2014 ZNEN ZN150T-18
Summary:
The perfect bridge between a scooter and motorcycle
Faults:
Front master cylinder leaked from plunger, damaging upper front plastic and some paint. Replaced and fixed plastics with fiberglass.
Turn signal flasher failed, probably due to my letting the seat bracket short across the battery terminals during install (not a manufacturing defect).
General Comments:
The larger 16" wheels and oversized CVT components allow this 150cc to bridge the gap between a scooter and motorcycle. Most of my daily commute is on 45mph roads, with traffic running up to 55mph on some stretches. I never have to go WOT to lead the pack, leaving me enough throttle for those times it's needed. I've been able to cruise on the freeway around 65mph, at WOT most of the time, and have taken it as high as 70mph with the wind at my back. I don't take passengers on the freeway, but I have no problems taking someone for a ride around town, still leading the pack if I want to.
The build quality is good for a Chinese scooter, definitely worth the $1400 I paid during a holiday sale. I got the solid blue metallic paint option, and with weekly use of spray ice wax, it's gotten many compliments, and questions about how much and where can one be bought. The engine and CVT are higher than average scooter quality as well, with a Gates Kevlar belt, oversized variator, thicker crankshaft, taller intake manifold, and clean hoses and solid wiring. And with front and rear disc brakes on the 16" wheels, stopping is never a scary situation.
Nothing is perfect, and this scooter's major deficiency is its lack of storage. The front glove box will hold your paperwork, not much else. The battery is stored under the front of the seat, and the oversized air intake system takes up most of the rest of the space under there, leaving room for a storage compartment that can hold a few wrenches and a couple of screw drivers, and nothing else. My purchase did come with a matching rear trunk, can't close it over a full face helmet, but it does hold a couple bags of groceries.
At the time I'm writing this, I've put just over 2100 miles on this scooter, with only one part failure (front master cylinder leak, easy fix), many compliments, and hours of enjoyment. I would recommend the Znen ZN150T-18 to anyone.
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 24th May, 2015
20th Dec 2012, 17:50
Like the review - much appreciated. I will be purchasing same model at the beginning of 2013. What model year was the one described? Where did you purchase for $1299 - most I see are $1599?
Thanks for your help, Jesse.