I've looked at a lot of scooters

[hillbillybear]

I've looked at a lot of scooters the past few days, primarily the Kymco 250 S, SYM HD200, and the Citycom 300. I think in ways, all three bikes are a lot alike, and yet they are very different. I looked at google maps again and came to the realization that as long as I poked along in no big hurry, a Buddy 150 would meet my needs. There are many, many lane/lane and a half roads throughout the three or four counties where I will be doing most of my riding. As long as I can hit these roads and know where I'm headed, there should be no problem. On the other hand, if I'm in a hurry then I'm better off not riding the scooter anyway. There's a lot of deer in my area anyway. Riding fast, especially during the rut is not a good idea. And it seems as though most of the jerks are on the main roads anyway. I also learned a bit today by researching. It's a given that scooters cost more per cc than a big bike. But I would've thought the maxi scooters would've supported a good amount of weight for a couple of middle aged chunkies looking to do a bit of middle distance riding. Not to be. If the info. I was given today is correct, the bigger bikes don't support much more weight, they're faster and that's about it. Am I correct on that? Thanks for all the help on the info from this site. And Cage, I've still not thoroughly read the FAQ. I hate reading on screen. But what I saw looked very professional. I'll print it up tomorrow. Thanks.

[siobhan]

Plenty of folks ride two-up on maxi-scoots. Look at:

Yamaha T-Max (500)
Aprilia Scarabeo (500)
Suzuki Burgman (400 or 650)
Honda Silverwing (600)

I don't know who told you that nonsense, but if you want to tour on one of the above two-up, you'd have no issues unless you bring everything and the kitchen sink with you.

They're not going to be as easy as the ones you listed in city traffic, but it sounds like you don't live in a city.

And yes, cc for cc, scoots are more expensive. It can get annoying when you're looking around and think, man I can get a completely done vintage Honda for less than a 1/2 a new Vespa. But then you remember, there's only so much space in the garage.

Good luck in your search!

[Lostmycage]

One thing to keep in mind is that scooters are a lot more common outside the US. That means that a lot of spec info on them is in metric. You probably got some misconstrued information on them. A lot of the MAxi-scoots have beefier AND adjustable suspension specifically catered towards two up riding. They also have a larger and more pronounced stepped seat, again specifically designed for two-up riding.

I've done the same looking around and I almost got a Citycom. One thing I can tell you to look for if you're looking for a 2-up bike is to bring your passenger along and get their input. That was the major factor in our decision making process... that and price. After I got my Buddy, we found out that my wife didn't want to ride by herself, so we had to adjust our riding plans accordingly. That meant a larger bike... and it meant that it had to be one that she felt comfortable on.

Ultimately, you'll need to make sure that the bike is going to do what you want it to do and that means buying one that's designed to do. You don't want to feel like you're "settling" for a model.

Have fun shopping!

[ericalm]

It really depends on the bikes and their individual specs. Two large people on, say, a GTS250 is do-able, but it may not be as comfortable as on a larger scoot and it will ride pretty poorly.

Most of the larger maxis have better seats for 2-up riding and larger (14"+) wheels which will make them better rides for this anyways.

If you're doing a lot of rural roads, also consider how cars and traffic are likely to handle coming up behind you. In some instances, a larger (faster) scooter may be advantageous out there.

I love small engined scooters and think they're perfectly suitable for most riders most of the time. As you probably saw on ModernVespa, those with larger scoots are heavily biased towards more CCs. It's kind of ridiculous, really. I'm 240lbs. (but not for long, I hope) and have no troubles getting around town on a 150.

When are you looking to buy? Genuine is coming out with a 280cc touring scooter, but we know very little about it at this point.

[Lostmycage]

Oh, I certainly wasn't implying that a small engined scoot isn't capable of getting around.

I was saying that if it's mainly 2-up or rural highway riding, a larger displacement should be considered.

I know a small scoot could do it, but would anyone really recommend one for constant 2-up riding instead of a bike with beefier suspension, brakes and a seat that'll hold 2 people comfortably?

Now, for around town 1-up riding, the small scoot is awesome; light and nimble. It's also perfectly capable of handling a passenger every now and again.

[ericalm]

I didn't mean you, Scarebear. I meant the CCists over on MV.

[gigi]

sym lists the max carrying capacity for the rv250 at around 240 lbs. it handles well with 2 up @ around 375#. dealer told me that wt. limit was required to get dot certified but that it was an arbitrary figure. still works . power is nice to have on country back roads when you need it and the lights are the best i found on any scooter. the buddy and stella are better in traffic and tight spaces by a long shot. the sym 200 is a good compromise. the buddy is a LOT cheaper to fix.

[hillbillybear]

sym lists the max carrying capacity for the rv250 at around 240 lbs. it handles well with 2 up @ around 375#. dealer told me that wt. limit was required to get dot certified but that it was an arbitrary figure. still works . power is nice to have on country back roads when you need it and the lights are the best i found on any scooter. the buddy and stella are better in traffic and tight spaces by a long shot. the sym 200 is a good compromise. the buddy is a LOT cheaper to fix.

