scooters and off road motorcycles

Vagabound · Dec 11, 2016

Hi,

I didn't see a thread about Kymco scooters, so I decided we might benefit from one. I've written a long post in another thread explaining why I think they're worthwhile. You can see it here:

http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums...iving-in-any-vehicle-Why?pid=246730#pid246730

However, the purpose of this first post is just to share a Kymco dealer list by state that I obtained. It is attached in PDF format.

Vagabound

View attachment Dealer List-Kymco-Aug 2016.pdf

skyl4rk · Dec 11, 2016

Which scooter would be best to carry on the back of a van and use in BLM land, and to get groceries?

ArtW · Dec 11, 2016

125 cc is pretty much the minimum if you're going to do any highway travel on it (and 55 is the top end for most 125 cc scoots)
That's if you buy a quality scooter, buy one of those cheap Chinese ones and you'll need a lot bigger

Vagabound · Dec 11, 2016

skyl4rk said:
Which scooter would be best to carry on the back of a van and use in BLM land, and to get groceries?

The best is probably the old 150cc Honda Ruckus. But they were really expensive when they were available, and they're not being made anymore and are pretty hard to get.

I agree that 125cc is the minimum.

I usually recommend mainly considering function before you buy, but with scooters, I think sizing to fit you is more important. The reason for fit is obvious, but the functionality is not such a big deal because almost all of these scooters are the same in that way. They're all designed to be road bikes with very very few exceptions (Ruckus). The differences between them functionally are miniscule.

Regarding fit, although I like Kymco scooters a lot, the other main Taiwanese brand, SYM, tends to have a little bit larger frames for the same bike size. The last one I had was a 125cc SYM, and it fit me better than a 125cc Kymco, but the latter was certainly rideable. For reference, I'm about 6'2" and 220 poorly distributed pounds.

Vagabound

frater secessus · Dec 11, 2016

Kymco and Sym scooters are well-respected in the scooter community. Good value for the money.
I will likely end up with one (or Genuine or similar) on a reciever hitch mount. Or maybe a lightweight dualsport. My current roadbike (NC700) is supremely practical but too heavy for a hitch mount.

I currently have a couple of generic Chinese scooters I am learning to wrench on and they are a riot to ride. Not sure I trust them for being solo out in the middle of nowhere.

frater secessus · Dec 11, 2016

skyl4rk said:
Which scooter would be best to carry on the back of a van and use in BLM land, and to get groceries?

I'd say a used 125cc Yamaha Zuma. They are dirt trail competent and fuel injected for the altitude. They resell for less b/c people aren't modifying the crap out of them like the Ruckuses (Ruckii?).

For side roads even a good 50cc will be get a lot done and be very light. But as stated elsewhere highway runs are not within their reach.

TMG51 · Dec 11, 2016

I started looking at these after reading that other thread, too. I see they make a little 125cc motorcycle. Anyone know anything about those? 17' tires.... could one put more aggressive tires on one and putz around off road? Not looking to compete with dirt bikes or anything, but i like that these are light and it may be a good backup vehicle to take to town and occasionally play in the desert.

Or would I be better off trying to find a used small dual sport?

LeeRevell · Dec 11, 2016

Ditto on fit. I have problems with bicycles in that regard - frame length. With some, the distance between handlebars and seat post means the bars hit my knees. I have an old boxstore bike that is,a bit longer, giving me clearence. Big concern for us tall longlegged fellows.
I rode a buddy's Chinese made 150cc sscooter once, and found the same problem. Had to sit way back on the seat. I often did that with my KLR650 Dual Sport bike too, with my butt right against the rear cargo rack.
I have sold the KLR, but may try a scooter later. I will need to test fit them to find one that fits me. I expect to go with a 250cc or larger.
A couple riding buddies have Honda 650cc super scooters that are longer, and worked very nicely for highway trips. Frames looked workably long too. And they had built-in cargo stowage that helped keep most of their camping gear hidden from view. They actually had a higher top highway speed than our KLRs, but it took them longer to get there.

