Educate me on motor bikes!

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Mojoed

Diamond Member
Jul 20, 2004
4,473
1
81
Ok first of all most of my posts/lurking are done from work, where most everything is blocked except for AT forums. (Long story) Anyway, I don't have the liberty to just "google" the information I am seeking here. I'm hoping some of you experts can guide me in the correct direction.

Anyway, I'm very interested in getting a scooter. I pretty much have my mind set on 49cc, as I don't really want to get a motorcycle license. I've always thought I was too heavy for a 49cc model until I saw a morbidly obese woman (~350 lbs.) driving one all over town for the past year or so. Anyway, here is some information:

- I'm 6'3" and 260lbs.
- My commute to work is mostly backroads, approximately 16 miles each way with a few rather significant hills.
- Acceleration and top speed doesn't matter. 35-40mph would be fine.
- Looks don't matter at all. I have no issues whatsoever on how my scooter looks and/or the make, model or color.
- I'm looking for comfort.
- Highest possible MPG is my ultimate goal. MPG trumps everything. I don't care if the top speed is 25mph and it's pink. </ManCard>
- I intend on taking some kind of motorcycle safety course since I've never owned or rode a motor bike.
- Power isn't a priority, but if certain 49cc's are more powerful than others, I'd lean towards that.
- A Chinese knock-off or off-brand is fine with me as long as it's not gonna fall apart on me.
- $2000 or under budget

From the above information, what would you guys recommend? New? Used? Ruckus? Vespa? Something else?

Thanks in advance! :beer:
 
9

996GT2

Diamond Member
Jun 23, 2005
5,212
0
76
You could also try a more standard small displacement motorbike like a Ninja 250. Ridden conservatively, riders report getting 70 mpg or more (a typical 50cc scooter will get you 80-100, not much better for a big tradeoff in speed and acceleration).

Also, a slightly used Ninja 250 costs about the same as a Ruckus, which isn't really the best thing for commutes since it'll struggle to top out at 35-40 mph.
 
The Stigenator

The Stigenator

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
15,216
3
81
first stop www.msf-usa.org

take the motorcycle safety course.. you will need that.

You can get Ninja 250, Ninja 500, GS500F, and other bikes
most give around 50 as long as you arent riding it on Redline.
 
F

Foxery

Golden Member
Jan 24, 2008
1,709
0
0
Guys, he said not a motorcycle. However:

Originally posted by: Mojoed
- My commute to work is mostly backroads, approximately 16 miles each way with a few rather significant hills.
Click to expand...

Will a mini-scooter manage these hills? If you can see your way to a motorcycle license, there are 250cc models that will survive your terrain, and still get 70+ MPG.

Folks here can recommend a dozen small sport bike style ones. I've also tried to convince some coworkers of this Yamaha one, but it may be harder to find this one at your price point.
 
M

Mojoed

Diamond Member
Jul 20, 2004
4,473
1
81
Originally posted by: Foxery
Guys, he said not a motorcycle. However:

Originally posted by: Mojoed
- My commute to work is mostly backroads, approximately 16 miles each way with a few rather significant hills.
Click to expand...

Will a mini-scooter manage these hills? If you can see your way to a motorcycle license, there are 250cc models that will survive your terrain, and still get 70+ MPG.

Folks here can recommend a dozen small sport bike style ones. I've also tried to convince some coworkers of this Yamaha one, but it may be harder to find this one at your price point.
Click to expand...

Yeah that's something I've really been wondering about. After reading this thread I think I'm leaning towards the safety class thing, and a 250cc scooter or used motorcycle.

I just don't want to prematurely kill a 49cc scooter by lugging 270lbs up huge hills.

Would a 250cc scooter get better mpg than a 250cc motorcycle? Or are all 250cc engines pretty much the same?
 
rstrohkirch

rstrohkirch

Platinum Member
May 31, 2005
2,434
367
126
Originally posted by: Mojoed
Would a 250cc scooter get better mpg than a 250cc motorcycle? Or are all 250cc engines pretty much the same?
Click to expand...

In the class your looking at, yes they are all rather similar. You can expect around 65-70mpg with average riding, more if you really watch it. The scooters will do ~80mph while something like the ex250 would do around 100mph.

You could move to something like a 125-150cc scooter class. This will put you in the 60mph range and still keep you close to 100mpg.

 
L

lghost

Member
Jan 1, 2001
64
0
66
I'd try the Ruckus if you can find a used one, they are very cheap and supposedly quite durable. Really the ideal bike for you would be a 70cc Super Cub, but you'd have to move overseas to get a new one.
 
alkemyst

alkemyst

No Lifer
Feb 13, 2001
83,769
19
81
so when you are home why don't you do research on your daily transportation.

the worst car will be way more comfort than the best bike 9 times out of 10 though, unless it has no a/c and a leaking exhaust.
 
M

Mojoed

Diamond Member
Jul 20, 2004
4,473
1
81
Originally posted by: alkemyst
so when you are home why don't you do research on your daily transportation.

the worst car will be way more comfort than the best bike 9 times out of 10 though, unless it has no a/c and a leaking exhaust.
Click to expand...

I work so much now that my house is now pretty much only used for sleeping. :( I travel and do craft shows on the weekend. On average I work 36 hours on the weekend and 60 hours during the week. I have canceled my home dsl as a result for the time being.

 
M

Mojoed

Diamond Member
Jul 20, 2004
4,473
1
81
Originally posted by: rstrohkirch
Originally posted by: Mojoed
Would a 250cc scooter get better mpg than a 250cc motorcycle? Or are all 250cc engines pretty much the same?
Click to expand...

In the class your looking at, yes they are all rather similar. You can expect around 65-70mpg with average riding, more if you really watch it. The scooters will do ~80mph while something like the ex250 would do around 100mph.

You could move to something like a 125-150cc scooter class. This will put you in the 60mph range and still keep you close to 100mpg.
Click to expand...

Informative post, thank you!

A 125-150cc scooter sounds like it would be a good fit for me. What make/model(s) should I be looking for in this class?
 
JulesMaximus

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,544
924
126
Originally posted by: alkemyst
the worst car will be way more comfort than the best bike 9 times out of 10 though, unless it has no a/c and a leaking exhaust.
Click to expand...

:thumbsup: And a sport bike will be 10 times worse than a scooter or a touring bike for comfort and fuel economy.
 
M

Mojoed

Diamond Member
Jul 20, 2004
4,473
1
81
Originally posted by: lghost
http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sp...elhome/328/0/home.aspx

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sp...elhome/608/0/home.aspx

Those are Yamaha's 125's.
Click to expand...

Hey thanks for those links, I'll check them out at the library later. :beer:

Another question for you all. If I do indeed get a 125cc model over the 49cc, I assume my insurance will take a hit which will negate some of the gas savings. Anyone know approximately what this will cost me for basic coverage?

Thanks.
 
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