Might get a Roketa MC-54 250B As my FIRST scooter.

[cheddarpuma]

Yeah, I've heard lots of positive things about it, it seems to be pretty affordable, and if it has small issues I don't mind getting my hands dirty, I can always turn to you guys for help.

What do you guys think about it? Several people here seem to have it but I would have to get it online because there aren't any Roketa distributors near me. Anything wrong with this website You guys? I just want to be really careful before buying.

www.extremescooters.biz/roketa-mc-54-250cc-scooter.aspx

[Steven Spielburgman]

You'll be better off getting a used japanese scooter for the same price or more. Is it a money thing? If you plan on riding upwards toward 10k miles a year a new japanese scooter would probalby be cheaper in the long run. If you plan on driving lower mileage and you may enjoy making scooter mechanics somewhat of a hobby then the roketa is an excellent choice

[Bluefront]

IMO.....that Roketa would be a poor choice as a first scooter/cycle. It's big, heavy, complicated with issues that the smaller scooters don't have. I'd certainly recommend a smaller, cheaper scoot as a starter. If you don't like the whole scooter scene.....no big monetary loss.

[Steven Spielburgman]

That's a good point. The downside is that if he likes it then he ends up buying 2 scooters. Perhaps a rental is the answer

[ce]

Like there's something wrong with buying 2 scooters, chyeah, oh, look out, you'll lose your money, you better not risk it, play it safe and don't get what you want.

Come on, dudes, he picked out a 250B, he likes the B, you want to deprive him of experience of looking in a bashed up box, and signing the manifest and watching the driver pull away leaving with his last chance to back out of the deal.

Then he takes the cage apart and frees his new beast with a grunt.

The 250B, put in the battery, put a gallon of gas in the tank, check the oil, check the fuel bowl drain tube and the radiator cap, and fire that mother up.

And it starts, so what the hell, lets go for a ride, yeah, just keep it running til it gets warmed up, see if the fan comes on, test the brakes, listen for rattles and squeaks, none of that, well let's get on changing the oils and the coolant, looks like we got our first 100 miles ahead so we can change the oil again.

Get the B, dude, read all the tech data on Scootdawg, order some appropriate spare parts and wear items like tires and brake pads, a CDI, a new coil and plug wire, some fuses, and before you know it, you'll have 5,000 miles on it.

[Gary]

Chedder-
You sound like a good candidate for a china-scoot. With a bit of problem-solving and some wrenching here and there, they can provide a lot of bang for the buck. Mine has over 25,000 km (nearly 16,000 miles) on it and is going strong. Whether you should start with a 250 is a question. I started with a 150 and moved up. But in retrospect I think I could have started out with a 250 just fine. So.... my vote is go for it. I think you'll have fun.

[bigphillip79]

I second the used Japanese scooter idea. The Helix is good and for what that new Roketa will cost you can find a really good low mileage later model scoot. Incredibly simple and reliable. Good in town or like me run hundreds of miles a day, all at over 65mph. Most of these guys are trying for 10k miles on there chinese scoots when a good japanese scoot can take you over 50 thousand miles. I know of a couple over 100 thousand miles. Shoot splurge and get a Reflex since thats what that Roketa looks like and you can keep it forever. Or buy the Roketa and a bunch of asprin to go with it. Either way you will want a Burgman later.

[kz1000st]

If you're going to buy online this is the outfit to buy from:

www.killermotorsports.com/250cc_Cruiser_Gas_Scooter_w_Trunk_Alarm_p/roketamp250b.htm

Many people have bought from them and have been happy with their service. Highly recommended.

[cheddarpuma]

kz1000, why is it 300 dollars more? Is it worth the 300 dollars for a reliable site? The other one I was on got some good feedback from this forum.

Now I'm confused again. I really do like the mc-54b, and I feel like I can maintain it, but also getting a honda and not having as many problems would be nice. Hondas seem a little pricy though, and I'm not only looking at the Roketa because it's cheap but it is a main factor.

