How do we feel about Black?

This is my second choice. They don't wait around for your color to come in--that's why they ask you up front for your 2nd choice. I was a little disappointed at first, but then I thought that black is pretty friggin cool. And I can add some color in the form of pinstriping or flames, or any damn thing. Plus I got that Black Magic reflector kit and that stuff will not even show on this scoot!!!!

MotoGear Scooter Cover

The MotoGear Scooter Cover's dimensions are big enough for the MC-54B. I don't have a garage where I live (apartment), so you really need the cover.

Haynes Techbook Scooters: Automatic Transmission 50 to 250cc

The Haynes Techbook Scooters: Automatic Transmission 50 to 250cc #10452 is generally considered to be the scooter technical manual for most all Chinese-made scooters. The biggest tech-help source beyond this (and probably a bit more friendly) is the yahoo group I belong to: "Chinese Scooters R Us". This book is my gift to me for Christmas.

Battery Tender Junior - 12V @ 0.75A

This tool also was a mandatory thing. If you don't ride for several days in a row, it's best to charge your battery and maintain it up to the full level to prolong it's life. That's why I got the Battery Tender Junior - 12V @ 0.75A

I got this in just the other day. I know I don't need it yet, but I am trying to space things out to help my expenses. No use getting every single thing at the last minute.

My choices: Roketa MC-54B 250cc

The next option would be the Roketa MC-54B. It is newer and has a bit better engine. The Bali has the 244cc CF Moto engine, and this one has the 249cc Linhai engine. Linhai either used to make or still makes engines (the same one) for Yamaha. The disadvantage is these are newer, and parts availability is a little sparse. This regularly retails at Valley for $2199, but right now (probably not when I order!) they are running a special for $1999.

Dealers: some ideas

I looked first at a company called GSMotorworks. The Better Business Bureau and a lot of individual people are not happy with them. They also did not have 250cc.

Next was Evo Sales. They were simply loved on the first site I came across called Motorcycle Muse. Later, I heard some bad things about their customer service, and found out that Motorcycle Muse may be run by Evo Sales. Several people who I consider "in the know" have privately told me that I should probably look elsewhere.

The next place I saw scooters was National Online Scooters, also not in good standing with the BBB.

I looked at scootertronics. They are considered reputable.

I looked at Valley Scooters. They are considered reputable by many and in good standing on the Scootdawg site. I was wondering what was the real difference between the makers if all the Chinese scooters use the same parts, so I filled out a form on the Valley Scooters web site, expecting a reply in a couple days. What I got was a telephone call from John Dikov who owns Valley. He spent around 30 minutes answering questions and giving me good information. I was pretty sure that I could safely order from this guy. If he would give customer support to a potential customer (let me also say that it was not a "sales" type support. It was informational and helpful) then I think that says a lot. He did not pressure me. He did not come off as a walking advertisement pushing his own company. He did not say bad things about other companies. Also, his prices are the best I've seen. With all that combined, I was almost sold. The only thing I had to do was see if I could find out any dirt on him, or Valley Scooters.

To this date (months of research now) I have seen only one thing that was negative. Weighed against the other positive comments, and other dealers, I am about 99% certain to order from Valley Scooters