Whole scooter for $600 vs. Bike motor for $200

offroad · #1 01-23-2009, 02:21 PM

50cc Moped Scooters :: Moped Scooters :: Sunny Sports Inc. - Wholesale|Retail|Distributor|Importer|Trader

Was looking at this and comparing to the investment some have put into their motor bikes. $600 versus $200 motor to be installed (or much higher depends on configuration)

What am I not getting? Yes I understand the hobbiest aspect, and that is good for the money investment. But for raw transportation, I am hard pressed to recommend anything less than one of these cheap scooters.

Comments?

HoughMade · #2 01-23-2009, 02:38 PM

For raw transportation, I agree. Those who are in it for more than that will spend more and a scooter will not do (myself included). I could have gotten an old used motorcycle for what I have in my bike...but that's not the point. Frankly, $4 gas was a bummer, but did not change my lifestyle. I don't do this for transpo. However, for pure cheap, you can get away for not much more than $200 if you already have a suitable bike.

**Bikeguy Joe** · #3 01-23-2009, 02:40 PM

CCS= Cheap Chinese scooter= 600 dollars worth of junk.

They are the bottomless pit of motoring. I would buy several 125 dollar bicycle motor kits for the same money.

Those scooters are slow, and vibrate as much or more than a bike kit.

Plus add the cost of shipping.

Don't say I didn't warn you.

wheelbender6 · #4 01-23-2009, 02:48 PM

In Arizona, the machines on that website will require a driver's license, tag and insurance. A motorized bicycle requires none of the above in AZ, and we can ride in the bike lane. I'm not sure that it is worth the insurance expense to ride 15mph faster in a traffic lane with the monster trucks.
The laws in Conn might possibly make the scooters on that website a better deal for you. Research the laws before you buy. Cheers

toytime · #5 01-23-2009, 02:48 PM

Nice looking bikes.
Cost of my bike.$400
motor..............$215
Jackshaft kit $270
Total...............$885

The only thing is that with a scooter, you have to drive on the roads at all times and car drivers treat you like another motor vehicle.
I'm not saying that I don't follow the rules of the road but lets face it, it's much easier to bend the rules on a bicycle.

jasonh · #6 01-23-2009, 03:05 PM

I was going to buy a 50cc scooter before I found the wonderful world of motorized bikes.

Here in CO, you pay $5 for a 3-year tag. Since the max they can theoretically go is 25, you can still ride in the bike lane I believe. We also don't have a huge "monster truck" problem here in Longmont though.

Eventually I would like to buy a Vespa or other quality scooter for main transportation, but not right now. All in all, I've probably spent a good $600 on my bike so far. I guess it just depends on what you're looking for.

**Bikeguy Joe** · #7 01-23-2009, 05:33 PM

Plus most of those 50cc scooters won't reach more than 25-29 mph, (real world, not what the speedo says) or the same speed as a motorized bike.

Creative Engineering · #8 01-23-2009, 07:18 PM

One more consideration:

Replacement parts...

Florida is inundated with these cheap scooters.

I've had several people come to the shop asking if I can make this or that, for thier scooter or small motorcycle. Of course it's rarely practical.

Before buying one of these I would want to know that parts are available.

Our Pep-Boys Auto parts stores have Chinese 4-wheelers and dirt bikes...they also have parts for them, in-stock! I've been tempted to buy one of the 150cc enduros just for fun. They are $1,200.00 and I don't have "fun" money right now. Of course I would rather have an old RM125 or YZ, but I never see them for sale...cheap.

Offroad,

You'd have to see one of those scooters up close...they're O.K. for a 110lb girl. A lot of us are 200lb+; an engine powered bike is a better way to go and we can always get parts.

Jim

Retmachinist · #9 01-23-2009, 08:35 PM

I agree with the hard core MBers above. Those really cheap Chinese scooters are junk. You will be working on it more than on an MB. You may not be fixing it though if you can't find the parts. You don't want to pay a Machine Shop to build parts for it. You will run up a bill more than the thing cost you. If you want cheap transportation go with the MB.

John

happyvalley · #10 01-23-2009, 10:38 PM

Yeah, the new crop of cheap Chinese scooters I'd avoid. They look spiffy with their colorful molded plastic but go up a bit in price, Honda or Yamaha for example. A buddy bought a lightly used Yamaha Zuma this past summer for $1200 and it's nice. I've taken it out, handles great and it'll cruise at 45 mph easily on flats. Best part it's 50cc and under the same moped law in my state and needs no tags, insurance, or MC license.