Modern Buddy

What is the minimum CC required for scooters on highway?

I believe State Highways require at least 125cc. It might vary from state to state though. Interstates are at least 150cc. Toll roads in OK are at least 250cc.

Is that right? Wow, toll roads at 250cc. I wonder why there would be a difference between toll and nontoll roads in OK.

I'm actually reconsidering the possiblity of purchasing a scooter that is freeway legal. I live in the Triangle reigon of North Carolina but if I widen my job search area to Greensboro (about an hour by car) I have more chances of finding a job.

I'm soon to be on the job market and as much as possible don't want to commute by car. I don't have one anyway and would prefer not to buy one. Before I started bicycle commuting, people were telling me how difficult and even impossible it would be. Well, I proved them wrong by having done it for almost 15 years now. The distances were of course much shorter (in town, though lots of uphill). I've sinced moved to a different state and soon will be on the job market. A bicycle won't do for commuting unless the job is nearby which I doubt it would be. I was originally considering a 50cc scooter which would be good enough for getting to neighbour towns but would be a tad slow to places like Greensboro (approx 50 miles away) on a 50cc.

Anyway, what are some good freeway legal scooters?

teabow1 wrote:What is the minimum CC required for scooters on highway?

You have to check the states in which you want to ride, as this is completely up to their legislatures. In many states, 150cc is the minimum for interstate use, but most people feel this is far too inadequate to mix with interstate traffic (especially in/near a major city); even a 250cc feels dicey to me in the Nashville interstate mix.
.

How long of a commute?

Buddy 170i is not freeway recommended by Genuine (even if it's legal in many states), and most people on Blur's (220cc) don't recommend much over a short freeway distance (<15 miles?). They seem to currently have a bit of an overheating issue, especially when the weather is warm.

Would you be open to a maxi-scooter? In my opinion, you'll want something stronger than the 220cc Blur if it's a freeway commute.

What's a maxiscooter?

I don't know how far on a freeway I'd be commuting, but let's say maximum about 40 minutes??? Am I crazy here or is commuting 40 minutes on a freeway on a scooter not sensible?

pugbuddy wrote:I believe State Highways require at least 125cc. It might vary from state to state though.

Definitely varies from state to state. There is no federal rule. Some states have minimum displacement rules for divided highways - others do not. Some states have no displacement rules and have minimum speed rules instead. Check with your state's DMV.

It's sensible, just depends on the scooter 170i is out of the question for that, and I think that's too much for the Blur.

Maxiscooters are just that, bigger and stronger. These guys are pretty much made for highway usage. Note the frame, weight, and wheel size difference compared to a 170i or even a Blur 220.

There's no way in my mind that a 40 minute highway trek at normal speeds (let's say 60 to 65mph) is good or that safe on a 170i (especially with those 10 inch wheels). (Heck, top speed is listed as "60+"). Blur..maybe, but judging by comments and postings, they tend to overheat and have some issues with longer stretches of the highway.


Look up the Suzuki Burgman 400 or a Honda Silverwing for examples. It's certainly a world of difference from a 50cc.


edit: from Genuine's FAQ, about interstate riding, they wrote:

"[....]However, cruising at 65 miles per hour on a 150cc scooter would be similar to cruising at 130mph in your car.

In other words, your properly maintained Buddy will faithfully zip you along city streets, country roads, bustling boulevards, tree lined parkways, and even pikes. But we'd advise staying off the expressway and the interstate."

I'd guess they'd advise similar on the 170i as they would for the 150, as it's essentially the same frame and wheel size and so on.

Okay, I got a response from NCDOT (North Carolina Department Of Transportation):

Legally there is no such thing as a scooter in North Carolina, just Mopeds or motorcycles.

North Carolina law defines a moped as a vehicle with two or three wheels with a motor of no more than 50 cubic centimeters, no external shifting device, and not capable of going more than 30 miles per hours. Under state law, they are not required to be registered, and no special license is required. However, an operator of a moped on any state road must be at least 16 years old.

Any two-wheeled vehicle that has a larger than 50 cc engine and can exceed 30 mph is considered a motorcycle in North Carolina, and they are required to be registered and inspected, and all drivers are required to have a motorcycle endorsement for their license as well as insurance.

