(PT.7) I rode 1000 MILES on the most HATED scooter on the internet. Here is my review.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 พ.ค. 2024
- 00:00 - Intro
01:20 - What is the purpose of this 50cc scooter?
03:50 - Powertrain (engine and transmission) review
07:06 - Chassis (suspension, frame and brakes) review
11:00 - Rider comfort
13:17 - Features and Usability
15:29 - Style (aesthetics)
16:53 - What's it like to own and "live with a tao tao"
In my experience working as a technician in independent motorcycle shops I worked on everything from CVO Harley Davidsons to Honda CT90s. But there was one bike that always stood out with exceptionally poor quality. The Tao Tao 50cc GY6 (139QMB) scooter. And now I'm going to put this scooter to the test and find out if they really are little money pits, or if the issues with the bike are a result of the people who buy these kinds of scooters.
So I purchased a Tao Tao "Pony" ATM 50 and my plan is to make it my main means of transportation for 6 months. Yes from June 1st to January 1st this little scooter is going to be my daily driver. I'll be logging all of the miles, issues and expenses of keeping this scooter running in a log. Doing this will allow me to present a true cost of ownership at the end of this experiment.
The Tao Tao Pony 50 is based on the generic GY6 139QMB platform. They were sold under many different "Brand" names like Wolf, Bintelli, Fly, Rocketa, MotoBravo, Italica, and Dongfang just to name a few. You may be riding one and not even know it!
I know 1000 miles is far from a "long term" review but consider how long it takes to travel that distance when your top speed is around 34 MPH. Considering the quality control issues I've already had with this scooter in the first 1000 miles I definitely would not recommend it to someone who wants to rely on in for daily transportation. If you don't have a lot of mechanical experience or a decent set of tools this scooter can leave you on the hook for some pretty costly repairs.
However I cant say that its all bad. I have been enjoying the fuel economy of this scooter and it does a pretty nice job of carrying all my stuff to work and back. I just wish it didn't look so bad doing it.
Here is my review of the Tao Tao ATM 50 (Pony 50)
Powertrain: ☆☆☆
Chassis: ☆
Rider Comfort: ☆
Features and Usability: ☆☆☆☆
Style: (no stars)
While this scooter is "good value" for the money at the 1000 mile mark I feel that name brand scooters will catch up in the "cost-per-mile" category as this experiment goes on.
The parts I've used in this experiment are so far are:
Bel-Ray 10w40: amzn.to/3d623vR
Bel-Ray 80/90 Hypoid gear oil: amzn.to/2N3yFft
NGK CR7HSA spark plug: scooter911.com/shop/ngk-cr7hs...
Brake line: www.scooterworks.com/Blue-Lin...
I haven't had to replace my drive belt YET but when I do I'll be replacing it with this: amzn.to/3hC3rt2
Here is the carburetor jet kit I've ordered for my scooter: amzn.to/32UtBTu
I set the idle using this Digi Synch Manometer/Synchronizer: amzn.to/37B81nl
Follow my experiment in real time! Here is a link to my Tao Tao log/Health Report!
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
If you want to keep up with this project between videos be sure to follow me on social media!
Instagram: / garretseesingofficial
Twitter: @SeesingGarret
Facebook: garretseesingofficial
#TaoTao #Gy6 #Scooter - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
I wish you luck If you keep "Living with A Tao Tao ". But I would certainly understand If you stopped now before it turns into "Dying with A Tao Tao".
I owned a chinese scooter..its litterally a piece of shit.
@@communist-hippie not all are I own a 50cc scooter from the UK its called a lexmoto echo I brought it new for £1250 UK pounds. I've had it for almost a year now and it hasn't let me down once
@@johnnysins8717 Yes, it is a UK scooter. He clearly stated Chinese scooter. Give me UK, Italian, or Japanese any day.
@@robertbolin1763 ...are you for real ? the UK Lexmoto brand is made in China, but it is one of the best made there. China has good stuff , but most importers -all the online ones - are not buying any but the cheap ones.
@@robertbolin1763I've heard Taiwanese scooters like the SYM LancerCabo are supposed to be way better quality.
I really enjoy this series, but I understand your concerns. If it becomes too stressful, I'd love to see a series that documents what it takes to upgrade this into a scooter you're happy with, and how it compares to just buying a good scooter in the first place.
Thanks for the idea!
This is a great idea, especially because this is the process typically undertaken by most scooter owners.
Excellent idea!
