Modern Buddy

I was doing some searching tonight, and stumbled upon the Puma Cycles 2012 Scooter line-up to be released this spring, and found this. Interesting to say the least.

JohnnyScoots | 2012 Puma Valentine

What are your thoughts? I'm curious as to how it will sell.

purty

Thoughts? Another plastic China-scoot with a no-name distributor. Pass.

I know that the Puma scoots that my local shop brings in are actually packed pretty well, and that their walk-up quality (paint, alignment and materials) are actually pretty good (i.e. much better than Stella, for example). I'll have to ask how many of them have been sold and have been back to the shop with problems the next time I visit the dealership. Looks aren't everything, but can be an indicator that they at least care what goes in the box...

That said, I'm not feeling this one at all, but I'll wait to pass judgement when/if I see it and when I talk to the Puma guys this week at Dealer Expo.

Rippinyarn wrote:That said, I'm not feeling this one at all, but I'll wait to pass judgement when/if I see it and when I talk to the Puma guys this week at Dealer Expo.

If you get some good info, let us know some more about it!

I like the music: you gotta be cool....hahaha

I think it's kind of silly looking. Vintage scoots and the Stella are just plain more appealing than this bad bear.

Very little on this online. As in, almost nothing other than the photos you have!

There doesn't appear to be a Puma Scooters US website (never a good sign). Their dealer network seems to be the lower end of the market.

None of this says anything about the Valentine or its quality, but as far as I'm concerned, they're red flags when it comes to the company and the level of support they might offer.

How will it sell? Not any better than the La Vita, in my opinion.

Wow Eric your google-fu is weak

http://scootersplusct.com/puma_scooters

http://www.pumacycles.com/Gas-Scooters/

There isn't a large assortment like you would find with the plastic trash scoots so they seem to be an up-n-coming dealer. Of course that's just an opinion, and the quality of the product is still in question.
As for the looks, eh, I'll stick with my RH50.

ericalm wrote:Very little on this online. As in, almost nothing other than the photos you have!

There doesn't appear to be a Puma Scooters US website (never a good sign). Their dealer network seems to be the lower end of the market.

None of this says anything about the Valentine or its quality, but as far as I'm concerned, they're red flags when it comes to the company and the level of support they might offer.

How will it sell? Not any better than the La Vita, in my opinion.

The website is for Znen scooters. There is a large dealership that stocks these Puma scooters in Charlotte.(Carolina Fun Machines) The dealer is supposed to be a good one.(They also stock Sym scoots! Yeah!)

Raiderfn311 wrote:There is a large dealership that stocks these Puma scooters in Charlotte.(Carolina Fun Machines) The dealer is supposed to be a good one.(They also stock Sym scoots! Yeah!)

From what I've seen, they are seemingly the only dealer that is getting ready to carry the Valentine. They seem like decent people, though.

I'm interested to see what it does with a little bit more publicity. It is definitely lacking popularity at the moment.

like all chinese gy6 based scooters, engine parts are plentiful for the most part. try getting body panels that will match or are even available in 5 years or so.

That thing has as much vintage appeal as a suppository

agrogod wrote:Wow Eric your google-fu is weak

http://scootersplusct.com/puma_scooters

http://www.pumacycles.com/Gas-Scooters/

Neither of which shows the Valentine! Odd, huh?

Eric, if you havent yet, check out "Carolina fun Machines" website.(in N.C.) They have links to the manufacturers where the Valentino can be found.

Raiderfn311 wrote:Eric, if you havent yet, check out "Carolina fun Machines" website.(in N.C.) They have links to the manufacturers where the Valentino can be found.

I saw that, too.

It all seems a bit haphazard.

Granted, the web sites and presences of scooter dealers and many manufacturers are pretty lacking.

Yes the sight needs tweeking.

agrogod wrote:Wow Eric your google-fu is weak

My googler is always finding odd things... but some are worth sharing.

