A guide to buying a Japanese scooter!

A guide to buying a Japanese scooter!

Known as ‘gentsuki’ in Japan, scooters have always been and affordable and accessible way to commute the crowded streets of the land of the rising sun. Japan is where one-third of the motorbike manufacturing industry in the world is dominated by the Big Four! This is the country where some of the fastest and the coolest motorcycles are manufactured in the world. Over the years there was an interesting turn in the JDM market where motorists started losing interest in the big bikes while turning their attention towards scooters. Today, there’s a whole culture built around Japanese scooters. It’s not only a mode of transport in Japan but also a way to express their personalities and customizing them in the most personally detailed way to reflect their thinking.

If you are on the path to buying a gentsuki (scooter) here are some tips that will come in handy!

Go with a well-known brand
As we mentioned earlier there are four big names in Japan when it comes to manufacturing motorbikes however only three of them are involved in building scooters. That’s Yamaha, Honda and Suzuki (Kawazaki doesn’t manufacture scooters)! The reason for buying well-known brands is that it’s easier to find parts later. You also find plenty of forums online related to almost all the models they have. These three brands are huge so you cut off reliability from your list of worries. Decide the size you want according to your budget There are Japanese scooters with a top speed of 60 MPH, you can ride the highway with these two-wheelers. Others are mild machines of 35MPH with 100 miles to a gallon. You need to decide what sparks up your desires. The latter is best for running errands, grocery shopping, go off to the gym, run to the post office and since they are not bulky it’s easy to find parking space. The big scooters are for those who have a thirst for speed and style! Whatever rings your bell!

Don’t rush your purchase
The best place to buy a Japanese scooter is of course in Japan! However, since you may live thousands of miles away, then you can opt for a Japanese auction house. Do your groundwork first and check out a forum online and then make your decision. The reason you are probably reading this is that you have never owned a scooter, so as a newbie make a well-informed decision.

Buying process
If you are buying the scooter online, then go through the process and find out the local insurance scheme and the import taxes in your country. We advise on direct access to an auction since that’s the best way to get your options.

Join a club
The scooting culture in your country may not be as strong as in Japan. However, you can surely find a club close by with like-minded people who love to ride scooters. Unlike the stereotypical image of motorcycle clubs, which attract the more rebellious types, scooters, are usually owned by tamed bunches.