flying kurbmaster · Dec 11, 2016

I have owned a lot of scooters over the years and have done some major trips with them. I know a fellow that had a Kymco and had a good experience with it. I believe them to be comparable but I would still stay with the well known Japanese or Italian brands if I was going to get a scooter. I am now thinking that a small dual purpose would suit me better at this time, I am considering a 200 to 250cc in the major Japanese brands.

highdesertranger · Dec 11, 2016

I also vote for a small dual sport. you get off and on road capabilities. TMG it's more of the gearing that makes it off road capable. My buddy has one of the old Honda trail bikes that has a High/Low transmission besides the regular gears. highdesertranger

BradKW · Dec 11, 2016

I would think tire size would be near top of consideration list for anything that won't always be on paved roads?

I used to have a 49cc Aprilia that had nice big tires and it just felt more stable riding it...but I've never taken a scooter off the pavement. I'd love to have another Aprilia, but I ended up getting rid of it because I couldn't get anyone to fix it right and it kept nickle and diming me to death...

TMG51 · Dec 11, 2016

highdesertranger said:
I also vote for a small dual sport. you get off and on road capabilities. TMG it's more of the gearing that makes it off road capable. My buddy has one of the old Honda trail bikes that has a High/Low transmission besides the regular gears. highdesertranger

Thanks. I could see even a light bike not climbing a dirt hill if it's geared too high.

I've thought about those old Honda trail bikes too, still might go that way. I wonder what my other options are for something under 300lbs.

Gunny · Dec 11, 2016

These bikes are American made and very versatile and dependable. Pricey tho.

https://www.rokon.com/

LeeRevell · Dec 11, 2016

Gunny said:
These bikes are American made and very versatile and dependable. Pricey tho.

https://www.rokon.com/

At least one Beemer dual sport uses Rokon motors.

highdesertranger · Dec 11, 2016

those Rokon's are great bikes. ain't going to win any drag races but they will climb up a wall. highdesertranger

Gunny · Dec 11, 2016

I was talking to my cousin about them a few months ago, mentioned they were full time two wheel drive.. Poor guy, he asked what's big deal about that, so is my pick-up.

As said by someone, you can't fix stupid.

flying kurbmaster · Dec 12, 2016

TMG51 said:
Thanks. I could see even a light bike not climbing a dirt hill if it's geared too high.

I've thought about those old Honda trail bikes too, still might go that way. I wonder what my other options are for something under 300lbs.

Suzuki DR200 or the DRZ250 Yamaha XT250 or TW200 Kawasaki KLR250 Honda make a 200 and a 250 duel sport, all these are under 300lbs, all tried and reliable made for several years now.

frater secessus · Dec 12, 2016

The DR and XT will be the lightest and, not coincidentally, aircooled. XT is fuel injected now though. . The Honda is over 300#. Lovely bike and great value, but weighs the same as my DR650 did (within 4 lbs). The only thing I would have changed on the 650 was for it to be lighter, so if I get a DS it will likely be the XT.

Vagabound · Dec 12, 2016

TMG51 said:
I started looking at these after reading that other thread, too. I see they make a little 125cc motorcycle. Anyone know anything about those? 17' tires.... could one put more aggressive tires on one and putz around off road? Not looking to compete with dirt bikes or anything, but i like that these are light and it may be a good backup vehicle to take to town and occasionally play in the desert.

Or would I be better off trying to find a used small dual sport?

I'm not sure what that bike is in your photo, but when I think of off road, I don't think of crotch rockets. Actually I would avoid crotch rockets in all cases, but off-road seems particularly bad.

Vagabound

ArtW · Dec 12, 2016

The big Honda is 600, not 650, that'd be the Yamaha or BMW The Honda will do over 100 mph if you're brave (or is that foolish)
Almost all scooters are belt drive with a Continuously Variable Transmission, gearing is never a problem and they will handle very steep hills no problem
The problem with them off road is ground clearance, tires, and not being built for it. My Silver wing has been farther off pavement than you might think, and or weighs 570 with no rider
The larger wheeled scooters are more stable at low speed but you lose underwear storage
I would recommend a dual sport if you want to PLAY in the dirt, but a scooter will vet you down most fire roads to pavement fine if you are careful

scooters and off road motorcycles

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