274 replies to this topic

[Darth Lefty]

Unless you get an Aprilia Mana.

(mana mana, doot dooo do do do)

[MSgt]

I am saying this because I am really enyoying commuting with the scooter. It is perfect for that. It is not made for comfort on long trips. I bought it to dash from here to there. The Bev250 would have been more comfortable but it was physically bigger than I wanted for a scooter.
So all I am saying is that it would be fun to have a comfortable motorcycle to go on long trips. I understand that it is an entirely different animal.

[Orangetj]

There's one in every crowd. How do you stand commuting in a car? Not only is it still quite dangerous to your person, it also eats your soul. You could just stay in bed curled in a fetal position, and be quite safe, if it wasn't for the radon.

So true. There is always somebody who feels the need to point out the "shocking" truth that motorcycles/scooters can be dangerous...particularly if crashed. Riding a bicycle can be pretty dangerous, too, but you seldom see anybody pointing out how crazy those bicyclists are. Most everybody takes some "unnecessary" risks in their lives for the sake of fun/enjoyment/fulfillment.

In general, I figure that we're all going to die someday. Not everybody, though, is going to live. I choose to live.

[DavidH]

Finally!!!
 DSC_0108b.JPG   135.37K   7 downloads
2009 Piaggio BV250

[pet lover]

Awesome!

I am hoping to buy a used Granturismo from a guy in EDH. I hope I can trade in my LX150 and pick up something a little bit faster.
Jen

Finally!!!
 DSC_0108b.JPG   135.37K   7 downloads
2009 Piaggio BV250

[Thor2074]

What does one recommend for a big guy? I'm 6'6" 300 lbs. I do drive on HWY 50 to work but if you can't then I could take Folsom all the way in. I've never ridden a scooter and would love to get one.

[DavidH]

What does one recommend for a big guy? I'm 6'6" 300 lbs. I do drive on HWY 50 to work but if you can't then I could take Folsom all the way in. I've never ridden a scooter and would love to get one.

What have you looked at so far? How long is your Hwy 50 commute?

[Thor2074]

What have you looked at so far? How long is your Hwy 50 commute?

Nothing yet, just what I see on the road. I commute from Folsom to Mather Field Road area. I like the Vespa's but not even sure what their price is.

[DavidH]

Nothing yet, just what I see on the road. I commute from Folsom to Mather Field Road area. I like the Vespa's but not even sure what their price is.

I'd probably look at somethng on the upper end of the displacement scale given your freeway commute and physical "attributes." I believe the largest Vespa is the GTS but I don't know if I'd be brave enough to tackle the freeway with it.

You might also look at the Piaggio BV500 which has a significantly larger engine and may be a better fit. In any case, I'd start looking and definitely take the MSF class if you don't have any recent 2-wheel experience.

[Thor2074]

I'd probably look at somethng on the upper end of the displacement scale given your freeway commute and physical "attributes." I believe the largest Vespa is the GTS but I don't know if I'd be brave enough to tackle the freeway with it.

You might also look at the Piaggio BV500 which has a significantly larger engine and may be a better fit. In any case, I'd start looking and definitely take the MSF class if you don't have any recent 2-wheel experience.

I like those. What are the gas mileage for scooters?

[DavidH]

I like those. What are the gas mileage for scooters?

According to the manufacturer, 60MPG for the BV500, 65-70 for the GTS. As they say, "your mileage may vary." I don't have any real-world data since I've only had mine for about 20 hours but am thinking 60-70MPG is very do'able. Others may have better info.

[Thor2074]

I clicked on some of the links in this thread that takes you to a bunch of scooter web sites. There was this one that had a scooter getting 102 mpg. What one does that!

[DavidH]

I clicked on some of the links in this thread that takes you to a bunch of scooter web sites. There was this one that had a scooter getting 102 mpg. What one does that!

I'm sure there are some very small scooters (likely in the 50-100cc range) that may top 100MPG but being 300 lbs, you're not going to see 100MPG and have any sort of performance. You need a bigger bike and will have to sacrifice some mileage but 60-70MPG is still pretty awesome. You also need something >150cc to be freeway legal and, again with your size, 250cc is probably the bare minimum.

[Thor2074]

Yikesie. It is looking like a small motorcycle. I like the smallness and quirkiness of a scooter. Plus I like vintage looking ones. My grandpa commuted on his Vespa back in the 50's to and from his job as a newspaper printer. That was back in the days of laying the blocks of letters in lead. He would give my mom rides to and from school also. No helmets either.

[Andrea V]

Yikesie. It is looking like a small motorcycle. I like the smallness and quirkiness of a scooter. Plus I like vintage looking ones. My grandpa commuted on his Vespa back in the 50's to and from his job as a newspaper printer. That was back in the days of laying the blocks of letters in lead. He would give my mom rides to and from school also. No helmets either.

A Vespa from the 50's!! THAT is something *I* would want!