Lotrat wrote:

agrogod wrote:Wow Eric your google-fu is weak

My googler is always finding odd things... but some are worth sharing.

I like it but I do think an 800lb gorilla is way too big for that tiny scooter.

Just because my favorite color is purple, and my favorite animal is the giraffe.



There's a series of these ads from Yamaha. They're great.

I don't care so much for the animals, but I want that scoot!

AWinn6889 wrote:There's a series of these ads from Yamaha. They're great.

It's student work. The scooters in the images aren't Yamahas; they're based on Vespa GTSs.

ericalm wrote:

AWinn6889 wrote:There's a series of these ads from Yamaha. They're great.

It's student work. The scooters in the images aren't Yamahas; they're based on Vespa GTSs.

Whaddya mean? Wheels so big the front won't turn left or right and the headlight pointing to the side? That's not student work, that's a Picasso!

Znen is huge, and they make a lot of bikes for a lot of different companies. Flyscooters were mostly Znens, for instance. They're one of those manufacturers that COULD be OK if the importer/buyer can get decent quality control on the ground and spends the extra money for the best components, but I wouldn't hold out any hope at all that these will be anything to get excited about.

ericalm wrote:

AWinn6889 wrote:There's a series of these ads from Yamaha. They're great.

It's student work. The scooters in the images aren't Yamahas; they're based on Vespa GTSs.

I meant "they're great" as in, they're funny, and successfully get the point across to the viewer.
It's obvious that it's a bad photoshop job of a modern Vespa by a student (or just someone not very well versed in design), and I know full well that Yamaha doesn't actually produce those scooters, because if they had, I would have checked them out before I looked at the Buddy. However the AD itself is produced by Yamaha, that's why I said "there's a series of these ads FROM Yamaha."
I have a degree in graphic design and another one in marketing, so I know crappy design work when I see it, and I know what makes good marketing work, realistic "designs" rarely end up in the finished project especially when it comes to "sports" vehicles. Also, I know enough about motorcycles and scooters to know that that scooter mash-up pictured would barely be able to move in real life. Duh.

Just because I'm young, and I'm fairly new here, doesn't mean I don't know wtf I'm talking about.

AWinn6889 wrote:
Just because I'm young, and I'm fairly new here, doesn't mean I don't know wtf I'm talking about.

I think you read too much into that comment. I am certain no slight towards you was intended. On the other hand, I'm not so young, and not quite so new here (yup, 2 more days than you!), but I still don't know wtf I'm talking about

sooo wait... That's not a real gorilla? Isn't that consumer fraud? I thought that if the scoot could support an 800 pound gorilla, surely it would support my weight. An adult giraffe weights 2000 pounds, so yeah. Nice scam. I'm sticking with my Genuine scooter. No scam needed to get my money.

AWinn6889 wrote:

ericalm wrote:

AWinn6889 wrote:There's a series of these ads from Yamaha. They're great.

It's student work. The scooters in the images aren't Yamahas; they're based on Vespa GTSs.

I meant "they're great" as in, they're funny, and successfully get the point across to the viewer.
It's obvious that it's a bad photoshop job of a modern Vespa by a student (or just someone not very well versed in design), and I know full well that Yamaha doesn't actually produce those scooters, because if they had, I would have checked them out before I looked at the Buddy. However the AD itself is produced by Yamaha, that's why I said "there's a series of these ads FROM Yamaha."
I have a degree in graphic design and another one in marketing, so I know crappy design work when I see it, and I know what makes good marketing work, realistic "designs" rarely end up in the finished project especially when it comes to "sports" vehicles. Also, I know enough about motorcycles and scooters to know that that scooter mash-up pictured would barely be able to move in real life. Duh.

Just because I'm young, and I'm fairly new here, doesn't mean I don't know wtf I'm talking about.

