Komag on 19/2/2006 at 04:30
If the moped is small enough you don't insure it at all, almost like a bicycle. It will probably depend on the engine output and your local or state governments specific regulations.
If you do have to get additional insurance, it will be very cheap, since the moped is not likely to damage much property or hurt many other people. That's the main cost of insurance (besides comprehensive of course), to cover the damage you might do to life and property
Thief13x on 19/2/2006 at 05:16
hmm, thanks komag. I think i'll get in contact with my parent's insurance company to see if a 50cc or less would require insurance at all.
Tim
Printer's Devil on 19/2/2006 at 05:42
The only problem with mopeds are that everyone will laugh at you, even seniors with walkers! Seriously though, most 250cc bikes are nearly as fuel efficient (70-80 mpg) while being more capable vehicles overall. Insurance will be higher, of course, but if you talk to motorcyle insurance specialists the rates are pretty reasonable. After hearing the usual $7000/year horror stories, I was pleasantly surprised by estimates of $650-1000/year, depending on the options--for a complete beginner. Don't feel intimidated by the process of getting a motorcycle license; I found the MSF course to be a very rewarding experience. Plus, when you put on your helmet and riding gear on, you feel like Boba Fett.
oudeis on 19/2/2006 at 05:52
suzuki sv650/650s. 650cc 90-degree v-twin engine gives you enough power to get up and go but not enough to overwhelm your newbie reflexes and get yourself killed. if the riding position on the 's' model is too aggressive get the standard. l haven't ridden one myself, so l can't rebut pd; however, while l've read a few comments similar to his by magazine test riders the bike's strong points seem to far outnumber and outweigh the shortcomings of the design. it's pretty inexpensive, too; at least as far as bikes go. if l didn't need to a- rebuild my savings account and b- buy new computer equipment l would definitely be thinking about getting one in a few months [oh well, maybe next year :( ].
Printer's Devil on 19/2/2006 at 06:49
A friend of mine recently bought a brand new "naked" sv650 because its ergonomics seemed more suitable than the faired version. By all accounts it's a very good design, with the usual complaints (suspension is not up to hard riding). I'm not sure I would call it a good beginner's bike, but that's an endless debate best left on other forums.
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http://granbymotors.net/granbymotors/images/sv650.jpgharley on 19/2/2006 at 18:13
Quote Posted by Thief13x
Ah, I was hoping there would be a bike thread in here. I am very seriously considering a Moped, does anyone know generally how much insurance for one of these will cost when compared to a car. Any brand suggestions?
I was looking at one of these, only 35 mph BUT, you only need a driver's license AND the thing gets 80-100 miles per gallon:eek: not to mention I HEARD insurance was much cheaper but im not sure by how much, thats going to be the deciding factor.
Where I live you can ride a moped/scooter without a MC endorsement or insurance if the engine cc is 49 or less. I think it's probably that way in all states but you better check.
My opinion on mopeds/scooters is don't get one(and where I work sells them!) There are a lot of little things to consider if you buy one. From what I have seen on the various brands is pretty much across the board for them. They are usually 2 strokes,no big deal a two stroke doesn't bother me, but if it is it will probably have an electric choke. Which in theory sounds really good. Which it would be. If it worked. They have tiny little batteries and unless you maintain it properly, you will be buying a new one every year. Some of them have automatic lights(a photocell I assume that turns them on at night and not in the day) I don't like that feature since noone can see you anyway, you need that sort of feature for other people to see you. Also, the reason they put that on there is because the batteries are so small they are trying to keep them charged up. And running the lights all the time will make it tougher to keep it fully charged and in turn will be shorteneing the life of the battery.
They are usually very cheaply made also. I've seen some real junk when it comes to scooters. Another thing you may keep in mind is who will fix it and where will you get parts if needed. I have seen some issues with that as well. We had a dealer(scooters) in town and after they sold them it was your problem to figure out who would fix it cause they wouldn't. Just some things to think about if you do buy a scooter. I'm not saying noobody buy a scooter, I have seen this stuff and thought maybe it might influence someones decision. If you do buy a scooter, buy a charger/maintainer and keep it plugged in ALL the time. I'll explain more if you want, just let me know.
Talk to someone about what to do and what not to do as far as operation and nightly care. It may save you a lot of headache. Another thing is these are not fuel injected. You just don't turn the key and drive away. There may be some running issues that you need to get familiar with. The onlt reason I say that is these days everything is computer controlled fuel injection and these old school carbureted engines don't run as well. It may require a little education on the owners part to understand why it may repeatedly die and not stay running.
edit-tried to make it easier to read by putting spaces in
Komag on 19/2/2006 at 21:16
A great website with a very nice inventory of gently used bikes is here:
(
http://www.nationalpowersports.net/index.aspx) http://www.nationalpowersports.net/index.aspx
Here's one I had my eye on:
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http://www.nationalpowersports.net//IMS/auctionFiles/223/96kawvn15008678.jpgIt's a 1996 KAWASAKI VN1500 CLASSIC with 21,883 miles
they're asking only $3,995.00, and almost all of their bikes are in very excellent condition
Here's something a little smaller and very nice:
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http://www.nationalpowersports.net//IMS/auctionFiles/602/95KAWvn750.jpgIt's a 1995 KAWASAKI VN750 VULCAN with 14,245 miles, asking $2,495.00
They also have a few little 250's on there that are practically new (2004,2005) for around $2-$3k
Anyway, they ship all across the country to certain pick up stations, and usually you can get a bike shipped for under $500 (so if you get a good deal $4,000 bike and pay an extra $400 for shipping, that's not bad).
Thief13x on 20/2/2006 at 00:09
I had an identical model of that blue one when I was little, it was really detailed and has tons of small metal parts. Anyways...I appriciate the advice on scooters Harley, I'll admit im not very educated, just looking for something thats street legal, cheap to insure, and not a bicycle. I think I will be doing some talking and looking around before I buy one, maybe even some test riding:cool: . Thanks again
Tim
harley on 20/2/2006 at 18:46
Quote Posted by Thief13x
I had an identical model of that blue one when I was little, it was really detailed and has tons of small metal parts. Anyways...I appriciate the advice on scooters Harley, I'll admit im not very educated, just looking for something thats street legal, cheap to insure, and not a bicycle. I think I will be doing some talking and looking around before I buy one, maybe even some test riding:cool: . Thanks again
Tim
Just realize I'm talking about the little scooters. Not actual motorcycles like Harley's(there is no other brand of motorcycle, ok I'm kidding, there are, but I want to argue the point cause I'm, well, me) Anyway, Kawasaki's, Honda's, Yamaha's, etc. are not what i'm talking about. They also will/should have way better support if a problem should arise.
I mean brands like Dazon, Schwinn, Cobra etc. There are several different brands. Personally I don't like them. On the same note, it doesn't mean they will not be good for someone else though.
I merely want to help you understand that just because it may be new and sold doesn't mean it's going to function exactly like you may expect. I have had to work on them, my company sells them and I don't like them. I have talked to some employees of another business late last week and they felt the same way.
Printer's Devil on 21/2/2006 at 01:58
The local forecast predicts subzero temperatures for another week. I've never been quite so eager for spring to arrive, with that sexy machine waiting in the garage. Hey Harley, you live in Colorado, right? When it comes to proper traction on a motorcycle, how cold is too cold?
