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Post by Admin on Oct 29, 2006 12:32:42 GMT -5
Review on Scootdawg found here: www.scootdawg.com/page28We'll start with a couple pictures I took this morning. Today is a beautiful day in KC and three of the KC Dawgs are going for an extended ride. My first observation about the Pegasus is the extremely smooth ride. Bumps around here that would rattle my cage on any other scooter I've ridden are barely felt on the Pegasus. I'm guessing the 16" wheels help. More later. Right now, the KC Dawgs have some riding to do!
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Post by Admin on Oct 29, 2006 21:46:54 GMT -5
As you may have seen in another thread. I took the Pegasus on a rather lengthy ride this afternoon. This was recreational scooter riding under perfect conditions. Obviously, I haven't tackled the task of writing evaluations of the single components of the machine yet, like I did with the rx150i. I'm starting to think about the components, but I have made an evaluation about what the components, all put together, have resulted in. This is obviously a scooter that started with a concept and components were developed or found that resulted in the concept being realized. One thing that struck me when I was first approached about this review, was that the Pegasus cost about 20-25% more than other Chinese 150cc bikes.....and I'm talking the more expensive Chinese bikes. I knew that it being water cooled would account for some of it but certainly not all. I knew that I was going to have to be convinced that it was worth the extra $$. Or you could look at it that it cost 30-50% less than similar bikes from Taiwan or Korea. One of my main goals when I started ScootDawg was to help people know what they were getting into when buying a scooter. After having a little more experience with the Pegasus, two things are really making an impression. 1. This is a very simple, yet elegant looking scooter. This thing is not trying to look like a Ninja. In it's simplicity, the ergonomics are very close to perfect. Everything seems to fit the body, arms and hands like a glove. 2. The ride is very impressive. I've always considered the Vespa ET4 to be the gold standard of how a scooter should ride. The Pegasus competes with the Vespa ride and is maybe even smoother. Acceleration is brisk but the extra power really shines in the upper end. The stability and balance of the ride are superb. Nothing about this bike, at least that I've seen yet, has anything in common with the cheaper Chinese scooters. The fit and finish are every bit as good as you would see from Taiwan, Korea or even Japan. I keep telling my girlfriend that I need to find something wrong but can't (yet). So far, my impression is very, very good. Obviously, I have a lot more work to do. The GPS & stopwatch testing..... look under the hood, headlight, blinkers, right down to the clock, if I can figure out how to set it. I'm hoping the final review will give the reader as close an idea about the daily riding of this bike as possible. There will be a lot more to come on this bike, as well as a short interview with Johnny Tai from Qllink.
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Post by Admin on Nov 1, 2006 0:33:31 GMT -5
Well, 107 views and not one question or comment. Lay it on! Want to know what's different from the Qlink and the generic cfmoto? I may have some answers.
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Post by Aaron on Nov 1, 2006 0:40:34 GMT -5
Lee how fast will it go by GPS??? If you've had a chance to test it. Is the cooling fan noisy? Does it cycle alot in traffic? What is the weight capacity for the scoot. Have you tried it two up yet? Is the braking good on it or vague like the normal scoots. Does it have the Modualators on the calipers??
Aaron
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Post by Admin on Nov 1, 2006 9:05:27 GMT -5
Haven't tested top end yet. I've been to a speedo indicated 55 and had PLENTY of throttle left. Cooling fan is quiet. You can't hear it unless the engine is off and you turn the key back on while the engine is warm. The temp guage seems to function properly. The brakes are awesome. They require very little hand pressure and there is none of the "chirping" that is so common on Chinese scoots. Front and rear disc.
The only negative so far is the rattling top box that comes with the Pegasus. It'll drive you nuts unless you stuff something in there to keep the lid from rattling. I'm into removable top boxes anyway so if this scooter were mine, I would replace the box.
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Post by ooopseyesharted on Nov 1, 2006 12:30:51 GMT -5
looks great! alot like last years kymco people 150. this is a gy6 right?
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Post by ddillon on Nov 1, 2006 14:46:58 GMT -5
Ooops,
This is water-cooled. GY6 is only air-cooled, right?
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Post by Admin on Nov 1, 2006 16:53:21 GMT -5
This is not a GY6. This is a 152.7cc engine rated at 12HP. Here are all the engine specs:
Type 4-Stroke, Single Cylinder, Liquid Cooled Bore x Stroke 58mm x 57.8mm Compression Ratio 10.3:1 Carburetion ISO – Vacuum Diaphragm Displacement 152.7 cc Max. Torque 9.0 / 6000 Horse Power 12 HP Ignition CDI Transmission Automatic CVT
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Post by Aaron on Nov 1, 2006 18:10:24 GMT -5
Lee how bout the weight capacity and have you gone two-up with it any where??? What is the MSRP of the beast?
