Hi from Florida -- 50cc, upgrading to 150cc

knappster · 08-21-2024, 02:07 PM

Hey, everyone, new to the site ...

I currently own a (bought used, cheap) 50cc Znen scooter that I've been very happy with for the price. It's branded as an Italica, but my impression is that company imports various Chinese models, slaps its name on them, and sells them to the large American market through local scooter dealerships.

I need a bigger bike -- I'm surprised the 50cc's engine hasn't blown up, as there's no way to avoid several miles on a 60mph "country highway" to get anywhere from my house out in the sticks.

At the moment, I'm awaiting the arrival of another Italica-branded scooter, brand new, the Bulldog 150, which seems to be a clone of the Honda Navi "scootercycle" -- CVT transmission, but "mini-moto" motorcycle type body.

I settled on that due to price, after looking at "real motorcycles" that were cheap but old, and at the Navi, which is theoretically about the same price but which Honda dealerships tack a bunch of fees onto. A clearance (new) 2023 Navi was advertised as $1,396, but it was gone when I got to the dealership and I was told another one, same listed price, could be found ... for about "$3,000 out the door." The Bulldog came to less than $2,200 "out the door" (price plus taxes, title, and tags).

Even beyond price, I'm happy with my decision. The engine is larger and there's a much larger after-market for performance upgrades (exhausts, clutches, variators, carbs, etc.). It will never be a "long freeway trip" bike, but I suspect it can be made to comfortably cruise at 55-60, and I'm sure I'll be seeking advice here at ChinaRiders on how to go about getting there.

Side note: If anyone knows what other brand names the "Italica Bulldog 150" is sold under, please let me know. Under that make/model, search results are few and far between.

08-21-2024, 02:07 PM	#1
knappster Join Date: Aug 2024 Location: Gainesville, Florida, USA Posts: 12	Hi from Florida -- 50cc, upgrading to 150cc Hey, everyone, new to the site ... I currently own a (bought used, cheap) 50cc Znen scooter that I've been very happy with for the price. It's branded as an Italica, but my impression is that company imports various Chinese models, slaps its name on them, and sells them to the large American market through local scooter dealerships. I need a bigger bike -- I'm surprised the 50cc's engine hasn't blown up, as there's no way to avoid several miles on a 60mph "country highway" to get anywhere from my house out in the sticks. At the moment, I'm awaiting the arrival of another Italica-branded scooter, brand new, the Bulldog 150, which seems to be a clone of the Honda Navi "scootercycle" -- CVT transmission, but "mini-moto" motorcycle type body. I settled on that due to price, after looking at "real motorcycles" that were cheap but old, and at the Navi, which is theoretically about the same price but which Honda dealerships tack a bunch of fees onto. A clearance (new) 2023 Navi was advertised as $1,396, but it was gone when I got to the dealership and I was told another one, same listed price, could be found ... for about "$3,000 out the door." The Bulldog came to less than $2,200 "out the door" (price plus taxes, title, and tags). Even beyond price, I'm happy with my decision. The engine is larger and there's a much larger after-market for performance upgrades (exhausts, clutches, variators, carbs, etc.). It will never be a "long freeway trip" bike, but I suspect it can be made to comfortably cruise at 55-60, and I'm sure I'll be seeking advice here at ChinaRiders on how to go about getting there. Side note: If anyone knows what other brand names the "Italica Bulldog 150" is sold under, please let me know. Under that make/model, search results are few and far between.
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