Episode 1. Make it usable - we know already abaut bearings and brake lines that wants to kill you. Restrictors also wants to kill you by poor performance :P
Episode 2. Make it comfortable, suspension is terrible, hand grips awful, same as the seat.
Episode 3. Performance mods within the moped limits, especially how to change flintstone style start to wheelieeee!...(clutch spring and weights).
Episode 4, unleash the beast, that will still pass basic road legalisation (I doubt that they have a dyno), unless police will catch you speeding uphill ;P (carburetor and rev your engine!).
Episode 5, make it the road illegal beast, but still usable, for daily commute, so 80 ccm cylinder, exhaust cone air filter etc. So you will loose the road legalisation, by only the look of the moped.
Episode 6. Take it to a drag strip :P
Ill be adding a clutch and trans kit to mine in a week or so i just got it off rolling wrench and thats a great site for upgrades on this taotao it also has install step by step video on the site for the product under the purchase sections that are great for people of any skill level to repair or replace parts
Hey, don't keep going with the experiment for we YT watchers. If you don't feel safe, call it quits. My last two wheeler was a Yamaha Majesty which had 40 hp and could go 80-85 mph. Even with that power , I felt at times like car drivers were trying to run me off the road. I enjoyed two wheeling more on the secondary roads through the country. I am sure, I just couldn't hack it on a 50cc Tao Tao. You're a braver man than I am !!! P.S. Let's hear some more piano!
i used to push a 1.0 hp, tomos revival, two-speed. top speed 28mph . i got passed by a group of bicycles more than once . i push a taotao powermax vip 150 on that old 50cc plate now for 6 years. did first engine oil change after 25,000 miles, still using factory gear oil, brakes, . i did put a maxxis 6024 on back for offroading Fun but blew a front fork seal . only two problems, muffler mounts and side plastics . $650 NIB, the ATM-A1 in the above video was $499 NIB not $750, he prolly paid $250 for delivery , i spent less than $25 in gas . i would recommend the taotao powermax vip 150cc
I like to ride too. My wife and I also own a smart car which is amazing on fuel and the parking. I look for the ass that tried to take 2 spots and squeeze right in. HOWEVER, you get no respect on the road. 😂😂😂
I am an auto master tech. As an experiment I went all the way modifying a Chinese 50cc scoot. End result a rattling death machine that will hit 50mph in about a half mile. That's big bore kit to 92cc, big valve head, high lift cam, complete rework of transmission. Fun around town but not really worth the effort. Cost was about the initial cost of scoot. I ended up sinking about 1400 and that included a brand new scoot. Did the same thing with a 150cc scoot and it would beat most cars to 50 mph topped out around 65 and would ride a wheely.lol fun and extremely dangerous. I put 3000 miles on the 150 and had to rebuild the motor at 1500 miles. It burnt a valve from an exhaust leak I just enjoyed the backfires so much I didn't care.lol
Ik this is 3 years late, but what an incredible video. I started watching randomly and next thing i know, i sat thru the entire video without even realizing. Your way of reviewing stuff and giving the date is so incredible, props to you👌🏼
Thanks for taking the time to do this experiment and for making the video. Stay safe! Greetings from UK
I think you knew most of this, before you began- it's a minimum scooter, intended for people with minimum budget. And intended, as well, for a very different market than this one. If you're a chinese noodle deliveryman, it's probably near perfect, for a large American with a significant commute and time constraint, not so much. That said, you've done some useful work, here, putting it through it's paces. I look forward to seeing it rendered useful and reliable, and seeing how much it costs and how long it takes to do so.
I'm jealous. You're lucky you've got those mechanic skills. And I'm glad to see the gold. Now I know my choice ordering white, was the right one. I watched your video because I'm reluctantly purchasing a Tao Tao soon to replace my Coleman scooter, which ran beautifully for three years until someone stole it. It was recovered by police, but unfortunately it was full of graffiti and trashed. I'll fix it someday. In the mean time, I'm awaiting my Tao Tao.....Keep up the videos-maybe if not the Tao Tao, on other scooters. They're helpful.
did you get your scooter?
Wait-Coleman camping gear makes a scooter?! 😆
Garret, your videos are are Very informative and I see you have given lots of attention to the filming and editing of your videos. I started your series Living with a Tao Tao and now have watched most of you videos. (Great Job!!!) Your talents are helping lots of us on TH-cam. I have been thinking about getting a larger scooter for a while. We do have a Yamaha 650 V-Star and a Harley Super Glide, but scooters just look fun!!! Please be safe.
