London UK sale advice

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Hermes
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London UK sale advice

Hi all

Sadly it became obvious to me that the £5000 I paid for my Vectrix a year ago was a bad investment. Without boring you with reasons etc I was hoping for some advice.
Do you know any London dealer who would accept Vectrix as part payment for a Vespa scooter?
Do you know what a 2008 with 10000km would fetch (roughly).

Any other hint/advice very very welcome

Thanks

R
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Re: London UK sale advice

You've made the same bad investment as anybody who purchased the very first plama tv did.
In the beginning we had to pay 5000 euros for that screen and now you can have one for 600 euros. It's the tech way.
Anyway, you can't compare the feeling of driving a vectrix with a traditional gas scooter. Gasoline? That is SO last century, it's strange you want an ancient scrap burner.

allanbairstow
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Re: London UK sale advice

Hi Hermes, I'm very sad to hear of your dilemma and I am also very curious as to why it was such a bad investment, perhaps you wouldn't mind sharing your thoughts with us all ? I've been looking around to purchase a second Vectrix but not until mid to late next year (might even wait for the new Vectrix with the better batteries). I've seen several on eBay recently and probably the best of the crop was a Green Vectrix with only a few hundred miles on the clock which went for about £3,200. I hope that helps you a bit as a guide. I'm sorry you are not happy with your Vectrix but for me it has been the best purchase of my motoring history so far and it has saved me a fortune in diesel ! Allan.

Electric traction is the future.

Mik
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Re: London UK sale advice

Maybe you can find someone to swap it for their used Vespa? No added cost!

This information may be used entirely at your own risk.

There is always a way if there is no other way!

Hermes
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Re: London UK sale advice

Hi Hermes, I'm very sad to hear of your dilemma and I am also very curious as to why it was such a bad investment, perhaps you wouldn't mind sharing your thoughts with us all ? I've been looking around to purchase a second Vectrix but not until mid to late next year (might even wait for the new Vectrix with the better batteries). I've seen several on eBay recently and probably the best of the crop was a Green Vectrix with only a few hundred miles on the clock which went for about £3,200. I hope that helps you a bit as a guide. I'm sorry you are not happy with your Vectrix but for me it has been the best purchase of my motoring history so far and it has saved me a fortune in diesel ! Allan.

All the problems I knew I would have before buying and thought I’d manage had their toll. First of all I miss the freedom of being able to travel longer journeys without panicking about being able to recharge.
My journey to work everyday is 22kms each way. I have therefore to recharge daily. I live on the second floor and have to feed an extension out of my bedroom window. Have to keep said window open for 3 hours daily. Winter, summer, always.
The nearest dealer is ten miles away, it wouldn’t sound too bad if it weren’t for the fact that to get there I have to travel a windy country single lane road with no illumination. Warranties are void, the new owner of Vectrix is miles away and it’d cost me a fortune just to get the bike to their garages.
The simplest of problems are magnified by the total lack of local support. Last week the seat got locked and it took me 3 days to manage to open it. Could not take it anywhere as battery was nearly empty. When the temperature drops sharply like lately it won’t start. This morning only one of the indicators worked, and although the ready led came on the GO didn’t. On several occasions this year the bike stalled for no apparent reason, sometimes at traffic lights, sometimes whilst in motion.
Several other issues.
I’m aware that any scooter, petrol included, can and will develop faults. But it’s just much easier getting things fixed.
My last scooter last me 5 years and 50.000 kms, then it was the end of its life span.

I used to love riding my GTS200. I tried loving my Vectrix but I just can’t. It cost me all of my savings and now its value has halved (or worse). I am truly and well stuffed as it’s very unlikely I will be able to agreeably solve my woes.

X

Mik
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Re: London UK sale advice

Sorry to hear that.

Without a garage and another vehicle to use when the Vectrix is down, you are stuffed! No chance of doing any work on it yourself, you would need a dry, secure and sheltered room for it - for potentially many weeks.

Someone with a garage, tools and "The Knack" might want to swap it for a decent petrol scooter!

This information may be used entirely at your own risk.

There is always a way if there is no other way!

R
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Re: London UK sale advice

I miss the freedom of being able to travel longer journeys without panicking about being able to recharge.

