looking into scooters...

[jeff330i]

can anyone shed insight?

looking at these guys:
http://www.piaggiousa.com/scooters.php#/overview/Piaggio%20BV%20TOURER%20250

http://powersports.honda.com/2010/sh150i.aspx

TIA!

[Rmart]

If I bought a scooter it would be a Vespa.

[PhilipWOT]

can anyone shed insight?

looking at these guys:
http://www.piaggiousa.com/scooters.php#/overview/Piaggio%20BV%20TOURER%20250

http://powersports.honda.com/2010/sh150i.aspx

TIA!

Although nice, I think the Piaggio is horrendously over-priced. If I were buying a scooter I would go for the Honda Ruckus. I think its coo las hell.

Link --->http://powersports.honda.com/2009/ruckus.aspx

[6 Brit]

I likes the ruckus too, cept my legs be too long lol I can't turn it at all

[mullman]

I had a '08 Vespa GTS.

4 valve, water cooled, tons of storage.
Comfortable and unfatiguing at 65-80 mph.
70+ mpg
Did a few 250 mi day trips with my biker buddies - no problem.

Honestly it was much more comfortable at speed than my H-D.
Not kidding.

[Double-S]

Scooters are the way to go.

[stylinexpat]

I had a '08 Vespa GTS.

4 valve, water cooled, tons of storage.
Comfortable and unfatiguing at 65-80 mph.
70+ mpg
Did a few 250 mi day trips with my biker buddies - no problem.

Honestly it was much more comfortable at speed than my H-D.
Not kidding.

You got rid of it:dunno:

[stylinexpat]

Scooters are the way to go.

Mine gets me to work back and forth here in Taipei:)

[mullman]

You got rid of it:dunno:

Yep, got an offer I couldn't refuse.
I'll prob get a Vespa LX150 this summer though.

[stylinexpat]

Yep, got an offer I couldn't refuse.
I'll prob get a Vespa LX150 this summer though.


That was a nice scooter and now you want to downgrade to a LX150:dunno: You should have kept it. I want one of those for myself here in Taipei.

[chivas]

how much do used scooters go for? like.. the vespa gts? what size engine would i want? i don't want a slow poke but i'm not looking for a crotch rocket. something to just get around (most likely from home to the bridge to get into nyc).

[stylinexpat]

how much do used scooters go for? like.. the vespa gts? what size engine would i want? i don't want a slow poke but i'm not looking for a crotch rocket. something to just get around (most likely from home to the bridge to get into nyc).

The Vespa GTS 250 is probably the best for you.

[mullman]

how much do used scooters go for? like.. the vespa gts? what size engine would i want? i don't want a slow poke but i'm not looking for a crotch rocket. something to just get around (most likely from home to the bridge to get into nyc).

A new GTS is $5999, LX150 $4199 (or so).
Check Craiglist though if you want to save a few bucks, tons of used stuff out there ...

People will say the Vespa cost too much, but the quality is excellent.

vespausa.com

[chivas]

what is the service like for a scooter? change oil often? suspension? any modifications so i can put a "trunk" even with 2 people?

[mullman]

what is the service like for a scooter? change oil often? suspension? any modifications so i can put a "trunk" even with 2 people?

Piaggio/Vespa will be 600 'break-in' service then every 2500-5000 or so depending on model.

Y, I had a trunk on my GTS and my wife and I could ride it together. The trunk doubles as the passenger backrest.
Four rear suspension settings to preload for passenger, etc.

I used to take it to the grocery store all the time - very handy, could get 2 gal containers+ in the topcase (trunk), not to mention the underseat storage.
In addition you still have a lockable glovebox up front for small personal items.
Vespas are well thought out.

[stylinexpat]

what is the service like for a scooter? change oil often? suspension? any modifications so i can put a "trunk" even with 2 people?


Better yet, get one of these :D

http://vespausa.com/scooters.php#/home/Vespa%20GTS%20300%20Super

[mullman]

^^^ Yummy the Super!

[chivas]

anyone know anything about a Prego 150cc's? there's one by me but i'm not sure where or who makes it. I see a lot of Chinese scooters on craigslist but i'm skipping out on them even though the prices aren't bad and you can always haggle the "it's a pos chinese bike" angle. lol...

but i would like something durable as i am the durability tester kind of guy.

[TeamM3]

they seem rather pricey, but I suppose it's the norm ...

[stylinexpat]

they seem rather pricey, but I suppose it's the norm ...

Like the Mini Cooper S :p

[chivas]

they seem rather pricey, but I suppose it's the norm ...
let's think about this for a sec since i too was like Hum... about the price.

