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Post by scooterdog on Sept 29, 2006 20:42:17 GMT -5
Been reading...and thinking about the SS300. I will be getting my Kawasaki out of the shop soon (82 KZ1000 LTD), and will be putting it up for sale. The maxi-scoots out there in the 400-500 cc range are nice, but pricey. If I sell the Tank and use the funds from that, along with a bit of the green from the Kaw, I might justify moving up to the Strada. In general, how does everyone like their Strada? Anyone have the 260 ? Or the 300 ?(Or know of someone ?). They are 3500.00 delivered and seem to offer a lot for the money. Not that I don't like the Tank 250, it has proven to be a lot more value than I expected, but I would like a few more ponys and the styling is eye-catching on the SS 300. I guess they are a QJ product ? (Which from comments seems like it's a good thing).And finally, If this thinking turns into buying, which of the Strada dealers would be a good source to obtain the scoot from, given your experience ? Thanks for the input. (May be dreaming, but you never know! I'm riding a SCOOTER again AFTER a 1500 FI Vulcan Nomad !! ).
scooterdog
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Post by scooterollie on Sept 29, 2006 21:48:19 GMT -5
If you have not already done so, call John at Valley Scooters and talk with him about the SS300. He will be glad to share with you: scootersus.com/strada260.htmlI don't believe the Strada SS300 is a "QJ" scoot. I may be wrong but I thought John said the entire scoot was a "Linhai" product. The engine is. I find that one interesting also. John will give you a $100 discount for being a ScootDawg and will price match any other legitimate offer, although all I found were listed at $3,400 or $3,500. |
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Post by scooterdog on Sept 30, 2006 21:12:01 GMT -5
Thanks, scooterollie,
I have been on the site but had not contacted them. Several years ago, a guy with a Linhai Powermax was raving about his scoot. Never had heard of them before that. Reading around, it seems like the overheating problems as well as a few others on the 260 have been addressed and fixed on the 300. Would be good to read a real review on this scoot, not a PR piece from a distributor. If any one reads one, please post the link for us other Dawgs. Thanks!
scooterdog
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Post by scooterollie on Sept 30, 2006 21:25:29 GMT -5
scooterdog;
A few comments are posted on the Yahoo Strada forum. Not much info out there on this scoot. Don't think the sales have been great. John said all colors were plentiful and in stock. the $1K - 1.5K difference between the SS300 and the TT/Bali 250 is a bit of a stretch for many of us even if the Strada is better quality. Perhaps there will be some good buys on left over '06s if they are slow sellers!
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Post by strangerdejavu on Sept 30, 2006 22:27:56 GMT -5
Scooterdog- I've been quite interested in this scoot as well. If you do end up getting one, please let us know what you think of it! I haven't been able to find much first-hand info either.
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Post by Aaron on Sept 30, 2006 23:05:08 GMT -5
One thought on this... a decent used Honda reflex or Majesty 400 can be had for about this kind of money. $3500 is a bit steep on the China scoot Scale. I'm sure it's a fine scoot but it's a very small jump to a Kymco Exciting 250 from there. From what owners of both the 250 Tank and Bali have reported I doubt even the Strada 300 is going to out perform the Kymco. Just a thought...DDillon may part with his in the spring...he's ordered the 500. Boston's not that far....make it a weekend fly up ride home!!
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Post by scooterdog on Oct 1, 2006 20:34:42 GMT -5
ACD,
You are right on that and IF I decide to take the leap to another scoot, I would definitely look into the Kymco Xciting 250. If only ("only") 500 clams separated the two, it would be worth comparing that first. What I have read on the KX250 has been mostly good. However...that Strada is one GOOD LOOKING ride. I rec'd an email back from two sellers of the SS 300. One says that if I get one from them, The price will be 3,450.00 and will include shipping to the door AND a Factory tall touring windshield. Will keep the Dawgs posted. I hope I am not the first to review this scoot here, but I have always had a soft spot for struggling underdogs. I sold Hyundai cars when they first arrived in 1987, and they were laughed at by many. Now they are considered a good value as well as a good car. Maybe Strada wants to fill the niche just below Daelim and Kymco with a good value in a quality scoot. The email also said they were all Linhai.So...Tank for now, but who knows what lies ahead. Scooterollies comment on bargains on these in the future may well come true. But even at 3500 or so, compared to 4300 on new K X 250 is a bit of a jump. But at least I would have a dealer and a warranty, and a real quality machine.