I'll give you some advice for riding a 49cc scooter in heavier traffic. Put something on it to let cars know you're in the way. I think a lot of drivers are confused because they aren't familiar with scooters and don't know what to make of them. They might not know it has a top speed of 30-35mph and might just think you are driving slow on your own. I put an orange safety flag on mine that sticks back at an angle and even though some people might think it looks stupid (I happen to like it):it makes a world of difference to how cars react to me. Drivers seem a lot more willing to accept me as an obstacle without getting angry. Might be worth a try.
I always say tao-taos are worth buying.... BUT i always forget not everyone has the skills to fully rebuild the motor which is not hard at all TH-cam has step bye step vids on how to do everything even parts list. When you add it all up buying a brand new tao-tao and rebuilding as you go your only spending around $1,500-$2,000 for a scooter that looks amazing and does wheelies.. parts are cheap keeping one stock is silly...
What a monster video! Good to know where you stand on all accounts. I bet this is going to help a lot of people make some good decisions. At the same time, do keep yourself safe while continuing!
i like how you compare this low budget scooter to the most expensive ones
He's letting you know what a 5-star example is, so you know what his reference is when giving you his score.
Found the channel by accident, glad I did. As soon as u broke into a song I was hooked. Great job. Subscribed
Killed me with the Jessica bit 🤣🤣.
Just found your channel while learning about scooters. Recently picked up a 1981 Honda Express SR (not currently running). Your channel has been an unexpected pleasure on this new journey (never owned a motorbike before)! The videography and production is excellent 👌. Thank you for the free education and enjoyable content 👍.
As for a content suggestion. I would love to see a restoration project series. These older bikes still have a lot of love to give and I would enjoy seeing you tackle such a project with your delivery style.
Can not tell you how many times a day I've said "living with a tao tao" so glad I found this channel
Also if you are no longer comfortable riding it, scrap the project and come up with something else to do with the bike like "making the most hated scooter reliable" or something.
Don't let this go to your head but that's the best review of ANY item I've seen on TH-cam.
I promise I won't. Thank you very much
@@Scooter_911 I have the same scooter; I rate it 5/5; I live in Michigan. So Our Drivers here are NOT has aggressive has Texas Drivers. (and) in Michigan it's totally LEGAL to Ride Them ANY where; except the expressway. So Cars Really Can NOT Legally say anything in Michigan. Most people move to the inside lane and safely pass me. But then in Michigan Mopeds have FULL Legal Right to the Far Right Lane; on NON-Highway (*i.e. NON-Express-Way" Roads.) :-)
"That's the same distance Vanessa Carlton will walk, just to see you tonight."
Goshdurnnit, thank you for making me choke on my wrap.
I wonder how long it took him to learn how to play that?
That little skit was unexpected but certainly welcome.
Members of my group do ride taotao scooters, your series is very informative, i shared this vid with the group.
Hello there! You sir give me a lot information in perspective. Thank you!
I own one up to 1400 miles on it drive about 20 miles a day to work works great for me only problem I've had is the gas line kept tearing (cheap little lawnmower gas line) so I bought a real one (1.50 for a foot) and had no more problems since plus it cost me about 2 bucks every 7-10 days for gas which is great but driving in winds like 15mph+ will slow you down and keep you around 30 instead of the 35-38 I'm usually at all and all I enjoy this little scooter
Great video production man. Love it.
I was an auto mechanic myself for over 40 years, and I'm sure you are aware of the adage: "You get what you pay for". We know this first hand when we bought Snap on, Mac, Matco tools for our trade instead of cheap knuckle busters that sent you to Concentra faster than if you stuck your hand in a running blender.
The same could be said of the super cheap econo car that customers buy and wonder why the day after the warranty runs out, they're doing a major repair to the drivetrain. You get what you pay for.
This bike would be ideal for the wiry little guy of 5 ft 7 going to school from the dorm, but not for someone with your frame. Or even mine. (I weigh in at 245 at 6ft tall.)
Overall, you have this a good and honest assessment, and it certainly is valuable information for someone to consider when buying a scooter. I'm with you on recommending one save their money and buying a better scooter if they want to do anything other than ride through town on their machine.
I say the most important question has been answered by the experiment. Why not modify the experiment to capture what you think it takes to make it a better and safer feeling scooter?
Dude, I praise your will power. I was a strong believer in keeping it stock but since it's taking such a mental toll on you, I think you can help your YT followers by being safe and end the Tao Tao series before it gets to bad. Maybe switch to safety upgrades to the Tao Tao. Live long and prosper.🖖
Great video as always, Garret. Barring the issues with the steering (which I assume you can fix with better parts) I really think a big bore kit would negate all the trouble you have on the road. (people cussing you etc.) When I had mine installed on my last tao tao, it was like night and day.