Aaron
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Post by Admin on Nov 2, 2006 0:16:28 GMT -5
Load capicity is 331 lbs per owner's manual. I haven't ridden two up. I just don't think scooters are the place to do that. Although, I do think two up would be ok on the Pegasus compared to other scoots. It's got turn-down footpegs for passengers and pretty good room. Qlink doesn't have a recommended price. This is where I need to say a little bit about the price and where Qlink may differ from other CFMoto distributors. Qlilnk is headquartered in Taiwan, where they speak the same language as their Mainland Chinese cousins. According to Qlink, they send a team of QC control people and technicians to the plant to oversee and work with CFMoto on their production runs. I'm seeing the price for the CFMoto E-Charm online around $2500=$2700. Dennis @ www.cbxmanmotorcycles.com/default.aspx?affid=5 is running a special on the Pegasus right now for $2499.99. Fully assembled by a brick and mortar dealer AND test driven by the big man himself....shipped anywhere to the lower 48. The Pegasus is the same as the e-Charm but may have better quality control. There will be a lot more to discuss on this. In my mind, the price is pretty good considering what you are getting. I have spent quite some time with Johnny Tai at Qlink on the phone and I get really good vibes about what they are trying to do.
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Post by Admin on Nov 2, 2006 0:18:41 GMT -5
One more thing....they have excellent manuals...both for the customer and a service manual for their dealers.
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Post by Aaron on Nov 2, 2006 1:10:03 GMT -5
When you look at the picture of the three scoots together the Qlink has presence. It is tall in stature and I think easy on the eye. $2500 seems very fair. I am looking forward to some hill trials if you can find any... like to see how it is on torque. Now if they'd just release that adventure tourer edition with dual sport tread and more suspension travel.....We have a Qlink dealer here in ME. Nice lady on the phone they are an Artic Cat snowmobile dealer just started selling Qlink this spring. She actually asked me as many questions as I did her. Gave her the Scootdawg Web address...haven't seen her yet. Rural Me is not the best venue for selling scoots. Coastal and "city" areas much more receptive.
Aaron
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Post by Admin on Nov 2, 2006 7:54:02 GMT -5
I'm hoping to get the rest of the tech testing done on the scooter today. After having quite a bit of discussion and trading emails with the most pleasant and knowledgable Johnny Tai at Qlink, here is a little of what he told me about Qlink. Some of this is very interesting concerning scooters/motorcycles being manufactured in China:
Qlink is based in Taiwan and was founded in 1988. They operate in a number of countries and sell over 120,000 units/year. On the Pegasus in particular, when CFMoto is doing a production run, Qlink has a team of quality control and tech personel at the factory. These people are from Taiwan and speak the same language as their Chinese cousins. He feels this gives them a great advantage compared to American companies that try to do the same thing. This squares with what other powersports importers have told me, that the biggest problem is communication. The Pegasus is surely the same as a CFMoto E-Charm but Qlink is on site to watch the production runs and correct problems.
They say they have 100% parts availability and on warranty claims they ship parts the same day ordered by 2nd day air.
I don't want to write a book here but I will say that I think Qlink is doing things right. They aren't interested in having 100 models of cheap crap to offer at the cheapest price possible. They offer a line of powersports equipment that they feel like they can control, have parts for and sell with confidence. One thing Johnny keeps coming back to is support....support....support.
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Post by strangerdejavu on Nov 2, 2006 11:00:31 GMT -5
Hey dawg, would you mind doing a 2-up test anyway? SOME of us ride 2-up quite frequently! I'm also looking forward to a GPS-tested top speed. What kind of gas mileage are you getting on it?
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Post by Admin on Nov 2, 2006 17:24:25 GMT -5
Hey dawg, would you mind doing a 2-up test anyway? SOME of us ride 2-up quite frequently! I'm also looking forward to a GPS-tested top speed. What kind of gas mileage are you getting on it? Will do, strangerde. My first fill up will be tomorrow and I'll give my girl a ride around the block tonight. GPS top speed has been postponed until tomorrow when it's supposed to be warmer. What can I say? I'm a wussi.
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Post by Aaron on Nov 2, 2006 17:46:16 GMT -5
Wussi? I thought it was a Qlink.... LOL
Aaron
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Post by ddillon on Nov 2, 2006 19:05:15 GMT -5
Wussi? I thought it was a Qlink.... LOL Aaron It is Qlink. Dawg meant to say he was a Pu$$y ;D
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Post by strangerdejavu on Nov 2, 2006 20:50:11 GMT -5
And a new line of scooters is born...
