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Post by krylon80 on Oct 19, 2013 10:54:03 GMT -5
Hey All,
I'm new to the world of scooters and this forum and I was hoping there were some out there who could help a guy out with some advice. My girlfriend and I live in Boston and after not having any motorized vehicles for years, we're contemplating getting a scooter.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has created two vehicle classes for scooters: up to 50cc engine, up to 30mph top speed="Moped"; over 50cc, over 30mph="Limited Use Vehicle (LUV)".
Many people prefer to get Moped-classified scooters because you don't have to pay for insurance, license plates, titles or inspections, and you can ride in bicycle lanes. An LUV-classified scooter requires all of this and you cannot ride in bicycle lanes.
We would prefer a Moped-classified scooter as we'd rather not deal with any of the additional bureaucracy or costs of operating an LUV-classified scooter. Our concern is that while most of the time there will be one rider, we would like to get a scooter that could also accommodate two riders and we weren't sure if there are any 50cc scooters that were capable. We are both smaller than average, mind you (I'm 5'8" 150lbs, she's 5'0" 120lbs).
Thanks!
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Post by arcanum70 on Oct 19, 2013 14:23:54 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum.
Well, first I would suggest that whichever you decide to get, you insure it. This is not only to protect you, but others in case something happens.
As to the size of the bike, Vermont is sort of the same (except you have to insure and get tags for the vehicle no matter what the size). I originally went with a Zuma 50f which like almost ever under 50cc scooter (49cc) can still go over 30mph. So, for a while I was worried that if I got pulled over, while technically I would not need a motorcycle endorsement because of displacement, they would get me because it goes over 30mph. Fortunately the police realize that the DMV is behind the technology.
I quickly realized that I needed something more than a 50 so I took a MSF course, got me endorsement and got a 250.
The 50 will serve you well in a city setting, however going two up on it will quickly show you the limitations of a 50.
It is going to be difficult for me to suggest which way to go for you. However, whichever you choose I would still suggest taking a MSF course, wear a helmet (regardless of what the MA laws are...here in Vermont you don't need one on a 50cc or under, however do you want to take a hit from a car, or go down at 30/35 mph without one?), and get insurance.
If you have a dealer that will let you take a test ride, then try it two up and see how it is. Then you will see if you are okay with the slower take off, longer stopping time and loss of speed/power on any hills that you will have.
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jmkjr72
contributing staff
Commander 132nd Northern Cav. Division
Posts: 2,779
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Post by jmkjr72 on Oct 19, 2013 16:29:13 GMT -5
More and more states are cracking down
There isnt a scooter out there that meets the moped law
Being its a newly enacted law i doubt there will be any give or take if your going over 30
I know people with the 50f that have been caught qnd forced to register as a motorcyle
And check to see if you can even operate two up againg in most states you need a motorcycle endorsement
Your not to bright to ride without ins all the damage and injuries will come out of your pocket
Even slight bumper damage will cost you a couple thousand
Title and reg belve it r not hels prevnt theft because its harder to get rid of the item if you dont have a title
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Post by Rebel on Oct 19, 2013 16:44:45 GMT -5
Yeah you will probably outgrow the 50cc class especially riding two. But go for it just realise you might be wanting something bigger within a few short months or weeks. Buy a well taken care of used one and you won't be in the hole when it comes to passing it on to the next new scooter rider.
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Post by tvnacman on Oct 20, 2013 9:03:50 GMT -5
50cc's are thin to start with for one person , buying to ride two up it will get old very quick .
I have a 150cc for sale it is most likely too far away .
John
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Post by krylon80 on Oct 20, 2013 13:52:16 GMT -5
Thanks for all the advice, guys! Anyone have any recommendations for cheaper 50cc bikes? I can't afford the Japanese or Italian brands and I've heard that most of the other Chinese, Taiwanese, etc. brands are cheaply made and break down easily. Are there any non Japanese/Italian brands that are decent?
