What scooter to buy?

[gazmac]

I live in Nelson - There are hills.
I want to buy a Scooter to travel to/from work.
Needs to be able to be driven on a car licence.
Budget of $2500-$3000
I want to buy New.

What can you guys recommend?

Was looking at the Aprilia sport city 50 - what do you think about it?


Cheers

G

[DanielM8]

If you need a 50cc and need to ride up hills, you will need a decent 2 stroke. Make sure it has at least 1 disk brake and is not made in china.


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[DanielM8]

If that's the 2t model of the sport city 50 then it looks decent .. Although the 125cc and 300cc sportcity models get bad reviews for reliability .. Just make sure you get a warranty and/or insurance I guess would be my best advice. Also, make sure you get the gear (fully covered legs, a decent jacket, gloves and a full face helmet that's never been dropped or crashed). Good luck with your adventure. :)


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[DMNTD]

Was looking at the Aprilia sport city 50 - what do you think about it?
Cheers
G

They are the best handling scooter by a distance but can be a bit of a shit to get parts for.
The Yamaha Jogs are excellent and reliable. Quite easy and cheap to make them get along a bit better too.
They will also be much cheaper to buy...around the $1,000 mark

[SNF]

They are the best handling scooter by a distance but can be a bit of a shit to get parts for.
The Yamaha Jogs are excellent and reliable. Quite easy and cheap to make them get along a bit better too.
They will also be much cheaper to buy...around the $1,000 mark

This. Jogs maybe small but they are a top scooter. I know, I know I'm Yamaha biased. There are other good scooters too but Jogs always get rave reviews. No matter what, go for 2 stroke (2T). Accelerates quicker than 50cc 4 strokes - takeoff's are key with scooters.

I suggest you get a high speed variator/CVT kit and kevlar belt. It will up the top speed a little - 65ish km/h (if you're lucky.)

More importantly it slices off 1,000 or so rpm. They only rev to about 7,500rpm or so, so bone stock at 50 km/h its already around 7k - that little engine is revving its balls off, may as well free up some speed and give it a break.

[AllanB]

http://www.suzuki.co.nz/Motorcycle/Scooter/AN125H/

[CrazyFrog]

http://www.suzuki.co.nz/Motorcycle/Scooter/AN125H/

Not on a car licence my friend, limited to 50cc. Good option if OP is getting his learner licence though.

Aprilia Sport City 50 would be my choice if buying new, plenty of go (faster) parts avail through eBay, giving it more pep and top speed around 80kmph. Don't get nicked by Mr Plod though, he may want you to register it in the over 2KW class.

Check this one out in Nelson http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/scooters/auction-692975967.htm

or the Aprilia SR50 http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/scooters/auction-587864502.htm

As for Yammy CV50 Jog - yep, good little scoot, quite small cockpit area though, ok if you're not tall. Are Yammy still producing these new?
I can't see them on the Yamaha new scoot line up for 2013-2014, they only list the BeeWee YW50.
They're supposed to be quite good, but have a look only a mother could love..... good if you want to rark up some dirt roads though http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/scooters/auction-634867372.htm

[SNF]

[QUOTE=CrazyFrog;1130675357]Not on a car licence my friend, limited to 50cc. Good option if OP is getting his learner licence though.

Aprilia Sport City 50 would be my choice if buying new, plenty of go (faster) parts avail through eBay, giving it more pep and top speed around 80kmph. Don't get nicked by Mr Plod though, he may want you to register it in the over 2KW class.[QUOTE]

Leave it reg'd as a 50cc with go fast bolt on's and don't ride silly, plod will leave you alone and you will be fine. Just cause it can go 80 doesn't mean it will go everywhere (motorways). On tiny scooter wheels it will be unstable and dangerous as hell.

[FJRider]

Good option if OP is getting his learner licence though.



Even on a learners .. a 125 or similar would be ideal.

It could handle a head wind and hills better than 49cc wind up toy ... and last longer too ...

[CrazyFrog]

The whole "unstability on small wheels" thing is a bit of a myth to me. Bro, 14" wheels are fine at 80kmph, Christ, my 180cc Gilera has 13" wheels and that'll do 140kmph. I've ridden it everywhere, city streets, highways, gravel and 4wd tracks. Ride accordingling, and no problems with stability.
Plenty of big bike riders on "normal" wheels are shit scared of gravel because bike feels "unstable". Learn to ride I say, confidence is the key.