Brother, you nailed it. Especially the last part. I have limited income and I thought my mechanical skills were better than they apparently are. Wait till it get's a little older. And you start getting into electrical issues. You risked a lot more than you realized on those 1,000 miles. I hope people realize that. Thank you.
You must have crappy second hand one. I’ve used to have a few of these scooters and put thousands of miles of them. Other than a few minor upgrades and a 80cc big bore kit, I never had them fail on me.
@@applepoop10 Let me get this straight thousands of miles Big Bore Kit on a TaoTao and it never broke down I'm just going to come out and say it you sir are a liar.
@@PaulHollandWheels ? Once properly setup, 1 mile is really the same as 1000, so long as the fluids are kept up, electrical issues are usually due to crappy routing, and if you set it up right they can be avoided and really, electrical is the easy part compared to valve adjustments and tuning the carb....
When you talk about prices for components I think you are spot on! Add then the microscopic payment the workers get in the sweatshops! I would rather buy a quality product that have good components and where the workers get a descent paycheck. A high price might not assure you of working conditions and quality but it sure helps!
Thanks for making me smile!
Great series, love your work. Waiting for new shit. Dude, dont fail me!
That was a really good summary. Maybe you can make a series where you live with another cheep motorcycle l, something like one of those 125 cc bikes. Eventually showing reliability and viability of cheap transportations
I have a tao 50 with 1958.6 miles now, paid $750 to Dallas motor sports for it new. and I agree its the cheapest bike to buy, however for anyone who has one of these (DO THIS !!!) before anything ...change the oil and check all fasteners nuts and bolts, "BEFORE YOU START THE ENGINE" after 400 miles change oil to full synthetic and gear oil to syn also. replace air box with a pod filter , replace battery , replace coil, replace carburetor with one you can adjust "move needle adjustment to allow max fuel intake, new spark plug also, replace cdi with adjustable cdi and set to max timing advance or the best idle, (do not get a racing cdi) , get adjustable cdi , so you can tune it for your environment and the way you ride...these tao taos hate cold weather but after making these changes mine loves the cold (STARTED UP WITH ONE TURN OF THE KEY IN 26 DEG TEMP)but need to adjust carb for warm weather. i thought this video was very good and enlightening , and i do appreciate the effort that was involved, BTY after making these changes my tao tao will do 39 mph on a flat road so i can keep up with traffic , I purchased all parts on Amazon for about $120 .
I am loving this series. As a rider who loves motorcycles and scooters and have had many of each, I enjoy seeing how you get on with the Tao Tao. I love my Vespa GTS300, and I am not ashamed to be seen on it! LOL! Don't risk you life any more on this thing. You have already proven that is it not worth buying. We don't want to see you hurt, when you have already proven it is not something one should purchase.
Hey Garrett... When are we gonna get another update on this thing.. I'm about to catch up to your final video milage and wonder if you found any other trouble spots...I just crossed 2000 km today( that I've managed to put on since getting it registered in May)... Your videos have been an awesome guide for this thing and I'm trying to get to 3000 km before it starts to get cold and snow here...I take mine on 40-50 mile day trips on a regular basis and wonder what the next failure may be... Keep up the good videos man... Have a good day!
Dont let the owners off that easy!
There are loads of bad owners that add to the bad name of the Tao-tao.. but you are right .
Amazing review!
Great series, loved it. Do you have reviews of your'5-star' 50cc bikes, pls?
I love my Tao Tao. Of course I added an 80cc big bore kit and larger carburetor.
We have the same one, even if the color is the same. I just passed the 1000-mile point. I had to change the carburetor and tune it to a higher RPM, and 2 oil changes, but that's about it. Just minor problems. Oh, and I use it with the Kickstarter because the battery died. So far, I like it, keep using it. Having 12-20 mile trips to town, rain, and mud, snowstorm, and ice, whatever, did work every time.
My '64 Vietbodge Vespa (other contender for the internet's most hated scooter) is the polar opposite of this... *after* I was finished redoing/ upgrading all of the mechanicals properly. It was not cheap to get it into proper roadworthy condition, but now it's 5 stars in all categories and so much fun to ride!
I've really been interested in this series, mysteriously having never ridden or owned a scooter, I gravitate to all things mechanical. I have learned through being an automotive technician for 25 years that you definitely get what you pay for. I look forward to seeing your 2000km service video. I would be interested in seeing you build it into something useful.