scooterdog
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Post by ccsami4x4 on Oct 1, 2006 20:45:40 GMT -5
The SS300 is a sweet-looking ride. If I had that kind of cash or the need for a larger scoot I would definitely have been looking at that one.
I don't have any experience with John at Valley Scooters, but I've heard a lot of great comments about him.
I bought my Strada from Paul, aka Sporty, a dealer up in WI (414-801-5121 or you can PM me for his email address). Got it shipped to my front door cheaper than anyone else I could find (although I never asked anyone else to price match, so they might have been willing, who knows). The service I have received from Paul is nothing less than excellent. Good price, good communication, and follow-up phone calls and emails to make sure everything is going well. I'd recommend him to anyone.
Have fun shopping in the meantime and keep us posted as to what you decide.
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Post by scooterollie on Oct 1, 2006 21:10:04 GMT -5
I think the Strada SS300 & Kymco Xciting 250 are about the same listed HP. Don't know about actual performance. Have not seen direct side-by-side comparison.
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Post by stu on Oct 27, 2006 20:00:49 GMT -5
Hi, new here. I just read this thread and wanted to mention Daelim. The S2 250 model can be had in my area for $3999 which is not bad. The dealer in my area also had a Strada SS300 on the floor for $3999 which is obviously high, so the S2 may be less as well. My understanding is that the Daelim uses the Kymco engine. From what I have found on the net Daelim seems to have a good reputation. The dealer told me that they were easier to work with than Hyosung. Which is what he used to carry. The warranty on the Daelim is 2yrs- 1st year they cover the whold scoot, beginning of secnd they cover engine and electrical, end of second they cover engine only. Just my .02. By the way I don't own a scoot yet, but am searching.
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Post by scooterollie on Oct 27, 2006 21:14:54 GMT -5
stu;
Welcome to the "DawgPound"! If you are interested in getting a scoot, this is a good place to get an education.
From what I have read here and elsewhere, Daelim does sound like a good scoot also. How did the SS300 and the S2 250 visually compare side-to-side? With the Kymco drive train and better quality materials and assembly, the Daelim should be a better scoot.
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Post by Javarod on Oct 28, 2006 5:57:05 GMT -5
As I understand it, Daelim licensed the Kymco engine, something that could be an important difference ifn its true, as that means that its a Daelim made version, so one has to wonder how good Daelim's QC is, though the warranty suggests that they've quite a bit of confidence in their product.
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Post by stu on Oct 28, 2006 7:10:56 GMT -5
I wasn't able to directly compare the S2 with the ss300 because they did not have the S2. He tells me he can't keep them in stock. He did have a Daelim history in stock which is the model directly below the S2. It is powered by a 4valve 125 which makes 12hp. It was clean and seemed to be made a little better than the ss. The difference I noticed for detail was the seat latch. The Daelim seemed to be smoother and closed with a click. The ss seemed to wobble more and a little crunch when it was closed. I know these are just details, but it was something I noticed. Off topic, but they had a used Scrabeo 500 on the floor and thosed things are huge. The seat seemed a good 12-14 inches across. WWOOO!!!
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Post by gusset on Oct 28, 2006 12:26:37 GMT -5
From how I've heard it, it's Kymco built, but I can't speak with authority.
My S2 250 is now over 2000 miles since July 8. Trouble free. The idle seemed a little low, so I asked the dealer to adjust it at the 300 mile service visit. Other than that, zero issues. No adjustments needed, no failures, no little knick-knack parts breaking or in the way of one another, no weird behaviors on the road. The dang thing is refined, in fit, finish, and performance.
