Scooter Review

Bug Super9 50

Is there such a thing as a speed-limited sports scooter? Bug says there is...LA-approved $2999+orc

Words by JEREMY BOWDLER, photography by LOU MARTIN

So how many 50s does it take to make our market?

Plenty. But that also means plenty of choice. The new Bug Super9 is aimed at the sporting end of the 50cc market, and goes head to head
with stuff like the TGB 101R 50, 303RS and 50X, Daelim’s S Five or Bolwell’s Shark 50 (which are in the same ballpark as far as price is
concerned) through to the more expensive Piaggio NRG Pure Jet 50.

Is there much point in a sports scooter when all 50s are limited to the same speed?

Umm. Absolute performance is one thing, how the scooters get there is another. The Super9 S works pretty well, though performance at this level is often more about the weight of the scooter and rider combination than anything else. Where sports scooters shine is in their ability to make use of the performance more often than other 50s. The Super9 S weighs in at 106kg, which, in the class, is not featherlight, but the 12-inch rims and generous 120/70 and 130/70 rubber means you don’t have to back off the throttle when a corner arrives.

What about when I do want to stop?

The front disc works well, again in part thanks to the front rubber dimensions, while the rear drum pulls the scooter up pretty well. All
in all the braking system matches the rest of the scooter.

It looks sharp, and that’s important to me.

It sure does. The combination of sharp edges and curves makes the scooter look fast when it’s standing still and this impression is
reinforced by the paintwork and graphics. Little touches like the red front brake calliper and the silver muffl er add to the effect, as does
the vestigial “jet fighter” grabrail.

Speaking of which, is it a two-seater?

Technically, yes. The pillion gets fold-out footpegs, though you’d want to be pretty friendly given the size of the seat. It’d get a bit
tiring holding onto the grabrail behind, so be prepared for a little bit of cuddling. Best keep the pillion seat for your nearest and dearest...

Features?

Aside from the normal bag hook and underseat full-face helmet storage, there’s a neat handle on the left-hand side to help you get
it onto the centrestand. The sports styling means that there’s no flat space in the footwell for carrying stuff, but you didn’t buy it because
it was a mule.

Value for money?

Not my call. It’s your money. At $2999 the Super9 S is pitched pretty well, but there’s a lot of choice and a fi nal decision might well
come down to which dealer is closer and which colours you like best. Kymco, the company that produces the scooter for Bug has
a reputation for quality and I could fi nd nothing out of order on the Super9. Check one out and take it for a ride, because it certainly
should be on your short list.

As published in TW SCOOTER MAGAZINE - 27/04/2007
Subscribe to Two Wheels Scooter magazine now!