Scooter Review TGB 303RS 50 TGB's 303RS is a premium scooter at a discount price. $2790+orc
Words by JEREMY BOWDLER, photography by LOU MARTIN How many 50s are there on the market?
More than you can count. It’s a huge growth area thanks to petrol prices and the liberal licensing policies of some forward-thinking states. And prices range from less than two grand to just less than five. Yes, there is variety…
So why should I choose this one?It’s not the cheapest.
No, it’s not. The 303RS is mid-priced as far as 50s go, but with the increase in cost comes an increase in the quality of
manufacture and reliability.
But all I want is a cheap runaround.
There are cheaper 50s on the market – and they’re fine.Especially if you have short distances and don’t necessarily ride
every day. For day-in, day-out use, something a little more robust comes in handy, especially if you’re on the larger side.
Are you saying I’m fat?
No, but I’m 195cm and 90kg and some of the smaller (and cheaper) scooters struggle under my weight and certainly I
struggle to fit. I’ve got used to riding with my legs spread, but it feels a little too much like advertising, so I’ve started the legs together downhill skiing posture to swing my knees out of the way. I had no such problems with the TGB. It’s built bigger for riders like me.
So it’s not so squeezy. What about go?
Well, like all 50s imported under moped registration, it is speedlimited by law to 50kmh. The bigger dimensions make it a little heavier than normal, but even with my weight on board it was fine in urban traffi c. I’d steer clear of freeways, though. The size and weight also make the suspension work better than on a real featherweight scooter, so it tracked straight and true over speed-humps and potholes. Especially with the 12-inch alloys and 130/60 section sporty rubber. The front disc and rear drum braking set-up are fine, and give confidence-inspiring braking – a good thing in the cut and thrust of peak-hour.
TGB claims it’s a “premium”scooter on the website. Is it?
It all depends what you place a premium on. I was impressed by the build quality and the feeling of solidity,
with no shonky panels or squeaks and rattles. The aluminium footboard in-fill panels, though neat and good looking with
their drilled surface, looked like they had been cut out by hand but, apart from that, I reckon your money would be
well spent. <www.tgbscooters.com.au>
As published in TW SCOOTER MAGAZINE - 29/01/2007
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