It's way past that. Trust me!
When you played 1000 miles on piano 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Thank you, as a fellow technician, your videos have just enough technical prowess and data to keep me interested without much fluff. I ride my amigo 50cc for very short trips to the local wawa, maybe 3-4 miles round trip. Being a technician, i treat my scoot less like a toy, and more like a vehicle, I love it, mostly because i've put about 200 k on it and I am sure my gas gauge is lying to me, I bought it months ago, and well, this thing runs on enthusiasm iam alone, I swear, I probably will spend more in engine oil than actual gas... I decided to add long term fuel stabilizer, just as a precaution. I keep it on a battery charger, because I use it so little. I do appreciate the video, as this is my first foray into motorized two wheelers, and well didn't realize 4 strokes are so finicky as opposed to a 2 stroke (if your not a mechanic get a 2 stroke). I was at a loss with the how-to fix any of it, and your videos helped immensely. Saving this humble student a bundle on service charges for the obscene amount of routine maintanece. I'd love to watch future videos on upgrades or further maintenance schedule items. And reccomendations for said upgrades (not really power things (i dont wanna go much faster than 40 on this thing) but like filters, suspension and such to well respect the machine. Thank you again for all your help and dedication to upholding the title "technician". Clif Tank/Turbine Technician. ps also any advise for sourcing a mini-turbine so i can turbine swap this thing when I step up to a real motorized cycle would be great, (with a wider rear tire i almost feel i could make a turbine out of a turbo snail and a modified super soaker)
A very well done article. I've enjoyed them all. I've worked on cars, motorcycles, and scooters all my life and I agree with your assessment. However all those Piaggios cost more than 2k and your judging them next to a 700 dollar bike. The Chinese scoot is pretty solid for the money. Very impressed you can play the piano btw.
Thanks for all your detailed videos on Tao scooters. I have a pony and wrench and ride the hell out of it
I really enjoy your vids but your safety is paramount!
Whoop whoop. Love the series dude. Watching at work 🤫😁 keep up the great work. A moped in England is a motorized peddle bike. No peddles it's not a moped. It's a scooter.
Those are definitely my views as well (hence the air quotes)! But here in the colonies we like to completely disregard the etymology of words for lazy colloquialisms!
No idea how far out of the loop you are - in UK a moped used to be classified as a motorcycle of less than 50cc that was also equipped with pedals so it could be ridden like a bicycle. At that time there was no power limit.
That all changed in the mid 70's and there was no longer a requirement for pedals but power was restricted so that it would not do more than 30mph. That's well over 40 years ago. There is no legal definition of 'scooter' under UK law; scooter merely refers to the style, like 'cruiser' or 'sports tourer', it's either a motorcycle or it's a moped.
I was a scooter rider for more than 20 years, most recently a 2007 Silverwing, but I sold it within weeks of moving to Texas. I had plenty of acceleration and top speed, but the extremely aggressive drivers, unpredictable weather and random clouds of wasps did me in right away.
In my country there's an old saying "one should drink the tea, when he's a child".
Meaning decent education and upbringing, can really solve a few society issues! Reports like yours and the daily news confirm it, all the way! Rather sad! ;-)
Perhaps you should have found a guinea pig test subject that fell into the optimum parameters for this type of transportation . Say a high school kid of 175 pounds or less with an evening job at a local burger joint Ect. 5 miles or less from home. In my mind that is it's intended target consumer. It's not to late you could hand off and just do service and data collection.
i would get the 150cc powermax and put that 50cc plate on it and see how long it takes to get pulled over, i'm on my 6th year
And I very much appreciate the fast comment! I'm a first time user of a scooter and it will take me a time to get used to what type of moter and what is compatible with it. Once I figure that out then I'm good!
Can't wait for modification segment of the experiment
I actually own a taotao evo 49cc. It's in a bigger frame, 12" tires. Two people can ride it. I had a 100cc big bore kit, hi- performance
Exhaust.etc. It will do 45 mph with me riding. I weigh 260 lbs. I have had no issues, am right at 750 miles. But your review is very eye opening. You have their lowest end, I have their highest end, with work done to it
My wolf does 46 mph stock but I weigh 120lbs
Your videos help me. I'm 53 and disabled and live on a fixed income. Thank you. I rebuilt my bike by my self and put a big bore kit in it but it won't crank. So I'll keep watching until I get to the video on what to do about it
Just buy used Japanese scooter. These will absolutely not save you money.
