Lance refuses to play second fiddle to other Chinese brands

Fri, Jan 22, 2010

Scooter

(No, but they WILL play first Fiddle! Anyone recall the original SYM Fiddle?)
Lance Powersports in Ontario California is setting out to introduce what they are calling the most stylish scooter in its class; that class being a 125cc in the sub $2000 range. The Cali Classic 125 is a new model for Lance in 2010 and they are pretty excited about it. We’ll be sure to drop by their booth to kick the tires for you in a couple of weeks.
Specs can be found on their website.

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7 Responses to “Lance refuses to play second fiddle to other Chinese brands”

  1. Jeffraham Prestonian Says:

    Ah, but the original Fiddle was a 50cc 2T, and I believe it was actually made in Taiwan, unlike the Fiddle II. I've heard of dealers not re-ordering the Fiddle II after numerous problems, particularly electrical and exhaust issues.
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    Reply

  2. Vaughan Says:

    Really? Google the Baron scooter, or the TNG Milano, or the "Low Boy" scooter. All clones. Hmmmm.
    Hey, why don't they build something like this? http://imagesme.net/tuvie/xo-move-scooter4.jpg

    V

    Reply

  3. ScooterScoop Says:

    Hey JP! Good analysis. This will, I'm sure, have a standard issue, air cooled Ditto Machine GY6. As for the Fiddle II… I'm afraid that machine will turn out to be the first machine in the tarnishment of SYM-TW. It's clear that they are producing more and more models in Mainland China. They will no longer be the brand "that makes those nice scooters from Taiwan".

    Vaughan! Good to hear from ya! You know what though… those others are clones of the Honda Joker (and bad ones at that). The Cali Classic is basically the original Fiddle, which was SYM's clone of the Honda Joker. (Hope I didn't loose anyone on that). Take the TW tooling, move it to China, trim it down so it'll retail for less than $2k. Now, for consumers to let us know if it's actually worth $2k.

    As for that other scooter, I kinda like IKEA looking scoots. It's just that no one has the bawls to put them into production.

    Reply

  4. Eric Says:

    Doesn't look anything like a Fiddle to me. That is another Joker clone, just they've gone w/ the 12" wheels, telescopic fork, and tweaked some of the plastics.

    I've seen/ridden the 12" wheel and telescopic fork in that bike, Tank brought some in a few years ago, I don't think the frame geometry is designed for it.

    I think I've seen that style legsheild with the "TNG Volare/Lance Milan" headset stuck on it, either on AliBaba or ZNEN's chinese page.

    Reply

  5. ScooterScoop Says:

    Yeah… Taking a closer look, the original Fiddle had better lines and accents. You can see it here:
    http://www.firstkick.com/showroom/sym/Fiddle50/Fiddle50.html

    And looking at the TNG "lowboy"
    http://highlandmotorsport.com/TNGpag14.jpg

    You can see how it resembles the Honda Joker
    http://old.autobike.ru/catalogimage/moto_img/1255/0027%20Honda%20Joker50%20006_b.jpg

    And the Aprilia Mojito is in the same family, but I think it looks the best in this category.
    http://www.mcnews.com.au/newbikecatalogue/2004/Aprilia/Mojito/Aprilia_Mojito_RHF_700p.jpg

    Reply

  6. Anonymous Says:

    Thai and Chinese crap copies of the Aprilia Mojito? Why don't these losers hire a 22-year-old design school graduate from… Peru or any other damn place in the world to… gasp… design a new scooter with a… gasp… new design? Rather than say, build another shitty-ass-copy of an Italian scooter?

    Don't forge to buy Chinese toothpaste.
    Your children will love you!

    Reply

  7. Chris Neely Says:

    We have been selling the Lance/SYM Cali Classic since early 2010 and are very pleased with the quality of build, materials used, design style, handling and ride, reliability,and of course price. It has become our top seller this year and out of over 100+ bikes sold, we have had only one warranty issue (faulty fuel gauge).
    The SYM quality is in there – ceramic lined cylinders, all connections tight, thicker plastics, comfortable suspension.
    On the down side, we would like to see it with a 150cc engine (the 125cc is fine for bopping around town and easily gets up to 55+ MPH, but a little more kick would be a kick). Also with the lower seat height, there is less under seat storage and a smaller gas tank (1.2 gal.)- they do now have the large storage box option, and at 100 mpg, more gas may not be a factor for most riders…
    We are pleased with our 100% customer satisfaction. And as Cali Classic riders we are having a blast with our ride!

    Reply

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