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Post by hillbilly on Sept 27, 2007 0:39:19 GMT -5
I have a niece who travels a lot on the job so though she lives elsewhere she often drops into town for a week or so. Partly for her use and partly as an experiment in bargain ebay scooter sales I ordered a cheap "Milano" style scoot. I don't even know what brand it is. Roketa or Sunl. 150cc. Probably silver, maybe blue. $763 shipped from Texas. I just decided to forget about any brand or dealer knowledge I have, jump on ebay and go for price, feedback rating, and number of transactions. Some place called atvdiscounters. Supposed to be here by the middle of next week at the latest. We'll see. I'll let you all know how it works out.
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Post by rerun2 on Sept 27, 2007 2:12:59 GMT -5
GO HILLNILLY!! That takes some guts! And it should be extremely beneficial to follow your updates once you get into it. Are you gonna strip it out and replace stuff first, or wait to see what craps out? Order a second one and do one of each!! Interestingly, I saw some scooters that had absurd prices just the other day, and gave serious thought of getting one just to see how bad it really was, heck, I got nothing but time to mess with something like that! Do keep us informed!
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Post by earlwb on Sept 27, 2007 6:42:42 GMT -5
Interesting experiment. I think that the big risk is damage in shipping. The next issue is whether you can get a MSO or not for getting it registered. I just assume the seller won't be there for parts or warranty needs anyway. Let us know how it goes.
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Post by scooterollie on Sept 27, 2007 7:55:38 GMT -5
Hillbilly; Interesting experiment. As you know, parts won't be a problem because all the clone assemblers dip in to the same bins. When it arrives, give us the name of the manufacturer (assembler) on the Federal ID plate. Worth a try!
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Post by YellowScooter on Sept 27, 2007 9:02:41 GMT -5
Gutsiest move I seen yet in a scooter forum. This will be very interesting to see how an educated scooter consumer does with an el-cheapo scooter. Are you gonna prep it like you know you should? or are you testing them cons....I mean Company ;D and just takin it out of the box gas it up hop on n go? I'd have at least 10ft of vacuum and fuel lines along with a box of clamps, ties, and gorilla glue waiting on her arrival.
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Post by hillbilly on Sept 27, 2007 11:24:17 GMT -5
Thanks for all the encouragement. I originally thought I would do a good basic prep of the scooter myself. Since then I've gotten one of my sons friends that owes me a favor or two to agree to put it together. He is an intelligent 23 year old with very little mechanical experience. I plan to have him read a few previous posts where we have provided advice on prepping a new scoot. If the scoot comes with any instructions he can have those too. After that he is basically going to be on his own. Any questions that come up for him will be referred to the forum here. His one small advantage will be access to about any tool he might need at my place. I will have new lines, zip ties, or about anything else he might decide to use available to him. Sadly for him he has no motorcycle endorsement so he will not get to ride the scoot he assembles. Maybe this will inspire him to go take the test. When he is done I'll make sure it has brakes and steering, take it for a hard break-in and then see how it goes.
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Post by YellowScooter on Sept 27, 2007 15:57:54 GMT -5
Alrighty then. I don't know whether to call you extremely brave or incredibly nuts.
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Post by Aaron on Sept 27, 2007 22:25:46 GMT -5
I like this, I like it a lot. I shall sticky this post in honor of your courage and dedication to the cause. I too basically bought a scooter from the Ughknown with even less knowedge. That one worked out. Hopefully this will too.
Aaron
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Post by tinknocker on Sept 27, 2007 22:45:28 GMT -5
I also have ordered a pretty cheap scoot. I tried to do a lot of research on this forum but evidently I wasted my time It seems that any info gained from the different dealer websites may just be salesmanship. I ordered a Lance Vintage and it's supposed to be built by Znen. From what Iv'e read here that's supposed to be a good thing. But what do I know? Wish me luck with mine. Good luck with yours!
