50cc scooter that keeps up with traffic for commuting

vertt · 09-07-2012, 12:16 PM

I have a motorcycle and can't think of a better place to post this question... I would like to get a 50cc scooter that will be used to commute around town on roads where the speed limit is 45 mph with people driving anywhere from 40 to 55 mph. The reason I don't want a higher displacement scooter is because I don't have to get a plate for a 50cc scooter here in VA and because I can park it at a bicycle rack at work. It's also nice to have as a backup for my motorcycle and for short rides running errands. I understand that technically the 50cc scooters must not go faster than 35 mph to be excluded from the plate/registration requirements, but that's not the point of this thread!

I have been researching "fast" 50cc scooters and came up with Aprilia SR50 which seems to fit the bill. I really like the design and the reviews seem to be very positive with large aftermarket support, but it is not cheap at over 3K new. I would like to buy a used scooter and a used SR50 seems to be hard (impossible) to find in my area. I would like to see if there are any other scooters that I should be looking at with a similar performance as the SR50. I don't mind having to modify a couple of things to make it faster, but I do not want to spend a lot of money on aftermarket parts. Best case scenario would be something where I can do modifications in my garage with a few reasonably priced parts if necessary.

I am sure you guys have some suggestions?

bigalsmith101 · 09-07-2012, 01:10 PM

http://www.motopeds.com/

Ride the bitch to work, park it on the side walk, and never think about license plates again.

--Alex

vertt · 09-07-2012, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigalsmith101

http://www.motopeds.com/

Ride the bitch to work, park it on the side walk, and never think about license plates again.

--Alex

If i lived in Manhattan I would rock one of these. For commuting, I need something with lights, turn signals and that can keep up with suburban traffic.

Photog · 09-07-2012, 01:50 PM

If you can find a Kymco Super 9 LC (the later ones were air cooled) you'd have a fairly feisty little commuter.

Mine works in the same sort of parameters you gave....posted 45, with flow of traffic being 40-50. In dense traffic or downtown stop-and-go I actually (gasp!) pass people. Only on the long stretches where people are hitting 55 in a 45 did I have to watch my back. Otherwise, it really did well and was my daily driver for a while. Still have it, just not riding it since it needs autochoke/bistarter work.

Indicated top speed was probably an optimistic 47..cruised at 40-43 comfortably. Nice build quality.

FBOA ride report.

ragtoplvr · 09-15-2012, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigalsmith101

http://www.motopeds.com/

Ride the bitch to work, park it on the side walk, and never think about license plates again.

--Alex

Ohlins had one of these at the BMW rally, with Ohlins suspension of course.

way cool. They make big bore kits,

tortoise2 · 09-07-2012, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vertt

The reason I don't want a higher displacement scooter is because I don't have to get a plate for a 50cc scooter here in VA and because I can park it at a bicycle rack at work. It's also nice to have as a backup for my motorcycle and for short rides running errands. I understand that technically the 50cc scooters must not go faster than 35 mph to be excluded from the plate/registration requirements, but that's not the point of this thread!

Can't legally have it both ways . . "gaming the system" may have the consequences of legislative changes. Maryland example.

thunderkat59 · 09-07-2012, 04:55 PM

An Aprilia is the gold standard for 50's, and the Super9 isnt far behind. The Super's water pump will fail
eventually if its an LC model, but thats no big deal to fix. Deresricting is a little more complicated, though . . .
I have a 2 stroke Eton Beamer III that was derestricted with just the snip of the green wire on the CDI unit.
On a good day it will get 43mph (real, radar varified) totally stock. These can be had for 1300 new.
Its sort of a Zuma/Minarelli Jog knock-off, but not chinese.
Riding a 50 in traffic is a rush and an adventure. Using momentum and picking lines, I own city traffic

It's the same type of fun you had in 1969 on your first Honda mini-trail ride.

I'd recommend it because it's cheap and the usual pipe/jet and variator parts are available for it.

Best small bore site on the web: http://www.49ccscoot.com/

Photog · 09-07-2012, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thunderkat59

The Super's water pump will fail
eventually if its an LC model, but thats no big deal to fix. Deresricting is a little more complicated, though . . .
l

Not really. Cut the rev limiter, remove the bushing.

knucklehead90 · 09-07-2012, 05:58 PM

JMHO but I'd rather not play in traffic that is potentially faster than me. It can get dangerous if you piss off people in cages and causing delays. I'd get a 70-110 and tab it and be done with it. Whats life an limb worth? Those little 50's aren't the most visible vehicle on the street either. For city traffic that does no more than 35 they are great.

vertt · 09-07-2012, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knucklehead90

JMHO but I'd rather not play in traffic that is potentially faster than me. It can get dangerous if you piss off people in cages and causing delays. I'd get a 70-110 and tab it and be done with it. Whats life an limb worth? Those little 50's aren't the most visible vehicle on the street either. For city traffic that does no more than 35 they are great.

Tab it? Not sure what you mean?

InlineSkate · 09-08-2012, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vertt

Tab it? Not sure what you mean?

Plate and tab. Essentially registering and getting license plate.

vertt · 09-08-2012, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InlineSkate

Plate and tab. Essentially registering and getting license plate.

Right, but hat defeats the main purpose of a small displacement scooter - being able to park downtown on a bicycle rack.

Warney · 09-07-2012, 06:15 PM

Stock Kymco People 50 2T will do around 45 on the level.

RFLIVES · 09-07-2012, 07:51 PM

where in va are you located I have a Yamaha C3 with a 70cc kit on it for sale. She will cruise @ 45 at 3/4 throttle with my 190lbs on it.

vertt · 09-07-2012, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RFLIVES

where in va are you located I have a Yamaha C3 with a 70cc kit on it for sale. She will cruise @ 45 at 3/4 throttle with my 190lbs on it.

Richmond.

09-07-2012, 12:16 PM	#1
vertt ^OP Adventurer Joined: Mar 2010 Oddometer: 25	50cc scooter that keeps up with traffic for commuting I have a motorcycle and can't think of a better place to post this question... I would like to get a 50cc scooter that will be used to commute around town on roads where the speed limit is 45 mph with people driving anywhere from 40 to 55 mph. The reason I don't want a higher displacement scooter is because I don't have to get a plate for a 50cc scooter here in VA and because I can park it at a bicycle rack at work. It's also nice to have as a backup for my motorcycle and for short rides running errands. I understand that technically the 50cc scooters must not go faster than 35 mph to be excluded from the plate/registration requirements, but that's not the point of this thread! I have been researching "fast" 50cc scooters and came up with Aprilia SR50 which seems to fit the bill. I really like the design and the reviews seem to be very positive with large aftermarket support, but it is not cheap at over 3K new. I would like to buy a used scooter and a used SR50 seems to be hard (impossible) to find in my area. I would like to see if there are any other scooters that I should be looking at with a similar performance as the SR50. I don't mind having to modify a couple of things to make it faster, but I do not want to spend a lot of money on aftermarket parts. Best case scenario would be something where I can do modifications in my garage with a few reasonably priced parts if necessary. I am sure you guys have some suggestions?

09-07-2012, 01:10 PM	#2
bigalsmith101 Studly Adventurer Joined: Sep 2009 Location: Romping around AUSTRALIA Oddometer: 679	Get a motorized bike.... http://www.motopeds.com/ Ride the bitch to work, park it on the side walk, and never think about license plates again. --Alex __________________ SEATTLE TO ARGENTINA 2010 THE BLOG !

09-07-2012, 01:50 PM	#4
Photog Charismatic Megafauna Joined: Oct 2003 Location: Cackalacky Oddometer: 46,036	If you can find a Kymco Super 9 LC (the later ones were air cooled) you'd have a fairly feisty little commuter. Mine works in the same sort of parameters you gave....posted 45, with flow of traffic being 40-50. In dense traffic or downtown stop-and-go I actually (gasp!) pass people. Only on the long stretches where people are hitting 55 in a 45 did I have to watch my back. Otherwise, it really did well and was my daily driver for a while. Still have it, just not riding it since it needs autochoke/bistarter work. Indicated top speed was probably an optimistic 47..cruised at 40-43 comfortably. Nice build quality. FBOA ride report. __________________ Only an XR1200 owner knows why Cthulhu hangs its head out a car window. Like I like. Yep.

09-07-2012, 04:55 PM	#7
thunderkat59 Cooter on a scooter Joined: Dec 2011 Location: ♘ ④⓪②⓪⑤ ♘ Oddometer: 1,184	An Aprilia is the gold standard for 50's, and the Super9 isnt far behind. The Super's water pump will fail eventually if its an LC model, but thats no big deal to fix. Deresricting is a little more complicated, though . . . I have a 2 stroke Eton Beamer III that was derestricted with just the snip of the green wire on the CDI unit. On a good day it will get 43mph (real, radar varified) totally stock. These can be had for 1300 new. Its sort of a Zuma/Minarelli Jog knock-off, but not chinese. Riding a 50 in traffic is a rush and an adventure. Using momentum and picking lines, I own city traffic It's the same type of fun you had in 1969 on your first Honda mini-trail ride. I'd recommend it because it's cheap and the usual pipe/jet and variator parts are available for it. Best small bore site on the web: http://www.49ccscoot.com/ __________________ Current ☞ Eton 50 & 2008 Burgman 400 For Sale or trade for ☞ Classic euro scooter ? ♬ Past ☞ CL175, Bridgestone100, CR250, DR650, GS500, YZF600, RR900, ZX900, XL883, FXST, Stella150 ☭☮☯♋

09-07-2012, 05:58 PM	#9
knucklehead90 Adventurer Joined: Mar 2012 Oddometer: 94	JMHO but I'd rather not play in traffic that is potentially faster than me. It can get dangerous if you piss off people in cages and causing delays. I'd get a 70-110 and tab it and be done with it. Whats life an limb worth? Those little 50's aren't the most visible vehicle on the street either. For city traffic that does no more than 35 they are great. __________________ 2008 650 Burgman Executive 2007 Yamaha Majesty 1971 Karmann Ghia 2001 Harley FLHTCUI 'Sold'

09-07-2012, 06:15 PM	#13
Warney Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Jun 2010 Location: Omaha, Ne Oddometer: 442	Stock Kymco People 50 2T will do around 45 on the level.

09-07-2012, 07:51 PM	#14
RFLIVES Adventurer Joined: Oct 2010 Location: Northern VA Oddometer: 70	where in va are you located I have a Yamaha C3 with a 70cc kit on it for sale. She will cruise @ 45 at 3/4 throttle with my 190lbs on it.

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