Should I get a 50cc scooter or get my licence and buy a 125cc or more scooter?

[DermalPunch]

I drove SUVs for years but I plan to get a scooter. I was on the back of one the other day and I totally changed my mind about them. While I have never driven a scooter, I know I will likely get the hang of it pretty quickly.

I can either get a 50cc scooter and start driving right a way or, have patience and get my motorcycle licence so I can drive a more powerful scooter. I feel like I will crave more oomph once I get comfortable and I don't want to be stuck with some putt putt scooter.

Which do you think is best? Fifty cc now or 125cc or more later?

Kymco Like. I want this scooter.

[msc545]

Get the one with the larger engine - it is actually safer.

[DermalPunch]

I've read that. If it's about engine power, then I would start looking at 200cc. The issue is that I don't want too heavy of a scooter either.

[msc545]

I understand - what is the weight difference?

[DermalPunch]

I've not looked into it. I will have to research weights now.

[msc545]

If they weigh close to the same and the cost difference is not a big deal then extra power when needed is safer. 50 CC feels too small.

[DermalPunch]

Yes, people get them because they can't or don't want to fo through the licence process. I will often ride 2up so it's a no brainer? Do you ride a bike?

[msc545]

For a long time I did until a bad accident. No more of that - it is too dangerous in Los Angeles where I live.

[DermalPunch]

I see what you did there mentioning your city 😏. Also, my "stepdad" jacked himself up bad in the late 70s and he swore bikes off too.

[msc545]

We have too many road ragers here to be riding a bike.

[DermalPunch]

Oh absolutely, in the West people will kill you. Here people talk it out while driving. Sometimes a third driver will involve themselves to be the decider of who was really wrong. All while driving. Then they will apologize and tell each other the love each other. Not an exaggeration.

[msc545]

Interesting. Here everyone has a gun.

[DermalPunch]

Yeah I heard LAs bad for that.

[msc545]

It really is.

[exitseven]

Get the bigger one. You will be happier.

[DermalPunch]

I agree with you.

[exitseven]

Thanks for the MHO😎

[dustybiker]

Get at least a 250cc engine (or more) or don’t bother. Unless you plan to ride in a gated community or golf course only.

You need a powerful engine to get you out of emergencies. Traffic will not see you, won’t care to look. You have to be three steps ahead and expect anything. If the engine is tiny it will only leave you flat.

And don’t panic about an engine sounding that strong. Or a bike feeling heavy. You soon get used to it and it’s not heavy in motion, especially when used to how it moves. That is what practice is for. Stay in parking lots and back streets until comfortable and trust your reactions.

Do take the class to get your license. It’s a fun experience regardless.

One of my bikes is a scooter. It’s 400cc and perfect for an area with 50mph heavy traffic. Anything less and I wouldn’t have bought it as my shopping workhorse.
Scooters are a blast, don’t have to think about gears and it’s a great feeling to be in the wind. I’ll always have one in the corner of my garage.

Keep in mind though. Scooters are more expensive than regular motorcycles. They aren’t naked bikes, removal of panels and the drum breaking systems are more costly, even just changing tires. Maintenance is more frequent on scooters then most new motorcycles. Tires have to be replaced in a set (unlike cars they do not last as long) and impossible to find since covid. I was waiting five weeks and only managed to get lucky finding a quality set that fit.

Another option is a DCT motorcycle (automatic) they have maintenance schedules that are farther apart than scooters. Easier to find parts too.

Highly recommend checking out “motojitsu” he has years of youtube videos. He’s a nut, but if you manage to survive GaG he’s nothing compared. 🙃

[DermalPunch]

Yes, exactly. After doing a lot of research I ha e my eye on a 300cc. This is really useful thanks!

[dustybiker]

You are welcome. Have fun!! 😎

[SnakeBoop]

- a quick reminder that those who tend to skip the lower powers tend to end up dead quicker. don't be an adrenaline junkie...

[DermalPunch]

I would be going to auto school. And I'm not trying to get in a 550cc bike. I am an experienced road user that is very comfortable maneuvering a vehicle at 160kms. 125ccis hardly an adrenaline junkie.

[LikeALog]

Many years ago I owned both at different times. The 125cc was a lightweight motorcycle. It was safer in traffic because it could keep up with traffic, it accelerated better and could go the speed other vehicles were going.

[slatyb]

Buy a used 50cc scooter from an individual. Then decide. If you get a license you can sell it and get most of the money back.

[DermalPunch]

Market is saturated with 50cc scooters here. It would take forever to sell.

[slatyb]

If the market is saturated, then the sellers are asking too much.

[SuckItNow19]

For women 50cc may be enough if u only use it in city centre :)
I will buy naked motorcycle, 200 or 250cc

[DermalPunch]

Plenty of women on 300s and 700s where I am so I don't know what you are talking about...🙃 50cc won't be enough for me I know.

[SuckItNow19]

Wow i didn't know that
Then you should go for 125cc at least:)

[SuckItNow19]

Would u like to ride together once i buy naked motorcycle?:)

[DermalPunch]

Yes, thanks 🙂

[SuckItNow19]

You are awesome:) would u mind texting me? 😊

[SuckItNow19]

I love it when women love to ride motorcycle:)

[SuckItNow19]

Are u from Morocco? Women from morocco are so beautiful:)

[Wise4myage]

I say go small for now.

[DermalPunch]

But what do I do with the 50cc one after? I can't spend twice.

[Wise4myage]

You can always sell it.

[DermalPunch]

That's exactly the headache I don't want to deal with.

[Wise4myage]

Than go with the larger engine. :)

[rebeliouse]

125 defo then u can go on motorways

[DermalPunch]

I'm leaning heavily this way

[rebeliouse]

you won't regret it and if you can do direct access even though u doing 125

[rebeliouse]

saves hassle in future when you progress

[rebeliouse]

you can get 125 scooter if u dont want bike look but biker chicks are well sexy :D

[DermalPunch]

No, I don't want to look sexy. That's why I am getting a scooter. But everything you said I agree with. 50cc will stifle my progress.

[rebeliouse]

whats wrong with looking sexy?

[DermalPunch]

Nothing. It just isn't the time or the place I wish to be sexy.

[Likes2drive]

The bigger one