Scooter Review Bug Orion 200 Toss in the punchy engine and light weight and you’ve got a recipe for fun. Bug’s new 200 offers a new choice for commuting consumers.
Words by JEREMY BOWDLER, photography by LOU MARTIN Do we need another middleweight contender?
Well, there are plenty to choose from and many are mere clones, but the new Orion is going to be a big player in the urban market.
Why? Isn't it more of the same?
When you look at the market share it’s aimed at, it’s pretty much the Aprilia SportCity 200 and the Bolwell HD200 in terms of wheel size – a defining characteristic of scooters – and perhaps the Vespa GT200, in terms of body shape (another defi ning characteristic). So it’s really one of three.
And what makes it special?
First up, the price. At $4999 compared with the $6750 Aprilia, it’s a bargain. The Bolwell at $5750 is closer, but the Vespa costs a whopping $7790.
Sure, but price isnt everything.
No, and people who buy into the Vespa thing will pay for it, and the Aprilia is a serious piece of kit, too. But there are riders who want punch, performance and practicality, but at a price. And the Bug delivers.
Yeh, but it's a misnomer,isnt it? 163cc aint the full 200
No, but the Bug scores with light weight. Seat of the pants? Quicker than the Vespa. Of course the Vespa has the integrity of a metal skin chassis and some of the Orion’s plastics are a bit on the fl imsy side, but all in all, it’s a lot of scooter for the money.
But can I ride it all day?
I can’t see why not. The riding position is pretty good, with reasonable room and a comfortable seat. The short screen works surprisingly well in keeping the wind off your chest, but if you’re tall, you may experience a bit of buffeting around the helmet.
The dash is comprehensive, including a clock and fuel gauge, but has an idiosyncracy: you have to let it go through a self-diagnostic process before you press go. Turn the key on and the needles will sweep through their arc before returning to rest. Only then can you fire the scooter up, otherwise the speedo can play up. Nothing to worry about once you remember. Pillion passengers score useful fold-out footrests and the rear rack doubles as a grab-rail.
What about around town?
The big wheels – 16-inch front and rear – offer stability and handling that’s very surprising. Toss in the punchy engine and light weight and you’ve got a recipe for fun. The suspension works well and that means you can explore the freedom that big wheels and tyres offer. Plus there’s room for a full-face under the seat, an accessory power socket, a lockable glovebox (operated by the ignition switch, as is the seat release) and a bag hook. Make use of it, though, and the glovebox is prevented from opening until you unhook your bag.
There’s also a reasonably flat footwell for carrying that slab home on Friday night and a rear rack which adds to the carrying capacity.
Good thing then?
Yeah. Good thing, especially at the price. Should be more of it.
As published in TW SCOOTER MAGAZINE - 30/05/2007
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