4.4 gallons for some, just say 4.5

@2.50 a gallon =$11.25 to fill up to go about 60 mpg which is 270 miles... just say 250. (going on the low side here) for my 540 to go 250 miles, that's a $50 tank with a few miles left (i can get about 300 out of the 5) but we're going low on the scooters so i'm sure they can do 300 on a tank.

$38.75 savings a tank and i go though about a tank a week (sometimes more but on average). Just say here in NJ i can ride the scooter for 10 weeks out of the year, that's a $387.50 saved a year and that's assuming only 10 weeks. let's go for 20, a little spring and all of summer and fall. that's a $775.00 savings on gas per year for 20 weeks of riding. going hardcore and 30 weeks you'll break into the $1K a year savings. that's not bad but is it worth it to be in the elements for you?

[TeamM3]

How much is not getting soaking wet in a sudden thunderstorm or being able to carry 5 bags of groceries worth? :p

Actually, I was only thinking back 35 years ago to what a low end bike cost then. Seems like a decent way to get around in general depending on your situation. Not sure it would work that well for me on a daily basis, but that's mine.

[chivas]

How much is not getting soaking wet in a sudden thunderstorm or being able to carry 5 bags of groceries worth? :p

Actually, I was only thinking back 35 years ago to what a low end bike cost then. Seems like a decent way to get around in general depending on your situation. Not sure it would work that well for me on a daily basis, but that's mine.
that's why you don't ride with an open face.

[6 Brit]

I wish the freeway legal ones were not so silly looking.
they look like sea doo's with wheels

[PhilipWOT]

Ok so after looking around at different scooters because of this thread, I have decided I am buying a Honda Ruckus. I found a few on Atlanta CL for ~$1400 asking price. That means $1k cash. I'm doing this.

http://motorracing.getpaidfrom.us/files/2008/05/ruckus.jpg

[6 Brit]

cool

have you ever sat on one? If you are over 5'8" you will likely not fit =/

[mullman]

You'll be a speedbump in ATL - that thing goes 35 mph downhill with a tailwind.

Obviously you can hop it up, but 45-47 is the max I have seen posted.


Although it is durable, there is a thread on the Ruckus forums about a guy that has ridden one across the country...

[TofuTurkey]

I saw the Can-Am Spyder on display at my next-door mall:

http://spyder.brp.com/SpyderMY09/_Static/neutral/images/Spyder_Gray.jpg

The price tag is big though, $16k - $17k. It looks awesome up close...

[cwsqbm]

I saw the Can-Am Spyder on display at my next-door mall:

http://spyder.brp.com/SpyderMY09/_Static/neutral/images/Spyder_Gray.jpg

The price tag is big though, $16k - $17k. It looks awesome up close...

What's that? A crocket rocket for those with no sense of balance? It looks like it has all the disadvantages of motorcycles and cars combined into one.

[Double-S]

What's that? A crocket rocket for those with no sense of balance? It looks like it has all the disadvantages of motorcycles and cars combined into one.

Who are you trying to kid?

You know you want one.

[MMMM_ERT]

I saw the Can-Am Spyder on display at my next-door mall:

http://spyder.brp.com/SpyderMY09/_Static/neutral/images/Spyder_Gray.jpg

The price tag is big though, $16k - $17k. It looks awesome up close...

I rode one... not nearly as fun as a 2-wheeled bike...

[MMMM_ERT]

Who are you trying to kid?

You know you want one.

I see you're doing well on your new bike. SBG must be so proud.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=187773&stc=1&d=1243888082

[TofuTurkey]

What's that? A crocket rocket for those with no sense of balance? It looks like it has all the disadvantages of motorcycles and cars combined into one.

I rode one... not nearly as fun as a 2-wheeled bike...

I agree (not that I rode one). The initial WOW factor is pretty high, but I then thought: it already takes up so much space, why not use a bit more metal and get a roof? Then we pretty much end up with a car anyway...

[Araq44]

I saw the Can-Am Spyder on display at my next-door mall:

http://spyder.brp.com/SpyderMY09/_Static/neutral/images/Spyder_Gray.jpg

The price tag is big though, $16k - $17k. It looks awesome up close...

I am glad you posted that...I saw one a couple of days ago and the girl asked what it was and I had no answer. She gave me the look of "what, the king of all that is powered by a motor does not know all afterall?" I just PIITB when we got home to show her, I am still a man.

