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Post by jd1535 on Sept 25, 2016 1:04:47 GMT -5
Hi all,
I'm completely new (as in just started really looking into them today) to the scooter scene and was hoping to partake of your wisdom. I've seen scooters in movies and whatnot and always thought that it would be really handy to have one, and today is the day that I decided to start seriously looking into it. I found a few helpful websites, but non-high-end scooter info is surprisingly difficult to come by, as are dealers in my local area. I was hoping I could throw out some personal info and get a few suggestions on what I should be looking for.
- I'm mainly going to be using the scooter for local area commuting, possibly with minimal highway driving. Mostly to and around my work area, which is like 5 miles away.
- Need to drive on roads with 45 mph speed limits, so probably a 150-250CC engine.
- I live in Northern California, so weather isn't really much of an issue.
- I am on a bit of a restrained budget at the moment, though, so I was hoping for something decent for less than $2,500. Cheaper is better as long as it's still decent quality.
- I'm not much of a mechanic, but I'm willing to learn and do have a decent range of tools on-hand.
So yeah, any advice you guys could offer would be awesome. I really hate going into things blind.
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Post by SylvreKat on Sept 25, 2016 8:02:06 GMT -5
Hi there,  to the forum! I'm no mechanic at all, and my experience is pretty low, but I can help with some of your questions. 45mph, with "minimal highway driving"--make sure that scooter can go at least 75 then. My big-wheeled 200 supposed can. A smaller-wheeled 200cc Vespa won't. And remember hills and strong headwinds slow you down. I'd say bare-bones minimum for you would be 200cc with big wheels, or 250cc smaller. budget--have you checked your local Craig's List yet? Being new, you'll want to be really sure of the seller and the bike's condition. I firmly believe most folks on CL are plain honest folk. But that doesn't mean they're not stupid about what they're selling, esp if it's their dad's/uncle/s sister/s/whoever's. Not a mech--here it really depends. You're willing to learn and have tools, so Chinese isn't as definite a no-no as they were for me (totally non-mech). BUT--folks here like Leo can tell you that with a China-scoot you'll be wrenching a chunk of your time, instead of riding it. Even new ones typically need tinkering for a bit. Hopefully some of the fellows here will pop in with more answers for you. And start watching CL. Mostly, have fun doing this! >'Kat |
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Post by wheelbender6 on Sept 25, 2016 8:58:22 GMT -5
A good 125/150cc scoot should be adequate for a 45mph speed limit but, as 'Kat said, it may not feel comfortable. I commute on a road with a 40mph speed limit, but it is a 60 mile round trip commute. You don't want to rev your engine above the redline for longer than 30 second periods.
-Your budget sounds adequate for a Taiwan made 125/150 scooter. A mainland Chinese scoot may not be a good fit with your lack of mechanical experience.
If you want a bigger scooter or Japanese scoot, you will need to buy a used one on your budget.
Comparing specs and choosing your scooter is almost as fun as riding.
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Post by tortoise on Sept 25, 2016 10:21:38 GMT -5
Search Craigslist for a used Sym/Lance or Kymco 200/250.
Corded clutch driver and impact are very useful tools.
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Post by floridagull on Sept 25, 2016 14:56:13 GMT -5
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Post by jd1535 on Sept 25, 2016 16:53:06 GMT -5
I'd actually never thought of checking Craigslist. I'll give that a once-over and see what pops up. Are Chinese scoots really that unreliable? I had read that they can be kinda flaky, but those reports were from 3-4 years. Figured they would have grown a bit more since then. The scoot isn't really a necessity, so I don't need it to be fully functional 100% of the time. I'm only about 5 miles from my work and have been riding a bicycle for around a year now. I'm also okay with dropping a few hours or so a month on upkeep. Been meaning to bump up my mech skills a bit anyways. That being said, I'd rather not spend more time fixing than riding, so if they're really that much trouble then I'll take your advice and sway away from those scoots. One of the sites I was checking was www.motorscootershopper.com/, which seems to have some good tips, but also seems kinda biased towards Chinese scoots. All of their reviews are on Chinese brands. The Roketa MC-54 250B did catch my eye, though, and it seems to have fairly good reviews. It's also pretty snazzy looking, and under 2k new. All of which screams "too good to be true", of course. Has anyone had any experience with Roketa? |
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Post by ungabunga on Sept 25, 2016 16:57:10 GMT -5
Hi all, I'm completely new (as in just started really looking into them today) to the scooter scene and was hoping to partake of your wisdom. I've seen scooters in movies and whatnot and always thought that it would be really handy to have one, and today is the day that I decided to start seriously looking into it. I found a few helpful websites, but non-high-end scooter info is surprisingly difficult to come by, as are dealers in my local area. I was hoping I could throw out some personal info and get a few suggestions on what I should be looking for. - I'm mainly going to be using the scooter for local area commuting, possibly with minimal highway driving. Mostly to and around my work area, which is like 5 miles away. - Need to drive on roads with 45 mph speed limits, so probably a 150-250CC engine. - I live in Northern California, so weather isn't really much of an issue. - I am on a bit of a restrained budget at the moment, though, so I was hoping for something