I have coworkers that ride a People 250, a Bali 250, and a Burgman 400. My S2 stacks up equally with the Kymco for build quality, and I believe it is also on the level with the Suzuki (though it looks heavier duty than any of the 250s). The Rocketa is a step or two below, though I'll bet the owner saved $1000+.
Finding something wrong to report is a struggle. Starting from lukewarm state occasionally requires a pinch of throttle. The seat needs to be lifted while turning the key, or it re-latches some of the time. The trip odometer's hundreds digit sometimes won't go all the way back to zero when I reset it.
My point here is that my experience to date gives me confidence that these people know what they are doing. An in-house engine design would not keep me from buying Daelim.
Sorry for gushing. I guess I should just post a review somewhere.
-Gusset
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Post by medman1952 on Oct 28, 2006 20:32:02 GMT -5
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Post by scooterollie on Oct 28, 2006 21:05:43 GMT -5
I spoke with Jim at Bandit Motorsports a couple of times last spring when I was shopping for a 250. At that time they would not release any info about which type of motor the scoot had and where it was produced. Since then have learned that it is, as advertised now, a "Linhai-Yamaha" engine and drive train that does have a true 12" rear wheel/tire, unlike the 10" on all Honda derived 250s. I believe the scoots and Bandit are decent from what I have heard but not like Daelim or Kymco. Since the price has dropped, they are a much more attractive buy. Seems to be very little experience in this country with the Linhai-Yamaha drive train. They have been available most all of the year like the Honda derived 250 but didn't sell as well because of the considerably higher price, over $3K initially IIRC.
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Post by ooopseyesharted on Nov 5, 2006 9:47:32 GMT -5
oh boy....here we go again with the random garbage.
get em Aaron.....
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Post by Aaron on Nov 5, 2006 11:15:02 GMT -5
Got Em Ooops....
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Post by scooterdog on Nov 7, 2006 23:04:46 GMT -5
I sold the 82 Kaw and am advertising the Tank 250 on Cycletrader, so...Here is where I am on this. If the tank sells I am thinking of either a used Majesty or a new Strada 300. Used Majestys are going for 4k to 5K depending on miles and condition. The Strada (brand-shiny new) can be had for around 3.3K (or less?). So what do the Dawgs think? The Majesty has power and size for easy cruising with a good maintenance record. The Strada has a Yamaha-based powertrain, so should be a good, dependable ride and a bit above the Tank in quality.And i would be about a Grand ahead dollar-wise. From reading around, I think the Majesty is a better scoot than the 400 Burger, and I like the design of the Maj much more (JMHO). So...if ANY DAWG or other scooterista has bought a Strada 300 or knows of ANYONE that has...please let me know. I can't seem to find even one review on this very good looking mid-size scoot. Thanks, Dawgs!
scooterdog
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Post by Aaron on Nov 7, 2006 23:30:33 GMT -5
Its that very fact that makes me a little wary scooterdog...why aren't there any out there?? It is gorgeous but at $3300 that's alot of investment to be the guinea pig. I'm not saying it's bad or anything just I like others thoughts and opinions to help me make a decision. You obviously do too. There just isn't much info on this scoot yet.
Aaron
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Post by jdikov on Nov 8, 2006 7:58:28 GMT -5
YEs it is a Linhai Yamaha scooter and yes I will meet or beat any price you see advertised as well as discount to members of this forum. It is comming to the end of the model year so if you are really interested in this scoot give me a call and I can see what I can do for you on the price. Whereever you buy just be sure to check on the dealer reputation before you pull the trigger and don't buy on ebay or you will be one of the daily calls I get form people saying" I bought on ebay and now they wont answer my calls or they are out of business"
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Post by strangerdejavu on Nov 8, 2006 12:45:49 GMT -5
jdikov- how bout a little insight on how this scooter rides and performs? If you wanna sell one, you at least have to convince us that it's worth buying this instead of another name that we can trust for just a bit more!