[kz1000st]

They don't include shipping from Extreme Scooters. With shipping it will cost another $250 at least. The free delivery notification is just a phone call or e-mail. So now you're talking $50. For that money I'll take KMS. They have a better track record.

Loathe as I am to say it though. I have seen Reflexes for $2000 on Craigslist, I have a friend who bought one to teach his wife how to ride and it's been trouble free. He says it's slow next to his Voyager XII but I would think so. He's using it now for his daughter, but she's clamoring to learn to ride the family's 250 Ninja.

Not everybody who's bought a 250 Roketa has had problems with it. If you have the ability to give it a good going over out of the crate, like a dealer would, that helps alot. JRRyan over at www.scooterdoc.proboards.com is an expert on how to make them humm. He can instruct you on how to turn it into a gem.

[cheddarpuma]

Guys, sorry to double post but I've pretty much decided on this scooter. I read lots of reviews about extreme-scooters.biz and nothing negative. Im pretty tied in. Comment if you like but I kind of want this to be an experiment and an experience.

[kz1000st]

You go dude! Good to hear you have a plan.

[trigger]

I think you have made a sound decision. Sure you have to change some fluids, actually all of them. But you will be miles ahead of many riders since you have learned how to service your bike. I have 8500 miles on my Silver one (they are real fast), and have not spent squat on new parts, except for extras like GPS, an Ipod for the included MP3 player, power jack.

Sure I have had to adjust the carb twice, and the valves, but if you take your jap bike to a dealer break out the Euros / $ dude. I can buy another spare 54B for what I save in service charges alone over the life of the scooter.

I have read many many post of Silverwings, Sym, Suzuki, even Honda's with problems, some are mfg defects, that are still not resolved. Now a good used Burgman can be nice, but they have squeaking a clutch, spline and tranny problems too.

My point is a rider has to do a little and know a little more than the average Heinze going down the Autobahn in their Benz.

Killer motor sports is where I got mine and have been 100 % happy.

Ohh you can expect fantastic MPG too. See my sig.

Good luck and we hope to see you in the pound no mater what you buy. I don't care, but I thought you should hear from the happy crowd too.

[Steven Spielburgman]

Sept 23, 2010 6:42:50 GMT -5 cheddarpuma said:

Guys, sorry to double post but I've pretty much decided on this scooter.

Then pull the trigger, so to speak

[enduros]

Sept 22, 2010 21:52:30 GMT -5 Bluefront said:

IMO.....that Roketa would be a poor choice as a first scooter/cycle. It's big, heavy, complicated with issues that the smaller scooters don't have. I'd certainly recommend a smaller, cheaper scoot as a starter. If you don't like the whole scooter scene.....no big monetary loss.

I dont know if you are comparing the 54B to a 50cc moped but yes it is a big bike and it does have a long wheel base. I cant say its heavy even at 375LBS with the linhia motor its very easy to ride with a very low center of gravity. You do have a particular way to ride it compared to upright standard scooters but its perfectly fine and comfortable with long floor boards to stretch out your legs.

Yes chinabikes have issues but if you have a open mind to work on them yourself they are easy fixes and you can help yourself with the knowledge you gain from the learning experiance. In 2006 I bought my first bike the Lifan LF200, I was annoyed at first with the issues I had with it but over time I realized that what I had was a extremely simple bike that was easy to work on and being a "shade tree" auto mechanic, easy to work on is a very good thing.

[Steven Spielburgman]

Sept 23, 2010 9:31:50 GMT -5 enduros said:

Sept 22, 2010 21:52:30 GMT -5 Bluefront said:

IMO.....that Roketa would be a poor choice as a first scooter/cycle. It's big, heavy, complicated with issues that the smaller scooters don't have. I'd certainly recommend a smaller, cheaper scoot as a starter. If you don't like the whole scooter scene.....no big monetary loss.

I dont know if you are comparing the 54B to a 50cc moped but yes it is a big bike and it does have a long wheel base. I cant say its heavy even at 375LBS with the linhia motor its very easy to ride with a very low center of gravity. You do have a particular way to ride it compared to upright standard scooters but its perfectly fine and comfortable with long floor boards to stretch out your legs.

