Scooter Review Bug Jive Economists tell us competition breeds choice, and the 50cc scooter market is proof positive of that. So here's another choice to consider
Words & photography by JEREMY BOWDLER The lightweight scooter market is big news, and why not? With every manufacturer keen to get a competitive scooter into this very competitive market at a competitive price, is it any wonder that buyers of 50cc scooters are in a very, very good position?
The nature of WA, SA and Queensland licencing categories make 50s the most practical proposition for many new to scootering, and Honda's decision to drop the price of the Chinese-built Today 50 to less than $2000 on the shop floor has resulted in a marked price reduction almost across the board to match the Honda, as well as prompting a surge in the number and variety of 50s on offer.
The Bug Jive — not to be confused with the Bolwell Scoota Jive, though we're all waiting to see what happens with naming rights — has a peppy two-stroke engine which propels the scooter to 60km/h in pretty short order, and to maybe 75km/h if roads and traffic allow. Hills and headwinds knock the edge off the Jive's performance, but since that is the case with all 50s, it is in good company.
The scooter steers quickly thanks to the 10-inch wheels, but never to the point of instability, while the ride is pretty good, with only a little chassis flex and the worst of the road shocks being transmitted. Braking is by a tiny single disc up front (it'd look more at home on a mountain bike) yet its power and effect are very good. The back brake's a cable-operated drum that also works well and is quite powerful.
The Jive has, in its favour, a lively powerplant, storage under the seat and in the lockable topbox, as well as a bag hook, sharp styling and all the convenience of most scooters in the day to day commute. It may be built to a price, but that price is right and you've got yourself a bargain.
As published in TW SCOOTER MAGAZINE - 17/11/2004
Subscribe to Two Wheels Scooter magazine now! |