as I did when younger on dirt bikes. The ability to have a few seating arrangements is very nice.

[Danny]

My girl on her (Aelous 260) and I on the 300 just finished a 600 mile trip to and all over Vermont. The trip included Mostly my Favorite back roads some Hi-way travel, dirt roads (smooth and horrible) and a lot of successful mountain passes. I recorded + or- 65 mpg and the 260 showed 70+ mpg. It was four 8-12 hr days of stop and go riding lallygagging all the way. Amazed that we were only caught riding in the rain only once. More amazed that the bikes were as comfortable as they were for that long a period.
Annoyances were; the shield on my 300 could be a few inches taller, the cooling fan on my 300 surely didn't have to run as often as it did, Spedo is a full 15% optimistic, and my GPS doesn't discern dirt from tar roads in VT.
I had one boil over after a tough 10% grade climb up one of the mountains. Only a cup full. This particular pass (Appalachian) had relentless switchbacks and steep hills to the 3200' summit. Back home I replaced the lost radiator fluid with some Water Wetter temperature reducing additive. www.redlineoil.com/products_coolant.asp
We'll see..
Back home I did a fluid change to find zero engine oil use. But from the factory the differential had 350ml in it. 100 ml too much oil.. This could explain the weeping I found at the pressure valve beneath the case after a sustained 75mph run.
All in all a totally successful 600mi. trip of great care free riding and good weather.

[allworld]

Hello Danny:
I too had a boil over, (in your parking lot, lol) it turned out to be a faulty radiator cap.
I have been on some longer rides and also find the my scooter is fairly comfortable, although it is good to get off and stretch a bit every 70 miles or so.

[Orson Reedy]

I've had my 300 a year now and am approching 3000 miles. Mechanically, it's been trouble free and has saved me lots of money, as I use to commute to work year round. I have some dry-rotting rubber sheaths, but the lines themselves are fine.

Only problem I have is getting the big screw loose on the CVT cover. I've tried everything, and given up, as I don't want to completely ruin the screw head trying. Any suggestions?

[torque]

Jul 10, 2009 15:37:09 GMT -5 Orson Reedy said:

Only problem I have is getting the big screw loose on the CVT cover. I've tried everything, and given up, as I don't want to completely ruin the screw head trying. Any suggestions?

Impact driver?

[mk9750]

Hey Folks,

Although I am VERY satisfied with my Xingyue 150, it looks like a change in jobs might require I consider an upgrade in my two wheels. After reading a lot on line and in this forum, especially this thread, I think I'm sold on the Linhai.

Is there anyone here who thinks I'd be making a mistake?

Also, Torque, would you be willing to tell me where you live? If it's near Cleveland, where did you get yours, or did you have it shipped? I contacted Sunright, who gave me the name of a dealer near Akron, but I'd like to have access to a dealer a bit more local if I have a problem.

Thanks all!

Mark

[torque]

Mark,

I'm in S.E. Ohio, not too far from Athens. A long trip for you. My dealer is an hour away, but honestly -- Sunright and this forum have proven more helpful than my dealer. They're not bad guys, it's just that there's much more experience with these China-scoots here than what they have at the dealership. They sell Honda, Suzuki, LInhai, and Harley. The Linhai line is "small potatoes" for them, so their mechanics are not as well versed in their expectations than what you have here. I bought an extended 4-year warranty to cover any major break-down, but so far all I've needed has been a cdi.

Seems to me I've seen some Linhai dealers in N.E. Ohio listed on cycletrader.com --

Realizing that it can sometimes take a little time to get thru to Sunright for parts, I've taken to keeping a little back stock: spare cdi, coil, cvt belt, and a set of brake pads. That way, they're here if and when I need them. They're cheap: all the above only cost about $150 and half of that was the belt!

