I know similar questions have been asked here earlier, but a search showed stuff that was either vague or out of date, so I'll brave a new thread. I've been wanting to get a multi-use pitbike-type device for a while, and have started looking. First my criteria: * Small, but not too small to carry two adults in a pinch. * Relatively lightweight (somewhere between lead and titanium). * Primarily electric start (kick back up is fine). * Tagged/street legal (the most flexible for occasional non-pitbike duty). I am leaning toward one of the >50cc step-through scooters. Looking at my local bike dealers, I find the Honda Elite 80 and the Yamaha Vino to be my primary choices (The Honda Ruckusess... Er... Rucki? being either too small or too big). Also, I understand the Zuma is coming back, but might be a bit too small/underpowered. In the "more exotic/expensive" category, there's Aprilia and Piaggio/Vespa, both of which are a little tougher to get support for. So, there is the bulk of Chinese stuff. I know many have said they are so poor quality as to be not worth the trouble, and I've certainly seen some examples of that. But, it seems like a few brands are trying to step up a bit. Kymco has a good warranty and support. Also TNG seem to be a tiny cut above as well. I haven't had a look at either in person yet, but there is a dealer nearby, so I might have a gander this weekend. Is there any better chinese stuff now, or is it still avoid? Any other suggestions/experience from the WERA board crowd out there? I have virtually no experience with this sort of stuff (rode a few scooters, had a minibike when I was a kid, etc.), so a little feedback would be helpful.
Tiawanese scooter = better quality then? I understand that some specific Kymco models are made in China as well, so it's a real minefield to know what's what. At least I can go to a dealer and look at them in person. And get parts/service for one there if it breaks.
The best all around ever made is the Zuma. It can haul me through the mountains of North Georgia, it'll be fine for whatever you need.
RE: Zuma Yeah, haven't seen a good used one close enough to me to go that way, and don't know when the new ones will be available. I'd imagine with the catalyst, they will be heavier, slower (neither a huge disaster) and more expensive (ok, maybe a disaster)... RE: Kymco Thanks for the info.
The Kymco Super9 is the best 50cc 2-stroke IMHO. Great power and speed with only free mods. Zuma's are great scooters but need some help to carry real world speed. I've got an Aprilia SR50 (now 70) and it runs like stink. Deals are rare on the Aprilia's but I stumbled onto one so they do happen.
I'll put a plug in for the 80cc Honda Elite -- run-forever four-stroke mill, hauls two comfortably yet not much bigger than the small 50cc two-strokes like the Vino and the Metro. Plus, they come with hideous 80's styling at no extra charge! On the good side, they've been in production since the 80s, so there's lots of used ones available at good prices. Besides, what other scooter advertisements featured Lou Reed, Adam Ant, and Grace Jones? I'm tall with long legs, so I have hard time fitting on the 50cc scoots -- the bars hit my knees, making turn-in a bit dicey. I have the same problem with the Zuma, and end up sitting on the passenger seat in order to able to ride it. The Elite was the only scooter under 100cc that I fit on.
