Honda scooters anyone?
 

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.

http://www.dsquared.org/cars/2003_1metrodenim.jpg

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.

Now that's awesome! That'll save you on gas and mileage! ...on a tangent, it reminds me of when I bought my niece a gas powered Razor a year ago for x-mas....but, I think the only one using it is my brother-in-law.... :D

....anyway, I'm sure it's comforting to know that you have your Boxster as your weekend car! Enjoy!

I work for Honda as a Sales Rep and the Metropolitan gets over 100 mpg. It is also liquid cooled, electric start w/ manual back up, and a great all around scooter. There are 2 models of it as well. There was a Metropolitan 2 that we made a couple of years ago, that is a much slower unit. Make sure you get the Metropolitan 1, which is a little faster.

I don't think that Honda makes the Metro 2 anymore,at least it's not listed on their website.

How fast does the Metro go?

How expensive are parts?

Would you buy one yourself?

Blink don't do it !

Scooter are like fat chicks, fun to ride as long as your friends don't see you on one :D

I think this is much more your style :

http://www.hdtrader.com/78745

( shameless plug, I am selling my bike ;) )

Nick

If you stay at 49cc life is much simpler and cheaper in CA. See below.

Good luck.






Motorized Scooters Not Defined As "Motor Vehicles"
21224. (a) A person operating a motorized scooter is not subject to the provisions of this code relating to financial responsibility, registration, and license plate requirements, and, for those purposes, a motorized scooter is not a motor vehicle.

(b) A motorized scooter is exempt from the equipment requirements in Division 12 (commencing with Section 24000), except for Sections 24003 and 27400, Article 4 (commencing with Section 27450) of Chapter 5 of Division 12, and Section 27602.

(c) Notwithstanding subdivision (b), any motorized scooter may be equipped with equipment authorized by Division 12 (commencing with Section 24000).

(d) Any motorized scooter equipped with lighting equipment that is authorized by Division 12 (commencing with Section 24000) shall meet the lighting requirements in Article 1 (commencing with Section 24250) of Chapter 2 of Division 12 for that equipment.

Added Sec. 5, Ch. 722, Stats. 1999. Effective January 1, 2000.

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/vc/tocd11c1a5.htm

Here is the link.

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.

Nice bike Nick,

Why are you selling it? Are you getting a new one? I always wanted one but I think I will kill myself on one.... seen way too many nasty outcomes in my line of work.

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.

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

This site is very informative about CA scooters.

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.

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

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 :eek: :D

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.

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

Brucelee do you have a link to your Sporty? Who makes it?

Why does it matter if I keep my choice at 49cc? Could I move to a 100cc or 125cc and still not register it?

Some of the Aprilia, Derbi and Italjet scooters are pretty cool.

Plus, both Aprila and Derbi have scooters masquerading as motorcycles... the Aprilia RS50, Derbi GPR50/GPR50 nude or Derbi Senda 50 which is a super motard.

They also make big-bore kits (75-100cc) for the RS50s.

These seems like they might be decent if they aren't blowing smoke about their reliability. Good prices if you don't mind doing your own paperwork and setup.

gsmotorworks

The Sporty is short for HD Sporster. Large MC, not what you are looking for.

According to CA law, a 49CC scooter is considered a SCOOTER and legally, you have less to deal with.

Above 50CC, no matter what it is called by you and me, the Scooter is a Motorcycle according to CA law and those laws apply.

As I understand it, 49CC requires no license, registration or insurance. The website I listed above can provide more info. Above 50 CC it might as well be 1400CC.

Hope that helps.

I would get a Vespa if I had to ride a scooter. Otherwise just get a 250 sport bike or a smaller enduro bike. Its really is scary riding a 50cc on a busy road with no power to quickly get out of the way.

If you like a cheap sport bike, the Ninja 250 is the deal. Cheap and it scoops.

Blink,

A small lightweight motorcycle or scooter is a great way to get around at college. I had a Honda 100 during school and loved it. Zero parking problems, 80mpg, zero maint. issues and on sketchy nights like Halloween I just rolled it in my apt. for safe keeping.

i agree with Nickcats... scooters = fat chicks.. hahahah
we cant let u do that- get a cheap sports bike, its more fun, and looks better...u know like the skinny chicks lol

but seriously If i was you id look into a sport bike
I used to have a Suzuki, it was good on gas, looked nice and it pretty fast and i got it for fairly cheap
or what about those mini crotch rockets...pocket bikes...theyre really cheap- my buddy got one for i think 500 bux, max speed is 50-55 i think and it looks a lot better then a scooter too!

What's up with all these set up fee bull?! Every dealer has a $300 set up fee. :confused:

On top of it you can't even test drive them for insurance purposes.

try and find one locally from a private person..though craigslist maybe so you can avoid the dealer fees? Unless you want a brand new scooter..

Blink,

+ 1 on the Ninja 250 :

http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/detail.aspx?id=263&content=specifications

Great bike for $3500 !

