[Possibly NBR] Looking for a Deal on my 1st Project Scooter

robby · Post by **robby** » Thu Jun 02, 2011 4:04 pm

----- Edit - Will keep first post updated with current status here -----

I'm no longer considering the RedStreak. I'm in the market for a fun weekend project scooter that I can find on the cheap and build into something reliable. The Redstreak would have been fun to mess with but a lot of you pointed out reasons why it could never be built into something safe and reliable. If you have any thoughts or ideas or leads, please let me know. My budget is a few hundred dollars, not a few thousand.

----- Original Post Below -----
Just hear me out before you get into any rants about Chinese Scoots

I have been looking for a cheap scooter on Craigslist that needs work. I have three main motivations:
1) I'd like a project for the summer
2) It's a way for me to fiddle and learn about engines and mechanics without mucking with my treasured, fully functional Roughhouse.
3) It'd be nice to have a second vehicle for when my Roughhouse is in the shop. I don't own a car.

I found, what I think, is as good a deal as I'll come across. A 2008 150cc Redstreak Streaker that turns over but doesn't start, for $100 delivered. It's a GY6 engine. 5700 miles, but well-maintained and cared for. Incredible record keeping: http://www.flickr.com/photos/goodharbor ... 720383247/

I've all but committed to this, but before I have him drive it to me, I wanted to ask you more knowledgeable folks if there's anything else I should know or be aware of. I fully acknowledge I could simply be out $100; I'm happy to take that chance for the learning experience.

Syd · Post by **Syd** » Thu Jun 02, 2011 4:20 pm

If it comes with clear title, the worst that could happen is you bust it down to components and sell the metal parts to a recycler and make money!

robby · Post by **robby** » Thu Jun 02, 2011 4:31 pm

Heh, not sure how profitable that'd be but good to know it's an option.

It's the original owner, title is clean and I checked the VIN to be sure it wasn't reported as stolen/missing.

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Thu Jun 02, 2011 4:57 pm

I wouldn't do it. The motors aren't the only problems with many Chinese scooters, there are those phony "ABS" brakes, bad suspensions, weak frames etc.

I can fully understand wanting a project bike (I have several) I would suggest finding something like an old Helix. Parts are going to be more available and you can end up with a great scooter, not something that has been rebuilt to original crappy condition.

rayk · Post by **rayk** » Thu Jun 02, 2011 4:59 pm

Go for it! Hell, if the whole project tanks, you're out the $100 but you say you're OK with that. Like you say, a learning experience.
Good luck.

Skootz Kabootz · Post by **Skootz Kabootz** » Thu Jun 02, 2011 5:10 pm

First thing that crossed my mind was the availability of parts or the lack thereof. Hard to fix a fixerupper if you can't find the parts. (I'll refrain from commenting on how safe it would or wouldn't be to ride once it was fixed up)

robby · Post by **robby** » Thu Jun 02, 2011 5:17 pm

Skootz Kabootz wrote:First thing that crossed my mind was the availability of parts or the lack thereof. Hard to fix a fixerupper if you can't find the parts. (I'll refrain from commenting on how safe it would or wouldn't be to ride once it was fixed up)

Feel free to comment on safety issues as you see them. For background, I wouldn't be taking it on any freeways - just local roads, top speed around 35/40.

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Thu Jun 02, 2011 5:19 pm

After looking at your link to the scooter I would suggest getting as far away from that bike as possible. ANY company that is willing to lie about having ABS does not care one bit for your safety.

Courtesy of POC Phil
http://www.youtube.com/user/POCscooters ... ghPzvv_3BE

robby · Post by **robby** » Thu Jun 02, 2011 5:26 pm

BuddyRaton wrote:After looking at your link to the scooter I would suggest getting as far away from that bike as possible. ANY company that is willing to lie about having ABS does not care one bit for your safety.

Courtesy of POC Phil
http://www.youtube.com/user/POCscooters ... ghPzvv_3BE

That isn't the same scoot though. How do you know the ABS are fake?

edit: Okay, I see what you mean. Here's a more thorough explanation that I found, and judging by the pictures this scoot does that too. http://www.scooterfocus.com/scooter_abs.html

Raiderfn31 · Post by **Raiderfn31** » Thu Jun 02, 2011 5:39 pm

I spent 100 bucks at the bar last weekend and didnt even get laid. Go for it.

charlie55 · Post by **charlie55** » Thu Jun 02, 2011 6:18 pm

Granted, the cash outlay isn't a show-stopper. However, the only educational benefit you're gonna get from this heap is an expanded vocabulary. You can't make a silk purse from a sow's ear, much less a pig's arse.

