183cc big bore kit with a 4-valve head, external oil cooler, a custom Barnett clutch, and a serious gearing conversion will fix that. I can go 80mph while doing a power wheelie in every gear.
The MSF basic rider course is often populated by people who have never ridden a motorcycle, it is not uncommon for the bikes to end up on the ground.
When I was in college, I never would have owned a bike I couldn't offer a young lady a ride on, thats for sure!
Nah, smaller is better in scooterland. A Kymco Agility 125, a Genuine Buddy 125, something like that. The size of your lawnmower, but will do 55-60 mph on a four-lane road. ETA: And carry 2 cases of beer.
Having taught many new riders over the years, I can absolutely attest to the fact that the basic MSF course bikes see more abuse on a routine basis than a club racer's bike.
It has a replaceable rear seat, just like a motorcycle. I gave plenty of ladies a ride...on the scooter.
TW or as Stick said a Zuma - or even a DRZ400 - but for a kid in college I'd vote no on a Grom. The taller he sits the better for him to see and be seen.
I always said I wouldn't ride a Ruckus because they sat too low, but I never felt like I was hard to see on the Grom, considering how upright they sit. I just googled it and they're only about an inch different. Here's some stats assuming Google isn't wrong: 28.9" Honda Ruckus 30" Honda Grom 30.9" Kawasaki Ninja 300 30.9" Yamaha Zuma 125 30.91" Suzuki SV650 31.1" Yamaha TW200 35" Suzuki DRZ400SM 37.8" KTM 500 EXC
Other than big dirt bikes they all close. I have Vespa 250 and Benelli 135. Benelli is 30.7" seat height and I have plenty room on it and is more comfortable than smaller dual purpose. Vespa is like SUV
I'll be a block or more ahead of you by the time you get out of your driveway. No way you'd beat me to Kwik Star, even of you were driving way over the speed limit. Heck, I'd be down the street before you got in your seat.