Nick

$1,500 for a classic like my little '74 Honda. Good on gas and cool too. Everytime I leave it outside, people bang on my door trying to buy it.

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2..._011/CB360.jpg

Every dealer has this stupid fee. I just bought a new dirt bike and every dealer I shopped has this fee. This is because most dirtbikes and scooters are so cheap that they do not make very much on them 25-100 profit. So they tack on this fee, some say it's a fee to put the bikes together from shipment. They also make most of their profits from accessories like helmets, gear etc.. If you want the best place for a new Honda, OTD Cycles in Oakland has the best deal no B.S. they only will quote you the Out the door price. I saved over 600 bucks buying from them. Also check out craigslist, they have some awesome deals there. Some shops will let you test drive them if you have a license (motorcycle).

The 250 Ninja that people is recommending is a great bike, very easy to ride and good on gas. If its your first bike and have not riden before, buy a used one that way you wont feel bad about dropping it etc...

I won't get a bike. Way too dangerous for my taste. I'm also pretty sure my Mom would kick my a55 if she found out I got one. (she tripped when she found out I bought a fast convertible)

Besides insurance is a completely different scenario when I move above 50cc. I can insure a 50cc Scooter w/ $1million liability for $450/year under my name through AAA. It was already jumping to $800+/year for a 150cc scooter when I asked....I would hate to see what a motorcycle would be like. Kinda sucks to I have to keep my liability up to $1million,my Dad thinks I'm gonna get in an accident and someone is going to sue us for our house.

Driving by the gas station today and seeing how gas jumped to $4.13/gallon sure had me thinking of buying a scooter.

Your the 2nd person to recommend me to Out The Door Motorsports.

I'm gonna call them tomorrow.*

*Update I just did their out-the-door quote.....$1.9k out the door,everything paid, including all applicable taxes, registration, and document fees. Not bad.

Another thing I'm noticing with scooters...

Kbb list the 07' Metro suggested retail value at $1500,but yet Honda's sight list 07' & 08' at $1900. Is that normal for these types of vehicles?

I understand why. My first bike was a 69 Yamaha Twin Jet 100 2 stroke. The bike was a screamer and I would buy one today if I could find one in as nice a shape as yours.

Great bike.

A scooter isn't going to be much less dangerous than a motorcycle...unless you count not being able to get on the freeway with it... :) ...and while nothing takes the place of your own self awareness of others, at least in Cali, the drivers are more aware of motorcyclists than many other places in the states, like here in Atlanta where if you're not looking then no one else is either... :eek:

The trick to finding cheaper insurance on a motorcycle is get to something without any fairings...like a Suzuki SV650 or and older Suzuki GS500... insurance goes down tremendously when the insurance company doesn't have to take into consideration replacing most/all the body work if you have an accident.

Blink,

I still have an original Honda C 70 out in the airplane hanger. It was a hand me down the we used to put-put around the airport for a while. The battery is probably flat now but it runs well. All original, gold, 3spd clutchless, elect start. It's in good shape but not nearly as pristine as Grizzly's CB. I'd probably let it go for $800 if you wanted it.

Looks like this:

http://www.vf750fd.com/blurbs/brochures/c70/c70_1.jpg

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

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. :D

Hey Blink,

Congrats!Where's the pics???

:cheers:

Sorry I can't get any better pics but its been the same design from 85'-08'.

Here is mine
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l1...t/PICT1288.jpg

Factory photo for the 07'
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photo...-Elite-80a.jpg


Not much has changed. Lol same robotic design.

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.

Yes, in CA, your 80CC scooter would require a MC license.

49CC you do not.

2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Review
Revvy and racy in a bite-sized package
By Alice Sexton, Feb. 20, 2008, Photography by Adam Campbell


lo-band | hi-bandThe year was 1988 and I was standing at the entrance of Coleman Powersports in Arlington, VA, looking at a sea of chrome, plastic and metal. I’d bought my first bike there and after one summer and 3,000 miles on a 200cc machine, I was ready to move up. Right smack in front of me were two black and red sportbikes that looked more like Samurai blades than anything else. The Ninja 250 and the Ninja 600 parked nose-to-nose made my heart race with thoughts of screaming past the DC police at 3 am on my way home from a night of slam dancing at the 9:30 Club. I sat on both, decided that with thirty-five dollars and only a six-pack to my name, I couldn’t afford the 600. And why buy a 250 when I was moving up from a 200cc bike?
Fast forward 20 years and I’m swinging my leg over a bright red (just like my hair) 2008 Ninja 250R ready for a road test. There are so many new aspects to the 2008; it’s hard to know where to start. First and foremost, this little screamer doesn’t even look like a 250. The new sleek and contemporary body styling more closely mirrors that of the 600 model. Kawasaki wisely left off the 250 sticker, so only a true bike-ofile would know the difference. There’s a new windscreen, new 2-into-1 exhaust with single canister and a new two-piece seat with optional rear seat cowl ($99.95) to finish off the sporty look. Wow.


