L-Plate Rider
Should I go for a 50cc or larger? Does anyone know whether I can ride a scooter in a cycle lane? I don't think the hills in Tauranga are as steep as those in Wellington or Dunedin, but there are quite a few of them. To start with I'll be commuting to and from tech and possibly work, possibly doing some longer trips when I gain confidence. The 4 stroke engine, minus the speed factor seems to be the better engine overall. Would it make any difference to the speed if this was derestricted?
small cylinder, big rev!!!
Okay Scooter Girl, this is how it is (in Auckland anyways...).
In my humble opinion, you should go for something a little larger than a 50cc but this will mean getting a motorbike licence (testing and scratching then further testing...). A bigger scooter will get you everywhere with the flow of traffic no worries, but if a 50cc is all you want, need and desire then do it. 2stroke and derestrict it (talk to the shop about it) to get the most from it.Originally Posted by Scooter Girl
In Auckland you can't ride in cycle lanes as it is stated that you can't take motorised vehicles in cycle lanes - but hey I see them all the time. Guess it's just a matter of not getting caught...
Hills are hills and will be mountains on a 50cc scoot. But a little patience will go a long way. This is where a bigger scoot will come into play and you will certainly notice the difference, espically on longer trips. Comfort factor is also determined by size. Generally 50cc scoots are small and get larger through the ranges etc... Bigger scoot, more room.
Again, IMHO 2T is much better on a small scoot (50cc-125cc) and then after that engine size the 4T will become the better option. Also as far as mods go, there are way more available to make 2T's go faster.
And some final advice - stay away from anything made in China. The build quality and the finish is not up to scratch and although they appear cheap and affordable, once you start taking it to the shop for repairs it can add up quickly.
Hope this will help, anyone else?
Fair weather rider
Hi Scooter girl, I see that you currently ride a bicycle (and I used to commute that way too) and I'm curious about why you are so keen to ride a scooter in a cycle lane? Are the cycle lanes not well used in Tauranga? Or do you think cyclists won't mind sharing their lane with scooters? Is it that you really don't want to ride amongst other motorised traffic? Just curious in a friendly way
L-Plate Rider
Ok, so 2 stroke is better, i've got that. I'm a bit worried about it making heaps of noise and smoking though and aren't 4 strokes better for the environment? I'm a bit confused about whether to get a 50cc or higher. The costs associated with more cc's is a lot higher, wouldn't it be almost equivilent to a car? Minus fuel costs of course. The fact that engines with more cc's have more room and can keep up with traffic better is appealing, but I'll only really be commuting short distances to start with, albeit up a few hills. However, I could make the scooter go faster by derestricting it, which kind of defeats the purpose of getting an engine with more cc's solely because of speed. Is it better to get the scooter new or secondhand? Is riding a scooter similar to an ATV? I've done that a few times. In answer to your question Kaz, I'm enquiring about riding in cycle lanes because I'm a bit apprehensive about riding with all the other traffic and figure it will be safer, plus it's something I'm used to doing with my bike. And yes, I have seen scooters in cycle lanes here. You guys are so helpful, keep up the good work!!
small cylinder, big rev!!!
Worried about noise and smoke? Don't be. Be proud, thats how they are designed to work. As for the environment, bicycles are best for the environment. No smoke, just the constant squeak of a rusty chain...
Derestricting a 2T will make it go faster, but it ain't going to make it a V8. The change is marginal but noticeable. Hills will still be an issue and the only way to overcome this is to get more cc's.
Both have there advantages, new means it will be fresh off the showroom floor with dealer warranty, support and all the things that come with a new purchase. The second hand market is by far cheaper, but seriously lacking (depending on whom you purchase from) in after sales support.
Similar in that they have handle bars and a motor. More like riding a funny weighted bike (which you do already).
Scooter Girl, I think the best thing for you to do is go to a few different bike shops and test ride a few 50cc scoots (try different brands. Honda, Yamaha, TGB, PGO, Peugeot, Vespa...) and see how each one handles and performs. Then you will know what you really want.
Bike shops can be the nicest people to deal with (although there are a few dodgy dealers out there...) as they want you to buy from them and will do quite a bit to win your money.
After this though (bike testing) you may want to go through the second hand market and find something yourself as you will have a better idea of what you are after. Hope this helps.
L-Plate Rider
How do the on road costs of a scooter above 50cc compare to a car?
