In a previous article called “Chinese Scooter Kandi Reverse Trike Review: MC_D150TKA Three Wheeled Scooter (Roadrunner 150cc)” I described the 150cc Kandi reverse trike. Since that time, I have sold my 150cc trike and purchased the 250cc Kandi trike (Can Am spider replica). I list several names for these trikes, because seller’s list different model names, but they all are sold from Kandi USA. Here are my pros and cons for the larger version of this reverse trike.
Speed and Handling of the MC-95-250 Reverse Trike
Unlike the 150cc and 300cc versions of the Kandi reverse trike, the front wheels do not tilt or lean when turning. A plus if you like a more stable ride and not holding the bike up when stopping, but the 150cc was smoother changing lanes and making small turns where it handled like a bike. The Roketa 250cc trike handles like a four wheeler tending to push you from left to right in turns.
The 150cc Kandi trike did not turn well when traveling over 25mph because the tilt in the front wheels didn’t allow the handle bars to turn. The MC-95-250 also requires practice making turns as the front is wider than a four wheeler and limited to how far it turns in for safety reasons. When driving over 35mph my MC-95-250 pulls left or right when turning, causing me to want to over correct. I have seen this “hairy” driving mentioned in reviews, but it seems to be improving now that it’s loosening up, I’ve done a wheel alignment and adapted to how it handles.
Top speed on the 150cc and Roketa 250cc is 50-60mph. Most sellers list top speed as 68mph, but it will not go this fast. Like the 150cc the MC-95-250 starts well, takes off fast and has decent braking. That being said 60mph is probably as fast as this trike should go for safe handling and braking.
Appearance, Features and Price
This appears ATV like and resembles the Cam Am, although not as fancy. It’s much larger than the 150cc Kandi trike, but easy to push around. The extra width and larger tires are nice, but require at least a 6’x8′ trailer to haul. My biggest disappointment is unlike the 150cc there is NO storage in the current design. I carry everything in a backpack. I also replaced the mirrors with longer ones from EBay because you could not see behind you with the included mirrors.
I have shopped the Roketa MC-95-250 Chinese scooter online often, usually bringing up listings from Alibaba and overseas Chinese motorsports companies selling quads and other trike designs. Selling trikes for $500 a unit it’s nice to consider, but most have exclusive rights with US companies and only sell similar versions by the container (27 units) that need EPA EEC certifications. Plus, 50% are SCAMS, but there are plenty of US dealers selling this bike for $4,400 to $5000 with free shipping for 2012-2013 models. The places that repair these trikes are hard to call, but I have dealt with a couple that provide better service.
Thrifty Scooters – not where I purchased my MC-95-250, but JR Wolters has helped me more than Mosites Motorsports where I did purchase the trike.
Supersportz.com – where I purchased my 150cc Kandi trike. Tom Spiers has sold the 250cc Kandi trike for several years now and communicates well with buyers.
NOTE: My trike was sold by Roketa, but I bought it on EBay used. After visiting the Roketa website and calling, they are impossible to get on the phone. I provide this Roketa link, because it is useful when needing specific parts and names.
Roketa Parts List For MC-95-250
Working on and Buying Parts
Chinese scooters are popular, because they are cheap and easy to work on. Parts are plentiful and inexpensive in the right place. I spent hours locating (mostly by pictures) the RIGHT parts to replace on my 250cc water cooled engine. EBay is a good place to start as they have several dealers with cheap prices.
Working on the 250cc Roketa spider replica has been frustrating, because there are no manuals or diagrams of the engine and as few people to call. Dealers are far away and can’t help over the phone. I believe my trike was taken apart and pieced back together wrong. Fortunately, friends have helped me solve some mysteries, so I’m not paying a mechanic $100’s to guess.
Overall Review and Satisfaction
I personally like the look of the MC-95-250 Cyclone reverse trike. Even without a lot of power they are fun to ride around town on a nice day. It’s cheap on gas and feels sturdy on the road. The lights on my 250cc Roketa Kandi trike seem dimmer than the lights on the 150cc Kandi trike, but the bright and low beams are sufficient for night driving. There are decent reflectors on this trike, but being a black trike and my gear black it wouldn’t hurt to have some extra reflective tape or design. I provide a link below to my You Tube review where I point out parts I’ve replaced and features, plus a link to the only site dedicated to the MC-95-250 trike where you can find tips from other owners of this trike.
MC-95-250 Kandi Roketa Cyclone 250cc Reverse trike water cooled Chinese scooter review
MC-95-250 reverse trike group
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