[Danny]

6 month 3000+ mile update,
Nothing much to report. Still happy with my purchase. Never really missing or really wanting the items I don't have since selling the quality albeit (clutch squealing) Burgman 400 which left me wanting very little over the 40 mpg 600lb Burgman 650 I owned. The Linhai 300 still seems to still be the perfect vehicle size and HP at least for me. It's still 375 lbs and still returns close to 65 mpg.
Due to our work schedule Diane on her 260 and I travel every Monday, weather permitting and the Monday weather had been blessed this past Summer. The rides run Between 200 to 300 miles in length and Sunday evenings are usually spent planning which direction to go.
We both hate the boring superslab hi-way and avoid it unless necessary. I've found that entering the hi-way is a non issue. Acceleration is brisk enough. 80mph although capable is no fun. 65-70 is a more relaxed pace with reserve to pass but I'd still rather be riding 60-65mph on the scenic twisty country roads.
I'm still getting 62-65 mpg consistently. and D often is in the 70+ mpg range.
Serious Problems have been zero.
Minor issues.
Although more an annoyance, I was hell bent on keeping my engine cooling fan from running 70% of the time but finally resolved that this is just a characteristic yamaha style warm running engine and I deal with it. I've only once had it spurt a small amount of coolant after climbing a 7 mile 15% grade. I have since flushed the old factory coolant out and run a quality antifreeze with Wetter brand additive and I now imagine it runs a bit cooler. ?
Dianes rear brakes would rattle like a dragging tin can till I removed the pads bent the clips that hold them in and applied a light film of adhesive silcone to the backs and let dry before re-installing.
She stills has a tortured mouse somewhere in her Variator/clutch/belt area I've yet to look into. It makes the squeak only during initial take off on the road not in the shop on the lift of course.
My 300 has a left control cluster that is reluctant to accept a left turn input to the switch. Right turns are fine. And whether the horn is going to beep is always a question if your not assertive.
Like I said minor annoyances.
Tire wear is almost non existent but I don't expect it at 3k
I had to replace my 6 month old factory battery already. Thought it just needed a charge but my tester says it's junk. Installed a quality MMG.
With cold weather approaching I'm finding it a we bit harder to start only in the below 50 degree mornings. Rest of the day is fine. It still starts fine but! I usually only have to think about touching the start button and she'll fire to life. Minor valve adjust might be in order.
Still very happy!
That's all for now. I'll report after another 1000 miles.

[Bought a Morph]

Jun 28, 2009 8:29:03 GMT -5 Danny said:

nstall a single piston in front and a dual in the rear. Obviously unaware of how a vehicles brakes stop. 80% front 20% rear.

That's not accurate, The front/rear ratio changes depending on the weight distribution of the bike. The most common ratio used is 70/30 but that refers to a typical motorcycle where the engine is placed mid/front on the frame. A chopper or cruiser will have more weight towards the rear and the ratio changes.

Motorcycles rely more on the front brakes because weight transfers forward under braking, leaving relatively little weight remaining over the rear wheel.

The vast majority of scooters are rear engine, where most of the weight is towards the rear of the bike which means the rear brakes play a bigger part in stopping you compared to a typical motorcycle.

The same laws of physics apply to cars. This is why the rear engine Porsche 911 has amazing stopping power compared with mid/front engine cars like a corvette.

[Danny]

Fancy talk yes,but I'm sorry you're just plain mostly wrong. Anything moving has weight transfer forward during deceleration. Heavier means more transfer. Physics aside the fact remains that 70% (you are correct ) to 80% of your stopping power is caused buy your leading (traction) wheel or Front wheels.
Rear drums are used often but are mostly on trailing wheels since they're more for careful slowing control than stopping.. The only beneficial time rear disks are used on the trailing wheel are if they're used very often as in often on and off on repeated use like in racing since they dissipate heat better. We used Drum brakes in the rear until the late 70's They would often fade during long races and finally convinced us to adapt rear disks, not for their minor stopping benefit but their superior cooling between applications. Front wheels require more stopping power and better cooling due to their frequency of use.
I'm not insinuating rear disks are not a benefit. A driver with acute feedback and feel loves them but they have become so efficient that abs is almost a necessity.

[Bought a Morph]

Oct 18, 2009 21:13:28 GMT -5 Danny said:

Fancy talk yes,but I'm sorry you're just plain mostly wrong.

Sure I am and so is every other person with a degree in Physics.

