I've had my Lance Duke 250 since July and it runs fine. That is, long as I keep the fluids at the right level, of course.

The day I got mine, it ran for a little over 30 minutes, then died. Jumped it, it ran for a few minutes, then died again. Then again. Took it back to the dealer in the morning, knew it was electrical but didn't know what. Turned out to be the main fuse. That was all (aside from a dead battery by then). I keep a few spares in the trunk at all times, just in case but haven't had to use the spares at all.

To date, I have a bit over 3400 miles on it. It bogs down a bit lately but I haven't cleaned the air filter for a few months, which I'll have to do in the next week. Drove it through the winter, in temps down to 13 degrees F and it hasn't let me down yet. Even ridden it through the mountains before it got too cold.

I do not imagine the engine will last for an extremely long time but have noted a replacement engine costs less than $400. But if it lasts long enough, I do plan on saving up for a larger scooter, like 600 cc.

I've had my gsr-150 for about a year. No problems staring it, the kick start works great too. The drive belt did go out on me on the way home. it had about 500 miles on it. I had no problem finding a bike shop to work on it (in Long Beach C.A.). Overall I'm satified, just feeling the need for more power at times. After reading these posts, I may be switching to another brand. Too bad, it does get great gas mileage and it was cheap.

The first thing that I must tell you is that I did not buy my 250 from the net, but from a local dealer here in Boise, ID. I do not have the mechanical skills (like you do) to fix this thing. So I paid the big bucks for my scooter up front. There are to many horror stories of internet purchases like yours out here. And let me tell you something,, it was worth doing so. But, the biggest thing is that you DO have the skills,, but it doesnt matter. Let me explain.

I got the bike several months ago and it had a similar problem. Although it would start up,, at every stop sign and light,, the engine would kill. Regardless of how long the bike had been running or had warmed up. It was in the shop more than I can tell you. I would get it back and they would tell me that it was this problem,, or that problem. I was even told that packing material was dumped into the fuel tank when it was new from the factory and they did a complete breakdown of the fuel system and flushed the tank.

I mean, we are talking new carb, hoses, fuel tank, manifold, etc. etc.. Nope nope,, that didnt solve the problem. It went back so many times that the owner of the shop finally just gave me another new one ('loaner') to use,(so that I didnt have to call him every day) That loaner had no problems. Same identical bike, different color.

To make this story short,, the owner of the place that I bought it from was so frustrated with it that he loaded it up on his truck and took it back to CA. Closed his business for 4 days to do it. (Small shop and it hurt him big time). After 3 explanations of,, 'we think its this or we think its that' answers from their mechanics,, he walked into the presidents office and demanded a new replacement for it. They did and I got a new bike. And this one has had no problems whatsoever. (knock on wood)

I apologize for my story, but the eventual problem that the 'specialists' told the owner was,, the electrical connections were bad. Particularly, there is a switch that regulates the idle located on the wires,, which is probably your problem. Yours probably doesnt work at all.

I hope that you get your stuff soon and try it out. The Idaho mechanics were so frustrated with the 250 that I first bought,, I cannot tell you. These are 'experienced' professional motorcycle mechanics who run races here. They were scratching their heads with wonder. They had replaced almost every part on the motor to resolve this issue. Thats why I am writing to you and telling you this.

I will also say that this is one nice 'ride' when it works properly. I love it and ride daily. You will NOT be disappointed AFTER you get it up and running.

The best to you!!

Originally Posted by CRH

I live in an area with a local Lance dealer. I really like the looks of the Lance Duke Touring 250 and the features it offers for the $$, but I am feeling a little hesitant. It sounds to me like, from all the forums, that the majority of the folks having issues with their Lance are people that purchased from the internet and had it dropped shipped. Has anyone that purchased from an authorized dealer had major issues? I'm 6 feet tall and 250 lbs so I really don't want one of the tiny scooters. Any info would be appreciated.

I am 6'4", 267 lbs. The Lance 250 Grand Touring model has the horses and size to suit you just fine. I bought mine from a dealer which has proven to be a blessing. Although, you pay more,, the problems and service that I have had MORE than make up for headaches that I am reading about out here.

Lance is a lower quality chinese scooter. Believe or not an importer/distributor can contract with the chinese factories to build a scooter in a particular body style but can choose the level of quality for the components. Case in point - TNG lowboy, Fly Il Bello, Lance Vintage, BMS, Eaglecraft, etc. These bikes may look the same but are not. If you buy online you are asking for trouble. An online seller will choose the lowest quality bike because they need to hit a price point and if you read the fine print on the warranty it's full of holes, you're pretty much on your own. A real dealer with a dmv license on the wall needs to set up these bikes and correct any defects prior to delivery and support the bike thru his or her shop. Beware illegal bikes with no brand sold thru hardware stores or lawnmower repair shops or the "we come to you" sellers. These are illegal dealers and illegal bikes. If the bike is reasonable quality and set up right by the dealer and you come to the dealer for regular service and oil changes, you'll be OK. An online seller will tell you it's the same bike that you saw at the dealer but it's not. An online seller may tell you that every bike is inspected and tested prior to delivery and may even sell you a "PDI" for an additional cost. Do you really believe that the shipper will uncrate the scooter, take off all the shipping material, gas it, charge the battery, put air in the tires, top off the oil, check the gear oil, drive it, check the charging system, all lights and turn signals, fix any problems, remove the battery, drain the gas and re-crate the bike prior to shipping it to you for a $1,400 bike? It's a scam. Buy your chinese scooter from a store with a physical location and test ride it prior to buying and you'll be one step ahead. What really scares me is who's riding around on a scooter that they put together themselves in their garage. Chinese scooters are metric after all. Can you imagine some moron putting together a cheap scooter in his apartment and then riding on the same road as you? Good luck to all.