Check out the latest review of the Bellavita from European Magazine, 'Scooter and Sport.'
Please note text has been translated.
WELL DONE!
The alternative to the "Grand Dame” from Italy can do many things better.
Already last springtime we were able to make test rides with the Bellavita 300 and the test report caused a sensation. Especially fans of the classic Vespa scooter, consider the alternative from the Far East with big interests. And everyone who loves beautiful shapes but demand as well for reliable technology without constant care.
Costs
Of course the price draws interest because the Italians rose already in sophisticated price fields. TGB is about 20% cheaper and so on eye height with comparable 300cc scooters. So for the beauty no extra charge will be demanded. Did we already mention that Bellavita has no steel body? TGB relies on approved technology of modern scooters – tubular frame with rust-free plastic parts.
Today many owner see the consumption as the second important expense factor but fussy merchants will not sign this overall. They would include variables like obsolescence and steadiness to their calculation. In the test runs the fuel consumption of the Bellavita turned out fortunately low, some 125cc scooters waste more than the 3,7 l/ 100km we found out.
This is important, because the psychological feel-well-effect during recurring refuelling is one of the most important moments for motorists. The maintenance charges for Taiwanese scooters can be confidently calculated clear – in this case the TGB scooter is no exception. Every 4.000 km the Bellavita has to go to the inspection, the guidance level for expenditure of time is about 2,4h or rather every 8.000 km 2,9h.
Overall such a speedy 300cc scooter is of course a piece of Luxury, the Bellavita should illustrate this as well. But the charges will be in line, because the maintenance – after expiry of warranty – can be arranged more free. Therefore the tip that the producer of the engines, SYM, dictate for this engine in their own scooters only time intervals in steps of 5.000km.
Ergonomics
A low footboard provides a very comfortable feeling. Orthopaedists recommend such scooters with seat positions like on a kitchen chair, because angle of knees and upright position will cooperate the human physique. This is much better than too small sport scooters or overblown maxiscooters. The pillion rider sits similar comfortable, has nice retractable footrests and nestles close to the driver because the seat is not overlong. Shapely and extremely solid worked are both handles – by assembling a topcase porter they will replaced by it. TGB offers weather protection similar as many other medium-sized scooters. We will not recommend a wind shield because it will spoil the design line. Ergonomically everything is well on the Taiwan-wasp.
Handling
Once more typical Taiwanese – it means everything fits, also if some switches and locks do not look like common Taiwanese standard. But perhaps TGB wanted to do it a bit different because it is a special scooter. So the switches are looking a bit more round than the usual monotony. The great rear view mirror comes probably from the same supplier than Piaggio. Even the English inscription with the warning of minimized looking objects is on the mirror. Putting the Bellavita on the main stand is very easy, as same as refuelling the scooter. The oil dipstick is reachable without burned fingers. At all points the Bellavita is a normal scooter concerning easy handling in daily routine. That applies as well for the halogen headlight which throws a deep light cone in the darkness although it has only a small scale.
Engine
The engine is produced by SYM, it’s an older version of the 300 with accurate 263,7 cc, how it works actually in the Citycom . Indeed a further development with 278,3 cc and 6 HP more, like in the Joymax 300 Evo is produced by SYM since 2012 but in this case they don’t supply it to TGB. And in our opinion it is not necessary. Speed and power are quite enough, our measurements on page 13 will show this. The recommendable engine matches perfect to a vehicle for enjoyment like the Bellavita because it scores with well behaved driving comfort. The enigine fits to the complete vehicle concept of a scooter which can be really enjoyed. It doesn’t vibrate and runs very silently, we already mentioned the low consumption. The CVT also works very well.
With low rpm the TGB is rolling on softly, remains quiet and gathers way dynamic. Half of speed is enough for 90% of city traffic needs. Full speed brings clearness and stability as needed, if a sprint in the traffic chaos is necessary. In this case the scooter accelerates fast, the roller weights are well set. A top engine, whose long lasting production in high quantities guarantees for reliability. Probably spare parts will be still available after 50 years.
Chassis:
In this chapter TGB clearly overtakes every Vespa, this impression defined already last year at the first test run. Let’s start with the Combinated Brake System. Because of this there are two brake pipes and the mighty front brake calliper with double pistons. Already a pull on the left brake lever slows down the Bellavita effectually, in the daily routine the right hand can concentrate on the gas. If needed the right lever activates the second front brake piston for stopping this not so light scooter. But much more than the brake action you appreciate the clear tactfulness of these brakes, because on CBS brakes we sometimes miss the right feeling. TGB knows it better and makes every Vespa looking quite old. The chassis remains table also in case of heavy braking. In such a situation a Vespa would twist, but the Bellavita remains stable on it’s own way. This allows a good handling also in curves.
Apparently the front fork is assembled free from any play, no expenses were saved by material. Probably this is the reason for the given dullness during turning in, it feels like there is too many mass around the steering axle. However once in sloping position the Bellavita goes ahead as well with top speed. Only in city traffic a little vibration on the handle bar can be realized, we noted it already one year ago. TGB has adjusted the shock absorbers tightly on both wheels what accrues the driving dynamics. No other retro-scooter can compete, especially when we come to not so good roads. This sportive adjustment of suspensions belongs on everyone personal taste, some customers want to have it more luxury like. Just the tyres are finally confirming all positive arguments for the Bellavita chassis. Cheng Shin tyres are known as third class, if the Bellavita works just with these tyres so good it speaks for the quality of this scooter.
Conclusion:
Fans of retro scooters with high cc who prefer superior technology without any problems will find with the Bellavita their kingdom of heaven.