[torque]

Danny,

Since you've owned both, how would you compare the Burg 400 with the Mainstreet 300? My wife and I were out riding a week ago, climbing a tough, winding hill (2-up) and I think I just ran out of horsepower. Coughed and stalled about 2/3 up the hill. I think I might have flooded it, trying to pump more fuel into the carb than it could handle at that low speed (around 35mph).

So I'm wondering if something with a few more hp may be needed here.
What was your opinion of the Burg 400? Would it be worth the trade going from my Mainstreet 300 to the Burg?

[allworld]

Hello Torque:
I have never owned or driven the Burgman, but do have the Majesty, performance wise it is about even to the Burgman 400, I also have owned the Linhai 300. I never had and stalling issues with the 300 even on tough hills, power and speed did start to wane, but I always made it. With the Majesty power is never and issue, I ride up hills with out any loss of power or speed. The majesty is about 100lbs heavier and gets less mpg, but if you travel 2 up and plan to use the expressways then .......... you may want to consider the Burgman or Majesty. The Burgman offers more leg room and a lower seat height, but I have always liked the Majesty so............

[torque]

Allworld,

I, too like the Majesty's styling better than the Burg; but ----
the Burg gets better mpg, and there is an ABS version, so if I trade I may hold on 'til I can find a used ABS 400.

I talked with Buck (he seemed very knowledgeable on these bikes) at HH Motorsports today, and he seemed pretty sure that I either flooded it (trying to pump too much fuel at low rpms and the horsepower just couldn't keep up), or else he thought it may have vapor locked on me (with the gas cap valve not working efficiently enough to allow the fuel to pump efficiently). It was his opinion that I just need a bigger bike for serious 2-up rides. He suggested a Suzuki or Yamaha in the 400+ range.

Right now, I guess the 400 ABS versions are pretty hard to find.

Anyway -- back to the Mainstreet -- Buck said he's seen some of these bikes with over 30k miles on them. He also said that in most cases (with some exceptions) he hasn't needed to adjust valves on them until between 8 and 15k. Mine is still running great at 5700 miles with only that one hiccup on the big hill 2-up. Starts quick, seems to have good power 1-up or even 2-up on flatter terrain.

When did Linhai begin bringing these bikes to the U.S.?

[allworld]

When did Linhai begin bringing these bikes to the U.S.?

From what I understand they where introduced in the USA in model year 2006. The problem was they wanted too much money for them and so they didn't sell, Linhai at the same time was in the middle a class action law suit involving their go carts, so the only time people heard of Linhai was in negative way, so that really put the whammy on their scooter sales. I think but not sure, Linhai USA reinvented themselves after the law suit as Sunright International, and had a warehouse full of new 2006 scooters that they needed to sell so in early 2008 they sold them off at a considerable discount.
I am almost certain that Linhai did make the Diamo 300 scooter, and maybe a couple of other badge brands. My scooter was badged a "Super Strada" in a crate that was Labeled "Mainstreet 260" some where badged "Mainstreet 300" and others where badged "Aeolus 300" all the same scooter. Linhai itself is one of the oldest motorcycle/scooter mfg. in China and is considered to be one of the best. IMO they are very good when compared to other Chines scooters.

[torque]

From what I understand they where introduced in the USA in model year 2006.

So, if someone tells me they've been selling these for 5 or 6 years, they're feeding me a line?
What about CFMoto -- have they been around that long?

[allworld]

So, if someone tells me they've been selling these for 5 or 6 years, they're feeding me a line?
What about CFMoto -- have they been around that long?

I don't know if Linhai has been marketing there scooters prior to 2006, they may have been but I have never heard of any older models.
CFMoto is not as old as Linhai I think they came to be in the 80's or early 90's, but they are one of the larger companies and also well rated. Their new "jetmax" 250 EFI engine/scooter to arrive here in Dec/Jan is one to watch.
The Chines MC/scooter industry lags behind in R&D, larger displacement engines and fuel efficiency, however both Linhai and CFMoto will be introducing new EFI scooters, No surprise there.

[Danny]

Oct 21, 2009 8:01:36 GMT -5 torque said:

Danny,

Since you've owned both, how would you compare the Burg 400 with the Mainstreet 300? My wife and I were out riding a week ago, climbing a tough, winding hill (2-up) and I think I just ran out of horsepower. Coughed and stalled about 2/3 up the hill. I think I might have flooded it, trying to pump more fuel into the carb than it could handle at that low speed (around 35mph).

