Ducati Monster Forum

Kitchen Sink => No Moto Content => Topic started by: NAKID on July 27, 2009, 02:58:12 PM

Title: Considering a Scoot
Post by: NAKID on July 27, 2009, 02:58:12 PM
Looking at getting a scooter. I have a 3 mile commute and routinely carry more than I can fit in a backpack, but not much. The truck gets 12mpg and although I love driving it, there just isn't any point on a regular basis. I don't have luggage for the Monster.

So, looking to spend less than 2k. The wife wants to get into riding but has never ridden anything besides a bicycle. I think a nice 50cc would be a good place to start.

Mainly what I'm asking is anything to stay away from. There's a ton of knock-off, no-name 49cc's out there for less than a grand, even brand new...
Title: Re: Considering a Scoot
Post by: Porsche Monkey on July 27, 2009, 03:52:06 PM
Honda Ruckus   [moto]
Title: Re: Considering a Scoot
Post by: NAKID on July 27, 2009, 03:56:09 PM
$2500 and no storage. Remember, I live in the North East. weather is unpredictable at best. I need some kind of trunk type storage.

Used is definitely NOT out of the question...
Title: Re: Considering a Scoot
Post by: He Man on July 27, 2009, 04:08:08 PM
Used vespa? ive seen a lot of them in NYC that handle the weathering and still look good with a wash. Craigs lists has TONS of them.
Title: Re: Considering a Scoot
Post by: NAKID on July 27, 2009, 04:10:07 PM
Yeah, not in my price range. Here, anything with "Vespa" in the title seems to run $2500+...

CL has tons of "Classic" 1980's Vespas for $3000+
Title: Re: Considering a Scoot
Post by: Porsche Monkey on July 27, 2009, 04:14:30 PM
Quote from: NAKID on July 27, 2009, 03:56:09 PM
$2500 and no storage. Remember, I live in the North East. weather is unpredictable at best. I need some kind of trunk type storage.

Used is definitely NOT out of the question...


But they are sooo cool and people mod the hell out of em. Sure you could come up with a top case of some kind. I think they sell a compartment for under the seat. Do et!
Title: Re: Considering a Scoot
Post by: Pakhan on July 27, 2009, 04:37:57 PM
big space

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelhome/529/0/home.aspx (http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelhome/529/0/home.aspx)
Title: Re: Considering a Scoot
Post by: NAKID on July 27, 2009, 04:49:56 PM
That's actually kinda cool...
Title: Re: Considering a Scoot
Post by: Cicero on July 27, 2009, 05:01:29 PM
I like my Vino 125 you can find them in your price range if you look.



Like mine for example  ;D [cheeky]
Title: Re: Considering a Scoot
Post by: NAKID on July 27, 2009, 05:03:10 PM
Buddy of mine has a Vino 49. I'd rather get something small like that. No registration, he pays $13 a YEAR for full coverage, and the wife can ride without a MC endorsement...
Title: Re: Considering a Scoot
Post by: Cicero on July 27, 2009, 05:05:44 PM
Quote from: NAKID on July 27, 2009, 05:03:10 PM
Buddy of mine has a Vino 49. I'd rather get something small like that. No registration, he pays $13 a YEAR for full coverage, and the wife can ride without a MC endorsement...

If your small enough the 49 is ok.  I just went with the 125 cause it cruises at 55mph
Title: Re: Considering a Scoot
Post by: hihhs on July 27, 2009, 05:07:56 PM
I lived in Key West for a decade. Everybody there drives scooters.
Back then Yamaha Zumas were the thing to have.  They run FOREVER, have storage under the seat & they even make a windscreen for them.
I'll deny I ever said this but they are actually kinda fun to ride.
You can even ride a passenger (if you are both average sized and really well acquainted).
You can (or could) get hard bags for them. Being young and broke, we always attached baskets or even milk crates to the back.

It looks like the C3 may have more storage.

Obviously I prefer Ducati but Yamaha makes a great product.

And they are still around $2k
Title: Re: Considering a Scoot
Post by: He Man on July 27, 2009, 05:21:49 PM
how about a honda metropolitan?
Title: Re: Considering a Scoot
Post by: NAKID on July 27, 2009, 05:30:35 PM
Don't really need a 125 for my commute. a route I routinely take has a 35mph speed limit. If I can find a C3 for a decent price, I'll probably get it...
Title: Re: Considering a Scoot
Post by: Popeye the Sailor on July 27, 2009, 06:45:40 PM
FYI, a girl I knew had a Honda metro. While it was fine for her weight, someone the size of you is heavy enough to basically render the thing anemic. Seriously-I  felt unsafe on that thing-it could barely scrape 35 on a level grade downhill with me on it. I normally advocate the joy of small bikes, but a honda metro, and possibly some of the other 49CC four strokers might be too small for you.