You make an incredibly valid point there with regards cost - ever part of that bike generates someone profit - from the frame to the fasteners to the importers to the end retailer- so your $760 bike may actually only cost $400 to make - probably less.
Then you think just how cheap / crappy must the components be to make it yet still make money on the sale.
Sell it to a UT kid who lives on campus and wants to get to and from the 6th St bars.
I'm kidding. Sort of.
We'll forgive you if you dip out.
I found Austin to be more uptight than it's reputation.
And I was there during winter break.
I have heard traffic has gotten a lot worse since I was there in 2000.
Great video.
Maybe tune it and make it run faster in order to continue this experiment longer/safer and just see how many miles you can get out of the scooter. Great series by the way!!!
I'm getting a Vitacci 50cc Solana Scooter in a couple of days. I have to wait for them to turn it into 100cc which is the maximum allowed for a "moped" in Michigan. I'm really hoping he tweaks the motor good and removes any restrictors that happened to be on it so that I can do around 50 to 55 miles an hour. Dare to dream right but I'm going to be using this in metro-detroit for doordash deliveries because I can't afford to get my van repaired right now.
I have the same scooter in blue it’s definitely the owners ive had 0 issues bought used with 70 miles on it and it ran like it was brand new at a dealership it’s been extremely reliable and amazing on gas also just had the performance clutch kit from rolling wrench shipped out I will be installing it in a week or so once i have the time to put it on over the weekend bus with 200+ added on mileage its been an amazing buy from fb market also just a screw turn on the carb allowed my scooter to hit 40 on flats and 35 - 37mph uphill
The intro jingle is the best. I’m a motorcycle guy but find this very interesting. Thanks.
I fit your comment as well....lol
It's the perspective of the user. In your case you ride other motorcycles and cars and will automatically compare the TT to those. However, someone who has never ridden a motorcycle or does not have access to a car will probably feel different. Maybe their choice is a 50CC scooter or riding the bus or even riding a bike. Smaller communities would be a better match than your environment with higher levels of traffic and speed limits...
That's why this vid is so valuable. He makes great imformed comparisons to other scoots.
Please find some way to get the scooter keep going. I totally understand if you don't wanna run it yourself, but as someone pointed out, pass it on to someone who would appreciate it for a daily commuter, and keep doing the wrenching. Would be super interesting to see how far you can push that little thingy, as well as potentially see if it gets more reliable with every repair?!?
Anyways, great work man!!
I bought a 49cc taotao scooter, and I'm 5'11 like 300 pounds, and I've had zero issues with my scooter, it feels great and I love it
Your piano playing is on point lol
I bought a Tao Tao 49cc scooter in the Spring, ... am 6ft, 200 lbs, and have only a 2 mile commute to work. I have about 500 miles on the bike and have had zero problems. I agree the seat isn't the best and I think the suspension could use some help, and the engine is under powered, if I want to do more than commute to work and home. Mine isn't as ugly as yours, but overall is similar. For the $800 I have enjoyed it and it has done all that I expected it to do. After all of that, I did install the 100cc big bore kit and the under power problem is gone! However, it's not a quality built machine to take on long trips, but it's less frustrating to ride around town and I can keep up with traffic and no longer feel like I am in the way on the road. I bought this to see if I would enjoy riding a cycle with the intent of getting a better quality ride in the future if I liked it. I appreciate your views on the Tao Tao, but I think it delivers exactly what you would expect for the price. If your experiment continues, I will let you know how I feel after 1000 miles... thanks! Oh, and I don't think any 49cc scooter will be adequate for your commute and size, just saying.
still holding up?
@@toystar3294 So far the only issue I have had is a broken kickstand. The design causes it to hold water on the welds and rust. Got a new one on Amazon. Still enjoying it. The big bore kit was absolutely worth it. Frustratingly slow as a 49cc but enjoyable as a 100cc. thanks for asking. I get about 80mpg and top speed is about 45mph. Perfect in city commuter. Other than the kickstand, I've done nothing more than change oil and put gas in it.