Scooter Girl
WOF is optional for 'mopeds'. Required for over 50cc. WOFs are annual for the first 6 years from new, 6 monthly after that. WOF costs range from $30-$40 depending on where you go.
Registration: go here http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/vehicle-owne...tion.html#fees to see the costs for different vehicles.
Fuel: obviously better than cars.
Oil: yes you need to use oil.
Parking costs: There is usually free parking available for 2 wheel vehicles.
Gear: what you think your body is worth. And head. And skin etc.
If you are too timid to ride on the road with cars etc, stick with your bicycle. Not being mean or anything, but its not fair to cyclists to try and share their portion of the road. You should know that as a cyclist surely?
2 wheelers can use most bus lanes (not on motorways or 'bus only' lanes though).
2 strokes are generally perceived as a bit more peppy than 4 strokes. "Mopeds" are supposed to be under 50cc and under 2 kilowatts - so they are 'restricted' to fit within the rules. They can be 'derestricted', but then don't fit within the moped rules.
The smoke and noise is a bit of a stereotype - they do have a distinctive sound, and the 'smoke' depends partly on the quality of the oil you use. Use lawnmower oil and thats what your exhaust will smell like. Nicer than diesel fumes.
Jess
Forum whore
Scootnz has got it right...
Don't underestimate the moped rego bike.
Yes they are only going to go about 50-60 km/hr.
But they cost only 2k 2.5k ish to buy a good one new.
No WOF, and $67 a year rego.
They get 80-120 or more mpg.
If you live in town, or one the outskirts you will beat the car drivers home, park for free, and spend the change you find behind the couch on fuel and running costs.
Buy European if you are rich and smart, Taiwanese if you are poor and smart, and Chinese if you like walking and didn't really want a scooter anyway.
All the good two stroke mopeds will conquer hills with ease. Run 'em on good oil, and change the spark plug on yer birthday and your transport is sussed.
David must play fair with the other kids, even the idiots.
Fair weather rider
Ok I see where you are coming from. But there are cycle lanes for a reason - so motorised traffic is not held up by cycles and so cyclists can ride without motorised traffic up their arse or running them over. But you already knew that.
Speaking as a sometime cyclist myself, I wouldn't be too keen on sharing my lane with motorised traffic, even a scooter. If you ride in a cycle lane, you would also be positioning yourself in the gutter where all the road crap that causes punctures or injuries ends up. And it would mean that you, on a scooter, would sometimes need to swerve back out into the traffic in order to get past a bicycle, making your scooter riding somewhat unpredictable to car drivers (I am now speaking as a car driver too). Car drivers will find your behaviour confusing - are you in the cycle lane for good or are you part of the motorised traffic and about to swerve out at any time? Are you wanting to be overtaken or expecting people to treat you as another vehicle? Are you broken down, needing help, or just kinda in the way but trying not to be...?
I do understand that you feel nervous about tangling with motorised traffic but being on a scooter means you are motorised traffic. And I think riding in the traffic, taking a lane to yourself like any other vehicle, is actually safer than what you are proposing.
Take heart though. Even if you feel nervous now, you won't always feel like this. You will ride better and feel more confident with practice. You can practice manoeuvres in empty carparks or other safe spaces, and use the roads to ride cautiously but in the middle of the lane where people know what you're up to and can treat you as another vehicle. Even though you don't need to do a Basic Handling motorcycle course if you're not getting a learners license (you don't need a learners license for 50cc), you might find the doing a short half-day course like this really boosts your confidence and gives you a chance to practice some of the things you are most nervous of with supervision in a safe environment. Good luck!
Weekend cruiser
as alot of people have stated dont get a chinees scooter as i actually have one now and didnt think it was a problem when buying (worst mistake in my life) lol.
my china made scooter was $1650 brand new and i only got it cause it was the only 50cc bike that would fit me cause my legs are long lol.
anyway in having my scooter for about 4 months now ive spent over 1 grand on it mechanically which is f***ing stupid cause ive still got problems with it lol
it cost me $360 bucks to get my tyre fixed!!! that blew me away and now i have to sell it cause i dont like it anymore lol.
anyway dont buy a china made 1 and mine is 4 stroke which is shitty up hills.
Weekend cruiser
a big factor in hill climbing on scooters is dont do wat i did:
- dont buy chinees
- my scooter was designed as 125cc but has 50cc in it ( makes it flappin heavy lol)
4 stroke loses more power uphill than 2 strokes (my friend has 2stroke scooter derestricted and flys up hills.)
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks