I want to start riding; don't know where to begin.  By  joel (Read 2,074 times)

I appreciate the advice. I must say I've given up on the idea of a 50cc...it just seems too small. There are a lot of main artery streets on which I wouldn't want to be caught riding such a diminutive creature. No doubt they have their applications, but I find myself aiming more for the 150cc range. I still want something light and nimble. Not a big fan of the "maxi" style with all the chunky fairings and stuff.

I've heard/read about a possible automatic Stella in the works. Not sure if it's 150 or 125...but that would be my ideal bike. Love the style.

Hi Joel
If you want a fast nimble sharp looking 50 try an Aprilia SR 50 R
They are easily a match for a 4 stroke 150
www.apriliausa.com/en-US/Model/97722/SR+50+R+-+Replica+SBK+/Overview.aspx
motorscooterguide.net/Aprilia/SR50/SR50.html
My Aprilia Sr 50 R Factory can reach speeds of 60+mph while hauling my 5'11 210 lb frame around


Sr 50 top speed by inuyasha50, on Flickr
Take care and ride safely
Yours Hank

A 4T is limited on power but is fun to ride around the block or close by . The Metropolitan is reliable but not one you could hot rod up like the Chinese ones . A 2T 50 is faster , less parts to wear out or service or have to change oil . The small 10 inch wheels are nimble but unstable to me . The longcase chassis styles have 12 inch or larger wheels , which has more room , handle and ride much better . My lil scooter has fat 130/60/13 tires and I really love how it rides as I feel safe at any speed or condition . When I had a scooter with 10s it was too short as I am 6gt4 and had to slump over and the handling was sketchy at top speeds . I have another scooter with tall 16s that is like a crossover from scooter to motorcycle with the taller tires but they are not wide as the 13s that I call doughnuts . The 13s also ride and handle better than the 16s do .

Many are nervous about getting a MC or motorcycle license . I got a moped license when I was 14 and MC at 16 and it was super easy , in fact the road test I took it in light rain and was in the parking lot , instead of going on the highway . Now I had ridden Honda mopeds like an Express , Urban Express and a Yamaha Towney since I was 12 but not on highways and back then a moped was the bicycle pedal type , had 2 HP and only went 30 MPH . Any other 49cc was a motorcycle if it did not have pedals . In SC they grayed the law to allow scooters as long as only go 30 MPH but many can go faster stock . I had a Honda Elite and a hot rod Spree both 2T and never once had any trouble . The China stuff plan on wrenching more so .

If it is your first two wheeler I would see if you can take a MC riding course as you may be required to get a MC license in some states , but even better have some riding buddies who have a 50cc scooter . It is safer in case something happens than a noob riding alone . Make sure to get a decent helmet , leather waterproof gloves and waterproof boots . Many omit these protections in th summer but in a wreck or in the winter you will glad you have the gear .

Unregistered scooters are targets for thieves as it is harder to track if stolen . In SC if your driving license is suspended you can get a moped license and ride a 50cc . I hate how so many stereotype 50cc riders as " liquorcycles for DUI offenders " as in some cases it is true but more with license ride or at least those I know . I had some BS yelled at me while riding with a generic moped tag on my 50 . I registered it at the DMV as a " motorcycle " since when I did my 150 I first said scooter and the ignorant clerk said " We do not register scooters " even though mopeds should be registered but not enforced like larger sizes . It was 10 to register , 15 for the tag , 28 in taxes and was only 56 to add to my policy . I had only liability , roadside assistance and 10k in medpay since I do not have health insurance . I now have full coverage like I had on my 150 with the other options and extended under insurance coverage for 300 a year for both . With a MC tag I never get any " DUI hate " as stock it would go 45 MPH all day long and modded I am unsure of top speed as it only registers 50 and I go beyond that . In SC you can ride on a MC permit for 6 months without having a licensed driver like a car requires .

Sit on several sizes and see what you feel comfortable with as for me I am happy with my scooters and hated my TaoTao with 10s .

Here is some tips in PDF format and you may need Adobe Acrobat or other .PDF reader www.motor-scooters-guide.com/support-files/scooter-driving-tips.pdf

Honda and Yamaha are higher quality than most but pricey to but and the parts are pricey too compared to the China stuff that is dirt cheap for OEM and has mild to wild aftermarket parts like a BBK . Since you have a bigger budget than many first timers I would look at an Aprilia SR Motard scooter since its a 2T and 14 inch wheels www.aprilia.com/en-US/Model/98855/SR+MOTARD+125/Overview.aspx . The link has a 125cc 4T and a 49cc 2T engine options for this model .

The older Vespas like Scootwinn has does not have a CVT or auto tranny but instead a manual clutch and manual twist grip shifter that a noob may not be comfortable with . A " classic not plastic " is better quality but again pricey as a buddy bought a 1952 Vespa Piaggio for almost 4 grand shipped from Korea . It was restored to almost mint condition . I rode it and it had plenty of power since it was a 150cc 2T and having a manual clutch instead of centrifugal that auto engages when the engine hits a certain RPM to engage the clutch bell . I have had several and ridden boocoos of manual motorcycles , ATCs and ATVs , so shifting was not new , but they had a toe shifter not a twist grip . Was a little odd at first , but I am a fast learner and enjoyed the ride . Another cool factor is it has a spare tire as awell as under seat storage and what looks like crash bars wrapped around it .

Try to get to ride several scooters BEFORE you buy , to see the power , ride and comfort as they are far from, all being the same