As for operating them on a freeway, there is no minimum speed set for limited access highways in North Carolina, but under state law, "No person shall operate a motor vehicle on the highway at such a slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law." Which means if someone is traveling well below the speed limit on an interstate type road, a law enforcement officer could ticket them for violating that law.

NCDOT Contact Us

This is interesting because NC does not define what is the minimum level of CC's necessary for a motorised two-wheel to operate on freeways. I moved here from California, and if my memory serves me correctly, I think California does define a minimum CC for their roads.

==============

I think now a smarter decision for me to make is actually to wait until December to make a firmer decision on what kind of scooter to get because December is around the time when I'll start looking for jobs and then I may well need a 50cc to get around. I think I was so hurried in wanting to get a scooter because the Honda Metropolitan promotion of $200 off ends at the end of this year.

My only issue with getting anything bigger in CC is that there will be a more significant time lag because
a) I think if I'm going to go faster I really should take an MSF basic rider's course (it's a good idea anyway even at the 50cc level) and
b) that also means I won't be able to get a motorcycle endorsement for a while (though I can get a learner's permit), and
c) I don't feel confident nor do I think it's sensible to ride a larger scooter at higher speeds without some solid experience handling a scooter.

Though money is a factor, I know I can always get assistance from family to get a bigger scooter if I need be.

--------

And by the way, those who have been following my posts on Honda Metro vs. Genuine Buddy, I think basically if I were to get one or the other, it'll be the Honda Metro. To me, it's so much nicer looking, and I do like the name Honda over Genuine. Now, maybe the Yamaha Vino is something I'd like even more

I will not, by any means, take my 170i on the highway, even though it seems to be just fine at 75bmph for a short period of time (~10 minutes+).
I am even wary of taking our Sportster 1200 on the highways.
IMHO you are just too small, and not visible enough for it... and one thing that every rider I know/have known has told me is "they are all out to kill you," not literally of course, but people in cars seem to be way too distracted these days to see that little shiny thing diagonally behind them... or in front of them for that matter.
Your best bet is a maxi scooter, covered in chrome and reflective tape, with flashing lights and sirens... surrounded by a impenetrable bubble shield, and rainbow unicorns.

I to am looking to expand my job serch parameters and will need a larger scooter than my 170i. I'll be handing it down to my college student in the spring.
I have been researching this for a month now and have narrowed it down to either the Vespa GTS 300 super or the Piaggio BV 300. These scoots, according to reviews, will handle freeway speeds with relative ease, and thy're small enough to still have good city manners. As far as fuel economy goes the 300's can expext 60-70mpg.
As far as the maxis are concerned I noticed the 500+ scooters fuel economy is less than 55 mpg and some as poor as 45mpg.

In the end I think I'll go with the Piaggio even though I want the Vespa, dang economics

I would not get anything less than a 200cc, and preferably with big wheels and/ or long wheel base.
The Aprilia Scarabeo 200 would be a good candidate for that.
I used to go on the highway with my old Piaggio BV200 and was doing easily 80mph.

AWinn6889 wrote:I will not, by any means, take my 170i on the highway.
I am even wary of taking our Sportster 1200 on the highways.
IMHO you are just too small, and not visible enough for it... and one thing that every rider I know/have known has told me is "they are all out to kill you," not literally of course, but people in cars seem to be way too distracted these days to see that little shiny thing diagonally behind them... or in front of them for that matter.
Your best bet is a maxi scooter, covered in chrome and reflective tape, with flashing lights and sirens... surrounded by a impenetrable bubble shield, and rainbow unicorns.

Welll, if visibility is your prime concern, there are ways to get around that by wearing a reflective vest (which I have) and putting on reflective tape on the scooter. And indeed, turning on your lights always (e.g., daylight running lights which are required in Canada) will help too.

