I posted these on another forum right after the Hooligan release. You'll noticed I made two visits and a test ride. My second impression was far better than my first.
FIRST LOOK.
I was able to ride the Hooligan followed by a Buddy 170i. the hooligan is not by any means a "large scooter". It's the same size as most 150s. Seat height is a tad higher than many. This was anew scoot so I didn't beat it up. Acceleration was brisk and it pulled hard up until 50 then the power started to level off. I didn't push it past 55 (GPS) but would think it will do in the low 60s.
The ride was firm, firmer than the buddy and handling was good, fit land finish were good not exceptional. I'm not a fan of matte finishes and this one didn't change that. Matte black over white plastic is a a bad combo.
To be honest other than seating position and slightly smaller wheels I felt little difference. Power and ride were about the same as the Hooligan and IMO they only differ cosmetically. The Hooligan has about 35lbs on the buddy and that may also effect speed a tad.
I have a real issue with commitment to the product. Aside from the Stella and Buddy the other Genuine offerings have fallen short for varying reasons. The Roughhouse and the Blur have struggled to sell and have gotten little help from Genuine. If the SYM dealer network bothers you so should Genuine. Thin is a reasonable way to put it.
All in all I like the Hooligan but I question how this scoot will sell. At somewhere around 4000.00 OTD at the moment. it competes with many faster, smoother options.
SECOND LOOK.
Ok got a second look at another Hooligan today. Although I was Luke warm initially I now lean more to the warm side.
Fit and finish is first rate even though I hate matte finishes. All controls are top notch as is the instrument panel. The seat is firm but not nasty and has no "slope" forward as many scoots have. The led lights are also very nice.
The suspension is also as good as you'll find on a small scoot. The rear dual shocks provide a solid but firm ride. The front end took the few bumps I could find very well. The downside it still had those "rattles" that scooters make. For a scoot said to be off road able that disconcerting.
The oil cooler is up higher then on the 170 Buddy. The scooter is not all that big. Matter of fact it's about the size of most 150s. I know other reviews say its in the 250 size but I just don't see it.
The floor is smaller than one would expect and adding a few hooks and a net is nice but nothing earth shattering. It ran nice and most think its about a 65 mph top end.
I left with a far better impression of the overall scoot but I still have a little problem with the 3400.00 tag. There a lot of options once you hit that price range.
If your looking to off road, even modestly buy a dirt bike. The Hooligan is still a scooter underneath the new clothes and it won't take that kind of beating for long.
Personally for me it's to pricey for what you get, just my .02 but a nice scooter.
On the other hand at about 2200.00 I could be a buyer of the similar Lance Cabo 150. I also rode it and its a cool little scoot.
http://www.lancepowersports.com
Be Big,
AMAC
