Hello from Texas!  By  jennib05 (Read 1,094 times)

In my opinion, bigger is better. Physically larger is easier for other drivers to see. Bigger engine safer and lasts longer in the same type of service.

First I'd have to ask, what you want to get out of a scoot?
What speeds you plan to get out of the scoot? (meaning you're riding in town only >35MPH, suburbs >45MPH, highways >50MPH)?

Are you going to ride with 2 or 1 person, and how much is his weight?
Is it mainly level terrain, or you have a lot of hills?

how far is your daily travel (eg: 5 miles 2 way, or more like 20 miles to and back)?

Once you have an idea of how fast you need to go under wind/rain/hills, and how long, it'll be easier to determine what kind of engine size you need; and from there look at the options.

[replyingto=prodigit]prodigit[/replyingto]It would be a little bit of everything that I would need the scoot for. It would just be for me so just one person. It is mainly level terrain with just a few hills Daily travel would be around 5-10 miles round trip. So I guess I would need it to go around 50 mph for everything that I need to get around for.

hi there - I would listen to all these guys ,but first call the DMV and get info on their requirements including a motor cycle attachment to your drivers licience for a scoot bigger then 50cc.

Hello and welcome. How much are you willing to spend? Can you or do you have some one the can do mechanical work?

Roy

my 2009 tomos nitro 150cc was 1400.00 at a dealer in Lawrenceville, ga with 700 miles. Ive had it for a couple years and only started riding it a lot this season. Always starts and runs good..About 1600 miles

Welcome, Jenni!

FIrst, listen to Hank. Take the MSF beginner's class. Best thing is to take it before you buy your bike, esp if you haven't ridden before. Most of the beginner's classes, they provide bikes for you. Some have helmets, too. The good things about this are you learn proper techniques, and often you won't have to take the driving test at the DMV to get your license.

Second, does that $1200 include proper gear? 'Cause that'll add a few hundred for helmet, gloves, jacket, pants, boots. Hank's right there, too--ATGATT really is the best way to ride. Even a slide-out at extremely low speed (like, around 5 mph) can take out skin and muscle, down to bone. The scrape on the jaw of my helmet is proof of its value.

Third, I agree with 'digit, sounds like a 150-250cc would be a good size for you. Mine's a 200cc, keeps up with suburban traffic just fine, with enough top end for if I ever get brave enough to hit the state highways. Small enough I could lift it when I set it down learning u-turns (that one was at something more like zero mph).

Fourth, is your mechanic friend willing to be available whenever you need him/her? If so, or if mostly so, or if you're willing (and able) to learn, then a Chinese bike will be an acceptable choice. If not, then you should probably hit Craig's List for a good solid Piaggio or Honda or Yamaha or Kymco or Sym. In fact, you might want to check for one first, anyways. Might find a good deal.

You've definitely got the right idea though--come here and ask questions. All the questions you want. The only "dumb" question is the one you don't ask.

>'Kat