[1337]

Ever since I sold the Protege, I've found myself feeling lonesome for a beater project vehicle. I've been looking at Metros for a long time, but parking here in Champaign is expensive, and I'd rather not pay for a second parking spot. Then it hit me--I want a scooter, not a car.

I want something for scenic backroad weekend drives, where I can relax, enjoy the summer wind in my face, and do some hypermiling. (You know you're an ecomodder if you think this is a good way to spend a day.) I want something that's easy to work on, which I can take apart and put back together for fun. I'd like great MPG and a top speed of at least 45.
I'm ready to fall in love with a scooter and to fix everything that goes wrong with it for the next 10 years. I'd like to get 50,000 miles out of it.

Questions I'm trying to answer:

How much displacement will I need to do 45mph? Illinois has flat terrain, and I weigh 140lbs.

Can I swap in a taller ratio centrifugal clutch?

Can anyone make some suggestions for a cheap, efficient, comfortable scooter?

Are there any scooters that really suck, which I should be sure to avoid?

I've had my eye on a few Honda Elites that I've seen on Craigslist.