Anyone know anything about the Roketa or Icebear Spider scooters?

by Sue McCartin via Kathi
(Unknown)

Sue McCartin posted a question over in the forums a couple of weeks ago that hasn't gotten any answers, so I thought I'd repost it here, since I know I have more eyes on these pages than I do in the forums at times.

Sue's question:
I've been looking at the Roketa (row-ket-ah) spider, a can am spyder look alike. I'm attracted because I eventually want a real spyder it's just not in the current budget (figure this would build skills at a whole bunch less cash). The reverse trikes are supposed to be a bit more stable than the two in the back and I'm also attracted by the fact that it's chain driven instead of belt driven. This one is also not going to have all the expensive to fix electronic crap on it that the can ams have.

I'm sure like the spyder it handles more like an atv or a snowmobile on wheels than a two wheeler. It comes with a 250cc one banger engine with auto transmission (with reverse!), a motorhead friend is convinced you could most likely drop a different engine in it without much work and maybe not even have to swap out the transmission.

I'd read somewhere that roketa may be out of business. I also read that the spider look alike isn't made by roketa or icebear it's actually a Kimli(???) scooter trike. I can't find a whole lot of info on it other than all the ones out there are the same scooter just rebranded. I can't find a local dealer with the right insurance for a test drive, but his price is good and they fully assemble and adjust it (I've heard the front end alignment is a bear if you just get one drop shipped). I'm licensed for a two wheeler but after a short experience with a real can am spyder I know they are very, very different to ride from a two wheel bike. The dealership says these, unlike a can am, are not independent suspension...which doesn't mean a lot to me..he also said they're like riding a bucking bronco till you get the hang of it. I did see one post in a forum that after you get it you should have the front end parts upgraded for a better ride and better handling and the mufflers are also supposed to be cheapo crap that only lasts a couple of months.

I'm looking for anyone that has one of these or has seen a good impartial review. There may not be much out there yet because it's my impression it's only been out for maybe two years. I'm concerned about parts availability, I think I've got maintenance covered but not being able to get parts would be a deal breaker. I've read the Chinese have a preference for interchangeable parts to save manufacturing costs (good for them).

I've seen that fancy new icebear with the 300 cc that is supposed to be the cat's meow but I'm still really attracted to the spider even with the smaller engine. At first it would be a 100 mile roundtrip vehicle with city and a bit of major road (but not really highway driving, the speeds on us 19 go from 45-55 up and down as you pass through cities wanting to write speeding tickets). Despite all the silly Chinese provided max speed numbers I'm told about 60 with a two hundred pound butt on it is reality for max speed on this 250cc with 13hp but it's supposed to be pretty peppy getting there.

If you know anything please post a link to the article or if you know anyone that has one I'd love to here their thoughts. Thanks all.