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Post by chaz12 on Dec 8, 2012 14:41:11 GMT -5
;D Riding a scooter all the time, for main source of transportation might seem wise, but there are alot of things to remember.. One is most 250cc scooters only get between 10,000 and 20,000 miles on them. So lets say you live 50 miles from your job and you think commuting back and forth would be fun fulltime.. Please rethink the outcome of this. 10,000 miles divided into 100 miles per day is 100 days. Approximently 3 months before major work. 6 months at most at 20,000 miles.. It is not going to last real long at those type of miles put on daily. Mine is used as a toy mainly. Fun to ride and not a main source of transportation. It gets me back and forth to visit friends in Columbia MO about 70 miles round trip. But I took a trip this past weekend, to see family in Slater MO and put 234 miles round trip on scooter. Rode on 70 mph highways. Pretty cool. But the trips are not taken daily and the scooter would not last, if they were. Some friends of mine do ride year around. But their rides to work are within 5 miles and this is easy on the scooters. Most people whom own scooters have a second source of transportation. Attachments:
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Post by urbanmadness on Dec 8, 2012 15:09:33 GMT -5
I'm riding my 150 about 30 miles round trip each day and the miles are racking up on it quickly. I'm changing the oil every two weeks, and will probably be adjusting the valves monthly. I may end up putting a new engine in it by the end of next year. This only illustrate that while they look good on paper, you do have to realize that scooters are not low maintenance.
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Post by 50cc on Dec 8, 2012 15:16:00 GMT -5
Yeah, I know what you mean - I make 800+ miles a month on mine (to work and back) and it's my only vehicle, plus it's a 50cc. Second engine and almost 12 000 kms already..
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Post by chaz12 on Dec 8, 2012 17:08:52 GMT -5
The 250cc engine may last longer, being riden short trips verses long trips. It would benefit by heating up less. The parts that go wrong would mostly be maintenance issues verses a major issue. So maybe one would last 30,000 miles if not taken on long trips more than 20 miles at a time. Mine is going on 5 years old come February. Still runs perfect and no issues. I do regular maintenance as change spark plug, oil, antifreeze, fuel filter, air filter, tires, gear oil, whipe dust from crankcase and around clutch area, valve stems, valve adjustments, adjust carb... If calculated days in a year( 365) x years rode a 250 ( 5) divided into 6300 miles= 3.6 miles per day. But considering winters, don't ride daily, ect.. well that is about right. The most riding I have done at one time, was 234 miles last weekend. Just joy riding.
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Post by richardthescooter1 on Dec 8, 2012 19:29:01 GMT -5
I use mine for work, right now over 13,000 mile and going strong, change oil, gear oil regularly and always working on the maintenance.
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Post by ronlee on Dec 9, 2012 9:43:35 GMT -5
Short trips are the biggest killer of piston engines. Cars, trucks, scoots and motorcycles etc.I think the biggest killer of the scoots is the short trips people use them for plus the fact they buy a small CC unit and ride it wide open. Then they they hop it up on top of it! Those things alone will dramatically shorten the life of any piston engine.
Now it goes without saying, any scoot will not go 200,000 miles like a modern well driven auto that isn't abused.
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Post by scootnwinn on Dec 9, 2012 10:01:36 GMT -5
I guess we're talking 250's made in China? Any Japanese 250 will go much further than 20k. More engine wear happens when an engine is cold for certain. Its designed to run warm not cold things aren't quite right as it warms up and the different metals are all expanding at different rates. Motorcycles/scooters can be reliable commuters and if 20k is all you get you may need to reassess your maintenance regimen and perhaps the initial quality of your purchase. I have put way more.than 20k on a number of bikes commuting (and I used to run the piss out of em) without anything but basic maintenance.
I don't know that this is wrong but where did the mileage numbers come from? Why would a scooter be less reliable than a motorcycle? In general the engines are mildly tuned for longevity not all out power. There is a lot of assumption here, I would be interested to see the reasoning behind the assumption explored a bit more
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Post by spandi on Dec 9, 2012 11:04:50 GMT -5
Hmm.. What happens to your equation if (as some scootdawgs have done ) they replace the internal engine parts with high quality aftermarket stuff?