Pros:

- It's cheap

Cons:

- Low quality
- Questionable parts availability/interchangeability
- Virtually no dealership network
- An owner/user community that spends half its time crowing about how
they've racked up 23 consecutive miles without a major explosion, and
the other half trying to sell these "Swiss watches" to someone else.

I agree with BuddyRaton: scout around for an old Honda (Helix, Elite) or Yammy Riva to play with. Hell, you can have a lot of fun with a Ruckus by modding it out the yin-yang. Any of these choices (and there are others, I'm sure) will at least guarantee that you're building on a solid foundation.

SteveK · Post by **SteveK** » Thu Jun 02, 2011 6:27 pm

Robby, I'm looking for a bike to stuff this GY6 150cc into. If you don't do it I will.....

Ready, Set......

jasondavis48108 · Post by **jasondavis48108** » Thu Jun 02, 2011 8:19 pm

If your looking for something super cheap I might look at a Honda Spree. I see those on craigslist all the time for a few hundred bucks and you won't have to worry about the brakes failing on you like you would with a cheap china scoot. Mind you, Sprees are kinda poky, but for a project bike with as little investment as possible I think that's the way to go.

robby · Post by **robby** » Thu Jun 02, 2011 8:26 pm

jasondavis48108 wrote:If your looking for something super cheap I might look at a Honda Spree. I see those on craigslist all the time for a few hundred bucks and you won't have to worry about the brakes failing on you like you would with a cheap china scoot. Mind you, Sprees are kinda poky, but for a project bike with as little investment as possible I think that's the way to go.

Thanks, you guys have me leaning towards that route. Like I said I don't care about longevity or losing money (this is a learning experience for me), but the safety issues give me pause.

Of course, the one Honda Spree I found on Craigslist doesn't look much safer.

http://capecod.craigslist.org/mcy/2415709899.html

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Thu Jun 02, 2011 8:51 pm

robby wrote:That isn't the same scoot though. How do you know the ABS are fake?l

First of all just think about it. On a Burgman or Silverwing true ABS is a $1,000 option.

Second-look at it, it is a dump valve plain and simple, no wheel rototion sensors, no space to stuff in a true ABS unit (those things take up real space).

Look at it this way...would you consider a Yugo as a project car?

(Why do Yugo's have rear window defoggers?.............................to keep your hands warm while youre pushing it!

If this is what you want to do go for it but I think there have been some good alternate suggestions.

You might also consider a Honda Passport, cool little bike, simple, slow, every part is available, and really a ton of fun to ride!

robby · Post by **robby** » Thu Jun 02, 2011 9:22 pm

BuddyRaton wrote:
robby wrote:That isn't the same scoot though. How do you know the ABS are fake?l
First of all just think about it. On a Burgman or Silverwing true ABS is a $1,000 option.

Second-look at it, it is a dump valve plain and simple, no wheel rototion sensors, no space to stuff in a true ABS unit (those things take up real space).

Look at it this way...would you consider a Yugo as a project car?

(Why do Yugo's have rear window defoggers?.............................to keep your hands warm while youre pushing it!

If this is what you want to do go for it but I think there have been some good alternate suggestions.

You might also consider a Honda Passport, cool little bike, simple, slow, every part is available, and really a ton of fun to ride!

Yeah, see my edit and subsequent posts. You sold me on starting from a better base. I just hope I can find something I can afford. I haven't seen super low prices on the models you guys are mentioning but I will keep my eyes peeled. If there are other makes/models I should look for please let me know.

SteveK · Post by **SteveK** » Thu Jun 02, 2011 9:57 pm

Robby there are a couple Zumas on MA CL for a little more money. More along the scooter you have now that you like. I don't think there are any quality issues with the Yamahas. Certainly would match the Genuines all day long....

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Thu Jun 02, 2011 9:59 pm

Raiderfn31 wrote:I spent 100 bucks at the bar last weekend and didnt even get laid.

I don't recall you asking.

ScooterLou · Post by **ScooterLou** » Thu Jun 02, 2011 10:06 pm

I would spend 100 bucks in a heartbeat just for the learning experience of taking it apart and putting it back together.

SteveK · Post by **SteveK** » Thu Jun 02, 2011 10:15 pm

Raiderfn31 wrote:I spent 100 bucks at the bar last weekend and didnt even get laid. Go for it.

Next time wear a red dress and heels maybe?....

SteveK · Post by **SteveK** » Thu Jun 02, 2011 10:18 pm

ScooterLou wrote:I would spend 100 bucks in a heartbeat just for the learning experience of taking it apart and putting it back together.

That's what I was thinking. If you want to work on them what better choice than a $100 China made one.