However interstates fall under federal guidelines, and I believe its 150cc

2wheelNsanity wrote:I to am looking to expand my job serch parameters and will need a larger scooter than my 170i. I'll be handing it down to my college student in the spring.
I have been researching this for a month now and have narrowed it down to either the Vespa GTS 300 super or the Piaggio BV 300. These scoots, according to reviews, will handle freeway speeds with relative ease, and thy're small enough to still have good city manners. As far as fuel economy goes the 300's can expext 60-70mpg.
As far as the maxis are concerned I noticed the 500+ scooters fuel economy is less than 55 mpg and some as poor as 45mpg.

In the end I think I'll go with the Piaggio even though I want the Vespa, dang economics

I haven't looked at the models you listed. I will though since I want to know more about freeway-able scooters. But, have you considered the Piaggio MP3? It's a three-wheel scooter (two wheels on the front). I think those are freeway worthy. I saw them in Paris and though, wow, those are excellent motorised transport!

---------

update:

I just checked out the Piaggio BV300 and that looks like a great scooter! And, the cost is 1/2 of the MP3, so I can understand why one WOULDN'T want to consider the MP3 for the sole purpose of being able to ride freeway speeds.

In Paris, I've even seen MP3's with some sort of detachable shell that prevents rain from getting in. Really, really neat!

dsmith65 wrote:However interstates fall under federal guidelines, and I believe its 150cc

is that right? then I'll have to dig deeper because according to the email I received from NCDOT, that's not the implied case. But in any case, 150cc would seem to be the minimum cc needed to go at highway speeds anyways.

I have responded to NCDOT's email to me asking them to clarify if this is true for federal interstate freeways within North Carolina.

dsmith65 wrote:However interstates fall under federal guidelines, and I believe its 150cc

No, this is incorrect. There is no federal standard for what vehicles can operate on limited-access highways. Traffic laws are entirely up to the states and municipalities.

(For example, in Michigan it is legal to ride a 125cc scooter on any Interstate, US, or other limited-access highway. It isn't necessarily a good idea in most circumstances, and you might get ticketed for impeding traffic if you're doing 50mph in a 70mph zone in heavy traffic, but you won't be cited for violating the law specifying what vehicles are permitted.)

By the way what's a reasonable amount of time to expect to be able to get a full-fledged motorcycle endorsement on the driver's license when including taking the MSF basic rider's course? Would say within a month be reasonable?

Dooglas wrote:

pugbuddy wrote:I believe State Highways require at least 125cc. It might vary from state to state though.

Definitely varies from state to state. There is no federal rule. Some states have minimum displacement rules for divided highways - others do not. Some states have no displacement rules and have minimum speed rules instead. Check with your state's DMV.

It's sensible. I ride cross-country on State Highways on my 125cc Buddy. However, many people are not comfortable doing something like that. If you're going to commute a long way and do it regularly, you seem to be considering things properly IMHO. A 300cc scooter will probably make better sense for you.

teabow1 wrote:Okay, I got a response from NCDOT (North Carolina Department Of Transportation):

Any two-wheeled vehicle that has a larger than 50 cc engine and can exceed 30 mph is considered a motorcycle in North Carolina, and they are required to be registered and inspected, and all drivers are required to have a motorcycle endorsement for their license as well as insurance.

This is what confuses me about states that have a law written like this (Maryland's is written differently). A Honda Met, for instance, is under 50 cc, but can go well over 30 mph. So what is it - a "moped" or a motorcycle? The key is maybe the "AND" in the definition - "larger than 50 cc engine AND can exceed 30 mph". A motorcycle is something that meets both criteria, but a "moped" is both under 50 cc's AND not capable of exceeding 30 mph. What is something that meets one criteria but not the other. It is ambiguous.

teabow1 wrote:

AWinn6889 wrote:I will not, by any means, take my 170i on the highway.
I am even wary of taking our Sportster 1200 on the highways.
IMHO you are just too small, and not visible enough for it... and one thing that every rider I know/have known has told me is "they are all out to kill you," not literally of course, but people in cars seem to be way too distracted these days to see that little shiny thing diagonally behind them... or in front of them for that matter.
Your best bet is a maxi scooter, covered in chrome and reflective tape, with flashing lights and sirens... surrounded by a impenetrable bubble shield, and rainbow unicorns.

