magneto511
Junior Dawg
I'D RATHER DIE STANDING THEN LIVE ON MY KNEES.
Posts: 7
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Post by magneto511 on Sept 13, 2007 7:29:47 GMT -5
250 miles and counting...So far, no complaints. Registration was a breeze, (I live in San Antonio TX) no problems there either. I did buy the electic fuel pump and have it on stand-by. replaced the headlight with an HID bulb (thanks AJ!) that was easy..and very effective. Will post more as miles get racked up.
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Post by RetroAJ on Sept 13, 2007 9:01:25 GMT -5
Glad to here the headlight mod helped you out.
I was thinking of getting a good vacuum fuel pump from Heeters, but my original is still going strong.
I would like to go back to the original weight of 17 grams on the sliders, but I would have to weight them myself since no one makes them. I may pull the sliders and fill the gap in the weight with lead and see what weight I get. Just for S & G's.
*A J*
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Post by tinknocker on Sept 17, 2007 1:20:37 GMT -5
Hey AJ, What factory does your Lance Vintage come from?
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Post by RetroAJ on Sept 17, 2007 8:36:06 GMT -5
All I can find is Zhejiang Zhongneng Industry Group is all I could find. Not sure if that is the factory name.
*A J*
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Post by Aerostudent on Sept 17, 2007 13:50:33 GMT -5
Same as my Lance GS-R, Zhongneng is pretty good as they come (from China anyhow), some people argue that it is one of the best (possibly THE best) factory in China. Hope this helps and that I'm not "threadjacking."
Aero
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Post by guyruss on Sept 17, 2007 23:07:54 GMT -5
Hi guys,
The Lance scoot is made by Znen wich is nice because they put it together so well. Even the frame is Znen. They are one of the best for quality coming from china. I am surprised that they don't charge more than what they are for these scooters. I am seriously considering starting a small retail scooter store here in calif, and I would love to sell Lance scooters. I have the black Lance Vintage, and Will buy the Lance Duke in about 3-months.
Scoota-Rollin-Friends Russ
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Post by tinknocker on Sept 17, 2007 23:27:57 GMT -5
Thanks russ and aero, thats helpful information. You wouldn't happen to know if the Bandit or Ricardo is from the same factory, would you? I think I have pretty much decided on one of these three scooters but am weighing each individual dealers reputation for service and parts availability. Bandit offers a 6 month warranty. Scootersfactory offers a 1 year on the Lance and Valley Scooters offers 1 year on the Ricardo. They all look pretty much the same but you know that means nothing! Thanks again for all your help. John
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Post by guyruss on Sept 18, 2007 0:15:43 GMT -5
It is so hard to tell. You should call them, or e-mail that question to them. If they are any good they should easily be able to tell you if the scoots are Zhongnen (Znen). My scoot has it on a few places like the frame right below the handlebars, the vin, and on the bottom side of the seat, and of course the title. Alot of the factories use alot of the same cosmetics designs on the scoots, but the quality of manufactoring and engine is a different story. Good luck, they all look like nice scoots, and I hope you enjoy as much as I do.
Scoota-Rollin-friend Russ
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Post by Aerostudent on Sept 18, 2007 15:25:04 GMT -5
Just something else and I'm not sure if this means anything, but do you think Znen might be in some way affiliated with Honda? I noticed the first time I changed the oil in my GS-R that the oil cap actually has GY6 in raised lettering in the metal. Probably just another knockoff, but ... Also, I think I've heard that Ricardo is made by Znen, but I'm not sure about Bandit. I would just email and ask as Guyruss suggested. Aero
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Post by guyruss on Sept 18, 2007 21:31:21 GMT -5
Once upone a time I think I heard that Honda and other japan friends had contracts with some of the more stable foundational chinese manufacturers to build alot of the bikes. Or at least partail. maybe someone with more knowledge can give us rookies a history lesson on this. I for one do not believe (no offense) that the price that the japan models are asking for a scoot is realy worth the difference, once you get past the little tinkering stuff. I might be wrong, and that won't be the first time or probably last.
