125cc Views and reviews Lexmoto, Kymco and Sym

[pch1]

As the title suggests, I'd like 125cc views, reviews and opinions of Lexmoto, Kymco and Sym motorcycles.

The reason being is that I took my nephew to 3 different bike shops in Warrington to look at getting himself a commuter for work, and these three makes were being heavily punted by the bike shops.
All I know about these brands is that Sym manufacture the scooters for BMW (who then sell them for extortionate amounts), so any constructive input (i.e. general quality and will they last a couple winters) surrounding these three brands would be really useful.

[stewslash]

My missus had a lexmoto lowride , I bought it 4 months old with 110 miles on the clock

Good points
Looked good
Good price

Bad points
Chrome started to rust really quickly ( acf 50 used )
One of the headlights would occasionally go out when turning lock to lock
Seemed to be really down on power compared to my first 125 (yzf125r)
Lots of nuts / bolts wore loose ( go round the bike and thread lock everything )
Choke was on the carb not the bars a bit of a pain to get to

Other than what I've mentioned I think they are a cheap way to get on the road , just be aware more so with Chinese bikes regular home maintenance is essential

[RockSteady]

my daughter has a lexmoto firenze scoot 125 ...12plate less than 5k on clocks had it 6 months and spent over £150 on it .keeps leaking oil had carb stripped cleaned 3 times now new carb and that keeps flooding bulbs keep blowing and back brake caliper keeps working loose and tyres are crap .stay away from them and stick to the mainstream bikes .honda yam etc

[pch1]

My missus had a lexmoto lowride , I bought it 4 months old with 110 miles on the clock

Good points
Looked good
Good price

Bad points
Chrome started to rust really quickly ( acf 50 used )
One of the headlights would occasionally go out when turning lock to lock
Seemed to be really down on power compared to my first 125 (yzf125r)
Lots of nuts / bolts wore loose ( go round the bike and thread lock everything )
Choke was on the carb not the bars a bit of a pain to get to

Other than what I've mentioned I think they are a cheap way to get on the road , just be aware more so with Chinese bikes regular home maintenance is essential

Thank you for your honest and constructive review

The owner at Revolution Scooters was quick to fill our heads with the idea that Lexmoto having a better backup than other well known brands (one of those mention was Peugeot).
As the bike will be ridden through winter, I think I should probably discount Lexmoto.

[Woody]

From the ones I've worked on I'd say give them a miss if you can, an older mainstream bike will outlast and hold the value much better.

What budget are you looking at and is finance necessary?

[pch1]

my daughter has a lexmoto firenze scoot 125 ...12plate less than 5k on clocks had it 6 months and spent over £150 on it .keeps leaking oil had carb stripped cleaned 3 times now new carb and that keeps flooding bulbs keep blowing and back brake caliper keeps working loose and tyres are crap .stay away from them and stick to the mainstream bikes .honda yam etc

Another thumbs down for Lexmoto
Thanks for your input mate

[pch1]

From the ones I've worked on I'd say give them a miss if you can, an older mainstream bike will outlast and hold the value much better.

What budget are you looking at and is finance necessary?

Was hoping to find something under £1,000.
Finance not necessary.

[pch1]

Has anyone had a Sym?

[pch1]

I should add that we'd be looking for a geared bike and not a scooter

[Woody]

Was hoping to find something under £1,000.
Finance not necessary.

Really for that sort of money you are looking at either YBR or CG territory, admittedly they will be older than the equivalent chinese/koren bikes but will last longer and sell for close to what they were bought for.

The main problem with the makes listed is rust, the parts themselves are "good" but the quality of the finish is so poor.