I'm not seeing alot of parts that cannot be had online....

Skootz Kabootz · Post by **Skootz Kabootz** » Thu Jun 02, 2011 10:27 pm

SteveK wrote:
Raiderfn31 wrote:I spent 100 bucks at the bar last weekend and didnt even get laid. Go for it.
Next time wear a red dress and heels maybe?....

LMAO!!!

Syd · Post by **Syd** » Thu Jun 02, 2011 10:34 pm

I suppose, if you don't want to worry about the CCS falling apart while riding it. And save the reg, taxes, ins, etc, to boot, and just want to learn about 4T small engines, go to a garage sale/Thrift Store and pick up a lawn mower. If it's got a B&S motor in it you can find parts for it.

And maybe get your yard mowed too!

robby · Post by **robby** » Fri Jun 03, 2011 1:07 am

SteveK wrote:Robby there are a couple Zumas on MA CL for a little more money. More along the scooter you have now that you like. I don't think there are any quality issues with the Yamahas. Certainly would match the Genuines all day long....

Thanks but all of these are over $1000. Am I missing something? http://boston.craigslist.org/search/sss ... srchType=A

asadilak · Post by **asadilak** » Fri Jun 03, 2011 4:03 am

I was searching for redstreak parts and this thread showed up in google results...thought I will do my bit to advise you...I was driving my scooter from winter storage back to home(it did well for a 30 mile ride, remember all I had done was add stabil...and started it that morning)...I come close to home and the throttle cable cuts!

The dealer has gone out of business, there is no manual(luckily for you, it appears there is one for the 150cc on flickr)...however, none of the manuals explain in detail like you find stuff for cars.

I have a 50cc so my costs are REALLY low.(no insurance/motor drivers license and all that headache)..not bad for 3 consecutive summers and nearly 1500 miles, boston area.

For a $100 bucks you cant go wrong...but the spare parts are expensive and you may not find it at any of the local stores and your recourse is the internet and there are a bunch of sites which I am still looking at...for a throttle cable, costs vary from $10-$27 plus shipping

Its good as long as it runs. The body is cheap plastic, all tabs...a little yank from a flat screwdriver and it is super-glue time.

So, for a $100 and some more, you are in for a whole load of education and enlightenment(http://www.design.caltech.edu/erik/Misc/pirsig.pdf) you will get there!

good luck

asadilak · Post by **asadilak** » Fri Jun 03, 2011 4:04 am

I am in the boston area, if you know of any motorcycle spare parts store, i'd really appreciate it

thanks

Tocsik · Post by **Tocsik** » Fri Jun 03, 2011 4:13 am

Off topic, but did you see their Ruckus knockoff?
http://rsscooters.com/shopDisplayProduc ... p?ProdId=8

SteveK · Post by **SteveK** » Fri Jun 03, 2011 4:20 am

robby wrote:
SteveK wrote:Robby there are a couple Zumas on MA CL for a little more money. More along the scooter you have now that you like. I don't think there are any quality issues with the Yamahas. Certainly would match the Genuines all day long....
Thanks but all of these are over $1000. Am I missing something? http://boston.craigslist.org/search/sss ... srchType=A

Here's one in Woburn for $500 obo
http://boston.craigslist.org/nos/mcy/2415263244.html

SteveK · Post by **SteveK** » Fri Jun 03, 2011 4:58 am

Tocsik wrote:Off topic, but did you see their Ruckus knockoff?
http://rsscooters.com/shopDisplayProduc ... p?ProdId=8

I never quite warmed up to the Ruckus style but they have quite a following.

One thing about these China mades, they spare no lipstick. Some are downright sexy on the surface.

I am proud of our three Genuines and the dealers we chose...no visual prosthetics just clean lines...

jprestonian · Post by **jprestonian** » Fri Jun 03, 2011 5:20 am

Advice?

Married?

How big is your life insurance policy?
.

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Fri Jun 03, 2011 1:02 pm

robby wrote:Thanks but all of these are over $1000. Am I missing something?

Hang in there! Sometimes the search for the right project scooter is half the fun! OK....maybe 1/4 of the fun. Check the honda forums, the zuma forums, CL, scoot.net, post wanted adds on those forums.

Get to know the local scooter scene, sometimes scooterists would rather sell at a lower price to someone interested in learning how to wrench. It's also a good way to meet people that will be able to help when (not if!) you get stuck during your repairs. It's always the little stuff that gets me, (like the stuck throttle tube in a sprint headset that I can't get out right now) but I know people that have all sorts of tricks up their sleeves!

