smaller scooter you'd safely suggest for distance travel

[americancelticgypsy]

I am thinking of traveling and was thinking of doing it by scooter with a cart or side car....suggestions would be greatly appreciated...thinking of going from Mass to Florida and if I like that maybe a lil west...I am mechanically inclined and can learn anything but want to put it into a model I'll be using...I got a Sun 3 50 4 stroke to learn some basics but if I don't find something else I am thinking of modifying this one....I am wondering if 12" tires are better than the 10" this scooter uses...all kinds of things like that...couldn't find anything in the search but also want newer information as well as I know some have made improvements w new stuff...thanks in advance for any help....ACG

[bluegoatwoods]

Hmmmm.....well.....I'm no expert. So I can't offer much.

But I crossed the nation on a motorcycle once and I have an awful lot of experience with two wheels of various sorts. So I might be able to give you some general ideas.

First, prepare for this to be far more uncomfortable than you might imagine. I did it on an 850 cc bike. Not exactly small. Yet riding it hard all day for several days, plus worrying about money and watching the tread on my tires wear practically before my eyes, left me badly exhausted. I'm glad I did it. But I wouldn't do it again. Oops....I'm going too far there if I sound as though I'm recommending against it. Just be aware that it'll beat you up.

Since you'll be loaded down with belongings, I'm sure everyone will agree that a 50cc is too small. 150 isn't too big for this job at all. Bigger would be nice, but that gets expensive. With a load, whether sidecar or not,
you'd best figure that your average speed, all day or several hours, is not going to be high. If I loaded my bike down and hit the road I doubt if I'd average 25 mph over any lengthy amount of time. This is probably a good thing. It'll help you to be relaxed about your ride. Just be aware in order that you can budget enough time.

And I don't know whether or not to recommend a top-tier Japanese scooter or a Chinese scooter. If I went Chinese it would only be after I've made sure I'm capable of repairing it. They do offer the huge advantage of being much more economical. But you can count on spending time wrenching that you'd figured on spending riding. That doesn't mean it can't be done. And it can be a great time. Just be prepared.

[americancelticgypsy]

Apr 24, 2017 9:46:53 GMT -5 bluegoatwoods said:

Hmmmm.....well.....I'm no expert. So I can't offer much.

But I crossed the nation on a motorcycle once and I have an awful lot of experience with two wheels of various sorts. So I might be able to give you some general ideas.

First, prepare for this to be far more uncomfortable than you might imagine. I did it on an 850 cc bike. Not exactly small. Yet riding it hard all day for several days, plus worrying about money and watching the tread on my tires wear practically before my eyes, left me badly exhausted. I'm glad I did it. But I wouldn't do it again. Oops....I'm going too far there if I sound as though I'm recommending against it. Just be aware that it'll beat you up.

Since you'll be loaded down with belongings, I'm sure everyone will agree that a 50cc is too small. 150 isn't too big for this job at all. Bigger would be nice, but that gets expensive. With a load, whether sidecar or not,
you'd best figure that your average speed, all day or several hours, is not going to be high. If I loaded my bike down and hit the road I doubt if I'd average 25 mph over any lengthy amount of time. This is probably a good thing. It'll help you to be relaxed about your ride. Just be aware in order that you can budget enough time.

And I don't know whether or not to recommend a top-tier Japanese scooter or a Chinese scooter. If I went Chinese it would only be after I've made sure I'm capable of repairing it. They do offer the huge advantage of being much more economical. But you can count on spending time wrenching that you'd figured on spending riding. That doesn't mean it can't be done. And it can be a great time. Just be prepared.

that's all good to know actually...hadn't thought of the tire wearing as I rode...what's an average wear for a tire? is there a better brand? I'm thinking the towing idea as a back up plan..it's me and my pup and she has the crate on the back that I'm gonna see about modifying too to have a canopy to keep the sun off of her...I'm thinking I could get most of what I needed in the trunk, a backpack, and maybe a duffle bag.

Thinking a small tent and a sleeping bag would be good and compact like on a regular cycle.

The traveling between states is my other thought...some require insurance but if I'm registered in one state is it like a car and universal to all? 

