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Post by dollartwentyfive on Apr 7, 2017 19:29:44 GMT -5
are there any current 244cc model scooters being made?
i can find plenty of references to 2008 or so, but i can't find any newer models.
it seems to me that these 250cc scooters would sell pretty good.
is there something keeping america gas crazy?
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Post by w650 on Apr 8, 2017 6:33:28 GMT -5
It appears that most of the online dealers have moved towards motorcycles in the 250cc category. It's a logical move as most people who move up from small displacement scooters go to motorcycles anyway. The large displacement market is very sparse these days anyway. Honda has dropped the Silver Wing, Yamaha dropped the T Max and Majesty while, despite pleas from the faithful, even Vespa hasn't gone bigger than 300cc.
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Post by SylvreKat on Apr 8, 2017 6:55:23 GMT -5
Doesn't Piaggio still offer the BV350? I know, a bit bigger than 244cc, but not by that much. I sometimes wonder if I should've gone for the bigger BV250 they also had (which actually even included matching cases) but it wasn't as pretty a color as Peej. And I think it had the moving headlight which to me would be irritating.
(gonna go Googling....)
Ok, I only checked the first page, but there's nothing for "2017 scooter 250cc" that's actually 250cc. Maybe further down the search but I'm still too sleepy to dig. Maybe w650 is right about everyone now moves up to motorcycles instead?
>'Kat
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Post by cyborg55 on Apr 8, 2017 8:44:39 GMT -5
We (most Americans) have never really embraced small displacement cycles,,,just lately I've been seeing 300cc bikes blasting around town,,,mostly younger riders but they are fast enough now to keep interest,,this is one of the big reasons smaller bikes and scooters never really make it here ,,they're just not quick or fast enough ,,,plus we in the US have the luxury of cheap fuels,,,it's a combination of factors,,,plus on top of it all the larger displacement scooters are just as much if not more price wise than a entry level full sized motorcycle,,,if you look at ktm's 390 duke,,,honda and kawasaki's 300 bikes and more the price is hovering around $4k,,,so for me at least it's a no brainer ,,,and on top of it parts and service,,,Kat is lucky,,,she has a reputable honest shop close,,,most people don't ,,,
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Post by floridagull on Apr 8, 2017 9:01:53 GMT -5
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Post by wheelbender6 on Apr 8, 2017 10:17:40 GMT -5
A youngster looking for something 300-650cc will find a motorcycle is more affordable than a maxi scooter.
-The maxi scooter still provides big advantages like no hand clutch, wind/weather protection, cargo capacity and low leg swing over height.
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Post by oldchopperguy on Apr 8, 2017 11:16:00 GMT -5
A youngster looking for something 300-650cc will find a motorcycle is more affordable than a maxi scooter. -The maxi scooter still provides big advantages like no hand clutch, wind/weather protection, cargo capacity and low leg swing over height.
The consideration here is, do I want a clutch n' gears MOTORCYCLE, or a twist n' go SCOOTER?Most younger riders are going to prefer a motorcycle, and a LOT of acceleration. Nowadays, you can get that in a bike as small as 600cc... and for an affordable price. As stated in other replies, the larger displacement SCOOTERS are a breed all their own, and have a loyal, but VERY small following. They appeal to riders who do not care for a true motorcycle, and prefer a simpler ride. I'm now in that category even though I have a lifetime of riding big bikes. At 70, arthritis keeps me from getting on and off the big bikes, so I deliberately searched out a step-through scooter that could still reach 70-mph for highway use when needed. In addition, since I use the scooter for shopping and general transportation instead of the family car, I like the cargo capacity offered by a scooter with a trunk. For me, a scooter is the perfect alternative to a motorcycle. While a carbureted 250 is certainly is not exactly "exciting" in performance, it will keep up with all but the most frisky traffic, gives over 80-mpg and is as easy to operate as the family sedan with auto-trans. It's nimble as a bicycle in traffic, and honestly as comfortable at 65-mph as my old Harley baggers of the 1970's (the Givi windshield on mine is far better than the old Hog windshields).So... In my case, I'm an old geezer who loves bikes, but nowadays wants a compact car on two wheels. The step-through 250 is exactly that... And it's a dying breed. There are still a few new models out there mostly upped to 300cc, and there are a lot of great used ones at affordable prices like my '07 Kymco Grandvista 250. If the 250 class scooter is your cup of tea, I'd highly recommend you consider USED models from Japan, Taiwan and Italy in addition to new ones. I did test-ride a few Chinese used 250's 3 years back before settling on the Kymco. They were "mint" condition, but did not stack up well to the non-Chinese makes in feel, handling or performance. They were CHEAP, but to me, not that much of an improvement over an air-cooled 150. The kind of ride you're looking for IS out there, both new and used, but you have to really search them out. If I was looking today for a 250-300cc scooter, I would definitely lean toward Taiwanese, or Italian models. They seem to give the most value for the money, and are very well made.