It might take a little time but a good deal will come around. You just need to be ready to pull the trigger when it does! I picked up a 79 P200 for $478 that had a locked shifter and an air leak. Two hours after getting it home I was riding it around the block.

Keep us updated...I love build threads!

robby · Post by **robby** » Fri Jun 03, 2011 1:12 pm

Tocsik wrote:Off topic, but did you see their Ruckus knockoff?
http://rsscooters.com/shopDisplayProduc ... p?ProdId=8

Even better! That one has ABS!

robby · Post by **robby** » Fri Jun 03, 2011 1:15 pm

BuddyRaton wrote:
robby wrote:Thanks but all of these are over $1000. Am I missing something?
Hang in there! Sometimes the search for the right project scooter is half the fun! OK....maybe 1/4 of the fun. Check the honda forums, the zuma forums, CL, scoot.net, post wanted adds on those forums.

Get to know the local scooter scene, sometimes scooterists would rather sell at a lower price to someone interested in learning how to wrench. It's also a good way to meet people that will be able to help when (not if!) you get stuck during your repairs. It's always the little stuff that gets me, (like the stuck throttle tube in a sprint headset that I can't get out right now) but I know people that have all sorts of tricks up their sleeves!

It might take a little time but a good deal will come around. You just need to be ready to pull the trigger when it does! I picked up a 79 P200 for $478 that had a locked shifter and an air leak. Two hours after getting it home I was riding it around the block.

Keep us updated...I love build threads!

Thanks, good advice & will do. I've been looking a while but will stay patient. Maybe worst case I wait until the winter when people are more anxious to unload. I will keep you guys posted.

charlie55 · Post by **charlie55** » Fri Jun 03, 2011 1:18 pm

Don't know if anyone has suggested this site yet:

http://www.scooterfinds.com/

Kaos · Post by **Kaos** » Fri Jun 03, 2011 1:22 pm

The other thing to worry about is the frame itself, many of those bikes are hardly strong enough to be ridable. My Aunt gave me her Diamo Retro a while back after blowing the motor up at 600 miles, I got it sorta running again but the bike flexes so badly that it was quite scary at even 15 mph.

Not that ALL Chinese bikes do that, but I've seen several that do, so before you spend a single buck on it, sit on it and bounce it around a bit.

And like BuddyRaton said, if its got ABS and its from China, don't buy it. The ABS systems on those literally are a pressure blow-off valve that simply vents your brake pressure. Thats not a good thing if you want to stop

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Fri Jun 03, 2011 1:29 pm

charlie55 wrote:Don't know if anyone has suggested this site yet:

http://www.scooterfinds.com/

DUDE! Don't give away our secrets!

PeteH · Post by **PeteH** » Fri Jun 03, 2011 1:31 pm

"Mr. PotatoHead, MR. POTATOHEAD, back doors are not secrets!"

robby · Post by **robby** » Fri Jun 03, 2011 1:36 pm

Kaos wrote:The other thing to worry about is the frame itself, many of those bikes are hardly strong enough to be ridable. My Aunt gave me her Diamo Retro a while back after blowing the motor up at 600 miles, I got it sorta running again but the bike flexes so badly that it was quite scary at even 15 mph.

Not that ALL Chinese bikes do that, but I've seen several that do, so before you spend a single buck on it, sit on it and bounce it around a bit.

And like BuddyRaton said, if its got ABS and its from China, don't buy it. The ABS systems on those literally are a pressure blow-off valve that simply vents your brake pressure. Thats not a good thing if you want to stop

Thanks, and yeah, roger that. First post updated so spare you guys from having to re-emphasize all this.

Kaos · Post by **Kaos** » Fri Jun 03, 2011 1:39 pm

How's about something like this? http://boston.craigslist.org/nos/mcy/2415263244.html

robby · Post by **robby** » Fri Jun 03, 2011 1:49 pm

Possibly, I inquired about what work it needs after Steve's post. Also need to be sure it's clean... I see so many obviously stolen scoots on Boston craigslist.

robby · Post by **robby** » Fri Jun 10, 2011 7:15 pm

Guys... any thoughts on a '94 Yamaha Razz? And if so, any idea where I could get a muffler for it?

neotrotsky · Post by **neotrotsky** » Fri Jun 10, 2011 8:45 pm

BuddyRaton wrote:
charlie55 wrote:Don't know if anyone has suggested this site yet:

http://www.scooterfinds.com/

DUDE! Don't give away our secrets!

Oh, now this is sorta cool...

Modern Buddy

[Possibly NBR] Looking for a Deal on my 1st Project Scooter

[Possibly NBR] Looking for a Deal on my 1st Project Scooter

Hi

any hard core bikers here?