Im thinking you dont know WTF youre talking about. Seriously, maybe a nice stiff drink is in order? When you let things get to you, THEY have won. Thats all Im saying.

illnoise wrote:Znen is huge, and they make a lot of bikes for a lot of different companies. Flyscooters were mostly Znens, for instance. They're one of those manufacturers that COULD be OK if the importer/buyer can get decent quality control on the ground and spends the extra money for the best components, but I wouldn't hold out any hope at all that these will be anything to get excited about.

I actually spoke with Jason at Bintelli yesterday. They're another distributor for Znen. Had a good conversation with him and he made mention that they were including every upgrade available on their scooters. Could be an interesting company to watch as they seem to understand what buyers want. I personally own a Taotao and a Jonway and have been watching Znen scooters for a while. Never really have felt the need to jump on one yet but the Havoc that they have available is pretty cool looking.

JohnnyScoots wrote:I was doing some searching tonight, and stumbled upon the Puma Cycles 2012 Scooter line-up to be released this spring, and found this. Interesting to say the least.

JohnnyScoots | 2012 Puma Valentine

What are your thoughts? I'm curious as to how it will sell.

anyone else not seeing the photos at all? i'm just getting a bunch of broken images.

also, please consider setting the music player to autoplay:off

un_designer wrote:
anyone else not seeing the photos at all? i'm just getting a bunch of broken images.

also, please consider setting the music player to autoplay:off

Same here in both Chrome and IE.

I'm thinkin' that the taillight has 13 kinds of ugly it ain't even used yet.

In case you don't speak Spanish, here's a rough translation of the ad...

"Some people make the road a jungle

That's why it's better to buy a YAMAHA scooter and receive a free driving course(or lesson?)"

That's sounds like a great idea!

uffdlguy wrote:

illnoise wrote:Znen is huge, and they make a lot of bikes for a lot of different companies. Flyscooters were mostly Znens, for instance. They're one of those manufacturers that COULD be OK if the importer/buyer can get decent quality control on the ground and spends the extra money for the best components, but I wouldn't hold out any hope at all that these will be anything to get excited about.

I actually spoke with Jason at Bintelli yesterday. They're another distributor for Znen. Had a good conversation with him and he made mention that they were including every upgrade available on their scooters. Could be an interesting company to watch as they seem to understand what buyers want. I personally own a Taotao and a Jonway and have been watching Znen scooters for a while. Never really have felt the need to jump on one yet but the Havoc that they have available is pretty cool looking.

we just acquired a dealer agreement with Bintelli....a budget line of scooters is necessary to compliment our other products. due to the dismal economy not everyone can invest $2,500+ for a scooter at this time.

Just the words Chinese Scooters and ZNEN give me a headache enough said!

hehe..i hear ya. tryn to keep customers away from tao tao's and the peace sports crapola

Unknown if Bintelli will succeed, could be just another Flyscooters, but at least they have some "roots". Forum postings . . Justin . . Jason.

Valley Scooters is also among the "long term" China scooter sellers . . forum postings.

Hey everyone,

Just saw some clicks coming to our site from this thread so I figured I'd come over and say hello. If anyone ever has any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Just a little history from my side: I was the first person in the country to import a gas powered scooter from China (back in the year 2000). Back then, we started with the stand up variety and slowly moved to the street legal models. Over the last few years, we had backed off from the scooter importing and tried to just deal with other brands already out there... but we quickly saw that there was a need for not only a quality product, but also a quality distributor for the $999-$1500 price range. We equip our models with tons of upgrades such as Motobatt batteries, NGK spark plugs, Gates belts, Deni carburetors, Duro tires, stainless steel hardware, halogen lights, full assembly in cardboard packaging (no steel), a two year limited warranty, and more.

We've had a great response from our dealer network and their end users. It's going to be a fun ride and we look forward to talking to you all more in the future!

If I was looking for a budget scooter, these are what I would consider.

Kymco Agility 125 - $1800
Lance Cali Classic 125 (SYM) - $1995
Lance Havana 125 (SYM) - $1995

No doubts about quality and durability, and only a few hundred more than a so called
"premium" Znen model. Even at twice the price, you will get more for your dollar because they will last longer, need fewer repairs, and have more resale value.

