Looking to get a motor scooter; tips?

[mmntech]

I've been considering getting my motorcycle license for a long time now. I just want one of those scooters to jaunt around town in. Why that over a bike? Lots of storage space, easy to ride, and I like the European styling. Got a guy next to my work that swears by his.

Now where do I begin? I've already picked up the training handbook at the DMV. I'll also sign up for a motorcycle training course. I plan to do this all next season or the season after.

Got some Qs.

1. What sort of equipment will I need. A motorcycle helmet obviously, but what else? How much should I budget for gear?

2. Should I start with a 150cc scooter or go up to a 300cc? I won't be doing highway driving. Those roads here aren't safe for riders.

3. What models should I check out? I know about Piaggio/Vespa, Honda, and Yamaha. Any others out there selling in North America?

4. Insurance. Probably nobody will be able to answer this one, but how much will it cost ballpark. I'm over 25 with a clean driving record and I've had my license for 9 years. Should I insure it year round or only part ofthe year? Just wondering what people here are paying.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Man, I think I can count the number of scooter riders wearing proper motorcycle gear on 1 hand...and there are a ton of them around here. Usually, it's just a pretty half helmet that perfectly matches the color of the scooter and a sweatshirt with jeans or even shorts.

Honestly, riding a scooter, you probably don't really need the same level of protection a motorcyclist needs especially if you aren't getting on the freeway. A decent mesh jacket with elbow padding and some heavy jeans would be a good start. I'd get a full face helmet though because that is where you really want the best protection.

 

[StrangeRanger]

First step... hand in your man card.

 

[the DRIZZLE]

Man, I think I can count the number of scooter riders wearing proper motorcycle gear on 1 hand...and there are a ton of them around here. Usually, it's just a pretty half helmet that perfectly matches the color of the scooter and a sweatshirt with jeans or even shorts.

Honestly, riding a scooter, you probably don't really need the same level of protection a motorcyclist needs especially if you aren't getting on the freeway. A decent mesh jacket with elbow padding and some heavy jeans would be a good start. I'd get a full face helmet though because that is where you really want the best protection.

I don't remember ever seeing a rider wearing full gear on a scooter. I mostly agree with what you said but if it's just around town I might go with one of the those 3/4 helmets. Don't forget gloves as well. IMO gloves are are the most important piece of gear after a helmet.

 

[JackBurton]

First step... hand in your man card.

This.

 

[Zargon]

I don't remember ever seeing a rider wearing full gear on a scooter. I mostly agree with what you said but if it's just around town I might go with one of the those 3/4 helmets. Don't forget gloves as well. IMO gloves are are the most important piece of gear after a helmet.

IMO those are worthless, wear a helmet that protects the whole head or why bother at all

a large percentage of bike wrecks are from people turning in front of you bigben style where a 3/4 does little to protect you

def helmet and gloves, and dont worry about the mancard bs from the pussys that cant handle it, lil scooters can be a blast, especially an older 2 stroker.

the 50cc's are going to get you the best mileage, and top out between 30 and 40 usually.

remember anything over 150cc in most states requires an actual motorcycle license

 

[mmntech]

IMO those are worthless, wear a helmet that protects the whole head or why bother at all

a large percentage of bike wrecks are from people turning in front of you bigben style where a 3/4 does little to protect you

def helmet and gloves, and dont worry about the mancard bs from the pussys that cant handle it, lil scooters can be a blast, especially an older 2 stroker.

the 50cc's are going to get you the best mileage, and top out between 30 and 40 usually.

remember anything over 150cc in most states requires an actual motorcycle license

I'm first generation Canadian of European descent so I can get away with it. I drive trucks for a living too. Besides, try telling that to the machismo loaded Italians, Filipinos and Latinos that ride them. :sneaky:

Anything bigger than a 500w electric bike requires a license here. I'm thinking 150cc. Not fast enough for the freeway but not too slow. Toronto area drivers are aggressive and don't watch out for slow moving vehicles, so going 50cc wouldn't be safe.