I feel your pain man. I too have a TAOTAO and ill be damned if i can keep it on the road. i went into it not knowing a damn thing about these things. I had to learn a ton to just pass the 1st month never mind the last 3 years. I have changed the engine twice, changed the carb, re-jetted countless times cause as you said its trial and error. its been a rough road. I did put in a 100cc engine not for the extra speed because i drive like an old man, but i did it for the extra power uphill and so the folks behind me aren't throwing things at me and and flashing lights. It is much better to have the slightly extra power, but then i get "why don't you just get a real bike?" lol. anyways be safe and only do this as much as you feel safe. thanks for the videos
I have both those problems hence why I am watching. I either walk or drive my "Pony". I am having starting issues right now. Checked plug, changed carburetor, check battery, fuel and vaccuum lines, check and made sure petcock was working. Its 1:15 in the morning and I'm about to go check the valve lashings. I'm at my wits end. Cdi is probably my next buy in a week when I can afford it. Anyways going back to your video on valve lashings. Any advice is much appreciated.
Best piano face ever!
haha yep that was lesson # 1
I totally get your feeling vulnerable on the small scooter/bike. I've found over 30 years of riding that wearing one of those dayglo vests like some police bikers wear has an effect of causing cagers to back off. Also, time to mount the gopro to your helmet and start reporting the idiots. (I know, you don't have time for that). I applaud your tenacity keeping this experiment going...^^
Had same problem with the centerstand grinding in the corners. And did have the Jam nuts for the steering come loose too. I did have to change the flywheel and the stator also. And a cdi too. And only had the scoot for a year and said f it.
I've been shopping for a 50cc trike and Icebear seems to be the only option in that area, but after doing some research on Google maps and watching some videos about them it would probably meet my needs/wants, and I'll probably learn a lot taking care of it.
Great review
I'm changing steering barings on my wifes 150 tao tao today,they are shot at 5906mi
These things are a last resort. I still have one in my garage from when i had a dui. I ride a Burgman 650 now =D
It's just a budget friendly scooter ! I got a Tao Tao quantum tour 150cc & I would take it anywhere. Guess I'm savvy because at PDI, I used Quality parts magnetic drain plug kit, vacuum & fue lines with filter tires, brakes & valve stems, dismantled hole scooter & reassembled. point is they can be reliable for what they're
Found something you might want to check on your tao tao. One of the bolts on my intake manifold worked its way almost completely out because the nut fell off. Scooter wouldn't start until I removed it and repositioned the gasket and reinstalled the bolt. I Found alot of lose bolts as time went on. Including rear axle.
I found upgrading the variator and clutch and put 5 gram rollers in the variator for better take off. Add a 100cc bbk to it for even better performance
Excellent video.
I recently got this scooter, im on 130 kilometres. A couple of times, my knee hit the keys in the ignition and turned off the scooter while riding it. I'm 5'9''. I'd say it's fun to ride, but I'd definitely recommend a helmet.
Team BZ I’m 5”8 and I hit my knees to I’m on 714 miles I have a different version same chassis different company only had one problem which was when the kill switch killed spark so I umpluged the kick stand kill start
If you dont stop the project and continue on. I think you could install some other handle grips without any negative toughts. + led bars to bolt on to the front shield would not be considerd a fail in terms of the project. At least not in my mind. And do upjet it soon! And and and.. Btw we really have to talk about the picture hanging behind you in some of the shots! Cheers!
That "living with a toa toa" song is the most funny song i ever heard.
God bless you man. Excellent review for this. The baked Potaotao is not worth your life on any road imo. I also appreciate your skills and informed comparisons to other scoots. Good jokes on top of everything 👏👏👏
Thanks for your kind words! Ride safe!
Great videos!
I think that you've basically learned what you wanted to learn. If you need to cancel this experiment for your own peace of mind, please do so by all means.
As an owner of a 2012 Kymco Like 200i scooter I would like to recommend the Kymco Agility 50 as an alternative to the cheap Chinese scooters. At only $1195 it offers an excellent value for money and in restricted mode it qualifies for the "moped" class.
I'll second the KYMCO Agility 50. Got a 2014 model in 2020 for $1000 with 17 km on the clock. I'm 6'5", 320# and it handles me well (no passenger please!). Derestrict the boss in the transmission and change out the CDI and voilà, something that can deal with traffic faster than 25 mph. (Yeah, gotta rejet it -- lean and lacking power). But the first 400 km have been fun! Oh, yeah, did have to adjust the valves at 300 km (TIGHT!!!) and change the oils. I prefer my 2003 KYMCO ZX50 SUPER-FEVER 2-stroke, to be honest... But the Agility 50 4T FEELS good, handling is good, and brakes are AWESOME! By the way, bought the ZX50 in 2019 for $650. Used scoots are the way to go!
I'll third that. I've got a Kymco Spade 150 and it's a blast. If I found a good deal on a Kymco scooter at the right time, I'd not hesitate to pick it up. Great value and build quality on a Taiwanese scooter.
