Vuka bikes

w1z4rd

w1z4rd

Karmic Sangoma
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They seem to be going real cheap here in the Eastern Cape (Around R5000 for a brand new one)... and since I live about 4km from where I work.. I thought it would make sense to get one to pup-pup-pup to work on.

They also look pretty cool: http://www.motoring.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=3504&fArticleId=3825845

The biggest problem I have heard so far is the support for the parts. As anyone tried a Vuka?
 
They're Made in China which doesn't impress most people, and that's most likely why it's origin is not mentioned in the article, but I can say one thing in their favour and that is they use the old bullet proof Honda 4-stroke engine.

I'd say they're good value.
 
I think Barry Hilton owns a dealership or two here in PE if the rumour mill is correct. I've also been toying with the idea of getting one.
 
They're pretty good value, esp if you compare the pricing to a big 4 brand (the basic honda 125 scooter is around R9k). Hard to tell what the quality is like tho', although it is good news that they use a tried and tested engine design.

Quite nice website design too: http://www.vukascuta.com/

Info could be better, but nice layout and friendliness. Nice to see a "cheap" brand understanding the importance of online marketing.
 
It takes a particular type of person to use one of these. It goes with the image I suppose. (putt, putt, putt :D)

Frankly with the small wheels I find them more dangerous than a conventional bike.
 
Frankie said:
They're Made in China which doesn't impress most people, and that's most likely why it's origin is not mentioned in the article, but I can say one thing in their favour and that is they use the old bullet proof Honda 4-stroke engine.

I'd say they're good value.
Click to expand...

ever heard the term for a honda calling it a boosman.;)
 
This is the point where I punt an electric bicycle if you live 4 km from work.

*punts electric bicycle*
 
BlueCollar said:
This is the point where I punt an electric bicycle if you live 4 km from work.

*punts electric bicycle*
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China is full of these, and electric scooters - some really smart ones, even fold-up ones.

They have a very robust motor built into the rear wheel hub.

They catch you off guard when come past you from behind because they're so quiet.

I read an article where they were looking at the SA market and the need to beef-up the frames for the heavier South African's frame.

They use the Honda 4-Stroke engine in all sorts in China - http://mybroadband.co.za/photos/showphoto.php?photo=3493

China Electric Harley - http://mybroadband.co.za/photos/showphoto.php?photo=3494
 
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BlueCollar said:
This is the point where I punt an electric bicycle if you live 4 km from work.

*punts electric bicycle*
Click to expand...

The problem I have with that hippie contraptions of yours...

Why would I spend R15k on a lectricky bicyle when I can buy myself a semi-decent motorcycle for that price?
 
I know I'm a shameless spammer, but I got 2 bikes in stock that I need to move!

@ Gru - coz an electric bicycle gives you a bit of exercise, it's cheaper to run than a motorbike, and it's much more environmentally friendly (not that you care about that last point).
 
Back on topic - I might stop by the Vika shop tomorrow and have a look.
 
BlueCollar said:
I know I'm a shameless spammer, but I got 2 bikes in stock that I need to move!

@ Gru - coz an electric bicycle gives you a bit of exercise, it's cheaper to run than a motorbike, and it's much more environmentally friendly (not that you care about that last point).
Click to expand...

I dont think he cares about any of those points. However, at a free case of beer with the sale and I am sure he will purchase it.
 
BlueCollar said:
@ Gru - coz an electric bicycle gives you a bit of exercise, it's cheaper to run than a motorbike, and it's much more environmentally friendly (not that you care about that last point).
Click to expand...
If it was just for the exercise then you could get 2 very good bikes for that price i reckon... For me to seriously consider it the price will have to come down a wee bit

w1z4rd said:
I dont think he cares about any of those points. However, at a free case of beer with the sale and I am sure he will purchase it.
Click to expand...

You'd have more luck with whisky :D
 
Gru said:
If it was just for the exercise then you could get 2 very good bikes for that price i reckon... For me to seriously consider it the price will have to come down a wee bit
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Sorry for the continued off topic Bwana - promise I'll stop spamming after this post. Gru - a "very good" bicycle typically costs about R40k or more.
 
BlueCollar said:
Sorry for the continued off topic Bwana - promise I'll stop spamming after this post. Gru - a "very good" bicycle typically costs about R40k or more.
Click to expand...

Ok.. let me put it in Hippie terms :D

@ R15k a pop, I don't think Sipho from mamelodi would be able to afford it and he'll just continue using his carbon fuel gussler that the long-hair brigade is trying to get rid of. To him (and most middle to lower income earners) your R15k electric bicycle is just a rich man's toy. See where I'm going with this?

Now.. about those Vukas... :D
 
These Vuka's may be good for a year or so and in that light are probably a pretty economical solution.. ;)

But don't expect too much when they break (and they will break :p )..
My brother worked at a bike store for quite some time (as a bike mechanic) and still does occasional "after hours" repair jobs.. He's told me that it's practically impossible to get hold of spare parts for these things and also in typical "china style" they're almost built as a solid unit and servicing/repairing them is a pain..

So yea when it breaks it might be more viable to throw it away and just get a new one.. ;)


Personal opinion: I would never be caught on one of these.. :eek: I'd feel like a right sissy-boy :o :p - much rather get one of those cheap bikes (if I had to choose between them) .. :)
 
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