some basic qs about owning a scooter

damasovi · Apr 5, 2010

<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Cdamasovi%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><link rel="themeData" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Cdamasovi%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx"><link rel="colorSchemeMapping" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Cdamasovi%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml"><style>  </style> Hi guys, I have some basic qs about owning a scooter.<o></o>
I have been looking at scooters to dam long and have some questions. <o></o>
How do scooters compare to bikes in terms of suspension, those 10 tires how do they work? How to care for then? And any short comings? <o></o>
I have my eye on 2 Hondas, 125 cc elite or 100 cc beat, so I rather get 100 mpg than go 100 mph. this would be my citys ride and odd weekend tourer (200-300 miles in rural 2 lane roads)<o></o>
Thanks for the info<o></o>
Damasovi <o></o>

xymotic · Apr 5, 2010

damasovi said:

<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Cdamasovi%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><link rel="themeData" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Cdamasovi%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx"><link rel="colorSchemeMapping" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Cdamasovi%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml"><style>  </style> Hi guys, I have some basic qs about owning a scooter.<o></o>
I have been looking at scooters to dam long and have some questions. <o></o>
How do scooters compare to bikes in terms of suspension, those 10 tires how do they work? How to care for then? And any short comings? <o></o>
I have my eye on 2 Hondas, 125 cc elite or 100 cc beat, so I rather get 100 mpg than go 100 mph. this would be my citys ride and odd weekend tourer (200-300 miles in rural 2 lane roads)<o></o>
Thanks for the info<o></o>
Damasovi <o></o>
Click to expand...

Smaller tires are easier to control, but harsher in bumps. Modern scooters have a good suspension, but they are not dirt bikes and they are not racers.

They are a lot of fun though

ernest t bass · Apr 5, 2010

I've driven in Ensenada and i think the relative speed of traffic would make a 250 a minimum for me.
Find a Used Helix - Known for lasting Zillions of miles.
It would be fine for around town in Ensenada, and would make the trip to La Paz or Cabo if necessary.
If you need to ride dirt roads, use a dirt Motorcycle instead.

damasovi · Apr 5, 2010

wow fast answers

i have a klr so dirt is cover, and i had a 125 honda bros so get ok with low speeds i only need 30 mph and these will do 40-45 so need for a helix, (not my type) i would rather get another 125 honda bros or a Cargo, they work for domino's and local papers...

thanks and keep it coming

approachbears · Apr 6, 2010

I own and ride both big and small wheeled scooters (well, the big wheeled Aprilia is my wife's, the Honda and Vespa are mine). I prefer the responsiveness of the smaller wheels. It just feels right in town.

I've found over time that I'm more concerned about rear suspension than front. But that's not a bad thing since rear shocks are much easier and cheaper to upgrade than the front if you don't like the stock setup. I put an aftermarket rear shock on my Honda Ruckus and hit the speed bumps no problem. Of course, those are American speed bumps...I've encountered some topes in Mexico that would be uncomfortable even in my 4x4 pickup!

125 or 100cc will either be fine. Plenty of acceleration and a decent top speed for the kind of riding you're describing. More engine size gives you even more top speed, but then you start getting into a bigger sized vehicle that's less fun in traffic.

notdave · Apr 6, 2010

it depends how bumpy your roads are. it can be annoying after a while. imagine short suspension and small tires for 1 hour long riding...not to mention the seating position is different from a bike so it kinda jolts you on deep bumps.

other than that you are on the right path by buying a honda

damasovi · Apr 6, 2010

Yes the poth holes, to be honest for the last years that has not been a problem for were I ride in Ensenada, the last 2 mayors have put a lot of money in improving our streets so I don't over worry about it.

Thanks and keep it coming

damasovi

Quickv4 · Apr 6, 2010

Could you possibly get a Ct90 with a blown motor and put a Lifan 125 or 150 in it?

damasovi · Apr 6, 2010

Quickv4 said:

Could you possibly get a Ct90 with a blown motor and put a Lifan 125 or 150 in it?
Click to expand...

it is difficult to find a ct90 with a blown engine, does things last for ever and then put a Lifan motor? what is that? chinesse? sounds like I would be paying more money that I want and since I am mechanicly retard I would rather buy a Italika scooter (chinesse made? with mexican labor)

But thanks for the suggestion

See you, and keep it coming

damasovi

techguy · Apr 8, 2010

I have a Kymco with the larger wheels and like the feel of it. I would stick with Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kymco and Vespa if you are looking for a scoot to ride as opposed to a new "hobby" of shade tree mechanic. It all really depends on what look you want and what price you are willing to spend.

Most, not all but more than 90% IMHO, of the china-scoots are money pits. Lifan makes a pretty good engine and the scoots by Fly seems pretty OK. Genuine imports the LML scoots and they are pretty good for the price. The new Stella 4T is nice looking.

Keep looking a Craigslist and you will find something that that fits your needs, looks, and pocket-book requirements.

approachbears · Apr 8, 2010

Quickv4 said:

Could you possibly get a Ct90 with a blown motor and put a Lifan 125 or 150 in it?
Click to expand...

He's in Mexico, so if he wanted something Honda Cub-like, he could just get a Honda Wave (the underbone bike that replaced the old Cub in many regions). But it sounds like he wants an automatic.

haasenpfeffer_93 · Apr 8, 2010

approachbears said:

He's in Mexico, so if he wanted something Honda Cub-like, he could just get a Honda Wave (the underbone bike that replaced the old Cub in many regions). But it sounds like he wants an automatic.
Click to expand...

The classic Cub 90 is still sold in Mexico - http://www.honda.com.mx/motos/c90/. Not an automatic of course, but the auto-clutch makes gear changes pretty mindless once you get accustomed to how it works. 45+ mph, and 100+ mpg will be easy to achieve, and the 90 will also have cheaper maintenance at longer intervals than most modern style scooters.

Roose Hurro · Apr 8, 2010

some kid said:

The classic Cub 90 is still sold in Mexico - http://www.honda.com.mx/motos/c90/. Not an automatic of course, but the auto-clutch makes gear changes pretty mindless once you get accustomed to how it works. 45+ mph, and 100+ mpg will be easy to achieve, and the 90 will also have cheaper maintenance at longer intervals than most modern style scooters.
Click to expand...

This is why I have my eye on the SYM Symba...

kawasakifreak77 · Apr 8, 2010

I just got my first scooter a week ago, a 1986 Honda Elite 150 standard. Being used to a 440 pound UJM, getting used to how insanely flickable it is took a bit. Tiny little tires & a short wheelbase makes it to where you can do a u-turn almost on the hood of a car.

Once I got used to that, I have to say I'm enjoying mine a whole freak'n bunch! I'm not making near 100 mpg, but I'm also running WFO almost all the time.

fullmetalscooter · Apr 9, 2010

most scooter that do over 45 don't get that high MPG. 60 to 80 normal . a CT110 gets 80. 50CC gets you 100mpg but no more then around 45 mph.

approachbears · Apr 9, 2010

some kid said:

The classic Cub 90 is still sold in Mexico - http://www.honda.com.mx/motos/c90/. Not an automatic of course, but the auto-clutch makes gear changes pretty mindless once you get accustomed to how it works. 45+ mph, and 100+ mpg will be easy to achieve, and the 90 will also have cheaper maintenance at longer intervals than most modern style scooters.
Click to expand...

Yes, but I mentioned the Honda Wave because it takes the things that many people seem to like about the Cub and improves/updates them. Most Americans don't know about them since they were never imported here or they are more interested in the nostalgia.

But, lets end the thread hijack and get back to his original question. He's looking at the Honda Elite 125 and the Honda Beat 100. Unfortunately, neither of those are sold in the US. The Elite 125 basically shares only a name with the Elite 110 in the US market. Perhaps some non-Americans or Americans who have ridden these things while overseas can chime in.

damasovi · Apr 9, 2010

guys thanks for the options.

I have narrow to these two basicly for the reasons of price and comfort. The Wave it is chaper than the Beat and Elite, how ever I don't know how I fit on one. and I could see myself on one.

I like the Kymkos, that Super 8 150cc looks hot, how ever I think I would be paying to much to have it legaly in Mexico, US price + some 400-600 USD importation fee, that puts it above what I want to pay.

The CT90 is just a air over the Elite that is over the Beat. The Beat gets better MPG that the Elite, and only is down 1 HP.

THanks for all and keep it coming

Damasovi

YamaGeek · Apr 9, 2010

some kid said:

The classic Cub 90 is still sold in Mexico - http://www.honda.com.mx/motos/c90/. Not an automatic of course, but the auto-clutch makes gear changes pretty mindless once you get accustomed to how it works. 45+ mph, and 100+ mpg will be easy to achieve, and the 90 will also have cheaper maintenance at longer intervals than most modern style scooters.
Click to expand...

I'm suprized that the Honda CM90 is still only a 3 speed transmission. and it's also 4 cc's less in displacement compared to the older CT90 engine.

I'm hoping they've made improvements in the fuel system and suspension, but it's looking a lot like a Passport.

@ trying59 The larger engined (>80 c.c.) bikes can get close to 100 mpg, you have the control to do so in your right hand.

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some basic qs about owning a scooter

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some basic qs about owning a scooter