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Post by krylon80 on Oct 20, 2013 14:57:25 GMT -5
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Post by Rebel on Oct 20, 2013 15:13:59 GMT -5
That is another one of the Chinese imports. Let me do some looking and see what is out there that is cheaper.
If you can pick up a used Japanese it would be better. If you knw how to work on motors a Chinese might do for you. If you wan to learn how to work on motors a Chinese might be the ticket.
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Post by Rebel on Oct 20, 2013 15:28:02 GMT -5
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jmkjr72
contributing staff
Commander 132nd Northern Cav. Division
Posts: 2,779
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Post by jmkjr72 on Oct 20, 2013 19:51:53 GMT -5
This is why i said you have to check things yourself Dollars to doughnuts that thing goes faster then 30 mph And when you get tagged by the cops he isnt goingbto go to court and stick up for you |
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Post by krylon80 on Oct 20, 2013 20:41:31 GMT -5
That is another one of the Chinese imports. Let me do some looking and see what is out there that is cheaper. If you can pick up a used Japanese it would be better. If you knw how to work on motors a Chinese might do for you. If you wan to learn how to work on motors a Chinese might be the ticket. Yeah, I don't know anything about motors so the less work I'd have to do, the better. Perhaps Chinese ain't the way to go, haha. Thanks for looking for me! |
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Post by krylon80 on Oct 20, 2013 20:53:41 GMT -5
oh, i wouldn't be buying online through the site. the link i posted is for a website for a nearby brick and mortar shop. i was planning on going down there and test driving two or three models before buying anything. i checked out those other links too, thanks. |
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Post by krylon80 on Oct 20, 2013 20:56:09 GMT -5
50cc's are thin to start with for one person , buying to ride two up it will get old very quick . I have a 150cc for sale it is most likely too far away . John John, Just out of curiosity what's your 150cc and how did you like it? |
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Post by Rebel on Oct 20, 2013 22:55:34 GMT -5
Great idea to do test rides and get fro a b&m dealer.
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Post by krylon80 on Oct 21, 2013 21:16:22 GMT -5
OK, I feel like I've been doing nothing but reading about this stuff for the past few days now.  Based on what's available from dealers in my area and what I've read and been told, I've made some decisions about what I'm looking to get and some models I'm considering (but I am still open to suggestions given it fits my criteria). I'm getting a 50cc. I intend to mod it so I'd need a scooter that can be modded fairly easily (i.e. availability and cost of mod parts). I'm not interested in getting a Chinese brand. I will consider non-Chinese brands that sometimes partner with Chinese manufacturers if they have a good reputation (i.e. Sym, PGO). I'm only interested in modern-styled scooters (that means no buddys, stellas, lance classics, vespas, vinos etc). The scooter has to have a weight capacity of at least 300lb. 12"+ wheel(s) a bonus, but not absolutely necessary. There has to be enough under-seat storage for at least a 3/4-full face helmet and a chain+lock. Has to be $2k MSRP or less. (my budget is more like $1,500 tops, but I think I can talk the price down a bit from MSRP, paying cash) I'll consider buying a used scooter from the owner if it's a reliable brand (Yamaha, Honda, etc). Here are the models I've been looking at so far. Thoughts? Aprilia SR Motard 50 Aprilia Sportcity 50 Genuine Roughhouse R50/PGO PMX Sport 50 Hyosung Sense SD50 Hyosung Rally SF50R Hyosung Prima SF50B Lance (SYM) PCH 50 SYM Jet EuroX/SYM Jet 50 Evo (these seem like the same bike with two names) Tomos Twister 50 Yamaha Zuma 50F (2013 $1,000 used 300mi) |
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Based on what's available from dealers in my area and what I've read and been told, I've made some decisions about what I'm looking to get and some models I'm considering (but I am still open to suggestions given it fits my criteria).
CAN YOU HELP ME OUT MAN,AS i LOST ME JOB DUE TO NOT BEING ABLE TO GET THERE?ANY INF