The country is full of plugs, a restaurant, a bar, a camping, everywhere can be a suitable place to recharge. On the other hand, with the lithium upgrade you'll be a able to travel over 100 km without recharge...

Have to keep said window open for 3 hours daily

Drill a hole and leave the cable ready for launch. You can install a rolling motor with remote controler. Once you arrive home you can remotely roll down the plug. No need to go upstairs two times.

Warranties are void

As far We know, your warranty is supported by hesketh http://www.heskethmotorcycles.net/ : Hesketh Motor Company Ltd (HMC) is pleased to inform all owners of Vectrix bikes purchased before the 1st October 2009 that their bikes will continue to be covered by the ‘Manufacturers 2 Year Warranty’ calculated from the date of first registration.

the new owner of Vectrix is miles away

The vectrix is a motorbike. I'm sure you have a garage nearby who can change your tyres and do some conventional adjustments, like replacing brake pads.. I've been living one year with the nearest service point at 500 km away... If the garage don't know how the service it, somebody it this forum will give you the answer. Just ask.

Last week the seat got locked and it took me 3 days to manage to open it.

I'm not sure, but I can't remember your post here asking for help. Have you asked? Somebody would have given you a nice idea. It can be easily opened if you know how.


the ready led came on the GO didn’t

Probably a brake lever sensor got frozen. It happened to my brother. Some lever exercise will wake up the sensor and solve the issue.

On several occasions this year the bike stalled for no apparent reason, sometimes at traffic lights, sometimes whilst in motion.

If you describe this issue a little further maybe we can help you. Maybe there's some dust in the engine sensor

Several other issues.

Many owners experienced this same issues. I'm sure there's an answer for each one inside this forum. This forum served me very well, and I'm really grateful to all you who helped me with your posts. This is why I try to help other people here when I can (I'm not sure I really help, but anyway, I try).

I tried loving my Vectrix but I just can’t

I believe your Vectrix deserves a second opportunity. Give her a chance...
Buzby
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Re: London UK sale advice

Really sorry to hear of your issues. However, selling at the moment would be akin to shooting yourself in the foot. You lose a ton of money by taking delivery, and unfortunately Vectrix's financial status was never 'not' an issue, we had faith - and to a certain degree, I still have.

A dealer will give you as little as possible as a P/Ex, citing all the reasonable excuses - no resale value, no interest, possibly no parts so rather than go down this route you may need to play a waiting game until the situation improves. I have a 500cc back-up scoot for longer journeys, and all my vehicles are garaged. At the moment, I'm not going anywhere on anything - and I must say Hesketh were true to their word in providing effective help when my VX1 constantly shut down at 24kph. I've also been contracted to arrange my next service. This will be at a ridable location from my base, and they plan to do all the local VX1's at this location as the prospect of shipping these machines around would be laughable.

Would I make the same decision to buy if I had my time again? Knowing what I know now, perhaps not - but I still thrill riding it and recharging for coppers, and I take pride in my purchase. (Not so, if I had a Sinclair C5 (for example!).

This adverse weather is playing havoc with all ground transportation, so that isn't a fault peculiar to Vectrix, but I'd suggest getting somewhere cosy for it to reside, and the other problems will - I have every confidence - will be resolved in time.

- Raymond

Hermes
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Re: London UK sale advice

I miss the freedom of being able to travel longer journeys without panicking about being able to recharge.

The country is full of plugs, a restaurant, a bar, a camping, everywhere can be a suitable place to recharge. On the other hand, with the lithium upgrade you'll be a able to travel over 100 km without recharge...

I appreciate your advice but it is a bit simplistic. The country might be full of plugs but that doesn't mean you're allowed to use them.
A lithium upgrade means more ££££ and plenty of it.

Have to keep said window open for 3 hours daily

Drill a hole and leave the cable ready for launch. You can install a rolling motor with remote controler. Once you arrive home you can remotely roll down the plug. No need to go upstairs two times.

I have asked for permition to install a plug downstairs, and permission was denied. Also, a first quotation was £1000.