I'll take the gear advice here. Was looking at full helmets anyway. The half oes Piaggio sells look inadequate.

 

[satyajitmenon]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUCZmiUC0w4

 

[Plugers]

How good are you at working on your own bike? I had an 83 Yamaha Rive 180, it did 67-70 and got 65mpg, but no shop would work on it (nor would I want them to). These have pretty good low end, easily taking most cars from the light (except anything relatively fast of course). A XC200 would be the better choice to save you the common carb headaches (I replaced mine with a manual chocke version)

I've always like Aprilias also, the Sportcity 250 is injected has dual disks up front and is not too large.

 

[satyajitmenon]

Motorcycle vs scooter

2:34

 

[Doppel]

First step... hand in your man card.

Seriously, this. I drive a car many think is gay. I also ride my bike in bike shorts and I gotta say I saw a guy on a scooter last week and was like damn, man, have some self-respect.

Fun? Probably. So maybe get one, but only if you already have a wife/girlfriend. I am not kidding you for comedy's sake: If you are ever hoping to attract a woman do not be riding a scooter.

So if you want guys like this thinking you look ridiculous, get the scooter:

lulz

 

[BUTCH1]

First step... hand in your man card.

Meh, maybe OP just wants a cheap way to get to A-B and not as a means to impress egotistical assholes..

 

[alfa147x]

I ride a 50cc Tomos Streetmate around. I bought it used for $200 and get about 90mpg. It's pretty awesome. It does only get to around 40 mph with on it. If you can deal with only being able to go that fast I would recommend sticking with something at 50cc. Most states you don't need a licence or insurance

Just a thought

 

[Eli]

This thread is full of fail.

Nothing wrong with scooters. :thumbsup:

Don't even consider anything but 4 stroke, IMO.

 

[alfa147x]

This thread is full of fail.

Nothing wrong with scooters. :thumbsup:

Don't even consider anything but 4 stroke, IMO.

Why what's wrong with 2 stroke? My Tomos has an oil tank/pump and mixes for me.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Scooters are cool. I'd rock one if I were only commuting around town.

Anyone who buys a motorcycle to pick up chicks is an idiot.

 

[Kroze]

Scooters are cool. I'd rock one if I were only commuting around town.

Anyone who buys a motorcycle to pick up chicks is an idiot.

Scooters are cool only in every country outside the United States, something I've noticed.

Also, girls love motorcycles :sneaky:

 

[MovingTarget]

Why what's wrong with 2 stroke? My Tomos has an oil tank/pump and mixes for me.

4-stroke is okay for 150cc+. If you are going for a smaller model, a 2-stroke is a must if you want any kind of getup-and-go. I like the idea of a separate oil tank for that purpose though.

 

[Zargon]

Seriously, this. I drive a car many think is gay. I also ride my bike in bike shorts and I gotta say I saw a guy on a scooter last week and was like damn, man, have some self-respect.

Fun? Probably. So maybe get one, but only if you already have a wife/girlfriend. I am not kidding you for comedy's sake: If you are ever hoping to attract a woman do not be riding a scooter.

So if you want guys like this thinking you look ridiculous, get the scooter:

lulz

the chinese built 49cc scooter is the vehicle of choice for college football players on campus now FWIW. they are all over college campus's and no one seems to care

 

[XZeroII]

I have a 150cc chinese scooter. It's built incredibly cheap but it works as long as you maintain it. I got it because it didn't cost much. It gets about 90mpg and flat out you'll be doing about 50 mph.

 

[exar333]

Funny enough, my dad has a buddy 150, which he loves. His other vehicle is a truck, which he uses for fishing/hunting and hauling things (occasionally). He loves his scooter, and uses it to commute about 7-8 months out of the year (lives in WI). Besides snowy days, he loves the scooter and it has more than paid for itself in gas savings for him, plus he can keep his truck and not have to store a whole other car. Its pretty fun to drive around, and my fiance wants to get one now for commuting around the city in the summer. They are really practical, cheap to buy and maintain, and pretty fun.