I'm not thinking of leaving Mass till about Sept time, so plenty of time to prepare and plan and maybe create a network of scooterists as I go down the coast?

[moofus02]

I would advise against a side car. They make you wider and add risk of getting hit by passing cars because you can't get over as far. I would get a good 2t powered scooter. Fuel economy wouldn't be as good as a 4t but with stock pipe and big bore kit it would be quiet with lots of torque and would maintain a higher average speed. As far as carrying stuff I would build a single track trailer. Can be fairly long and balances well without messing adversely with the handling. Plus it keeps you a narrow target for the idiots driving on the road with you that aren't watching the road. You can carry spare tire,gas, camping supplies, food etc easy that way

[bluegoatwoods]

The more I think about it that whole tire thing is a bit of a red herring.
It shouldn't be an issue for you if you start with tires that are in good shape.

In my case I was concerned because I'd use Metzeler tires. Nice, nice tires with a grip like glue. But they wear quick.

I remember noticing that my rear was looking just a bit thin while in Michigan. I might or might not have paid much attention right after that. This was thirty years ago now. I just don't remember.

But I do remember, heading west, becoming concerned again in the neighborhood of Cheyenne, WY. My thinking was that I could surely find a motorcycle shop there, but I didn't really want to buy a tire right then. I was concerned about money. Yet losing a tire in the mountains, or in the desert beyond, would be a real problem,
too.

So I rode to Salt Lake City and agonized over the same decision. Then Reno, then Sacramento.

At that time home was San Francisco. I got there right at evening rush hour in a pretty steady rain. That very nearly bald rear tire weighing very heavily on my mind.

It was very depressing. The weather didn't help, of course. Plus I was home, yet exhausted. And unemployed.
That didn't worry me too much since I was pretty employable. And it only took me a few weeks to fix that.
But it was worrisome at that time.

My first move, within a day or two, was to buy a new tire of course. But that used up just about all the money I had left. Things worked out. But during those particular days it was looking a bit grim.

And I'm beginning to ramble. Yet stuff like this is the sort of things that you just might face travelling on two wheels and a small motor. So maybe it can help you get a feel for what you're facing.

Again, don't be discouraged. Just know that you might find things to worry about along the way.

Still, tires really shouldn't be a problem for you as long as you start with tires that are in good shape.

[bluegoatwoods]

I guess I can think of something to add...

When you estimate your costs, go high. It'll turn out to be more expensive than you're hoping for.

Then, after estimating costs pretty highly, look for ways to build your 'budget cushion' even higher.

And that's hard to do, of course. Don't we all know it? But you'll be able to make your trip far more worry free if you're in a position to just go ahead and fix any troubles quickly, then get back on the road.

[Senna1Rossi]

I'm thinking towing a rear cart will be better than a side car. What scooter are you using? I'm assuming that you'd have to follow a bicycle path as opposed to highway path. Difficult, but doable.

[90GTVert]

I know you have another thread about interstate travel, but I'll say something here as well. Since none of us seem to be 100% certain about traveling state to state via a 49cc, I would still advise contacting all states that you will travel through. It could be done quite quickly actually. Write one email that can be sent to various states and then just paste it into emails or webforms to contact the MVA/DOT/DMV or whatever each calls it. 30 minutes or less and you should have your question out to every state from MA to FL. You can look in the local riders section of the forum and I have tried to put links for each state there, so that may save you a little time. The letter would go something like this :

"Hi. I live in Massachusetts and I am planning a trip on my 49cc scooter that will involve riding through your state. My state's laws require ___________, but do not require insurance or __________. I have (or do not have) a license (or motorcycle license or moped permit). Can I travel through your state legally or is there anything that I will need to do or know to be legal passing through? If you aren't certain, could you direct me to the proper people to ask? Thanks for your time."

Obviously that needs a bit of work to make it specific to your situation, but you don't have to write anything new for each state. I think at very least you must have a helmet, even if your state doesn't require it. I live in a helmet state and beside a no helmet law state and regularly watch people pull over to put on or take of helmets so I don't think you'll get away with that just because your state doesn't require it (if it doesn't). It's a good safety feature anyway.




