Author Topic: Non rider wanting to purchase scooter for commuting  (Read 4899 times)

Mr. Paul

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Non rider wanting to purchase scooter for commuting
« on: September 25, 2015, 01:29:34 AM »
Hello all! I am a 56 year old male, I weigh 200 lbs and am 6 foot tall. I commute 30 miles round trip daily to work and would like to purchase a scooter. The roads I travel on are mostly moderately and lightly congested surface streets with a maximum speed of around 55 mph. The average would be about 45. Because of my budget, I have decided to purchase a used scooter and the Kymco line looks like a quality and reliable vehicle for me. I will be doing most of the maintenance myself. I have done all of the routine maintenance on my cars and I am not afraid of taking on a scooter. My question is, which of the Kymco models would be best for me in your opinion? I would like something to be reliable, fun, and economical to operate. I dont know if it matters, but I am not a motorcycle rider. I have ridden a road bicycle and I am a mountain biker. Thanks for any input!
2009 Kymco People 150
1993 Honda Helix

jimboeau

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Re: Non rider wanting to purchase scooter for commuting
« Reply #1 on: September 25, 2015, 02:55:16 AM »
Hello all! I am a 56 year old male, I weigh 200 lbs and am 6 foot tall. I commute 30 miles round trip daily to work and would like to purchase a scooter. The roads I travel on are mostly moderately and lightly congested surface streets with a maximum speed of around 55 mph. The average would be about 45. Because of my budget, I have decided to purchase a used scooter and the Kymco line looks like a quality and reliable vehicle for me. I will be doing most of the maintenance myself. I have done all of the routine maintenance on my cars and I am not afraid of taking on a scooter. My question is, which of the Kymco models would be best for me in your opinion? I would like something to be reliable, fun, and economical to operate. I dont know if it matters, but I am not a motorcycle rider. I have ridden a road bicycle and I am a mountain biker. Thanks for any input!

At your height a PEOPLE GT 300i might be a good choice!

scooterdad2324

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Re: Non rider wanting to purchase scooter for commuting
« Reply #2 on: September 25, 2015, 03:10:50 AM »
If your seriously interested I have a 2013 ling 150-4t scooter that does 57 mph on a flat surface and 48 mph up hill. Because of certain financial situations in my family life at this time I am selling my scooter for $500 obo. I live in Texas. If your interested feel free to text me at (1-903)689-8615 or call same number after 4:30pm my name is Justin

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AMAC1680

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Re: Non rider wanting to purchase scooter for commuting
« Reply #3 on: September 25, 2015, 10:26:45 AM »
Hello all! I am a 56 year old male, I weigh 200 lbs and am 6 foot tall. I commute 30 miles round trip daily to work and would like to purchase a scooter. The roads I travel on are mostly moderately and lightly congested surface streets with a maximum speed of around 55 mph. The average would be about 45. Because of my budget, I have decided to purchase a used scooter and the Kymco line looks like a quality and reliable vehicle for me. I will be doing most of the maintenance myself. I have done all of the routine maintenance on my cars and I am not afraid of taking on a scooter. My question is, which of the Kymco models would be best for me in your opinion? I would like something to be reliable, fun, and economical to operate. I dont know if it matters, but I am not a motorcycle rider. I have ridden a road bicycle and I am a mountain biker. Thanks for any input!

The first thing as a non rider I'd do is  to take a motorcycle safety course. For your commute your going to need a license might as well start out properly.

At that point you'll know if two wheels are for you. Just my .02

AMAC
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Mr. Paul

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Re: Non rider wanting to purchase scooter for commuting FOLLOW UP
« Reply #4 on: September 25, 2015, 11:06:55 PM »
I just saw a Kymco People 150 for sale in my area for $950.00. One adult owner. Looks to be in good condition. Would this work for me?
2009 Kymco People 150
1993 Honda Helix

blue

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Re: Non rider wanting to purchase scooter for commuting
« Reply #5 on: September 26, 2015, 12:25:52 AM »
If u don't want to go threw getting the cycle endorsement. stay with a 50 cc scooter. some states are 100cc.
its less of a hassle and you don't need insurance.

