Is there a big difference between 100, 125 and 150

[jbjbmom]

Originally, I was looking at just getting a 50cc, for two reasons: I didn't have to get a motorcycle endorsement and I am a brand new rider and thought I would feel more comfortable on a 50cc that could not go as fast. I don't plan on riding it on roads that are more than 40mph and even then I figured I could go 35mph on those roads.

However, a dealer is trying to talk me into going to a 150cc. After looking online at my preferred brands: Kymco, Adly, and Daelim, I see there are actually 125's and 100's.

Is there a difference between these? Because I am a new rider and weigh about 140lbs should I go with a 100 or 125 which to me seems smaller (but that is just my guess based on numbers) or are they basically the same as a 150 between the size and power.

[Aerostudent]

Well, most 125's are comparable to 150s in performance, but the 125's may be just a bit lighter/smaller scooters. For even 35mph roads, I wouldn't touch a 50cc 4 stroke, but a 50cc 2 stroke might be ok, but if you are a new rider, then a 2 stroke would probably not be for you as some are higher maintainance than 4strokers. I believe the 100cc scooter you are refferencing is a 2 stroke, again, it will be a bit lighter, but 2 strokes make a lot more power than a 4 stroke.

I would look at the 125s/150s (all/99.9% are 4 strokes, they are a bit slower, but get better gas mileage than a 2 stroke) they are not all that big, and are pretty easy to handle as well. I have riden a 50cc 2 stroke and it was still pretty slow and felt WAY too small to be safe.

I would look at the buddy 125, and the Kymco 125s. The dealer is probably right in that you really should get something a bit bigger than a 50. Most 50's TOP SPEED is around 35mph, while a 150cc can top 50mph. Running any vehicle at it's top speed all the time, is bad for the engine and WILL drastically shorten the engine's life, that is why I suggest a 125+, they really aren't THAT fast, just don't get a Hayabusa OK?! ;D

Just my $0.02

Aero

[madwolf]

Get something more powerful than you need, because keeping a small motor like that in its top end all the time will wear it out.

Also if you scoot is like mine i get drastically better fuel economy when Im not topping out my RPM's.

Also if you have Hills at all you'll need more power for those as well.

BASICLY my opinion is that America isn't built for anything smaller than a 125. Everything is spread out even when its close togeather.

I LOVE my 150.

[gy6rocket]

Not a big difference, but a noticeable one.

Personally I would go for the 150, I also love mine.

She sucks down the gas at full throttle but once I'm at 50mph I can maintain that with half throttle and get great mileage.