Recently purchased a Lance Duke Touring 250cc scooter online from Family Motorsports in PA, via distributor Lance Powersports in Ontario California. Rec'd on Fri May 2nd, 2008. After some minor assembly, I attempted to start it. Nope. zero, natta. Now is it May 21, 2008 - 3 weeks later. Still not running and no specific shop manual for reference for this particular model.

Now I own a 391 lb boat achor that looks pretty and sits in my garage taking space but it is not very useful unless you want a chair. It is difficult to keep your balance and drink a few beers at the same time!!

After almost total disassembly (parts, screws, nuts, bolts and cowling strewn everywhere) and after receiving and installing all new ignition parts (coil, CDI, and part (heat sink) next to CDI) installing them - still nothing. I checked the cutoff switch for continuity. it is okay.

Just FYI, I do have formal training in internal combustion engines and former technical representative for a major auto mfg firm located in USA. I feel more than qualified to work on this darn thing.

Some diligent research on the net and talking with tech support, I performed several tests, nothing is showing up. I do know it is electrical in nature. the motor turns over, lights work, just no spark at the plug.

Tech help seems to be at a loss and so am I. My only remaining ideas are a faulty wiring harness or the magneto on the engine is somehow not set up correctly. I can say that the connections used at the junctions are poorly put together (wires not attached to plugs etc). A new fuse box assembly with pig tail are being sent - still waiting on it. I think this is the 10th day.

Calling the distributor tech support Lance Powersports - they are swamped. I just spoke with them and Brian told me there are backed up from yesterday. He said he will take my number and will "return my call in a few hours". Okay, I can understand that. so I wait.

I received the same promise from the service manager at Family Motor sports. Many promises. I will wait (what else can I do?) and see if any answers surface. Hopefully and just maybe I can use my scooter before fall.

Anyone with ideas out there? No, don't tell me I should buy a Honda. The Duke 250 will be just fine so long as I can get tech support and parts shipped to me pronto (more delay: have waited 10 days on several shipments of parts so far).

Oh, one more thing. The license plate holder on the back fender of the bike does not have conventional USA size or location of bolt holes. You will need to either fashion a new assembly or drill holes in your state plate. Also, the scooter was so new that the bmv had to have the name Lance/Duke added to their data base to issue my plate.

thanks for listening. If you have any potential answers, let me know. I'll keep you posted on the progress, if any. My advice, ya really got to like to tinker with this kind of bike. It is not the kind of put the key in and go.

signed, poorer and wiser