Bashan BS48Q-2 Moped

by Jim Zeiser
(Deposit, NY, US)

Two new additions to the Fleet

OK, confused by all the numbers? I came across this moped in an online sellers ad and my wife thought this would be perfect for our sons to tool around town. Essentially it is a clone of sorts of the Honda Cub.

It has an automatic clutch, electric and kick start, chain drive, 17" wheels and -- get this -- a four speed foot shift transmission. We bought two. At the bargain price of $490 plus $200 shipping and liftgate we figured we couldn't go wrong.

They came with some assembly required, but started up immediately and worked just fine when I was done. I've had experience with a Bashan machine (my scooter was built by them) and these retained the quality and attention to detail I expected. Not only that but they ride better than my scooter, much to my chagrin and handle more like a motorcycle which is a kick going around turns.

Not having an automatic transmission means you have to upshift and downshift on inclines, but without a clutch your foot does all the work. Just roll off the throttle and shift.

All in all a worthwhile purchase and a vehicle experiment for the coming years. The engine looks like a Honda copy, hopefully they will last like one.

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Bashan BS48Q-2 Moped

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Aug 26, 2011
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Wait A MInute!
by: Jim Zeiser

I found this, hope it helps.

http://www.roketa.com/product/1/0/53814.shtml

Aug 25, 2011
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Dilema
by: Jim Zeiser

Here's what I know about the bikes. Mine was advertised with a top speed of 50 kph (kilometers per hour) on a site no longer in business. That's about 31 mph. It's rated at 3 horsepower, the standard number for Chinese 50cc engines. In many states the law reads "No external shifting device" for a vehicle to be a moped. I live in the boonies and the lady at DMV didn't ask, I didn't tell, about the particulars of the bikes. Only what the top speed was, to which I answered "30 mph". The no external shifting is why scooters, even 50cc Vespas at $3300, are rated as mopeds. Frankly I can't see penalizing something just because it shifts but I don't write the laws. I spent a couple of hours trying to find someone who still sells them but came up empty. That's as much as I know.

Aug 23, 2011
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Need help in SC!
by: Ruthie

Hey Jim - trying to gather info on the BS48Q-2 moped. DMV here says anything 50 cc and under is a moped. This was sold to us as a moped so I purchased it for my daughter to get to work as she has a suspended license. And officer stopped her today and she went to jail because he contends it is a motorcycle, not a moped because it has gears. Can anyone tell me what the horsepower of this scooter is? DMV says anything 50 cc and under = moped. But the people who issue the moped tag says it has to meet 3 criteria...50 CC or less, horsepower = no more than 2 and does not go over 30 mph. Where can I find this info? You mention in one of your previous posts that it is advertised at a max speed of 30. Where can I find that to show the powers that be and get my daughter out of trouble?

Aug 22, 2011
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Yes
by: Jim Zeiser

I've seen parts listed at Roketa.com. I was going to buy a part for one of mine but got sidetracked. Try them and let me know how it worked out.

Aug 21, 2011
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Rear wheel
by: Anonymous

Does anyone know where to get a replacement rear wheel. I let someone ride it and they broke the hub. SMH. Your help would be appreciated.

Aug 13, 2011
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bs48q-2
by: Anonymous

hey Jim... Which company still sells these bikes and what class did they fall in b or c in ny state thanxs jay

Jun 14, 2011
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Registration
by: Jim Zeiser

I registered it the same as a 50cc scooter since it has an advertised top speed of 30 mph. As far as I know it doesn't need to be inspected because of that either. DMV has always accepted the Bashan name. Getting my Bashan scooter inspected is a little tricky but I've gotten it done.

Jun 14, 2011
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bashan bs48q
by: jay

hey jim were u able to register it in ny and can u tell me if it was on dmv list and what class it fell in thanks jim jay brooklyn ny

May 01, 2011
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Owner's Manual
by: Anonymous

Where can I find the owner's manual for this moped bs28q-2?

Apr 05, 2011
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Looking for dealers!
by: Brian

I live in VA and would love to not only test ride on of these, but save the $200 shipping. But looking online I can't find any information on local dealers. I can only find two places that even sell this model online. Even the Bashan Motorcycle USA site links me to overseas contact info and URLs. I'll probably order online if I have to, but if anyone can give me a link to dealer information I'd appreciate it. All the local dealers I've talked to don't even know about this moped. :)

Thanks!

