Thread: Some information on Scooters in Panama

I have not seen this topic covered in much detail. So I thought I would provide the little information I have so far. I live in the interior near Las Tablas where a scooter would be useful. I am interested in a Suzuki since the Police dept uses them. The price in Las Tablas for a Suzuki AN 125 scooter is 1800 dollars out the door, including the tags and a helmit. A Suzuki 100 cc manuel shift bike is 1000 bucks. I found out though that these bikes are Chinese made. A Yahama 2 stroke 100cc scooter in Panama City is 2800 dollars but it is Taiwan made. Most of the models I see are not sold in the US. They are cheap and the quality is probably not the same as what is sold in the US. For the money, the Suzuki's appear to be the best value and have the best warranty. Depending on where you live, a scooter could be a good option. It would bring the beach much closer to me as there is no bus service to the beach in my neck of the woods. And, besides, scooters are fun.

I agree that a scooter or small motorcycle makes sense for some cases. The latter should have bigger wheels that are less likely to be a problem with pot holes and bad roads. I haven't been able to find information on licensing and insurance. Is there a size where it is cheaper or unneeded?

I think all of the big japanese brands are well built - Yamaha, Honda, etc. But the chinese ones are low priced and perhaps worth the longevity and parts issues. A 4 stroke will use less gas and last longer.

Evidently you need a Motorcycle endorsement to drive. My license will be for a motorcycle only. I am trying to learn about the products available and where they are made. For example, I did not know that Suzuki was a mainland China product. I have decided that a mainland China product is not appropriate under any circumstances. A Yamaha is made in Taiwan and the quality is good. I will have to keep looking and I now understand that I will have to pay more to get a quality bike.

I have no insurance for my scooter since it is not required.

Pollerkeeper , something you might want to concider , vespa , they make a scooter that is 200 cc , and a 4 speed trans , they are now 4 stroke , to shift them you pull in the clutch lever and twist the handle grip , clutch and shift in one motion , the back brake is on the floor , it is a flat floored scooter and the front brake is on the other handle bar with the throttle , they also carry there own spare tire , nice idea i think , i had one in canada but it was the 2 stroke model , carried my 200 lbs , 65 mph down the highway , never had any prolbems with mine and there is a dealer in the city , just one more option because there is nothing more dangerous than being underpowered ,and trips to chitre and pedasi are now within reach

I appreciate the suggestion for the Vespa. In Florida I owned a 600cc Piaggio and well as a small Yamaha Zuma and several other Chino scooters. Piaggio owns Vespa and they are made in Italy. My experience with Italian bikes is that they are very expensive to own and maintain. Chino bikes are not worth owning at any price. Taiwan made scooters are the best, most dependable scooter you can buy for the money in my opinion. I am just learning about this market. The Yamaha is the only scooter that I am sure is not made in China and is made in Taiwan. I am pretty sure Honda is also made in Taiwan but I don't know it yet for a fact. Yamaha has a 100cc and a 125cc that I will look at as well as the Honda Elite. Warranties are only good for 6 months here. I will not buy a bike unless I can see the data plate to see where it is made. These little scooters will run 45-50 MPH with me and my wife on the bike. So, I got to look around a little more. So far, I have found a Yamaha 100cc scooter in Panama City for 2800 bucks and that includes the tag at a dealer. So, it looks like patience is going to be important. I had my Taiwan made scoot in Florida for 8 years with no problems and I gave it to my sister when I moved. It still runs like hell. My Italion scooter was nothing but a maintenance pig and the bills were terrible.

I bought a Yamaha BWS125 from the Yamaha shop at Calle 50 and Via Brasil in February. I did a lot of research, I have had motorcyles for 40 years in Canada, now own a Suzuki Vstom DL1000 in Canada, but will sell it when I move. The BWS125 is EXACTLY the same as the Zuma that is sold in N. America. I paid $2500 and that included taxes, registration and a helmet. I did get insurance, i have heard both yes you and no you don't, but being an expat the liability is worth the money. Plus if it gets stolen you are covered. have had no problems with riding or Panama drivers, In Panama you can leave your helmet on your bike when you park.

I have 1300km so far of running around Panama City. Absolutely no problems. The scooter is very well built, durable, snaps away from the lights. There is a reason you pay much less for a Chinese model, the Yamaha is same quality as there other motorcycle line up. Easily serviced. Read some reviews on the internet for the Zuma if you want.

I know the prices start to jump up after 125cc, anywhere. The 125 is just fine for the city, very maneuverable and okay at 80km/hr.

If I had to buy another I would go exactly the same route.