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Post by jlee on Dec 9, 2012 12:45:19 GMT -5
My motorcycle is 27 years old and has 79k miles on it. It still runs as strong and as smooth as new. I've not had to replace any major engine parts, just normal consumables. It's all in how the maintenance is done. Storage conditions make a difference, too. I have no idea how many more miles I'll put on it, but I'm expecting to have several more years of fun!
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Post by prodigit on Dec 9, 2012 13:51:02 GMT -5
My 260 is in the back yard house, mainly because of saving miles.
In the first 2 months I had already put 2000 miles on it, and wanted to be a little more careful with it, to let it last a little longer. For that reason I bought a 50cc scooter, to take the small trips off the big one. My 50cc scooter now has +1,5k Miles on it, after 2 months.
It was financially wiser to buy 2 scooters, and put the heaviest burden on my TaoTao ATM50. That way I'd replace $800 instead of $3000!
My work is only 10 miles away from my home though,
That's 20 miles per day, 500 days for the first major maintenance, and a good 3 years for the second.
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Post by scootnwinn on Dec 9, 2012 18:18:06 GMT -5
What are you saving it for? . The worst thing for a motorcycle is to have it sit. I have seen more problems due to sitting than running in my time. Saving a motorcycle just seems strange. They were designed to be ridden not looked at. This thread bothers me on many levels why would you buy something so clearly designed to commute with if it can't. If you wanted a toy to kick around on dirtbikes or way more fun. These things were designed for utility not recreation in my opinion. If you're just going to look at it get some art. PSA The preceeding message was brought to you by Rob's brain and is in no way intended to be insulting. The views expressed above are only opinions (though I do think they are good ones  ) Disagree if you like. The owner of these opinions will not be held liable for your need of framing or pedestal material now that you realize your bike is just a big heavy piece of modern art. |
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Post by martyd on Dec 9, 2012 19:43:38 GMT -5
Yeah a scooter is an expensive lawn ornament +1 to scootnwinn
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Post by chaz12 on Dec 9, 2012 19:51:33 GMT -5
Lets hear someone say they got 20,000 or 30,000 miles on a Chinese 250cc scooter. Not a darn Burgman, Reflex, Silverwing, T max, ect.. A freakin Chinese scooter... What ruins a scooter is riding at a high temperature and continue riding until it throws the piston.. Riding at normal temperatures saves the engine.. This forum was started for people seeking help with Chinese scooter and went to other scooters too. I assume you know this..
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Post by turtle8 on Dec 9, 2012 19:58:23 GMT -5
I've owned two Chinese scooters and I now I own a Japanese scooter. I think the Chinese powertrains can be made to last, it is the rest of the scooters that I find a little cheesy. What I didn't like about my Chinascooters were crappy, brittle body panels and very bad headlight designs.
I'd be open to purchase another one as a rebuild project.
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Post by whid on Dec 9, 2012 19:58:35 GMT -5
Scootnwinn.... I'm in the floor with your disclaimer..... I just now caught my breath enough to type... Awesome!
+1 scootnwinn
The more I read it... and continue to crack up, maybe the opening line is the best part.... What are you saving it for? as if it is a savings account for a future investment. hehe
I catch a little heat at work for riding a scooter... but they seem to shut right up when I tell them my annual cost of ownership is about what they fork out every couple months for their fancy rides. Know one guy that just dropped half the price of my scoot in a round of tires.
I sleep well at night knowing even after 1 year, I can push it off in a ditch somewhere and walk away to another one, and still come out thousands and thousands ahead from what I use to pay for my Titan. And it sure beats peddling.
