1st scoot...girl in search of honest experience!

[maggiemay]

Hi! So excited to find you all at this place! I've done all the paper/internet research I can bear and I thought I was down to the test drive(s)...that gut feel, with my butt on the scooter...actually moving... yeah, right... not so fast...

I desperately need a little help from someone I can trust... here's somebody's chance to show how informed/experienced you are when it comes to scooters! please...? pretty please? w/whipped cream on top, no cherries! (never liked candied fruit...)

I've been dreaming of a Vespa LX for months, but was in process of moving from Dallas Tx to Atlanta and didn't want to worry about shipping a new baby..., but now I'm thinking I should seriously consider Chinese... primary reasons: weight and cost. I can manage the dollars either way (cheaper is better, of course, I can sink those x-tra dollars into a Disability policy!), but I'll pay more if it's worth it...and 'worth it' means:

1) Quality minimal maintenance, plug n'play so to speak - I don't want to end up adding stress to my life...this is for fun!, plus the basics like braking, transmission, suspension, etc...

2) Ease of Use / Fun Factor yes, a branch of quality...but specifically, I want it to start easily, consistently and I don't want to struggle with parking and/or 'de-parking'? I'm 5'7", almost 120 lbs., and when I tried putting a Benelli Andretti M50 on/off it's kickstand earlier today, I had a bit of trouble (with the 'on' part)... and it's a pretty light scooter, so how the heck would I manage a Vespa at 225 lbs? Are some scooter kickstands easier to manage than others? Yes, go ahead and laugh...I'll test more tomorrow, but thought I'd ask...

And, before I forget...there's 2-stroke vs. 4-stroke...? 2-stroke's quicker? 4-stroke's what...? - assuming I'm buying a 50cc. Which I decided upon so that I could skip licensing...and always 'move up' to a 150.

Re: 'style' ... I don't like the looks of the Andretti M50, liked the Charming better (I much prefer the vintage look), but the latter felt so 'small'...I have long legs and the Vespa LX and the Andretti M50 'felt' much better...the smaller ones made me feel like my 'bicycle' seat needed to raised...but maybe I'd get used to that 'feeling'? The Buddy feels pretty good, but I'm not crazy about their new look, colors, weight, or 'having' to be licensed...although, deep down I'd really rather have the 125cc's!

I'll just be toodling around Midtown Atlanta ... but there's lots of traffic and lots of potholes...which brings us to

3) Safety: I need my scooter to be maneuverable...so, more questions...10 in. wheels seem to provide a better turning radius and maneuverability; however, the larger tires likely provide a better ride...especially if I hit a pothole swerving to get away from some large vehicle(s)? I've only ridden a scooter on vacations...big tires vs. small tires? Much difference in the grand scheme of things? What would you put your daughter or wife on if she were a newbie?

And on that note, we go back to 50 vs. 150 (125)ccs... would 150 provide more power to 'get away faster' from an oncoming vehicle? Or, do the cc's really just impact 'top' speed vs. torque? (I may just be looking for a reason to buy more cc's here...)

Also, I had convinced myself that the Vespa steel chassis would be safer...but really? I mean if a car hits me...I'm now thinking steel vs. plastic won't really matter much...?

So, re: safety...I think I'm probably safest on the scooter that i can maneuver most easily, and feel the most comfortable on...comments? And yes, of course, the test drives should help me a lot, but in case they all kinda 'feel' the same...as I'm guessing my ability to test drive all kinds of areas/situations will be limited...your thoughts are appreciated.

And 'Thank you so much!' to anyone who actually read thru this entire note... and 'bless your little heart' if you bother to respond to any part of it! (sorry, just moved back to Atlanta, thought I'd throw that in...) Mags

[harrywr2]

I had a 50cc for 2 years. It limited where I could go. I also ended up pulling over to let cars pass alot. I bought a 150 this year. I don't know if it gives me an ability to "Get Away" faster...but I can keep up with the flow of traffic almost everywhere but the Interstate.

Their is a 'trick' to getting the bike on up on the center stand. Most newbies try to lift it. Left hand on the handlebar...right hand on the rear hand grip or bike rack, right foot on the center stand lever, then rock the bike backwards onto the stand as your press down with your foot.

If you want "Plug and Play" then a Bricks and Mortar Dealer is your best bet.

In Taiwanese Scooters there is Sym and Kymco sold thru B & M Dealers.
In Chinese Scooters Lance and Tank are sold thru B & M Dealers.

Online is okay but you become your own mechanic and parts dealer.

The safest bike is one you can control. In a wreck the bike offers zero protection...it is just another cold, unfeeling piece of metal to contend with.

[royshodg]

Maggie; I have a 150cc cf-moto e-charm. (msrp $2399). Have only been riding for 1 1/2 months. When i first started riding maneuvering was a problem, but it is getting better with experience and I suspect that's a large part of it. ( the more you ride the easier it gets). I chose the 150 over a 50 because I wanted to keep up with traffic and not be the hazzard. 50's pretty much won't go much faster then 30 mph and that's a strain on the engine. I'm also 5'7" and weigh about 135. Average speed around here ( Cary, N.C.) is 45 mph. however many of those roads are 4 lane and as long as traffic isn't backed up behind me, I don't care if I'm going to slow for them, they can pass me. as long as I feel safe. The cf moto is 4 stroke and liquid cooled. In the warmer areas of the country air cooled gets hotter and can overheat. You should also expect liquid cooled would last longer. I have been up to 60 mph with my 150 so I know I can keep up with traffic if I need to although I really don't like to go that fast. Hope this helps. Keep us posted! Roy.

[maggiemay]

Thank you guys so much...truly! I think you just convinced me to go 125-150...especially since I'm surrounded by hills...

So, I'm off to a dealership, luckily I literally have 5 within less than 15 miles...all of which carry different brands...Benelli, Lance, Vespa, GSM and Sym...I need a scooter to hit all the dealerships...a 'rocking' I will go!

Thank you both again... I don't feel so alone! ha!

[kaintuckdave]

Hey there Mags, welcome to the Dawg Pound.

I highly recommend SYM as that's what I've got and it's been trouble free. They're as reliable as the Japanese and don't cost as much. We need to know the speed limit on the streets you intend to drive to make the proper recommendation. The 50ccs are more grocery getters and such but a good unrestricted 2 stroke can handle 35 mph roads just fine. Smaller wheels are better for maneuvering, larger wheels are better for potholes. I personally like the smaller wheels as I can dodge stuff on the road quite easily. There are some youtubes on putting a scoot up on the center stand and yes, it's mostly in your foot, not your hands. I've seen it done 'hands free.'

As far as safety goes, it mostly comes down to your piloting skills and being seen! Always drive as though you are invisible to 4 wheelers but you can help out your odds with reflective safety vest, a flag, Gremlin Bell , and a yellow or orange scoot even. Bright colors for clothing and gear.

When it comes to a brand, all I can say is after I bought my first Toyota, that's all I've bought since because I don't like working on them past maintenance. I think it just may be the same with SYM unless I get a bigger scoot and find a Honda at a good used price.

Best of luck with your search!