Yes chinabikes have issues but if you have a open mind to work on them yourself they are easy fixes and you can help yourself with the knowledge you gain from the learning experiance. In 2006 I bought my first bike the Lifan LF200, I was annoyed at first with the issues I had with it but over time I realized that what I had was a extremely simple bike that was easy to work on and being a "shade tree" auto mechanic, easy to work on is a very good thing.

True, but we sometimes we forget to learn and take into account the OPs desires and lifestyles. For the shadetree mechanic a chinese scooter is probably the best thing since the internal combustion engine. On the other end of the spectrum, if you want to get up in the morning and go to work 30 miles away without worrying if the valves will go out of adjustment, the carburator screwing up, or any of the other endless list of issues the crop up then an upper-tier brand is the better choice.

I agree that the 250 is ok for a first scooter. As long as the seat height is appropriate so rider can plant feet firmly on ground.

[loganhes]

Cheddar,

I believe the scoot that you want to buy is the Bali and if so I have the 150cc version of it. I have to say that I love it. I bought it used for $600 and it runs awesome. So far the only thing it has needed was a new clutch and that was just because it wore out. I have about 3,700 miles on my scoot so far. I get 80 MPG and I can max. out at about 67 MPH which I have been told is pretty good for a 150cc scoot. I would say go for it!

[roketaridn]

I love my Roketa! I took the time to learn it and how to maintain it! Thats the key to any scoot out there! Not only enjoy the ride but learn your ride!
I lucked up with mine, bought it from a dealer that used it for his demo model. It only had 196 miles on it. That was just a couple months ago. Now, possible today, I will have 1000 miles on it. I did change all the fluids in it when I first got it and double checked each and every bolt, nut, clip, everything(learned that from on here!)
IMO, if you can afford it and you feel comfy with maintaining it yourself, then go for it! I agree with some of the statements stated prior to mine, and I disagree with some also. Trust your gut and go with what feels right to YOU!

[bobbyb]

cheddar
my wife rides the hell out of hers. it's a non B 244cc, not Yamaha. it has 4500 miles on it and has been a good scoot. we had a fuel starvation problem at first, but a lawnmower fuel pump took care of the problem. i wrench on it and she rides it. good trade off. go for it, if it's what you're looking for. change your valve stems. if scootin is for you and you decide you want more, you can always trade up to a top tier higher cc scoot (Smorkle comes to mind). he rides a 600cc Honda now after owning a MC 54.

[kz1000st]

The only thing that ever bothers me is the valve adjustments on the Linhai motor. It looks like a motor designed for a Japanese scooter. Take this cover off, that cover off, line this up, that up, say a magic chant. You could imagine a dealer socking it to their owners for a fortune after the warranty is up. All it's missing is fuel injection. If I ever buy a used Chinese 250 it will have the CF Moto engine in it. Valve adjustments are a snap.

[jim63]

If you are looking for opinions I will give you mine. The 250B I had was my "gateway" ride into the scooter scene. Used it to get my MC endorsement. Having beeen away from cycles for many years it was an easy entry back into 2 wheel riding. If you are looking for an experience you may get that, more than you you want. I had a 2008 model, after I got it out of the crate I replaced the fuel/vacume lines and fuel filter right off the bat. Shortly after I replaced the valve stems, installed an electric fuel pump (my choice), valve adjustment (fixed a stalling/ hard to start issue). Had to replace the instrument cluster for a non-working odometer (arrived with this problem). Added a larger windscreen which was a big help.

Was a fun ride for the less than 1 year it was functioning. I used it to ride to work mostly putting on 5500 miles mostly in the first 4 months. Was able to cruise the interstate to work at 60-65mph with no problems. My engine self destructed 8 months after purchase. Others have many many miles on there 250B's. The scooter I ride now also a 250cc, cost more than 2x as much but have rode over 25,000 miles troublefree. And have used it for several trips which were over 2500 miles each. With the information I have now and could go back in time, would I still have purchased the 250B. The answer is no. Being a aircraft mechanic with a 50+ mile commute each way to work I need reliability, and have not much desire to wrench on a my ride after work on my days off. From your posts you are getting one, I wish you good luck on your new scooter.

