New Rider
Currently Offline
Posts: 4 
Likes: 0
Joined: Aug 28, 2014 0:51:03 GMT -5
|
Post by monarch1st on Aug 28, 2014 0:55:11 GMT -5
I have a friend who is wanting to sell his scooter.
It's an Eagle 150-T5, 150cc, 2008, with a few hundred miles on it.
It looks like it's in fairly decent shape, having been in storage for the last few years. He also said it didn't start. It does have good brakes tho.
He wants $700 for it.
Is Eagle a good brand? Is this a good model?
Is this a good deal?
More general questions I need to know about scooters. This will be my first, and I'd use it to save gas on short trips, to the grocery, work, church.
Where would I get it serviced and repaired*? Would the local car place be good enuf for most things like oil changes, or does it need to be a specialized scooter place like a dealer? How much should I expect to pay?
It's big enuf that I also need a motorcycle license, right? I've never had a motorcycle before, so I'd probably want some lessons. Where would I find those?
Any newbie help you can give me would be appreciated!
*since i live in Kansas, taking it to the dealer/owner of this board would be rather a longish ride!
|
|
|
|
Post by pmatulew on Aug 28, 2014 5:41:01 GMT -5
License: Most states require a motorcycle endorsement for anything larger than a 50cc/35mph two-wheeler. Not that we don't all know someone who has been riding around forever with just a regular car license. To be legal you still need to get that "M". Lessons: Motorcycle Safety Foundation Fees vary by state but the training you get is worth every penny. Otherwise, ask around at the local motorcycle shops. They will be able to point you in the right direction. Service: Honestly most car garages don't know diddly about bikes. Even less about scooters. The best choice is to do it yourself. Next best is to find a bike shop or a qualified shade tree person that is willing to work on a Chinese scooter. As for the particular scooter you're looking at, you should be able to find a tin plate on it somewhere that says where and by who it was manufactured. If you're not familiar with scooter mechanicals then you should find someone that is to go with you to check it out. |
|
|
|
Post by SylvreKat on Aug 28, 2014 7:02:56 GMT -5
Welcome, Monarch!  Where in KS are you? In the KC metro, there's Scooter World that is an actual scooter dealer. But they're also a bit pricey. Instead, I take my scoot to Custom Performance Cycle 'cause they're only a mile away. And my Harley friend recommended them as honest and fair. Since this is your first bike, please DO take the MSF beginner's class. Johnson County CC offers it. So does Gail's Harley, I think. Or check your community colleges, if you're not near here. The bonus of taking the MSF class, besides learning how to properly handle your new bike, the state usually counts their final test for the road test portion of your DL. Which in KS you DO need the M endorsement at 125cc. >'Kat |
|
Freshman Rider
Currently Offline
Posts: 59
Likes: 2
Joined: Jul 15, 2014 1:13:42 GMT -5
|
Post by scotttx on Aug 28, 2014 9:23:14 GMT -5
700 is high too I think.
|
|
New Rider
Currently Offline
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Joined: Aug 28, 2014 0:51:03 GMT -5
|
Post by monarch1st on Aug 28, 2014 9:57:41 GMT -5
Thanks all.
I'll definitely look up the MSF.
I'm in Wichita. Any decent places to go that are honest and fair?
And what is a good price for this, that's in fairly good shape, doesn't leak, nothing looks broken, but doesn't start?
I went to craigslist, and all the 150cc-class were $300. Didn't seem to matter age, brand, mileage, all were about $300. Is that where I should start?
|
|
|
|
Post by pmatulew on Aug 28, 2014 12:05:23 GMT -5
It's a gamble.
$700 would be a good starting point for a used 150 that runs and is otherwise complete, legal and road worthy
$300 is the starting point for, doesn't run, dead battery, needs carburetor work, busted plastic, bad motor, etc.
