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Post by 90GTVert on Jun 7, 2006 22:47:46 GMT -5
I wouldn't be afraid of the Yamati since virtually every part is common to another brand. I would have liked to purchase a Tank when (if) they went to the 12" rear wheel, but since they insist that Scooters Georgia can't drop ship one, I refuse to purchase a Tank. So, either Dave can come up with another brand, or I'll buy one from NDP, EVO, etc. At this point, Tank is dead in my book. Kind of a shame that they are such a crappy company when it comes to communication since they have a good dealer that I want to work with. In any event, go for the one you want. You already know what needs to be done with the China scooters, so the rest is just fun!
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Post by michaelc on Jun 8, 2006 22:13:26 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Jun 8, 2006 22:24:32 GMT -5
I wouldn't be afraid of the Yamati since virtually every part is common to another brand. I would have liked to purchase a Tank when (if) they went to the 12" rear wheel, but since they insist that Scooters Georgia can't drop ship one, I refuse to purchase a Tank. So, either Dave can come up with another brand, or I'll buy one from NDP, EVO, etc. At this point, Tank is dead in my book. Kind of a shame that they are such a crappy company when it comes to communication since they have a good dealer that I want to work with. In any event, go for the one you want. You already know what needs to be done with the China scooters, so the rest is just fun! I've been working really hard trying to maintain a good attitude about Tank. There are people at Tank who fully know that Stan and Scootdawg and the Tank Yahoo Group are doing more for them than they are for themselves, yet, they seldom give us the time of day. Supposedly, they shipped a 250 last Tues over a week ago. After the poor communications I've had with them, I can't imagine what it would be like to be a dealer. I'll eat crow if the scoot arrives tomorrow, but I wouldn't bet a paper clip on that happening.
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Post by michaelc on Jun 9, 2006 6:27:58 GMT -5
Yeah, it would suck to sell a product people want, but you can't seem to get! I'm really pleased with my TANK so far and I've seen many of them around town, if TANK could get their act together, they could really be successful!
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Post by 90GTVert on Jun 9, 2006 9:35:25 GMT -5
Dawg wrote: I've been working really hard trying to maintain a good attitude about Tank. There are people at Tank who fully know that Stan and Scootdawg and the Tank Yahoo Group are doing more for them than they are for themselves, yet, they seldom give us the time of day. Supposedly, they shipped a 250 last Tues over a week ago. After the poor communications I've had with them, I can't imagine what it would be like to be a dealer. I'll eat crow if the scoot arrives tomorrow, but I wouldn't bet a paper clip on that happening.[/quote]
Dawg, I'd bet it will eventually show up, but as far as any communications or logical actions, Tank is at the bottom of my list. I like the product, but the company is just plain BAD at communication. I'm afraid that they may live to regret their bad communications in time, but I'm always optimistic that they will improve. Let us know when that scoot shows up! Stan
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Post by scooterollie on Jun 11, 2006 21:27:20 GMT -5
Lee & Stan; Did you see this post from Alan Leson at PSF? Fraudulent use of the name YAMATI Just wanted to inform the members of this forum that www.ndpowersports.com is selling scooters using the trademarked name YAMATI. ndpowersports.com/elitecruiser250.htmThey are not our bikes!!! The use of the name is Illegal and will be addressed by our Attorneys. Alan Leson Interesting in light of the info Stan received from Alan: The info below is a quote from the email from PSF. They made it sound as though they own a factory in China and contracted to build the NDP scooter, but didn't really want to be associated with it. I assume this is merely because they only handle the Strada in the larger scooters, but that is just my assumption. "We OEM'd this scooter for them at our factory in China. It was built to their specs and is a very low end machine. Although it has our name on it we do not support it or stock parts for this model." "Also we have no affiliation with this importer. They are not a Yamati dealer. We OEM and Private label for many importers throughout the USA." So where does this leave us? ScooterOllie
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Post by Admin on Jun 11, 2006 21:52:11 GMT -5
If you were to call PSF tomorrow morning and say that you would like a couple containers of cheap scooters, they would arrange it. That doesn't mean that they want their name on it. I had some communication problems with PSF early on but they really came around. What you need to understand about them is that they really sell two different lines under the Strada name. Some are QJ products and some are not. Alan Leson will openly tell you that the QJ is better and that the other is "entry level". If another company ordered a container of crap that PSF facilitated, then I can understand why PSF is pissed that they tried to put the Yamati name to it. There is a lot of weird stuff that goes on behind the scenes.
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Post by scooterollie on Jun 12, 2006 14:15:10 GMT -5
Lee; I do understand about how that business works. Just thought it was curious that PSF told Stan in an e-mail that they supplied the NDP Yamati, then Alan posted the legal threat on the Vento/Strada, etc. board.
In my first call to NDP, I specifically asked if the FMVSS plate listed QJ as the manufacturer and was told "I think it does". I am going to verify this point. As I said, I am not expecting top quality but equal to my ROKETA will do. Thanks, ScooterOllie
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Post by Admin on Jun 12, 2006 14:45:18 GMT -5
I highly doubt that the product OEM'd by PSF to that company is a QJ. QJ is one of the best manufacturers in China. You may note that Alan said "our factory", he didn't use the word Yamati. Simple deal is that PSF brokered a deal on cheap chinese scoots and they don't want their name on it. "I think so" isn't a satisfactory answer to your question about whether it is a QJ.
