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Post by flqu06 on Apr 20, 2014 22:09:32 GMT -5
My T3 2013 was fine
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Post by scootermadness on May 4, 2014 15:46:17 GMT -5
I am the owner of ScooterMadness.com, having purchased the company in November 2013, and knowing nothing about these units prior to that point. Here's what I have learned, which some members have alluded to previously: The TaoTao scooters - and Chinese scooters in general - can be extremely reliable when properly handled. In fact, to my knowledge there is no possibly way to have a more inexpensive, practical, gas or electric powered, street legal mode of transportation. However, you should not *necessarily* expect them to be that way right from the start if you are buying them crated. In most cases you are fine. The vast majority of our customers have no issues whatsoever after assembly. However I estimate that somewhere around 10% of the units do have one issue or another. Normally they are easily diagnosed and resolved, and we'll send the part out. If you are comfortable with tools and Youtube, and/or have ever worked on a car or motorcycle, and/or are otherwise mechanically inclined, the problem is usually easy to diagnose and cheap to fix. We provide our customers with the parts needed after talking with our service department, if proof is provided that it is an initial problem as shipped. The customers who have a real problem with purchasing these online are those that are expecting a dealer-prepped, plug and play mode of transportation without considering even the normal maintenance that might be involved in owning a gas powered vehicle. If they happen to get a unit with a problem, the fact that these units are so expensive to ship becomes a problem for either us or then (especially because our prices are so low, and the margins razor thin). As we say in our FAQ, "if you're the type of person who doesn't feel comfortable using a wrench on your scooter initially and/or from time to time, or you don't have a handy friend or service professional nearby, you may want to purchase a dealer-prepped scooter instead." The drive-train components are very reliable on these units (hence why they have the manufacturer warranty), it's the peripherals (battery, spark plug, lines, hoses, occasionally the carburetor) that may need upgrading or replacement. Luckily those are very cheap, but the question is, can you diagnose the issue and do the replacement, or do you know someone that will, or someone you can pay? Again, if you have some knowledge or are willing to acquire it and maybe even do some cheap upgrades and the regular oil changes, you could have a very reliable mode of transportation for the price of a couple car payments that will last you tens of thousands of miles and get around 100 miles per gallon. If you read the above and are the type who should go dealer-prepped or should not buy Chinese scooters at all, by all means, do what's right for you. If you are going to save the money and buy online, we have the best customer service and support (in fact, if you try to call TaoTao directly, they will generally refer you to us). Happy scooting! |
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Post by 90GTVert on May 5, 2014 8:55:47 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum ScooterMadness.
There's stuff that could/should be attended to on most Chinese scoots, a lot of it is not really critical though. Even if you don't find anything really bad, I think the PDI process is a good learning experience. A good way to get familiar with your new scooter. It's definitely not for everyone though.
My biggest issue with the TaoTao so far is the crankshaft oil seal, behind the variator. I've replaced it so many times and with different seals and it just refuses to seal for long. I'm hearing of this a lot with TaoTaos and Peace Sports lately. Probably numerous Chinese brands.
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Post by scootermadness on May 5, 2014 20:22:00 GMT -5
Interesting, haven't dealt with that one yet. Definitely agree regarding the PDI process.
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Post by Upgrayedd on May 5, 2014 20:34:31 GMT -5
My biggest issue with the TaoTao so far is the crankshaft oil seal, behind the variator. I've replaced it so many times and with different seals and it just refuses to seal for long. I'm hearing of this a lot with TaoTaos and Peace Sports lately. Probably numerous Chinese brands. My taotao, now with 800 miles on it, also leaks (tiny leak, barely any) from the crankshaft oil seal, same place as yours. Mine is only noticeable when cleaning out the cvt case... Ive looked and i dont see it getting on the belt or any parts.. just a tiny bit of oil pool under the variator, mixed with black belt dust. |
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Post by Upgrayedd on May 5, 2014 20:35:47 GMT -5
* I have been very happy with my TaoTao. I did replace all fuel lines, vacuum lines, petcock, filter, spark plug, went over all electrical connections, changed out all fluids, and other stuff, before starting/riding (thorough PDI). Oh ya i ended up putting on new valve stems; I could not get one of the stock ones to stop leaking. Mine's been real reliable. Starts right up, runs good, drives good, good on gas, lots of fun  |
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Post by 90GTVert on May 5, 2014 21:45:09 GMT -5
My seal leak runs to the bottom of the CVT and down till it exits near the lower point in the rear of the CVT cover. Luckily never gets on any drive parts.
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Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on May 8, 2014 13:45:57 GMT -5
mines not a taotao but i had to replace my variator side seal right off. the lip had been rolled over at the factory. got my seal at a scoot shop locally. no name on it. not leaking yet *crosses fingers*
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Post by chaoticfury on Mar 12, 2019 4:07:45 GMT -5
As has been stated many times already, if you get a Chinese scoot you had best be prepared to spend a lot of time and research getting to know your bike. I was a complete newb 2 years ago. Now I'm a straight nerd/expert, compared to before. It can be REWARDING, like when your bike fires right up after your first BBK. It can also make you wanna pour gas on it and set fire. It's generally accepted that the Brand is not much of a factor. Most All Chinese scooters use the same engine, and could have been built at any one of the numerous factories.
So just because BILLYBOB says, my Lucky-HUGEWANG 50 has worked perfectly for 30 years, his cousin/Uncle JIMJACKJOE bought the same bike, and had so many problems he developed alcoholism and drove it off a cliff. Just to see it die.
So, no guarantees. I've had a new Tao give me more shit than a basket case Tao I got for $60. You will learn to be an expert mechanic, or find a new hobby. This forum is an excellent resource, as well as Scootdawg.
90GTvert is the man. He doesn't rush or half ass projects. He records results. He gets comfortable and has the right tools. Watch his videos, and be like him.
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Post by chaoticfury on May 29, 2019 0:59:21 GMT -5
It's like wearing a diamond ring in the nude in a bad part of town. lol Please post photos! (Kidding) |
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