I would consider a 125.
Title: Re: Considering a Scoot
Post by: Randimus Maximus on July 27, 2009, 06:49:11 PM
Quote from: MrIncredible on July 27, 2009, 06:45:40 PM
FYI, a girl I knew had a Honda metro. While it was fine for her weight, someone the size of you is heavy enough to basically render the thing anemic. Seriously-I  felt unsafe on that thing-it could barely scrape 35 on a level grade downhill with me on it. I normally advocate the joy of small bikes, but a honda metro, and possibly some of the other 49CC four strokers might be too small for you.

I would consider a 125.

the guy is as short as IZ.  a 50cc scoot might work for him.

and I'd get a ruckus and put this on it:

(http://www.mx-performance.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/RUCKUS/5000ruckusbag.jpg)

http://www.mx-performance.com/id82.html (http://www.mx-performance.com/id82.html)
Title: Re: Considering a Scoot
Post by: Popeye the Sailor on July 27, 2009, 06:55:18 PM
Quote from: Randimus Maximus on July 27, 2009, 06:49:11 PM
the guy is as short as IZ.  a 50cc scoot might work for him.

and I'd get a ruckus and put this on it:

(http://www.mx-performance.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/RUCKUS/5000ruckusbag.jpg)

http://www.mx-performance.com/id82.html (http://www.mx-performance.com/id82.html)

Rumour is his leg is heavy  :P


Buy a scooter and luggage? If that's a solution why not just buy luggage for the duc? Yeah I know he wants to start his wife out on two wheels, women typically prefer scoots that aren't industrial style fugly.
Title: Re: Considering a Scoot
Post by: NAKID on July 27, 2009, 06:59:34 PM
Quote from: MrIncredible on July 27, 2009, 06:55:18 PM
Rumour is his leg is heavy  :P

Bone is heavy, Ti is light. ;D

As far as the 49cc is concerned, I don't plan on buying sight unseen, I'll be taking it for a spirited spin before I buy.

The buddy of mine with the Vino is about 15-20 pounds lighter than me. I'll see if I can take his for a spin.

Not sure if any of you have been to Groton or not, but the immediate area around the base (where I live) is pretty small..
Title: Re: Considering a Scoot
Post by: Randimus Maximus on July 27, 2009, 07:01:36 PM
Quote from: MrIncredible on July 27, 2009, 06:55:18 PM
Rumour is his leg is heavy  :P


Buy a scooter and luggage? If that's a solution why not just buy luggage for the duc? Yeah I know he wants to start his wife out on two wheels, women typically prefer scoots that aren't industrial style fugly.

wouldn't industrial style fugly hold up better in the inevitable crash?
Title: Re: Considering a Scoot
Post by: NAKID on July 27, 2009, 07:05:30 PM
Inevitable crash? Thanks Randy...
Title: Re: Considering a Scoot
Post by: Popeye the Sailor on July 27, 2009, 07:06:11 PM
Quote from: Randimus Maximus on July 27, 2009, 07:01:36 PM
wouldn't industrial style fugly hold up better in the inevitable crash?

Not if she doesn't ride it.
Title: Re: Considering a Scoot
Post by: Randimus Maximus on July 27, 2009, 07:09:32 PM
Quote from: NAKID on July 27, 2009, 07:05:30 PM
Inevitable crash? Thanks Randy...

two kinds of riders...ones that have been down, ones that will...motorcycles, scoots, road bikes, all the same.
Title: Re: Considering a Scoot
Post by: Howie on July 27, 2009, 08:26:09 PM
Seems like the Vino is the motorized choice for food delivery in Manhattan, most held together with duct tape, but still running.
Title: Re: Considering a Scoot
Post by: He Man on July 27, 2009, 08:38:38 PM
how far is where you are traveling? And do thye have a shower?


(http://www.wiggle.co.uk/images/asics%20tn704%200193.jpg)

or

(http://www.kricycling.com/v1/images/stories/83-cannondale-synapse-carbon-sl-ultegra-triple.jpg)

the later cost about 5 cents per a mile to operate on yogurt.
Title: Re: Considering a Scoot
Post by: NAKID on July 28, 2009, 03:19:56 AM
Yes they have a shower, but that doesn't have the other reason I want it, storage...
Title: Re: Considering a Scoot
Post by: GAAN on July 28, 2009, 03:53:42 AM
bicycle with a trailer
Title: Re: Considering a Scoot
Post by: Porsche Monkey on July 28, 2009, 04:01:11 AM
2006 Honda Ruckus. 605 miles on it. used to go to mailbox , to run aroud farm and RV campgrounds. I am the orginal owner. It is just not getting ridden enought.
Price includes a Battery tender. $1350.00 cash only. It has a clear title but has not been registered since it was new. Call @210/215-2051 or 830/931-9388 for more info


Location: Hondo Texas
it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
 

http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/mcy/1292058021.html (http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/mcy/1292058021.html)
Title: Re: Considering a Scoot
Post by: cyrus buelton on July 28, 2009, 04:30:15 AM
50cc?


