Fat guys and Scooters

[conradthebarbarian]

I am a big guy. 390lbs. I am not fat cause I am lazy and don't take responsibility. I used to play a lot of sports, I used to be in the Army, worked physical jobs all my life and more. I am a big framed guy with a lot of muscle, but I have a good helping of fat on top of that. However, I mainly started gaining weight because I was in a car accident a couple years ago and it messed me up. Since then it has been hard to move around and do anything physical. So I have put on more weight than I would like.

I am now going through physical therapy that is FINALLY helping and I want to get a scooter. My wife got a Genuine Buddy 125cc pink scooter and I got a bit of a chance to ride around on it and I definitely enjoyed it. I want to get one for her and I to be able to take rides through the park on and use for small errands like going to doctors appointments or going to the store for that one or two items.

I want to know what scooter might be best for me. More so I just want one that can hold me, let me go around 70 max (so I can take it on the interstate if needed) and not break down on me cause I overloaded it.

Anyone have any suggestions?

(BTW, I am in talks with someone about a 2006 Roketa Bali 150cc but I dont know if that would be the best option. I also am not looking to spend a lot of money. We just bought the wife's scooter so we are kind of broke)

Thanks

[90GTVert]

70 max with a 390lb rider and a passenger... I'd suggest looking into the big scoots, like a 400-600cc Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki. Look around for deals used. A 150 will not cut it for your needs. I'm 300lbs myself and it takes a big toll on performance. A 250cc may get somewhere closer to what you need (maybe some 250 owners can chime in), but I think a 400+ would be a better choice for those speeds with that weight on the interstate.

[conradthebarbarian]

Thanks for the heads up. The 150 cc Roketa Bali Touring (he was offering to sell it for $800 with just 120 miles on it) was looking good and according to the person I was looking to buy it from the max load (as told by the scooter printing) shows 400lbs., and that he has had him and his wife (around 190 and 130lb totalling 220) on it and has no sluggishness or trouble at all.

I have heard people say that you can overload a scooter a hundred or two hundred points without too much concern.

[orehor]

At around 8000 rpms my Yamaha Morphous will do about 70 with me weighing 200lbs. You'd definately want something bigger than a 250. Whatever ya get I'm sure you will enjoy it, it's a nice change of pace.

[SylvreKat]

I've got a 16"-wheeled 200cc scoot. I've had it up to near 55 without being close to WOT, but I'm well under 200 lbs (not nice to ask a lady her age or her weight, fellas! |‹* ) It supposedly can go 75 max. My Harley friend Dan is considerably bigger than me, but he wouldn't say how fast he had my scoot when I asked him to take it faster for me.

Based on this though, I'd have to agree that you need to look for something much more powerful than a 250cc.

I know smorkles just got a Honda Silverwing 400cc for a darn good price (although NOT $800!!). I'd suggest you work on paying off your wife's scooter and start saving for yours. And keep your eyes open for that great deal. I know you want it now, and waiting's gonna' be real hard. But follow Dave Ramsey's advice--don't listen to your inner kid stomping his foot saying "I want it I want it!!" Keep in control, don't get emotionally invested, and you'll keep the bargaining power on your side. Always be ready to walk away. Never let the seller know how much you want it. And if you can save up to buy outright with cash, then you have the ultimate bargaining power.

Btb, the Roketa guy probably wasn't lying. His likely wasn't sluggish or trouble. It just wasn't fast either.

>'Kat

[hardd1]

take a look at a Baccio Pilot 150cc........long seat...14" wheels

[Bluefront]

Take the advice about engine size. If you really want to cruise at interstate speeds, you'll need at least a 400cc scoot/bike. You might do 70 on something smaller, but not on hills, with a head-wind, with a passenger, all loaded down for camping, etc.

It's a different ball-game on the interstates.....with cars and trucks going 80+mph all the time.

[ltsride]

maybe ask this guy

[carlitosgy6]

Nov 6, 2010 19:12:42 GMT -5 ltsride said:

maybe ask this guy

this is the super scooter man!

[bobpt]

Let's do the math.

Doing physical therapy to improve mobility and function and possibly lose some weight = walking in the park.

Riding scooter around in the park ≠ losing weight.

Scooter that can go 70 mph with a 390# person ≠ any 150cc scooter.

Scooter that can go 70 mph on interstate carrying 390# person ≥ 400cc scooter.

"not break down on me cause I overloaded it " = breaking down because it was overloaded.

Overloaded scooter breaking down (frame) at speed = bad news.