The updated and overhauled Ninja 250R looks every bit the part of the bigger Ninjas.


At 5-foot-1, the new 30.5-inch seat height had me on my tippy-toes, but the bike is so light (reported 333 lbs. dry, up nearly 30 lbs) this was hardly a concern. The narrow seat certainly helps those of us who belong to the inseam-challenged group or the new rider who feels most comfortable with both feet down. Kawasaki research indicates that 62% of Ninja 250 owners are new riders, and 33% of that group is women. Being able to plant both feet firmly on the ground is one of the most cited concerns for all beginning riders who are purchasing their first bike.

Once in the saddle, the seating position is a tad sportier and more forward sloping than before, but still quite upright with an easy, comfortable reach to the high and wide bars. This makes a trip through city traffic much easier than one might be if reaching for low-slung clip-ons. Reach from seat to footpegs was so comfortable I had to make myself take note. Levers are easy to command and the feel is quick and responsive. The clutch engaged rather far out, but even with my 2.5-percentile hand, I had no problems.

New for 2008 is a large speedo right in the center, with a tach to the left and new gas gauge to the right. Apparently a gas gauge is important to Ninja 250 owners, so now they have a big juicy one. At first I thought I would miss the center tach, as my last experience with the previous model was thumb-wrestling riders at a Kawasaki-sponsored trackday to see who would get to ride the screamin' little 250s. Keeping an eye on revs is crucial when trying to ride as fast as you can on the track, not so for street riding, which is the most common use of the 250. Big speedo, good. Gas gauge, better.


Most new riders needn't be concerned with engine temps, but running out of petrol might freak them out! Kawi did away with the temp gauge in favor of a very practical fuel gauge.



The quarter-liter Ninja turns quickly and with seemingly little effort, making it loads of fun through tight twisty canyons.



There are so many improvements to the 2008 250R it gets difficult to focus on what might be the one best change-up, but perhaps the most important upgrade is the move up to 17-inch wheels. I never had much trouble finding 16-inch rubber for the old bike because I knew where to look, but my test group seemed to agree that the new six-spoke wheels, wider rims and more accessible modern tire selection was at the top of the list, with an A+ for more neutral handling at low and high speeds. The new and larger 290mm front and 220mm rear petal-style rotors with dual-piston calipers give the ’08 250 much improved and noticeably more sportbike-like stopping power.

For me the most notable improvement is the suspension. I’ve put plenty of miles on the previous model and the ride always had an uncertain soft feeling. A 37mm Showa (36mm on previous model) front fork and a new Kayaba rear shock with five-way adjustable pre-load make for a stiffer and more precise, crisp ride. Surely adding to this stability is the improved chassis with diamond-type frame. The 26-degree rake angle is 1 degree steeper than the old 250, so the quarter-liter Ninja turns quickly and with seemingly little effort, making it loads of fun through tight twisty canyons.

Rounding out all of the improvements that make this little Ninja feel like a big bike is the newly engineered 249cc parallel-Twin motor. Although it’s based on the previous engine, Kawi says 70% of it has been re-designed, including new cams and a revised cylinder head, to result in a claimed 30% bump in mid-range power. Dual Keihin carburetors were fitted instead of a fuel-injection system. Fuel injection, although standard on the European models, would have pushed the sales price above the $4000 threshold where the American market allegedly draws the line. The Ninja’s powerplant engineer, Kozo Arai (no not the helmet guy!), was on hand to oversee our test rides, and although he spoke absolutely no English, he did show me his club-racing license from Japan where he competes on a ZX-10R, so you know the right guy was working on this project!

Weighing quite a bit less than the average test rider in our group, I had no problems with acceleration. Throttle response was even and predictable, another big plus for beginners. The bike seemed most happy at a steady 8-9 grand in every gear. I rode the little Ninja right up to redline in every gear and it pulled steadily all the way through. The best part was that I couldn’t even scare myself – I was laughing like a crazy maniac!


62% of Ninja 250 owners are new riders, and 33% of that group is women.


Since its inception in 1986, the Ninja 250 has been among the best-selling bikes in Kawasaki’s line up. In fact, Kawi sold more little Ninjas in 2007 than anything else in its lineup! Most buyers are beginners, but many keep the highly fuel-efficient little Ninja for commuting. The 2008 version claims 50 mpg from its 4.8-gallon tank. After 100 miles of city, freeway and canyon riding, I still had well over half a tank on the dial.


Read all of the statistics you want, the new Ninja 250R is just a flat-out blast to ride. Wind it up and let it go, it screams and howls like a factory racer. It’s sleek, sporty, and has a big bike feel without the struggle or the price tag. I was so busy having fun that I barely noticed the bike beneath me and had to force myself to focus on testing the components.

While the new Ninja 250R has been a favorite among beginners, this new version was also designed to capture the heart of the more aggressive, mature rider. And, at an MSRP of just $3499 it’s right on the money.

________________________

Alice Sexton is Director of Communications with the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA), and has been riding motorcycles for 20 years.

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