suggestions/ advice on purchaisng first scooter  By  monstermelisssa (Read 732 times)

Also consider looking at what's available used on your local craigslist. A lot of time you can get a great bike for very little. What kind of scooter do you like??

Something like this?



(that's mine)

or something like this?



How much do you want to spend?? Do you have or are you willing to get a Motorcycle license? How far and fast do you need to go? Is it just for fun or will you use it as a commuting vehicle?

howdy and welcome to the forum. it does help if it is known at least the general location you are and some of your needs and expectations and how much you want to work on a scooter for maintainance and repair or do you have someone to help with that type of stuff. are you in town and want to ride local 35 speed limit roads or in the country on lazical 50 mph roads or screaming down the freeway dodging aligators.

lotsa miles and smiles to ya
ken

Howdies!

Let's do it this way, maybe. It's sort of how my Harley friend and the dealer narrowed down my options.

1) Are you able/willing to learn to work on the scooter yourself (iow, are you mechanically inclined at all)? Yes--consider Chinese; No--do NOT consider Chinese

2) How far would be a typical drive? And is it particularly hilly, or relatively flat?

3) How fast is the speed limit on those roads? 45+ mph? (meaning traffic probably goes faster yet)--do NOT consider 50cc

4) Do you plan or think you'll eventually drive distance on the highways? Or maybe even the interstates with the semis?

After you get reliability and engine size figured out, then you can start thinking if you like the retro or modern style, and how much you're looking to spend, both of which will narrow down brands and models.

Ah, this is such a grand time for you, full of investigation and discovery.

>'Kat

Yes we need to know your budget , are you an experienced rider and wrencher , do you have or plan on getting a motorcyle license required for larger than 50cc , will it be an around the block and short distance toy or daily driver .

If you have the money Honda , Aprilia , Kymco are better than the China scooters . I had a TaoTao and it was a so I would never suggest them even though they are common and many hear have one . Peace Sports is about the same . I have a Jonway and I am very happy with it . I also have a CFMoto Echarm but they are no longer imported but if your looking for a 150 there is a few CFMoto Glories out there . CFMoto has liquid cooled engine instead of air cooled , EFI as does my Echarm but some have a carb , disc brakes F&R instead of crappy cabled drum brakes , and a 2 year full warranty with unlimited miles . I have over 17k miles on mine with only oil changes and a single valve adjustment .

So give us more info to work with in order to be able to give you suggestions .

Your first priority is to set yourself a budget. It's not just about having enough money to buy a scooter and you're all set!

Pre-Purchase.

MSF course...Depending on location expect to spend $100-$200
License...Depending on your state......$50
Helmet, Jacket, gloves, good boots... $300-$400 minimum

Decide which size bike to choose?
Refer to SylvreKat's excellent questions she posted above. This will help narrow down your choices.

Purchase...

I would also suggest you start out with a good used scoot. Perhaps there's a scooter group in your area that can give you good leads. If you see one on Craigslist, post it here and get the opinions of the many riders with years of experience you'll find on this site. I know...it can be risky, but it can also be a place to find good values. Spend at least a month looking at the used market, you'll educate yourself of the different scoots and their market values. Don't rush into buying. Try and buy one where your gut instincts tell you the owner took good care of it, and not one that has been laying around with no one really caring for it.

Post purchase
Insurance....Depending on coverage. Liability only? less than $100 a year.
Security.....Good lock and chain...$50-$100
Maintenance,...I'd have a mechanic or better yet, yourself change the fluids and filters....oil, antifreeze etc ...$50-200

I suppose I just want to realize its not like going out and purchasing a bicycle and you're then you're set to head down the road.

There's lot's of expense. The better prepared you are, the wiser choices you'll make.

I wish you the best.
Danno