OK, now onto the actual scooter stuff. I would recommend a good quality scooter for this kind of trip if you want to do it on a 49cc. Yamaha, Honda, Aprilia, Kymco, Piaggio, and Vespa are some of the top dogs. Not a used Yamaha that you get off of craigslist for $100 missing the key and most panels of course, but something in excellent condition. Chinese scooters can do long trips, but they have to be tested and refined. I wouldn't want to take a new TaoTao out of a crate and ride it cross country. Take it on a 10 mile trip, then 50, then 100. See how it does with those. Honestly, that would be how it would be done for me on probably any scoot. I've bought a brand new car years ago and had it setting off engine lights and misfiring less than 10 miles from the dealership. Stuff happens when it hasn't been tested at all. At least if you get something with lots of dealerships, you can stop at them if you did decide to go new. I'd imagine Honda and Yamaha would be the top of the list there. I know Kymco and Piaggio/Vespa have many dealers, but there are certainly areas where they are sparse. Chinese scooter dealers may be plentiful, but they may also be useless as you aren't likely to have a warranty worth anything and maybe the dealer just sells them for a quick buck and doesn't have any skilled techs or parts on hand.

I'd want to carry parts for the scooters, tools, and I'd want to be very familiar with them. The only way around those things is to have the cash to call for a tow to the nearest shop or dealer, and 1 or 2 breakdowns could have you spending the cost of a new scooter, depending on exact conditions. Watch videos, read how-tos, and get your hands dirty for the sake of learning what you aren't comfortable with. Everything gets way harder on the side of a road than in the garage.

Expect a tire failure. If you ride through a state like mine (MD) where you are supposed to stay on the shoulder on a 49cc, then you get to pick up all the junk left on the shoulder with your tires. Usually the rear tire. Learn to plug a tire. At least watch videos or read about it. Carry a pump or CO2 system to inflate tires. I have a cheap Harbor Freight pump that plugs into a 12V outlet and has helped me on occasion, and it's cheap. Don't think that will always save you. I have had something as silly as a clam shell from someone's driveway rip a few inch long gash in a tire. At that point, you aren't fixing it without a new tire. Hopefully none of that happens, but definitely think about how you will deal with it.

Riding a long time hurts. I ride 8-10 hours straight on multiple occasions each year and I never get used to it. I'm always hurting when I get home. Do anything you can to lessen this if you plan to ride far each day. Probably the easiest approach is to take a break each hour or so. Try to spend at least 10-15 minutes off the scoot if you can. Make sure you are comfy with your seating. Some sort of gel pad over the seat may help, but also be aware of your leg position. If you feel cramped or uncomfortable on a 10 mile trip to the store, you need to work on it before you go far or it will quickly become miserable. I'm tall so I install footpegs that give me the seating position I want and let me stretch out. I also like being able to move around while I ride for greater comfort. On the same note, make sure you have good riding gear. A helmet that you are comfortable in and so on.

Since you'll be carrying quite a few things, make sure that your storage doesn't inhibit your comfort or ability to control the scooter either.

Plan as much of your route as possible before you go. Some areas may prove difficult to navigate with a 49cc. I happen to live in an area where there's one path up and around a body of water and otherwise you have to cross bridges that 49cc scooters have no business on unless you have a death wish (Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel). Avoiding areas like that or having a plan will save you headaches.

Or you could go the easier way and get a big scoot that's 250cc or larger and take whatever roads you want and not worry about laws changing (aside from helmets) from state to state. The 49cc will be a big adventure. All of them will actually, but you must be looking for an adventure and willing to face a lot of adversity to go cross country on a small scooter.

Whatever you do, keep us updated!

[tortoise2]

Apr 24, 2017 8:35:04 GMT -5 americancelticgypsy said:

thinking of going from Mass to Florida . . got a Sun 3 50 4 stroke

Very long blog . . Michigan to Florida cross-country on a Bintelli (Znen) 50cc Scorch (scroll down to bottom of blog pages and click NEXT to advance).