I wouldn't get anything less than a 125 if you actually plan on riding it around.

Title: Re: Considering a Scoot
Post by: NAKID on July 28, 2009, 04:41:13 AM
49cc 2-strokes will do about 45. I only need it to do about 35 tops...
Title: Re: Considering a Scoot
Post by: cyrus buelton on July 28, 2009, 04:56:35 AM
Quote from: NAKID on July 28, 2009, 04:41:13 AM
49cc 2-strokes will do about 45. I only need it to do about 35 tops...

Yeah, but the acceleration blows.

I'd just want enough balls to get out of a harry situation with speed and I wouldn't feel a 50cc would have it.
Title: Re: Considering a Scoot
Post by: NAKID on July 28, 2009, 05:21:09 AM
Quote from: cyrus buelton on July 28, 2009, 04:56:35 AM
I'd just want enough balls to get out of a harry situation with speed and I wouldn't feel a 50cc would have it.

Quote from: NAKID on July 27, 2009, 05:03:10 PM
No registration, he pays $13 a YEAR for full coverage, and the wife can ride without a MC endorsement...
Title: Re: Considering a Scoot
Post by: cyrus buelton on July 28, 2009, 05:23:34 AM
To each their own, buddy.

You posted a thread, I threw my $0.02 in that.


Though.......what I say really doesn't matter.




Get a 1960's vespa and restore it  [thumbsup]
Title: Re: Considering a Scoot
Post by: NAKID on July 28, 2009, 05:31:00 AM
Yup, I'm just posting that I'm only interested in 50cc scoots...

I would like to restore a 60's vespa, but I don't really have the time...
Title: Re: Considering a Scoot
Post by: cyrus buelton on July 28, 2009, 05:45:21 AM
get a mid 90's Raz or Spree


[laugh] [laugh] [laugh]
Title: Re: Considering a Scoot
Post by: NAKID on July 28, 2009, 06:00:32 AM
The problem is finding them. CL has a few, cycletrader even fewer unless you want to buy new, and ebay has close to nothing nearby...
Title: Re: Considering a Scoot
Post by: Pakhan on July 28, 2009, 06:45:24 AM
Quote from: NAKID on July 28, 2009, 06:00:32 AM
The problem is finding them. CL has a few, cycletrader even fewer unless you want to buy new, and ebay has close to nothing nearby...

Try this: http://www.searchtempest.com/ (http://www.searchtempest.com/)

it does a combined CL and ebay search based on distance from zip code not city or town.
Title: Re: Considering a Scoot
Post by: JEFF_H on July 28, 2009, 07:37:18 AM
should be a really good time to buy off CL.
people who bought a scooter when gas hit $3 and now cant afford to keep it in the garage.

friend of ours just got a Genuine Rattler Buckten paid $1400  [thumbsup]

i would avoid a 50 because its hard to get up to speed from a light in traffic.
wife commutes on a Vino 125
i want one of these
(http://www.oldhonda.com/madass125black.jpg)
Title: Re: Considering a Scoot
Post by: Porsche Monkey on July 28, 2009, 09:52:08 AM
(http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll161/porschaholic/ruckus.jpg)
Title: Re: Considering a Scoot
Post by: Porsche Monkey on July 28, 2009, 09:53:28 AM
Quote from: JEFF_H on July 28, 2009, 07:37:18 AM
should be a really good time to buy off CL.
people who bought a scooter when gas hit $3 and now cant afford to keep it in the garage.

friend of ours just got a Genuine Rattler Buckten paid $1400  [thumbsup]

i would avoid a 50 because its hard to get up to speed from a light in traffic.
wife commutes on a Vino 125
i want one of these
(http://www.oldhonda.com/madass125black.jpg)


Dude I would totally flog that thing.  [thumbsup]
Title: Re: Considering a Scoot
Post by: NAKID on July 28, 2009, 04:27:19 PM
So I went to a local dealer today to look at a couple scoots. They had 2 E-TON models and the Honda Metropolitan. The Honda is TINY! Both of the E-TON's had a storage compartment under the seat just big enough for a helmet, that's it.
So, called some other dealers looking for the Yamaha C3. NO ONE had it in stock, except for one place in Hartford that has several still in the crates. Doesn't look like I'm going to be able to deal on them, but the size of the storage compartment will make up for it. The same motor in the Zuma is rated at 123mpg, so if the C3 "only" gets 100, I'll still be more than happy.

On another note, got gas in the Duc today, 2.667G to 124.3 miles = over 46mpg [thumbsup]