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Post by amodoko on Jun 5, 2010 7:55:49 GMT -5
Just got my first scooter, and like many states, Missouri doesn't require you to register your scooter, get insurance, get a Motorcycle endorsement, or wear a helmet if it's a 50cc scooter. But it also can't have more than 3 horsepower, and it can't be able to physically go above 30mph on flat ground.
The thing is my stock scooter is 50cc, has 3.2 hp, and can go 43mph on flat surfaces (according to my speedometer). So really, it's illegal to drive it without insurance, registration, motorcycle endorsement, and helmet. But after looking into, almost all scooters go above 30mph, or at least a ton of them do. You think I'll have trouble with the law? Has anyone here been ticketed for not registering your 50cc scooter simply because it can go above 30mph?
I just don't know if I should be worried about it.
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Post by Bluefront on Jun 5, 2010 9:32:55 GMT -5
I ride a 50cc myself and have talked to others who do. The consensus.... you won't get stopped unless you're going over the posted speed limit, driving erratic, violating other laws, doing stupid stuff.
The cops won't pull over a scooter without plates unless the scooter "looks" bigger than the usual 50cc. So you're pretty safe for the most part, even if you're going over 30mph......but YMMV.
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Post by lshigham on Jun 5, 2010 12:04:57 GMT -5
Over here (UK) you can riding a 125cc at 17 with a Provisional license and L plates. If a cop sees you doing say 60 they assume you are on a 125cc, and won't pull you over if you aren't doing anything dangerous.
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Post by lshigham on Jun 5, 2010 12:05:34 GMT -5
*replaces the ''ing'' of riding with a ''e''*
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Post by tomcas on Jun 5, 2010 13:13:51 GMT -5
I don't think you'll have any trouble but be smart and slow down when you see a cop. I put 5000 miles over a couple years on a 90cc two stroke Geely that the Chinese snuck in as a 50cc and not once did I get stopped even though 90% of my riding was done flat out between 45 and 50 mph. Of course I never pushed my luck and would slow down those few times when I'd see a cop. Even though its not the law I'd still suggest you wear a helmet.
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Post by nickiemcnichols on Jun 5, 2010 13:32:18 GMT -5
Hard to resist, but don't go over 30.
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Post by ♣Luke♣ on Jun 5, 2010 13:59:47 GMT -5
very good advice from tomcas, be smart and alert,when you see a cop,easy on the throttle. IMO, cops don't really give too much attention on scooters and scooterists on the road. even if you go way or little above 30mph they won't even notice it because scooter motors are basically quiet. unlike those 50cc streetbikes or whatever,they can be very noisy, vrooom!!vrooom! so most of the time they get the cops attention when going above 30. you know cops get mad when they are awaken in the midst of their deep sleep inside their patrol car.lol,kidding. so, yah,and wear helmet for your protection. bottomline,,don't take chances.
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Post by tortoise on Jun 5, 2010 14:20:18 GMT -5
should be worried about it. Related article. A variator spacer is one speed restriction method . . item 7 in this diagram.
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Post by amodoko on Jun 5, 2010 16:23:24 GMT -5
Ok cool, thanks for the info. I think I'm just going to be safe, never go above the speed limit, etc. I still plan on going 40 where the speed limit is 40, but I don't think I'll take the scoot on places where the speed is much higher than that just so I don't push my luck and go too fast. Sounds like it isn't much to worry about as long as I don't speed, thanks, hopefully I won't get into any trouble:)
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Post by scootergrandma on Jun 6, 2010 10:03:13 GMT -5
Also, get a helmet. You do NOT want to fall down without one. I had a 50cc Yamahopper in 1979/80 and got hit by a car that didn't see me (I don't know HOW they didn't see that gigantic candy-apple red metal flake helmet I was wearing, you could see that damn thing from space). Anyway, when my head hit the ground, I can tell you that I would not be here today if I had not been wearing my helmet. I was only going 22 miles an hour when I was hit, and the guy that hit me was only going about 10 miles an hour (he was making a turn and turned right into me).
Get the helmet. You will never regret getting it... and don't ever put yourself in a position to regret NOT getting it.
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Post by worldtraveler100 on Jun 6, 2010 20:04:15 GMT -5
All good advice above. Especially the helmet part. BTW if you are in So Mo check out our scooter club. Link below.
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Post by earlwb on Jun 7, 2010 11:19:32 GMT -5
You may want to check your speedo accuracy. Many of the 50cc scooters had speedos that tended to be very optimistic. Get someone to pace you from behind and try cruising at 30mph and WOT and see what they say you were doing as to miles per hour.
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Post by tortoise on Jun 20, 2010 19:01:33 GMT -5
Las Vegas NV Craigslist posting . . .
"Date: 2010-06-20, 9:59AM PDT Reply to: see below
Sorry Dude. Scooter Guy is right.
I got nailed on Craig Road on my 50cc Motobravo doing 52 in a 45 zone. No, my scooter is not modified. It really goes that fast on a flat grade after a tune-up and valve adjustment. I'm not a 300 pound fatty that outweighs my scooter. Although, they are fun to watch going down the road.
I had no insurance, no registration, no motorcycle endorsement, and I had a scooter helmet that I found out was NOT DOT approved. I was sighted for each of these violations in addition to speeding (I took that ticket with pride!). I now have 3 more payments of $325 each to pay to the city for my tickets. (I didn't know you make payments until this happened!) Total was just over $1500 for everything. What a deal.
I now have all stuff to make me legal. It sure did cost me though"
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