So I'm wondering if something with a few more hp may be needed here.
What was your opinion of the Burg 400? Would it be worth the trade going from my Mainstreet 300 to the Burg?

Aside from polish and fit and finish I feel I'm loosing very little to the Burgman. But I ride 90% 1 up. I've been from Boston to, and over every mountain pass in VT without a problem. The Aleous has plenty of torque.
Your mechanics story of flooding it from too much gas is nonsensical.
I think you need a good tune with valve adjust. A lot cheaper than a new bike. If that dosen't help then I'd sacrifice the 5-10 mpg and get the Maj or Burg. Depending on what the two of you weigh maybe a 400 is needed but if your less than 350 lbs you should be fine.
The 400's have quite a bit more HP & Torque.

[1smf]

Danny,

Great review. Nice to hear that another dealer likes thier products. I have been dealing with Linhai for some time and yes it is the Diamo Turista as well. This is a top notch bike. We have a customer with 8000 on theirs. We started with Diamo in 06 and have never been let down with any Linhai product.
Linhai's 150 is also a very strong running motor.
Linhai and Yamaha have strong ties, Linhai built and as far as I know still does for Yamaha. I have a 2 stroke 50 that looks like a Metropolitan but smaller and stamped into the outside of the CVT cover it has YAMAHA and right below it LINHAI. Came to the US by way of Puerto Rico.

I have just seen the new Linhai 400 in person yesterday it is EFI and very impressive.

[allworld]

We have a customer with 8000 on theirs

I put 12K on mine it is still running strong. I gave it to a family member after I bought my Majesty.

[jayhawk]

1smf - you didn't happen to see the new Aeolus 200 did you? Just curious what the price will be on those.

Eric

[1smf]

Yes here is a picture of the final version. Price is going to be $2195 I am told.

Attachments:

[jayhawk]

Cool...thanks for the pic. I like it. I wonder what the HP will be. I see a kick starter (which I like) and and the wonderful flat floorboard. If that can maintain an honest 65 for touring, I'll buy it.

[1smf]

I am currently running a very close version of that motor in an ATV. It is very strong. I' post more as I know more.

[Danny]

November Update!
Today was yet another blessed Monday. 65 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. Not much long distance riding last month for several reasons but today was a chance to get out and enjoy possibly the last 65 degree day of the year here in New England.
The 300 fired up as usual. Interesting though, it was getting harder to start as colder weather crept in. At first I thought that with over 3k I might need a minor Valve adjustment or they began the winter reformulation of gas already. Instead I reformulated my style of starting the bike. Now in cold weather I have to first give the throttle 2 long twists, touch the starter and not touch the throttle till she settles in a few seconds. At that point the choke seems to do it's job as it should giving the engine a slightly higher idle for a few mins. I have found that the right turn signal switch refuses to stay on and returns to center if I don't keep my thumb on it. The seal in the transmission where the axle exits the housing is weeping still. Not sure if it was the original factory overfill or more than likely, just a bad seal since it's not a pressurized system but just a gear bath. Both problems although minor are still ongoing. Seems end user customers have better luck getting warranty parts from Sunright than dealers do for their own demos.
Other than that, not much else to report. It has been as faithful as a good friend. Diane's 260 too @ a tad over 4k mi. Consistently giving her 70+ mpg. I hover around 63-5. She has developed the cursed clutch squeal from a dead stop. Similar to that of my old Burg 400. Bothers her none but I have to ride beside her and listen to it. I'll look at it again during the slow winter.
I sold a combination of six Linhai 260's and 300's over the summer and have only seen one or two back for minor warranty repairs. That makes both customers and me happy. They kinda remind me of the European cars years ago when they had a growing reputation of reliability and handling. It's not that they never broke it's just that you never broke down in them. I'd trust a ride anywhere on both of these bikes
I can say, I'm still happy with the scooters themselves. Unlike other Chinese scooters bulbs and base gaskets don't blow, belts and Valve springs don't break. Mechanically and electrically they're better for sure.