2010 260cc Xingyue Star (BMS TBS-260-4) Scooter Review

by Jon Tschirgi
(Laguna Beach, CA.)

This bike is the new updated version of the Xingyue 260 that others have already reviewed here. First of all, it is impossible to overstate the improvements that have been made here.

The bike now has an all aluminum rear end with a single gas/oil/spring shock that is rider adjustable at the turn of a knob. It blows away the old fashion dual "coil-over" shocks of the previous model.

The wheels are now 5-spoke all aluminum, which are lighter and stronger than the old 3-spoke wheels. Both Hydraulic discs have been improved with twin pistons and increased size. The entire front fork has been replaced with a new one that is stronger, lighter and offers 3 more inches of travel. The water-cooled engine now has self-adjusting valves.

As you can see, the improvements are enormous and make what was already the best made Chinese scooter even better. Due to its long wheel base, new modern suspension and low center of gravity, this bike is very stable. So stable in fact that you can ride it at 70 mph, with no hands. Not that you should ever do that.

I'm a 200 pound rider and the bike has no trouble reaching 80 mph, but it's not a lot of fun at that speed. Comfortable cruising is at 60-70 mph. At those speeds it's freeway legal in most states but not California where I live. This is just as well, because any bike with 13" wheels should avoid freeways and turnpikes as a rule of thumb, regardless of its power or top end. are a number of reasons for this, but it all boils down to "it just ain't smart."

So, with all these great improvements, is this a bike you should buy? The answer is not clear cut.

This is still a very inexpensive bike built in China. There are reasons it is so cheap. Although my bike has 2000 miles on it and I love it, it has not exactly been trouble free. While it's true that none of the problems could be described as major, they have occurred often enough that I could never recommend this bike as "sole transportation."

You still need a car or other (non-Chinese) bike to depend on. This (and all Chinese scooters)is more of a fun hobby than everyday transportation. Don't even think of buying one unless you enjoy trouble-shooting and turning a wrench now and again.

The smartest way to buy one is from an authorized dealer that will handle any repairs for you. It might cost a little more than buying one online, but in the long run you'll save both money and time.