You will be able to ride them harder and farther than a Znen or any other Chinese scooter. You will have much less down time for repairs. You will have peace of mind when it comes to worrying about getting stranded.

This being said, if you know how to work on a scooter and have the patience to do so more often than you might expect, you can save some money up front buying a Chinese scooter. But in the long run I don't think you will save much money, and it will cost you a lot more time

hardd1 wrote:hehe..i hear ya. tryn to keep customers away from tao tao's and the peace sports crapola

hardd1, it doesn't inspire confidence when you changed your sig from 'friends don't let friends ride Chinese junk', or something to that effect.

PeteH wrote:

hardd1 wrote:hehe..i hear ya. tryn to keep customers away from tao tao's and the peace sports crapola

hardd1, it doesn't inspire confidence when you changed your sig from 'friends don't let friends ride Chinese junk', or something to that effect.

an ethnic slur is not a kind expression...

Sorry if I misquoted: I was working from memory. And unfortunately you inferred it as an ethnic slur. Perhaps you'll clarify the vendor-of-origin of the junk to which you were referring.

gitsum79 wrote:If I was looking for a budget scooter, these are what I would consider.

Kymco Agility 125 - $1800
Lance Cali Classic 125 (SYM) - $1995
Lance Havana 125 (SYM) - $1995

No doubts about quality and durability, and only a few hundred more than a so called
"premium" Znen model. Even at twice the price, you will get more for your dollar because they will last longer, need fewer repairs, and have more resale value.

You will be able to ride them harder and farther than a Znen or any other Chinese scooter. You will have much less down time for repairs. You will have peace of mind when it comes to worrying about getting stranded.

This being said, if you know how to work on a scooter and have the patience to do so more often than you might expect, you can save some money up front buying a Chinese scooter. But in the long run I don't think you will save much money, and it will cost you a lot more time

yep, we do sell Lance Cali Classics and Havana 125cc....we also need an affordable 50cc for folks on a budget...tough economic conditions here

Looks like the front turn signals may actually be spaced far enough apart that supplemental handlebar drop-down (knee jabber) turn signals are not required to meet DOT requirements. The floorboard "hump" would hinder transporting gallon jugs.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bRgi9EA3uZc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

video indicates a very happy owner...should be able to utilize one of the racks for that jug-o-milk or a dozen brews

Also offered as the BMS Chelsea 150cc.

Arrogant muffler shield eh?

CHINGLISH strikes its ugly head.

UK, UK,

Rob

saw an ad from a dealer asking $2500

Wow!.. $2500.00....Most Valentines are advertised for $1599.00......

http://sanjose.bigcity.com/BoatsForSale ... 0/10963685

Went for a ride today......aimed North and ended up a bit past Racine Wisconson on Wisconson 31......to the Chicago crowd that would be Sheridan Rd.
Anyhow, on my return back through Racine there was a Genuine dealer with his wares parked out front of the dealership.
I stopped by to nose around a bit and found he was also selling the Puma Valentine.
He had two out front, a white and a red.

Although not my cup of tea (I am a shifty sort) they were good looking and after fiddling with the switchgear and a rather through look over, the initial impression is good.
The tailamp styling is a bit.....uh...much and the Made in China sticker over the top of the lamp has to go but for the most part this machine 'looks' like someone who gives a hoot was involved in the component sourcing.

That being said, even if it has resolved all the negatives the Chinese have bestowed upon the machines that preceeded it, it will have a loooong uphill battle.

Plastic looks good.....molds were well finished and, speaking of finish, that was up to the standards we expect as well.

So, the last hurdles will be longetivity, mechanical and material, and parts/dealer support.
The part situation has always been a disaster for the Chinese......they are the ultimate 'Throw it Out and Start over' society IMO.

My observations and thoughts,

Rob