Completely new to scooters, LOTS of questions...

[henrykins111]

I am looking to buy a scooter within the next few months(hopefully by august) and I have a lot of learning to do. I have been doing a good bit of research and I was thinking to go with a chinese scooter, although they require work and I don't know anything about motors. I will receive help from my father, who is a mechanic. Now, the big questions. I was looking at some 50cc TaoTao scooters, as they do not need a motorcycle license to be driven in Illinois. The popular models seem to be the ATM50-A1 and the CY50-T3. Which would be more recommended? Is there a better scooter I can get while staying in that price range(<$800 shipped)? How much work do they really need to be reliable machines? Also, is provenpowersports.com a good place to buy from? their promises almost seem too good to be true, but I can't really be sure on the prices. I have read a few other gripes from some people that it took them a long time to receive the title, etc. I am pretty much dedicated to this; my first vehicle will be a moped. I do not want to go throwing my money into a pit. Thank you in advance for your help and suggestions; I hope I can become a valued member of this online community.

On another note, if I posted this in the wrong section, my bad. It is really late(2am). I don't even know why I'm doing this so late.

Also if you could direct me to some sources to learn about how the scooters work in general so I can get an idea of the playing field I am dabbling in, that would be awesome. I really am starting on a blank slate.

[chromestarhustler]

are you opposed to getting your motorcycle license to be able to step up to a bigger scooter/ motorcycle.

[cooch1000]

I bought my ATm50 a1 at www.killermotorsports.com and have been very happy so far. You will need to get to know it, and do some upgrades if you want peak performance. But if you're cautious, careful and baby it, you'll get your moneys worth. I'm in my second year and haven't had any real problems except for a few hiccups along the way when tuning/upgrading parts etc. This forum will be helpful while you get to know the 139qmb engine.

The good news is, check the block when you get it. Killermotorsports sold me a 2011 which was a P139qmb Secret 63!
You never know. If you get one, they're a little snappier than the standard.

Absolutely get a replacement Carb when you get it...the EPA restricted Carb stock is crap and not easily tuned without machining caps.

KillerMS delivered is around 700 bucks and had it at my house in about 4 days from Texas...

[henrykins111]

I actually wanted to get a motorcycle license, but I cannot get a class M until I am 18 and a class L requires me to hold my permit for 3 months while only driving during daylight hours with someone who knows how to drive them. This is of course after going through all of the safety and training courses. So, I definitely will at a later date.

Thanks for the reccomendation. I was thinking about getting that one, especially because it is also the lowest price. What else should I replace right when I get one?

[chromestarhustler]

oh i see, new mexico is kinda funny, the kaw eliminator 125 and a few others are 16 year old certified.

[henrykins111]

I think I was actually misreading the laws. I believe you only need your driving permit to get a class l permit. If that is the case, I'm stepping up to a Roketa MC-06/Motobravo Hornet/Motobravo Roma 150cc. I wanted the motorcycle style anyways. I'm gonna call the DMV tomorrow and make sure I'm right. Thanks guys.