Welll, if visibility is your prime concern, there are ways to get around that by wearing a reflective vest (which I have) and putting on reflective tape on the scooter. And indeed, turning on your lights always (e.g., daylight running lights which are required in Canada) will help too.

Have and do all of these things, that's why I am telling you. I have been riding two wheels for most of my life, I know all the good stuff to do to keep myself visible. I also have reflective taped the crap out of my scooter (and past bikes, for that matter), my helmets, my milk crates, etc etc, but am still seemingly invisible to other motorists on average roads, let alone highways, during the day AND at night. Oh, and my "dead lights" are currently wired up as running lights... working on the relays to make them running turn signals.
But trust me, people will still "not see" you, no matter what you do with your lights, reflectors, clothing, etc etc.
I don't like to go into the stories of my family/friends/acquaintances that have lost their lives while riding, because it can be very discouraging to hear from a new rider standpoint. BUT there are quite a few that have passed, and most of them followed the general "over the top" precautions that I do, in addition to lots of chrome, and LOUD LOUD LOUD pipes.

teabow1 wrote:By the way what's a reasonable amount of time to expect to be able to get a full-fledged motorcycle endorsement on the driver's license when including taking the MSF basic rider's course? Would say within a month be reasonable?

This depends on either how far you want to drive to do it, and how booked up they are in your area. If you take and pass the MSF course, they give you a waiver to take to the DMV for your Motorcycle license. If you just go for the road test, it's a chunk out of an afternoon, but again, you have to pass. It will take you as long as you need to be able to pass, after you find out when you can actually take either the course or the test.

uncleralph wrote:

teabow1 wrote:Okay, I got a response from NCDOT (North Carolina Department Of Transportation):

Any two-wheeled vehicle that has a larger than 50 cc engine and can exceed 30 mph is considered a motorcycle in North Carolina, and they are required to be registered and inspected, and all drivers are required to have a motorcycle endorsement for their license as well as insurance.

This is what confuses me about states that have a law written like this (Maryland's is written differently). A Honda Met, for instance, is under 50 cc, but can go well over 30 mph. So what is it - a "moped" or a motorcycle? The key is maybe the "AND" in the definition - "larger than 50 cc engine AND can exceed 30 mph". A motorcycle is something that meets both criteria, but a "moped" is both under 50 cc's AND not capable of exceeding 30 mph. What is something that meets one criteria but not the other. It is ambiguous.

In states with such statutes, 50cc vehicles classified as "mopeds" (and usually subject to different licensing, registration and insurance requirements) are supposed to be restricted so they can only do 30mph. Most get de-restricted along the way. Technically, you can get ticketed in those states for going over that speed and not fulfilling the registration and other requirements for a non-moped/larger displacement vehicle.

2wheelNsanity wrote:I to am looking to expand my job serch parameters and will need a larger scooter than my 170i. I'll be handing it down to my college student in the spring.
I have been researching this for a month now and have narrowed it down to either the Vespa GTS 300 super or the Piaggio BV 300. These scoots, according to reviews, will handle freeway speeds with relative ease, and thy're small enough to still have good city manners. As far as fuel economy goes the 300's can expext 60-70mpg.
As far as the maxis are concerned I noticed the 500+ scooters fuel economy is less than 55 mpg and some as poor as 45mpg.

In the end I think I'll go with the Piaggio even though I want the Vespa, dang economics

Piaggio is, supposedly, bringing the new BV350 in to the US in the spring. It looks like the perfect mid-level machine.
EICMA link

teabow1, you may want to really think about this scooter purchase. Commuting in rush hour traffic at 70-80 mph on a bike by a new rider is a huge leap from being interested in a 50cc for be-bopping around town. I absolutely hate riding on the highway even though it's much safer than riding crowded urban streets (no stops/lights that other drivers blow through, everyone going in same direction, no one pulling out in front of you from a driveway or making a left turn into your right-of-way).

Why do I hate riding on the highway?
Well, there's the wind. It's physically exhausting. Then there's the speed. What about foul weather? I like riding in the rain but it's much more dangerous for everyone on the roadway. What about riding the dark?

