Noob here; looking to get first scooter

[btcn]

I'd say a 250 cc is a good start.

My old 86 Elite 150 will do 64 MPH no problem, and creep over 66 MPH in the right conditions. The speedo is GPS tested to be within 1 MPH accurate, unlike all the other 10% optimistic scooters that ain't Honda. Sadly can't even say the same for Honda's street bikes though.

But anyway, my 150 seems to cruise around 55 MPH. Anything over that is getting near WOT. These DON'T top out at 58 MPH like many claim they do. If you weigh over 400 pounds maybe. But with the wind at my back on the freeway I's done about 60+ MPH 2 up, with my friend he's weigh 200-220 pounds I's 200 pounds so about 400+ pounds. Yes a slight tailwind and flat to a slight downslope, but still! It'll always hold 56+ MPH into the wind 2 up! A serious hill 2 up may take it to 52 MPH but it'll climb back to 55 MPH right back with ease. It's WFO but so what? Thats a lot from a 153 cc motor! We done road all the way to San Jose when we was looking at a lawn for our lawn mowing buisness.

It'll have no problem on the freeway, stay in the right lane and watch your back, and espically for beemers flying thru the right lane fixin to get off the exit at 85+ MPH. But other than that I feel finely comfortable on the freeway with my 86 Elite 150. At first the winds can be twitchy but you get used to it pretty quick.


For long cruises though my 85 Shadow 700 there ain't no comparison. It's sweet spots at 75 MPH [~80 MPH indicated], running only around 4,400 RPM, with lots to spare in 6th.

In my opinion, y'all should have the best of both worlds. First, start with a scoot and lern to ride. Then lern to ride a clutch, and get a bigger bike or maxi scoot. But about a 250 cc scoot for commuting and around town. Once you relize just how fun riding is, you'll maybe want to do more lesier longer rides. But first a 150-300 cc scoot.

[klaviator]

Originally Posted by GREY.HOUND

Again thanks. Another question and this is probably an individual preference but feet on the floorboard or feet forward? Btw, I'm 6'1" and 190 lbs. Remember, most of my riding will be stoplight to stoplight.

I prefer feet on the floorboard. It's better for control and for me the feet forward hurts my back. Everyone is built different so the feet forward may not bother you.

[Dabears]

Originally Posted by klaviator

I prefer feet on the floorboard. It's better for control and for me the feet forward hurts my back. Everyone is built different so the feet forward may not bother you.

As klaviator states seating position is a personal preference thing. I used to like 'cruiser style' when I was a younger man, but these days I prefer sitting upright because of my back as well. It also creates a bit of increased visibility for commuting that may benefit seeing obstacles in traffic.

One of the models that I didn't see mentioned was the 250cc Honda Reflex- (edit- just saw fullmetalscooter mentioned Reflex!) there are lots of these used for around $2k, some even with ABS. The Reflex is cruiser style, but is a newer update of the Helix, are high quality and they have a large fan base. If you're new to scooters and a little overwhelmed with the variety of brands from Asia, a Honda may be a good choice.

Hope you find a scooter that fits your needs. Lots of great folks here who are not particularly brand sensitive, so you'll get quite a bit of information with less bias than some of the brand specific forums. Don't be shy asking.

[bbishoppcm]

I usually ride a combination of feet-forward and upright positions depending on traffic conditions. My Elite 150 was short enough to where I could ride sitting on the back seat with my feet on the flip-down pegs, leaning forward "sport-bike" style; this leads me to my next point;

Early Honda scooters (CH150, CH250, CN250) utilized a foot-brake to control the rear brake (as a normal motorcycle would). Later models (Reflex, Big Ruckus, and all other models) utilized a hand-brake lever for both front and rear brakes. I've ridden both configurations, and personally prefer the rear foot brake... unfortunately, the brake pedal on the Helix is positioned exactly where your foot should be when cruising, which is uncomfortable.

Also, as mentioned before, try to find a model with at least a front disc brake; the front and rear drum brakes on some older units are prone to "brake fade" as they heat up, and they are purely mechanically controlled (no hydraulics).

Whatever you end up buying, make sure you're comfortable with it; you're relatively tall, so a Kymco might be a better choice (they're a bit taller it seems than comparable Hondas), and make sure you buy from a reputable dealer who will back their products. If you want a good story of the worst possible case scenario when dealing with some Chinese scooter dealers, check out the "Saga..." thread by ScooterChick.

[hexnut]

Yeah, I don't much care for the cruiser type scooters. I also like the up-right seat position. I have a bad back and it does not hurt me at all when riding my Kymco People S 250.

There are good deals on Kymco 250s out there. The older style People 250 can be had reasonable and is a solid scooter. It will do every thing you want. Or if you want a 300 the Kymco People 300 GTi is a great scooter. It actually has a 298 cc engine and is fuel injected with good gas mileage for its size. As said earlier the Kymco Yager 200i is a good one as well.

Parts for Kymcos are easy to get and are less expensive than some other brands. They have a good dealer network.

You cant go wrong with an older Honda or an SYM HD200. They are only 171 cc but are quick for their size. The dealer network is not that good but since Alliance Powersports became the distributor things are getting some better.

Vespas are great scooters..but very expensive. Parts are expensive as well and sometimes hard to get.

There are many good choices out there. Just take your time and you will find the seat that fits your butt.

[GREY.HOUND]

I'm 39 and I do have a chronic but not usually severe back issue. The upright position seems more comfortable and more under control. There are a couple of dealers within 15 miles, one sells honda & yamaha, the other kymco. I'll visit them and do some test sitting.

Great advice.

GH

[351 power]

i'm in the same boat as far as sit position/ back issues. the vino 125 [not probably as big cc as you need] gives me lots of chances to change position. one of the best is with my feet tucked back resting on the foot rests intended for passengers.

[fullmetalscooter]

There are back rest out there for the feet forward scooters. Often people take one out of an old car and DIY one. I find that allot of people are riding bikes and scooters without the handle bars and controls agusted to them Handle bar risers can help . I need them myself once i ve put the harly solo seat on it.

[GREY.HOUND]

Ok, so after some careful thought and consideration, I'm leaning toward a 50cc bike just for scootin' round the neighborhood. I feel it would be good for me to get my feet wet, and allow the other members of the family to do the same as time progresses.

Basically, it's a choice locally between the following 50cc's:

Zuma and Vino at the yamaha dealer or

Metro and Ruckus at the Honda dealer.

Kymco dealer isn't getting 50cc's, I suppose I could pay and order an Agility or People 50 from them.

On that note, are these scooters small enough to fin in the back of an SUV, nissan Murano to be exact? Some great prices in towns within a few hours, but I'd really prefer local.

[GeeGusKahn]

.
I think there is some confusion on the feet forward vs straight up and down.
.
All the scoots including the Burgmans, Silverwings, etc that have a feet forward position also have standard flat floor boards.
I don't remember anything in the owners manual that said I had to put my feet forward, or did I miss that.
So, don't limit your search by feet forward or not.
.

[Wentwest]

I gotta tell you that in my view a 50 cc scooter just isn't a good idea. You are too big, it's too small, and it's too underpowered. Get a 150. You'll thank me later when you are still riding it. A 50 will end up in the garage.

[klaviator]

A 50 is fine for putting around the neighborhood but you may soon wish for something bigger like a 125 or 150. If you are going to get a 50, I recommend buying used so you can resell it without much of a loss.

[HandKPhil]

I agree that you might not be happy with a 50cc scoot. For the same money you could get a solid, older Honda CH150, which would be way more enjoyable, power-wise. Heck, you can find a nice Zuma or Vino 125 pretty cheap nowadays too. Also, even though I have a newer Majesty 400, (or perhaps bacause of that fact), I'd advise you to try a couple of the more upright scooters. My Majesty has a lot of good points, but it hurts my lower back after 45 minutes or so. I'm thinking of selling it soon, and picking up a BV350.

[GREY.HOUND]

Yeah I've thought about the fact that 50cc is really small and underpowered. I just figured, being my first bike it would be fun just to cruise the neighborhood for a year or so, then get what I really want, something in the 250-300 range. The Kymco dealer in my town is getting new bikes in today, including a Super 8 150. That sounds interesteing, especially since the MSRP is the same or slightly less than anything Honda or Yamaha have for the same power.

[vader1]

Greyhound,

I am a little like you, 43, never ridden a motorcycle/scooter before and decided I wanted one. Got the MC license and then decided to go a little overboard and got the Downtown 300 from Kymco. There are lots of nice scooters out there in many price ranges that would be a good buy.

I agree with a previous poster to skip a 50cc moped. You don't really want to be in any traffic over 35 on one of those, and the one guy I know who has a few scooters says drivers are pretty respectful when he is on one of his larger bikes but pretty douchey to him when he is on the moped. They just look too small and drivers get antsy about getting around you even if you are going fast enough.

The bigger scooter was not an issue for me, and I am only 5'6" and 150 pounds. The Downtonwn is very easy to handle, gets low to mid seventies and has the added benefit over some other scooters in that the front end lights up like a christmas tree and is very visable. I bought a white one and most people see me coming pretty well. I think, especially for a novice rider, better visability is a real plus. It also has the power to be a lot of fun.The Kymco 300 models are not super cheap, but my dealer cut me about $1k off sticker for a leftover last years model, but some dealers advertise that on new ones so they have haggle room.

The Sportcity is a nice model too.

I think your first instinct was correct in wanting a 250-300 cc. Because once you start riding and gain some confidence, you want to go for joyrides and find yourself needing the power to drive on roads with limits higher than 45. Power to get out of the way is also a must have.

The Kymco is a nice product, although you might not be comfortable on the Downtown with your height. But there are lots of good options out there if you don't want the Kymco. I personally thought I was crazy for dropping about $5200 OTD on a whim, but am really happy with the purchase.

I have a two seater that is my summer car and is probably much "cooler" than a scooter, but I have hardly driven it at all this summer because I keep looking for excuses to ride the dorky scooter instead.

My best advice though is take the motorcycle safety course, and wear safety gear.