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Post by leo on Jan 4, 2008 23:24:15 GMT -5
i'm in the market for a new scooter and i don't know what size engine to get.
it's either a 150, 200, or 250.
i want what will serve my needs the best without subtracting from the "fun factor" of scooters.
i drive mainly in town. urban areas are about 12 to 15 miles apart in my locality. i also want to drive on 2 lane highways at 55 MPH.
i'm really stumped here. i keep thinking a 150 that has been modded will serve me well. the website i'm eyeballin' to buy from doesn't have anything with a 200 and i don't want to shell out for a 250 if i don't have to.
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Post by infernobutterfly on Jan 5, 2008 0:54:59 GMT -5
For a 150cc, going at 55 mph is just about its limit. You most likely would have very little power left to get you out of hard situation. (Its not very fun having a hard time keeping up with traffic) Although you may not like it, but a 250cc might be in your best interest.
But if you always avoid those 55 mph streets (35 or even 45 mph streets might be ok) you will do fine.
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Post by scottfla on Jan 5, 2008 1:10:29 GMT -5
Adding to what Inferno said, modding a 150cc isn't a good idea because at the cost to do that, you might as well get a 250cc which is made for the speed and stress.
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Post by scooterlizard on Jan 5, 2008 5:15:52 GMT -5
A 250cc is your best bet for the type of riding that you want to do. Check your local www.craigslist.org for used ones. |
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Post by scooterollie on Jan 5, 2008 8:38:43 GMT -5
Leo;
If you haven't already done so, I would recommend that you spend some time reading posts related to your needs in the 150 and 250+ sections. Many of your questions will be answered there. The questions about what a 150 will do and modifying one has sort of been beat to death here and on other scoot forums. It is never good to run this type of engine WOT for long distances - just isn't built for it. Not safe, either, on faster roads if you have no reserve left. Stability and handling are not good on some of the 150 scoots at that speed.
You didn't say anything about your budget. Sounds like you are leaning toward the cost of a 150 but will need the speed and handling of a 250+ machine. Many of us, myself included, started out with a smaller scoot and moved up because we found that we needed/wanted more size and power. Moving up usually results in a loss of $, so in the long run, it is not cost effective.
New Chinese, in the 250 category, you have scoots equipped with either the 244 cc Honda-derived CFMoto engine or the 257 cc Yamaha-derived Linhai engine. Both are good engines. There is also another choice in this category and price range, the Linhai 300. Actually has a modified 257 cc engine that is bumped up to 275 ccs, with a few other tweaks for a couple more HP and slight improvement in performance. These scoots are good for 70-80 mph top speed, around 60+ mpg and prices are from just under $2K to about $2.8K.
As others here have done and recommend, you could also search in the used market for a name brand Japanese scoot.
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Post by leo on Jan 5, 2008 10:51:56 GMT -5
You didn't say anything about your budget. i got 2 grand. tops. |
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Post by monty57 on Jan 5, 2008 11:03:18 GMT -5
I will put my two cents just because. I have to agree with everything above and tell you don't short yourself up front. You will only wind up disappointed and in many cases will wind up spending more money. There are several Chinese 250 cc scoots in your range. As Ollie said you in the right place to do some research. If you somewhat handy, have a few basic tools these scoots can be bargains. I had a good experience with a 250 TLX Roadrunner and it is under $2000 delivered. That doesn't necessarily mean you get the same results, I am just saying there are some one out there that are at least worth their price.
The other avenue to explore is the used market. I ran into several used Reflexes when I was exploring the 250 market, that had little mileage on them and were in great shape. I even found one for $2000 that only had 500 miles on it sitting in a guys office. Made my decision too late but they are out there.
I guess to sum it all up from what you describe, you really need to go for a 250cc. Be patient (some times very hard to do), do you home work and get what you need. You will be much happier in the long run.
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Post by leo on Jan 5, 2008 11:11:41 GMT -5
I had a good experience with a 250 TLX Roadrunner and it is under $2000 delivered. i've been looking into those roadrunners, they seem to be decent bikes. |
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Post by gymbeau on Jan 5, 2008 12:51:59 GMT -5
Don't rule out the Qlink Pegasus. Yes, I have had some issues with mine, but
it seems to be fixed now, and I love riding it. It has the best/most performance that
I know if in a 150cc scooter, and it looks good! Good luck with you choice.
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Post by Geronimo on Jan 5, 2008 13:23:16 GMT -5
Leo, if you notice the post about 6 above mine you'll see what I am saving for. I currently have a Daelim S2 125. I dearly love it. I can reach 60-65 mph but that's wide open. Scooterlizard's Yamaha Majesty is definitely expensive but that's the way I'm going to go and still keep my Daelim. I really do envy her scoot. Have you thought about a Kymco Grand Vista? It's a 250.
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Post by rerun2 on Jan 5, 2008 15:22:08 GMT -5
Leo, I think a lot of us are in your situation, wanting a highway capable ride but still wanting the feel and agility of a scooter. Heck, almost any motorcycle can haul butt on the Interstate, and used ones can be found so cheap it is ridiculous, but that don't get us on our beloved scooter!
I am looking into the used market a lot, Helix, Reflex, Kymcos, mostly. I trust these 'brands' but you never really know what the previous owners did or did not do with the thing. Certainly practically any machine can be restored to floor room condition, but that can be costly and time consuming. Once it is 'refurbed', you know you have a wonderful machine.