If I had a highway/freeway/interstate commute, I'd have a bike over a scooter (mainly because I don't like maxis). I'd cough up the money and get a 650 twin. My 400 thumper gets blown all over the place and I often feel like there's not much left in her if I needed quick acceleration.

Why not take the class first? See if you even like riding a motorized two-wheel vehicle. Then get the job. Then get a cheap UJM. If you like it, save your money and replace it with something more fun. You're over-planning for a scenario that may not even happen...it's like you're in my head!

In general, I would suggest a maxi or some big-wheel scooter 300cc or up. I would suggest a maxi because of the weather protection and the huge storage some have.

Any of the Kymcos, 300cc & up, a Burgman, with the 400 probably being optimal or a Yamaha Majesty. A Burg 650, a Silverwing or a Tmax if your budget can stand it.

I like Italian stuff but it runs expensive and I believe the cliche about getting parts is still literally true.

When you think about doing a possible 50 mile commute, day in and day out, getting the minimum size scooter is probably not the best idea. The maxis have deep cushy seats, like a sofa.

If you're not shift-averse, you might consider one of the smaller cruiser bikes. I'm in a similar situation and currently ride a Honda PC800, which is just about perfect except it's over 20 years old. I am considering a bog-standard Harley 883 Sporter as being cheap enough, big enough, easily repaired and has a monstrous aftermarket so you can buy windscreens, storage and stuff you don't even need. Plus it has pushrods so no valve adjustment necessary. Ever.

Wow, this is really NMBR!

teabow1 wrote:By the way what's a reasonable amount of time to expect to be able to get a full-fledged motorcycle endorsement on the driver's license when including taking the MSF basic rider's course? Would say within a month be reasonable?

Absolutely. I took the MN permit test Sept 15 after reading the PDF once a day four days in a row and I took the MSF class Oct 22/23rd.


If you can find classes still running in your area it CAN be done.

Holy Cow . Ty siobhan for the info on the bv350 awesome!!!!!!!!!!
I luv my buddy but it does have limitations as we all do Teeeheee!

Edit: I'm in luv

If you must consider a maxi-scooter (the minimum for elevated/restricted access highway, IMHO and I ride my Blur everywhere), take a look at a used Honda Reflex (2001-2007). It's a liquid cooled 250, and while not the fastest thing in the world, it offers a nice combination of price (mine, a barn-find, was $400... not running), weight (necessary for the highway), and protection (fairing, again necessary for the highway). There is really only one performance mod that works on the Reflex (the K-mod, and it's free), and you are done. Reflex is big enough to be seen, and small enough to be used around town. It's got awesome headlights and amazing, car-like tail lights. ABS is available, as well as a "sport" version. There is a brilliant yellow color too, and I'm loving the idea of a yellow scoot for visibility.

The Metropolitan, as good as it is, doesn't hold a candle to the 50cc Buddy, so think carefully about that option.

In Michigan, one can take the written portion of the test and ride that day (with an endorsed rider, not at night, etc.) You can go and get the riding test that day (or simply present your MSF certificate) and be fully endorsed as soon as you can get back to the Secretary of State office and turn in your paperwork.

Good luck with your job/riding adventure, and asking here was a pretty good idea. Gather the information up and ask more questions!

siobhan wrote:teabow1, you may want to really think about this scooter purchase. Commuting in rush hour traffic at 70-80 mph on a bike by a new rider is a huge leap from being interested in a 50cc for be-bopping around town

I don't disagree with you one bit, which is why I've been "hemming and hawing" for a while now.

Indeed, I know I can get comfortable easily, with a bit of work of course, on a 50cc for commuting. As I mentioned, going at highway speeds for an inexperienced scooterist is a whole OTHER matter! I don't think it would be wise for an inexperienced scooterist, even one who has a motorcycle endorsement, to get on the highway. S/he needs some scootering experience down before tackling that highway.

A thinking I had was to get a 50cc and then upgrade (if at all) to a "freeway-able" scooter. Of course though, that will cost more money over time than simply purchasing an already "freeway-able" scooter.