Scooter that can go 70 mph on interstate + carry a 390# person and not break down from overload + be inexpensive = X

Bob

[4denise]

Being big can be quite a frustrating experience, especially if you are that way naturally. I think you're going to have to go with a bigger bike, but try them out and check the maximum weights on them all. You have my sympathy. I am a naturally big (not fat) person, with an unusual amount of muscle, even without working out. I am now fat, as well (which I don't like). I am female, though, so I don't have it as bad as a man who has the same problem. Men are just plain bigger than women. My Roketa works very well for me, but I don't weigh anywhere near what you do. I also have different needs. I don't need to go on the freeway. If I did, the Roketa would not be sufficient. Don't rush into anything, or you could wind up with something that won't meet your needs.

[fuwad84]

I AM fat cuz im lazy and DONT take responsibility. I ride a Roketa 150 MC 04 "Fiji". It has a capacity of 380 and Im able to go about 55 mph and get REALLY REALLY close to death. ANYWAY have you considered a Trike, its like a scooter only with 3 wheels, can drive on the highway and you wont have to worry about overloading it since it does have like an actual car suspension - or atleast one similar...get something in 250cc.

OR you can check out the Roketa MC 54 250cc it has a capacity of 383 pounds (I think you can be a lil over plus your losing weight anyway right?) and can get up to 68 mph. Hope that helps Good luck fellow fat man

[ce]

Awesome scoot there, fuwadiddy. I hope yer wearing a helmet when you go screaming by the Grim Reaper on the Highway to Hell.

[fuwad84]

I actually have a shiny black half helmet under the seat...but I rarely wear it unless I know I'm gonna be going faster than 35 - for around campus I'm stuck in a 20 mph zone and I'm usually only going a few blocks down roads I've trans-versed dozens of times.

[D-cat]

My worst head injury ever was on a bicycle at walking speed. I was riding and talking with some friends who were walking next to me. My front wheel went over small drop into a patch of sand, and to my utter surprise I was flipped over the handlebars. My helmet was strapped to my luggage rack; I too didn't think I needed it going so slow on a path I had negotiated successfully over a dozen times. A 4" gash across the forehead set me straight.

The ground doesn't care what you are riding and little for your speed. Nor does that car that that doesn't see you and hits you at 30+. I would be a hypocrite to insist on you wearing it all the time, but I do think that it is appropriate to share the story so readers at least know there is a real risk to not wearing a helmet when riding at any speed. The decision remains yours.

[SylvreKat]

Amen D-cat.

I just went down Hallowe'en late afternoon. I was negotiating the roundabout (I *HATE* roundabouts!), going maybe 10 mph. My rear wheel suddenly slipped sideways, and down we went, sliding into the curb. Poor Pija took 'most all the damage. My jacket and pants have zero damage except the slightest of scuffs that I only found by shifting them around and finally getting the light just exactly the right way to spot the scuffs. My helmet has light scrapes on the left edge/hinge of the visor.

Had I not worn my helmet despite going about a mile around the block and no faster than 30, I think I'd still be sporting a nice scab on my temple.

Depending on the laws in your state, it is indeed your choice. But I prefer my skin intact and where God placed it, rather than left on the street/car/curb/fill in as appropriate. My choice is always always don the helmet, the jacket, the pants, the boots, the gloves. But then, I'm neither crazy-young anymore nor a guy (this based on what my friend told me, how young men tend to do stupid things on their bikes just for the sake of stupidity, whereas now that he's older he does--to me--stupid things for--to him--legit reasons)
*****
Meanwhile Conrad, I've been thinking about you wanting to hit the interstate. I really think you need to look at 400cc bikes. If your interstate traffic is anything similar to ours here, 70 mph isn't going to be enough. Not even on a level stretch. Then you get to any hill and that speed drops to something pretty dangerous around semi's and SUVs still going 70+++.

Of course, just 'cause your bike would be bigger doesn't mean you can't still ride with your wife on hers.

>'Kat

[eldmon2008]

The only way my wife would let me buy a scooter was if I wore a helmet any time i was driving:) I wouldn't want to ride without one now!

[goodharbor]

Hi eldmon2008,

That's funny about your wife. When I was going for my M endorsement and signed up for the MSF course, my wife said "no motorcycles", but she was fine with a "scooter". I'm thankful for 150cc scooters ! Few people know that as far as the experience is concerned, there is no difference. When I'm sitting on the seat, cruising a nice country road at 40 to 50 mph, I'm not looking at myself or the bike (well, maybe the handlebars and panel) ... just enjoying the journey.

[orehor]

Had 3 people ask me about my scooter today while at work, always fun talkin about my Morphous to others lol. I rode without a helmet a bit when I first got it. Thankfully I was wearing it in my 15mph wreck. I wear it all the time now, I also always wear my cheap gloves and my heavy leather winter coat. Boots and pants are a priority to get now. My left foot got some serious road rash in my wreck. I came real close to breaking it.

