My First REAL Ride

[lagman]

I finally got my scoot registered today, so I took it out for the first time, which was also the first real time I have ever been on a scooter.

I was flying down the road at what seemed like 60mph, but when I looked down at the speedo, I was only doing 20-25! Is it normal to feel like you are going A LOT faster than you really are at first? How long does it usually take before you are comfortable going faster?

After reading through the safety forum and seeing all the potential for wipe outs (road snakes, potholes, etc), I spend too much time looking down at the road for these hazards, when I should be looking up.

The nice thing is that my XM-50 (4 stroke, 50cc) seems to get me up to 25mph FAST, and I can tell there is power to spare as soon as I am ready to use it. At first, I was worried that these Chinese scoots would be lacking in the power department.

Right now I am only driving on residential streets, but hopefully soon I will gain the confidence to take it out on the high traffic (4 lane) streets. Then I can start driving to work and saving $$$ on gas!

[keepaustinscootin]

My first time out (3 weeks ago Wednesday) I thought the same thing. Going 20-25 mph felt much faster. I was only on for about 15 minutes but the next day I went out and after about 10 minutes, I was doing 40 which still felt fast, but within my control. After a couple more days, 30 mph seems average.

Yesterday on my way to work, I looked down and I was doing 55 (assuming the gauge is right). Most of the time I was in the 35-45 range and it felt like nothing.

Before getting a scooter, I last rode about 15 years ago one weekend in Colorado so my experience is very limited. I suppose it varies from one person to the next but for me, it took a couple of days and about 30 minutes of total riding.

Now my fear is traffic while going 40-45.

[newc77]

Lagman: Have you taken a rider safety course or instructional course? Do you have an instructional permit or a MC endorsement? Some of your comments have me worried that you are not ready to have your scoot out on the streets, plus it could be illegal. Not sure form your post. Ride safe,
Tom