Scooter question

[Thunderace]

I was considering getting a scooter, possibly 125cc-150cc. I want one that will have enough power to haul my big ass around and up some of the hills where I live. I believe a scooter this size needs to be registered with the state, right? Also, there won't be a clutch so my wife will be able to ride it. But, does she have to have a motorcycle endorsed license to ride it in Maryland? I figure there might be some of you out there that might know. thanks.

[rk97]

actually, MD's definition of a "motor scooter" is step-through chassis, auto trans, 10+ inch wheels, and 50cc or less. Larger than 50cc is considered a motorcycle. (the rider is standing on a 'scooter')

Wife will need a license, but honestly, passing a motorcycle test on a 150cc scooter is CAKE. I remember taking my test on my 500 - not too tough, but the guy on the 650cc scooter with those tiny wheels and automatic trans... The jerk pretty much embarrassed us all - but he still had to ride away on a scooter.

[Chris K]

You may want to have your wife take the Maryland Motorcycle Basic Rider Course. http://mva.state.md.us/MVAProg/moto/basicrider.htm
It's a great class, and she will get some good instruction on a 150cc bike provided by the state. If she passes the class, she can get her Class M license at the DMV without having to take another road test.
Just a thought...

[Thunderace]

The only problem is that she has no interest whatsoever to deal with a bike that uses a clutch. She has never even had a stick shift automobile. She did say that she would go ahead a take the test if we got a scooter. Thanks so much for the advice.

[rk97]

The courses are almost always good - i've actually considered taking the basic MSF course myself. you can always learn something.

The problem is that classes can be really expensive. Like $300 in some states. I am lucky. "motorcycle-ohio" makes the classes VERY affordable. I think it's like $25 for an ohio resident, and the classes are free (but mandatory) if you're under 18.

as noted, the OH test would be cake on a scooter, but the class couldn't hurt. some of it would be irrelevant (what clutch??), but again, it can't hurt.

[Thunderace]

My last post about a clutch is the course would be using their motorcycles right? Could she take the course on the scooter? That might be an option.

[jcurtis]

...I want one that will have enough power to haul my big ass around and up some of the hills where I live... so my wife will be able to ride it.

If it has that much power, Nicky will be popping wheelies from a stand still. :D :popcorn:

[Thunderace]

Jim, I'm going to show her this thread and you will never live it down spelling her name that way. I don't know if you'll be able to spend the night at our house ever again!:flipoff:

[jcurtis]

Jim, I'm going to show her this thread and you will never live it down spelling her name that way. I don't know if you'll be able to spend the night at our house ever again!:flipoff:

Doh!!:banghead: Just keep in mind that I am from Philly... :rolleyes:

[Chris K]

I think they still let you take the class on your own bike if you want to. But I'm not sure about a bike without a clutch as a big chunk of the training involves learning to use the clutch. They are very methodical in how they train evryone, so learning how to use a clutch through them is pretty easy. Plus most everyone is on the 150cc bikes anyway, which is almost like a moped.

[Thunderace]

You can only use that excuse so many times Jim. It's like the boy that cried "WOLF!" I think you've used up your quota already! JACKASS

[jcurtis]

...I think you've used up your quota already! JACKASS

:moon:
I thought that was replenished at the begining of each season... besides, the HOV incident was well over a year ago. :box:

[Surfinglbi23]

So how is it spelled?

BTW, I have a zuma and I love it ... definitely not the bike for you if you want to go above 40mph though!

[Thunderace]

Her name is spelled NICKY just for future reference. I would love to get a Vino but nobody wants to sell them. I'm not looking at buying a new one, so I'll just have to buy one of those knockoff Chinese models covered with lead paint. I'll just make sure not to put my tongue on it!

[barry38]

Jim - Save yourself a whole bunch of ag and don't buy the chinese knock offs. They are basically junk and at times almost impossible to get parts for. We sell Kymco's, which are the best of the junk. I would bet we see about 75% of the new ones we sell come back with issues. Hell. probably 30% have issues right out of the box!

As for finding a used scooter, good luck! I stumbled on to my Aprilia when some guy traded it on a Zuma. Otherwise I can't remember the last time one got traded.

[Thunderace]

Barry, there is a place outside of Baltimore that sells and services scooters exclusively Scootertronics (http://store.scootertronics.com/scooters.html). I planned on checking out something from this place rather than buying the crap you see on Craigslist or Ebay. I figure they can fix what they sell and I have a company to go back to if I have problems. The main problem with the really nice scooters like the Vino and Zuma is they are too good and people don't want to sell them. Even if they sit in the garage most of the time, people just don't want to let them go.

[jcurtis]

So how is it spelled?

There you go...and he is from Philly also. ;)

[jls223]

My last post about a clutch is the course would be using their motorcycles right? Could she take the course on the scooter? That might be an option.


There's is a real simple fix for this. Just lock your R1 in first gear and let her take the course and test on that! I think she could cover any highway speed required in first gear. She's just like my wife. She can ride it and operate the brakes and all but the clutch and shifter just freaks them out. I gave up trying to teach my wife when she ran into the wheelbarrow with the riding mower stuck in fifth gear and full throttle. It wasn't pretty! :banghead:

[Motofun352]

My wife's been riding for 24 years, never really been an issue....however, she learned to drive in a car with "three-on-the-tree", so clutching and shifting a bike was easy by comparison:)