Apr 04, 2011
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Apple s and Oranges
by: Jim Zeiser

The GB and Zuma are pricey little items that are well worth the money that you spend on them. From what I hear the 50cc Zuma is a rocket and probably climbs hills like a goat. The Bashan performs really well in comparison to Chinese scooters of the same size and, to me, are light years ahead in reliability and quality. Yes, the gearbox helps alot on hills since a quick downshift to third will have you doing 20 mph easily while a Chinese scooter would be struggling to hold 15. Do I think they're worth the money, absolutely. A chain will outlast a belt and rollers by a ton and so far my two mopeds have needed nothing more than oil changes and one valve adjustment. As they get more miles they get faster and stronger, and for what they are work like a charm.

Apr 04, 2011
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Advantages of 4-speed transmission?
by: Anonymous

I'm actually comparing the Zuma and Genuine Buddy right now, but something about this bike keeps drawing my interest, and not just the price! :) I weigh about 240, so a zippy 2 stroke is what I'm looking for, and I'm wondering if there is an acceleration or hill advantage with the Bashan transmission over the CVT used in the Zuma and GB? I live in VA and have no idea if anyone sells Bashan here- Google searches are turning up almost nothing. Not even reviews. If I can't test drive it, it's a big gamble, although for this price I could just let the GF use it and go get the Zuma anyhow. :) I just looks so fun, and if it would be better suited to hauling my butt around, why not save $1300+?

Also, is there anything that needs to be de-restricted? I certainly can't find anything on that topic?

Thanks!

Mar 02, 2011
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Idle
by: MarkM

I'll try. The operating manual says idle should be 1500 +/- 100. I'd assumed that was to keep the engine from stalling since the clutch didn't slip.

Thanks!

- Mark

Mar 02, 2011
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Awfully High
by: Jim Zeiser

I set the blue one by ear at around 1,000 to 1,200 rpm or so. The clutch engagement on them is very progressive from a start, almost like an automatic transmission. I would set the idle lower first and see what happens. Mine work fine with a combination of throttle and brakes at low speed and I wouldn't fear using them in stop and go traffic.

Mar 01, 2011
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Clutch doesn't slip
by: MarkM

How do you deal with starting moving or inching along in heavy traffic with a clutch that doesn't slip?

I have one. My knees haven't completely healed from trying to ride it for the first time 3 weeks ago. With 1500 rpm idle and no slip, it just jerked out from under me. I was left standing on the pavement trying to hold on to it.

It came with an operating manual the shows a manual clutch lever and says nothing about how to use the automatic clutch.

Thanks!

- Mark

Dec 03, 2010
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Try these Guys
by: Jim Zeiser

http://www.superatvs.com/atv/product_detail.php?id=425&pid=114&PHPSESSID=a2045bd21b7e36db90983285396f46a0

They've been selling them for quite awhile. Also www.partsforscooters.com for some of the generic parts.

Dec 02, 2010
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where get parts for
by: bobbie

I bought my son one of these.But where do you buy parts for them. And who makes them

Oct 22, 2010
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Starting
by: Jim Zeiser

"I must get to that idle screw as i am having one heck of a time to start her."

All you can do to get them to warm up is be patient with the manual coke. The black one has been better about it since new, but the blue one....It takes a good few minutes blipping the throttle and holding the choke in various positions to warm it up. I wanted t adjust the idle mixture but fear damaging the carb unplugging it. I think a small drill will take it out, but I'm living with it-for now.

Oct 22, 2010
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Air Filter.
by: Anonymous

Yes Jim. The battery box is a tangle!! I got all the wires meshed together and crammed back but Boy!! If the air filter is in forward of the battery, THAT will be a challenge to get at!! Seems there is a metal plate that restricts getting the air cleaner filter out, unless I missed something in Assembling this bike!! But how would one clean the sponge filter if its a wrist twister just to manipulate it out!! Man!! Any info is appreciated. Carol N.