[E3987]

I likes the ruckus too, cept my legs be too long lol I can't turn it at all

Go Ruckus!!!!:freakdanc

[pintnight]

I saw the Can-Am Spyder on display at my next-door mall:

http://spyder.brp.com/SpyderMY09/_Static/neutral/images/Spyder_Gray.jpg

The price tag is big though, $16k - $17k. It looks awesome up close...I saw one today on the highway while driving to work. At first I thought somebody was driving a motor-tricycle backwards!

[wyb]

I saw the Can-Am Spyder on display at my next-door mall:

http://spyder.brp.com/SpyderMY09/_Static/neutral/images/Spyder_Gray.jpg

The price tag is big though, $16k - $17k. It looks awesome up close...

my local BMW dealer has one of those in their showroom!

[chivas]

Ok so after looking around at different scooters because of this thread, I have decided I am buying a Honda Ruckus. I found a few on Atlanta CL for ~$1400 asking price. That means $1k cash. I'm doing this.

http://motorracing.getpaidfrom.us/files/2008/05/ruckus.jpg


chinese food delivery guy in NYC ride those so it must be durable but not fast. i see them zip around traffic all the time. looks cool but no wai for NJ.


I saw the Can-Am Spyder on display at my next-door mall:

http://spyder.brp.com/SpyderMY09/_Static/neutral/images/Spyder_Gray.jpg

The price tag is big though, $16k - $17k. It looks awesome up close...

some guy that lives around the corner from my big brother (fraternity) has one. i drove pass it yesterday and saw it in the corner of my eye. meh... it looked ok. nothing to gauk over

[cagoguy]

They're a lot of fun to ride, but you wouldn't want your friends to see you on one.

Kind of like that ugly girl you've been sizing up. :eeps:

kidding- they do seem practical and efficient. I'd consider it if Illinois would make talking on cell phones illegal while driving.

[cwsqbm]

I'd consider it if Illinois would make talking on cell phones illegal while driving.

Talking? Its the damn texters that are the most dangerous. I'm almost got hit twice yesterday - girl starts texting while going down the highway, and hits her brakes for no reason, making the traffic scatter around her. As I passed and looked back, she was still looking at the phone. The second girl (yes, a pattern) was doing 50mph in the middle lane I-290 and wandering side-to-side like a drunk while staring down at the phone.

[TofuTurkey]

(Okay last OT post)

I thought about the three wheels, and I think it will be really, really fun if I can change the wheels to fat ones, and drive around on the beach/dirt paths/snow. Like an ATV. Then I searched some more, and it turns out the company primarily makes ATV:

http://www.can-am.brp.com/NR/rdonlyres/A16C13F8-4C54-4DBF-B17E-FE0C0EAD4EEF/0/culture_dualImg.jpg

http://www.can-am.brp.com/

[chivas]

I'd consider it if Illinois would make talking on cell phones illegal while driving.

or put on make-up! there was a lady recently on a bike who was rear ended because the lady behind was "driving" was actually putting on nail polish and didn't stop at the red light. full speed.

[TeamM3]

Piaggio has a few 3 wheelers too, not as cool looking, but also not as expensive, this top MP3 500 model is $8900 MSRP, probably more stable for older or less physically capable riders


http://www.piaggiousa.com/scooters.php#/overview/Piaggio%20MP3%20500

[PhilipWOT]

You'll be a speedbump in ATL - that thing goes 35 mph downhill with a tailwind.

Obviously you can hop it up, but 45-47 is the max I have seen posted.


Although it is durable, there is a thread on the Ruckus forums about a guy that has ridden one across the country...

Yeahhhh... my quest for a Ruckus ended immediately when I found out about the 40mph top speed. For some reason I was under the impression that they went 80.

[mullman]

Yeahhhh... my quest for a Ruckus ended immediately when I found out about the 40mph top speed. For some reason I was under the impression that they went 80.

Obviously you have not seen one close up and in person yet.
You would NOT want to be on one at 80 mph - it is tiny.

Honda used to make a Ruckus 250 (bigger in every regard) but apparently it was discontinued. Shame, had a decent following on the ADV forum.

[lild]

heres hondas link. this one has 82 morre cc's than my ninja500. i heard that can reach 80 mph.
http://powersports.honda.com/2009/silver-wing.aspx

[3LOU5]

Honestly, I wouldn't be messing around with those rinky-dink things. Not enough cc's/hp to get out of the way of its own shadow. You need something with ballz, especially if you're going to take it on the freeways.

You'd need something that can cruise at highway speeds without it sounding like it's going to blow up. Something that gets around 56 mpg. Something that looks cool, yet functions as a "legitimate" two-wheeler.