GLV55

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Re: Non rider wanting to purchase scooter for commuting
« Reply #6 on: September 26, 2015, 02:37:22 AM »
With your weight and height, you are going to be disappointed with any scooter less than 150 cc. It's important to have some extra power for those streets that are posted at 55 mph because we all know that means most cars will be going 60-65 mph. Quick acceleration off the line will also be a big plus in that kind of traffic, so seriously think about a scooter in the 200 to 300 cc category. As mentioned above, a People 300 is a great ride, or a Downtown. I also second the suggestion of taking a motorcycle safety course- it makes a huge difference in your riding skills and attention to details when riding. Keep us posted on your progress.
2014 Lance PCH 150
2007 Kymco People 150 (totaled by a drunk, Oct. 2013)
Nampa, ID

scooterdad2324

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Re: Non rider wanting to purchase scooter for commuting
« Reply #7 on: September 26, 2015, 04:28:08 AM »
Well I guess my input didn't matter so I'll excuse myself from this conversation since no one commented on the scooter I have for sale

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scooterdad2324

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Re: Non rider wanting to purchase scooter for commuting
« Reply #8 on: September 26, 2015, 04:28:47 AM »
Good luck in your new quest for the perfect ride

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AMAC1680

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Re: Non rider wanting to purchase scooter for commuting
« Reply #9 on: September 26, 2015, 09:54:46 AM »
If u don't want to go threw getting the cycle endorsement. stay with a 50 cc scooter. some states are 100cc.
its less of a hassle and you don't need insurance.

It is never a hassle to learn to do things right.
Also never a hassle to insure against loss and liability. Not just the value of the scooter.
Of course that's if you own anything of value.

AMAC
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2017 Lance Cali Classic 200i
2013 SYM RV200
2013 Kymco Downtown 300
2010 Lance Cali Classic-sold
1973 VW Dune Buggy
1974 VW Meyers Manx

Mr. Paul

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Re: Non rider wanting to purchase scooter for commuting
« Reply #10 on: September 26, 2015, 04:01:27 PM »
ou
Thanks everyone for the replies! I am planning on taking a motorcycle safety course. I think it will be a great investment. Consequently, the motorcycle license endorsement is a non-issue. In my state, if you pass the approved course, you get the license. I am looking forward to getting started. Will keep ya'll posted.
2009 Kymco People 150
1993 Honda Helix

slug50

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Re: Non rider wanting to purchase scooter for commuting
« Reply #11 on: September 26, 2015, 05:52:40 PM »
FYI, I am 5' 10' and weigh 315#. I have a Kymco People 150, 2012 that I have over 11,000 miles on it now. On a flat road surface I can run about 55 mph unless there is a big head wind. I don't think anyone could go wrong on getting a People 150, they are just about bullet proof.

mrmike

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Re: Non rider wanting to purchase scooter for commuting
« Reply #12 on: September 26, 2015, 09:47:37 PM »
Mr. Paul

    I sold my Harley in 2010 because I was 66 years old and it was just too heavy for me to handle. I purchased a People 150 and have nothing but good to say about it except for the limited top end. It topped out about 56-58 mph. If you are sure that is fast enough for your riding then it would make a great choice. Personally, I work part time and have to commute on the interstate occasionally. I ended up buying a GTI300 in 2012 and love it. It's about 100 lbs heavier than the 150, and I get 68 mpg vs 85 mpg for the 150. The trade off is a top end over 85mph. They are both great scoots in my opinion, and I would choose which one meets YOUR needs best. FYI I'm 5' 10" and weigh about 215.
« Last Edit: September 26, 2015, 09:49:32 PM by mrmike »
Blue '23 People S 150i ABS  Moto Discovery GPS bar, Shad SH33 top case, Iridium spark plug, Black reflective graphics, Battery Tender ring terminal cable, LED tag light.         
Past rides- '73 Honda 450, '00 Harley Softail Deuce, '10 Kymco People 150, '12 Kymco GTI 300, '21 Kymco X-Town 300i ABS

klaviator

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Re: Non rider wanting to purchase scooter for commuting
« Reply #13 on: September 28, 2015, 09:27:49 PM »
I have a 2009 Kymco Super 8 150.  It will easily handle your height and weight.  My wife and I combined weigh a lot more than you do and it handles us both with ease.  Top speed is around 55-60 MPH so if you need to go faster than 55 I'd be looking for a bigger scooter.

BTW, mine has nearly 21,000 miles on it, much of it at speeds of 50+.  I have had a few problems with it but the motor is solid.  The 2015 super 8 is a different scooter so I can't comment on it.
I Ride Therefore I Am

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boo

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I highly recommend
« Reply #14 on: September 29, 2015, 02:07:02 PM »
either a Downtown or a GT in the 300cc class, hands down!.
New, left over, or clean used.
IMHO, you will be happier in the long run.
These are dream machines that are easy to maintain, good gas mileage, and plenty of power.
Concerning modern motor scooters, 250cc - 350cc is the sweet spot.
If I was in the market for a scooter and came across a nice clean 250 at a good price, I would give it a hard look and a test ride.
Good luck in your search.

ps: It is always desirable to have an honest dealer within reasonable distance of your home when buying a motorcycle or motor scooter.
boo
« Last Edit: September 29, 2015, 02:20:07 PM by boo »
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