Tanshanomi's Snap Judgments

Genuine Rattler 110

Fri, March 26th, 2010


Click image for larger view.

IT’S SCOOTER WEEK!
Featuring a different motor scooter each day.


2006–10 Genuine Rattler 'Buck-Ten'
Performancewww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
Two strokes are supposed to be more aggressive than four-strokes, pumping out great gobs of peaky power for a superior power-to-weight ratio. The Rattler has that signature two-stroke 'ring-ding' sound (hence the name), but that's about all the two-stroke goodness you'll find here. It is no more powerful than most similarly-sized four-stroke scooters, and noticeably less than some. Furthermore, thanks to the CVT's automatic management of the revs, you can't downshift and goose it in accepted two-stroke style.
Handlingwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
Despite a dual-piston caliper, wave rotor, and piggyback rear shock, the brakes and suspension are just adequate.
Lookswww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
The Rattler has some nice touches and an aggressive attitude that most small scooters lack. It's as masculine (in an immature way) as the Scarabeo is girly.
Reliabilitywww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
Don't be turned off by the Rattler's Taiwanese lineage. Genuine is just that: genuine — a real brand run by real, die-hard scooter enthusiasts. They make sure their scooters have decent (though not exceptional) build quality.
Practicalitywww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
It's a little too tiny and too slow to be the best choice for real riding. There are more competent, convenient and polished choices with better dealer support.
Desirabilitywww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
I love the Rattler's concept: a raspy, high-strung two-stroke survivor with high-grade components. But in reality, the Rattler's mediocre performance just can't back up its in-your-face, mini-hooligan image.
Overallwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
Move along, people — nothing to see here.