Something like this:

http://www.motobox.es/tienda/images/SuzukiBurgman400K7.jpg

Plus, you could carry a passenger and more bags of groceries SAFELY than those Vespa-wannabes. :dunno:

Then, when you have enough funds, make it look like its Gixxer brethren:

http://burgmanriders.com/wp-content/uploads/burgman_400_sport.jpg

;)

[jeff330i]

i have no intentions on taking it on the freeway. i will use it only in pasadena, california for getting to work, getting groceries/takeout, and going to the gym.

the vespa styling is a bit retro to me. looks mildly "bubbly" as well. does anyone here own one or can shed insight on the differences between different scooters? fun/performance/reliability/cost of ownership input would be greatly appreciated. I went to a large dealership and of course the salesman was trying to get me to purchase the vespa 300 super (most expensive) scooter.

[chivas]

i have no intentions on taking it on the freeway. I will use it only in pasadena, california for getting to work, getting groceries/takeout, and going to the gym.

The vespa styling is a bit retro to me. Looks mildly "bubbly" as well. Does anyone here own one or can shed insight on the differences between different scooters? Fun/performance/reliability/cost of ownership input would be greatly appreciated. I went to a large dealership and of course the salesman was trying to get me to purchase the vespa 300 super (most expensive) scooter.
+1

[mullman]

I could not recommend Vespa enough.
Anything 150cc+ is fine for around town and a jaunt on 55 mph roads.
For longer time on the highway definitely 250cc+
65-80 mph (GTS) for gas tanks (2.4g) at a time? No problem.

I plan on getting a new 150cc Vespa this summer after selling my GTS in March.
Sure it's more expensive, but....I just didn't like the look of the regular Piaggio or Silverwing stuff, sorry.
I like the retro look of the Vespas, which has very little plastic - mostly metal.
It's classic.

Just know if you are going to be riding these machines with great regularity you will go through tires much faster than a motorcycle (more rotations due to small wheel size). If you are not doing your own wrenching, service varies considerably from dealer to dealer.
THAT is where they make their money, not on selling you a scooter.

Gotta love the storage!

http://homepage.mac.com/mulls/ammo1.jpg

[chivas]

I could not recommend Vespa enough.
Anything 150cc+ is fine for around town and a jaunt on 55 mph roads.
For longer time on the highway definitely 250cc+
65-80 mph (GTS) for gas tanks (2.4g) at a time? No problem.

I plan on getting a new 150cc Vespa this summer after selling my GTS in March.
Sure it's more expensive, but....I just didn't like the look of the regular Piaggio or Silverwing stuff, sorry.
I like the retro look of the Vespas, which has very little plastic - mostly metal.
It's classic.

Just know if you are going to be riding these machines with great regularity you will go through tires much faster than a motorcycle (more rotations due to small wheel size). If you are not doing your own wrenching, service varies considerably from dealer to dealer.
THAT is where they make their money, not on selling you a scooter.

Gotta love the storage!

http://homepage.mac.com/mulls/ammo1.jpg
how much are tires nad how hard is it to change them?

i would like something that can do a bit of highways simply because i don't want it to be straining to do 40 on local roads when the top speed is 45.

[mullman]

how much are tires nad how hard is it to change them?

i would like something that can do a bit of highways simply because i don't want it to be straining to do 40 on local roads when the top speed is 45.

http://homepage.mac.com/mulls/tirechange4.jpg

1. removed wheel with worn out tire.
2. take same to motorcycle/scooter shop along with new tire you bought online ($40-100)
3. $10 and 10 mins later leave with wheel with new tire installed
4. reinstall on your scooter.

If you do not feel comfortable doing this add about $60 for a shop to do all the dirty work.

:p

A Vespa 150 with the new four valve water cooled engine will easily hold 55 mph with bursts to 60+/- all day long for tanks of gas at a time.
If you want more 'go' get the 250cc GTS or Super.

[chivas]

http://homepage.mac.com/mulls/tirechange4.jpg

1. removed wheel with worn out tire.
2. take same to motorcycle/scooter shop along with new tire you bought online ($40-100)
3. $10 and 10 mins later leave with wheel with new tire installed
4. reinstall on your scooter.

If you do not feel comfortable doing this add about $60 for a shop to do all the dirty work.

:p

A Vespa 150 with the new four valve water cooled engine will easily hold 55 mph with bursts to 60+/- all day long for tanks of gas at a time.
If you want more 'go' get the 250cc GTS or Super.
what sells me on the vespas would be the disc brakes. some are drum and makes me wonder.

that looks easy enough. hell, if i can do the suspension on the 540, i can most definitely do this.