[cheddarpuma]

Thanks guys. One quick question. What's the difference between the MC and the MP? Also what is the B? Like on that site extremescooters.biz it's an MC-54B and on KMS it's an MP250B. What does the B mean and what's the difference between the MC and the MP? Thanks so much guys.

[madmanjustice]

there are 2 versions of this bike. They are mostly known as the MC-54-250 and the MC-54-250B.

The major difference between the two is the engine. The 250 comes with a CFMoto clone engine which is basically a copy of the Honda Helix 244cc engine. The 250B comes with a 257cc Linhai clone engine that is basically a copy of the Yamaha YP250 Majesty engine. Both are good engines and will last with proper maintanance and upkeep.

other minor differences between the two bikes are the trunks (the 250B usually comes with a larger trunk), the seats, the front fender and the mirrors. Other than that, all of the body plastics are the same.

The 250B has a slightly shorter wheel base. Both scoots have 13" wheels and use the same size tires.

The MC-54-250 has also been seen as....
The Jonway Star
Apollo 250
SL250 (SunL)
Expressway

The MC-54-250B is also know as
The JCL MP250A
The Ranger (i think)
KMS MP250B

[kensworld5]

I have the mc54250B with 6500 miles. The B means it has the yamaha clone engine, 257cc with horizonal jug. Before I registered my unit, I did a detailed pdi. All new fluids, new battery, new electric fuel pump and quality gas filter, and proper valve adjustment. I changed to shell rotella synthetic oil at 1500 miles. I use it daily and it runs perfect. Good luck on whatever your choice. Ken

[Gary]

Chedder -
If it were me I'd definately lean towards a model with the Honda style 244cc engine. Its much easier to adjust the valves on the Honda style engine than on the yamaha copy 257 engine and the yamaha seems to need valve adjustments more frequently. Parts for he Honda copy engine are also a bit easier to come by - you can use original Honda parts made for a Honda Helix.

Sounds to me like you are going to have fun.
Gary

[enduros]

I have done two valve adjustments in 5400 miles, its not too bad the only thing that sucks is you pretty much have to strip down the rear body work to do it. The main difference between both motors is going to be vibration, The 260 Linhia motor is much better balanced and being horizontal there is minimal vibration over 2000 rpm. The 244cc CF-Moto engine is going to have more vibration out of it being vertical but it does have better power off the bottom end and the parts are more plentiful.

[cheddarpuma]

Thanks a lot guys! I'll see you when I buy it and fail at the PDI, haha. But yeah realisically I still need to save up 2,000 dollars.

[budmanr]

Anyone know why its no to florida from extreme scooters . Got mine from kms with no troubles.

[chaz12]

I bought a roketa bali 250 new. It runs as good as new still. Got 3500 miles on it. The work I have done to it: bought new tires, bought new windshield, starter, counter, three fuel filters, changed a few hoses before they went out, changed spark plugs 3 times, oil and antifreeze bought accassionally, and waterpump. Regular maintenance. Bought one bottle of gear oil and grease for rims. It is mostly regular maintenance. Not to costly for as many miles I have on it. But a Yamaha is more dependable and more stable feeling. My wife bought a Yamaha. But I still like tinkering and so it is about working on ones own scooter also. Knowing your scooter.

[Steven Spielburgman]

Sept 24, 2010 21:45:05 GMT -5 chaz12 said:

I bought a roketa bali 250 new. Got 3500 miles on it. The work I have done to it: bought new tires, bought new windshield, starter, counter, three fuel filters, changed a few hoses before they went out, changed spark plugs 3 times, oil and antifreeze bought accassionally, and waterpump. Regular maintenance. Bought one bottle of gear oil and grease for rims.

It runs as good as new still.

I certainly hope so -- probably better than new