If you can afford a new one, that Piaggio 350 has GOT to be a top-choice!
Hope you find just the right one!Ride safe!Leo in Texas |
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Post by mikestib1 on Apr 8, 2017 12:54:09 GMT -5
I don't get hung up on displacement. The Burgman 200 abs will do  mph. I owned a Kymco People gt300i but sold it as it was too heavy for stop and go city riding. Bought a Yamaha SMax 155. Great in town, back roads, and fast enough for short rides on 65 mph highways. The 125, 250, 350, 500 displacements used to be racing classes and production racing was based on street bikes available to the public. |
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Post by w650 on Apr 8, 2017 15:27:50 GMT -5
I think you guys have missed the message here. The OP is asking about scooters with the CN-250 engine that used to fill out the 250 scooter section of online sellers. It is a clone of the Honda Helix engine. The other engine was the Linhai 257cc engined models which have also disappeared. These scooters have been supplanted by the CG-250 bike models in road and dual purpose configuration.
Statistically most riders who outgrow small scooters will get on a motorcycle. These online guys are merely catering to the market with a durable engined bike and benefiting in lower warranty headaches.
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Post by spandi on Apr 8, 2017 15:48:17 GMT -5
are there any current 244cc model scooters being made? i can find plenty of references to 2008 or so, but i can't find any newer models. it seems to me that these 250cc scooters would sell pretty good. is there something keeping america gas crazy? I can't figure it, 20-08? I've got a 244cc Znen from 20-11 and they WERE selling pretty well when gas prices were approaching 5 bucks a gallon. But now gas is dirt cheap (the gas crazy part?) And let's face it, most scooter buyers that I know of are older and want comfort and convenience, not blistering speed. So nowadays with fuel being cheap they just take the car instead of buying a two wheeler. The younger set wants something flashy and fast. I met a Young guy working the the local gas station he had a nice looking 300cc Yamaha, but he said he is trading it in on a new 600cc model. (BTW, I just poked around on the net and found there are still 244 and 257cc scoots to be had, County imports has one called the Road King with some updated styling.) |
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Post by mikestib1 on Apr 9, 2017 6:41:57 GMT -5
All I can find online is a Roketa MC-54 Cyprus. They say the engine is a Honda clone.$2099
GokartsUSA.com If I'm not mistaken. Have a look
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Post by dollartwentyfive on Apr 9, 2017 18:19:42 GMT -5
the things i liked about the 244 was the OHC and the ease of adjusting the valves.
ball bearings for crank journals, this thing was designed to be a screamer from the ground up.
with a few mods, this engine could probable hit 80MPH with a 550 pound load.
i might have to get the frame and engine separate.
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Post by cyborg55 on Apr 9, 2017 18:43:09 GMT -5
Speaking of missing the point why in heavens name would the scooter cannon ball ralley dismiss motorcycles?,,, because they are superior in every way that's why,,,my standard dr dualsport would kick a scooters so hard it would wear it like a hat (which has never been challenged by the way) $10,000 bux cash challenge,,, LA to San Fran and back 5 laps of a motocross track ride up to San Fran,,, 5 laps of another motocross track there,,, service ride,,,5 laps again on the return lap ride back to LA and 5 laps of another motocross track ,,, guess who wins,,, think about it,,, I got less than $2 large in my dr,,,, hands down no takers,,,, scooters are fun and all gang but they ain't up to the task
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Post by pistonguy on Apr 9, 2017 18:53:20 GMT -5
Speaking of missing the point why in heavens name would the scooter cannon ball ralley dismiss motorcycles?,,, because they are superior in every way that's why,,,my standard dr dualsport would kick a scooters so hard it would wear it like a hat (which has never been challenged by the way) $10,000 bux cash challenge,,, LA to San Fran and back 5 laps of a motocross track ride up to San Fran,,, 5 laps of another motocross track there,,, service ride,,,5 laps again on the return lap ride back to LA and 5 laps of another motocross track ,,, guess who wins,,, think about it,,, I got less than $2 large in my dr,,,, hands down no takers,,,, scooters are fun and all gang but they ain't up to the task Amen! Nuff Said! |
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Post by w650 on Apr 9, 2017 19:33:48 GMT -5
Actually a motorcycle did sneak in one year. In 2012 a 1947 Salisbury trashed the field. No competition from the first day. Why? Because underneath that classic body hid a worked 250 Kawasaki Ninja engine. With chain drive and a real gearbox all the scooter people could do was watch it disappear. The rules for handicapping were tightened up to prevent that in the future. Of course certain Expensive scooter owners lost the next two events to a 110cc Honda Elite and a 1986 Honda Helix. Obviously the rules need further tweaking.
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mph. I owned a Kymco People gt300i but sold it as it was too heavy for stop and go city riding. Bought a Yamaha SMax 155. Great in town, back roads, and fast enough for short rides on 65 mph highways. The 125, 250, 350, 500 displacements used to be racing classes and production racing was based on street bikes available to the public.
