Scooters

[ScatterPlot]

So I kinda want to buy a scooter. Like a Vespa-esque thing, not like a razor or whatever they are. Not necessarily a Vespa, but you get the idea of what I'm looking for. I don't want a motorcycle, too much $$$, work, time, etc. The scooter appeals because it's fun to just hop on and ride down to the store or whatever. Any of you guys own one, or have any advice? I'm seeing little 50cc jobbies on sale for like $700 new and all, in which case the price is right, however I have no idea what 50cc's mean in terms of scooter power (duh engine size, but will this only go about 15mph and take 10 minutes to get there or what). I don't even know if these are allowed on the interstate, but I'm not planning on taking this over like 35 anyways. Any tips? (Perhaps ole Unka Phil could chime in? :p)

Oh and having passenger capability would be nice but not too important.

[behemoth]

Friend of mine recently got a new Stella

Got a vintage look to it, but without vintage hassles.

http://www.surfsidescooters.com/i/stella_scooters/black-frontsm.jpg

/paging unkaphil

[maglover728]

I am reminded of the old saying, "Scooters are like fat chicks, they may be fun to ride, but you don't tell your friends that you do it."

[Southpaw]

I would stay away from scooters that are not made by a known motorcycle company honda yamaha ect. this is the "scooter" I have it is considered a motorcycle in MN. It only goes about 50 mph and that is fast for most 50cc scooters that are not modified. I would look at craigslist and find a used one. Well my pick did not work here is a link to one like mine LINK (http://www.thecreeper.net/mymb5.htm)

[behemoth]

I would stay away from scooters that are not made by a known motorcycle company honda yamaha ect. this is the "scooter" I have it is considered a motorcycle in MN. It only goes about 50 mph and that is fast for most 50cc scooters that are not modified. I would look at craigslist and find a used one. Well my pick did not work here is a link to one like mine LINK (http://www.thecreeper.net/mymb5.htm)

Thats a moped.

You carry a "Man bag" as well?

[wjr]

I've heard good things about the honda ruckus.

http://www.prosportsusa.com/Honda_Ruckus.jpg

[Southpaw]

behemoth notice no pedals not step through and the need to register as a motorcycle oh and it is a 5 speed with a clutch just like a motorcycle. Say what you want but I am laughing all the way to the bank as I save on gas money.

[ScatterPlot]

Thanks for the tip on the motorcycle looking thing- I'm looking for more of a 'scooter' type thing though, like the 2 ^^^ pics.

One thing I would ask, do these things have very much low-speed torque? I ask not for burnouts but because I weigh 235 lbs and the last one I drove (real crappy rental) would not get me up one of the hills I tried to get up. I had to walk it up at full throttle :(

I do blame this somewhat on a most-likely worn out clutch (it was automatic)

[Papa_Smurf]

behemoth notice no pedals not step through and the need to register as a motorcycle oh and it is a 5 speed with a clutch just like a motorcycle. Say what you want but I am laughing all the way to the bank as I save on gas money.


Does this mean if it doesn't have pedals and it is walk through, then it doesn't need a liscence to drive?

[Southpaw]

In Minnesota there are 3 rules to classify as a scooter/moped but my memory might be failing on the last one if any of these are not met then it is a motorcycle. I this is from the factory and if you put a 70cc kit on a 50 cc I dont think anyone will ever find out. :ninja:

1. 50cc or less
2. max speed of 35
3. less than 5 hp

[Papa_Smurf]

I've looked on colorado DMV's site, but no luck...
How would I go about finding what my states regulations are?

[Southpaw]

If you go to the DMV and get the motorcycle book it should have the different classifications there

[Southpaw]

I just looked at your DMV motorcycle manual and didnt see it either I would ask the nearest motorcycle dealer what the laws are. I am sure they know

[ScatterPlot]

Are there any good online places to research different models and all?

[maglover728]

On average, what do these things get for gas mileage?

[Southpaw]

A quick buzz arround the google :D found these forums
Gas Scooter forum (http://www.gasscooterforums.com/)

Moped Army (http://www.mopedarmy.com/)

Scooter-Forums (http://www.scooter-forums.com/)

YouTube moped wheely Link (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_-eFL7Sfw4)

[sixtoes1313]

http://www.cbxman.com/Motorcycles/Vento-Scooters/Vento-Scooter-TritonR4.jpg
thats what my dad got us for vacation. Fun little thing to ride. 50cc. Ive had it up to 90km/h however fast that is in mph. Up hill with with about 250;bs on it i could keep a good 30mph i guestimate

[billybob_81067]

I've looked on colorado DMV's site, but no luck...
How would I go about finding what my states regulations are?

From the people here in my town in CO I've heard that if its 50cc or under then it's not considered a motorcycle, but there may be other specifications too.

[ScatterPlot]

http://www.cbxman.com/Motorcycles/Vento-Scooters/Vento-Scooter-TritonR4.jpg
thats what my dad got us for vacation. Fun little thing to ride. 50cc. Ive had it up to 90km/h however fast that is in mph. Up hill with with about 250;bs on it i could keep a good 30mph i guestimate

Do you know how much that cost? Where did he get it? I checked the source of that pic you had but didn't see that model.

[Southpaw]

Vento website (http://www.vento.com/) Here is the website I think it is the triton R4 MSRP $1599

[Ole Unka Phil]

I got some real nice project bikes if you really want a Vespa... Several early 60's bikes.

Stay away from the Chinese junk and the Vietnamese and Indonesian "restorations"....

Where you located? maybe I know of something in your area from a reputable person.

Go to International Scooterist BBS