Rattler for Commuting

ModernRocker · Post by **ModernRocker** » Fri Jan 08, 2010 3:55 pm

I am ready to pull the trigger on a Buck Ten but want a little feed back first....
I commute 20 miles one way to work as much as I can on two wheels, May through October. (Northern Michigan snows kinda slow it down in other months )
My ride is through the country with 55 mph roads and only ONE stop light. Some hills (For Michigan) and all paved roads. Now the question...

Will the Rattler two stroke hold up with this type of riding? The other scoot I am thinking of is the Zuma 125. Is this a better choice? I really like the simplicity of the 2-T as it needs very little maintenance. (I think....I base this on my chain saws that I abuse and flog and they rairly let me down!)

Thoughts?

B02S4 · Post by **B02S4** » Fri Jan 08, 2010 4:50 pm

2 lane 55 mph posted is pushing a Rat.

bigbropgo · Post by **bigbropgo** » Fri Jan 08, 2010 8:58 pm

B02S4 wrote:2 lane 55 mph posted is pushing a Rat.

I hate to agree but I do. 55mph country roads turn into 70-75 mph roads real quick. And if someone thinks you are slow they will pass, on a 2 lane its a bit scary. I love my scooter and know you would have a great time but the rattler is an urban assault scooter probably not a mid to long range commuter. Others may disagree, just my opinion.

bigbropgo · Post by **bigbropgo** » Fri Jan 08, 2010 9:04 pm

Welcome to MB.

laxer · Post by **laxer** » Sat Jan 09, 2010 2:38 am

I ride on an industrial 50 mph road and do ok, some of the cars get a little impatient, but for the most part it's alright.

Like others have said, if traffic is regularly going 70-75, then you're going to be in trouble, but if people usually only bump to 60 or so, then you'll be alright.

jmkjr72 · Post by **jmkjr72** » Sat Jan 09, 2010 5:20 am

im a zuma owner z50 not the 125
so im on the zuma boards all the time

i say get the rat and not the z

heck with just a bit of work my z50 was runing 60 mph and out of the box you will maybe get 60 out of a z125

once the mod bug gets you the cost of moding the fi 125 will get very expensive

some down sides to the 125
no kick start
there is a known fuel pump issue
the ele system is borderline it cant handle the very commone dual head light mod

ModernRocker · Post by **ModernRocker** » Sat Jan 09, 2010 1:31 pm

Thanks for the info. Maybe a little more info.....

Because we have so many deer up here in Michigan, my speeds may be down to 45 for some of the mileage. Once I hit the main road, I'll be trying to go the posted 55mph. Cars traveling on this road will usually do around 60 but because of low traffic volumes, passing is not to scary.

The other reason I really like the Rattler and Zuma are the "off road" ability of the scooters. (BTW: is this true or do they just look like a dual sport?) I'm not talking about trail use but dirt road exploration.

The third reason is I am looking for something light enough to put on the back of my motorhome. The air cooled, two stroke scooters are light enough to do this with ease. (And not overweight my hitch.)

The reality of the commuting thing is that I have motorcycles and would use them some of the time so the scoot would not be a 5 day per week machine. The more I think about it....I just really want a scooter and I should get the one that fits my personality. For some wierd reason I like the smell of two stroke in the morning.

jmkjr72 · Post by **jmkjr72** » Sat Jan 09, 2010 2:19 pm

i live in rural north east wi
and i spent a year comuting 30 miles one way on a z50 on 55 mph roads
the first year of the scoot it was all stock and i had no issues
now granted i had to pay attention to cars coming up on me

i have a freind with a rat 50 and we have gone trail riding together and they both seem to do fine off road now with the limited suspension travel i wouldnt go a jump them
i did get more agressive tires for my z50 becasue i like to go riping down farm lanes
then you have to consider
z125 about $3200 1 year warranty dry weight 207 lbs

rattler about $2700 2 year warranty with road side assistance

plus this is only the second year of the fi system on the z125 i know guys have had to weight a long time for factory replacment parts while the z125 is under warranty as yamaha hasnt built up a parts invontory state side just yet

Keys · Post by **Keys** » Sat Jan 09, 2010 5:08 pm

Here's my two cents worth...

I have had to rebuilt the engine in my Rat 110 twice. Both times I had ridden the 50 miles to Flagstaff and back. The plug read good...not too lean or too rich, but the piston and cylinder both were badly scored and the rings fused. This would indicate either too lean or not enough oil. I was also adding a wee bit of oil to the gas, so I'm thinkin' that wasn't it, either.

Called the scooter mechanic I respect the most at ScootOver in Tucson yesterday, and he said that if you run a 2-stroke with the throttle pinned for mile after mile, that's what's going to happen. He also rides 2-stroke motorcycles in desert races and says that that is a common issue. Most of the racers gear their bikes way up to the point where they cannot reach top RPM in high gear (to reduce engine wear) to compensate. He suggested perhaps heavier roller weights could do the same thing.

Bottom line, though, is that these little 2-strokers are not designed to function at top RPM (55 mph, give or take) for miles on end. If that is what you need, I'd recommend a 4-stroke bike like a Buddy or SYM HD200 or something like that. I put over 14,000 miles of long distance travel on a Buddy 125 in a 12 month period, so I know they can take it.

--Keys

MacJac · Post by **MacJac** » Sat Jan 09, 2010 11:19 pm

<The reality of the commuting thing is that I have motorcycles and would use them some of the time so the scoot would not be a 5 day per week machine.>

My 2 cents - If you think the Rat fits your personality, get it for that reason and for the fun of a 2T. If you have motorcycles - can't you use those for getting to work? And if you're not doing any mods, obviously your weight can effect top end also.

kellertattoo · Post by **kellertattoo** » Mon Jan 11, 2010 8:40 pm

I have been commuting with mine since last febuary and am still riding as long as it does'nt snow. I only have to go about 3 miles one way, so my rat is perfect for this small town. I rarely need to get it up to 50mph but i love to when I get a chance. I do get it up to 45 quite often and its awesome in traffic at 35 to 45, I have no troubles keeping up or even passing cars and Im a pretty big dude!With mods I hear you can get a little more outta this thing, which is what im looking to do next summer! whoo!

kellertattoo · Post by **kellertattoo** » Mon Jan 11, 2010 8:41 pm

Also a formosa saddle bag is what I use for storage and a homemade rubbermaid topcase. I can fit so much on this little rascal! and the bags and case lock.