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Post by hanilanzi on May 9, 2012 9:36:40 GMT -5
spandi, i agree, when i was looking for a scooter i noticed some of them with 14's and 15's on and it just didn't look right, i understand it may help in stability or cornering or when driving over a pothole but they just seemed to big for a concept of a scooter.
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Post by jwalz1 on May 9, 2012 11:22:02 GMT -5
I am 44, balding, near sighted and partially blind in one eye due to a hemoraging blood vessel in the back of the eye. Lets see, I am a computer geek, love playing video games, fly RC planes and like riding scooters. That should provide you with a bunch of stereotype material to use. Nice. A lot of that would be pretty close to describing me. I am 42, although hobbit sized and like all things dorky. Not much experience on a bike so I wanted bigger wheels to. Nothing wrong with that. I ended up with a Downtown and it has a 14 in the front and a 13 in the back and they still look small to me. Buy what you want. Buy what you like and have fun with it. Smaller wheels offer more manuverability, larger wheels deal better with bumps and stability at speed. If some people have had no trouble with smallies at high speeds, fantastic. If you don't want em, no shame in that. Good luck shopping and share some pics and a review when you purchase. I looked at the Linhai at a shop in Minneapolis because I read they are nice rides but decided against it because it did not fit me. They are wider in the middle and the Downtown I bought is narrow. Makes a big difference for a short inseam between flat footing and tip toes. |
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Post by spandi on May 9, 2012 11:28:35 GMT -5
spandi, i agree, when i was looking for a scooter i noticed some of them with 14's and 15's on and it just didn't look right, i understand it may help in stability or cornering or when driving over a pothole but they just seemed to big for a concept of a scooter. Thanks hanilanzi. Yes, one of the reasons I think a scooter is more approachable "friendlier" if you will, is in it's charm, and that is mainly derived from it's smaller size. It's not intimidating like a big bike, just fun. "You meet the nicest people on a scooter" I understand that some folks like the greater stability of larger wheels, but I still feel if you want 17" wheels buy A motorcycle and be done with it. |
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Post by chromestarhustler on May 9, 2012 12:26:11 GMT -5
most of the linhai 257, 275 (300) powered scooters have 13 inch wheels, the aquloes is the big exception it comes with 12 and can not fit a 13 (unless its very looooooow profile.) 13 is about as small as i would want to got, but the huge fatty 10incher under some of the 244 cfmotos is supposed to ride fine.
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Post by doomsday on May 9, 2012 22:08:52 GMT -5
You guys know anything about a viva 250cc scooter? Impressions, thoughts?
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Post by justpassinthru on May 9, 2012 22:29:05 GMT -5
You don't say what your mechanical abilities are.
If you're not into all that...I'd look for a used Honda Reflex. I almost bought one; but it was a little small on me (I'm six-two and 255 lbs. The weight, prob OK; but my legs were too long)
If you're more adventurous...you could look for a used VOG-type, like someone else linked. No, not a new one - they're overpriced. But keep your eyes peeled...they can sell cheap used, although they don't appear often.
The VOG is a Burgman 400 knockoff, with a Yamaha 260 engine in it. Made by Xingyue and sold under a dozen brand names, Look for the coding XY260-4T. THAT stays constant...
When they came out about four years ago or so, they apparently weren't that reliable. But I got an upgraded one with a 300 engine, fuel injected...I'm delighted. Little niggling problems, but it's a good ride; over 75 mph and over 70 mpg. So...apparently they've improved gradually.
A used one that runs will probably have the bugs worked out of it. Or not; you can see and hear it.
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Post by doomsday on May 10, 2012 6:35:40 GMT -5
Mechanical abilities.... Not a lot. I am more then willing to work on my own scooter and have some tools but I am not a real mechanic. I have done all my own work on m 50cc so far but thats not really saying a lot.
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Post by gitsum on May 10, 2012 10:53:05 GMT -5
I know it's a bit out of the price range you listed (msrp $3395), but what about the Sym HD200?
75+ mph top speed, 70-75 mpg right out of the crate. 294 lbs, 16" wheels, handles curves and potholes like a small motorcycle. It has a proven reputation of being absolutely bulletproof. I have bought four scooters/small motorcycles in the last 2 years and the HD200 is by far my favorite.
More acceleration and top speed, as well as lower fuel consumption than just about any Chinese 250. One could probably score a low mileage used HD200 for the same price as a new Chinese 250, and it would still last longer and require less maintenance.
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Post by doomsday on May 10, 2012 12:48:09 GMT -5
Well, I found that viva scooter, used, 500 miles on it for around $1600. Thats why I was asking about it. I also found a aprillia sportcity 250 used that was at $2500 but its much further away from me. I havent even went to get a ml permit yet so basically unless I find a really good deal, I am holding off till I have my permit but the viva did seem like a pretty good deal at $1600
At my weight for the hd200, I dont think it would probably get much more than 60. Most of the reviews I read said it got at most 72mph. Still that may be good enough even if I can only get 60mph out of one. I do like the looks of the hd200 as well. Since I dont plan on any long trips, I don't know if I actually need a touring type scooter but finding non touring scooters in the 250cc and up range seems very rare.
I do say, if I can find a good deal on a sym hd200 I would be happy to try and get it.
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Post by rockynv on May 11, 2012 12:05:33 GMT -5
Well, I found that viva scooter, used, 500 miles on it for around $1600. Thats why I was asking about it. I also found a aprillia sportcity 250 used that was at $2500 but its much further away from me. I havent even went to get a ml permit yet so basically unless I find a really good deal, I am holding off till I have my permit but the viva did seem like a pretty good deal at $1600 At my weight for the hd200, I dont think it would probably get much more than 60. Most of the reviews I read said it got at most 72mph. Still that may be good enough even if I can only get 60mph out of one. I do like the looks of the hd200 as well. Since I dont plan on any long trips, I don't know if I actually need a touring type scooter but finding non touring scooters in the 250cc and up range seems very rare. I do say, if I can find a good deal on a sym hd200 I would be happy to try and get it. The Sport City 250 is rated for 460lbs and pulls more like a 300cc bike. $2,500 is a bit high for a used one unless it is a 2011 with only a few miles on it. New leftover 2009 Sport City 250s are still on factory special for $2,999 so for $499 more you can get a new one with a warranty. Remember on a used one ou will be looking at services such as belt, rollers, brakes and tires which can eat up that $499 price different pretty quickly. |
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Post by imagesinthewind on May 11, 2012 17:01:04 GMT -5
Oh I been watching craigslist for my area for a while now. There have been a half a dozen or more helix's posted in the last month. Sadly though, I absolutely hate the look of those things. . I know the look is an acquired taste but it's the most comfortable scooter I've ridden. It really is like driving a Lazy-Boy. I love mine! My first ride was over 70 miles and no bum soreness at all. Very very awesome scoot. And the retro look might grow on you! I get a bunch of thumbs-up and comments on how cool it is. If another one comes up on CL, at least give it a chance and ride it. Just so you can say you did. |
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Post by spandi on May 11, 2012 19:06:45 GMT -5
Oh I been watching craigslist for my area for a while now. There have been a half a dozen or more helix's posted in the last month. Sadly though, I absolutely hate the look of those things. . I know the look is an acquired taste but it's the most comfortable scooter I've ridden. It really is like driving a Lazy-Boy. I love mine! My first ride was over 70 miles and no bum soreness at all. Very very awesome scoot. And the retro look might grow on you! I get a bunch of thumbs-up and comments on how cool it is. If another one comes up on CL, at least give it a chance and ride it. Just so you can say you did. Strange to hear the word Retro used to describe something from the 80's (at least for somebody my age) wasn't the 80's like two or three years ago? |
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Post by imagesinthewind on May 11, 2012 19:30:28 GMT -5
Yep. For me it was last week!
But all my kids use the word to describe all things 80s.
Heck, I graduated HS in '85. I'd relive the 80s any day!!
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Post by doomsday on May 11, 2012 20:10:18 GMT -5
Well, I think something is up with this viva scooter. I been emailing the guy back and forth and I asked him several specific questions about the scooter. He immediately changed the subject to how knowledgeable I am and that maybe he should buy scooters from me lol. Still ignoring my questions, he drops the price on the scooter another 400 bucks when we haven't even discussed price at all. That just is a big huge red flag to me.
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Post by imagesinthewind on May 11, 2012 21:53:05 GMT -5
Have you asked if it has a title?
There are a bunch of 'no title, but those are easy to come by' listings.
Maybe there is no title.
No title = parts scoots.
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Post by doomsday on May 13, 2012 2:40:28 GMT -5
Yeah I asked if there was a title, No response since I asked him to answer my questions again. Oh well, I will just keep right on looking.
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Post by dumbass on May 13, 2012 11:49:20 GMT -5
Here's a late entry. I bought this bike used for 550 buck on EBay. It was a local pickup only and happen to be only 30 miles from me. It's a 2006 model and had 617 miles on it. The guy said he stopped riding after only a few months because it wouldn't start. I put in a new enricher and it starts and runs great. It's a CF Moto V5. IT looks more like a motorcycle but the drive train is 100% scooter. 244cc engine with automatic trans. It rides and handles 100% better then my Roketa 250 54b did. But there isn't any underseat storage. I am planning to install my 54b trunk on it in a few weeks. That should solve the storage problem. Bob    |
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Post by spandi on May 13, 2012 12:26:01 GMT -5
Yep. For me it was last week! But all my kids use the word to describe all things 80s. Heck, I graduated HS in '85. I'd relive the 80s any day!! You know what they say now?...."The 80's are the New 50's" Hmm, so I guess it's "Back to the Future" for us! |
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Post by imagesinthewind on May 13, 2012 12:39:13 GMT -5
you said it Spandi!
The CF Moto motor-scootie is very cool. I got to ride one once and it was pretty
fun. Those don't come up around here very often at all. I'd get one for my son.
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Post by spandi on May 13, 2012 12:43:42 GMT -5
you said it Spandi! The CF Moto motor-scootie is very cool. I got to ride one once and it was pretty fun. Those don't come up around here very often at all. I'd get one for my son. Hey, I thought on Mother's day you GET the presents! LOL! (BTW, your kid isn't named "Marty" by any chance?) |
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Post by doomsday on May 13, 2012 13:15:50 GMT -5
Very nice Bob. If I was to go the motorcycle look route, that would be one to hunt for!
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Post by imagesinthewind on May 13, 2012 19:38:58 GMT -5
Marty....too funny.  |
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Post by jwalz1 on May 14, 2012 18:48:37 GMT -5
Well if we are posting automatic motorcycles by CF Moto, my local dealer has four leftover 2009's V3's for $2400.  |
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Post by hanilanzi on May 15, 2012 8:27:46 GMT -5
that just doesn't look right!  |
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Post by WarrenS on May 15, 2012 9:38:35 GMT -5
There are 2 models of these. The cruiser style is the V5 and this yellow one is the sport model V3.
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Post by doomsday on May 15, 2012 12:25:15 GMT -5
Ok, do others see issues with search tempest? I am seeing that it is missing a number of scooters in my area when I am using it versus going straight to cl and doing a search from there.
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Post by doomsday on May 16, 2012 16:14:13 GMT -5
Damn you Linhai owners. Just when I thought I had narrowed down my prospects, I am now looking at the Linhai scooters to lol. I have to say that it appears they have a pretty good following and reputation. I found both a 260 and 300 aeolus new, within my price range, albeit at the top end of my price range. Man it sure is hard to decide what to get! There are some 200's that I like, heck there are even some 150's that I like but I just dont think the 150's would be powerful enough for me. The price difference in the 260 to 300 is only a couple hundred bucks difference to. Sigh.... My wife is simply going to kill me when I actually buy one lol.
