capitano wrote: Fri Jan 24, 2020 12:42 am If anyone is still having doubts about Lexmoto's significance in the UK bike market:-

Yeah well, if you have 110+ like Lexmoto dealers you might well sell a lot. If you only have something like 20 actual active dealers like Kymco, then you won't sell so many!

Just contacted Highway motorcycles Cannock hes advertising them on ebay but no stock .

speedway motorcycles 25 Cannock Road Blackfords Ca...

 New message from: speedwaymotorcycles (1,467)

speedway motorcycles
25 Cannock Road
Blackfords
Cannock
Staffordshire
WS11 5BU
United Kingdom
01543225760

---------------------------------------------------------
Hi,

Thank you for your interest,

They are order only as there is such limited quantity of them.

If you would like to order one feel free to call us on 01543467300.

Kind Regards,

Has been maxi tours wrote: Fri Jan 24, 2020 3:34 pm Just contacted Highway motorcycles Cannock hes advertising them on ebay but no stock .

They are order only as there is such limited quantity of them.

If you would like to order one feel free to call us on 01543467300.

Kind Regards,

And this is one of the 110+ active dealers... like I said, smoke and mirrors.

As was suggested earlier in this thread, buy a second hand Burgman instead. There'll be a lot less guesswork involved.

Jaz wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2020 11:38 am

And this is one of the 110+ active dealers... like I said, smoke and mirrors.

Not necessarily - few dealers keep Maxi-scoots in stock, they almost always need to be specially ordered. By that reckoning, the Tmax would be equally smoke & mirrors!

I've brought a Fiat Doblo instead now lol

MrGrumpy wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2020 12:07 pm Not necessarily - few dealers keep Maxi-scoots in stock, they almost always need to be specially ordered. By that reckoning, the Tmax would be equally smoke & mirrors!

While I have neither the time or the inclination to establish this as fact, I'd be willing to bet that the vast majority of those dealers have never, and never will clap eyes on a Lexmoto-badged product. It's simply to make the so-called dealer network look impressive.

I note the sales figures Ged posted above - there's no doubt they sell a lot of mopeds, which is an ideal market for a Chinese manufacturer as there is little repeat business in any event - most sixteeners these days simply move onto a car on their 17th birthday.

Still, I guess until someone buys one and runs up a significant mileage without serious mechanical disaster befalling it, we'll never know how good they are.

Jaz wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2020 1:34 pm

MrGrumpy wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2020 12:07 pm Not necessarily - few dealers keep Maxi-scoots in stock, they almost always need to be specially ordered. By that reckoning, the Tmax would be equally smoke & mirrors!

While I have neither the time or the inclination to establish this as fact, I'd be willing to bet that the vast majority of those dealers have never, and never will clap eyes on a Lexmoto-badged product. It's simply to make the so-called dealer network look impressive.

Incorrect, I'm afraid, Jaz.

However, I know where you are coming from. Kymco used the very tactic you describe (and may still do) showing a dealer network of what were, in the main, car showrooms, that hardly ever had a scooter cross the threshold.

The Lexmoto dealer network is somewhat different, as you can see if you click on any of the dealers on their list. Each one will list the models they have in stock, and each will hold stock of a decent selection of 50s and 125s, and the means to service and maintain them.

Jaz wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2020 1:34 pm I note the sales figures Ged posted above - there's no doubt they sell a lot of mopeds, which is an ideal market for a Chinese manufacturer as there is little repeat business in any event - most sixteeners these days simply move onto a car on their 17th birthday.

They sell a lot of 50s, and a lot of 125s. If I remember correctly, only Honda actually sold more 125s last year, and Lexmoto's sales were more than Yamaha and Suzuki combined. 50s aren't only sold to 16 year olds these days. There is a viable market for light, small scooters that Lexmoto rightly exploit and indeed dominate.

You don't get those kinds of sales figures through, "smoke and mirrors," more "clicks and mortar," where online interest is backed up by having the bikes at dealers. They are, despite your reservations, mate.

Jaz wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2020 1:34 pm Still, I guess until someone buys one and runs up a significant mileage without serious mechanical disaster befalling it, we'll never know how good they are.

I expect that they already have, in other markets where it is sold under the Wottan brand. Several of the more mainstream Chinese bikes are getting good press for their longevity and ability now. A pair of Sinnis Terrain 125s just did the Mongol Rally recently for example.

The difference between a Chinese scooter becoming worthless crap within 3 years, or a viable long term prospect is down to whether they are valued or not. The dirt cheap prices of old led to an almost throwaway situation for them. ie If you buy a bike for £800, valuing it means deciding that it's worth spending £200 in a year getting it serviced.

Lots of buyers decided not, skipped services and proper maintenance, and the bikes' demise was somewhat hastened.

Al that said, it undoubtedly won't be me buying one and long term testing it. Post illness and surgery my bike requirements are quite specific. Even if the Lexmoto meets most, I have two bikes that meet enough criteria to avoid changing them. Having had my plans thwarted for a couple of years, all I want to do this year is ride the ones I have, not mess around buying and selling.

I love messing around buying and selling, , my riding is about to change, a replacement knee is on the menu this year, seeing the specialist 3rd of march.
We are off to Goa next week and this year I'm hiring a Honda activa 110 or hopefully the new 125 instead of the R/E bullet we usually hire. I'm so hoping we can cope 2 up on the activa, as post op I recon a 125 is all I will be able to manage for a year or so. Then me other knee will probably need doing.
I'll have a look at Lexmoto, as an everyday small scoot, and also maybe the new sh125 for touring.

capitano wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2020 5:56 pm The Lexmoto dealer network is somewhat different, as you can see if you click on any of the dealers on their list. Each one will list the models they have in stock, and each will hold stock of a decent selection of 50s and 125s, and the means to service and maintain them.

The one Pikey quoted didn't, and neither does the one near me (Patriot Bikes in Wakefield). I shall remain to be convinced. LIke you, I won't be testing the product either!

Jaz wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2020 8:47 pm

capitano wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2020 5:56 pm The Lexmoto dealer network is somewhat different, as you can see if you click on any of the dealers on their list. Each one will list the models they have in stock, and each will hold stock of a decent selection of 50s and 125s, and the means to service and maintain them.

The one Pikey quoted didn't, and neither does the one near me (Patriot Bikes in Wakefield). I shall remain to be convinced. LIke you, I won't be testing the product either!

Jaz, where do you get this information from as it is incorrect again?

The dealer that Pikey quoted has 35 different models of 125 in stock, and 6 different models of 50.

Even if they have just one of each in one colour, that is 41 bikes. Hardly smoke and mirrors is it?










Check the source: https://www.lexmoto.co.uk/viewdealer.ph ... ch=cannock

Even the one you quoted, Patriot bikes in Wakefield have 19 different 125 models and 4 different 50s. Still a respectable amount.






Again, check the source: https://www.lexmoto.co.uk/viewdealer.ph ... =wakefield