I'm thinking of buying a scooter - which one should I look at?

[devilgrrl]

At the moment, I'm just exploring the idea. There some details that have to be worked out, like where am I going to be able to park it where I live, etc. I also live in Los Angeles, where operating a scooter could be dangerous to your health.

So far there a few Vespa models that look fun...

The Vespa LX


The Vespa GT60


What works for any of you? Let me know.

Thanks. :-)

[Rob H.]

1. I've heard owners of Genuine's scooters really like 'em

Their most popular models, AFAIK, are the Stella, a clone of Vespa's metal-bodied, 4-speed, 2-stroke PX150, and the Buddy, a 125cc, automatic-transmission 4-stroke. (The Stella isn't available thus far in CA, though, since it doesn't meet the emissions requirements.) The Buddy even comes in special "International" editions with a 150cc engine.

Stella


Buddy


Buddy 'St. Tropez' Edition


I've also read good things about Kymco's lineup.

I was this close to buying a Vespa a couple of years ago, but the lone local dealer closed to relocate to a different part of the city and never reopened. They were the only Genuine dealer here, too. :(

One thing I would recommend is finding and taking a Motorcycle Safety Foundation class. You'll learn the rules of the road and you'll actually get some saddle time in a controlled (read: non-traffic) environment. You'll also come out of the class with your license. Some states even offer a specialized class specifically for scooter riders. :)

[happyslug]

2. I like my Honda 80 CC, it is little obsolete, but it works

I am 6'2" weigh 280 pounds. I live in the mountains of Pennsylvania. Between these two situation I find my 80cc slowing down to 20 mph on the long hill climbs in this area. It was designed in the 1970s and looks like it, made in Mexico for the American Market. Web site:
http://powersports.honda.com/index.asp?bhcp=1
Honda Scooters:
http://powersports.honda.com/scooters/
Picture on my Moped:



If you notice I installed a windshield on the bike. I bought it from Clear-view windshield:
http://www.clearviewshields.com/
They are a little slow at getting the windshield to you (They make them in batches so you may have to wait 2-3 months before they can ship one. When I ordered my they did NOT bill me for two months, and then only ship it to mw a month later, but I did get the windshield, just a warning to wait. They make windshields for a number of bikes, go to the website and see what they have.

As to my moped I have to make the following comments but I calculate I save 10 cents a mile when I ride it instead of my jeep. 10 cents does not sound like much, but given most people drive 12,000-15,000 miles per year that comes to $1200-$1500 per year (My Calculation assumed $3 a gallon Gasoline).

I avoid limited access highway, my moped is to slow (it goes about 35-40mph on the flats). I have taken it on what Pittsburghers called the Parkway East (I-376) between Downtown Pittsburgh and Monroe ville where it diverges into US 22 and the Pa Turnpike (I take US 22). US 22 is a four lane road but with US 22 is NOT limited access (it has a lot of red-lights). I am comfortable with the Moped on US 22, but not on limited access roads, mopeds are just to slow. Remember common roads are open to ALL traffic, which includes horse-drawn wagons, pedestrians, bicyclist in addition to mopeds. You have to take your stand by riding your Moped on theses roads.

Now, as to speed, the bigger the engine the lower the top speed, but the higher the MPG. I get about 90mpg on my 80cc moped (When I keep it below 25mph it went up to 110mpg). 50 cc will get about 120mpg, 250 cc gets about 60 mpg. My Brother has a 650 and get about 45mpg. I believe part of the problem is the weight of the rider (Which is a big factor when it comes to Moped as compared to Motorcycles and cars). Remember the more weight the bike has to carry the less fuel economy it will get (Women, who tend to be lighter then men will see greater fuel economy in a moped than a man). The larger the engine the less variation between riders (As the weight of the bike becomes the limiting factor NOT the weight of the rider). My Moped weighs 179 pounds, thus when I get on it I double its weight. This hurts its fuel efficiency but I still get 90mpg.

The downside is going up the local mountains. Most of the mountains climbs are slow gradual climbs , which my moped can handle, I have to dismount only on two hills, both residential and steep (The City if Pittsburgh, where the streets were, just laid down a traditional street pattern, ignoring the fact they were climbing the Monongahela escapement. Many roads in Pittsburgh were NEVER designed for automotive traffic (Horses have huge advantages when climbing steep hills, which is why most of the roads were designed for and then closed when horse traffic died out). I make this comment for except for these very steep exceptions, my Moped can take on almost any hill in this area. it may do so at 15-20mph but it will do that speed forever or until you get to the top of the Mountain.

I like my moped, people pass my all the time when I am on it. When people see you are on the road they will avoid you while the car drivers pass you but that, in itself not bad. Remember the studies on Red-Lights and Stop signs. Which is safer? If you ask people it is red-lights for they clearly see who has the right of way, but traffic engineers looking as the accident rates have long pointed out it is Stop signs that are safer. The reason for this is simple, people think stop signs on intersections are less safe, so they pay more attention and thus avoid more accidents. People with Red-lights rely on the lights and thus pay less attention to other traffic and get into more accidents. The same with riding your Moped, it may look more dangerous then riding a car, but once you remove people showing off with their motorcycle (A huge number) they are as safe as automobiles do to the fact people view them as dangerous and thus take extra care when passing them, thus Mopeds and adult bicycle riders are safer then Car drivers (Notice I use the term Adult Bicycle drivers, a lot of teenagers get in trouble on bicycles for the same reason Motorcyclist get into trouble, trying to show off, when used only as transportation the numbers of accidents drop).

[happyslug]

3. Check your state law. Many state give 50 cc or smaller mopeds special status.

In my home state of Pennsylvania, you do NOT need a motorcycle license to drive a moped under 50 cc (But you need a driver's license). Some state (And I have read one is California but check with your state before you do anything to make sure this is true) says you do NOT need any license to drive a 50 cc of smaller moped (This is NOT the law in Pa and most other states, but some states have such a rule, check with your state to be sure).

California DMV:
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/faq/genfaq.htm

A quick review of the above site indicates to me, you need a Motorcycle license to operate a Moped, but someone from your state's DMV would know better than I.

[Ganja Ninja]

4. I was checking these out at a dealer last weekend.

A pretty nice bike for the money. It sits up high on 16" wheels and costs around $2,700.00. It will also go up to 60mph.



SCARABEO 100 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

Engine
Horizontal single cylinder four stroke. Forced air cooling. Secondary air catalytic converter.

Cooling
Forced air cooling.

Fuel
Unleaded fuel.

Bore & Stroke
50 mm x 49 mm

Displacement
96.2 cc

Compression ratio
10.5:1

Starting
Electric and kick-start.

Generator
Permanent magnet flywheel 12 V – 120 Watt.

Gearbox
Air cooled, automatic variator.

Primary drive
V belt

Final drive
Gearbox

Clutch
Centrifugal

Frame
Twin member single spar frame with double cradle in high strength steel.

Front suspension
Hydraulic fork. Wheel travel 80 mm.

Rear suspension
Hydraulic monoshock. Wheel travel 82 mm.

Brakes
Front: 220 mm stainless steel disc. Caliper with two opposed 30 mm pistons.
Rear: 140 mm drum, single leading shoe.

Wheels
Light alloy, five spokes.
Front 1.60 x 16"
Rear 1.85 x 16”

Tires
Front : 2.5 x 16" 42J
Rear : 2.75 x 16" 46J

Dimensions
Overall length: 1905 mm / 75"
Overall width: 705 mm / 27.8"
Overall height: 1270 mm / 50"
Seat height: 780 mm / 30.7"
Wheelbase: 1256 mm / 49.5"

Weight
88 kg / 194 lbs.

Tank capacity
Approximately 2 US Gallons, 8 litres (1 liter reserve)

M.S.R.P. *
$2,699.00

Colors
Unique Green or Shine Red for 2008.

Warranty
All Aprilia scooters feature a one year factory warranty with Unlimited Mileage and Roadside Assistance.

Accessories
Complete large windshield, leg cover, LH mirror, interchangeable leg shield inserts (graphics: Italy / UK / Tiger / Zebra / Mimetic / Sky).

[devilgrrl]

5. I went to a dealer this weekend and they recommended these two models...

Genuine Scooter Buddy $1,899 (50cc) or $2,499 (125cc)
Engine Type 2-Stroke, Air-Cooled, or 4-stroke, Air-Cooled
Displacement 50cc or 125cc
Ignition Electric w/kickstart back up
Gearbox Automatic CVT
Top Speed 45+ mph (50cc), 60+ mph (125cc)
Warranty 2-Year / Unlimited Mile
Front Suspension Telescopic Front Fork
Rear Suspension Adjustable Rear
Front Brake Disc
Rear Brake Drum
Tire Sizing 90/90 - 10 (50cc), 3.5 x 10 (125cc)
Available Colors Black/Silver, Sunset Orange, Pink
MSRP $1,899 (50cc) or $2,499 (125cc)

and



KYMCO People 250 $3999.00
Engine Type 4-stroke water-cooled SOHC
Displacement 249cc
Bore/Stroke 72.7x60mm
Cooling System Liquid
Ignition Electric
Gearbox Automatic CVT
Chassis Steel
Front Suspension Telescopic forks
Rear Suspension Dual shocks
Front Brake Single Disc
Rear Brake Single Disc
Front Wheel/Tire 110/70-16
Rear Wheel/Tire 140/70-16
Seat Height 30.9 in.
Wheelbase 59.6 in.
Fuel Capacity/MPG 2.1 gals./ Estimated 70
Weight 367 lbs.
Available Colors Wine or Grey
MSRP $3,999


Now, I have to decide if I really want to chance driving around the streets of Los Angeles on one of these. I really do hope that more people start riding them, would that be fun or what?

[devilgrrl]

9. What's the mpg on those?

And why don't the companies list that on the specs?

[Ganja Ninja]

13. I guess it's around 70 mpg.

It's only 100cc so figure 70 to 85 mpg.

[doc03]

6. I would look at a bigger scooter that has the power

and speed to keep up with traffic. I have a Suzuki Burgman 400, it gets 65 MPG average and will go 90 plus MPH. There are many other quality scooters to chose from by Suzuki, Yamaha, Honda and Kymco. Myself I would at least get a 250cc model.

here is my Burgman: http://www.suzukicycles.com/products/AN400K7

I would post a picture of it but I haven't figured out how to do it.

[devilgrrl]

7. I was looking at something a little "girlier" today

:blush:

Like this one:

[doc03]

8. It's bad enough for a guy to

ride a scooter around here. If I was seen on that thing some Ohio Redneck would run me over just for fun.:hi:

[doc03]

10. Check out this video on the Burgman 400

http://youtube.com/watch?v=pmRQ_iApvR0

and the Burgman 650 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rbqUVHIrIo

[happyslug]

11. Some General advice.

How are you going to get the Moped to the Shop if it needs repairs? If the shop is close, you can push it over to the shop (Even if it has a flat wheel). If the shop is across town, you will have to haul it in your truck (Which you probably do NOT have) or a trailer attached to your car.

Second how are you going to get to the store to pick it up? Walk, take the bus?

I bring this up just ot advice you to look at which Moped seller is near you. Repairs, Inspections, and other dealer calls are a factor (And AAA does NOT provide towing service for Motorcycles or Mopeds).

Now, that does not mean you have to buy from the local rip moped dealer, shop around. Many shops will pick up the bike at your home to do any repairs. Check into repair and the cost to haul your bike to the shop. This can vary, some charge a nominal fee, others what the traffic will bare.

[kb9vrg]

12. It all depends on what you want to do.

Any of the bikes you mentioned are decent bikes, and will be great around town or even for light touring.

That being said, the Vespas tend to be a little pricier than others. Some of it is due to the metal construction, some of it is pricing. Piaggio (the main company which owns Vespa) has several other models for sale in the US which may be of interest to you - the BV200 and BV250 come to mind - that will be significantly cheaper than what you showed.

I wouldn't take any of the bikes you showed on the LA freeway. Maybe where I live I would for short runs, but not in that type of craziness.

If you don't already have a license for a motorcycle, you will most likely need one for anything above 50cc in order to legally operate it. Not sure what the specific laws are in CA, but your local DMV could tell you.

I would highly recommend taking a MSF safety course as well. In some cases, you may get an insurance discount, and some states will let you waive the DMV skills test if you take an MSF course.

Also consider the cost of accessories for your bike - helmet, jacket, gloves, rain gear, storage bags, etc... This can easily add up to several hundred dollars.

My personal ride is a 2006 Yamaha Vino 125. I bought the 125cc since it was large enough to handle the roads I needed to go on (mostly 45-50MPH speed limits) to commute to work or run errands. I'm averaging about 80 MPG right now - 101 MPG max on it and couldn't be happier.

[devilgrrl]

14. There's a dealer nearby in Hollywood that sells Vinos. I'm going to check them out too. :-)

I also found someone on craigslist that's selling their 2003 Vespa for $800!!! :wow:

I'll keep you posted.

[DrDan]

15. bought a Yamaha C3 a couple of months ago

Have been very happy with it.

Top speed around 40 - in excess of 100 mpg. Paid $2400 or so plus tax