I need a bike

Tom-D

Tom-D

Taxi to Parking
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Feb 23, 2005
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Tom-D
We are trying to decide what we want to carry on the coach trailer hitch.
I need some thing like a Honda ruckus or equal, needs to be less than 50cc and light enough to carry on a platform attached to the towing hitch receiver.

Any ideas.

50 cc is the upper limit of the no M/C endorsement required here.

Scooter might work too.
 
Ruckus and Zuma are really your only options at 50cc. Groms are really fun, but thats a 125
 
People love the electric smart assist bicycles. They ain't cheap. I keep getting tempted to get a gas motor bicycle kit to play with, I'm sure they are fiddly. Lots cheaper then electric and you get that cool 2 stroke sound and smell. Both of those options keep you out of the licensing game.
 
The electric bikes are getting popular,have some decent speed,but their price range is still rather high.
 
I'm not really interested in an electric bike.
 
I don't think I would go for a ruckus, there are some 50 cc Vespa style scooters on the market like this , but if you want an actual motorcycle, your only options are going to be 80's vintage.
 
50cc Zuma, the older 2 stroke variety. Faster than the new 50cc 4 strokes, plus has a passenger seat and passenger footrests unlike the Ruckus. 02-05 were the better ones that needed no modifications. 08-11 had a factory throttle stop for emissions control that you could remove, cut off, and replace in about half an hour and make it as fast as the earlier models.

And if you want to go faster, 70cc big bore kits are readily available :D
 
Faster is not important, or 50 cc wouldn't be a requirement.
 
The Zuma is fuel injected. Ruckus is carb. That's the biggest difference
 
I don't like either one. Both are a bit porky for their engine size.
 
Tom-D said:
@ 50 cc what isn't?
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In Southeast Asia there are a lot of 50cc scooters that are more ergonomically like motorcycles and not much heavier than a bicycle. Kind of like a moped but without the pedals. Those are more practical. Wish we had those here.
 
I bought a Honda PCX 150 for my wife. It does pretty good. With my fat ass it will run about 62 mph and is pretty fun to ride. The 50CC are not fast enough to ride anywhere... Maybe 35mph from a 50. She is scared to ride hers and it just sits unless I ride it. If you were closer I would sell it to you. It is a 2015 with 300 miles :-(
 
Sac Arrow said:
In Southeast Asia there are a lot of 50cc scooters that are more ergonomically like motorcycles and not much heavier than a bicycle. Kind of like a moped but without the pedals. Those are more practical. Wish we had those here.
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We do. Kymco People 50
 
pigpenracing said:
I bought a Honda PCX 150 for my wife. It does pretty good. With my fat ass it will run about 62 mph and is pretty fun to ride. The 50CC are not fast enough to ride anywhere... Maybe 35mph from a 50. She is scared to ride hers and it just sits unless I ride it. If you were closer I would sell it to you. It is a 2015 with 300 miles :-(
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Then I'd be required to get a M/C endorsement, I don't need to do that to carry a "grocery getter' while in a campground.
It will most likely never be ridden on the highway.
 
Tom-D said:
Then I'd be required to get a M/C endorsement, I don't need to do that to carry a "grocery getter' while in a campground.
It will most likely never be ridden on the highway.
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Why not get a MC endorsement? It isn't hard, and any training you get (like the MSF courses) will make you a far better and safer rider of any two-wheeled vehicle, including scooters.

It will also open up a whole lot of other options for motorcycles, as is becoming evident in this thread.

As I am a (former) motorcycle rider, I know that if my wife wanted to get a scooter just to go get groceries with, I would definitely sign her up for an MSF course, even if it isn't required. Proper training is invaluable for your safety.

(And if you're already good at riding, again, why not just go get the endorsement and make your choice easier?)
 
Would a YSR 50 be to unwieldy?
Image2.jpg
 
Tom-D said:
Then I'd be required to get a M/C endorsement, I don't need to do that to carry a "grocery getter' while in a campground.
It will most likely never be ridden on the highway.
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Why you want to be legal? You think a cop will pull a moped over??? It has lots of storage under the seat. I can fit a full size bag of cat chow under there.
I hear they are cracking down and changing laws on 50cc also. You may have to get a license for that also.
 
I liked the PCX 150 so much I went and bought me a BMW C600 sport scooter. It will cruise over 100mph. It is really fun. I have had Ducati superbikes, CBR 1000's, GSXR 1000's, KTM 1290 Superduke, Turbo zrx 1200, Hayabusa and a list of other fast bikes. I am actually having more fun on my BMW scooter.
 

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Tom-D said:
We are trying to decide what we want to carry on the coach trailer hitch.
I need some thing like a Honda ruckus or equal, needs to be less than 50cc and light enough to carry on a platform attached to the towing hitch receiver.

Any ideas.

50 cc is the upper limit of the no M/C endorsement required here.

Scooter might work too.
Click to expand...

You need to get a Ruckus that was converted to 125cc. You still won't need the endorsement because the VIN says 50cc.

Trust me the extra 75cc makes a big difference.
 
SkyHog said:
You need to get a Ruckus that was converted to 125cc. You still won't need the endorsement because the VIN says 50cc.

Trust me the extra 75cc makes a big difference.
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I'm sure it would, But why ?
 
One must remember the purpose. we carry this bike on the trailer hitch. for running to the 7-11 a mile from the campground.
 