Gary

I really appreciate this information. That is the most solid information I have to this moment. I plan to go to that shop and make the same offer on that exact model on Thursday. I had a Zuma in Florida and that little 50cc 2 stroker was a horse. Over the years I have seen Zuma's looking so abused and still running like a champ. Panama is a war zone for a little scooter so this one is perfect. The Zuma hasn't changed much over the years and is just as homely looking as ever. But, what a little worker bee it is. Thanx for the info.
By the way, the phone quotes I have been getting on it are high. So I will just stick to my guns with the 2500 dollar offer and see what happens.

some other comments now that I am a "veteran" on my BWS125 in Panama City. Right now there are no licence plates available for scooters (or cars for that matter) so I made a photocopy of my registration, put it into a Ziploc bag and hung it from the licence plate brackets... seems to reduce the number of times I get stopped by the police to check my registration. I still get stopped periodically by the police on scooters, but they just check my licence, my passport copy (with entry stamp) and sometimes the registration.

I always have a good raingear set (jacket and pants) inside the cubby under the seat in case I am out and it starts to rain. I have been caugt out is a few downpours, not as bad as here in Canada as the temperature is still hot. The BWS does great going through flooded streets and puddles and while cars are gridlocked, you'll be home in minutes.

I have carried some large loads from shopping. I have two very large and sturdy hand bags (like large cloth reusable shopping bags except stronger) and a large carbiner. Fill the bags up, connect the handles with the caribiner and hang them over the seat behind you like saddle bags. One trip to Price Smart I came home with a case of 24 beer and 8 bottles of wine, once with 4 gallons of paint. Have a bunch of good bungee cords and you can strap large boxes on the seat behind you. Smaller grocery trips a large bag at your feet.

Have fun and while the folks in cars sit there, you'll make it to your destination in minutes.

Gary

Great information. The bike is actually perfect size for most use here. I live in the interior. I have not seen this model out here as most people buy the Chino models. But, I will use it for traveling to the beach etc. The roads out here are 2 lane and the speed limit is very slow and many of the drivers drive even slower and we have cows on the road sometimes etc. No need for a large bike in my opinion. And, we have lots of dirt roads as well. I am looking forward to the purchase. Bus service is good out here also so I can still use the bus when it is the best option.

I think you'll find that the BWS is about as rugged as one can get for a scooter for rough roads. Where do you live, perhaps I will visit you on one of my adventures?

I live very close to Las Tablas. That will be a nice long ride for you on the scooter, but I am sure it will make it. I had a Zuma in Florida. They are a little hard on the back and you have to take breaks. The more you ride of course the more you get acclimated to it. It has been awhile for me so I know I am going to feel it in my back. But, I know you could ride anywhere in the country on a small Yamaha. I plan to ride to Pedasi with this scooter and that is about 45 Kilometers. Pedasi has the good beaches. I will let you know when I purchase the scoot.

I have a Yamaha XT-225 here in the states. It's great for onroad and offroad - but it's a small motorcycle, not a scooter.

I think an Off/Road On/Road enduro style bike would be great here depending on where you wanted to ride it. And, it would need to be able to carry a passenger. The environment here is hard on anything mechanical and those bikes are probably tough as nails. Motor cycle maintenance is also more affordable. One of the draw backs in the states is the maintenance such as frequent tire changes etc and the cost involved. For example, I was quoted 40 dollars or there abouts to buy a tire and have it changed on the scooter. That would be at least double in the states.

Good day. Do you have info, as well, on scooter rental in the city? Thanks.

Scooters would be a bad choice for the inexperienced rider in Panama City. Very dangerous. At any rate I have not heard of anyone renting them there. Even in Las Tablas where I live, they no longer rent them. Not enough demand. In the interior, a scooter is ideal though and not dangerous for those short trips in and around the towns. Also, remember the rainy season. The wet roads add to the challenge.

I am based in Clayton and I figured the better way to bring my kid to the park, which is about 3km away, to do swimming lesson, etc. is through a scooter. Basic one but better than a bike and safer and simpler than a motorbike. I am still convincing my hubby to buy one.

If you plan to actually use the scooter than it is advisable not to purchase a Chinese scooter. Chinese scooters will give you so many problems that using them are actually hit or miss. I have a friend that bought a new one here and in the first 3 months of ownership he had it in the shop 22 times. To my knowledge there are very few brands that are non-Chinese. Honda, Yamaha and of course Vespa are non-Chinese. They cost a considerable amount more than a Chinese scooter but they are products that actually function and will last for many years with very few if any problems.

Thanks. I'll keep that in mind

I agree - some of the Chinese ones are < 1/2 the price, but the parts do fall off. No motorcycles or scooters for me in city traffic. But if you do, get a florescent vest and helmet.

If you are an experienced scooter user, then I would say that riding them in the city is not a bad idea. Panama City is not a good place to learn to ride. If you are living in the interior, scooter use is very safe, although defensive driving is strongly encouraged. Anyone that is into living simply and cheaply, in the interior should consider looking into the idea of owning a quality scooter or small motorcycle. Scooters are fun. If money is not an issue for you and you don't believe that scooters are fun-then don't waste your money. Just my opinion.