Oct 22, 2010
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Idle Screw On Bashan.
by: Anonymous

Thanks Jim as usual you are the best for scooters as far as info is concerned. (I am sure you are good at other things also, lol) I must get to that idle screw as i am having one heck of a time to start her. We are, as you are probably, having a spell of cold October wind now ,here, and it,s not starting up right off like the milano does. Of couse I am not riding in this cold but I like to be able to start it up. Only got 16 miles since it arrived Monday! Yeah, that d... EPA really .... but can,t it be unplugged or will that mess the carb up!? It reaslly seems to be a great little rider.. I wish the weather was better but here we go, into cold Winter... Best Luck and thanks again, Jim. Carol N.

Oct 22, 2010
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I'll Have to Look
by: Jim Zeiser

I never looked at where the air filter was. Now you have me curious. I'm sure it's probably behind one of the plastic covers. I hope you don't have to pull the battery. Putting it in was an adventure with all the wires needing to be arranged just so the holding bracket would go on.

Oct 22, 2010
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Idle Adjustment
by: Jim Zeiser

To get at the idle screw you have to take off the plastic cover up on the frame behind the gas tank on the left side. The idle mixture screw is also there but it's plugged over because of our friends at the EPA. As I recall you screw the idle screw in to increase engine speed. I used the blue one the other day and it's much tighter than the black one. It's amazing how much difference 200 miles makes on them. The blue one only has 120 miles while the black one has 330. I would imagine by 1000 miles they are completely different.

Oct 22, 2010
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starting
by: Anonymous

Jim: Just got mine this week and all I got to say is YES!!! It did put smiles on my face!! I like it better than my silver Milano.!! Is there any adjustment on the Carb, tho, for idle speed? I would like to be able to adjust the carb, and also how the heck do you access the Air Filter?? It seems to be inaccessable behind the battery? Thanks for any help. Carol N.

Oct 21, 2010
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Bashan
by: Larry

I just got one of these for my son. On vacation in Bermuda, we rented this motor scooter for him and he begged that we buy it for him for his birthday. Well, its been six months later and he still rides it everyday! Highly recommend this one.

Oct 21, 2010
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where do you get these for $450
by: moto scooto

I AM A DEALER LOOKING FOR A MODERATELY PRICE MOPED.
WHO DIDTRIBUTEE THIS MODEL BASHAN MOPED
JASON
DAYTON OHIO
EMAIL
MOTOSCOOTO@GMAIL.COM

Oct 12, 2010
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Don't Wait
by: Jim Zeiser

I put off doing mine and broke the valve springs. The valves are spun-welded and stretch, especially the exhaust valve, by the time they reach 1,000 miles. The recommended mileage is 1,000, 2,450 and then every 2,450 after that. Eventually the scooter will start to stall at stoplights and become hard to start because of the lack of valve clearances. If you don't want to do it a lawn mower repair shop can do it easily and cheaper than a motorcycle shop. Even cheaper if you take off all the plastic panels for them.

Oct 12, 2010
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thanks!
by: Anonymous

Thanks, Jim. I dread the procedure and will put it off until I really need the valves done! They are quiet and I have plenty of power for now... The Haynes manual says valves need adjusting at around 10,000 Miles!!

You did yours at 1,000,2,000!!! Would it be o.k. to wait until, and IF, I reach 10,000 miles??? Seems like a lot of time in between. Carol N.

Oct 12, 2010
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Valves
by: Jim Zeiser

I've never tried doing the shocks and I don't know if you would have the access you would need. Everyone I know agrees on the long torturous method. Take off both rear fenders, take off the seat, take off the front panel under the seat, take off the side skirts under the floorboard, take out the battery, take off the floorboard. Now you have the engine in front of you and you can get at all the tubes and valve cover. Then adjust the valves. It takes me about three hours to take everything off, adjust the valves and put it back together. The mopeds-about twenty minutes.

Oct 11, 2010
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Valve adjustment on Milano
by: carol nelson

Thanks, Jim, for your reply. It's nice to know someone else out there is riding a Milano that's not to far from New Hampshire. My son works in NYC on Solar so we get up to NY state.

Can I ask you how I can get access to the valves for adjustment? John at GS Motorworks told me to undo the rear shock bolts, but that seems like a hard thing to do. How do you do your valve adjustments on the Milano?

I think I know the procedure; it's just getting to the front of the valve cover! The kid down the road charged me 80 bucks to change over the carb and change the rear tire for a new mount tire I provided, so I think I will try to do the work myself from now on!

I got 2,157 miles on her now. Thanks for any advice... and PLEASE, more riding notes on your wonderful blue Milano. Carol Nelson

Oct 11, 2010
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Thanks
by: Jim Zeiser

I used to visit New Hampshire to see the races at Laconia. We stayed in cabins on Lake Winnipesaukee at Alton Bay. I jumped in the lake one year for a swim and I thought I was going to freeze to death. Nobody told me it was still ice cold the last week of June. I'm glad you enjoy my writing, I'll have to do more of it. I've been busy so I haven't done anything new on the scooter, but I have an idea that should look well on these pages.
Let us know how the Mopeds work out. They're alot of fun.

Oct 10, 2010
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Riding the Milano.
by: Anonymous

Thanks, Jim. I really love your reviews... I kept up and looked forward to your little stories about riding the Milano. Wish I lived nearer, I would join you with My silver Milano. I live in Cold NH! Like upper NY state it gets dang cold here also! Keep on riding and keep up the updates. Carol N.

Oct 10, 2010
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Tube Type
by: Jim Zeiser

Yes, they have tube type tires. At 17 inches in diameter they should last quite a while. Also they're really light and don't put a lot of stress on their rubber.
Have fun with it when you get it. These things will really put a smile on your face.

Oct 10, 2010
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Tires.
by: Carol nelson

Jim: I forgot to ask: Are these mopeds running tube or tubeless tires. I want to order a spare set but want to get the correct ones. Thanks, Carol N.

Oct 10, 2010
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Bashan BS-48-Q2
by: Carol Nelson

i just bought one of these and am awaiting delivery. Hope it is as good as it sounds by the testimonials. I have a Milano 150 that I have had since April of this year and love it!! Had a split diaphragm in carburetor that I replaced but other then that; runs great. Change the gearbox and engine oil every 500 miles. Carol N.

Sep 14, 2010
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Another Testimonial
by: Jim Zeiser

You see, another testimonial! These things are the real deal. I won't say they're a better idea than a Vespa, Kymco or other 50cc scooter since they can't store things under the seat but you can bungy items to the small rack and back seat. I took off the rear seat pad from one of them, put a milk crate on it and now I have a ton of cargo space for shopping. At over 100 mpg it's perfect for saving gas over the car, not to mention wear and tear.

Sep 13, 2010
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more than 40mph
by: jamiejames

I have a friend that just purchased one of these little buggers from a local dealer. It has about 500 miles on it now and has no problem getting up to 45 to 50 mph on flats. I'm thinking of adding one to my collection.

Sep 09, 2010
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Not Flogging
by: Jim Zeiser

Did you see What Rob said:

"The little 50cc engine is going strong and has no trouble hitting 40-mph on the flats."

Mine only has about 300 miles on it and isn't even close to being broken in and I'm not pushing it at all. It cruises at 30 because that's where I'm running it. I had it at 35 one day just to see if it would do it and that was on a slight uphill grade. Where I live there's no such thing as a flat road. I want to get an electronic tach so I can tell what it's revving before I really push it. They make cheap add ons for not much money that will tell me what I want to know.

Sep 09, 2010
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Nice review, but...
by: Dan

Nice review, but 30-35 MPH with a 4-speed transmission? No offense, but that is pretty lame, even for a 50cc. My Tomos moped (50cc 2-speed automatic) would do 30 right off the showroom floor, and does 38 with a simple sprocket change. (they are under geared from the factory.)

I'd expect 40-45 out of one of those with a manual shift... Nice bikes, though, enjoy them!

Sep 08, 2010
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Still going strong!
by: Rob H.

Well - mine is at 800 miles and going great. I have just checked the valve clearance (just fine) and adjusted the chain tension. It is doing great! No problems to report whatsoever.

It looks like these little machines just might be built for the long-haul (meaning they should hold up and last for a while), but only time will tell.

I can't say I babied mine too much, I used the 'Ride it like you'll ride it' break in method. Plenty of power for its size and no smoke or oil consumption. The little 50cc engine is going strong and has no trouble hitting 40-mph on the flats.

I'll keep you guys updated as I keep going.

Sep 08, 2010
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Next Great Thing
by: Jim Zeiser

I think these bikes are the great undiscovered secret. Like the original Honda Cub, they're easy to operate, easy to repair and maintain, and ride like more expensive machines.

I had the black one out today to get groceries and it did the job admirably. It cruised at 30 mph easily, climbed hills at 20 mph and after much use filled with four tenths of a gallon. One day soon I'm going to take it on a long ride and see how it fares.

As it is, I'd recommend purchasing one to just about anyone looking for solid, reliable transportation in the 30-35 mph range.

Sep 02, 2010
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outstanding machine
by: COE GOTTI

Had a Yamaha Zuma and it was stolen, so went bike shopping and everything was too high, like $1500 and up until I found the Bashan sitting on a car lot. He wanted $1300, but had it on sale for $475.

Wow! I was pleased the moment I changed gears and the way it gets people attention all over this miniature motorcycle don't won't anything else

Aug 16, 2010
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All Done
by: Jim Zeiser

I performed the requisite valve clearance check and both the intake and exhaust were a little tight. Not overtight but under the .002 inch I was looking for. Now that the Black one has been adjusted I ran it at 30 mph and it pulls that easily. Not bad for a 50cc engine. I'm sure a little more is there but I'll let it live there until 1600 kms. on the odometer.

Aug 08, 2010
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Great Bikes
by: Jim Zeiser

I just did the 300 km service on the black one. I still have to check the valve clearances, but everything else is just fine. It keeps getting stronger and pulls really well for a 50 cc engine. After I check the valves I'm going to see how it runs at 35 mph. I've kept it at 25 to 30 up until now but I want to see how it goes with a few miles on it. After this I'll keep it at 30 mph or less until I get to 1600 km.

Jul 15, 2010
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I've got one too!
by: Rob H,

Hello Jim - I just picked one up earlier this week. No problems, easy assembly, and nice little performer. I have had several 50cc scooters and I can tell you that having gears makes a big difference.

It seems well built and runs great. I changed oil at 30, 60, and 100 km's to get the glitter/break-in metals out of the engine since there is no oil filter. The oil change at 100 was unnecessary, but it was the only way to be sure. It just seems to keep getting stronger and smoother.

Jim - how's your 2 running? How many miles? Any problems?

Apr 21, 2010
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Moped Information
by: Johnny

Thanks. Your comments about how well you think of the quality is much appreciated. Thanks for the info on how to ID a Bashan. They did remind me of the Honda Cubs from the 60's. Visually the quality looked good. Good to hear a good report about them.

Apr 20, 2010
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Look Them Over
by: Jim Zeiser

On the right side under the seat is an EPA tag. It should say "Bashan USA" or something like that. Also on the steering head will be a VIN number. Bashans start with LHJ. If it says that you're in business. I've had zero trouble with both of the mopeds since I got them. They run at 25 to 30 mph easily so far and I think 35 will be reachable once they're broken in. They ride better than my scooter and get over 100 mpg. If you need parts you could get them from the web site I posted or www.peaceus.com

Apr 18, 2010
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Information about these mopeds
by: Johnny

Hi Jim. Writing from Texas. I saw what looks just like these mopeds at a large monthly flea market in the Dallas/Ft Worth area. They claimed to have a warranty but just a sales stand, no shop. For $500.

Sure seemed cheap enough. But looks like you would be buying and be on your own. Would you buy from these folk or spend the extra and order from the online folks you recommend? Is Bashan the only manufacturer making this model that you know? The little mopeds look well made. Thanks.

Jan 18, 2010
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Other Dealers
by: Jim Zeiser

I bought these two from Americanmopeds.com I would recommend them but lately their prices have been crazy. If you're serious I would call them first and see what the heck is going on. Maybe it's a web problem. Otherwise I found these guys.

Give them a call. That's not such a bad price for free shipping.

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Jan 04, 2010
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West Coast Dealers?
by: Cascade47

This is just the type of moped I am looking for...something to put on my rear Econoline RV rack (Okanagen). I had a Yamaha Towny, but for some stupid reason I sold it last year. This looks like a great replacement at half the cost. Let me know if there ia a way for me to get one in oregon. Thanks.

Sep 23, 2009
Rating

Sounds Like a Great Deal
by: Kathi

Hey Jim... These bikes sound like they were a great value for the money. I hope they hold up over the long term for you.

Have fun with them,
Kathi

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Bashan BS48Q-2 Moped