I am looking at a CF Moto Fashion scooter. The good is that it fits me, has the set up I like, the dealer (in business about 4 years) is 10 minutes away, and the price is right. I have heard various things about chinese scooters, mostly bad, but some good things about CF Moto. Anybody have first hand knowledge about them? Thanks. Any advice will be appreciated.
I don't have experience with one, but I hear they aren't all that great. I hear they use all kinds of cheap parts and they are a pretty typical chinese company. The fashion is supposed to be a bit slower than the Helix as well, topping out at 65 MPH or so. But I hear this is due to an extremely restrictive muffler. They might be ok though, I have heard some good things as well but I don't know. Why not just by the real thing? Helixes in great condition that are good to go for another 20+ years can be had on Craigslist for $1500 or so.
but they are not that available nor that cheap on CL in Houston area. Would like to find one since I have a PC 800 now and it will run forever with little attention. I understand that some of the Helix parts can be interchanged with the Fashion so replacement could strenthen it. I do not know if that is a plus or not.
I fully agree with Btcn. I'd buy a good 20 year old Honda before I'd buy a new Chinese anything. -A better made product with a history of reliable service -Superior, well established dealer network -Used/OEM Parts Availability - both now and in the future -Independent Mechanics familiar with Honda products -Repair manuals/books -On line owners forums, Yahoo groups, etc. -Large aftermarket products
If my understanding is correct, some of the CFMoto stuff is reliable but some of it was made for them by shoddy manufacturers. I would rather have a used Honda, Kymco, Suzuki, SYM, or Yamaha before the potential money pit of a bad china-scoot. NOTE: I am not saying all Chinese manufactured scoots are money pits... just that some (many?) of them become money pits. Especially if you are not doing the repair work yourself. This is true of older/vintage scooters and china-scoots in general... if you are not willing to take on wrenching on scooters as a hobby/requirement, buy a newer scooter from a mainline, RELIABLE brand.
they run but the jury out on how good. parts can be got no problem. you lose 50% of value just driving away. the fashion is the helix. not worth buying new
I am not much of a mechanic but it does have a two year warranty and the dealer is close. I plan to use it around town and weekend rides of about 150 miles. I just don't know anyone that has actually owned one and that makes me somewhat hesitant. The price is low enough that losing one half of the value is not a significant loss, but would want to keep it for at least three years.
>>Perfect condition 2007 Honda Helix Scooter! No shifting very easy and fun to ride. 250cc engine performs flawlessly. 75mph and 75mpg beats the high gas prices! Adult owned and dealer maintained. Lots of storage and very dependable. Only 1800miles on this beautiful Honda Scooter.3200.00cash Bob 281-658-7929 by the time you buy wheels and tires, yada yada, it's going to cost just as much as this one. This is a nice bike too, you should call this guy tonight.
oops here http://houston.craigslist.org/mcy/2282575412.html Honda Reflex Sport Motor Scooter for sale. Red, great shape has less than 4,400 miles on it. New battery and oil changed. Just do not have to time to use it. This is a Honda and will last for several more years. 60-70 mpg $3,150 OBO http://houston.craigslist.org/mcy/2313911235.html If you want that other bike what do you care, I mean it's got a nice seat and a stereo, buy it. But it's a white elephant, you'll never get rid of it.
2004 Honda Helix Scooter 250cc Automatic, no shifting. Tags, new inspection. Ready to ride. Has windsheild. Two seater, with comfortable seats. Has luggage rack. Only selling because traffic has been to heavy to ride to work. Comes with helmet. Long wheel base. Clear title. Asking: $2,400 cash. Contact: 832-326-5050.
the Fashion is one of CFMoto's original offerings in this country. a strict helix clone. when i was looking into scooters a year ago i read everything from "love it" to "complete junk." of all CFMoto offerings, it appears to be the one that is most "chinese" when it comes to it being hit or miss. like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get lol. the CFMoto E-Charm and Glory have better reputations, but of course they are not what you are looking for if you get it make sure they PDI it right for you. i believe i saw a price of $2700 in the ad? for that price the scooter should have everything done to it to make it good right out of the box by the dealer. here it is for $500 less, which is a more typical price these days http://www.scootertronics.com/cfmotofashion.html that is "shipped" to your door. and the warranty should be honored at your local dealer, although i am sure they might not make it a priority, being you didn't buy the scooter there. but maybe you can use the lower price to negotiate some, get some goodies thrown in, or some "free" servicing if you agree to pay $2700 from the local dealer? the two year parts and labor warranty is peace of mind, but their is more to a scooter then what the warranty does and doesn't cover. but sure, makes it less of a risk, i would think look here, too http://www.scootersus.com/cfmoto.html $1999 delivered price to "local area." which you are not, but it gives an idea of what the scooters are selling for in the marketplace and last but not least and just off the beaten path for a sec, in Houston someone is selling a SYM HD200 for $2000 obo. idk if it "fits" you as you put it, but with 4000 miles on the clock this scoot is just getting started. i'd offer $1600 for it (a 1000 savings over the Fashion from YOUR dealer) and hang onto the cash saved for maintenance and potential repair. scoot should run for many years. 171cc, but technically sophisticated enough to run with 250's all day long :) http://houston.craigslist.org/mcy/2272543220.html
Yea I am hearing what I thought. It is a hit or miss, and nothing more or less. Your choice, a hit or a hit/miss.
I appreciate all the advice. I was hoping that someone who has first hand experrience could offer some insight. But perhaps no inmate has ever owned one. Having owned a Ural, I am somewhat familiar with less than stellar quality, but found that other owners had information that proved very helpful. It may be a hit or miss, just wish I had more information before I make any decision.
I have followed this one and a bunch more. The problem with some of those sites is that dealers often are always eager to put in a good word. One thing about ADV is you get honest opinions.
I'd never consider buying one, and instead, bought a well cared for 1998 Helix for $1800. However, I feel the CFMoto Fashion/QLink Commuter (they're the same bike; QLink just rebadges them for the US market) do one thing for the Helix owner; they're ensuring that, even if Honda's parts warehouses suddenly disappear, there will still be parts available for desperate Helix owners (seriously, ANY part I need for my Helix, I can still get!) The replacement parts may not be "Honda Quality," but they'll work. And to echo the previous sentiments, the Chinese clones are utterly WORTHLESS on the used market; the local Honda dealer took a QLink Commuter with 3k on the clock in trade and sold it for $1000.00!! It was sitting next to my 1998 Helix (with 12k on it) which was tagged at $2700!
Now, you wanted to know weak spots? Here are some; 1) Mufflers fail much faster than the Honda equivalents; they're also restricted, which can slow the bike down quite a bit. 2) Plastics age MUCH faster; they crack easier, and are more prone to sun damage. I saw one in a used bike shop that was only a year old, and the black plastic parts (handlebar covers, floorboards, etc) looked like a Helix that has spent the past 20 years in a corn field, and felt as brittle. 3) Paint; some owners reported frame rust at the welds, and overall low quality paint on all unseen components. 4) The on-board stereo systems tend to break after a few rides... 5) I've seen at least one report of digital dash failure
I sat on a Qlink Commuter in one of the local scooter shops a year or so ago. I was shocked how chintzy the plastic was even knowing how brittle some of the Chinese plastic scooters are (ie. Baja for sale at Pep Boys). It seemed really brittle, rattled just sitting on it and this was a shop prepped scoot by a dealer who at least tries to do a decent prep job. The local scooter club was parked out front with numerous older Honda and Suzuki maxi scoots and the difference was tangible.