I'll tell you the reasons I'm reluctant to get a car. I don't mind spending a big chunk of change for a car, BUT I do mind the very high recurring costs of
1. fuel
2. big carbon footprint (always found it stupid that we have so many people driving singularly to transport ONE human body (themselves) of about 100ish to 200ish pound using a 2-ton vehicle). In general, how fucked up is that? I realise for some people there is no way around (e.g., elderly, perhaps; and family with children; people who just cannot ride safely in a two-wheel, etc.)
3. relatively high insurance fees compared to a two-wheel
4. relatively high maintenance costs

siobhan wrote:teabow1

If I had a highway/freeway/interstate commute, I'd have a bike over a scooter (mainly because I don't like maxis). I'd cough up the money and get a 650 twin. My 400 thumper gets blown all over the place and I often feel like there's not much left in her if I needed quick acceleration.

Why not take the class first? See if you even like riding a motorized two-wheel vehicle. Then get the job. Then get a cheap UJM. If you like it, save your money and replace it with something more fun. You're over-planning for a scenario that may not even happen...it's like you're in my head!

1. Why would you prefer a bigger motorcycle over a bigger scooter? Are the riding dynamics that different?

2. Yeah, I think taking the class is a good idea. With regards to overplanning, well, maybe. But then again, the forum is here in a way to help us (me) brainstorm I have absolutely no experience with motorised two-wheelers and am throwing out thoughts I have about how to navigate this issue of two-wheel transportation.

3. Overthinking? I'm an academic. It's part of the job! LOL

2wheelNsanity wrote:Holy Cow . Ty siobhan for the info on the bv350 awesome!!!!!!!!!!
I luv my buddy but it does have limitations as we all do Teeeheee!

Edit: I'm in luv

yes, the pictures of the 300cc model and the 350cc model are quite nice. I like how it's still scooter-looking fun without the "attitude" that a motorcycle exhibits (at least to me).

But as another poster put it, Italian parts can come expensive, so I also have my concerns with regards to that

Alexbv200 wrote:I would not get anything less than a 200cc, and preferably with big wheels and/ or long wheel base.
The Aprilia Scarabeo 200 would be a good candidate for that.
I used to go on the highway with my old Piaggio BV200 and was doing easily 80mph.

+1 on staying above 200cc. For riding freeways around here, I'd want something even a little bigger, 250+.

Fortunately, there are a ton of great scooters in that class to choose from depending on your budget and other factors.

Rippinyarn mentioned the Reflex. The older Honda Helix 250s are amazingly reliable and can be found for under $2K in good shape. I know a couple of local riders who have garages full of bikes and scooters (BMWs, Piaggios, Vespas, enviable collections all around). They swear by their Helixes and put most of their miles on them! One has criss-crossed the country on his Helix a few times now including a couple Cannonballs.

Piaggio is, supposedly, bringing the new BV350 in to the US in the spring. It looks like the perfect mid-level machine.

BEAUTIFUL! I wonder what they sell for?

Does anyone have any experience with how well constructed/reliable Piaggio scoots are?

pugbuddy wrote:

Piaggio is, supposedly, bringing the new BV350 in to the US in the spring. It looks like the perfect mid-level machine.

BEAUTIFUL! I wonder what they sell for?

Does anyone have any experience with how well constructed/reliable Piaggio scoots are?

The quality of Piaggio construction is hard to match. They're usually very reliable, though the GTSs had a couple issues that resulted in recalls. This is a new engine, but much of the rest of this model is probably off the earlier BVs.

If I were in the market for a new maxiscooter, the BV350 is one of the few models that I'd put in the running. The under-appreciated Aprilia Scarabeo 500 is another. (The latter is actually a good value and I hear you can still get them at clearance prices from some dealers.)

I wonder why the 500 is so underappreciated? Price? Not many regular scoots can do the ton.

teabow1 wrote:3. Overthinking? I'm an academic. It's part of the job! LOL

haha, so am I...hence the back and forth we have!

Southerner wrote:I wonder why the 500 is so underappreciated? Price? Not many regular scoots can do the ton.

It's an Aprilia? The mark doesn't really mean much as far as scooters go in the US (with exception of SR50 which has a kind of cult base). For whatever reason, even among the Piaggio brands the BV500 is more popular but the same price ($6400).

