Are scooters viable for high milage vehicle?

[Spaghetti Man]

Maximum MPG with streamlined fairing, 70 mph.

Does anyone have recommendations for suitable scooter?

Pros:
Nonrestrictive frame allowing for smaller fairing.
Engine does not get in the way of legs being close together.
No foot controls to bother with
Small wheels easier to streamline

Cons:
CVT gearing can't be changed RPM can't be reduced?
Heavier than manual motorcycle
Small wheels higher rolling resistance and bumpier ride

[M_a_t_t]

Have you seen this?
https://ecomodder.com/forum/showthre...diy-11970.html

There are a few other threads, but the lack a conclusion from what I've seen.

It doesn't address the cvt and it has larger wheels though.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

For me the major downside of a scooter, besides not being so great to haul the dog around, is the fuel capacity usually smaller than in a more conventional motorcycle.

[D.O.G.]

I've seen a guy riding a scooter down the mountains and along the motorway while I'm going to work lately.
I haven't been close enough to see what model it is (he rides a bit faster than I drive), but it looks like one of the Yamaha Burgman range.

My point is, even with his high vis vest flapping in the breeze and standard bodywork, these things handle motorway speeds OK.

If you started with a 250cc version and improved aero a bit, it could handle any legal speeds NSW has to offer and return pretty good MPG while doing it.

[Spaghetti Man]

A small fuel tank is not an issue if you get a 235-470MPG+.

Originally Posted by M_a_t_t

Have you seen this?
https://ecomodder.com/forum/showthre...diy-11970.html

There are a few other threads, but the lack a conclusion from what I've seen.

It doesn't address the cvt and it has larger wheels though.

I have the Australian version of this motorcycle NBC110 Honda Super Cub. It's a hassle to deal with the foot controls which is why I am considering a scooter.

[stiletto2]

Depends on the scooter in some cases. A Honda Reflex 250 project I am back to working on again has a taller Polini gear set installed. (Malossi has an even taller gear set for the Reflex) It also has a much larger than stock passenger vehicle tire (car tire) installed as well. All with the aim of lowering engine rpms.

But that is not without some drawback. I actually need to use a different car tire that is a bit shorter (I have one, just not installed yet) or go back to the standard final drive gears. The test ride I did with both the extra tall tire and taller gears had the engine lugging... So, too much of a good thing not being too good really.

Wheels vary between scooters as well. (though still shorter than conventional motorcycle wheels in most cases) Honda Helix(144cc) has 10" wheels - Reflex(249cc) 12"R, 13"F - Silverwing 600 13"R, 14"F - Suzuki Burgman 650 14"R, 15"F for examples.

For an idea of what can be done, check into this:
Craig Vetter Fuel Economy Challenge. better mileage. Living better on less energy

[JSH]

Originally Posted by Spaghetti Man

Cons:
CVT gearing can't be changed RPM can't be reduced?

You change RPM / gearing by changing roller weight.

I just bought some lighter weights for my MP3 500 for more aggressive gearing.

http://www.scooterfocus.com/scooter_...er_weight.html

[Daschicken]

Check out the NC700X if you haven’t already. It is not an underbone, but it has an available auto transmission.

HHOTDI has a thread on his manual version, already broke 100 MPG. Last I heard he was supposed to be working on streamlining, but I haven’t seen updates in a while.

https://ecomodder.com/forum/showthre...6-a-36434.html

Originally Posted by JSH

You change RPM / gearing by changing roller weight.

I just bought some lighter weights for my MP3 500 for more aggressive gearing.

Variator Tuning - Choosing the right roller weight - Scooter Focus - All about Scooters

You can change how soon/late the top ratio is reached, but you can’t really change the top ratio.

[JSH]

Originally Posted by Daschicken

You can change how soon/late the top ratio is reached, but you can’t really change the top ratio.

Yes, roller weight primarily changes how quickly gearing changes but it can also change the final ratio. That happens if the lighter rollers don't weigh enough to fully close the variator to the narrowest width / largest diameter.


You can also change final gearing by changing gears


https://scooterswapshop.com/collecti...-gear-set-zuma

Or you can buy variators and clutches with different ramps for different ratios.



GY6 150 Rear Torque Plates

It isn't as easy as changing a sprocket on a motorcycle and adjusting the chain but you can change overall gearing on a scooter with a CVT.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by D.O.G.

I've seen a guy riding a scooter down the mountains and along the motorway while I'm going to work lately.
I haven't been close enough to see what model it is (he rides a bit faster than I drive), but it looks like one of the Yamaha Burgman range.

Burgman is a Suzuki, not a Yamaha.

If you started with a 250cc version and improved aero a bit, it could handle any legal speeds NSW has to offer and return pretty good MPG while doing it.

In most jurisdictions a 250cc scooter is already enough, even with stock bodywork.