I have one I bought from a girl she had in college 100 km was parked, new carb and fuel tank I have 800km on it now broke in the rings gonna keep riding it to work and around town it's very reliable
Dollar a mile! Youre awesome bro, you kept pressin!
I've become addicted to this series even though I have zero interest in scooters (my babe is a Road King). I came for the retro-fitted EFI Corolla, and stayed for the easygoing professionalism.
Living with a Tao Tao seems to have been a very valuable study. Most especially for the psychological components. I'm from Texas as well. Up in the Dallas area and I can certainly relate to the problem of "aggressive" drivers. I generally drive pretty briskly but I can't imagine somebody having the balls, or lack of sense, to insult, cuss at, attempt to run over, or otherwise threaten a 6'4" 220 guy. Maybe that's because i'm only 5'7" and would not want to find myself in that confrontation without a force multiplier. Or may also be because i'm not a self important asshole that thinks my right to use the road trumps that of somebody on a scooter. Either way. Man.. Let me say how much I appreciate what you've done for your viewers in regards to that. It also makes me want to advise that you consider the experiment concluded with sufficient data. Get yourself back in a good head space and start daily driving the Pinto again :) I STILL haven't been able to find a good candidate for an EFI conversion daily.
Have one myself, happy with the purchase. It's top speed totally stock with me 175 lbs 6' tall is 47 mph. Idk why people keep saying 30-35 mph. It's cheap but better than walking 🚶
The "intended user" is a person that had their driver licensed revoked. In my city they used to refer to the Tao Tao Pony as a "DUI Scooter" Now as of 2016 all scooters require a license and insurance to operate.
Great channel. More Corolla please.
You should do a classic moped as a daily, like an old Puch or Sachs.
Very good your comment on the scooter and also the danger in driving it.
I have traveled 2 summer on an electric scooter. It was fun to drive, and very economical..
I've been insulted a lot too, and a driver even threw a bottle of water in my face.
In Quebec, Canada, the maximum speed of electric scooters is 32KM, or 20 miles an hour in the USA.
it's not fast enough.
I purchased a 2020 BD50QT-9A (Boom) from the dealer it had a hard time starting from day one. Found out it was a busted intake manifold,$ 5.00 for the part I installed it never had a problem with it since ...just turned 1000km on it. You may have just bought a lemon from the factory.
Hey. Thanks for this video. I'm 260 and go down to 30mph or less going up hills and cars are passing me. Should I go up to an 80cc kit?
As a Texan I'm offended by long distance measurements based on other states.
Great review. Told me just what I needed to know, which is, no Thanks.
I got the same tao tao in silver great scooter im 255lbs it's gets around with no problem it's well broken in at 4000 miles had it for two years got it for 663 all together from super power sports from Dallas if took a,week to get it my title says it weighs grvaw of 200lbs shipping weight 220lbs but it don't weigh that it only weigh 180lbs i took it to a public scale to have it weigh but its a,great scooter worth the money great video
A few friends of mine all agreed to a 50cc scooter race around his property. I bought a nearly new (about 75km on the odo) TaoTao atm 50 that I rode for a few months around town before race day. Finally, the morning of the race it had some issue with the ignition system, and was not able to even start the race. I'm so pissed at it I'm not going to bother selling it. It's going to the metal scrap yard where it belongs this week. Didn't even last 190km until it died. Death to the TaoTao ATM 50.
I wonder if the quality on a 2008 scooter I have is different from a Tao Tao being made by a different manufacture called Taizhou Chuanl but is almost an identical chassis. Despite it being pretty old and was given to me because it wasn't working anymore, it didn't take much to get it running again and a lot of the original equipment still works perfectly. It has roughly 1600 miles on it so it hasn't been rode on for a long time for it's age and probably sat for a long time but it hasn't shown to be as trouble prone as the Tao Tao in your video.
I ride a 150cc Tao Tao "Quantum Touring" around town and to work as my main vehicle. It was 1500 USD delivered. It definitely has a better build quality than the 50cc but is still very cheap, i have got it up to 54 mph going down hill... Definitely doesn't feel safe over 45 mph but for my short commute it's great.
Hello sir,
What could be causing some popping and bogging at 2/3 - 3/4 throttle on a 150cc GY6 scooter? Can you think of anything electrical that can be.causing this? I've already installed 3 new carburetors, 3 different csi boxes, different coil wires, and a couple other things and I can't seem to get rid of it. Can you help me please?