Scooter... Moped Scooter Options

[tomazws]

I just moved to a new place, and it's about 20 minutes drive local to work. Lately my friend just bought a Honda Metropolitan (2008 model, 2 tone red/white), and I think I'm falling in love with those lil scooters. The only problem with that Honda is it is only 50cc and top speed is only about 40MPH.

So I've been looking online for scooters and I found out there is a large market of Chinese knock offs that offers 150cc for about the same price as the Metropolitan. If you know about scooters I would like to ask you for your opinion:

Are the Chinese Vespa knockoffs (Roketa, Dragon..) as good as the Japanese Vespa knockoffs (Honda, Yamaha), what about those American Vespa knockoffs (Tank, Lance, SYM, Genuine Scooter)?

Another question is, those claim to be American companies, their scooters are STILL made in China right?

What's your take?

[Akirad1]

i dont know much about them but we have a local vespa dealer right here in fort worth.
i wanted one so bad when i walked in but they are hella pricey

[GriffGirl]

Scooters are HUGE here in Portland. From what I understand in researching them myself, the Chinese/Taiwan knockoffs are good to go for about 2 years, but their average life expectancy is 3 years. Given their relatively low cost, that's fine if you're not that invested, but for the money, I'd buy a used Vespa or something similar that you KNOW is built right. There are TONS for sale on Craigslist. At least up here there are.

For the record I myself decided against the scooter for myself since my daily commute is long - I'll be getting a motorcycle for myself, but I'm working on getting a scooter for the g/f who has a much shorter commute.

[Culpable04]

the scooter are very popular back in Dominican Republic, they can be made pretty fast with some modifications, Chinese knock off are not as reliable, the engine usually last but is the welds and safety features that concern people. A lot of companies ( American or foreign ) build their scooters in China, but they go through a detailed inspection to assure safety and quality standards are met. You can get a good Chinese knock off scooter, but since they don't inspect them with the same rigor as a name brand you may get one with a defect and find out 1 second too late.


If you want a good, reliable, and fast scooter go for a Yamaha axis or jog, they are decently fast for their size and with some mods you can fly.

[playr158]

depending on local law.


anything over 50cc is a MOTORCYCLE and requires license/helmet/tags/insurance

anything under 50cc is a scooter, no license no tags.

anything faster than 35mph is a motorcycle and will be addressed as such

[tomazws]

depending on local law.


anything over 50cc is a MOTORCYCLE and requires license/helmet/tags/insurance

anything under 50cc is a scooter, no license no tags.

anything faster than 35mph is a motorcycle and will be addressed as such

If I remember correctly, last time I read DMV Cali page it says anything under 250cc cannot be on the freeway, but operable with a class "C" license.

Man I can't believe a Vespa worths more than my car... what the heck man..

This post has been edited by tomazws: Sep 11, 2008 - 6:37 PM

[Akirad1]

i know but its from Italy or someplace so its gonna be expensive dang italians lol

[Illadelph2]

Get a moped! All 49cc and go about 30-35. Slap on a 80cc big bore kit and gear it right, you can do like 45-50!

Not a Motorcycle under 50cc!