Just my penney of thought, Russ
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Post by tinknocker on Sept 18, 2007 22:52:58 GMT -5
There was a post by John at valley scooters in one of my other threads that the Ricardo is made by Znen. So maybe the Ricardo is a great deal at 1099.00 even though I think there is a little more assembly required (front wheel and battery set up) I think. I called scootersfactory today to ask about their price match promise as I had found a Lance Vintage for 1200.00 at extremescooters.biz (never heard of them before) and no extra fee for the mco. The guy at scootersfactory said that I should order it through them as they will not price match their distributor. I find now that they supply extremescooters.biz with their scooters at a discounted price and handle all of the warranty stuff. The problem I see is that if there is a problem I would have to go through the .Biz place and they would go to scootersfactory for parts. I can forsee a lot of back and forth bs when I eventually need some help. I'll have to look into this extremescooters.biz place a little further. John
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Post by RetroAJ on Sept 20, 2007 12:31:41 GMT -5
Another update in the life of my Vintage. I just did the 1k mile oil change. No shavings in the filter screen or the bottom drain plug. This engine has been very shavings free. Still no leaks anywhere.
Switched to Mobil 1 10w-40. The engine still runs the same, but sounds quieter and smoother. No change in idle speed or top end.
I am still very happy with the scooter, no more problems since it was new.
*A J*
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magneto511
Junior Dawg
I'D RATHER DIE STANDING THEN LIVE ON MY KNEES.
Posts: 7
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Post by magneto511 on Sept 21, 2007 13:20:38 GMT -5
There was a post by John at valley scooters in one of my other threads that the Ricardo is made by Znen. So maybe the Ricardo is a great deal at 1099.00 even though I think there is a little more assembly required (front wheel and battery set up) I think. I called scootersfactory today to ask about their price match promise as I had found a Lance Vintage for 1200.00 at extremescooters.biz (never heard of them before) and no extra fee for the mco. The guy at scootersfactory said that I should order it through them as they will not price match their distributor. I find now that they supply extremescooters.biz with their scooters at a discounted price and handle all of the warranty stuff. The problem I see is that if there is a problem I would have to go through the .Biz place and they would go to scootersfactory for parts. I can forsee a lot of back and forth bs when I eventually need some help. I'll have to look into this extremescooters.biz place a little further. John Tinknocker...Extremescooters.biz has been very good to me..I would recommend them to anyone..and yes you are correct..there supplier is scooter factory, and have had good responses from both stores. warranty turnaround was fast (2 weeks) and the MCO was legit. Chad would be your contact there at extremescooters, and can be contacted online with any questions you might have.
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Post by guyruss on Sept 21, 2007 16:17:40 GMT -5
WOW! what a nice deal. I might by the Lance Duke from them if I keep hearing good things about them. Scoota-Rollin-Friends Russ
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Post by tinknocker on Sept 21, 2007 23:27:43 GMT -5
Lance Vintage- 1129.80 from hobby e-stores.com. Johnytrans just posted it in the general forum. Pretty good price but Iv'e never heard of that site. Their scooter section looks just like the scootersfactory site. They even have the same misprint about the rear having disc brakes. I couldn't find any information if shipping was included. The warranty was skimpier as well. It just dosen't get any easier to decide does it?
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Post by guyruss on Sept 22, 2007 1:00:52 GMT -5
Ok. Heres the deal. You all are looking for the best price for the Lance Vintage right? Don't worry about one or two hundred dollors if the service is something to be stressed about. Just go for one of the two that are good and be done with it. We all can get caught up on going for the lowest price, but to be totally honest I will probably go right back to the company that I bought from before, because I will feel alot better about that, than just saving one hundred dollars.
Just my penney for a thought, Russ
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Post by WarrenS on Sept 22, 2007 9:00:02 GMT -5
If you keep searching for the absolute lowest price it will probably be delivered by donkey cart or something. ;D
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Post by tinknocker on Sept 22, 2007 12:13:36 GMT -5
I agree guyruss, It can get you sidetracked looking at the slightly cheaper prices. I really am trying to make my decision based on dealer reputation within a couple hundred dollars. Scootersfactory and valley scooters seem to have pretty good reps.....Just have to decide between Vintage and Ricardo. Love the donkey cart comment!
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Post by rerun2 on Sept 22, 2007 18:33:56 GMT -5
Just a thought... I am using my scooter a LOT more than I ever thought I would. I bought it as a 'quick errand' thingy, and now I am using it almost exclusively. The point being this, I would consider the larger of the two scooters to be more desirable for just pure functionality. I am not all that familiar with the Retro styles, but I have seen some that are just plain tiny, and some that are quite substantial in size. There are probably ones out there in between too . Anywho, cargo box space under the seat, and the ability to mount a trunk should be thought out. Once the scooter is in your driveway, you are going to have to live with it, so think of all the uses you might put it to. Oh, and others are right, a few bucks now will be forgotten pretty quick, UNLESS you make a goof up and that saved money costs you more in the future!
