Anybody ride a scooter?

[bassman1185]

I've been bouncing the idea of picking one up around in my head for a while. I've got about a 24-mile round trip for my daily commute, and my car averages about 20 mpg. I'm taking a look at some of these scooters that you can get for $1300 or less, and they get upwards of 65 mgp (Most are about 80) and almost all of them can get up to at least 55 mph. I saw one that claimed to get up to 75. It seems like a pretty decent way to save some money, and it might actually be kind of fun, too.

[coolrunner989]

If you're going that far, I'd go ahead and get a small motorcycle. I used a scooter periodically last semester at school - it got max 30 mph, and was more of a pain than it was worth. My commute wasnt that far, only a few miles each way at max, but l'm planning on getting a nice street bike this fall and then a motorcycle next summer. I wanted to get one this summer, but I dont have 1500-2k to spend on a motorcycle, and a scooter just doesnt perform enough for it to be worth it to me.
Just my 2c, YMMV

[Horny Toad]

I rocked a Honda Kick 'n Go when I was a kid.

[bassman1185]

Do you know what the displacement on your scooter was, Coolrunner? I'm guessing it was probably about 50cc. I'm looking more at the 150cc range. The one that caught my eye was this one:

http://www.rightwayatv.com/detail.cfm?id=755

It claims to be able to get up to 75 mph and actually handle like a sport bike, which I know is probably a bit of an exaggeration. My normal commute is on the freeway, but I know of at least a couple of alternative "back road" ways to get to work that would be find for something like this.

[Dr. Cheese]

Originally Posted by bassman1185

Do you know what the displacement on your scooter was, Coolrunner? I'm guessing it was probably about 50cc. I'm looking more at the 150cc range. The one that caught my eye was this one:

http://www.rightwayatv.com/detail.cfm?id=755

It claims to be able to get up to 75 mph and actually handle like a sport bike, which I know is probably a bit of an exaggeration. My normal commute is on the freeway, but I know of at least a couple of alternative "back road" ways to get to work that would be find for something like this.

If you can afford it, get a scooter in the 400-600cc range. The gas mileage is still great but you can drive among cars without total fear. I have been kicking around the idea of a scooter for a few years, and I may end up getting another car for my to retire her SUV (she just had to to have it) instead.

[DigMe]

Originally Posted by bassman1185

Anybody ride a scooter?

We do!

Sincerely,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrOek4z32Vg

[9mmMike]

Personally, I would not ride a scooter on the highway. There are plenty of nice motorcycles that get good MPG and can also get you out of trouble a little better on the highway. I commute on a motorcycle whenever I can (fair weather rider) and it does save me a bit on fuel but commuting with all those zombies on the road during "rush hour" on a scooter would not be fun IMHO unless your commute was kinda short and not on the highway at all.
You could buy a Scion or Honda car that gets in the 30's, right?

Of course I could be wrong....
Mike

[bassman1185]

Originally Posted by 9mmMike

Personally, I would not ride a scooter on the highway. There are plenty of nice motorcycles that get good MPG and can also get you out of trouble a little better on the highway. I commute on a motorcycle whenever I can (fair weather rider) and it does save me a bit on fuel but commuting with all those zombies on the road during "rush hour" on a scooter would not be fun IMHO unless your commute was kinda short and not on the highway at all.
You could buy a Scion or Honda car that gets in the 30's, right?

Of course I could be wrong....
Mike

I know. I wouldn't be riding it on the highway anyway. There are a few routes to get to my job that are mainly 35-45 mph zones with lighter traffic most of the time.

[FL Knifemaker]

I would be cautious with a $1300 scooter. Some of the off brand imports have little or no spare parts availability. A name brand scooter in that size is going to cost over double that much.

[bassman1185]

Originally Posted by FL Knifemaker

I would be cautious with a $1300 scooter. Some of the off brand imports have little or no spare parts availability. A name brand scooter in that size is going to cost over double that much.

Thanks for the heads up. I hadn't thought about that.

[FL Knifemaker]

Originally Posted by bassman1185

Thanks for the heads up. I hadn't thought about that.

I know a guy that sells scooters. His business is booming. He has people coming in all the time, looking for parts for their oddball imported ones. There's a good scooter forum that discusses which ones have parts and support, etc. Some brands use common, complete motor/drivetrains that are readily available. You really need to research before you buy. Buying name brand one is the best way to go but they are damn expensive!!

[nortonrider]

Dorks!

[ulrich]

I used to roll a classic, metal, manual clutch, manual trans, Italian made Vespa. Rode with the Dieing Bread SC, wore a flight jacket, rallies, ska bands... Then I wised up and bought BMW R90S, then a CBR600f, then a CBR600f2.

I'd question you're manhood, for riding a plastic, automatic scooter, but I'm not brave enough to ride one. Seriously scary man. Get a real bike. Choosing a two wheeled motor vehicle is no time to scrimp on power, brakes, tires, handling...

If you must get a scooter, remember that it's just a crappy motorcycle. Get training, wear a good helmet, proper motorcycle jacket, gloves, leather shoes that cover the ankle, just as you would for any other motorcycle.

[nortonrider]

Something to think about:
Anything over 49cc's requires a motorcycle endorsment, insurance and registration (plates).