My wife and I have a Big Chief retro standard and a Big Chief euro standard from GS Motorworks. We got them about a year ago after originally planning to buy Yamaha or Honda. I was having a tough time parting with $4,000 for two scooters that we just use for fun, so I bought then from GS Motorworks for about $1,600 instead.
There have been unsatisfied postings recently about GS Motorworks on this forum as well as other forums. My experience with the company has been good, so I’ve wondered why others are postings unsatisfied comments. After reading through the comments, I see a pattern that suggests these GS Motorworks’ customers may not have had the appropriate expectation set before they purchased their scooter direct from an online company. GSMotorworks website addresses each of these concerns in advance, but it is exhaustive, so I’ll summarize what I see to be the problem:
Registration – Many people expect they can register their scooter as soon as it arrives. That’s a misconception when you buy direct from an online company. They don’t even know the VIN# of the scooter until you receive it and fill out their online registration form indicating the VIN# on the scooter (that’s because the scooter is shipped direct from China to their warehouse to you without the crate being opened in between). Once they receive the VIN# from you, they are quick to send the necessary documentation so you can register it locally. Just realize that you are still at least a few days away from being able to register your scooter after it arrives.
Start-Up and Maintenance – Because the scooter is shipped direct from China to their warehouse to you without the crate being opened in between, you will be the first person to uncrate and perform start-up after it rolls off the assembly line in China. When you buy a scooter from a local dealer, they often perform this procedure for you (although some charge extra for the service). Many people underestimate how much detailed work goes into starting up a scooter. It requires filling multiple areas with oil/gas, charging the battery, tweaking the carburetor, doing some tricks to get the air out of the system before it can be started, etc. If you are not mechanically inclined and willing to read through their 30 page manual or if you do not have a local small engine mechanic that has agreed in advance to perform the start-up procedure (usually $50-$75), then save the frustration and do not buy a scooter from GS Motorworks or any other online company. Starting up a scooter for the first time once it rolls off the assembly line requires a lot more than filling up the gas tank and turning the key. Additionally, if you are not accustomed to working with engines, be sure you have a local small engine mechanic that has agreed to work on your scooter before you buy. GSMotorworks.com has a page where you can find an independent small engine mechanic in your area.
Service Warranty – GS Motorworks and other online companies do not have local service locations across the country. Because of this, they offer a “parts only” warranty. GS Motorworks does stock a large inventory of parts, they do honor their warranty and they do offer support over the telephone. If you have problems with start-up or on-going maintenance, you can expect GS Motorworks to provide the parts you need as long as it’s within the warranty period. Be aware that they often require that you first return the defective part so they can be sure to match up the exact part you need. However, as their website states clearly, do not expect them to pay for labor.
GS Motorworks offers their low pricing because you do the work of the local dealer. They don’t try to hide this, but it may not be apparent to all who purchase since this info is spread across numerous pages on their website. If you are not comfortable with the above steps that a local dealer would typically do, spend the extra $700 - $1,200 and buy from a reputable local dealer. If you are aware of what to expect with registration, start-up/maintenance and the warranty when dealing with GS Motorworks and you are comfortable with these steps, you will most likely have a great experience with the company – just like I have.
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