Scooting

[Troutluck]

I'm in the market for something twist-and-go to get me through town every day. Got a line on a new 2006 Vespa X9 for a very good out-the-door price, but the reviews on these are discouraging re reliability and service costs. Also looking at Stella scooters (India-made Vespa PX200) as well as Ninjas, Rebels . . . . ????

Anyway, I'm open to advice for something in this class. Basically, I want these things:
a) Rediculously good gas mileage
b) Must do 50 mph easily
c) Reliability/low ownership cost
d) Reasonably fun

Thoughts? Experiences?

[Mudbug]

A Yamaha scoot was just reviewed in MCN. It is a 600cc mid engine scooter capable of 90mph. I don't remember the mpg.

Look at Aprilla. The TNG are 'Twist N Go' from China.


Personally I like Vespa, the GT.

[BubbaZanetti]

vespas are not as reliable as japanese scooters and more expensive in every regard. i taught scooter lessons on a ET4 for the first half of the summer, then we switched to a Yamaha Vino when the Vespa developed a little electrical gremlin. the Vespa absolutely killed the Yamaha on acceleration, suspension and fun. the brakes were comparable. the vespa had a slight displacement advantage (25cc).



the stellas are neat but they're basically a 1980 Vespa P150, with a few refinements, still two stroke, still pollute a lot, still need to tear the engine down every now and again. i have a friend with one, overall, pretty cool. they are manual transmissions like the old vespas though if that matters.

[SCQTT]

New for 09 Yamaha Zuma 125.

I saw a yellow one at a dealership in OH. Very tasty, $3K.

[wsteinborn]

Go to the Battle Scooters threads at ADVrider.com and see what a lot of scooter riders have to say about their scoots, rather than relying on hearsay.

[jgr451]

Honda CBR 125.
Bit more than a scooter,but a handsome ride.Will do 70 mph unless you are Really Big.

[SCQTT]

Honda CBR 125.
Bit more than a scooter,but a handsome ride.Will do 70 mph unless you are Really Big.


America does not get those. You guys do?

[AllanCook]

My girlfriend's Vespa GTS 250ie gets 70 mpg, is fuel injected, really torquey, will easily go 70 mph all day, costs very little to maintain and is a lot of fun to ride.

[32232]

America does not get those. You guys do?

Yes we do.

http://www.honda.ca/MCPE/Motorcycle/Models/ModelOverview?L=E&Type=Sport&Year=2008&Model=CBR125R8

We also get the Varadero.

[john1691]

My father-in-law got a Yamaha Vino 125 at the beginning of summer. He has put 4000 miles on it without a problem. He is a smaller build and can do 50, 55 down hill with a tail wind.........It looks similar to the older Vespa style scooters. I had it out for a little test ride, pretty fun. No, he did not get to take the K1200S out in turn............I could see getting one if we lived in town.

[tourunigo]

Yes we do.

http://www.honda.ca/MCPE/Motorcycle/Models/ModelOverview?L=E&Type=Sport&Year=2008&Model=CBR125R8

We also get the Varadero.

.... and we can go there too :ca -Bob

[wezul]

My 2000 Vespa ET4 displaces 150cc, is normally aspirated, has tiny wheels/tires, will do 65 and is a real squirrel.
I will say this though, master those tiny wheels and it makes a real motorcycle seem incredibly stable.
One thing I might suggest, if you do not plan to wrench yourself (and I don't but I could with this machine, very basic), service and parts would be my first consideration.
The ET4 is no longer produced but it's been fun overall, I have a fondness for that little beast even though I take flak for it often. (Not exactly the manliest of images, what?)
I've got about 6K on it and it actually jumps better now than 4K ago . . . perhaps it's the rider?
Anyway, poke around. If you can't get a nice long test ride to feel out the product I would try to find someone who owns what you are considering and take a ride.

Good luck and be safe!

[Bob1100RTC]

My wife had a Suzuki Burgman 400. Awsome scooter. I used to take it to school (for work) across town thru rush hour traffic. Awsome. When we would stop somewhere people look at her scooter not my R1200RT. I recomend it and so does she.

[bubbagazoo]

Honda CBR 125.
Bit more than a scooter,but a handsome ride.Will do 70 mph unless you are Really Big.

I want one of these to do track days :brad