ATGATT "All the Gear, All the Time"

[fuwad84]

...thats bad wording great but my commute is literally 10 minutes - hence I have the scooter. Ok when the weather is bad or if I know its gonna be busy I put on my helmet - but honestly it takes me nearly as much time to take it outta the seat and put it/take it off place in back in seat as it does for me to get to were Im going. I understand safe but I just dont see myself getting into a wreak on roads were everyone is going 20 mph. Especially since I scooter like an old lady.

[SylvreKat]

Nov 10, 2010 21:27:24 GMT -5 fuwad84 said:

... my commute is literally 10 minutes - ... - but honestly it takes me nearly as much time to take it outta the seat and put it/take it off place in back in seat as it does for me to get to were Im going. I understand safe but I just dont see myself getting into a wreak on roads were everyone is going 20 mph. Especially since I scooter like an old lady.

My trip would've been about five minutes around. Took me probably 10-15 to get totally geared up. Would I have had road rash on my body? Judging by my jacket and pants, maybe a little light rashing at my knee. But judging by the scrapes on my visor (yes, slight, but still), I'd've had a pretty spot on my temple that would've been raw and oozy and gross and then nicely scabby.

And trust me that I am most definitely NOT an aggressive rider. Comes from never even riding as a passenger before getting my bike a couple years ago. Also comes from only putting on 2100 miles in these past 2.5 years (due to various reasons, from a couple surgeries to weather nonconducive to inexperienced riding). Mostly, comes from being a fairly timid personality.

The fact is, you can go down just as easily slow as fast, short trip or long.

Absolutely, you do what feels best for you. Just don't deceive yourself that because your trip is slow and short, you won't have a wreak. My little five minute/one mile trip proves otherwise.

>'Kat

[orehor]

my wreck involved just me laying my scooter over goin 15mph, 6 broken ribs a punctured lung and 3 torn ligaments in my left knee.

My ride to work is only one mile. I put on my gloves, jacket and helmet every time.

slow speed doesnt mean much to the road your hitting

[runningslow]

Nov 10, 2010 19:19:22 GMT -5 eldmon2008 said:

The only way my wife would let me buy a scooter was if I wore a helmet any time i was driving:) I wouldn't want to ride without one now!

I'm a Youth leader at my church, and when some of my kids found out that I had bought a scooter they told me I'd better have a helmet... and if I didn't, they'd buy me one!

Much to their relief, I already had a helmet and wouldn't dream of scooting without it!

[carlitosgy6]

BUY A HONDA HELIX

[choirguy]

If you want to go in style, the Suzuki Burgman 650 will not even worry about your weight.

[erictheviking666]

Nov 10, 2010 21:27:24 GMT -5 fuwad84 said:

...thats f**king great but my commute is literally 10 minutes - hence I have the scooter. Ok when the weather is bad or if I know its gonna be busy I put on my helmet - but honestly it takes me nearly as much time to take it outta the seat and put it/take it off place in back in seat as it does for me to get to were Im going. I understand safe but I just dont see myself getting into a wreak on roads were everyone is going 20 mph. Especially since I scooter like an old lady.

I feel the way you do. I'll wear my helmet most times, but if I'm taking a short trip at low speeds I don't. I only just bought a helmet a month or so ago so it's no big deal to me. I know some people won't go near their Bike without one, but I'm not one of them. But again IT'S MY HEAD, you let me worry about it! Just MHO of course! ;D

["Big Guy"]

As a former "Big Guy" I can tell you with authority my experiences with scooters. 317 was the biggest I ever got, and at that weight, there are a few factors to consider when buying a scooter.
Around town: Under 45mph, it doesn't matter what you buy. I have ridden 50s and had no problem at all.
On the highway: A 250 was okay for 55mph runs, that's about it, and short runs at that - 150s just don't cut it.
2-up: Around town only.
Comfort: Chinese seats are the worst... big guys arses go to sleep!
Recommendations: Tmax and Xciting 500 as a minimum for what you want.

Even my Silverwing (400) had trouble on the highway. Don't let anyone convince you that a 150 or 250 will do... it won't.


-Rich

[upfartoolate]

Nov 10, 2010 13:03:50 GMT -5 D-cat said:

The ground doesn't care what you are riding and little for your speed. Nor does that car that that doesn't see you and hits you at 30+.

Amen to that. Worst head injury I took was on a bicycle, doing about 15 MPH. A car came from behind at about 55 MPH (in a 30 MPH zone), hit my back wheel, which lodged under the car, and dragged me for about a block, my head banging on the concrete the whole way. Hit and run, of course.

The HAIR on the left side of my head was gone. The skin was gone. I walked around for about 6 months looking very weird.

Wear a helmet.

[nulldevice]

fuwad84 is trolling. He's using every excuse I have ever heard in the last 45 years for not wearing a helmet.

[qwertydude]

I still haven't seen, helmets weigh your head down so you can't look side to side as quickly to scan for dangers.