The Aprilia's are shod with 120/70-14 tyres front and rear, so same profile as road bike, but smaller rim diameter. No bumps in the road have ever upset the scoot any more than standard road bike with 17" front, they just turn quicker. Good fun in the twisties.
Any real bump, pot holes, tar snakes etc big enough to upset the wheels on a scooter will happen on any bike, not just a scoot, so ride to the conditons and read the road.
Oh yeah and OP is from Nelson, not huge amounts of motorway networks to worry about commuting down here :msn-wink:

[CrazyFrog]

Even on a learners .. a 125 or similar would be ideal.

It could handle a head wind and hills better than 49cc wind up toy ... and last longer too ...

As the OP posted, he wants to buy something new, to be ridden on his car licence only. So, 50cc limit then.
And his 50cc wind up toy would probably do 25,000km easily before any sort of rebuild. Much the same with a 125 wind up toy.
A 50cc piston/rings kit on a 2T scoot would cost all of $100 and about an hour or so of labour. Not bank breaking stuff huh?

At an average of 40km day commuting, 5 days a week, over a year that's about 9000km. 3 years of running before potential engine work.
The savings and low running costs made over time from a $2500 scooter purchase vs much higher maintenance/purchase costs of other bikes, makes a scoot good economical sense for commuting.

[HenryDorsetCase]

You know what? I think you should buy a cheap piece of shit Toyota Corolla. I don't want you on my road if your only motivation is "Cheap" and you're too fucking lazy to commit and do it properly. Properly means learning how to ride a motorcycle. Properly means using proper safety equipment. Properly means having the correct attitude.

Get a car you lazy fucker.

[SNF]

Eventually it will bore you though. Best to get your MC license. It's really not that hard and you have a range of choices not just limited to 50cc scooters.

Don't get me wrong I quite like taking a quick blast on my scooter. But I would rather be on my bike. Scooter is great if I want to hang out til 4 am and don't want to get fucked over for being out of curfew on the way home or I feel tight and only want to use $5 gas and don't want to/have to use the motorway for a 20 minute ride up the road.

[gazmac]

You know what? I think you should buy a cheap piece of shit Toyota Corolla. I don't want you on my road if your only motivation is "Cheap" and you're too fucking lazy to commit and do it properly. Properly means learning how to ride a motorcycle. Properly means using proper safety equipment. Properly means having the correct attitude.

Get a car you lazy fucker.

Thanks Henry for your very positive and constructive advice. To you I say - Get fucked.

To everyone else - Thanks for the helpful tips and advice.

[gazmac]

Eventually it will bore you though. Best to get your MC license. It's really not that hard and you have a range of choices not just limited to 50cc scooters.

Don't get me wrong I quite like taking a quick blast on my scooter. But I would rather be on my bike. Scooter is great if I want to hang out til 4 am and don't want to get fucked over for being out of curfew on the way home or I feel tight and only want to use $5 gas and don't want to/have to use the motorway for a 20 minute ride up the road.

Basically I want something that frees up the car for the family.

I live only a few kms from work and would only be using to/from there. So reliability is key, everything else is not essential

I have no real interest in getting a MC licence as I dont plan to go above a 50cc

I could buy a "shit Toyota Corolla" but wanted to cut down on rego/running costs. to yes "Cheap" is a motivation

[SNF]

The whole "unstability on small wheels" thing is a bit of a myth to me. Bro, 14" wheels are fine at 80kmph, Christ, my 180cc Gilera has 13" wheels and that'll do 140kmph. I've ridden it everywhere, city streets, highways, gravel and 4wd tracks. Ride accordingling, and no problems with stability. Plenty of big bike riders on "normal" wheels are shit scared of gravel because bike feels "unstable". Learn to ride I say, confidence is the key.
The Aprilia's are shod with 120/70-14 tyres front and rear, so same profile as road bike, but smaller rim diameter. No bumps in the road have ever upset the scoot any more than standard road bike with 17" front, they just turn quicker. Good fun in the twisties.
Any real bump, pot holes, tar snakes etc big enough to upset the wheels on a scooter will happen on any bike, not just a scoot, so ride to the conditons and read the road.
Oh yeah and OP is from Nelson, not huge amounts of motorway networks to worry about commuting down here :msn-wink:

Hahaha. Try that shit on skinny little 10' wheels, you'll find things get pretty shaky after 80 k's. Gets much worse when off the clock down hill. Not scared of gravel either, yeah I'm cautious on it, still doesn't stop me from riding on it. Confidence is growing, still on my L's, so yeah I'm still learning its the point though right? Got to start somewhere. No one jumps on and starts riding like Rossi after a few months and if you can well then, beers for you.:drinknsin

[CrazyFrog]

Yeah, I guess you got a point there FZR250, some of the smaller scoots on the skinny 10" biscuit wheels might have issues on lumpy roads or gravel.
No, I dont' ride like Rossi, would love to, but the body and pocket would suffer eventually, crashing is gonna hurt one of them at least. Have been riding for 30 years though, dirt bike riding really helps with improving bike handling skills and gaining confidence riding all types of surface.

