Daelim S2 250

Still excellent after 15000 km in 1,5 year. Easy maintenance made by myself, needed only a spark plug, an air filter, engine and transmission oil change and radiator liquid.

It's a great scooter using a Kymco engine, also placed in Honda Forza and Foresight 250.

I've made a long trip (770 km) at 38 oC on average speed at 110 km/h and I only stopped twice to refuel. It was never been overheated at all, and of course no power loss!

It has great under seat storage with a light and a 12V socket.

After 8000 km in 8 months I only had a problem with an unexplainable discharged battery.

It would be better if it has bigger sized rims (14"), a tachometer and a clock.

All in all this is a scooter for someone who likes a simple-built mega scooter without spending a lot of money. It uses a carburetor, and it has a light switch so when you turn the main switch on the lights keeps switched off (advantage against the European scooters which needs to change battery very often due to this reason). It is excellent for small trips with great storage for 2 persons

I'm very pleased with this scooter and I recommend it to everyone.

Summary: After 4500km/2800mi, I'd buy this bike again.

I'd like to start off by mentioning that I appreciate the Daelim S2 250's foot and leg room. I have a 34" inseam and size 12-1/2 feet, and I didn't fit well on most of the other 250cc models I tested. The S2 actually gives me options for foot placement. This issue was a big part of my purchase decision.

The S2 uses a Kymco water cooled engine, which was what first drew my attention to this scooter; Kymco has a reputation for building good products, and my understanding is that they have supplied engines for Honda. This engine is not fuel injected, so occasionally, when it's warm, I have to apply a little throttle during starting, but I'd rate this engine at least an 8 out of 10. There are stronger and smoother engines available in this size class, but this is a solid power plant.

This is my first scooter/motorcycle, so I can't make valid comparisons with anything else, as my other experience consists solely of test rides and in the MSF class. Having said that, the power of this bike seems good. I'm 6'2", 220#, and my S2 has no difficulties motoring me up the hills on my commute. I've had it up to about 87mph indicated; I ran some pacing experiments with an automobile, and I estimate this is actually around 76mph.

The scoot feels refined, in terms of throttle, brake, and steering response. The ride is always fun, and I find myself looking for chances to get out on it. I've never found myself thinking, "I wish it wouldn't do that..."

The under seat storage will hold my full face helmet (large HJC CL-SP), though it's a little tight. I have a mid-sized gym bag I sometimes take to work, and it fits fine, along with a small lunch bag. A third under seat space example would be that my laptop PC will fit, though it has to lean at about a 45 degree angle...probably not the best arrangement for the PC unless it's in a good case or is otherwise well supported. On another storage note, this scoot has a flat floor that I've come to appreciate. On the way home from work, I can drop the mail on it for the 1/2 mile trip between the mailbox and my house. On longer trips, the bag clip comes in handy for extra capacity, when combined with a bag with finger/hand holes (imagine that...).

The stock windscreen is pretty short, and it seems to direct air onto my upper torso. Maybe not a bad thing in the minds of some folks or in very hot weather, but I replaced it with an after market screen that's taller and wider. I like it much better than the stock; the ride now seems less frantic, especially above 50mph.

Except for the various models built in China, this happens to be the least expensive 250cc scooter I saw. The styling and body have a modern look that I like a lot, but in a couple of areas the scoot gives the impression of being somewhat basic. There is no up front storage for gloves, sunglasses, garage door opener, etc., so I've had to improvise my own pouch. Also, the dash is analog, which I prefer, but there is no clock or tachometer.

The shortened feature list doesn't bother me, though, because it is apparent that Daelim put considerable effort into the overall product. The scooter is refined and well built. The controls and switches are solid, wire and hose routing seems well thought out, and the whole machine pretty much feels the same way now that it did when I first took delivery of it. Nothing has broken or worked its way loose in 8 months of commuting on country and city roads (some bumpy) in wet, dry, cold, and warm weather. The only glitch I have encountered has been a failed battery, after a two week stretch when the temperature never got above freezing during which I did not ride (lesson learned...since then I have purchased a trickle charger). I won't claim this scooter is as solid as a Honda or a Suzuki...but if it isn't, it's not far behind. Build quality and refinement is at least at Kymco's level, and I am confident that I'll be riding this bike for years.

I chose a Daelim S2 250 because it has a Kymco engine, it's roomy, and I'd heard good things about Daelim's design and build quality. These factors have proven to be all I'd hoped for, and I'm pleased with my purchase. I'd buy another one.