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“Made in China”: The New Scooter Generation
16.11.2008 20:24:45
Category: Technik
In answer to the numerous comments about the new Speedfight 3, we have decided to start a general discussion about this new generation of scooters, many of which come from joint ventures of established European manufacturers and Chinese production sites …The decision that more and more European manufacturers opt for Asia in order to save production costs is understandable – in a globalised world you have to remain competitive. After Piaggio’s move, Peugeot, Benelli and Italjet – soon probably Malaguti, too – have followed suit. We’ve taken a look at the new models and think that in most cases, the scooters have benefited from these cooperations.
In the discussion about the Speedfight 3 we have detected certain prejudices that surely require explanations. When it comes to Chinese manufacture, people tend to lump all Asian countries together. It should, however, be a known fact that there are considerable differences in quality and technology. In this respect, e.g. Japan is a highly developed country, in some sectors far ahead of European standards. Japan is followed by other Asian countries such as Korea and Taiwan, both high-tech countries, especially in home entertainment and computer engineering as well as in the automotive industry. In countries such as China it is nowadays possible to produce goods cheaply; the quality there is, however, getting better and better, while countries such as Vietnam and Thailand are ready and waiting to join the competition for the cheapest workplace.
Thanks to the joint ventures of Peugeot or Benelli, not only technical know-how has been transferred to China, but also the design departments have moved there. When looking at Chinese scooters, you will soon realize that many Asians have completely different opinions about what looks hot. Nevertheless, in case of the Peugeot Speedfight 3, it is the Peugeot design department that is responsible for the design of the scooter – and not the Chinese manufacturers, as many suspect. The front of the SF3 may startle some people, it reminds others of cheap no-name scooters; still, it is rather a miscalculation of European designers.
However, if you have a look at the details of new models such as Peugeot Speedfight 3 and Benelli Quattro-Nove, you will notice only few differences to models manufactured in Europe.
Thanks to the joint venture, prices of the newest models could be slightly reduced or at least kept on the same level despite of the increasing price of raw materials. After all, it is very doubtful that a new scooter for a price of 3000€ can find enough buyers.
Maybe the first steps towards China are still a bit clumsy, but with the next generation of models at the latest, we will be able to expect the well-known quality and designs.
In any case, we would like to hear your opinion about this topic. Everyone who makes a comment has a chance to win one of 5 Tuning Crew Streetwear hoodies!
Detailed pictures Peugeot Speedfight 3:
Pleasing rear light and LED indicators, 4-piston brake calliper and upside-down fork, shock absorber with external reservoir (optical), also available with sound system.
Equipped with the new Peugeot engine with horizontal cylinder, like it is used in Jetforce C-Tech and Ludix, too.
Detailed pictures Benelli Quattro-Nove:
The fact that Italian motorcycle designers have contributed here can be seen not only from the indicators and the LED clearglass rear light. No-frills look, not too angular. Wavey brake disc at the front, seat with embossed logo. The engine is a Minarelli reproduction, the way it has already been used in Malaguti F12, CPI Aragon. Critical areas of the Minarelli engine such as thin crankshaft taper and 10-mm gudgeon pin have been mended. So far, the engine is only available as air-cooled version with rear drum brake, though.
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Fredrik
Tuesday, 18. Nov 2008 (21:34)I would say it is important to take it one step further. Not to lump all the brands from one country together. There are many well known Chineese brands in Europe which have become well known due to good quality for price.
It is crucial that the design is done in the brands native country else the scooter will surely loose its identity, making it look like yet another rebadged Boatian.
I have had the opportunity to see Benelli Quattro-Nove in person and must say the finish looks allright at a glance. When the Quttro Nove was placed between a Gilera Runner and a Yamaha Aerox you could notice a certain lack of detail though. Then again the Quttro Nove aims at different price segment.
As I like italian brands, I would hate for them all to be produced in China. Great if the 50 sport scooters (the 50cc flagships) are produced in Italy. I do prefer riding an genuine italian scooter, not a chineese scooter with an italian badge. That certainly makes the badge / scooter loose half its charm.
Raimonds
Wednesday, 19. Nov 2008 (16:35)the banneli looks nice :) bet speed fightis oful :) i hope other scooters from Peugeot wil be beter ;)
Mackoks
Friday, 19. Dec 2008 (22:37)LOL? That’s new SF3? He look’s ugly and how other cheap chinesse scooters :O
*rims - oful
*speedometer - look’s ugly and cheap
*front and back laps - nothing special
*seat - from China
*fuel input - WHAT IS THIS!?
*outfit - wanness
*audio system + (very good idea)
*horizontal cylinder +(i see only positive engine and electric changes)
SF3 lost the sport style (only air entries are remeber about his destination) and now he look’s how the city scooter made in China. Please don’t buy him!, meybe Peugeot designers will see all mistakes and change it!!!
I’m convened!!! :(
Rasmus
Thursday, 03. Dec 2009 (0:53)I think the sf3 is quite a failure vs sf2. It looks like written; a noname china scoot. The audio system is no good though, not many would like that for transport vehicle. Where are the supposed to place their helm, chainlock etc.?
The rims and brake system are fine. But the frontshield is a disaster. If i knew how the sf2 was i would never buy the sf3.
Anyway, the Benelli look cool, and never-seen-before. I defo like the headlight and the design around it. Also nice stock colour, seat (with the text on is cool thought) exhaust look fine too and the naked handlebar fits the complete design very well. However, they should have putted on some new rims, cuz those old ones doesn’t really fit in.
Just by looking at em and reading about em, and not drivin em:
Speedfight 3 - 1½/5 stars.
Benelli Quattro-Nove - 3/5 stars.
Rasmus - Denmark