So, looking at the 'unknowns' of a used scooter the size I want, I am considering several new scooters. Three are pretty much the final 'candidates', the QLink Commuter, the CFMoto fashion, and the Linhai-Yamaha Aeolus. I would take the QLink over the CFMoto only because of the warranty is better it seems and QLink is doing things I like! The Aeolus is the top contender at the moment, only problem is that the ones still available are two year old models. That only bugs me because I KNOW that the minute my check clears for one of these, an improved Aeolus for 2008 would pop up on the market. So you are not alone Leo, I am really taking my time with this, and I find the 'hunt' to be a bit of fun! Hopefully it will pay off in the long term.
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Post by monty57 on Jan 5, 2008 15:22:09 GMT -5
I can tell you my experience with the Roadrunner and EVO Sales were very positive. Others will say different and the seems to be the case with most of the scoots and dealers. Some are definitely better than others.
That being said, the last time I spoke to Rony he feels the the Road Queen is a better bike and I must say I like the looks better as it is a Reflex clone. I have not had any experience my self with the scoot but it may make an interesting choice. I just checked the site and they are only about $150 more than the RR 250 TLX and only $100 above your range.
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Post by scooterlizard on Jan 5, 2008 19:43:30 GMT -5
I think Termite found a used majesty for about $3800. It's worth doing research before you take the plunge. Yamaha does have some nice finacing options as well. craigslist and ebay are the best places to look for the good deals.
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Post by scooterollie on Jan 5, 2008 19:43:39 GMT -5
Rerun;
I have been trying to find out about the future of the Linhai 300(Aeolus, Mainstreet, SuperStrada) in the U.S. for some time. Only thing I can tell you is, it is uncertain. In '06 they didn't sell well at all because the price was too high. Now that they are under $3K, they are moving. Dealers can't get any info. from the distributor about their future. Maybe after the show in Feb. there will be news. I decided not to let the fact that the scoot is an '06 bother me. At least it does not have any of the newer pollution stuff on it! The body style is relatively new and not a clone of the same old same old.
Just had mine out for a 22 mile run today. Haven't been on it for almost 2 months and I had forgotten how much fun this scoot is. Loads of power, great handling and very good quality. I still have my CFMoto powered 250 scoot and there is no comparison between the two. Have also been trying to find out just how the 300 is different from the standard 260 Linhai version. In addition to the obvious increase in displacement, I have nothing but hear-say about other differences: a 4-valve head plus tweaking to the variator and clutch to take advantage of the power increase. Within the next week I be doing the 1K mile service and will check valve adjustment- should know then if the engine has 4 valves!
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Post by rerun2 on Jan 5, 2008 20:42:53 GMT -5
Thanks for the update on the Aeolus 300 Scooterollie! I have noticed your previous posts about yours and its stronger performance profile with great interest. I agree with the price tag being very detrimental to the sales of these scooters, they were asking a price way to close to other perceived higher quality scooters for an 'unknown' scooter. I remember just the opposite with Toyota and Datsun (Nissan for you younger folks) that practically gave away their entry units just to get known! I think the first Corolla was priced at $1,400 in my area.
I like the power available, but I love the 'utility' of the Helix design... woe is me, such a dilemma! LOL I will be waiting to see if there is any news forthcoming after the Feb. show you mention. I want to have my bike before summer, so I do have some time to deal with. Thanks again ollie, you are always on top of things for us! ;D
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Post by Leader on Jan 6, 2008 0:17:30 GMT -5
If you want to be on the highway, you need a 250 minimum. That will get you 70-75 mph. Any slower, you are in the way. You can find a bunch of new chinese scooters and used Japanese scooters in that range for 2-3K.
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Post by tyrssen on Jan 7, 2008 19:12:35 GMT -5
Everyone here has made good points. Leo, all I can add is that in my case, I chose a 150 for the economy. I run back roads in the country, for the most part, and if anyone wants to go faster than 50, they can get around me. I figure, for speed and distance, get a "real motorcycle" (take your pick.) My little 150 will get me around town nicely when I don't have to carry much. For a longer trip (over 50 miles or so) at faster speeds, I'll finish the 750 chopper.
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Post by YellowScooter on Jan 7, 2008 19:17:19 GMT -5
If you like the overall size of the 150 but want the power of the 250, Bandit has a 250 model that just might be your ticket.  It kinda looks like the vento phantom but with a 250cc motor stuffed under it. I'm in the same boat. I want the 250 power, but not the maxi-scoot bulk.  Check bandit out. He's around here somwheres.... |
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Post by scooterollie on Jan 7, 2008 20:42:58 GMT -5
I am not too keen on the stability and handling of the "Phantom" style scoot with the 250 engine. Having had a 150 scoot in that frame/body style, I would not want to be on it at 60-70 mph for long periods of time. IIRC, I think Stan Jessup had a smaller framed scoot with the larger engine and wasn't pleased with the handling at speed.
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Post by leo on Jan 7, 2008 22:02:52 GMT -5
I am not too keen on the stability and handling of the "Phantom" style scoot with the 250 engine. Having had a 150 scoot in that frame/body style, I would not want to be on it at 60-70 mph for long periods of time. i would travel at 55mph for about 25 or so miles and never on an interstate. there will be an occasional stint of about 45 miles, or 90 round trip. the vast majority will be city, with alot of country, and of course the connection between citys. anyway i've found what i've been looking for. i already know that i'm going to have problems, i've noticed them during the test drive. |
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Post by scooterollie on Jan 7, 2008 22:30:58 GMT -5
Leo;
I think you will be fine with your new scoot. Sporty design and loads of power. My comment about stability was mostly aimed at folks who may have thought they could do Interstate cruising comfortably and safely on that design scoot. For the speed you indicated, you will have no trouble getting there and have plenty of reserve. Be certain you take it easy at first until you become familiar with the handling characteristics of your particular scoot, especially at speed.
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It kinda looks like the vento phantom but with a 250cc motor stuffed under it. 