And to Gazmac, good on ya for sticking to your guns, everyone has reasons for what they want to ride, other family members needs often plays a part. Ain't nuthin like a scoot for commuting in Nelson. Cheap running costs, good weather, short travel distances, and you can chuck yer lunchbox under the seat. Just watch out for those fuckers in cages that don't indicate at intersections.

Now go out and buy that Aprilia. ;)

[gazmac]

Apillia looks good.



Cheers guys.

[EJK]

Apillia looks good.



Cheers guys.

Here's the best 50cc you can buy.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/other/auction-692529451.htm

[helbnd]

If you like the aprilia, I would be checking here in 2 days time

http://www.thewarehouse.co.nz/red/redalert

Depending on price i might be tempted myself haha

[SNF]

Here's the best 50cc you can buy.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/other/auction-692529451.htm

This. You'll never regret it.

[Zipper2T]

If you like the aprilia, I would be checking here in 2 days time

http://www.thewarehouse.co.nz/red/redalert

Depending on price i might be tempted myself haha

They did a similar 'one day deal' last year on the Piaggio Zip 50 2T and sold a LOT compared with the usual monthly total. The Aprilia SR MT 50 scooter (Piaggio Typhoon in drag) is an excellent, high quality scooter with a very reliable TWO STROKE engine easily derestricted by removing a spacer in the variator. Yes there's also a dead end pipe on the muffler but taking the spacer out gets 65 k which is plenty for the city.

[Zipper2T]

One Day Sale on now. $2599 including 6 months ORC for an Aprilia SR MT 50. And for the Jog fanboys, yes they're a good scooter but you can't buy a new one anymore. It's been replaced by the Bee Wee 50f.

[gazmac]

Hi,

In the end I bought a Yamaha, which according to the paperwork is a YW 50 FE.

Its good fun.

Cheers for the help.

[awa355]

Hi,

In the end I bought a Yamaha, which according to the paperwork is a YW 50 FE.

Its good fun.

Cheers for the help.

Is it the new 50 with the 3 valve 4 stroke motor? If it is the 50cc version of my YW100, they are good scooters.

[Zipper2T]

Hi,

In the end I bought a Yamaha, which according to the paperwork is a YW 50 FE.

Its good fun.

Cheers for the help.

Could you give us some feedback on your new scooter?

What's the top speed?

Acceleration?

Is it restricted? Easy to derestrict?

Can you fit a full face helmet under the seat?

Vibration and engine noise?

[gazmac]

Is it the new 50 with the 3 valve 4 stroke motor? If it is the 50cc version of my YW100, they are good scooters.

Yes it is.

[gazmac]

Could you give us some feedback on your new scooter?

What's the top speed?

Acceleration?

Is it restricted? Easy to derestrict?

Can you fit a full face helmet under the seat?

Vibration and engine noise?

It does over 60kmph not really had it opened up fully yet.

It appears to accelerate pretty well on the flat, did get a bit sluggish going up a hill but maintained a set speed

It came unrestricted - no idea how to derestrict

The full face helmet i have does fit underneath but I really had to force it - so its not fantastic
I also noticed that in order to open it up again with the helmet in I had to put downward pressure on the seat - so again not fantastic.

I havent noticed any vibrations - but I have nothing to compare it too.

Its quite quiet, more than I was expecting

I quite like it and enjoy riding the thing, preferred it over the Apillia when seeing them side by side, a bit overbudget at $3400 all up. I definately could have got something cheaper but hey, thats life.

Hope this helps

Cheers

G

[awa355]

You will find that if you dont try to wring its neck from new, give the motor time to bed in, that the performance will improve once 3-4000k are up. I have done 13,000 on mine in 12 months, alot of gravel and nothing has broken or come loose. $3400 is a lot for a fifty, but less than a Vespa 50. At least you are not looking at $414 per year for rego.

[gazmac]

Might take me a while together up to 4000ks, but yeah I'll try and rake it easy, mainly for commuting to work so not really going to cover lots of is.

Agree, did pay top dollar, about 900 more than I really wanted but it's done now. Impulsive perhaps.

Thanks for all the advice.

