What is the difference between major brands and "other" brands of scooters (sit down ones), besides price?

I was looking at major brands such as yamaha and Kymco ($2500-3000) and than was looking at less known models such as the MC_U506 which goes for around $700. Is it really worth it to spring for the more expensive models or should I go for the "cheaper" model. They offer very similar products, at least on paper... Thanks from a first time scooter hopeful!
What is the difference between major brands and "other" brands of scooters (sit down ones), besides price?
dealer network, spare parts, reliability, performance, quality..the list is long.





price is not the determinant here. do not shop on price, or buy off the internet.
What is the difference between major brands and "other" brands of scooters (sit down ones), besides price?
Effem is right, don't buy over the net. Go to a dealer, near where you live, that will be there when you need parts and service. If want a less expensive brand, that's OK as long as you have the local dealership to fall back on when you need help.





In a general way, the inexpensive brands (mostly from china) don't have a dealer networks and so they can sell at rock bottom prices because the operate out of a warehouse and don't even sell assembled scoots. If you look at their websites and they have a tab for spare parts, check it out. There will only be several parts for the bike, not every part you could ever need.





Finally quality. When Japanese products where first imported to western markets, these products were none for there cheap price and inferior quality. That has all changed since the 50's and 60's. Now it is the chinese who have to catch up with QA before they have a good product.
Reply:Buy a major Brand. Forget the knock offs.
Reply:An inexpensive scooter is actually a 'cheap scooter'. They are usually built with low quality materials, untrained, unprofessional workers, technologically behind and practically with no quality control whatsoever. Not to mention non existent infrastructure network.
Reply:Look at the dealer network for availability of service and repairs. No good to have a 1 or 2 year warranty if you don't have a nearby service facility. Check into parts availability. What is the companies history? Are they new to the scene and have no track record of dependability? I would suggest staying with major manufacturers such as those that you mentioned.
Reply:Most Italian, Jap, and some Indian scooters have parts availability. So do Kymco and Hyosung.





Many Chineese, Tiawaneese, and Korean do not.





Stick with a good brand like Aprilia, Vespa, Kymco, Hyosung, Honda or Yamaha. These, however are a lot more expensive.