Any experience of DirectBikes?

figs · 15-09-2009 9:50pm #1

I bought a scooter 18 months ago to use to get to work. It was stolen recently, so I'm thinking of replacing it.

Saw this scooter which seemed good value.

Anyone any experience of these machines? Seems to be a generic cheap bike. I'm not too worried about that, or looks, just want to know parts can be got if needed.

Also, anyone know if the company is reliable?

KamiKazi · 15-09-2009 10:19pm

Looks like Chinese junk, plus they are based in the UK so when it does break down you're fvcked. Go for a mainstream brand that you will have no problem finding replacement parts for.

figs · 16-09-2009 6:27am

KamiKazi wrote: »

Looks like Chinese junk

I've no experience of them... are they really junk? Or is this just a common perception of anything "made in China"? Don't mean to disbelieve you, but you can get some decent stuff from China.

I agree a well known European brand may be easier to source parts for, but is it necessarily more reliable?

Directbikes are committing to a 12 month part guarantee, plus an optional purchase of 12 months for about €80.

KamiKazi · 16-09-2009 8:40am

figs wrote: »

I've no experience of them... are they really junk? Or is this just a common perception of anything "made in China"? Don't mean to disbelieve you, but you can get some decent stuff from China.

I agree a well known European brand may be easier to source parts for, but is it necessarily more reliable?

Directbikes are committing to a 12 month part guarantee, plus an optional purchase of 12 months for about €80.

Most of these chinese bikes are muck, they usually give nothing but trouble and you will not be able to get second hand parts for it. A two year warranty really isn't a lot for a new bike.

Go for a reputable Japanese brand, you'll save yourself a lot of hassle.

Cuddlesworth · 16-09-2009 10:46am

figs wrote: »

I've no experience of them... are they really junk? Or is this just a common perception of anything "made in China"? Don't mean to disbelieve you, but you can get some decent stuff from China.

I agree a well known European brand may be easier to source parts for, but is it necessarily more reliable?

Directbikes are committing to a 12 month part guarantee, plus an optional purchase of 12 months for about €80.

If your bike breaks down, what are you going to do? Your going to have to either pay somebody here to source the fault and remove the part, send that to England and wait for the return part. Or ship the whole bike back over at a huge expense. All of this is time wasted and large costs involved for a moped of questionable quality.

Wossack · 16-09-2009 12:29pm

chinese bikes that melt in the rain, and no mechanic is going to want to touch

stick with the big jap 4's and save yourself the heartache

View Profile · 16-09-2009 12:37pm

Your talking about €1,000 for this scooter.

Getting a used jap/italian scooter here makes better sense.

Tigger · 16-09-2009 12:49pm

no resale value
no relibality
no parts
no reviews

seems like a good idea to me i mean if yer gonna buy a scooter you might as well get one that makes you hate it then get a bike

buy this

http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/motorbikes/993736

or something similar

KamiKazi · 16-09-2009 12:57pm

Or something like this if you want something mopedy looking. Had one myself years ago, if you get one thats been looked after you'll have no trouble with it. But if something does wrong you'll have no hassle sourcing parts, they're really popular mopeds.

figs · 16-09-2009 7:54pm

Ok, thanks all... appreciate all your input. The "melt in the rain" bit has me worried! :eek:

I'll start looking for a decent bike and probably save myself some heartache in the long run!

Thinkingaboutit · 16-09-2009 11:26pm

Get a Honda Lead secondhand, few bikes start on the electric start after a near year of not being used. Good for 50 mph.

Any experience of DirectBikes?

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