Mopeds - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Mopeds

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
EscherEnigma
Aug 19, 2011 0:32:12 So mopeds. Cheaper then a new car or a motorcycle, enough power to get around a relatively small town without too much difficulty, just might be the solution to the "not enough wheels for this household" problem I seem to have.

Any suggestions, things I should know/think about, etc? For reference, the city/town/whate'er I'm in is relatively small (the main part is 3 miles by 12 miles, with speed limits getting above 35 only near the perimeter), this would mostly be used by myself to get to work or the SO to get around town while I'm at work (on days when he doesn't need cargo capacity), that sort of thing. Also, I have no idea about what weird laws California might have in regards to mopeds. For all I know they require you to wear a pink helmet and use ASL to signal your intentions to other drivers while doing a handstand on your handlebars everytime you want to turn your head 13 degrees to the right (but only in months that don't have a blue moon).
#2
jetshield
Aug 19, 2011 6:49:36 What about an e-bike? California's all into that whole emissions thing, and you don't get cleaner emissions than none.
#3
pluisjen
Aug 19, 2011 7:00:14 What about an actual bike? :P

Things you should keep in mind with a moped: it has no roof. You're going to get soaked if it rains. Dunno how rainy the area is but the main suckage about bikes and mopeds here is going to work when it's raining. You also have almost zero vision when it rains, which is bad if you're on the main motorway with the cars.

Mopeds also have some cargo space, it's quite possible to go shopping on one if you don't intend to buy two weeks of groceries at once.
#4
Cpt_Micha
Aug 19, 2011 7:57:14
So mopeds. Cheaper then a new car or a motorcycle, enough power to get around a relatively small town without too much difficulty, just might be the solution to the "not enough wheels for this household" problem I seem to have.

Any suggestions, things I should know/think about, etc? For reference, the city/town/whate'er I'm in is relatively small (the main part is 3 miles by 12 miles, with speed limits getting above 35 only near the perimeter), this would mostly be used by myself to get to work or the SO to get around town while I'm at work (on days when he doesn't need cargo capacity), that sort of thing. Also, I have no idea about what weird laws California might have in regards to mopeds. For all I know they require you to wear a pink helmet and use ASL to signal your intentions to other drivers while doing a handstand on your handlebars everytime you want to turn your head 13 degrees to the right (but only in months that don't have a blue moon).

If it were me, I'd buy a used motorcycle. Mopeds are not nearly as cheap as people think they are, they also tend to require alot of maintainence. (due to more than a good portion of them being 2 stroke engines) some mopeds actually cost as much as a brand new full on motorcycle.

You can pick up a good bike for around five grand or so easy enough. If you've got any height to you at all (like say if you are six foot) and plan on ever riding for more than thirty minutes at a time, I would get a Sport Touring model, or an older (say late 90s) 750.
#5
zombie_babies
Aug 19, 2011 8:46:10 Aren't mopeds like fat chicks?
#6
pluisjen
Aug 19, 2011 10:28:03 You really shouldn't have to pay more then 1500$ for a new moped, at least not down here. I can get them for as low as 600e (about 850$) and those are new.

I don't know how much money you think you'll lose on maintenance but from what I heard from my gf it wasn't that bad. And she really destroys those things, she must've crashed at least 3 times in as many years, but they kept patching it up easy enough.
#7
EscherEnigma
Aug 19, 2011 10:44:59 Rain is not an issue. From '97-'09 the highest annual rainwall was 7.61 inches with an average of 4.5 inches a year, and it mostly falls at night during our brief "monsoon" season.

And I'm not spending 5 grand on a bike at a moment. Once I've had more time to build up capital I'll be getting a full bike, but for now we're looking at something in the <$1k range.

And e-bike? Wouldn't that just be a moped with an electric engine instead of a gasoline one?
#8
homicidal_squirrel
Aug 19, 2011 11:01:28 Less than $1000? That is going to be tough. A decent bike can cost between $500-$750. A good E-bike can easily go for more that $1000. You could probably find a use one, but I'd be weary of getting a used E-bike. You could also look for a used schooter. If you are getting paid well, you could get a used scooter and save up for a good car.
#9
EscherEnigma
Aug 19, 2011 11:30:37 Getting something that works for now and getting something good later is the plan, yes. And from what I've seen online I should be able to get a moped or something for under $1k. Not one of the just-shy-of-a-motorcycle models, but something that'll work.
#10
zombie_babies
Aug 19, 2011 11:48:18 From what I understand of bikes, that's the way to do it. Buy something that'll work for now because odds are you will damage it. Once you're used to it (and have more fundage) something nicer is in order.
#11
Cpt_Micha
Aug 19, 2011 13:49:07 I think you'd be better off putting a 20hp single piston Kohler engine to a bicycle if you're after getting used to riding something on two wheels.

