Have not read all thread but I have owned and even imported chinese 125cc underbone myself. They don't have the detail quality as jap. or italian scooters but.. they are worth the money and their bad reputation comes from people/dealers who sells far more expensive bikes. If you want a small bike to drive to work or just for fun, they are ok. Have only positive things to say about them. My XC 500 are similar but better.. I can see they are similar in many ways but if you look closely you see it's not made in jap./italy. Have owned Aprilia Scarabeo 500 and Gilera Nexus 500. The Nexus was more sporty and fast, very fast. Kymco are more chinese but are so smooth. My other CH bikes where also smooth as silk. I love them and I can only recommend them if you want a simple reliable bike to get from a-b on.