Warranties are void

As far We know, your warranty is supported by hesketh http://www.heskethmotorcycles.net/ : Hesketh Motor Company Ltd (HMC) is pleased to inform all owners of Vectrix bikes purchased before the 1st October 2009 that their bikes will continue to be covered by the ‘Manufacturers 2 Year Warranty’ calculated from the date of first registration.

That's good news, but warranty work can only be carried out at South Manchester, Cheshire and Southampton, Hampshire. Cost to deliver the bike to them?

the new owner of Vectrix is miles away

The vectrix is a motorbike. I'm sure you have a garage nearby who can change your tyres and do some conventional adjustments, like replacing brake pads.. I've been living one year with the nearest service point at 500 km away... If the garage don't know how the service it, somebody it this forum will give you the answer. Just ask.

You'd be surprised on how many garages told me "we won't touch it". luckily I have found one that will change tyres and breaks pads, that's not enough.

Last week the seat got locked and it took me 3 days to manage to open it.

I'm not sure, but I can't remember your post here asking for help. Have you asked? Somebody would have given you a nice idea. It can be easily opened if you know how.

For future reference, how is it done?


the ready led came on the GO didn’t

Probably a brake lever sensor got frozen. It happened to my brother. Some lever exercise will wake up the sensor and solve the issue.

The lever icon does go off once lifted.

On several occasions this year the bike stalled for no apparent reason, sometimes at traffic lights, sometimes whilst in motion.

If you describe this issue a little further maybe we can help you. Maybe there's some dust in the engine sensor

I will try and ask you more questions, but I'm not very confident in unscrewing opening thing up etc.

I tried loving my Vectrix but I just can’t

I believe your Vectrix deserves a second opportunity. Give her a chance...

It is my only means of transportation, not some whimsical toy I bought! I can't be sentimental about it.

R
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Re: London UK sale advice

I appreciate your advice but it is a bit simplistic. The country might be full of plugs but that doesn't mean you're allowed to use them. A lithium upgrade means more ££££ and plenty of it.

As simple as it seems. Everywhere I needed to recharge they allowed me very politely. Sometimes I call by phone to prearrange plugs in bars restaurants, campings. About lithium, I hope there will be a kind of plan renove. Nickel is expensive!

I have asked for permition to install a plug downstairs, and permission was denied. Also, a first quotation was £1000.

I'm suggesting you install a DIY device outside your window that will launch you down to the street the plug with a remote radiocontrol. it is comon in china metropolis. The wire will reach the outer devide trought the wall, no need to have the window open. If you don't have money, DIY is a good idea.

That's good news, but warranty work can only be carried out at South Manchester, Cheshire and Southampton, Hampshire. Cost to deliver the bike to them?

Call them. maybe they have a mobile van to service the bike at your home.

You'd be surprised on how many garages told me "we won't touch it". luckily I have found one that will change tyres and breaks pads, that's not enough.

As long as you have the procedure to solve the issues, yes, sometimes it is enough.

For future reference, how is it done?

Send me a private message with your mail and I'll send you a picture showing how. (Consider the consequences of showing everybody how to open the trunk of ANY vectrix hehehe)...

The lever icon does go off once lifted.

Interesting. I must apologise, as I'm not a native english speaker, and sometimes it is difficult for me to express what I'm thinking about.
Are you referring to the yellow icon from the dashboard? I'm referring to the sensors in the brake levers that activate the tail brake light. Check if the brake light turns on when you press every brake lever (aproaching the rear part of your vectrix to a wall will allow you to see the light). If one brake fails to turn on the light, brake it many times an check that the red brake light finally turns on.

I will try and ask you more questions, but I'm not very confident in unscrewing opening thing up etc.

you're welcome. About unscrewing etc maybe you can ask the one who will change tyres and breaks pads. If you describe how to do it, he may do it for you .

About the stalling, another possibility, easy to check: the twist grip sensor can me misaligned. please turn on the the bike. Press the red kill switch from the handlebar. Once the bike is "killed" (no ready) press the left brake lever. the nail from the km/h dashboard will move, showing the twist grip calibration, It should be around 43-44 km/h. Move the twist backward and froward, and you'll see the nail moving. press the two brake levers at the same time, and the nail will move to the calibration reference level. release the right lever: If you see some difference, the twist grip needs calibration. Calibration is a very easy process. Let us know if you check.

snail
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Re: London UK sale advice

Hi Hermes,

Firstly, it's sad to read your disappointment with your V. I guess for every "good one", there are probably as many "friday afternoon" bikes...