Tom-D said:
I'm sure it would, But why ?
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Power is king with mini bikes and scooters. A 50cc ruckus is so anemic, I wouldn't feel safe driving it on a road, even though it is legal to do so. On a motorcycle, power is options. It is night and day with the motor upgrade. You won't be a speed demon, but you can at least keep up and escape dangerous situations.

For the record, I have experience driving both Baja mini bikes and Ruckuses. The stock 50cc motor on a Ruckus is awesome for off road and neighborhood riding. But nothing more.
 
Tom-D said:
Because it is a freaking hassle here in Wa.

and it isn't worth it in Wa. for what I need to do.
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Unless I'm missing something, it doesn't seem any more onerous than in any other state:

http://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/getmoto.html

You take a written test and a driving test. In fact, it looks like if you take one of the courses offered at a bunch of locations (and using their motorcycles), you get both done at one time.

I don't see the big deal for something that could save your life.

And of course, it opens up a lot of options for small motorcycles that will still meet your needs but not be so marginally capable.

(I also find it interesting that on an aviation board where everyone is quick to extoll the virtues of "training, training, training" for every different thing we want to do, nobody else is suggesting just getting training and the endorsement here. If I posted a question about what airplane to get just to hop around the area, but it had to be an ultralight so that I didn't have to get any training, I'm sure it'd be about two posts before the "you need to get training in that" crowd stepped in.)

Just because it's a scooter doesn't mean you can't be killed on it. The main hazard for motorcyclists isn't operation of the vehicle. It's how to avoid all the other crazy drivers out there who don't see you. Emergency maneuvers. Accident avoidance. Developing reflexes.
 
I do a lot of time on Zuma, Ruckus, and the Honda Metropolitans at Oshkosh every year. The Ruckus has is well built and relatively compact. Unless you're tall, it will be a reasonable ride. If you're bigger, the Zuma might be a better option.
 
RussR said:
Unless I'm missing something, it doesn't seem any more onerous than in any other state:
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My M/C was the only transportation I had until I got married, I've ridden most of my life. I done see the need for what we want to do.
 
the last street bike I had
 

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Phoenix said:
People love the electric smart assist bicycles. They ain't cheap. I keep getting tempted to get a gas motor bicycle kit to play with, I'm sure they are fiddly. Lots cheaper then electric and you get that cool 2 stroke sound and smell. Both of those options keep you out of the licensing game.
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The electric assist bikes are awesome! I was riding one around and that sucker would rock me up steep hills on the Meditteranean coast with very little exertion on my part. The prices on them are coming down.

For gas powered, I've used the Zumas and thought they were pretty decent machines for what they are. They hold up well on trails, handle in the sand surprisingly well, and are ok on the street as well.
 
Phoenix said:
At least get a cool looking 50 http://moto-scoot.net/sachs_madass_50.php
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This bike looks kinda cool, but beware the parts supply. If you buy something from Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, or Suzuki, you can be guaranteed easy access to parts anywhere you go and that they will be available for at least a decade.

I like the Honda Metropolitans we get in Key West just fine.

100_0704.jpg
 
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Dav8or said:
This bike looks kinda cool, but beware the parts supply. If you buy something from Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, or Suzuki, you can be guaranteed easy access to parts anywhere you go and that they will be available for at least a decade.

I like the Honda Metropolitans we get in Key West just fine.

100_0704.jpg
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SACHS is one of the oldest and biggest names in the Moped business.
 
RussR said:
Unless I'm missing something, it doesn't seem any more onerous than in any other state:

http://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/getmoto.html

You take a written test and a driving test. In fact, it looks like if you take one of the courses offered at a bunch of locations (and using their motorcycles), you get both done at one time.

I don't see the big deal for something that could save your life.

And of course, it opens up a lot of options for small motorcycles that will still meet your needs but not be so marginally capable.

(I also find it interesting that on an aviation board where everyone is quick to extoll the virtues of "training, training, training" for every different thing we want to do, nobody else is suggesting just getting training and the endorsement here. If I posted a question about what airplane to get just to hop around the area, but it had to be an ultralight so that I didn't have to get any training, I'm sure it'd be about two posts before the "you need to get training in that" crowd stepped in.)

Just because it's a scooter doesn't mean you can't be killed on it. The main hazard for motorcyclists isn't operation of the vehicle. It's how to avoid all the other crazy drivers out there who don't see you. Emergency maneuvers. Accident avoidance. Developing reflexes.
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Main reason being that on a small bike like this, you're not going to dump it in a violent way unless you get hit by a semi truck.

Motorcycle licensing laws are ridiculous. I got a ticket once with a motorcycle learners permit in Albuquerque. Reason being: I was riding alone. Riding 2 up was illegal on a permit, as was lane sharing. There was literally no way to be compliant with the law.

And, much like flying, it isn't hard, and anyone at least one step up from mentally disabled can do it safely and proficiency without having the government'should dirty hands on your money.
 
Since we are on about M/C laws and licenses anyone else ever notice they try not to renew your M/C privileges when you renew your license or switch states? Always have to remind them to add it to the new one. Have friends that have had the same experience.
PS I don't think 50cc scooters are 50 state exempt from scooter or M/C laws.
 
Phoenix said:
Since we are on about M/C laws and licenses anyone else ever notice they try not to renew your M/C privileges when you renew your license or switch states? Always have to remind them to add it to the new one. Have friends that have had the same experience.
PS I don't think 50cc scooters are 50 state exempt from scooter or M/C laws.
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I did not have a problem keeping my M1 current on my last license renewal, but yes, when I came to California my previous motorcycle endorsement did not carry over so I had to redo it from scratch.
 
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