[mullman]

what sells me on the vespas would be the disc brakes. some are drum and makes me wonder.

that looks easy enough. hell, if i can do the suspension on the 540, i can most definitely do this.

Y, F+R discs.

Just order a shop manual and know how to use a torque wrench.

Let us know what you decide!

[lild]

the maitiance on a bike/scooter is easy. it's no different from the work on a car. i also heard that you can buy a tune up kit, that will allow some of the slower scooters to go much faster. i would also recomend that you pick up a motorcycle driving manual form the dmv. you know the ones that you study for getting a permit. i know that you dont need to be license to ride a scooter, but you'll learn good motorcycle safety, and how to ride with out getting hurt.

[mullman]

the maitiance on a bike/scooter is easy. it's no different from the work on a car. i also heard that you can buy a tune up kit, that will allow some of the slower scooters to go much faster.


TRUE with the old two-stroke motors w/ carbs, but the modern FI four-strokes see very little difference.


i know that you dont need to be license to ride a scooter, but you'll learn good motorcycle safety, and how to ride with out getting hurt.

FALSE.
You'll need a motorcycle endorsement to ride anything over 49cc [legally] on the street.
You will not need a license to ride a 49cc unit, 'liquor cycle', government mandated top speed ~ 35 mph.

[lild]

my bad. i thought that depended on a state to state basis. i think they just passed or going to pass a law for anyone that rides a scooter to have a license. becuase of the accidents that are happening at a rapid pace because of the high volume of scooters over the pass few years. i almost hit a couple of kids last year on my motorcycle, because they didn't know the rules of the road. but i thought i would suggest getting a safety riding manual for that purpose. when your on two wheels it helps to know what to do and how to ride, reguardless of the cc engine size.
but thanks for pointing out the mandate thing.

[jeff330i]

mullman: went to the shop again today and looked at vespas again. once again a different salesman was telling me all about the 300 super and its the only one that should be considered... big help there...

my question is if i do not intend for highway use, is the 250 overkill? of course i like power, but would a 250 be too much for city/town commuting?

[3LOU5]

250 cc for city/town commuting is overkill, imo.

The only advantage for having the bigger motor is, obviously, power. You will encounter instances where you're gonna need the "holeshot" (i.e. QUICK acceleration).

I'm not so sure that these smaller scooters can provide that. :dunno:

The only way to find out is to rent one, or see if the dealership provides demo rides.

[3LOU5]

http://homepage.mac.com/mulls/ammo1.jpg

Uh....do you know any civil unrest the rest of us don't know about. :eeps:

[chivas]

Uh....do you know any civil unrest the rest of us don't know about. :eeps:
OMG, i just noticed what's in there. Imagine that, a scooter drive by shooting. :rofl:

[3LOU5]

I just bought two Winchester white boxes myself........except mine were 9mm rounds. ;)

[mullman]

mullman: my question is if i do not intend for highway use, is the 250 overkill? of course i like power, but would a 250 be too much for city/town commuting?

Overkill, no.
Handy, yes!

I had a 250 (GTS), but am getting a 150 if that tells you anything.
BUT I never plan to take it on the highway.
In town ONLY.

250 cc for city/town commuting is overkill, imo.

The only advantage for having the bigger motor is, obviously, power. You will encounter instances where you're gonna need the "holeshot" (i.e. QUICK acceleration).

+1

[Andrew*Debbie]

I've toyed with the idea of picking up a C1 but never gotten too serious about it.

There are 5 on eBay. . .

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2000-BMW-C1-RED_W0QQitemZ180363989425QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Mot orcycles?hash=item29fe8811b1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A7%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C 301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/bmw-c1-125cc_W0QQitemZ300317967616QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_M otorcycles?hash=item45ec588500&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A7%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C 301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

[chivas]

I've toyed with the idea of picking up a C1 but never gotten too serious about it.

There are 5 on eBay. . .

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2000-BMW-C1-RED_W0QQitemZ180363989425QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Mot orcycles?hash=item29fe8811b1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A7%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C 301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/bmw-c1-125cc_W0QQitemZ300317967616QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_M otorcycles?hash=item45ec588500&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A7%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C 301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50
too bad it's none in the US.

[Andrew*Debbie]

too bad it's none in the US.

I don't know if the C1 is legal for the US. Still you could bring one over but what is the point if you can't ride it.

C1s are kinda rare here. Might still get one someday...