I do 17 miles each way, so I understand your problem. Have you tried fully charging at work and doing the work-home and home-work journeys without charging in between? I find that I can do my journeys (just), if I'm very sensible with the throttle. That's not to say riding like a granny, just not accelerating hard and planning better. That's half the challenge of an EV.

Also, as well as this (frankly excellent) forum, there are a number of ex-Vectrix UK employees who can help (Steve Scott and Winged Racer on these pages), neither of which are a million miles from London.

Also, there are a few EV dealerships who can service and maintain V's: try http://www.electricbikesales.co.uk/ for a start. They have a base in London!

Give these options a try first, before abandoning all hope!

Glass always half full!

Cheers,

Brian

jurba
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Re: London UK sale advice

Hi Hermes,
I perfectly understand your current feelings .
for other reasons than yours I have the feeling of having got ripped off in this story .
this not the vectrix limitations you describe that drive me mad .
I just have to confess that this scooter is simply fantastic for one reason : it gives me a good 60 km range and charges fast and permit me to ride 100 km a day in comfort silence safety etc .
What disappoints me is the limited pack life expectancy and the pack price .
when I think that those who have lithium chinese scooters can get thundersky cells for cheap, that there are real bms for cheap that control each cell, it drives me crazy,
our packs are dying, it is impossible to buy a cell, there is no bms .... the worst batt management in the most expensive scooter .....
@ the time your scooter worth nothing my friend and your scooter is so complicated that you can't service it yourself, if your pack dies you will only be able to leave it where it is ....
and there is still no news from gold peak about the new pack , still no news about a future bms... only old promises .
I am looking for an other solution, an othe electric bike, and I will never buy an e bike if I am not sure of being able to buy cells, to install a new charger, a new bms etc etc .
now we all depend on a new vectrix that have not even had the honesty of telling us there are problems, that they will solve it soon , and a new vectrix corp that still sell units with the original pack with no bms ////
I am really angry, like U but for other reasons .
regards
jean mi

vectrixhoper

doctor_of_music
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Re: London UK sale advice

Jurba and Hermes,

(Jurba) I am looking for another solution, another electric bike

May I, as it's the festive season, take this onto a slightly lighter level, and suggest both of you take a look at one of these:

http://bit.ly/6XOaMB

Just launched in London, it's the world's first electric motorbike apparently.
That's strange, what have I been riding around on for the past 18 months?!

Oh, and you'll need £25000......

jurba
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Re: London UK sale advice

Jurba and Hermes,

(Jurba) I am looking for another solution, another electric bike

May I, as it's the festive season, take this onto a slightly lighter level, and suggest both of you take a look at one of these:

http://bit.ly/6XOaMB

Just launched in London, it's the world's first electric motorbike apparently.
That's strange, what have I been riding around on for the past 18 months?!

Oh, and you'll need £25000......

superb bike ... it only costs 3 vectrix .... as I may have to buy an other bike I will be only 1 away from 25000 pounds ...

vectrixhoper

c5aliveKarl
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Re: London UK sale advice

Apologies for the thread drift, but who says you can't have fun in the snow...

c5 in the snow 011.jpg

kevin smith
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Re: London UK sale advice

ahh thats nice as when i bought my it was middle of winter i remember going throw the snow
from woolys in leeds and i got indicators thnk they was from a VAN LT35 ISH VW
and and wing mirrows £ 140 it was the last one in was the display well it was on the stand hoover .
seemed funny at the time as i had never washed clothes hahah.
kev

kevin smith
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Re: London UK sale advice

hi all i don't £25,000 is good in vestment as i think that with all the technoly around .
i am shure that i could do better speed also the range aprox 200+ miles no probs .
and could made it look as good as a super bike .
kev

Steve Scott
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Re: London UK sale advice

Hermes

contact Hesketh and you will be given my contact details , if i can help i will.

Steve Scott

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