Revisiting small 'freeway' scooters (70mph capable), 150-200cc ideally..

[new_bug]

(united states) I believe the Vespas in this 150cc size range started getting ABS around ~2014
Despite the small ~ 10/11" wheels, (Vespa Sprint may be 12") Vespas seem to just about hold their own vs similar options on the highway, for example quite a few have been successful on cross country-usa 'scooter cannonball' rides , copy&paste: scootercannonball dot com/history

I love the wacky fairing, and even like the off center headlight, have to say I've never seen anything like that on a scooter but I would ride it & to me it's not far off topic... anyone able to identify the bike it's on? the name or "generic"/"reproduction/type" of the fairing ?

I took a test ride on a ~2012-ish Kymco Yager 200i (fuel injected 175cc) and couldn't quite pull the trigger or negotiate a low enough price to talk myself into that specific bike. On paper it looked about ideal at 174cc 15+hp and around 320-330lb-ish.



I like the idea of being able to stuff a full face helmet under the seat... but this example felt like it wanted to cut out/stumble a little at the top end of rpm range- and as a result I'd say this particular example topped out about ~63mph flat ground and ~55-60mph top speed- on slight uphill. Not bad but the reviews I read made it sound like I would see 70. It's possible that new belt or rollers could still make the yager a solid contender.

So I'm back to square one comparing the pcx150 , newer kymco like 150i, other similar 'newer' kymco options- like /people /move etc... and from what I read online - maybe I should be open to a sym hd200 or rv200 (carb) if one pops up locally. I'd like to sit on a Yamaha smax xc155 as well, but I'm leaning towards something maybe a tad lighter weight = something that's NOT going for as much of the maxi scooter style.

To give up shifting (cbr250r, tu250x, sym wolf 150, or ninja 250, with a top case) I would require something else that's in the same class of "fun" around town as the ch150 honda elite circa 1990 & pcx150 in terms of zippyness upto 40mph. For example on the test ride- The above 'Ager' 200i did not disappoint but didn't impress me.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Would a "normal" motorcycle, with some automatic clutch kit such as those from Rekluse, be totally out of question?

[new_bug]

Wanting to try something different, always had motorcycles -never really had a scooter except for a few project/fixers that I didn't hold onto for long, like that Elite 150 years ago. Mainly looking for city/around town- BUT need ability to jump on the interstate for upto 5-10 miles, or more.

Scooter gets significant bonus points for hauling capacity- both "groceries" AND passengers-scooters have much better passenger comfort (under ~200cc range).

Of course a Craig Vetter style Ninja could have quite the hauling/storage capacity.. and if I found a GREAT deal on a honda cbr250r or sym wolf 150cc (or new-ish 200cc, a few different brands have recent models) - I might not be able to resist

I don't think I would get an automatic motorcycle, personally the argument towards scooter is not about shifting. Nothing against automatics, I'm sure they have a place- I just haven't been too impressed w/ examples I've experienced so far = vintage 400cc hondamatic or a newer Chinese cheapo-125-'sportsbike'

[JSH]

The Piaggio MP3 250 will go over 70 mph (Claimed 77 mpg) and has been sold for more than a decade so it is available used. I used to see them in the $1500 - $2000 range. I have a MP3 500 that I bought for $2800 a few years ago. It runs 90 mph but I've only averaged 58 mpg. I would think the 250 would do better.

The MP3's are heavy but don't feel it from the saddle. They are also a dream to move around with the tilt lock.

[new_bug]

Kymco like 150i 284lbs 13.7hp 12"wheels
pcx150 286-295(?)lbs 13.4hp 14"wheels
hd200 sym ~320?lbs 15.5hp 16"wheels
xc155 smax 328lbs 14.8hp 13"wheels
sh150i (Honda, 2010) 302lbs 15.5hp 16"wheels

Motorcycles..
sym wolf 150 266lbs 14.7hp
cbr250r 366lbs 22hp
tu250x 328lbs 16hp
Nighthawk 250 (~2008) 318lbs 20hp? (2cyl though..not as likely to be a fuel economy winner)

So going back to the 'commonly repeated adage' that '250cc is the minimum for freeways' ok --- 250cc scooters are not out of the question-- and often 250 can mean ~230cc or etc so not necessarily a big difference...

So what are the 'lightest' 250 scooters?
1985-88 Honda Elite CH250 293lb 18hp 10"wheels

...any other 250 scooters worth a significant second look?

I'm sure MP3 are great machines but in no way 'small' or 'lightweight'.., I've sat on one and- can't quite get into a 3-wheeler myself, (isn't that just extra rolling resistance?!)

[JSH]

Originally Posted by new_bug

I'm sure MP3 are great machines but in no way 'small' or 'lightweight'.., I've sat on one and- can't quite get into a 3-wheeler myself, (isn't that just extra rolling resistance?!)

The 3rd wheel means it is very difficult to lose the front end. When one front wheel hits a slick spot, patch of gravel, etc the weight and grip transfers to the other wheel and you continue on your way instead of sliding off into a ditch. A nice feature for riding all year in someplace rainy like the PNW.

[freebeard]

So long as the single wheel is in back, you're good to go.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by new_bug

I don't think I would get an automatic motorcycle, personally the argument towards scooter is not about shifting. Nothing against automatics, I'm sure they have a place- I just haven't been too impressed w/ examples I've experienced so far = vintage 400cc hondamatic or a newer Chinese cheapo-125-'sportsbike'

I didn't mention fully automatic, just an automatic clutch. You know, similar to what is used in the Honda Cub. There are some companies such as Rekluse that make automatic clutch kits for motorcycles. Still needs to shift, yet not having to worry about the clutch might make it more comfortable and even safer around traffic.

[JSH]

Originally Posted by freebeard

So long as the single wheel is in back, you're good to go.

One wheel in the back - AND - leans like a motorcycle. The 3-wheeled snowmobiles with wheels lean the wrong way in a turn.

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

I didn't mention fully automatic, just an automatic clutch. You know, similar to what is used in the Honda Cub. There are some companies such as Rekluse that make automatic clutch kits for motorcycles. Still needs to shift, yet not having to worry about the clutch might make it more comfortable and even safer around traffic.

The Rekluse kits are slick - best of both worlds. Manual control of gear shifts without the hassle of the clutch

[new_bug]

I'd love to get to ride a MP3 250, don't get me wrong.

I'm more attracted to the most minimal , 2 wheeled option I can find, personally. If I were leaning towards a motorcycle, - that might likely look like a sym wolf 150.. (Honda cb125/cg125 type @150cc, air cooled, carb)

I'll have to worry about getting a bike (when really I do want a scooter- that would therefore mean a scooter & a bike-not the worst thing in the world I suppose), dial in the gearing for highway speed/rpms on the bike- then I suppose the Rekluse kit etc might seriously become an option. Like an early vw?, MB sprinter, or smart car transmission...crude but fun-- gotcha. But I don't know, I like shifting even around town.. Despite the plastics, the 6-speed trans of a cbr250r for example really stood out on my memory vs most anything else at the time, which for 250cc's & under were mostly 5-speeds pre ~2020's