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Post by guyruss on Sept 27, 2007 23:37:42 GMT -5
hillbilly; You are the Man I bet its gonna work out just fine. I can't wait to hear about the results. You are a true adventurer ;D Scoota-Rollin-Friend, Russ
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Post by hillbilly on Sept 28, 2007 0:21:46 GMT -5
I also have ordered a pretty cheap scoot. I tried to do a lot of research on this forum but evidently I wasted my time It seems that any info gained from the different dealer websites may just be salesmanship. I ordered a Lance Vintage and it's supposed to be built by Znen. From what Iv'e read here that's supposed to be a good thing. But what do I know? Wish me luck with mine. Good luck with yours! I have followed a lot of the research you have done on this site tinknocker. Personally I think you made a good decision and probably will need a little less luck than me due to your wisdom. Good luck anyway though and make sure and let us know how it goes with your new scoot too. This project has inspired me to go get a basic digital camera this weekend and try to figure out how to use it so I can post a few pictures if there is anything interesting to look at. So far I've never managed to do more than email myself a couple of pitiful pictures from my phone. I'm always jealous of the things swampsniper can do posting glorious illustrated photos. Thanks for the enouragement Aaron but to let you know the kind of person you are dealing with it took me several minutes to find this thread and I had about decided someone must have not liked it and deleted it. Yep, It's rough getting old. I spent 4 years in the '80's as the service manager for a large Computerland franchise. These days I'm hoping to learn how to work a camera and what those "add tags" boxes above do.
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Post by tinknocker on Sept 28, 2007 0:34:27 GMT -5
Thanks Hillbilly, I'll follow your adventures too. It's funny how as we age our technologic aptitude seems to wane. Sheet metal workers don't have too much use for a computer. I don't think I have touched 1% of its capabilities..... and I don't care! I, too need to learn how to post pics. We do have a digital camera though. Take care. John
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Post by delta22710 on Sept 28, 2007 9:42:47 GMT -5
Don't worry. I ordered a Roteka 150 though the same company. quick shipping, no propblem with getting it registered, they were very responsive, and the scooter is running awesome.
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Post by swampsniper on Sept 28, 2007 10:19:06 GMT -5
I also have ordered a pretty cheap scoot. I tried to do a lot of research on this forum but evidently I wasted my time It seems that any info gained from the different dealer websites may just be salesmanship. I ordered a Lance Vintage and it's supposed to be built by Znen. From what Iv'e read here that's supposed to be a good thing. But what do I know? Wish me luck with mine. Good luck with yours! I have followed a lot of the research you have done on this site tinknocker. Personally I think you made a good decision and probably will need a little less luck than me due to your wisdom. Good luck anyway though and make sure and let us know how it goes with your new scoot too. This project has inspired me to go get a basic digital camera this weekend and try to figure out how to use it so I can post a few pictures if there is anything interesting to look at. So far I've never managed to do more than email myself a couple of pitiful pictures from my phone. I'm always jealous of the things swampsniper can do posting glorious illustrated photos. Thanks for the enouragement Aaron but to let you know the kind of person you are dealing with it took me several minutes to find this thread and I had about decided someone must have not liked it and deleted it. Yep, It's rough getting old. I spent 4 years in the '80's as the service manager for a large Computerland franchise. These days I'm hoping to learn how to work a camera and what those "add tags" boxes above do. Thanks for the kind words, but keep in mind that stumbling around with a camera has been all I could do for several years. I just get a lot of practice, and throw away a lot of bad shots. ;D It beats television, for sure. The scooter helps, if I don't feel up to walking I can usually find a way to shoot right from the scooter. I wish they'd let me ride inside Walmart, I wouldn't ever have to get off. ;D I'm up all kinds of wierd hours, if I can help you with your camera give me a shout.
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Post by fulltimerart on Sept 28, 2007 10:43:02 GMT -5
With normal luck, you will probably end up with one of two things------either a fantastic scooter or a good anchor---gutsy move and good luck. Art
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Post by Aerostudent on Sept 28, 2007 18:13:16 GMT -5
Yup, I too will be watching with anticipation! Good luck!
Aero
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Post by Aaron on Sept 28, 2007 23:34:19 GMT -5
Any of you "experienced" gentlemen need help getting pics on here PM me. I can either have you E-mail them too me or walk you through PhotoBucket or even simpler Tinypic.com and get you edumicated. We can phone conference while both on the computer if that will help.
Aaron
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Post by thatonekidera on Sept 30, 2007 23:35:08 GMT -5
new user, first post.
I will be following this thread closely, as I just purchased a scooter from ebay... not from atvdiscounter, bur from awesomebuyscooter. I wish I would've found this forum before purchasing a SUNL. Well, I should get my scooter (SUNL/SL150-26 SPORT ) on Tuesday, Oct. 2nd. I'll post any problems/issues I run into as well.
