Howdy guys,
Just did my qride course last Monday and was keen to get a scoot as have been obsessing over scooters in general, and this site for a few months now. Had pretty much set my mind on getting the Bolwell VS 125, and went out in search of a test ride. Had only ridden a Bug Espresso (150cc) as the supplied scooter to get my license on, so didn't have much to go on to compare various test scoots.
I went down the coast to test ride a VS 125, and was also recommended by the dealer to take a Daelim NS 125 for a comparison ride. I had thought that the Daelim was probably a bit more than I wanted to pay for my first scoot, but after reading heaps of positive comments about it on the forum decided to try it out anyway. I took the VS out first following the dealer who was on the Daelim. The VS felt comfortable and despite having under 10km's on the clock seemed to have quite a bit of pep when giving the throttle a twist. Even with the brand new engine, it seemed to have just as much go as the bigger engined and 'run in' Espresso. I swapped over to the Daelim (also less than 10km's on clock) half way through the test run circuit to get a proper back to back feel for the two scoots. After a gentle take-off by the time the speedo hit around 40kmh, even with my limited riding experience, I could feel the extra grunt of the Daelim. Despite being around 20kg lighter than the VS, I thought it actually felt a bit more solid on the road. I also liked the feeling of the brakes,levers and the fact it has a rear disc brake which seems pretty rare for a scoot in this category and price range. Not that there was anything wrong with the VS's brakes, just not quite the same.
After hearing that the Daelim has longer service intervals, and getting a very nice deal on my accessories package I could certainly justify the extra $ spent on the Daelim over the Bolwell. I had really liked the storage space and fuel cap position of the VS, but after filling up the Daelim (underseat fuel cap) and managing not to spill fuel everywhere, and adding a top box to fit my helmet, it doesn't really phase me. The VS underseat storage wouldn't have fit my helmet either, so still would've needed to add a top box.
Got the NS delivered on Friday and have so far put on 120km's. I even enjoyed my first petrol station stop. It cost me a grand total of $6.92 to fill up when the fuel guage was in the empty red-zone, and having got the Nolan N102 flip face helmet, didn't even have to take my helmet off to pay for fuel. The tinted half visor on the helmet is also very effective and like the fact that I won't need to wear sunnies while riding. I've been for a ride to the local Westfield shopping centre on Saturday arvo and loved the fact that you can find a parking spot anywhere while all cars drive round and round and round in search for a park particularly this time of year. This morning went for a ride out to Redland Bay with mostly 80 zones, some sweeping corners and dual lane roundabouts for a round trip of around 50km's. The Daelim felt very stable at speed and easily kept up with traffic. Only on one of the longer gradual hills did it drop down on speed and require some extra throttle, but still managed this without going over a 3/4 twist as still in run in period. Was still keen to ride after getting back from the Bay some took the route that I'll probably take to work involving some quite steep hills (Wellers Hill Rd, Baupame Rd, Marshall Rd) and it took them all at 60 with no sign of struggling with little to no extra throttle needed to maintain speed.
Even after only a few days, I am already loving the freedom and convenience that the scooter lifestyle offers. I'm very happy with my new Daelim NS125 and can certainly be added to the long list of Daelim fans. Can't wait until the engine has run in to see what it really can get up to. Have been told that freeway speeds are quite achievable on it once run in and although probably won't do much freeway riding, is good to know it is an option if ever needed. Would also like to say a big thank-you to Darcy and Brendon (scooterhq) for helping me get on my first scoot and making it a very positive experience.
Paul Jam