Need Advice On Which Scooter To Buy

[dazzlecat]

Hello, I'm new to the scooter world. I 've decided to buy a scooter instead of a car (I'm sick of those money pits). I want one that I can use to commute in the big city but I also want to do road trips (9 hours to my brothers or mothers by car). And weekend trips (2-4 hours).

So far I like the BMS Heritage 150cc Moped Scooter and the Paris 150 (150 cc). But I'm worried that they are not big enough to do the long trips. Also, someone said that tops speeds claimed by the manufacturers are about 10 mph over-exaggerated.

I don't want a really big heavy one cuz I'm a 51 year old woman and not that strong anymore. I am also looking at the 3-wheel scooters but they seem a bit overkill for urban commuting, and they seem to not have the same high gas mileage advantage - which I really want.

Does anyone have any advice for me? What the best ones are. Whether smaller ones (150cc) can handle the long road trips, etc. (I did read about a woman who rode her vespa (150cc) from San Fran to NYC so that's encouraging.) And does anyone own the above mentioned mopeds? If so, how are they working for you? thanks! ;D

[mzv]

Taking a motorcycle safety course first might tell you whether you should go 3 wheel or not. If you can't handle the wee 250's in the MSC, you might need to go trike. As for the bikes you mentioned, many here have the BMS brand and are happy with them. Never heard of the Paris one myself.

Good luck!

[dudley]

i think on long trips like that you would be happier on a 250.

[terrilee]

dazzlecat :Dhi
im also 51 well 53
i have a GY-6 150cc scoot a ,china one
it does me very well. her name is CHRISSY

i DON'T think i would mine straight for 9 hours, tho.
i think the most i've ridden straight is only for like 2-3 1/2
hours. i dont think my butt could handle it, plus its hard on these lil scoots.
i get anywhere from 80-100 mpg's
depends on how u ride.
easy or hard ?

now , like i said, im 53 and only 145 bs.
mine isnt to heavy 4 me.
trike's ( 3 wheels) may be easier to ride for some
but i dont think i can. and ur right since its heavier
it gets less mpg.also check out the 250 cc's


now another thing to consider is...
can u do a lil maintenance. ??
all these lil scoots need their oil changed all the time
like anywhere from 500-1000 miles.
its very easy BUT if u dont wanna , thats another choice
and since its 2 wheels u always wanna be checking bolts
and nuts etc etc. if ur car breaks u pull over
on a scoot , well could be bad, could be !

on the "home page"
theres some articles that help people deal with
what to buy, where to buy, etc etc

GOOD LUCK
keep us informed
o and i ask very silly questions on here
and no one cares--if they have a opinion
they will tell u.

oh and if u read this forum alot
u will learn who to trust and who not to

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[shalomdawg]

howdy, s.c can be the most beautiful riding up the ridges and into the cooler valleys in the evenings. i'm envious. anyhoo, i have what would be the ideal scoot for you. it is large enough for the long trips yet compact and with flat floor, easy to get off and on. it has lots of storage room under the seat and room on the tail rack as well. when i travel , i get all my overnight gear UNDER the seat where it is protected and out of sight. i have put over 7000miles on it with absolutely no failures. by checking around you should be able to find a used one for around 2000$ or a new one for out the door about 5,000$ the new ones are 300 cc instead of 250 and would be even better for the freeway. anyway, i'm speaking about the kymco grand vista. and i highly reccomend it.

lotsa miles and smiles to ya

[dazzlecat]

Wow, thanks for all the replies and suggestions. I was just at a scooter dealer today and talked with a sales woman who owns 3 scooters. I got some good ideas on what to look for. She also said she's taken her Bubby 150 on long road trips without problems. But says you should stop about every hour to stretch and give the bike a break. So I guess it would be about the journey and not the destination.

I am interested in the Genuine Buddy 170 now that i've sat on one. She did say that ordering online is a bad idea, that the bikes aren't very good. But then she is a sales lady with about 100 scooters on the floor... Has anyone ordered a bike online and had it shipped? What was the experience? Is the bike good?

Terrilee, thanks for the advice on maintenance. That's what the sales woman said too. Owning a house by myself has made me be a tool person, so I can handle simple maintenance.

Shalomdawg, thanks for the info on the kymco grand vista, i'll check them out.

Does anyone own a Geniune Buddy 170? I'm reading good things about them online. Wondering if its all just hype or real.

thanks everyone!!!