Buying 1st Scooter 49cc...HELP plz! By scootinj (Read 2,703 times)

[scootinj]

I am new to Scooters but want to buy one this week. I do not want to have to have to license it, so want a 49/50cc.

I Have looked at NEW scooters:
Roketa MC08 Mo Ped 50cc
Eagle Pony Deluxe 50cc

and I Have looked at USED scooters:
SUNL with very few miles on it
Motofino1-3 years old

I have about $800 (give or take $100) to spend and a focus on dependability because I am not mechanically inclined.

What would you recommend?

Thank you in advance for your HELP!!!

[turtle8]

If you aren't mechanically inclined (or don't think you can become your own mecahnic), check Craig's List for a used Yamaha or Honda. In my neck of the woods, used Yamaha Vinos go for less than $1,000.

Chinese scooters, while cheap, require a lot of tinkering, especially at first.

This website is handy to find used scooters: www.scooterfinds.com

[mthomas]

Agreed,
Without mechanical ability, stick with Japanese not Chinese.

[Cruiser]

Welcome to Scooter Doc, scootinj. Where would you be getting the new scoots from? Drop ship or a local dealer?

[jct842]

I know you do not want more than a 50cc...one other thing to factor in is with out registration or license plates if your pride and joy is stolen it has a better chance of recovery if it is licensed. I believe some of the kids who steal scooters single out those which are not in the system so to speak. If you read here a little you will find many more stolen scooters that our members have reported stolen that are the 50cc non licensed variety. also most insurance companys will not insure with out it being registered.

One kid on another forum who sought to circumvent a drunk driving conviction and license suspension got a 50, which he could legally drive, then he hopped it up so it would go faster than Indiana's 50cc law allowed. he was with a group of 150s that were a tad over the 45 limit but was busted for felony driving suspended because he was going faster than the 30 allowed for a 50cc.

Be sure of what you want before you shop! john

[Cruiser]

jct842 has a good point. I don't know about your state, but in Massachusetts you need a legal driver's license and the moped has to be registered to be legal on the roads. No insurance or inspection is necessary.

[Bashan]

Well I replied to her poll. What's the matter with you guys? Click a poll button! Actually they all gave you sound advice, if you're not mechanically inclined buying a Chinese scooter may be a nightmare for you. The Motofino is also Chinese if you read just a little bit into their site. The mechanically inclined factor also comes into play with the new ones you listed. I'm assuming you'd get them off of the internet which would require some assembly. I voted for the SunL because of your price restriction and taking the new ones off of the table. One of the reasons forums like this are around, ScootinJ, is to work through the myriad mechanical problems Chinese scooters can present. We find it to be a hobby that goes along with the enjoyment of riding. The dilemma that you're going to experience is that if you do decide to go non-Chinese you instantly bump out of your price range. Welcome to the forum and feel free to ask more questions about buying a scooter. You'll find some of the longest threads are knocking ideas back and forth about that very topic. If you need anything just shoot me a PM by clicking on my handle. At least I took your poll, unlike those whimps before me. Rich

[jct842]

I would have clicked a poll but there were no prices on the choices making the poll pretty well blind. I have seen used scooters selling for more than new and a new person to scooting probably does not know which scooters are going to be a good value.

[Bashan]

Just kidding John , but click a dang button! . You're right though, boiling a choice down to a poll is darn near impossible. There's just too many factors at play. I think her biggest influence should be "limited mechanical ability". That narrows the field dramatically unless you just want to roll the dice. Rich

[scootinj]

You guys are awesome! Sorry for not having more info to vote on. The SUNL is 1 yr old with 43 miles on it from a local scooter store, with a warranty to be determined at about $925.

Another one is: 2005 boxer scooter 49cc it has 150 miles on it for $1000 obo

Next: 50cc Eton beamer with 2000 miles on it $850

Next: 2005 Strada rx8 49cc scooter - $1250 with After market high performance exhaust , Brand new 70cc big bore kit , Brand new 19 mm carb , fuel line and filter , k&n air filter , great tires , starts first kick
Next: New JCL eagle $750.00

Last: new Manco Matrex 49cc scooter-manufacturer puts in a Yamaha engine $995

All are 4 stroke except the one with the 70cc bore job - it is a 2 stroke

Thank you so so much! Jane

[turtle8]

scootinj: What part of the country are you in?

[scootinj]

St. Louis, MO

[sunlproblems]

thats alot for any of those scooters id keep looking you can get a new 150 for rite around 1000$ here in fort smith so there out there being in the city i would look for a kemco dealer there very nice scoots

[turtle8]

Wow, not a lot of good buys on the used market in your area. If that is the case and you go Chinese, I suggest buying from a dealer with a service department.

[scootinj]

Thank you so much! Im calling local Kymco dealer now and looked on scooter finds..Thank you soo much for the info. Jane