The scooter you're looking at could be anywhere in between. You really need to find someone close by that can check it over for you. Otherwise lowball it and be prepared to replace whatever is necessary to make it run right. With the realization that you could easily be back at $700 by time you fix all that may be wrong with it.
|
|
Freshman Rider
Currently Offline
Posts: 59
Likes: 2
Joined: Jul 15, 2014 1:13:42 GMT -5
|
Post by scotttx on Aug 28, 2014 16:48:26 GMT -5
mine was non-running when I got it for $300 but took $200 in parts to bring it up to ride-able/safe.
|
|
New Rider
Currently Offline
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Joined: Aug 28, 2014 0:51:03 GMT -5
|
Post by monarch1st on Aug 29, 2014 15:19:18 GMT -5
Thanks all.
At least I know better when I stand.
|
|
|
|
Post by wheelbender6 on Sept 1, 2014 10:29:08 GMT -5
You didn't mention if he had a valid TITLE (forgive me if I you did and I missed it). If the current owner has not titled the bike, I would pass. He may have a COI (certificate of origin) that is necessary for acquiring title. However, if the current owner has owned the scoot for two years without actually obtaining title, you should pass. That would indicate that there is a problem obtaining title.
Sorry to be a wet blanket, but I do not want you to put a lot of money and effort into a scoot that will never be street legal. I, like many others, have travelled that road.
|
|
|
|
Post by SylvreKat on Sept 2, 2014 6:41:46 GMT -5
...However, if the current owner has owned the scoot for two years without actually obtaining title, you should pass. That would indicate that there is a problem obtaining title. . I disagree that if he hasn't titled it, that could mean there's a problem. It could also mean he was just lazy about getting it titled. Some folks don't bother with finishing up stuff. Esp since it sounds like he never did a lot of driving on the scoot. Then it's even easier to blow off, "I probably should get this titled, but I'm not driving the thing right now so I'll just wait 'til I'm driving it more and then I'll get the title." If your friend hasn't titled it, and you decide you want to get it, then have him go to the DOT and get it titled. Then immediately have him transfer the title to you. One stop, easy-peasy. >'Kat |
|
New Rider
Currently Offline
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Joined: Aug 28, 2014 0:51:03 GMT -5
|
Post by monarch1st on Sept 2, 2014 21:58:06 GMT -5
Thanks for the help all.
I've decided I'm going to pass. I think it'll take too much work to get it up to speed (including title), plus the things I'll have to do to myself (license, training etc.), plus he is in another state so the gas to simply go get it is non-trivial. That, and I don't really have a place to store it out of the weather at my place.
Thanks again. I might be back in the future, so see you on the flip side.
|
|
|
|
Post by rockynv on Sept 3, 2014 3:41:29 GMT -5
...However, if the current owner has owned the scoot for two years without actually obtaining title, you should pass. That would indicate that there is a problem obtaining title. . I disagree that if he hasn't titled it, that could mean there's a problem. It could also mean he was just lazy about getting it titled. Some folks don't bother with finishing up stuff. Esp since it sounds like he never did a lot of driving on the scoot. Then it's even easier to blow off, "I probably should get this titled, but I'm not driving the thing right now so I'll just wait 'til I'm driving it more and then I'll get the title." If your friend hasn't titled it, and you decide you want to get it, then have him go to the DOT and get it titled. Then immediately have him transfer the title to you. One stop, easy-peasy. >'Kat Some jurisdictions won't process an MCO that is more than a few months old so its best to insist the the seller apply for a title and get the bike legal before selling it to you. |
|
|
|
Post by yelloscoot on Sept 9, 2014 21:42:04 GMT -5
I just finished putting together a bike (Red) I paid $250 for a year ago. All painted up , lots of new parts,. This bike is now spotless and runs like a Champ..Problem is ...I didn't change the title over. Called today and the "penalty" after a year is $250.
I don't know the laws there, but, check that out also. If you can get it for $300, that may be a good deal for you. You'll learn a lot.
|
|
