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Post by john2285 on Jan 9, 2016 14:55:13 GMT -5
I'm moving to atlantic city and was wondering what size engine I would need. I originally thought I'd need a 250cc one to get to supermarkets and a gym but seen that there is already a gym and supermarket in the city so I won't be needing to travel on 55mph roads, so now I'm thinking 150cc should be alright? The one thing is, is that to get to the casino i want to go to (which isnt in the cluster of casinos on the boardwalk, Borgate)I'd have to accelerate rather quickly to about 55mph, but only for a short distance before turning into the casino. Would this justify getting a 200 or 250cc one? Like I said I'm pretty sure the 150cc one would fit my daily needs otherwise as I don't expect to travel more than 40mph on atlantic city roads for my daily needs... just that one little stretch to get into the casino I'd be playing at where I'd need to accelerate up to about 55. Also, although it's a little stretch (1/2mile)I'd like to feel comfortable about accelerating up to tops 55mph. Your advice I'd greatly appreciated.
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Post by ungabunga on Jan 9, 2016 15:23:26 GMT -5
I ride a 150 everywhere, even for brief hops on the highway, but I have a Honda PCX with 14" wheels. If you can afford it, a 200-300 cc option is good, but also consider wheel size. I don't like to travel at more than 50 mph on small wheel scooters. Medium wheel scooters (13-14") I might, and big wheel scooters 14+, I definitely would, but it's about what you're comfortable with.
Consider the wear and tear on the engine and moving parts at high speeds. The faster you'll be traveling on a regular basis, the harder it's going to be on a machine with a smaller engine and tiny wheels. Consider that the bearings and axle may be the same size as a larger wheel, but the small wheel is doing more RPMs and producing more heat and so on. Better to go bigger at the outset than get something that won't put up with the abuse you're subjecting it to.
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Post by wheelbender6 on Jan 9, 2016 18:11:00 GMT -5
The only 150ish cc scoot I would ride on a 55mph road is a Yamaha SMAX. Many cagers will do 65+mph on that road. If you want a 200 model scoot, check the specs to see that the engine is actually close to 200cc. Two of the more popular "200" model scooters have an engine displacing only 160or 170cc. Ripoff!
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Post by ricardoguitars on Jan 9, 2016 20:46:08 GMT -5
Get the 250cc if you are not completely sure the 150cc will fit your needs, is better to have spare power than lacking it.
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Post by wheelbender6 on Jan 10, 2016 9:48:37 GMT -5
If the 55mph road is a four lane you can stay in the slow lane with a 150 scooter. If it is two lane, get a bigger scoot.
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Post by JerryScript on Jan 10, 2016 9:58:16 GMT -5
My daily commute includes a short 5 miles on the freeway. Most 150s have a hard time reaching 60mph, but the 16" model I ride has no problem keeping up with the slow lane traffic thanks to the over-sized CVT components and final gearing setup for the 16" wheels. If you can find a 14-16" model with EFI, you could keep up with all but the fastest traffic lanes.
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Post by JoeyBee on Jan 10, 2016 11:51:43 GMT -5
I agree with JerryScript, a 150cc sounds fine for your commute. I have a 150cc also, and it's perfect for city driving. The takeoff is very good if you keep the carb and CVT properly tuned. And speed will not be a concern. My ride to work has a top speed of 45MPH, so I constantly have to watch my speedo to make sure I'm not speeding. I don't want to be "that guy" that gets pulled for speeding on a scooter. So go with a 150cc, but look for a model with 14"-16" tires. That the one thing I wished I would have done. Mine are 12", and I hate the bumpy ride they provide. Anything higher then 50MPH, the stability gets sketchy. |
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Post by SylvreKat on Jan 10, 2016 13:12:01 GMT -5
Put me in the camp that if you're unsure the 150cc will be powerful enough, then yes, look at 200s and 250s.
My 200cc supposed can go 70+. I take Piaggio's word on that, as our highways around me are interstates. Scary enough in my old wagon when the semis barrel past. Not about to see what it feels like on 2-wheels.
But also do make sure the 200cc is close to 200. Mine is (I think) 198 (or close enough to it). That plus the 16" wheels give the speed. And he's still nimble enough for city traffic.
Remember, it's better to buy bigger and have too much power, than to buy smaller and wish you had more.