Trans-It 150 may be worth consideration.  Might also be prudent to monitor cylinder head temperature.

[americancelticgypsy]

Apr 24, 2017 10:59:37 GMT -5 Senna1Rossi said:

I'm thinking towing a rear cart will be better than a side car. What scooter are you using? I'm assuming that you'd have to follow a bicycle path as opposed to highway path. Difficult, but doable.

I drive a Tao Tao Sun 3 50....I actually really like it....I would be following a bike scenic route but not bike paths....I was thinking a tow behind trailer would be smarter too, so ty guys...I just wanna make sure I get one that will be durable enough, because I don't think the kids cart type would last for longer miles...I may start posting some of the types I am considering...I wanna be able to have my spare stuff w me if I need it like gas, my dogs food, rain gear, etc....this is actually pretty exciting ty for your suggestions too everyone...I'm not as nervous when I see people thinking the way I am so it helps me know I CAN do this

[Senna1Rossi]

Apr 24, 2017 12:56:02 GMT -5 americancelticgypsy said:

Apr 24, 2017 10:59:37 GMT -5 Senna1Rossi said:

I'm thinking towing a rear cart will be better than a side car. What scooter are you using? I'm assuming that you'd have to follow a bicycle path as opposed to highway path. Difficult, but doable.

I drive a Tao Tao Sun 3 50....I actually really like it....I would be following a bike scenic route but not bike paths....I was thinking a tow behind trailer would be smarter too, so ty guys...I just wanna make sure I get one that will be durable enough, because I don't think the kids cart type would last for longer miles...I may start posting some of the types I am considering...I wanna be able to have my spare stuff w me if I need it like gas, my dogs food, rain gear, etc....this is actually pretty exciting ty for your suggestions too everyone...I'm not as nervous when I see people thinking the way I am so it helps me know I CAN do this

Awesome. Take lots of pictures!!

[pinkflames420]

90gtvert gave a great check list there! I think as long as you have any spare parts and knowledge to change them you will be fine! Is the side/trailer car for your belongings or you are taking your dog with you?
Sounds very fun! And if possible keep updates on your location, maybe if your in a rut and close to a forum member, they could help you out

[eclark5483]

Oh man, your ass is gonna hurt trying that. I don't know that I would want to do it on a 50cc scooter just because you'll be revving that bike so damn high for many miles. I would hope you at least have higher gears for a better top speed. But anyways, consider one of these trunks for storage, it fits all kinds of stuff.

49ccscoot.proboards.com/thread/16588/jk2016-universal-large-motorcycle-scooter.

It's amazing all the things my kid has been able to stash inside of it. We use the under seat storage for tools. ALWAYS have tools.

[knobby]

You're taking a dog? I'd want 250+, maaaybe a 150cc if the route permits avoiding fast highways. Everything is covered in 90gtvert's post there.. great advice. If you're trailering the dog make sure it doesn't bounce all over the place! Would be nice to have spares in addition to tools for a long journey. The small items that you can fit anyways, CDI, carb parts, tires/tubes, etc. in addition to wrenches, screwdrivers, tire irons. How many miles are we talking? Would be fun to pack a tent and hit up camp sites.

[pinkflames420]

Apr 24, 2017 13:46:22 GMT -5 eclark5483 said:

Oh man, your ass is gonna hurt trying that. I don't know that I would want to do it on a 50cc scooter just because you'll be revving that bike so damn high for many miles. I would hope you at least have higher gears for a better top speed. But anyways, consider one of these trunks for storage, it fits all kinds of stuff.

49ccscoot.proboards.com/thread/16588/jk2016-universal-large-motorcycle-scooter.

It's amazing all the things my kid has been able to stash inside of it. We use the under seat storage for tools. ALWAYS have tools.

My right hand used to kill me when I would ride to work on my scoot. Do they have cruise control on bigger scoots? Or a throttle pin to hold the throttle back? Might sound a little dangerous tho.
but I don't think you'll have an issue packin .....




lol jk, but yeah maybe a few small upgrades if you insist on the 50cc. But a cruiser scooter would be perfect of course.