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Post by scooterollie on Jun 13, 2006 20:54:53 GMT -5
Stan & Lee; I spoke with the folks at Bandit about their 250 "Cruiser" style - just like the body style Lee received from Tank today. They insisted their machine had a Linhai-Yamaha engine and a 12" rear wheel. I asked for the name of the manufacturer/assembler on the FMVSS plate and they said they would not give that information out. I have read good reports about the Bandit scoots and the company, but as a "discriminating buyer' (LOL) I believe I should be able to know the manufacturer BEFORE I buy a product. Lets see, I go to a car dealer wanting to purchase a 4-door Chevy sedan. They tell me I will have to take whatever company's product they send me. NOT!!! The lady answering my questions was very pleasant and otherwise helpful. She assured me the owner, Jim, would also not divulge that information. Am I wrong in not wishing to but a product if I can't determine the source? The scoot was in stock at $100 more and I was just about ready to cancel my order from NDPowersports.
I then called NDPowersports to ask a few more questions, especially about the manufacturer/assembler. Before I could even get the question out, Dan said my scooter had just shipped out and I should be receiving it in a few days!!! They arrived sooner than the 6/25 expected date and mine had already received the "24 point inspection" and was on it's way by UPS Freight. He assured me it had a 12" rear wheel and said he would e-mail me the tracking info. I was expecting a couple more weeks time to sort out which one I would finally settle on. When I checked their website again, I found they had changed some of the info on the scoot. It now indicates the 250 is made by Taizhou (Chuanl), the manufacturer of Roketa brand scooters. Since my 150 is a Roketa and I have some experience with a couple other of their scoot models, I think I am satisfied. The add still indicates it has a 250cc engine by Yamati!?! Oh well.
From another posting on this forum, it looks like we will have a few folks sharing their experience with 250s. ScooterOllie
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Post by Admin on Jun 13, 2006 22:02:29 GMT -5
Scooterollie, I'm just curious about your concern about the size of the rear wheel being 12". I could be wrong but my understanding is that the 10" is indication of the tried and true Honda clone engine. I'm kind of in new territory with the 250cc models. It's really difficult to get straight answers from importers....probably because they don't have a clue. This is a deal where collectively, we'll figure it out. We are ScootDawgs! Cheers.
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Post by scooterollie on Jun 13, 2006 22:17:56 GMT -5
Lee; "collectively, we'll figure it out. We are ScootDawgs! " - AMEN!
My concern about the rear wheel size is based on stability. I may be wrong, but I believe the larger diameter tire will be more stable at the speed these 250s are capable of. I have seen similar comments elsewhere. Dan at NDPowersports said their original 250s had 10" rear tires and they did not like how the scoot handled and that there were problems with the main stand hanging down and hitting the ground when leaning in turns. They now specify 12" rear tires only and he also said that dealers who were selling the 250s with 10" rear tires knew they were a problem and were just trying to clear their inventory. He also said there were overheating problems with the '05s but those have been solved with electronic control of the fan(s). I won't swear his is expert testimony but I do find it interesting. Guess I'll find out. Have you seen some of the posts on the Tank Yahoo site? Here is one of them:
RE: [tankscooters] Tank 250cc Scooter The 250 has already received a few reviews courtesy of this group and some other forums. Our dealership has elected not to carry them until the bugs have been worked out. The cooling system troubles and the rear tire size issue are enough to keep us away from the bikes until that is corrected to our satisfaction. I am aware of one lawsuit pending thus far relative to this bike and a rider who snagged the center stand in a turn, flipped over and was seriously injured. I’d prefer to keep our product liability insurance premiums at a minimum so we will wait until the serious flaws are worked out. After that, I’m sure it will be a decent bike. -Ryan
Don't know how accurate any of this information is but I still "lean" towards a 12" rear tire. Just my preference. ScooterOllie
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Post by Admin on Jun 14, 2006 8:16:15 GMT -5
This will give me a couple of things to watch for reviewing the Tank (if I ever get it off the skid). The overheating issue sounds bogus though. This engine is liquid cooled. I do know though, that UM was going to import a 250cc but they scrapped the project.
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Post by scooterollie on Jun 14, 2006 9:02:15 GMT -5
Lee; As I understand it, the problem was more with control of the fan(s) - not certain if it is 1 or 2 fans. They were not coming on soon enough, thus causing it to run hotter. Not actually overheating. Solution described to me as "fans are now electronically controlled. Apparently some of these body designs and internal ducting don't allow for much air flow to the radiator unless you are well underway. Could also be an issue with accuracy of the temp. gauge. Am curious about your evaluation of ride and handling.
Can't wait for more pics of your 250 and any tips for assembly. I am not really worried about putting the parts together or doing the safety check. The size and weight does concern me in terms of getting it up and the front wheel on. Oh well, I have a 23 yr. old son and he has some strong friends! Still waiting for the tracking info. from NDPowersports.
Just found out this afternoon that mine is to arrive at the shipping terminal tomorrow.
ScooterOllie
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