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Post by scooterdog on Nov 8, 2006 20:44:44 GMT -5
Now, that would help! Or, even better, get one (or more if there is more than one ) of the buyers to join the ScootDawg forum and write up a review. This would give us all a bit of insight from a source other than the distributor. If that is not possible, how about ANY of the at least 4 (that I found) sellers of this machine pointing us to a link so that we could read an actual riders experience with the SS300. This scooter is priced below the known "name brands" of 250's and above the budget 250's so it would make a good choice for those of us wanting a bit more in a scooter, but not thousands more in cost. A well wriiten review posted here in the section for them would be welcome. I might even take a chance and spring for one as the "SS300 Guinea Pig" for a 10% reduction from current "sale" pricing (say right at 3K). So...Sellers and distributors and actual rider/owners out there...What do you say ??
scooterdog
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Post by scooterdog on Nov 8, 2006 20:53:08 GMT -5
PS: Will search again and post any reviews/comments on the SS300 that I can find. Lots of good info on the Majesty at the specific site : majestyusa.com
scooterdog
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Post by ddillon on Nov 8, 2006 22:33:06 GMT -5
Scooterdog,
I am sure you already know this but the Majesty and SS300 are not even in the same class. Have you seen a Majesty in person? It is a gorgeous scoot. The fit n' finish is top notch. Also you are getting an extra 100cc's (well actually like 95 or something) and the Majesty is fuel-injected. I would take a used Majesty with low miles and in excellent condition over a new SS300 any day. Just my $.02.
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Post by smeagol on Nov 9, 2006 13:53:26 GMT -5
My first scoot back in March of this year was a Lin-Hai 260 from the importer here in Houston, this was the first big scoot I had ever driven. When I first bought it I thought it was the best thing on two wheels. After ignition problems leaving me stranded by the side of the road and left brake lever leaking I unloaded it with 1700 miles for about half of what I paid for it ($1450).
Replaced the Lin-Hai with a 2006 Burgman-400 S , I now have over 5500 miles in 5 months. Spend the extra bucks and go Japanese, the fuel injection and fit/ finish are hands down worth the money, even used.
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Post by scooterdog on Nov 9, 2006 23:22:31 GMT -5
Well, as usual, the dawgs have given me (and us) something to ponder. Will see how the sale of the Tank goes and what bills pop up between now & then. Given a four - year ownership time frame, (which would be long given my propensity to trade), a 4800.00 used better quality scoot would cost me 100.00 per month to own. If it still had 50% value at that point (which with good service and low miles it most likely would have), my "cost-to-own" would be 50.00 per month if I sold it then. (Plus the other usual stuff like fuel, insurance and so on). A new SS300 at 3600.00 for 48 months would be 75.00 per month. If it were worth only 1/3 of new at that point (1200.00) my net cost to own per month would be 50.00. So, I guess that it would be about the same cost per month when all is said and done to own a much nicer, more powerful scooter. If this theory is flawed or sounds bo-gus to the dawgs, feel free to nip at my heels. Meanwhile, I will hope the Tank can find a new home (with a caring owner who can wrench a bit), and I will keep my eyes peeled for a low-mile reasonable priced Majesty. ( Saw one in Georgia for sale with only 200 miles on it . The 76 year old gentleman owner must have felt it was too much to handle. It is an '06 and my color ! Just not quite ready to spring for one yet. Asking 4.7K so about a grand off of new price).
scooterdog
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Post by Admin on Nov 9, 2006 23:27:34 GMT -5
Dang, I was hoping you would go for the Strada and write up a report.  |
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Post by strangerdejavu on Nov 9, 2006 23:36:38 GMT -5
Dawg- I would HAPPILY write up a killer report for you if you want to use your sources and scootering authori-TAY to get an SS300 shipped my way  Just an idea! |
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Post by Admin on Nov 10, 2006 1:59:20 GMT -5
I think you over-estimate my snap of the fingers. They don't just send this stuff every time I snap my fingers. We aren't that big yet. But, we will be........Yep, we will be.
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