Honda scooters anyone?

[Brucelee]

Originally Posted by blinkwatt

So I'm getting fed up with driving my beater van around to college(6 miles round trip) and the gym(4 miles round trip). It's only pulling 18-20mpg and it(96' Quest w/ 220k) makes tons of sounds.

I'm thinking of picking up a 07' or 08' Honda Metropolitan. It's listed at over $1.9k on Honda's website.



Anyone here use a scooter as an alternatives means of transportation? How much MPG should I expect? I've seen other scooters pull in 80+ MPG,but Honda doesn't list it on their website.

How is insurance on these compared to cars? Less or more?

Any members in CA gone to a Motorcycle License class? How much do those run?

Do you recommend any other scooters? I need something that is reliable and I can get it serviced locally.

Getting a MC license involves:

A written test that gets you a permit.

Later, a road test at DMV. You can waive the road test if you do the Motorcycle Safety Course, which I would recommend.

I forget the cost, it is on the DMV website.

[Lil bastard]

I'm an MSF Instructor. I teach both the Basic Rider Skills and the Advanced Skills Courses at a local community college. IMHO, the MSF Basic Rider Skills course is an absolute MUST for anyone using any two-wheeled vehicles.

We're seeing an increasing number of scooter riders in the BRS courses. There are many good ones out there, and some not so good ones, especially from the PRC and Viet Nam.

The one thing I've heard about the Hondas si that they are more prone to be stolen than some others. IIRC, they lack any kind of Interlock or Anti-theft devices, making them targets. Other than that, I believe they're good scoots, though if it were me, I'd look at some of the modern vespas or piaggios. Some of these, like the BV500 from piaggio are highway/freeway capable, which I think makes it more versatile.

The MSF also offers a Scooter Course, but this is aimed primarily for Moped Riders - <50cc. This Course does not substitute for the State Road test as the BRS Course does.

In addition to instructors, we're also State Deputy Registrars and use the last hour of the BRS Course to conduct a State sanctioned Road Test for each student.

In my state, registering for the Road Test at a state licensing facility can wait list you for almost 9 mos., while the waiting list for the BRS Course is usually 1 mo. or less, so this makes taking the MSF course more attractive. Also, minors under 18 must take the BRS Course in order to earn their endorsement.

After a student passes their test during the course, we sign and stamp their state permit form certifying that they have met the state testing requirements, after which the student need only visit a state license clerk and pay the $11 state fee to get their license or endorsement, avoiding the State Road Test altogether.

The BRS Course is conducted over a long weekend with a 3-hour Thursday evening classroom session, followed by two 4-hour Road sessions the following Saturday and Sunday in the roped off parking lot. You must have passed the written state test and received a Learners Permit before starting the BRS Course. You must also have the appropriate Safety gear in order to attend the Road sessions - DOT approved Helmet, eye protection, gloves, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and footwear which covers the ankles.

We watch the students over 8 hrs. of riding and concentrate on those skills required in the state test. We pass about 86% of all students. One advantage for the student is that we tend to mark them on what we've seen during the entire session, not just a single maneuver. But, we also caution the students that receiving their endorsements is only the beginning of their learning curve - that they will now continue to learn on their own for several years.

Other advantages of the MSF course is that most Ins. Cos. offer a discount if you are MSF endorsed and many motorcycle shops offer a 10% discount on all parts, service and accessories, just by showing them your MSF course completion card which you receive at the end of the course. This alone assures that most will recoup the $160 fee for the course.

[Brucelee]

http://www.motorxtremes.com/scooters/index.html?gclid=CPqd08jIzpICFScvagodJhEFHg

This site is very informative about CA scooters.

[J-RAD]

One more vote to man-up and get a real two-wheeler. You can buy an older motorcycle that will suit your needs just fine for around that same price...plus you'll actually be able to go places at more than 45 mph.

[unklekraker]

Robert...what in the world are you thinking getting a scooter? that is so not you, bro...listen to Nick

On a serious note: I think for that price and it get's 100mpg...it's all worth it and you could drive by gas stations and laugh at those SUV's or European car that require Premium gas...

If you could get away with 49cc (like what bruce said) go for it...


I stop using my Benz' or the Boxster for work..I take Cal Train now and i'm saving a lot on gas money. D/D gas = $460 a mo. vs. Cal train = $152 a mo. round trip fare and that includes the $20 monthly parking to the station w/c is only 8 mi. from where am at.

BTW...Nick, don't tell me that it's you on the 3rd pix on your ad

[Grizzly]

A scooter Blink? Really? What, you don't ever want a girl...ever? No, little bro, we can't let you ride a scooter. Sorry.

[Brucelee]

My Sporty gets 50+MPG. Fun too! :dance:

[blinkwatt]

I got one......all I can say are these are fun.

97' Honda Elite 80(80cc) w/ helmet and all paperwork. $650.

So do I or do I not need a license?
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d11/vc21224.htm

[blinkwatt]

O.k. I stopped by 3 friend's houses to let them ride and check it out....they all love it and want one now.

I also raced my Dad in his 98.5' Jetta GT up to 40mph cause he was bombarding me with gay jokes.....he murdered me. All my neighbors and friends that were over got a kick out it though. I bet it looked funny as heck!

I've put 60 miles a 1.3gallon tank and the gas gauge isn't even halfway empty. I love it.

[Lil bastard]

Originally Posted by blinkwatt

I got one......all I can say are these are fun.

97' Honda Elite 80(80cc) w/ helmet and all paperwork. $650.

So do I or do I not need a license?
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d11/vc21224.htm

Congrats! Now get to an MSF Basic Riding Skills course!

The general rule of thumb is that if the scooter has any of the following, a Full Motorcycle Endorsement is needed for it's operation and must carry minimum levels of insurance:

• Has a capacity exceeding 49cc
  
  Exceeds a maximum of 2 Gross Brake Horsepower
  
  Is capable of speeds in excess of 29MPH on a flat surface

Cali rules differ slightly. Capacity under 149cc classifies it as a Motor-driven Cycle:

MOTOR-DRIVEN CYCLES
A motor-driven cycle is:
• A motorcycle with a 149 cc or less engine size.
NOTE: You may not operate a motor-driven cycle on a freeway if signs are posted to prohibit motor-driven cycle operation.

Check out the California Motorcycle Handbook: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl655/dl665mcycle.pdf

At 80cc, you're gonna need either an M1 or M2 endorsement.