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Post by ScootForFun on May 16, 2012 18:02:15 GMT -5
If you are going to go the cheaper route and buy Chinese, Linhai is the one to get. This started for me when I saw one for sale in my area, and then went screaming all over the net to try and find all those "this bike sucks" posts. Problem is, I couldn't find any. Sure, like any other brand, they have their minor quirks and bike specific problems, but the engines seem to be pretty darn good. Yamaha has a substantial investment in Lihnai, and Linhai is building a lot of Yamaha's engines. Has been for years. And then I found out that I could deal directly with the distributor in GA for the cheapest parts ever. A dealer in Concord, close to Charlotte is blowing them out new for $1950. charlotte.craigslist.org/mcy/2941455681.htmlUmm, yeah, that is pretty much a no brainer. In that price range go for the 300, no question. You will then have the bike that matches your requirements, nearly verbatim, except for your apparent dislike of 12" tires. But don't take our word for it- go down there and test drive a 300 and see for yourself. You'll need to get the ball rolling and get your learner's permit anyway if you are going over 50cc in NC, so you might want to do that soon- no matter what bike you end up with. |
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Post by doomsday on May 16, 2012 19:54:11 GMT -5
Thanks ScootForFun, I am going to be going for the ml permit hopefully next week. btw, I dont think I ever said I disliked 12 inch tires. I said i didn't think I wanted to go below 13 due to my limited experience on my taotao and with everything I read that 10 inch tires was not a good idea on scoots this big. There is no dislike of any tire size as I am only going on many many reviews and my limited scooter experience. Like you, I have read a lot on all different kinds of scooters and peoples experiences and the only common dislike I can see is for 10 inch tires on bigger scooters, especially for freeway travel.
I will say that I have been very reluctant on purchasing anything used as my experience dealing with folks so far, has not been a very reassuring experience. Just about everyone I have emailed has been very reluctant to discuss any details about their scooters other than it runs great and they really need to sell it. Heck, even that CL ad you posted makes me wonder why the dealer didnt mention his business name. Maybe I am just over cautious but I just about scammers trying to take my hard earned money and I am afraid my excitement of seeing the scooter in person could cloud my judgement and make me miss signs that a deal may be to good of a deal and I end up getting screwed in the end.
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Post by justpassinthru on May 16, 2012 22:06:44 GMT -5
Thanks ScootForFun, I am going to be going for the ml permit hopefully next week. btw, I dont think I ever said I disliked 12 inch tires. I said i didn't think I wanted to go below 13 due to my limited experience on my taotao and with everything I read that 10 inch tires was not a good idea on scoots this big. There is no dislike of any tire size as I am only going on many many reviews and my limited scooter experience. Like you, I have read a lot on all different kinds of scooters and peoples experiences and the only common dislike I can see is for 10 inch tires on bigger scooters, especially for freeway travel. I will say that I have been very reluctant on purchasing anything used as my experience dealing with folks so far, has not been a very reassuring experience. Just about everyone I have emailed has been very reluctant to discuss any details about their scooters other than it runs great and they really need to sell it. Heck, even that CL ad you posted makes me wonder why the dealer didnt mention his business name. Maybe I am just over cautious but I just about scammers trying to take my hard earned money and I am afraid my excitement of seeing the scooter in person could cloud my judgement and make me miss signs that a deal may be to good of a deal and I end up getting screwed in the end. You needn't be gun-shy, if you educate yourself. As you seem to be doing. There are a whole lotta reasons why scooters appear on the market with low miles, used. Riding isn't for everyone. For many the cycle-lifestyle just doesn't fit. For others, sometimes the Chinese stuff goes haywire early on...simple fix but beyond the new-owner's willingness to mess. Like that CF Moto cycle-scooter. And of course there are the serious reasons to sell...early Chinese stuff could be crap; or maybe it wasn't prepped properly and the new owner seriously damaged it. Now, if I can put a word in on my own experience...my Xingyue XY300t-4 has turned out to be a FABULOUSLY economical ride. Eighty miles a gallon. And I've had it on local freeways...it easily holds its own with traffic for speed; for weight, of course, it's a little light at 300 lbs. I get buffeted easily. But the economy! And, starts EVERY TIME! Odd...I've only seen a few ads for them and no none lately; maybe it's been discontinued. As an updated VOG, it's getting a little old...it's a clone of the 2003 Burgman 400. (The Burg doesn't get mileage that good and the seat isn't as comfortable, FWIW.) The engine on that is a fuel-injected Linhai-Yamaha 295cc engine. But...if you see one; especially as a close-out....at a price under two grand... BUY IT! I've got over 2000 miles on mine, now - not a single problem or issue. Well, aside from water getting into the headlights... |
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