decent for less than $2,500. Cheaper is better as long as it's still decent quality. - I'm not much of a mechanic, but I'm willing to learn and do have a decent range of tools on-hand. So yeah, any advice you guys could offer would be awesome. I really hate going into things blind. Well, first things first, while this forum primarily caters to the Chinese scooter enthusiast, there is often a fair amount of technical acumen needed to keep one running (not always, many are gems). As you have suggested, you might just want to avoid these since your own mechanical acumen may not be prepared for the challenge. Japanese, Taiwanese, or Korean brands are generally reliable, and can often be had for a reasonable price, especially used. They also have a huge dealer support network. I'm a big fan of the Honda PCX150 and if you watch, you can bag one new (old stock) for around 3 grand out the door (OTD). It's difficult to miss on quality with Honda, Yamaha, or Suzuki scooters, but they will be just above your desired price range. The fit and finish will often be top notch. Scooters to look for from these manufacturers include the PCX (as mentioned), the Burgman 200, and the Honda SH150. Kymco scooters often have hard seats, seem a bit on the plasticky side, and have odd displacement claims (the like 200i is only 163cc), but I ran a People 150 for 7 years and 25,000 miles with the only trouble being caused by a mechanic who forgot to put both brake pads back in after a tire change. The People series is pretty darn solid and has nice big wheels. Sym, Daelim, PGO (Genuine), bajaj and most other south Asian brands are good and reliable choices, but may be short on dealer support. But specimens of these can be had within your price range. I don't know a lot about the product lines of these manufacturers, but know they have good reputations. I would be remiss to not mention the Italians. There, I've mentioned them. You probably can't afford one. Though the Piaggio Beverly is nice and runs on big rims as does the Aprillia Scarabeo. Also so important to keep in mind, the smaller the wheels, the worse potholes will be if you happen to hit one. 13 inch wheels are about the smallest I would want to go, and TBH, I'm not even sure I'd want to go that small. The PCX has 14" wheels, and it's not too bad. Bigger wheels help absorb the bumps better. True story.  You're right to aim at the 150 - 250cc range, though taking a 150 on the highway can be dodgy since you're right at the top of its abilities. Highway riding is another reason to aim for bigger wheels. Hope this has helped without being too long winded. |
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Post by bluegoatwoods on Oct 3, 2016 23:44:46 GMT -5
Not an expert here. But the Kymco People could be good for you. They're out of production now. You'd have to go used. But they have 16" wheels. And a People 150 is pretty comfortable at 45 mph. At least mine is.
You might also consider the Lance Cali Classic. I think they have a 150, or even 200, cc model. And their prices are excellent.
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Post by Jarlaxle on Oct 6, 2016 14:12:55 GMT -5
First: you'll need a motorcycle licence for the scoot.
Second: a used Burgman 400, 2008-10 or so, is just in your price range.
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Post by seamus26 on Oct 9, 2016 3:12:01 GMT -5
We have two great scoots that would be right up your alley and within your price range.
My ZNEN 150 has been - all in all - a great bike. I bought it new for around $1600 and it came with a 1 year 3000 mile warranty. That was the advantage of purchasing from a dealer, and is something to consider. If something from the factory is going to go bad, it will likely be during that period. I can cruise at an easy 50mph+, which allows me to keep up with most traffic, although I wouldn't want to put it on the highway.
We bought my wife a Buddy 170i Italia (Taiwanese) for just over $2k. It also has a great warranty. It's easily a 65mph bike and is getting us nearly 100mpg. It is a fantastic bike.
As was already mentioned, anything over a certain size (varies by state) you will need to get your cycle endorsement. Check local laws. Another thing to consider is insurance. Michigan has really good insurance, but we pay through the nose for it. Our three bikes just cost me upward of $700.
Lots of good used bikes out there, but saving a few dollars up front COULD cost you in the long run. Being new to scooters a warranty is worth it's weight in gold. You can sure learn a lot when you have to wrench on your bike, though. It's a trade-off.
Happy scooting!
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Post by SylvreKat on Oct 9, 2016 10:58:13 GMT -5
seamus' comment made me think.
If you're completely new to biking, then
1) reserve some of your money for a helmet and bike jacket (meaning one with protection built in). Mesh is awesome if it includes liners for cooler/cold weather--it actually keeps you cooler in the summer than no jacket as it shades you yet allows full airflow once you're going. And consider good lace-up boots (rocky can tell a horror story for wearing these), and even riding pants later on. Oh, and gloves. Must have gloves. A messed up shoulder is one thing, messed up fingers are a different beast entirely! And please, don't go the all-black route. It's hotter and it makes you harder to see. Seriously. I wondered what the odd moving shadow was on the other side of the median; as it drew even I saw it was a motorcyclist with EVERYTHING black (gear, bike, wheel rims, dark headlight cover, you name it it was darkened or black).
2) spend some of your money on the MSF's beginning riders' class. They usually run Fri eve, all day Sat, and Sun 'til afternoon. It is honestly the very best dollars you'll ever spend if you're a noob. If you're not a noob, then take the advanced riders' class after your get your bike.
>'Kat
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) - one oil and gear change in, no problems... 
