Anyone ride a scooter?

[breadnatty08]

Looking to buy a scooter to get around town (Wash, DC). They're quite popular and I believe (ugh, the details are up in the air) that 50cc scooters don't require registration. I'm not above doing it, but it'd be nice to avoid.
Don't know much about them, and I'd like to keep it in the 50cc range, I don't need anything bigger/faster.
I've ridden someone's Yamaha Vino Classic and liked it. Nice styling and pretty cheap. Yamaha also seems like a reputable brand. The Honda Metropolitan seems nice too. KYMCO looks to be okay and even cheaper?
Craigslist has plenty on there, but I'm not above going new. Looking to spend less than $2500.
Anyone have any thoughts?

 

[SiempreTuna]

Although I actually have a bike license, whenever I think about getting a scooter or bike I'm reminded of a story I heard about a transplant specialist who, while discussing the shortage of organs, glanced out the window and noted that, since it was raining, there ought to be a few dead motorcyclists coming in that afternoon.

 

[Gmash]

Although I actually have a bike license, whenever I think about getting a scooter or bike I'm reminded of a story I heard about a transplant specialist who, while discussing the shortage of organs, glanced out the window and noted that, since it was raining, there ought to be a few dead motorcyclists coming in that afternoon.

That's cold, man.

 

[Bearsyzf]

Although I actually have a bike license, whenever I think about getting a scooter or bike I'm reminded of a story I heard about a transplant specialist who, while discussing the shortage of organs, glanced out the window and noted that, since it was raining, there ought to be a few dead motorcyclists coming in that afternoon.

That does not sound to encouraging

 

[mebrewsta]

I ride an '85 Honda CH250. It's pretty junky but is currently getting me where I need to go, given that my car is currently in the shop getting new mounts . Its also a blast to ride around on back roads when the weather is calm and warm.

 

[Bob Maxey]

A thread I can get behind. Scooters RULE!

So let me ask you, vintage or cheap from China for 999.00? I can't get behind the cheap ones, but a vintage Vespa is a by god thing of beauty. So is a Lambretta and a Cushman Silver Eagle.

As to how much do you want to spend, there are good values on CL as you mentioned. Make sure if you go with a Craigs List special, you research the brand and have a reputable scooter shop have a look. I have seen good deals turn bad when it comes to the engines.

If parts are missing, find out what they will cost to replace.

Stella offers good value, if you want something really nice.

If you want to be a "biker" try a Topper. Made by Harley:

http://www.dapurpacu.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Harley_Topper_04.jpg

You can put a big engine in a Cushman if you crave speed. I suggest a Briggs and Stratton carting engine, V-Twin, no less. Up to 40 HP through B&S Racing.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/howard33/2568859494/in/set-72157605779721393

http://www.flickr.com/photos/howard33/2600643403/in/set-72157605779721393

Finally, there are several companies offering Cushman (sorry, I love Cushman, what can I say) parts---from frames, to tins to engines and everything in between. One company produces pars using Cushman's tools.

I suggest you do not spend lots of cash, if this is your first Scooter. 'Get use to the slow nature of the beast and decide if you want something uber cool. Some people want them and can't ride because they are either skeered or just not scooter people.

Luck to you, ride safe.

 

[Bob Maxey]

Although I actually have a bike license, whenever I think about getting a scooter or bike I'm reminded of a story I heard about a transplant specialist who, while discussing the shortage of organs, glanced out the window and noted that, since it was raining, there ought to be a few dead motorcyclists coming in that afternoon.

Old joke, to be sure.

Ever seen a serious bike wreck? Quite often, nothing left to salvage and take to the OR. I saw pictures a man doing an estimated 160 on a fast bike who went through windows on both sides of a van. Well, parts did.

Interestingly, fatal accidents are more likely with the car crowd. That said, fewer bikes on the road, so the percentages are/can be misleading. That said, a bike is out there and not much protection, so minor crashes can spell disaster.

Oddly, a skid lid can result in problems. They restrict peripheral vision, reduce your ability to hear and they heat up something fierce in the hot, hot summer sun. If you have a spine/back injury, removing a bucket can exasperate the problem.

Helmuts are fine for some people, I suppose.

People I know (rather, have known) sometimes ride after drinking, or they speed when they should not. They improperly split lanes, they weave in and out of traffic and at the heart of many accidents is a careless, or inebriated rider. Or a new rider whio has no business riding a Hyabusa. No beginner should be allowed to own a bike capable of joining the 130/150/200 MPH Club at Bonneville (with a little work, perhaps)..

Some cagers do not look, and that is a problem, too.

 

[Ricky Babalu]

I love scooters. I used to be big into scooters in the mid 80's. There was a big Mod scene in Southern California. I Prefer the older Vespas, or Lambrettas myself. My vote would be for a Classic.

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[mikedt]

Ride a scooter...definitely! "蒙H A9378" bit rough around the edges, but is reliable.

 

[saptech]

I remember back in the 1980s, when I worked for the local stockyards, the company bought some mini bikes to use to move cattle around the yards and during the auctions. I forget what brand but I think they were Hondas.

 

[pbf98]

If you're looking for suggestions on brands you could check out the brand called Lance scooters

They are a decent cheap scooter, my dad bought one to for my sister and i to learn the basics for motorcycle training since you could use it on the test.. but I ended up not riding it as much when I had my permit, then never took my test so he sold it.