Scooters?

[kitten645]

I've dreamed of owning a Vespa since the 80's! It's starting to look like it may be a practicality as much as a fashion statement! I work three miles from my home and a jaunt on a scooter in Cali weather sounds divine!
Claudia

[RICHARD]

Honda made some scooters a while back. One was called the Helix. I think it had a 250 cc engine, had a step thru frame and had pretty good MPG. I haven't seen any scooters lately so it may be discontinued.

First of all think about the engine, size of engine, transmission.

2 or 4 stroke? 2 strokes need to have oil mixed in with the fuel.
They are simple engines but do smoke as the rings on the piston or the carb get out of sorts. 2 stroke engines get into the power curve and tend to buzz.
If you ride one for a while your arse buzzes after you get off the bike.

4 strokes have more parts and runs at lower engine revs. You just have to check the oil level in the crankcase and fill it with gas.

A bigger engine means you have more power for a passenger and stuff. Some scooters have built in boxes to carry little things, You can get some aftermarket carriers and racks the colt on to the bike.

Some bikes have auto trans-shift into gear and go, some have hand clutch and foot shift like a motorcycle.

Look into license requirements and take a safety course from the AMA or Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

BUY GOOD GEAR.

DO not spend 19.95 for the blue metal flake helmet at the local parts store,
Buy a brand name-Department of Transportation approved model.

It can save your life. I should have died twice-I had a good helmet on.

Gloves, jacket and boots, that cover your ankles.

Get your hands on riding material and talk to all the people you know that ride, have ridden and have had an accident. There are valuable stories and hints that can help you ride safely.

Last thing?

Ride like you are invisible. People do not see bikes or scooters. When you come across drivers, make eye contact with them-there are times when they will be looking at you and do something stupid- but that is one way of making sure that you can anticipate what they are going to do.

Good luck shopping and riding.