Motorized Scooters

wombat

So basically Ive come to the conclusion that I want a motorized scooter (like a vespa, not a razor). Sometimes I get tired of taking public transportation, and I don't have the money to buy a monthly parking spot (which runs like 200 bucks or so a month near me).

So what do I need to know in buying a scooter? Ive slowly learned that 49cc and lower are considered "mopeds" in California, but 50cc + are classified as motorcylces. What will this mean in terms of registration and other costs?

I'll be using the scooter primarily to get around LA on side streets (no freeway riding) and, probably, at most go about 13miles to visit the girlfriend on the other side of town. I may or may not occasionally want to take the scooter out of town (short distances like LA to Santa Barbara or San Diego). So what size engine am I really looking at? 49ccs seem to run relatively cheaper, but I kind of think I may need the versatility of a 100-150cc scooter, especially considering that it will become my primary mode of transportation.

Is there any other such information I should be aware of when buying a scooter, etc...?

blincoln

If you haven't already, be sure to try riding one before you decide you want one for sure. The small wheels make them way too squirrelly for me. I also didn't like the slow acceleration. If I were going to ride something that lightweight, I would want the faster acceleration of a motorcycle.

I don't know what the law is down there with mopeds vs. motorcycles. Up here (in Washington), it has more to do with wheel diameter than engine power. If you're going to get something that qualifies as a motorcycle, I'd highly suggest getting a proper one of those instead, as their wheels' larger diameter makes them more stable, and you will look a lot more awesome riding one.

You might also want to ask around about the theft rate. Because they're lighter, I've heard that it's a lot more common for them to walk off than for a motorcycle.

contraband

Oh man, I have pretty much the same question. Advice appreciated!

wombat

blincoln wrote:

If you haven't already, be sure to try riding one before you decide you want one for sure. The small wheels make them way too squirrelly for me. I also didn't like the slow acceleration. If I were going to ride something that lightweight, I would want the faster acceleration of a motorcycle.

I don't know what the law is down there with mopeds vs. motorcycles. Up here (in Washington), it has more to do with wheel diameter than engine power. If you're going to get something that qualifies as a motorcycle, I'd highly suggest getting a proper one of those instead, as their wheels' larger diameter makes them more stable, and you will look a lot more awesome riding one.

You might also want to ask around about the theft rate. Because they're lighter, I've heard that it's a lot more common for them to walk off than for a motorcycle.

yea im like 90% sure in california it is classified by engine size

the main reason ive wanted a scootr as opposed to a motorcycle was price and use (since im terrified of going on the freeway in anything but a car anyway), but also because i have a small spot to fit a small scooter, or i guess, a smaller more lightweight motorcycle

MrOletta

Might want to look into a Kawasaki Ninja EX250. They're small bikes, but handle well (the small wheel size leads to instability). You can probably find an 05' used model for $1500 or so. The mileage on those is about 60-65mpg.

Abracadaniel

I've had a scooter for about a year now, 49cc, got through a week of driving approx 14 miles a day on about $4-$6 of gas.

It wasn't particularly great when it was raining and whatnot, but it got me to and from work.

Didn't need insurance or anything on it, just had to register it at the DMV for a plate so I could take it on the road.

In retrospect, I probably would've just picked up a low cc motorcycle, because maxing out at 43MPH kinda sucks.

wombat

smart hero how much did you pay for your scooter?

have you ever been able to/are you able to take it on highways (ie 45mph - 50mph roads that are NOT freeways)?

what kind of low cc motorcycles might you recommend?


the ninja looks nice, but I was kind of hoping to go a little cheaper closer to 1000 and below

edit: also i dont really need a 250cc engine, especially because im not going to be taking on the freeway

Cauld

I recently bought a 125cc Honda Wave. Primarily because where I live (Thailand) It's the fastest way to get around a city. :P

Also, it gets great milage (I can go maybe 50 miles on a 3 liter tank). It seems to top out around 60mph, but the most I usually get it going is closer to 40. In a few weeks I might be going 50 more often. It has good acceleration, better than all but the biggest assholes in cars/trucks.

I also would advice trying some out before you buy one. It quickly became apparent to me that acceleration and speed were more important to me than I initially thought. Both for quickly getting around and also for safety (some times the safest path requires acceleration). Also the closer you can go to the flow of traffic, the safer you are.

Just something to think about, if you're planning on carrying anything while you're on your bike you'll need a basket (like the one in the link) or to wear a backpack. There is a small compartment in the seat on my bike, but nothing reasonably sized can fit in there. It's more for registration/emergency supplies.

wombat

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