Scooters

[Cosmic Jeff]

I like scooters. This is the one I recently purchased:



It's a 2007 Genuine Scooter, 125cc Buddy in a limited color scheme.

Buddy Specs:
Engine - 125cc 4-stroke, Air-Cooled
Transmission - Automatic (CVT)
Colors - 1950s Two-tone green
Suspension - Telescopic Front Fork, Mono Rear
Tire Size - 3.5 x 10
Braking - Front Disc, Rear Drum
Top Speed - 65+ mph
Warranty - 2-Year / Unlimited Mile

I'm a very big supporter of this mode of transportation and I'm very excited about this scooter. Lately, I have seen more and more scooters on the road than I have in previous years, so I am assuming they are increasing in popularity. However, it seems as though most people tend to scoff at the functionality of such a vehicle while they dump 24 gallons of gas into their H2, perhaps because they view scooters more as toys. While scooters are significantly more fun to ride, I definitely wouldn't consider them play things. Personally, living in the city, using the scooter is a far more convenient way to reach destinations than using my car has been, especially with local highways being rendered useless from constant construction (Google Maps even has a feature that gives me directions without using highways). It's much easier to navigate through congested traffic and parking is much easier when I can just pull up the sidewalk for short stops. The scooter I have gets over 90 mpg as well and scooters with smaller engines can get over 100. I guess I just like scooters, so what do you think?

[Big Rick Cook]

Re: Scooters

My main concern is that scooters, just like motorcycles, are not all-weather vehicles. You invariably get soaked or frozen in inclement weather.

And my job is 22 miles away, making it less convenient to ride all the way at lower speeds. And I'd look ridiculous driving a scooter.

But I would definitely want one if I worked a bit closer to home. How much did that thing set you back?

[TheHonorableRyu]

Re: Scooters

Two questions:

1) Is it possible to look suave or stylish while riding a scooter?

2) Is it possible to purchase a decent gas-powered scooter for cheap? If someone's going to pay $2,000+ they will be more likely to search the classifieds for a used car.

[IRC]

Re: Scooters

I'd buy a scooter. But then I'd have to become French.

[Armored]

Re: Scooters

Do you pick up girls on that thing?

[Cosmic Jeff]

Re: Scooters

How much did that thing set you back?

I bought mine new at $2500, which is the common price for the size motor in it. A similar Vespa would be closer to $4000 because they can get away with it.

Realistically, you could probably buy a scooter similar to mine used for 1/3 the price, but since scooters require very little maintenance, you'll very likely run into people selling scooters that received none at all. You can get Chinese knock-offs for like $700, but these obviously have the cheapest parts possible that probably aren't replaceable, no real warranty, and frequently require self-assembly.

Buying one new will give you the advantage of building more credit as well.

[11Evil Chipmunk]

Re: Scooters

I like scooters. This is the one I recently purchased:

Nice.

[Cosmic Jeff]

Re: Scooters

1) Is it possible to look suave or stylish while riding a scooter?

From my experience, yes. Dudes will sweetly call you "fag".

2) Is it possible to purchase a decent gas-powered scooter for cheap? If someone's going to pay $2,000+ they will be more likely to search the classifieds for a used car.

Another option is to get a 50cc (30 - 45 mph top speed) if you plan to stick to smaller streets, which a good one will be $1800 new and is easy to convince a salesmen to knock a few hundred dollars off the price tag.

[Alex]

Re: Scooters

If I were to get one of those, I'd definitely go electric.

Also, what's with the negative attitude towards scooters and other alternative transportation?

[Cosmic Jeff]

Re: Scooters

I don't know, I just want to drive my Focus, eat my McDonalds, and watch my CSI thank you.

[Tex Ritter]

Re: Scooters

For the past 6 years I have been riding a bike as my main mode of transportation. It's pretty easy because I live in a town of about 50,000, so nothing is really out of my reach. In the big city, however, I think a scooter would be the way to go.

Also, when I lived in Uganda for a couple months everybody rode bicycles, scooters and motorcycles. It was the rainy season, and when it started raining they would just bike or drive faster. I never saw an accident the time I was there. When someone had something big to transport, they tied it up and walked it on top of their bike. Cars are only necessary because we're all in a hurry.

I guess I didn't know the Luganda equivalent of fag though so I couldn't tell what the gayest mode of transportation was.

[Alex]

Re: Scooters

This one time someone screamed at me from their car, "******* RIDE BIKES!" And I was like, "YEAHHH!!!"

[Tex Ritter]

Re: Scooters

Here's my statistics

Variations on fag - ~25
"Biker!" - ~15
"HEY LANCE" - 3
"****ing **** sidewalk **** get on the ****in sidewalk" - 3

[Owl of Parliament]

Re: Scooters

I ride my bike all the time, I like it. I can get to any spot in the city in under 15 minutes. It's good for the downtown area too because of all the crowds.

One time I was riding my bike and some 16 year old kid in a beat up truck said "Whats the gas mileage on that thing?" Then I said "It's a bike genius."

[Valkysas]

Re: Scooters

Deadpool says scooters are manly.

He would not lie.