Scooter Review

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Manhattan 200L Review

At just $2495 + ORC the Manhattan 200L packs a sizeable punch.

Scootersales.com.au

As plenty of Australians battle the effects of the global economic crises, budget scooters (those under $4000) may become the obvious choice for low dollar start up commuting. 

Our Manhattan 200L looked stunning in red as it stood bright, bold and large in stature. The Manhattan L range shares the same platform across all models and with this you also get the same long list of specifications. So features like twin disc brakes, top box and dual adjustable shock absorbers are shared across all models. 

Not a true 200cc the Manhattan comes in at just 175cc but regardless of this a larger capacity scooter means greater flexibility and most  likely an   increased length of ownership. Engine performance on the 200L is a clear cut above the 150L, and a livelier uptake is available throughout the rev range. All the way up to 110 Km/h the 200L shows an extremely clean set of heals and you wont be shying away from any motorways or taking any backroads to avoid faster speeds.

A scooter capable of these speeds needs good brakes and the Manhattan 200L isn't let down in this department either. With bright red painted callipers and discs both front and back the 200L pulls up with ease, the rear brake is in a word strong and could easily pull the scooter to a standstill on its own.

The 16 inch wheels and dual rear adjustable shocks also do there bit in keeping the scooter compliant on the road. Most bumps and potholes are handled easily with only the larger upsetting the line of the 200L.  An upright riding position means just that, you sit very upright with increased visibility. Seat comfort tends to be an individual thing but for me the lower portion of the seat (the seat is two tier for the rider/passenger combination) could be a little longer to allow you to move back a fraction.

Storage options are aplenty and you wont be found begging on how your going to get the groceries home. Flat floor, bag hook, under the seat and top box all combine to give you a fantastic set of options. For small items you can use the flip open lockable glove compartment. 

Full instrumentation is only let down through the leaving out of a clock but everything else is within easy view, there's even a rev counter for those interested at riding within the optimum rev ranges. A DataDot sticker adorns the dash of the scooter reminding you that your pride and joy is being protected by a series of dots individual to your scooter. Manhattan have removed the remote alarm in favour of the DataDot DNA concept and I think this is a greater visual deterrent giving increased piece of mind to the owner.

The level of quality on the Manhattan L range has always been acceptable and for most Chinese scooter brands as relationships build between distributors and manufacturers so does the quality of the product. The 200L is another step forward again.

There is lots to like about the 200L and if you stop to do the features versus price comparison then you will surely be impressed even further. The extra capacity gives you greater flexibility to tackle an even greater array of situations and the Manhattan 200L steps up to the task with ease.

With a recommended retail price of only $2495 + ORC visit   www.manhattanscooters.com.au   to see where you can take one for a test ride.

 

Scootersales.com.au says 

published 20/05/2009