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Post by Admin on Nov 4, 2006 16:46:29 GMT -5
Now that you jokesters have had a turn....I spent most of my day riding and writing the final review, which should be posted tomorrow. I even did the helmet cam ride but alas, it was lost with some sort of file error on download. Two up riding is fine. A little bit of power loss but that is to be expected. Fold down passenger foot rests are placed just about perfectly. Like I say, I don't do much 2 up riding but this scooter is better suited to it than any of the other scooters in my fleet, with the exception of the Kymco. First tank of fuel indicates mileage of about 78 mpg. I don't trust a reading on just one tank so I'll be averaging in some more. The instrument cluster is easy to read and includes a clock/calender. The only drawback is lack of a tach. This is an interesting little feature. The yellow knob is a rear parking brake. I've found that I use it. It's just a little extra anti-theft AND safety device. It's got a built-in kill switch and the scooter won't roll when it's activated. i110.photobucket.com/albums/n84/kconthego/DSCN2653.jpg[/IMG]Why am I posting a pic of the floor mat? Every other Chinese scooter I've had, pull the floor mat up to get at the battery and one or two of the rubber buttons that hold it down will break off and they usually don't fit right. This one fits and the buttons held up to their tasks. Idle adjustment is easy to get to with removal of one screw. GPS testing indicates that the speedo is just a little optimistic but not too bad. Had her up to an indicated 59-60 mph today but had to slow for traffic. There was room for more. I think she could cruise all day at 55 and may be able to peak around 65+. It definitely has more oomph than a stock GY6. The trunk is made from rattlesnake tails. A little weather stripping should fix it. The bike itself is rattle free. Two small glove boxes, one lockable. The one on the right is more for housing the fuse and filler for coolant than it is for storage. This is the biggest flaw in fit & finish that I can find. The left glove box door isn't quite aligned properly. The photo is pretty close up and looks more severe than real life. It's about 1/16th" off.
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Post by BERZERKER on Nov 5, 2006 11:08:21 GMT -5
look very similar to the Aprilia Scarabeo ... I like... i like....
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Post by strangerdejavu on Nov 5, 2006 14:35:41 GMT -5
What's the big yellow lever for? Parking break? Parachute? Looks like something that needs a big "DO NOT PULL" posted by it!
Edit: I'm an idiot. you already said. Duh!
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Post by Admin on Nov 5, 2006 18:24:05 GMT -5
WOWSER!! This thing is faster than greased snot. I just got back from a run on I-35. Got up to an indicated 73-74 mph. I think it had a little more left in it but my exit came up on me. I wish it had a tach. She was really screamin'.
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Post by Admin on Nov 6, 2006 18:18:03 GMT -5
Ok, re-checked with GPS and it hit 68.7 mph this time. That's still fast. Way faster than your GY6. I got an email from Dennis at CBXManMotorcyles.com . Apparently he was reading this thread and noted my comments about the trunk rattle and he agreed. This is the solution.
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bigjg
New Puppy Dawg
Posts: 4
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Post by bigjg on Nov 7, 2006 18:54:00 GMT -5
Hello scooter enthusiasts. I am owner of a Qlink dealership in AR and glad to see someone reviewing this fine machine. The Pegasus is as good, if not better, than your high end big wheel Italian scooters for almost half the price. It has the styling and performance. I am a large man over 200 lbs and have reached speeds of over 60 mph. If your considering this type of machine I highly recommend it and as far as Qlink service it is top notch. You will see big things happening from Qlink and CFmoto in the future. I apologize for the grammar I'm kind of in a hurry. Feel free to e-mail me for info or prices I deal both brands.
Sincerely, Justin G-P Motorsports gpmotorsports@go.com
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Post by Admin on Nov 7, 2006 21:56:37 GMT -5
Thanks for posting bigjg. I've done another tank of gas. This one came in at 88 mpg. I think scooter fills are difficult to fill to the same level every time but I think we are starting to see a good pattern.
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Post by strangerdejavu on Nov 7, 2006 23:04:13 GMT -5
Thanks for the update! That's some very impressive gas mileage. All from a scoot that weighs 50lbs more than my primo! I want one, I want one....
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Post by Admin on Nov 12, 2006 23:16:09 GMT -5
I just posted a preliminary review on the scootdawg site. www.scootdawg.com/page28It will be revised and updated. It's actually going to a professional editor.
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Post by surfborg on Nov 14, 2006 21:09:17 GMT -5
I LOVE the look of the Pegasus. I wish I could find a dealer near me. If I don't locate one by next spring, I'll just have to get one from CBXMan. I'll just have to paint it green.
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Post by lewtwo on Nov 16, 2006 0:24:16 GMT -5
Qlink may have the missing link in the Pegasus: A 150cc around town scooter that can actually hop on the freeway if needed to get from point A to point B. One question Lee (sorry if I missed it): How loud is it ? Compared to the ET4 (I like quite)?
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Post by Dennis D on Nov 16, 2006 8:23:40 GMT -5
I don't think we need timed acceleration tests or measured braking tests, but it would be good to know how it stops under hard braking. Like, do the brakes take hold smoothly or suddenly, and does the back wheel lock up overly quickly on a "panic stop", or does the bike tend to dive or lift the back wheel on hard braking. Could hard braking be done in a controlled manner by riders with average skills, or is there some "not so nice" behavior that shows up on hard braking?
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