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Post by chaz12 on Dec 9, 2012 20:29:39 GMT -5
Now I do know the Chinese make cheesy body parts, but in 5 years of owning it went threw 2 rear tires, 1 front tire, 3 spark plugs, 3 headlight bulbs, 2 starters, 2 windshields, one dimmer switch, one reclifier, one rear rim, 2 batteries. The rear rim was actually bent by Goodyear. So that was not a chinese error. The rectifier was good and it was a battery needing replaced. But I would not consider that alot considering all the stuff that has went wrong with other peoples Chinese scooters. Batteries were purchased at Walmart. Most stuff on other scoots went wrong within 3 years. 5 years is the longest I had any scooter.
I am thinking of buying a Kymco Downtown 300i- move up in scooters. But the Chinese 250cc has done me right. Nothing against Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Kymco, Vespas, ect.. it is the Chinese scooters were cheap and bought as a first 250cc scooter. Had plenty of Honda and Yamaha 49cc scoots. 2 strokes.. Had bad luck with a Yamaha and Honda told me they would ride it the way it was instead of fixing it. That is mainly why I went to china scooters. A warranty means nothing to Honda.
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Post by prodigit on Dec 9, 2012 22:30:40 GMT -5
I don't know.. Why do most americans buy a motorcycle?
As far as I know MOST of them buy it for recreation, not as primary form of transportation.
Unfortunately I'm not as wealthy as most americans, and instead of a $+10k motorcycle, I have a $3k scooter. It's for the longer fun rides. My smaller scooter is in fact my primary form of transport, next to my car.
I use my car to go to work, but my 50cc scoot for shopping, recreation driving, going to friends, and places!
My 260cc only for the long distances. I still hope to retire the big bike with 12k miles on or more; so it's not like it's totally useless in there, it's just used less often!
And yes, unlike some people, I got to save up for my scooters; and I'd rather save up for another 50cc scoot, than for a 260cc scoot (financially).
I'd probably go with another TaoTao if I do.
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Post by radio1960 on Dec 10, 2012 0:27:04 GMT -5
So I have this question:My wife and I are avid truck campers and are looking at a couple honda helix's that are 2001 models. They each have approximately 25,000 miles on them. All scheduled maintenance done at dealership.
Should I stay away? I would also like to be able to use the honda to commute to work, 20 miles one way, and take some across the state trips, (Tennessee).
Should we search for lower mileage scooters?
Thanks
Radio
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Post by scootnwinn on Dec 10, 2012 0:31:43 GMT -5
Honda Helixes are good for at least 80,000 and 100,000 isn't unheard of when they are lovingly maintained
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Post by chaz12 on Dec 10, 2012 1:08:18 GMT -5
Ya, I guess you guys have not been here, since 2007 and 2008... or you would have read about the 10,000 mile club for Chinese Scooters.. Where 10,000 to 20,000 miles came from, was I heard of the 10,000 mile club- but was uncertain if any Chinese scooterist made it last to 20,000 miles. But I realize, because I show a pic of my Roketa MC-13-250 that I mean Jap scooters.. Get for real...
No I spend less money on my scooter, than Jap bike owners do. A Jap scooter cost between $5500 to $9000.. For quality scoot. I spent $1700 new and delivered. Since you ride further, well you go through more tires, maintenance, ect.. Me in 5 years have went through about $500 in maintenance. That is not real bad. Mine still is running perfect.. This is important to see how long a Chinese scooter lasts if taken care of- well maintained and not overheated due to elements and conditions that would cause one to overheat. I know my scoot is not nearly as quality as yours, but 234 miles last weekend, 3 days earlier 80 miles placed on it, 54 miles 2 days before that. Engine never got hot.. Now, if you saw a 2000 Helix with 3000 mile on it- would you buy it or not for $2500.. I think you would. And it would not matter that the scooter only had 3000 miles on it in 12 years. I think this is the real point.
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Post by martyd on Dec 10, 2012 1:28:30 GMT -5
I am an American but, I am far from wealthy I worked hard for everything I have Mommy and Daddy did not buy it for me. However I am very pleased with my 1200$ Chinese 2t scooter. Another thing "Not as wealthy as most Americans" Last time I checked " most Americans were not "wealthy". Lastly I really hate stereotypes and really feel they are degrading and unnecessary. Thank you for listening to my rant, have a good night.