Thanks to all for the great responses on some "freeway-able" scooters! Much appreciated. So here is a compiled list of the scooters that have thus far been recommended:

• Aprilia Scarabeo 200
• Piaggio BV200
• Buddy 125cc
• Piaggio BV350 (BV200, BV250, BV300, all in this range)
• Kymcos 300
• Suzuki Burgman
• Yamaha Majesty
• Honda Silverman
• Honda TMax
• Honda Reflex
• Honda Helix

Having taken a look at these models, my thoughts are this:

• I don't think I'd go for Maxiscooter. It's too big and too much scooter. I want the minimum possible while not risking being unsafe. So far, the Piaggio BV's look like a good choice although I don't exactly know. When I went to look at the Piaggio Fly 50cc, I was surprised at how much bigger it looked compared to the Buddy 50cc and the Honda Metro.

• I don't want to spend close to the amount that I can get a car. When I bought my first and only car, I bought it from Burke Leon, a used car salesman who has no frontshop and who goes to dealer-only auctions to purchase exactly the kind of car you want. Because of that, I was able to buy a one year old Toyota Corolla for $9,000 out the door! So, you can imagine my reluctance to spend something like $8,000 or so for a maxiscooter.

• A lot of very big CC scooters don't get much better mileage than a subcompact car! I'm quite disappointed in that regard So, I don't want the biggest CC. I want the smallest CC possible while still being freeway safe.

• I also want brand new. Some models suggested are no longer made and there are no brand new ones left. For a neophyte like me, a used scooter may not be the best thing to start off with because unless I can absolutely certain that the used scooter is going to run and be trouble free like a brand new one, I just wouldn't want that trouble. When I become more knowledgeable and have scooter experience down pat, then sure a used scooter is going to be a better deal.

• Despite all of this, I might still end up first getting a 50cc first. The difference now is that I'm not going to let the Honda Bonus bucks of $200 off the Honda Metro make me feel I need to make a decision in a hurried way. So, if I find out in January 2012 that hey I do need a motorised scooter 50cc, I'll get the Honda Metro or Vino even though it's pricier now than in December 2011. Old model to me doesn't matter. What matters is brand new.

Check:
topic20546.html

Shipping will probably be kinda hefty, but...

I don't know where you are located or what's available there, but you might consider used bikes.

My bike came from a reseller near Atlanta.

Here's an example:
http://www.wowmotorcycles.com/view-bike ... 1&source=S

Of course, all the caveats about used bikes apply.

I'll through this out there.
My 1985 Honda elite CH250 goes and goes. It tops out at 78+ interstate worthy, but not the best.
I bought it with another "like" scooter for $450 combined on craigslist. so it can be done, and done cheap.

Southerner wrote: I am considering a bog-standard Harley 883 Sporter as being cheap enough, big enough, easily repaired and has a monstrous aftermarket so you can buy windscreens, storage and stuff you don't even need. Plus it has pushrods so no valve adjustment necessary. Ever.

Wow, this is really NMBR!

883s are for girls

[/jab at manliness]

Alexbv200 wrote:I would not get anything less than a 200cc, and preferably with big wheels and/ or long wheel base.
The Aprilia Scarabeo 200 would be a good candidate for that.
I used to go on the highway with my old Piaggio BV200 and was doing easily 80mph.

Also keep in mind that some "200s" are not actually 200cc. Kymco's Like 200i has a "smaller" motor on it than the Genuine Buddy 170i (163cc vs. 168cc). While it has bigger wheels that would better fit highway speeds, it still doesn't have enough umph. So if you do look for something as small as a 200, make sure it is actually 200-ish (the Kymco People GT200i is 205cc, labeled 200, for example).

AWinn6889 wrote:

Southerner wrote: I am considering a bog-standard Harley 883 Sporter as being cheap enough, big enough, easily repaired and has a monstrous aftermarket so you can buy windscreens, storage and stuff you don't even need. Plus it has pushrods so no valve adjustment necessary. Ever.

Wow, this is really NMBR!

883s are for girls

[/jab at manliness]

Oh, I've heard it before, believe me. "Yeah, that's what I bought for my wife, etc. Practically justifies all the "jabs at manllness".