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Post by einism on Sept 30, 2007 23:55:24 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum if you are willing to do the work yourself you will probably be allright with your scooter. Hillbilly good luck with yours I dont know if I would have taken such a risk but I know another member that bought a scooter off ebay for cheap and has been riding all summer. Mike
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Post by hillbilly on Oct 2, 2007 13:51:42 GMT -5
The scooter seems to have made it into town today. Got a call from Old Dominion trucking that it had arrived. The nice guy there tells me that it is a Sunl and it is blue according to the box. I'm having to deal with some skid steer issues for my business today so it will be at least tomorrow before I get it. Just thought I'd mention it had arrived and now I guess I can start hoping for some paperwork.
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Post by thatonekidera on Oct 2, 2007 15:34:31 GMT -5
My scooter was just delivered about an hour and a half ago to my office, I haven't seen it because I was out for a training seminar. I wish I could've been there when it was delivered... Is this my first problem??? I'm heading to the office now to see it. I'll post pictures later.
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Post by thatonekidera on Oct 3, 2007 0:14:40 GMT -5
I hope I'm not post jacking here... here are two pictures of the new scooter right after unwrapping. No damage and everything looks good. I am having a mechanic friend look at it tomorrow and help me assemble and prep. now for the pics...
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Post by fritz on Oct 3, 2007 15:01:36 GMT -5
I had some issues with ATVDiscounter. They kept sending me the wrong parts and they sent used stuff when it was advertised as new on ebay. It was difficult to get them to reply to email. ATVdiscounter is owned by Glen Barling. This link runs him through google, check it out. tinyurl.com/2q2ydl Also, on Ebay, look at the feedback and read between the lines. Mostly good feedback, but check the ones where there was a problem. If the customer needs to give bad feedback they will always retaliate, blaming the customer and tearing him a new one. Now look at the customer's feedback. In just about every example it is excellent with the exception of the feedback given to them by ATVDiscounter. This link is their Ebay feedback. tinyurl.com/33pratThey offered to send me a 25$ Visa gift card as a gesture of goodwill to withdraw my negative feedback. THEN NEVER SENT IT. They ship ALOT of stuff. Mostly OK, but if a problem slips through their warehouse...look out, now it's "your problem" and your money is already in their pocket and they are good at ignoring problems, hoping you will go away.
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Post by hillbilly on Oct 3, 2007 21:05:04 GMT -5
Thatonekidera I'm glad yours arrived without damage.
I was able to get the scoot today but am having one of those weeks where I have had some business equipment issues that I have had to put in a lot of time on. Chad, the young guy who is going to put it together is going to come over Friday evening and start on it.
The box is in good condition so I'm hoping there won't be any damages to deal with. About the only thing so far that worries me a little is that the box the scoot is in says it is an "SL50QT-20" but someone has used a magic marker to add a "1" so it says SL150. I'm curious whether they may have sent a 50cc.
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Post by poohbear on Oct 3, 2007 21:28:44 GMT -5
Whoa Hillbilly! How could you NOT go into the box and check it out? Man that is worse than trying NOT to figure out the Christmas gifts while they are still wrapped!! ;D
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Post by swampsniper on Oct 3, 2007 21:29:55 GMT -5
Thatonekidera I'm glad yours arrived without damage. I was able to get the scoot today but am having one of those weeks where I have had some business equipment issues that I have had to put in a lot of time on. Chad, the young guy who is going to put it together is going to come over Friday evening and start on it. The box is in good condition so I'm hoping there won't be any damages to deal with. About the only thing so far that worries me a little is that the box the scoot is in says it is an "SL50QT-20" but someone has used a magic marker to add a "1" so it says SL150. I'm curious whether they may have sent a 50cc. Look at the left side of the engine. The 152 indicates that mine is a 125cc, yours should be 157.
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Post by hillbilly on Oct 3, 2007 22:26:39 GMT -5
Thanks swamp. It is not that I can't tell the difference though, I'm just waiting till Friday to open the box when the guy who will put it together is here. I'm having a busy week so the new scoot has had to go on a back burner till the weekend.
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Post by earlwb on Oct 5, 2007 6:08:40 GMT -5
Keep us posted. Takes lots of pics. Heck fire up the video-camera. Looks like fun.
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Post by daddyeby on Oct 5, 2007 6:27:35 GMT -5
Hey Hillbilly your from Springfield I'm in Branson west about 35 miles south of you.
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Post by airnerd on Oct 5, 2007 14:19:05 GMT -5
I'm close too.
I have Ninja and camera...will travel.
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