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Post by coolscootdude on Oct 1, 2007 8:15:17 GMT -5
Hey XOF
good thing that you are getting top speed of 59mph . With my Roketa 150 Sicily, i have never gotten past the 50 mark and may be 52 downhill. and now i have 1000 miles and cant do more than 40mph. Can you see how frustrating this is ?
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Post by guyruss on Oct 2, 2007 0:28:24 GMT -5
I took my scooter to work again today, and it ran awsome. The drive is 30mls all freeway from atascadero to camp roberts. The scoot was dogging down a little on speed recently and jacine reminded me to check air in tires. They were lower than I expected. aired up and the scoot gained another 4-5mph cruising all the way at 55-58mph. I can't wait to reach the 1k mark on this scoot. I really love it, and people are constantly admiring the retro lambretta look. This bike handles very well even when I get passed by with semi-trucks. The more I drive it, the more impressed I get with it. I am planning to take a 100 mile ride this weekend on highway 1 from morro bay to bigsurf ill keep everyone posted on how well I do. This will be a big challenge of my nerves but I am really excited.
Scoota-Rollin Russ
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Post by elsizzle2000 on Oct 2, 2007 12:26:08 GMT -5
wow that is cool. You can take a 150cc on the freeway in CA?? I dated a girl who went to school in Morro Bay - heard it is beautiful. I am deciding between a Lance Vintage or GS-R. Going to Scooter Dynasty here locally to "test" them out.
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Post by guyruss on Oct 2, 2007 15:22:27 GMT -5
elsizzle2000,
I honestly do not recomend driving often on the freeway. The scoot does just fine but is southern calif with so much crazy traffic you would want something a little bigger and faster considering how aggressive folks drive their. I do not drive my scoot on the freeway all the time, and remember were I live is nothing compared with the traffic of southern calif. Yes n calif a 150cc is the smallest size allowed on freeway. You wil be impressed im sure with the scoots. Good luck and remember allways think safety.
Russ
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Post by guyruss on Oct 2, 2007 15:34:04 GMT -5
coolscootdude,
I am sorry the hear your scoot is running so poorly. It must probably be a air-fuel ratio problem or maybe vacuem. hopefuly you can find a mechanic to tblshoot problem and fix it. Might be the belt is worn. A problem like that should not be to diffecult to correct. could even be the CDI but i bet its with the carb. Good luck
Russ
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Post by Aerostudent on Oct 3, 2007 0:35:26 GMT -5
Yup, Cali trafic is crazey! Just today, I had a guy cut me off, then slam on his brakes to make a right turn, I had to brake and then swerve or eat his bumper (they don't taste good, trust me) so I naturally chose to swerve. I swerve around him and a truck that is about 5 carlengths back starts blaring his horn at me and then speeds up (probably to run over me ) so I get out of his way too, he then proceeds to speed past me up to the red light 500ft away shaking his fist out the window and possibly flipping me the bird. All this in about 15 seconds. On a happier note, I didn't know that a 150 was freeway legal. I don't think I'll ever try it though, not unless I get some good upgrades and can cruise at 70, which isn't going to happen. It's nice to know though, that if I ever really need to, I can legally go on the freeway. I should post that story in the near accidents thread in the safety forum... Aero
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Post by elsizzle2000 on Oct 3, 2007 0:49:12 GMT -5
Yeah I just confirmed that it is legal. Anything over 149cc is. I would not ride on the freeway unless I absolutely had to. Or maybe when I do some performance upgrades to make it go faster. I found a local dealer & am working on getting a good price...
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Post by guyruss on Oct 3, 2007 19:26:12 GMT -5
Please guys, understand that I am from San Luis Obispo County the central coast. I would never ride on the freeway anywere south of Santa Barbera. You would really be irresponsible to drive on the freeway on a little 150cc over there. I don't think I would do it. It's the difference between night and day from were Im from. If you do it and crash It won't be on my concience you been warned, and I seen plenty of death (Iraq) for my concience------ DON'T DO IT.
Russ
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Post by Aerostudent on Oct 3, 2007 22:19:57 GMT -5
Thanks for the warning, I am not planning on going on the freeway on my scooter anyway, and the only time I might need to is a 1 exit jump that is downhill on my way to school, but I can't ever see needing to unless the city closes 3 different road at the same time (my normal route and 2 alternates).
Aero
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Post by tinknocker on Oct 4, 2007 23:56:17 GMT -5
Hey guys, I just got my Vintage today. Once I am up and running I will let you know how mine is doing too! John
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Post by rsthunder on Oct 8, 2007 13:21:22 GMT -5
keep us posted with how it goes with the new vintage. I'm getting one for Xmas. i really like all the mods I'm seeing. mark
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