"Mine's bigger", indeed.

But I'm told that they're good for about 60mpg.

And I know of one girl who's done 100,000 miles on hers and it's still going.

Apologies. I drifted OT.

Southerner wrote:

AWinn6889 wrote:

Southerner wrote: I am considering a bog-standard Harley 883 Sporter as being cheap enough, big enough, easily repaired and has a monstrous aftermarket so you can buy windscreens, storage and stuff you don't even need. Plus it has pushrods so no valve adjustment necessary. Ever.

Wow, this is really NMBR!

883s are for girls

[/jab at manliness]

Oh, I've heard it before, believe me. "Yeah, that's what I bought for my wife, etc. Practically justifies all the "jabs at manllness".

"Mine's bigger", indeed.

But I'm told that they're good for about 60mpg.

And I know of one girl who's done 100,000 miles on hers and it's still going.

Apologies. I drifted OT.

It's all good, I was just poking fun. My boyfriend's 1200 Sportster Low Edition was one that was purchased by a couple... and the wife quickly found out that she liked riding on the back of her husband's bike better than riding her own. So the dealership bought it back from them with only 700 miles on it... so really, his IS a girl's bike

They are great though, if I went with a motorcycle, that's exactly what I was going to get, the 883. Sportsters are known for being super reliable, get better gas mileage, and there are lots of mods and other things that you can do to it, and you can find some nice used ones for extremely reasonable prices I love them.

Un-hijacking commence!

How would a 200 or 300cc scooter (e.g., Piaggio BV 300) compare to a 50cc scooter like Honda Metropolitan when both are ridden within the limits of 40mph?

In other words, pretend that the Piaggio BV 300 were restricted to 40mph, the same speed as the Metro 50cc. Is the Piaggio still going to be more difficult to handle than the Metro?

I ask this question because say that the handling of the two scooters are roughly the same at those speeds, it would seem to me to make sense to get the Piaggio BV 300 and restrict myself to only riding on non-freeway roads and fairly locally until I gain enough experience. This would be as opposed to say buying a 50cc, gaining experience, then upgrading to a freeway-able scooter (selling the 50cc). The second method would be more hassle and even more expense.

I plan on enrolling in the basic MSF locally. They offer classes now through December. Unfortunately they don't offer classes in January 2012 but do begin again in Feburary 2012. Ideally I'd take my class in January as opposed to December, but I'm out of luck here.

It depends on the rider.

When I was on a Honda Metro, I took a Blur 220 for a test ride and came back feeling it was huge and monstrous. I laugh at that now. Heck, the first time I tried out my bro-in-laws Fly 150, I thought it was soooo high compared to my metro.

I love my Blur 220. I feel super nimble and it's oh so flickable. (Then again, it's certainly meant to feel more sporty than other 150's/170)

Every scooter will be slightly different, but you'll quickly adapt to them as long as the physical fit is alright (you can reach the ground, for example).

I can't speak for maxi-class scooters, but I assume that most people would think that "you'll adapt." If you've never been on a scooter, you'll have nothing to compare it to. If you're on a 50 cc, (especially the tiny Metro) then everything will feel like a monster truck in comparison...until you get used to it.

The Blur is certainly bigger than the other Buddy scooters, and at 25mph it feels absolutely fine. I actually enjoy it more, because I know the engine has the "oomph" that the Metro didn't. (If I need to accelerate away from something, for example). Brakes are also better, etc.

There are benefits to the bigger scooters.

In my experience, a smaller lighter scooter is always easier to handle than a bigger heavier scooter. It's not only the heavier weight, but the longer wheelbase and bigger diameter tires that negatively affect handling. At least on city streets and slower speeds. The reverse is true for higher speeds and highway driving. Then you want a heavier scooter with bigger tires and a longer wheelbase.

A smaller, lighter, short wheelbase, small diameter tire scooter will always be easier and more manueverable.

teabow1 wrote:In other words, pretend that the Piaggio BV 300 were restricted to 40mph, the same speed as the Metro 50cc. Is the Piaggio still going to be more difficult to handle than the Metro?

The additional mass that makes a scooter more stable and safer on highways tends to make it less maneuverable.