Say--have you test-driven any big-wheeled 150s vs 200/250s? That's the best way for you to get a feel for which might suit your needs.
>'Kat
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Post by oldchopperguy on Jan 10, 2016 22:13:05 GMT -5
I've ridden most everything from 100 mph kart-motor-powered mini-bikes, to Harley baggers and choppers for more than a half-century. Now, I'm in love with SCOOTERS and I agree with Kat and others recommending you go a little bigger if possible.
I rode a 150 for six years and loved it, BUT... It was always a tad shy on "giddyup" even in frisky city traffic.
I finally traded it in on a well-used Kymco GrandVista 250 and am SO glad I did. The 250's are not much more cumbersome than the 150's, but can zip up to 60-65 quickly (which is REALLY necessary for safety even in 45 mph limit surface streets).
I'm a fanatic for small-wheel scoots (just old-school me) but for best all-round road manners the large-wheel rides are generally much better.
I realize a 250/300 will cost considerably more, but its advantages over a 150 are MAJOR. Please try to test-ride several alternatives before buying. There are also different sizes of 250 and larger scooters: the shorties like my Kymco, and long "maxi-scooters" which are more popular. They handle differently, and you're bound to prefer one or the other.
As for upkeep, here in Texas, my 250 costs the same to license and insure as my old 150, and it even gives BETTER gas mileage (although I can't promise THAT with any particular 250).
Right now, the 250 class is moving quickly to 300+ cc. So, an actual 250 may be a little less expensive than it was a while ago. You'll have to do some shopping.
There are new-style 70 mph 200 cc class scoots which bridge the gap between the 150 and 250, offering 150 handling with the speed of the older 250's. Something to consider, but they are a little pricey.
Please keep us posted on your final choice, and...
Ride safe!
Leo in Texas
PS: If you can find one, the old Kymco 250 "Bet and Win" is short, sweet and a favorite of 150 riders wanting some more performance without a major increase in size and weight. They don't show up used too often, but are a REAL bargain, usually going for under $1,500. And they seem to be "bullet-proof". |
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Post by floridagull on Jan 11, 2016 14:16:29 GMT -5
IMHO, a 150 will just about do the job - but make sure you get a decently-powered one. You'll see some 150cc's that claim a HP in the 8-ish range, some in the 9-ish range (example - my 2008 Baccio VX 150 @ 9.33 claimed hp), and some with a claimed hp of 10.3 (example - Lance 150cc scoots - www.lancepowersports.com/models/index.html) - maybe some have even more...  The Lance 125cc scoots claim a hp of 8.38 - the same as some lesser 150cc scoots...so be aware of the hp of the scoot you are interested in purchasing...  |
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Post by cyborg on Jan 11, 2016 21:13:14 GMT -5
It all depends on your wallet,,,one member here and on other forums ( Dan) has 2 Yamaha smaxes one goes over 80 mph,,,and the other does 75ish,,,,not too shabby for a 155cc,,,,but the buy in is quite large,,,but that's where my money would go
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Post by JerryScript on Jan 11, 2016 22:12:14 GMT -5
I can only assume the reason my stock 150cc can reach 75+ is due to the oversized CVT components, and final drive gearing setup for 16" wheels. The Znen SSR 150T-18 lists at about $1500 depending upon where you purchase. Best money I've spent in years. I am at 5200 miles, and the only problem I've had was a busted front brake master cylinder it arrived with. I wholeheartedly recommend it for anyone trying to bridge that gap between local driving agility and short highway trips!
I also like the fact I get asked about it all the time in parking lots, and have been told by several people it's the best looking scooter they've seen, love riding off with a smile on my face from getting my ego stroked!
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Post by cyborg on Jan 11, 2016 22:46:50 GMT -5
That is one sweet scoot Jerry
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Post by JerryScript on Jan 12, 2016 15:01:39 GMT -5
Thanks cyborg! One thing I should make clear to anyone interested in this model. It can reach over 75 mph, but it cruises mostly 60-65 if there are hills or headwinds, so it's really only safe for short highway runs with slow lane traffic going no more than 65.
I do plan on scamping this summer, so I'll find out then how it handles long back road rides at mostly 50-60mph.
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Post by floridagull on Jan 12, 2016 15:40:50 GMT -5
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