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Post by chaz12 on Dec 10, 2012 1:35:37 GMT -5
Well said martyd
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Post by spandi on Dec 10, 2012 1:57:25 GMT -5
I went with cubic zirconium bearings.....should I signup for the 50K club?
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Post by scootnwinn on Dec 10, 2012 15:48:56 GMT -5
Lets hear someone say they got 20,000 or 30,000 miles on a Chinese 250cc scooter... Not sure why this isn't possible I just don't understand how anyone would accept this for a purchase this size. I have never spent more than $2000 on any vehicle for the last 15 years (except my wifes van but that was still only $4500) and I expected (and got) more than 20,000 miles out of them. A Chinese scooter if cared for should go this far. ... What ruins a scooter is riding at a high temperature and continue riding until it throws the piston.. Riding at normal temperatures saves the engine... Well sure, why can't this be done a lot of these are water-cooled right? ...This forum was started for people seeking help with Chinese scooter and went to other scooters too. I assume you know this.. What does that have to do with what it has become? At the top of the main page is says "everyone is welcome" You said 250 scooter, that's pretty vague considering there are lots of threads on other types from many countries in this section especially, I just asked for clarification... I own a Suzuki because I too am "not as wealthy as most" I can't afford to replace that bike for quite a few years. If I do, I want it to have some decent resale value. I schemed a way to get the bike with out having to pull any money from the house hold budget. I bartered and traded to get an old car up and running and traded it for the bike. No money changed hands because well I don't have any, I have children instead. It kind of seems like I am looked at as being uppity for owning a Japanese machine... No where did I imply that Chinese bikes were anything but able to go the distance. Keeping them running daily it's good for 'em, less corrosion in the crankcase, less impurities in the fuel system, less corrosion all the way around. I think based on the build quality of my 150 that there is no reason a 250 can't be run daily. I ran my 150 daily and I plan to modify it slightly (tranny mods only) for my wife and son to ride almost daily. There is no reason why I shouldn't demand quality $850 is a lot of freakin money, it better not be junk my old lady will kill me... |
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Post by spandi on Dec 10, 2012 16:05:38 GMT -5
.....So when did owning a Burgy make you "Thurston Scooty the Third?"
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Post by prodigit on Dec 10, 2012 16:18:50 GMT -5
Another thing "Not as wealthy as most Americans" Last time I checked " most Americans were not "wealthy". Lastly I really hate stereotypes and really feel they are degrading and unnecessary. Thank you for listening to my rant, have a good night. that may be from your perspective. You got to step out a little; and you'll see that Americans are among the wealthiest people on earth. |
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Post by inuyasha on Dec 10, 2012 16:29:45 GMT -5
Another thing "Not as wealthy as most Americans" Last time I checked " most Americans were not "wealthy". Lastly I really hate stereotypes and really feel they are degrading and unnecessary. Thank you for listening to my rant, have a good night. that may be from your perspective. You got to step out a little; and you'll see that Americans are among the wealthiest people on earth. Hi We may well be , but theres many other wealthier countries then us The usa ranks 7th in this list of 10 www.pfhub.com/top-10-countries-with-the-richest-people-in-the-world/Take care and ride safely dear friend Yours Hank |
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Post by scootnwinn on Dec 10, 2012 17:01:33 GMT -5
.....So when did owning a Burgy make you "Thurston Scooty the Third?" No doubt and that is funny... |
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Post by trigger on Dec 10, 2012 17:26:02 GMT -5
Still chugging along on my JCL MP-250A at 25,100 miles and miles of smiles.
Runs as good as day one, but has dropped in MPG to around 70 MPG. It also will exceed 70 MPH easily on level ground.
Ride on friends, and enjoy your rides.
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Post by scootnwinn on Dec 10, 2012 17:32:41 GMT -5
I knew it was possible good job dude keepin' her up.
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) Disagree if you like. The owner of these opinions will not be held liable for your need of framing or pedestal material now that you realize your bike is just a big heavy piece of modern art. 