Gigi kinda nailed it guys. The manufacturer sets the weight limits for the bikes. I've called around about the Silver Wing, Majesty, and the 400 and 650 Bergmans. The Honda dealer has not called me back yet. But the 400 Bergie without ABS is the only one we could ride within the manufacturers recommendations. The curb weight is 417 and GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) is 910. My wife is a bit chunky at 210 and I'm a bit chunky at 255. The reason for wanting to go two up is she has fibromyalgia, mild arthritis and DOES NOT do well when she gets chilled. I kinda think the physical problems might go away if I could get her out of WV and move to west Texas. The air is drydrydrydry. As well, she has a lot of family and personal crap going on. Getting out of here would do wonders for her. So two up would be the best. BUT, at the same time, piloting her own scooter may do fantastic things to make her feel better while we are here. I know how I feel when I ride through the hills and the gaps in the Allegheny Mountains. Can't leave for 4 years until my son graduates. But Gigi also made the point that these weight limits are set just to get the bike DOT certified. So running 30 pounds over the limit wouldn't mess with anything other than maybe causing the tire to wear out a thousand miles sooner than it shoud've. I really want to get her involved in scootering. I think the best course of action would be to get a Buddy 150 and teach her to ride. And if after two or three weeks, she won't dismount, then I need to get a second Buddy. If she does get off but she now knows more that ever that she wants to ride, but as a passenger rather than as the pilot, then I may get a maxi. Whatever happens, I want it to help her with her problems. And one more thng, I have my situations as well. I've not been up on a bike in years. I think getting up is going to be a great thing for both my wife and I. The Buddy, first, maxi second. Oh yeah, don't know if I mentioned it or not. If she does want to pilot her own bike, the Buddy will set her free. She is only 5' 2". Good bike. Great bike for short people. I imagine I'll stick around on this forum. Thanks guys and gals.

[Syd]

...I kinda think the physical problems might go away if I could get her out of WV and move to west Texas...

But then you'd be stuck in W Texas!

[hillbillybear]

I really enjoy my home state. WVs parks system is second to none. Most of the people are friendly. I'm just tired of all the cold weather. I've been watching the weather for TX and it gets much colder than what I thought but I believe on avg. Its still going to be 10 to 15 degrees warmer in ElDorado TX than it is in St. Albans, WV. I think I could get make do with one car. I rid a Buddy year round down there. I have no family left in WV save for my youngest son. I'd like for him to move with me, if we move. NOW, as for where you are from. That looks like Nevada. Can't really tell cause I'm on my cell. Lonliest road in America. I think I'd take TX, as long as its west TX. Anywhere south and west of
Mason, TX would suit me. Quiet, country and warm for the most part.

[hillbillybear]

Just heard back from the Honda dealer today. Max carrying capacity of the Silver Wing is 378 lbs. And that is for an $8500 scoot.

[hillbillybear]

Just heard back from the Honda dealer today. Max carrying capacity of the Silver Wing is 378 lbs. And that is for an $8500 scoot.

[Rob]

Just heard back from the Honda dealer today. Max carrying capacity of the Silver Wing is 378 lbs. And that is for an $8500 scoot.

I don't know what the carrying capacity of the Scarabeo 500 is, but if I was in the market for a large scoot, I think I'd consider contacting Lostmycage's dealer. If they still have any remaining, he got a great deal on a great looking scoot. I think he's located in VA, so pick-up or delivery might not be out of the question for you.

Rob

[Rob]

I really enjoy my home state. WVs parks system is second to none.

Although I've only been to a WV state park once (a week long, company sponsored seminar at Hawks Nest), based on the singular experience, I would have to agree. I would really like to take the scoot and MC down to WV this summer and do some riding. Only problem is, I've been trying to find the time to take the ATVs to your fine state and take advantage of the Hatfield-McCoy trail system, which is supposedly second to none. Some day I'll either retire or win the lotto and start making some headway on the "things I want to do" list.

Rob

[hillbillybear]

Rob, Man that is funny. We live about 70 miles from Hawks Nest. It's not the best in WV but it is decent. Gorgeous views. We stayed the night this past weekend and took a drive the next day up to Summersville Lake. Lake is down to its winter pool level so it's not as pretty. Also drove down to the New River Gorge bridge. Wanted to take the narrow road to the bottom which we always do when we go by, but there was a couple inches of snow on the ground and coming down fast. We have some fantastic places in the state. Let me know if you need any help. There are some places I've not been, like the northern panhandle area and the eastern panhandle. But from what you are saying that is not the area you plan on going to visit. One thing about the Hatfield & McCoy Trail, from what I've heard, there are rangers that monitor and check speed on the trail using radar. If you are doing anything, and I mean anything, not within the law, they will ticket you. Now that is just what I've heard. Don't know how reliable it is. If you like to hike, backpack, and camp there may not be a better state in the east. Also fantastic for motorcycle camping. Some roads are low speed. As I said, let me know if I can help.