Ta

G

[felixx]

good on ya mate
I have an fa50 that is my commuting machine
I carpool to work (30km on the motorway) and use the scooter for the little drives (eg to the shops or mates place etc)
I reckon Im saving 100bux a month on fuel by using the scoot.

Thats $1200 a year
or over 3 years the price of the scoot and your helmet.

Im putting the $100 into an account to save for a bigger proper bike in 2 years

[Zipper2T]

Might take me a while together up to 4000ks, but yeah I'll try and rake it easy, mainly for commuting to work so not really going to cover lots of is.

Agree, did pay top dollar, about 900 more than I really wanted but it's done now. Impulsive perhaps.

Thanks for all the advice.

Ta

G

I find that things I paid more for than I planned to in the first place, are still useful and functioning years later. The Yamaha BeeWee 50 has a really sophisticated engine for a moped class scooter (liquid cooled, fuel injected, 3v) so it should be cheap to run and keep going for a long time.

[Zipper2T]

"It appears to accelerate pretty well on the flat, did get a bit sluggish going up a hill but maintained a set speed'

You can't expect too much from a 50. 65k on the flat and 50k up a moderate hill is good going for an unmodified moped.

"It came unrestricted - no idea how to derestrict"

I'm guessing it will be in the variator or the CDI.

"The full face helmet i have does fit underneath but I really had to force it - so its not fantastic
I also noticed that in order to open it up again with the helmet in I had to put downward pressure on the seat - so again not fantastic."

Yeah that seems fairly typical, the space is too shallow for a full face. I had a Zip that would fit a medium FF helmet but it required a shove and the plastic seat was bending slightly, but it didn't damage the seat or the catch.

"I havent noticed any vibrations - but I have nothing to compare it too."

Nice smooth 4 stroke with FI, should not have any of the tempermental behaviour of 2 strokes when it comes to starting and cold running.

Its quite quiet, more than I was expecting

I quite like it and enjoy riding the thing, preferred it over the Apillia when seeing them side by side, a bit overbudget at $3400 all up. I definately could have got something cheaper but hey, thats life.

[awa355]

I did get a full face helmet in and the seat shut once, never been able to do it again. It wasn't my regular helmet and with the stuff I usually carry under the seat, ( tool kit, etc ) they take up room anyway. My speedo reads 50kph, the gps says 44kph. The odometer is quite accurate tho, 114k on the dash, 110k on the gps.

At 15,500k it is going as well as it did at 5,000k. You pay a bit more for the Yamaha up front, but it is well worth it.

[Ratu]

I started with a Benelli QuattroNove 49X Street and I loved it. Slightly underpowered compared to some other scooters but its an extremely comfortable ride and handles like a dream. Also, it can fit a full face helmet under the seat.

[granstar]

Iv'e been looking for a scoot for daughter and wife to learn on and the Honda Dio or early Yammy Jogs appears the better of the lot. Should a decent one turn up it will be getting a few power mods, nothing worse than a gutless scoot. Once had a Honda Pal 2 stroke, lightened of some plastic panels and exhaust restrictions it could plod along safely in traffic.

[unstuck]

Iv'e been looking for a scoot for daughter and wife to learn on and the Honda Dio or early Yammy Jogs appears the better of the lot. Should a decent one turn up it will be getting a few power mods, nothing worse than a gutless scoot. Once had a Honda Pal 2 stroke, lightened of some plastic panels and exhaust restrictions it could plod along safely in traffic.

There was a really neat old 100cc 2 stroke scooter on dirty south yesterday for $100. Looked a little rough but ran fine apparently, no reg or wof though of course.:niceone:

[Logmaker]

Hi to all ,i am considering buying a Sym CityCom 300i , mainly because it runs 16inch wheels , maybe a Sym Voyager , or a Kawasaki J300 , I would appreciate any advice on this subject. My riding passion has always been trail ,offroad , gravel roads , my present bike is TTR250 my thoughts are that a big wheel machine might cope with gravel roads the best. Comments on this theory please .

[awa355]

My little buggar has fatties on it and they handle the loose gravel just fine. Corugations knock the 10" wheels around, but anything with 14-16" rims will roll along okay.

I'm off to ride a 30k gravel road tomorrow. About the last gravel road in the Waipa, I haven't been over yet.

[granstar]

So picked up a Suzbox SJQT 50.
Stage one mods i gather to make it get up and go without dicking with tuning are heavier clutch springs, racing cdi, modified exhaust, modded variator, iridium plug.
Not out to deliver pizzas, just to avoid being rear ended on take off :wacko: