Help this scooter n00b

Dances With Roads · 10-25-2005, 09:09 AM

Lookin' to buy for the kid. I have no idea about this stuff but since this is gonna happen, I need some advice...

New or used? How much should I pay?

What make is trouble free and safe (good brakes, stable ride)?

45 mph is fast enough?

(I will probably end up getting one myself a little later on)

Thanks in advance!

Reed

ilmostro · 10-25-2005, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dances With Roads

Lookin' to buy for the kid. I have no idea about this stuff but since this is gonna happen, I need some advice...

New or used? How much should I pay?

What make is trouble free and safe (good brakes, stable ride)?

45 mph is fast enough?

(I will probably end up getting one myself a little later on)

Thanks in advance!

Reed

Used.
How much can you afford?
Reputable manufacturer. Honda, Yamaha, Aprilia, Vento, Kymco...
Yes (and fun)

jktpa · 10-25-2005, 04:22 PM

Just remember scooters are like guns they are not a toy but a tool. Yes they are fun but so is a 1911A1 a Winchester 1300 pump. My Dad bought me my first gun when I was 10 the SOB never would let me have a two wheeled vehicle while I lived in his house. Teach Your Children Well!

Dances With Roads · 10-25-2005, 08:59 PM

I am asking myself these questions: How important is the disk brake? Does the ABS really work? For how long? How much travel do I need in the suspension? Will I be able to get parts?

I rode the little Ruckus today. I liked the smooth four stroke honda motor, but was a bit disappointed in the short suspension. I need to ride some more of these dandies. Perfect though for the 18 YOB. We are looking at the Vino in the AM.

We are buying something tomorrow!

donsolo · 10-26-2005, 02:11 AM

get something used....Yammy's are nice tho...The vino can be upped nicely.

I want one

4SEVEN3 · 10-26-2005, 04:40 AM

Id opt for the ruckus........lots of customizing can be done, both looks and performance. The fun never ends!!!!

JohnTM · 10-26-2005, 05:04 AM

did you say 18 year old male? DO not buy the Metropolitan. Especially not the Hybiscus.

Big Ruckus!!!!!

ilmostro · 10-26-2005, 05:32 AM

Zuma.

Bad ass look with the knobbies and the dual headlights. As he grows into the bike you can hop the thing up like crazy. 70cc kit, carb, pipe, variator, gear-up kit...

Photog · 10-26-2005, 12:41 PM

Another vote for the Zuma.

It's tough, easily modded, cool-looking, can be thrashed down a dirt road or around the usual backyard dirt track, and commutes well. Huge following worldwide so there's lots of online support. They made two models, essentially--an earlier version with recessed headlights and the "bugeye" current model. Both owner groups argue incessantly which one is better.

Honda, Yamaha, Kymco, Piaggio--all good brands. Vento is an excellent "clone" brand--great entry-level bike that's tough enough to stick around for a number of years.

Most of these bikes are restricted to the moped-legal speed of 30mph, but usually a CDI and variator mod like a bushing swap (usually takes about 10 minutes) bumps them up to their original top ends of 40-45 mph. Just ask your dealer (or seller) if the bike is restricted or de-restricted. And find out from the DMV what that means in your state.

Getting 6-10K miles out of the stock 2T motor like on the Vento, Zuma, etc. is easy assuming you aren't focused on destroying it, and a rebuild/upgrade is $400 and up for a 70cc kit that includes pipe, clutch/springs, variator upgrades, piston/rings, and cylinder.

Many of the 2T bikes (particularly the clones, like UM, Vento, etc) are based on the Minarelli Horizonal (Min-H) motor which is reliable and tough. Honda has gone to their 4T motor, which is slower but much cleaner and has insanely long maintenance intervals.

Kymco offers a 2-year warranty on their scoots.

Budget for the right safety gear and the MSF class.

On most 45mph roads, a cruise of 40-43 is fine for flow of traffic, and most 2T's can be modded to cruise at 45-50. Most 2stroke bikes have enough oomph off the line to leap ahead of traffic so that they get to the next stop light with the herd. I had a Vento Zip R3i that did about 40 on average and I had no trouble handling commutes and errands.

On a scoot you'll learn to read traffic, manage your speed, and corner safely by depending on finesse, technique, and heads-up riding instead of depending on technology and displacement. I've never felt outgunned on my Vento--maybe underpowered, but never felt like I was on an incompetent bike. Ridden well, a scoot will carve through traffic like a hot knife through butter.

The "ABS" on the Ventos and other similar clone bikes is actually some sort of overpressure valve--but it works in its own brute-simple way. ABS on the high end bikes is more in line with what we're used to for ABS--brain box, etc.

For suburban zipping around the Ruckus is hard to beat. I think it's the cult bike of recent times. The numbers don't add up--price, top end--but in real life it's so damned endearing and mod-worthy that I'd give it a good look. For carrying books, groceries, and knocking around, it rocks.

Joe Dirt · 10-26-2005, 01:34 PM

Nothing here to argue with but I'll throw my $0.02 in for the Zuma. I just purchased one and have been very impressed with it. In its stock form I have no trouble with 35 mph areas but I've been a little hesitant to get on the 45 mph roads. I live in an urban area and in that environment the Zuma totally rocks! I'm nearing the end of my first tank of fuel.....which I purchased in August! The scoot is too much fun to merely dismiss it as efficient transportation though.

BTW, the Vino has the same engine as the Zuma in certain years. I'm not sure which years because I think the Vino went 4-stroke at some point.

Oh yeah, I avoided 4-strokes when I was shopping. My friend just bought a Vespa ET4 which I like very much though and I think maybe I wrote them off too quickly. But I love the 2-stroke power delivery, simplicity, and ofcourse the smell.

ilmostro · 10-26-2005, 01:34 PM

Did I mention I have a Vento and a Ruckus for sale?

dieter von hexhead · 10-26-2005, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilmostro

Did I mention I have a Vento and a Ruckus for sale?

Motozilla is after a ruckus, need to figure a way to get that out west...

ilmostro · 10-26-2005, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dieter von hexhead

Motozilla is after a ruckus, need to figure a way to get that out west...

UPS

Radar did it with a Jeep on M*A*S*H

Get Gasbag to bring it out next time he heads to MX

dieter von hexhead · 10-26-2005, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilmostro

UPS

Radar did it with a Jeep on M*A*S*H

Get Gasbag to bring it out next time he heads to MX

Not a bad idea, gaspipe needs to come take my '82 KTM off my hands.
I see a plan coming together...

Dances With Roads · 10-26-2005, 10:34 PM

Well now...

We got the Vento GT5!! Little two stroker with lots of extras.

Anti theft, anti lock, disk, big alloy looking wheels and tires, three inches in the front suspension, nice informative RID, neat expando pipe w/silencer AND it even came with a nice cover. Fit and finish are impressive and that thing is fun to ride! I WANT one!!

Anyone want to buy a really nice 328is?

10-25-2005, 09:09 AM	#1
Dances With Roads ^OP mild observations Joined: Feb 2005 Location: Fort Collins, CO Oddometer: 3,695	Help this scooter n00b Lookin' to buy for the kid. I have no idea about this stuff but since this is gonna happen, I need some advice... New or used? How much should I pay? What make is trouble free and safe (good brakes, stable ride)? 45 mph is fast enough? (I will probably end up getting one myself a little later on) Thanks in advance! Reed

10-25-2005, 04:22 PM	#3
jktpa X-Troller Joined: Jun 2002 Location: Fla. Left Coast Oddometer: 715	Just remember scooters are like guns they are not a toy but a tool. Yes they are fun but so is a 1911A1 a Winchester 1300 pump. My Dad bought me my first gun when I was 10 the SOB never would let me have a two wheeled vehicle while I lived in his house. Teach Your Children Well! __________________ Knick Low Tech-Hi Fun F800GS M696 ET4

10-26-2005, 02:11 AM	#5
donsolo MasterOfLosingMaps Joined: Oct 2005 Location: Between NYC and Boston Oddometer: 156	get something used....Yammy's are nice tho...The vino can be upped nicely. I want one __________________ 1994 Yamaha Riva 125

10-26-2005, 04:40 AM	#6
4SEVEN3 Studly Adventurer Joined: Jul 2003 Location: Whitsett, NC Oddometer: 996	Id opt for the ruckus........lots of customizing can be done, both looks and performance. The fun never ends!!!! __________________ John 2005 Piaggio Typhoon

10-26-2005, 05:32 AM	#8
ilmostro Under Da Sea Joined: Mar 2003 Location: Atlanta, GA Oddometer: 29,235	Zuma. Bad ass look with the knobbies and the dual headlights. As he grows into the bike you can hop the thing up like crazy. 70cc kit, carb, pipe, variator, gear-up kit... __________________ I've got stay the fuck out of it written on a stone tablet in my bedroom. - Con Stapleton

10-25-2005, 08:59 PM	#4
Dances With Roads ^OP mild observations Joined: Feb 2005 Location: Fort Collins, CO Oddometer: 3,695	I am asking myself these questions: How important is the disk brake? Does the ABS really work? For how long? How much travel do I need in the suspension? Will I be able to get parts? I rode the little Ruckus today. I liked the smooth four stroke honda motor, but was a bit disappointed in the short suspension. I need to ride some more of these dandies. Perfect though for the 18 YOB. We are looking at the Vino in the AM. We are buying something tomorrow!

10-26-2005, 05:04 AM	#7
JohnTM I suck toes Joined: Oct 2001 Location: Cornersville, TN Oddometer: 29,206	did you say 18 year old male? DO not buy the Metropolitan. Especially not the Hybiscus. Big Ruckus!!!!!

10-26-2005, 12:41 PM	#9
Photog Charismatic Megafauna Joined: Oct 2003 Location: Cackalacky Oddometer: 46,039	Another vote for the Zuma. It's tough, easily modded, cool-looking, can be thrashed down a dirt road or around the usual backyard dirt track, and commutes well. Huge following worldwide so there's lots of online support. They made two models, essentially--an earlier version with recessed headlights and the "bugeye" current model. Both owner groups argue incessantly which one is better. Honda, Yamaha, Kymco, Piaggio--all good brands. Vento is an excellent "clone" brand--great entry-level bike that's tough enough to stick around for a number of years. Most of these bikes are restricted to the moped-legal speed of 30mph, but usually a CDI and variator mod like a bushing swap (usually takes about 10 minutes) bumps them up to their original top ends of 40-45 mph. Just ask your dealer (or seller) if the bike is restricted or de-restricted. And find out from the DMV what that means in your state. Getting 6-10K miles out of the stock 2T motor like on the Vento, Zuma, etc. is easy assuming you aren't focused on destroying it, and a rebuild/upgrade is $400 and up for a 70cc kit that includes pipe, clutch/springs, variator upgrades, piston/rings, and cylinder. Many of the 2T bikes (particularly the clones, like UM, Vento, etc) are based on the Minarelli Horizonal (Min-H) motor which is reliable and tough. Honda has gone to their 4T motor, which is slower but much cleaner and has insanely long maintenance intervals. Kymco offers a 2-year warranty on their scoots. Budget for the right safety gear and the MSF class. On most 45mph roads, a cruise of 40-43 is fine for flow of traffic, and most 2T's can be modded to cruise at 45-50. Most 2stroke bikes have enough oomph off the line to leap ahead of traffic so that they get to the next stop light with the herd. I had a Vento Zip R3i that did about 40 on average and I had no trouble handling commutes and errands. On a scoot you'll learn to read traffic, manage your speed, and corner safely by depending on finesse, technique, and heads-up riding instead of depending on technology and displacement. I've never felt outgunned on my Vento--maybe underpowered, but never felt like I was on an incompetent bike. Ridden well, a scoot will carve through traffic like a hot knife through butter. The "ABS" on the Ventos and other similar clone bikes is actually some sort of overpressure valve--but it works in its own brute-simple way. ABS on the high end bikes is more in line with what we're used to for ABS--brain box, etc. For suburban zipping around the Ruckus is hard to beat. I think it's the cult bike of recent times. The numbers don't add up--price, top end--but in real life it's so damned endearing and mod-worthy that I'd give it a good look. For carrying books, groceries, and knocking around, it rocks. __________________ Only an XR1200 owner knows why Cthulhu hangs its head out a car window. Like I like. Yep.

10-26-2005, 01:34 PM	#10
Joe Dirt Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Oct 2003 Location: Winston-Salem, NC Oddometer: 234	Nothing here to argue with but I'll throw my $0.02 in for the Zuma. I just purchased one and have been very impressed with it. In its stock form I have no trouble with 35 mph areas but I've been a little hesitant to get on the 45 mph roads. I live in an urban area and in that environment the Zuma totally rocks! I'm nearing the end of my first tank of fuel.....which I purchased in August! The scoot is too much fun to merely dismiss it as efficient transportation though. BTW, the Vino has the same engine as the Zuma in certain years. I'm not sure which years because I think the Vino went 4-stroke at some point. Oh yeah, I avoided 4-strokes when I was shopping. My friend just bought a Vespa ET4 which I like very much though and I think maybe I wrote them off too quickly. But I love the 2-stroke power delivery, simplicity, and ofcourse the smell. __________________ 2007 KTM 990 Adventure Average Joes View Of The World

10-26-2005, 10:34 PM	#15
Dances With Roads ^OP mild observations Joined: Feb 2005 Location: Fort Collins, CO Oddometer: 3,695	Well now... We got the Vento GT5!! Little two stroker with lots of extras. Anti theft, anti lock, disk, big alloy looking wheels and tires, three inches in the front suspension, nice informative RID, neat expando pipe w/silencer AND it even came with a nice cover. Fit and finish are impressive and that thing is fun to ride! I WANT one!! Anyone want to buy a really nice 328is?

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