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Post by lizinlanse on May 14, 2011 11:39:14 GMT -5
Ok, I am a scooter virgin. And now I have the bug, but limited money. Of course if I had all the money to spend, and had the guts, I'd go for an Indian Chief Bomber! But I'll be happy with a 150cc scooter for the moment. I live in a fairly rural area, there are very few dealers around. As in there a is a Kymco dealer 35 miles away and that's it for about 300 miles! So it seems the best bet fiancially and logistically is an online Chinese scooter. What I've been reading is that I better be able to do all the mechanic work myself, be able to tear down the bike when I get it (?), and be able to do everything related to maintenance. I can check oil, put in gas and that's about it. And I'm single, no guy available. Am I totally screwed? Thanks in advance!  |
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Post by capncrunch on May 14, 2011 12:03:13 GMT -5
Liz,
I would hit up that Kymco dealer! Kymco's are amazing! I understand you have limited money, we all do. But, with your limited knowledge it would most likely be the best fit for you. They are extremely reliable and have a great warranty.
Now, if you are willing to learn I can say that you can handle a china scoot on your own. I personally think anyone can. You are going to need to invest in some decent tools to get you through it all though. Honestly, when its all said and done, the amount of money and time you may invest in a china scoot(which i do own) may equal out to buying that Kymco.
This is just my little tidbit of advice...
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Post by tvnacman on May 14, 2011 12:06:15 GMT -5
welcome to the fourm , if you know what end to hold a screwdriver and getting a little dirty is something you can live with go for it . I would tell you start reading and looking at pics , be able to post pics with your questions and you will be fine .
so what size scooter were you thinking ?
John
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Post by tortoise on May 14, 2011 12:10:13 GMT -5
What I've been reading is that I better be able to do all the mechanic work myself, be able to tear down the bike when I get it (?), and be able to do everything related to maintenance. I can check oil, put in gas and that's about it. And I'm single, no guy available. Am I totally screwed? YES . . if you lack the mechanical aptitude to comprehend previous forum discussions and YouTube GY6 related videos. |
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Post by lizinlanse on May 14, 2011 12:22:48 GMT -5
Thanks for the posts, guys! I'm looking for a 150. I like the People 150, or the Like 200, which I have learned is 160cc or so, not 200. I'd like to go with the Kymco, but if I can't I am willing to learn how to work on a scooter. Most days I know which end of the screwdriver is the working end. I am supposed to hear about financing from my Kymco dealer in the next week. I'm hopeful, but not holding my breath. I've done a good amount of research, but one question I haven't found an answer to is this. What are scooter frames made from? Steel? Is that standard in all scooters, including Chinese? I would assume the fenders, etc are plastic in Chines scooters, how about others? I welcome all and any advice!  |
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Post by lizinlanse on May 14, 2011 12:35:27 GMT -5
Thanks, Tortoise! I completely understood the vid you posted. I have to say it would probably take me an hour to do it, but I think I could handle it once I found everything.
As far as tearing down the bike...really? Like take the motor out, the brakes, everything?
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Post by tortoise on May 14, 2011 12:54:14 GMT -5
As far as tearing down the bike...really? Like take the motor out, the brakes, everything? Typical China scoot maintenance includes frequent oil changes, valve adjustment, carb cleaning, belt changing, and troubleshooting electrical gremlins . . which usually requires removing several plastic panels, but not engine removal. I concur with others that have suggested getting a KYMCO . . if the potential injury calculated risks are acceptable. |
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Post by D-cat on May 14, 2011 12:56:49 GMT -5
No but a good PDI does involve taking all the plastics off and checking every electrical connector you can find and making sure every bolt is tight, changing the oils, blowing out the gas tank, then putting it all back together. I have no idea where Rich ever went but he has provided us with some excellent reference material, such as his thorough PDI. You may also want a Service Manual for your bike to understand its full workings. They make great reading while waiting for your scooter. |
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Post by lizinlanse on May 14, 2011 13:31:45 GMT -5
I agree, the Kymco would be great, just the cost of it, and the financing hold me back, remember I'm waiting to hear from the dealer. I could handle the reg maintenance, changing oil, etc, of a Chinese scooter, but nothing too detailed. Unless I had help. Of course a used Kymco, or other 150 of a name brand might be in my price range, under $1,000, if no financing is available. I agree about the safety issues. But I don't plan on riding on the highway, just in town for fun, maybe to the beach or park. I live in a small village of about 2,500 in northern Michigan, so it's pretty quiet. We don't even have a stop light, just a 4 way stop downtown. Long sleeves and pants, and a helmet for safety for sure is on my list as well. |
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Post by lizinlanse on May 14, 2011 14:52:01 GMT -5
Thanks for the link D-cat. I read through it and it seems like a lot of work, a long process, but manageable. |
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Post by reynoldston on May 14, 2011 15:16:34 GMT -5
If you want a Indian Chief Bomber why are you starting with a small scooter. The two have to be like day and night. Seeing you will need a motorcycle endorsment anyways why not start with a motorcycle? Seeing you are going to make payments on something why not get a used bigger bike to start with and get what you want and be happy with. If it is just around town type bike it is hard to beat a 50cc bike and you don't need the endorsment.
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Post by lizinlanse on May 14, 2011 15:31:07 GMT -5
I'm starting with a small scooter for a few reasons, #1 an Indian Chief Bomber starts @ $31,000 and the closest dealer is about 500 miles away, #2 the Bomber is about 1700cc. I could never afford the Bomber price tag or payments, and I could never handle a 1700cc as a first bike, that would be crazy! I looked at 50cc scooters, and a friend has one. We have a lot of hills here, and she said it struggles going up. So, I'm starting small, reynoldston! I thought it would be the safest way to enter into biking and the least expensive.
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Post by bullet on May 14, 2011 16:08:57 GMT -5
A 150 is a very good choice. Now before I get flamed for saying that I have a 50 and a 150. I love the 50 but most of the main roads around here have a 40 mph speed limit. Due to canals and gated neighborhoods (not mine) you must use some of those roads and the drivers in So. Fla. are the worst. Its the old you can't get there from here. A 150 handles 40-50 mph speed limits and overpasses much better. Yeah, its flat here. IMHO ride what you want to ride and what makes you happy.
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Post by reynoldston on May 14, 2011 16:21:55 GMT -5
I started at 65 years old and never so much as had a ride on a motorcycle. I took the MSF course and bought a 600LB Harley Davidson and loved every sec. of it. I am a small man and now in my 70's and still rideing. You don't have to use all the power a bike has to enjoy it. The size of the person does't count but how you ride it and I know you can handle a big bike just as easy as I did male or female. When I took the MSF course where were as many females as males. I see it all the time on this forum someone always wants faster so why not start that way. I didn't say a 35,000 dollar bike but a good used one. I have seen some good Janpnese bikes around 3500 dollars. You know what you want and you are the one to have to ride it. So start small and I just know you will enjoy a 150cc scooter as much as I enjoy rideing my 50cc scooter around town. And yes you can ride a full size motorcycle ( I know!!!) Who knows maybe you can talk your frend into motorcycle. And if you are going for a motorcycle endorsment be sure to look into the MSF (motorcycle safety foundation) course because it will be worth your time which you will need for that 150cc scooter anyways if you don't have one.
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Post by sjpassa on May 14, 2011 16:21:57 GMT -5
50cc's arent too bad depending on what you get I live in Va with a ton of hills and my stock scoot will take hills at 25 and im on the base of the mountains I have a 50 and a 150 also and the 150 does feel alot safer on busier roads because of the ability to speed up and take hills alot faster but cant beat the 50cc not needing tags insurance or anything here in Va
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Post by lizinlanse on May 14, 2011 16:35:11 GMT -5
What I can really see me working up to is a Yahama 250 V Star! Not too big for me. And I'm not a petite little thing! I'd just feel like I'd have more control with a smaller cycle. We'll see if I can finance the Kymco, then I'll learn on that, then I'll work up to a bigger, more expensive bike. It would be great if I could get some of my friends in on the cycle gig! Yup, reynolston, I'm looking at safety courses and am already reading the endorement manual. I agree sjpassa, I think I'll feel safer on the 150 as opposed to the 50. |
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Post by reynoldston on May 14, 2011 17:02:55 GMT -5
The MSF (motorcycle safety foundation) is a national organization and if it is in your state like it is in ours (NY) you had better get signed early because it fills up fast. You will not be sorry if you take it. You take the corse on there bikes so you don't need one to take it but you will need a learners permit. The phone number is (800) 446-9227. I am sure if anyone on this forum has taken this course will tell you the same thing. I sure hope you the best of luck.
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Post by lizinlanse on May 14, 2011 17:08:38 GMT -5
Thanks reynoldston! I've looked and there is a class this summer about 35 miles away. I'm hoping to take the written test for my permit in a month or so!
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Post by reynoldston on May 14, 2011 17:42:03 GMT -5
Piece of cake just read your manual. I got 100% and I am not good with test. I don't know about your state but NY if you pass the MSF course you don't have to take a state road test to get your endorsment.
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Post by lizinlanse on May 14, 2011 17:49:54 GMT -5
same in Michigan!
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Post by bullet on May 14, 2011 18:12:02 GMT -5
That 250 v-star is a great motorcycle. We have a Honda 250 Rebel and a Royal Enfield. Its so much fun riding these lightweight motorcycles that I will never go back to a big bike. Hyosung makes a v-star like 250 that is a great value. Check it out. I still love my 50. First bike at 14 (1965) was a Honda Cub. 50cc, 4.9 hp, 3 speed, auto clutch, 47 mph top speed. Didn't care about mpg. Gas was around 20 cents a gal.
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Post by cyberbeer65 on May 14, 2011 18:24:40 GMT -5
I'm in Michigan. I wish it would warm up already! Good luck with whatever you choose lizinlanse.
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Post by lizinlanse on May 14, 2011 18:38:10 GMT -5
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Post by reynoldston on May 14, 2011 19:42:11 GMT -5
I find when I am on the thruway 70+MPH you need a biger bike then a 250. My 883 HD I just set back and and ride and have to hold back some. On a 250cc bike you would be pushing it at just about top speed. All has to do with what you want out of your bike. I ride more hours in a week on my 50cc Hondas when the Harley Davidson because I like 20 to 30 MPH speeds a lot better then 70MPH. Myself woud not have any use for a bigger bike then my 883 but don't think I would want anything smaller. I think you will like the silver one better with the bigger wheelson the open roads but which ever one you get you will like. You will find the smaller wheels on the red one will turn a lot quicker and sharper. Too bad you don't have your endorsment so you could try one out first.
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Post by lizinlanse on May 14, 2011 20:19:19 GMT -5
I agree, the silver Kymco woth the 16 inch wheels sounds better to me. There is a similar bike on safer wholesale with the 16 inch wheels, but they say they can't guarantee liftgate or delivery! Oh, no way am I going 70+. And there's no need for it here. It's a small village and there are no expressways, thru ways, on off ramps, etc. Maybe my dealer will let me try the Kymco in the parking lot. The red one...that's online...so if I get it I better like it! |
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Post by ce on May 14, 2011 20:56:51 GMT -5
There's an outfit on ebay selling Roketa MC17 150cc for $840 delivered.
It's an overstocked scooter on clearance, and it will start and run right out of the box. All you need to do is put the front wheel and the mirrors on. You can run it until you break it in and learn more mechanics without any problems.
If you have any problems, we're here to help, but you should be just fine. There's lots of girls all over the country with these scooters that may not ever have to do more than add fuel, and the scooters run fine for quite a while.
Look on ebay in scooters and mopeds, find the dealer in Texas and Georgia with the MC17 Sicily made by Roketa, and order it. I have 2 and it is a fast, reliable machine, and one of my favorites to ride. Very easy pass your driving test on, too.
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Post by justbuggin on May 14, 2011 21:30:03 GMT -5
cool another lady joining the scooter club hope you a long safe ride in your future
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Post by algears on May 15, 2011 5:25:04 GMT -5
A different thought: wait until AFTER you take the msf course to make your purchase. The bikes used for that course will probably be a 250 rebel or yamaha. And since that is what you think you eventually want, you'll be getting excellent practice and learning from experienced riders on it. And it is likely that after the course you will have enough confidence to handle one from the beginning.
For your needs, it's all the power that you need. Many people start out on them and quickly upgrade to larger bikes, so used ones are plentiful and in excellent shape.
And if after the course, you decide you don't want to mess with a clutch, you still have the valuable experience of learning one, and will have a new found appreciation for clutchless riding.
Regardless of what you decide to ride, learning to ride before you buy a ride, is what I would recommend.
Al
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Post by lizinlanse on May 15, 2011 9:44:36 GMT -5
Thanks justbuggin! I'll check it out ce, thanks! Yeah, the clutch thing, Al, I don't know. After all, I gave up the piano at 9 because I couldn't coordinate both hands to play at once! |
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Post by Brooster on May 15, 2011 15:20:25 GMT -5
Me too, lizinlanse! I used to have a few dirt bikes and clutchless is the way to go . Love Scootin, You will too! Many Miles and Many Smiles!!! I used to live in Ishpeming, have spent a couple weeks in Lanse a while ago.
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