Depending on how old you are willing to go you can get a motorcycle for around a grand. Mopeds really really aren't safe (I'd sooner drive a prefuel celled Pinto).
#12
Count_Von_CoC
Aug 20, 2011 13:20:15
Also, I have no idea about what weird laws California might have in regards to mopeds.

According to the CHP office in Santa Ana, CA; under CA law, mopeds are motorcycles in all respects, including licenses and helmet laws. I actually looked into it.
Granted, this was ~1.5 years ago, but it's a safe bet that they haven't gotten less restrictive.
#13
absolutelyperfectno
Aug 22, 2011 0:51:21
Also, I have no idea about what weird laws California might have in regards to mopeds.

According to the CHP office in Santa Ana, CA; under CA law, mopeds are motorcycles in all respects, including licenses and helmet laws. I actually looked into it.
Granted, this was ~1.5 years ago, but it's a safe bet that they haven't gotten less restrictive.

Quite right.
DMV laws concerning two(and three) wheeled vehicles.

#14
ViolenceJack
Aug 22, 2011 22:10:33 I want to get a little 50cc scooter here as a second vehicle, especially if my wife actually gets her driver's license in the spring. Cheap to run/insure, and fine for the short distances I'll need it for. They can be had for well under $500usd here (I have heard as low as $200, but that might make it little more than a year). My wife is against it, because she doesn't like how other people drive them. Yeah, it makes as much sense to me, too.
#15
Robin_Hoodlum
Aug 23, 2011 7:41:14
Aren't mopeds like fat chicks?

I dunno...
I like fat chicks... I don't like mopeds.
#16
zombie_babies
Aug 23, 2011 8:47:04
I dunno...
I like fat chicks... I don't like mopeds.

It's a joke I can't tell. It's not even a nasty or graphic joke, but you know.

And it's 'fat chicks are like mopeds, ____' instead of the other way. You've probably heard it. Not terribly funny.
#17
Robin_Hoodlum
Aug 23, 2011 8:52:47
I dunno...
I like fat chicks... I don't like mopeds.

It's a joke I can't tell. It's not even a nasty or graphic joke, but you know.

And it's 'fat chicks are like mopeds, ____' instead of the other way. You've probably heard it. Not terribly funny.

Oh I know what you're saying!
I'm just being... difficult... this mornin'!

#18
zombie_babies
Aug 23, 2011 8:54:06 You? Nah ...
#19
EscherEnigma
Aug 23, 2011 21:16:44 So we'd have to get motorcycle licenses to drive a tiny little moped? That's a bummer.
#20
Robin_Hoodlum
Aug 23, 2011 21:18:31
So we'd have to get motorcycle licenses to drive a tiny little moped? That's a bummer.

Right?
Then why not just get a motorcycle!?
#21
EscherEnigma
Aug 23, 2011 21:23:13 Cost. Even if we have to get a new license, it'll still be hella less expensive to get a moped then a motorcycle, and it'll be hella more gas efficient too.

Either way though, the license bit makes it annoying. If it's anything like NM it'll mean a motorcycle safety course a few nights a week for a week or so...
#22
Count_Von_CoC
Aug 23, 2011 21:28:23
Cost. Even if we have to get a new license, it'll still be hella less expensive to get a moped then a motorcycle, and it'll be hella more gas efficient too.

Either way though, the license bit makes it annoying. If it's anything like NM it'll mean a motorcycle safety course a few nights a week for a week or so...

Probably. Once i found out it was just an itty-bitty motorcycle in the eyes of the law, I didn't inquire further. Sorry I don't have more info for you, EE.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 EscherEnigma Aug 19, 2011 0:32:12	So mopeds. Cheaper then a new car or a motorcycle, enough power to get around a relatively small town without too much difficulty, just might be the solution to the "not enough wheels for this household" problem I seem to have. Any suggestions, things I should know/think about, etc? For reference, the city/town/whate'er I'm in is relatively small (the main part is 3 miles by 12 miles, with speed limits getting above 35 only near the perimeter), this would mostly be used by myself to get to work or the SO to get around town while I'm at work (on days when he doesn't need cargo capacity), that sort of thing. Also, I have no idea about what weird laws California might have in regards to mopeds. For all I know they require you to wear a pink helmet and use ASL to signal your intentions to other drivers while doing a handstand on your handlebars everytime you want to turn your head 13 degrees to the right (but only in months that don't have a blue moon).
#2 jetshield Aug 19, 2011 6:49:36	What about an e-bike? California's all into that whole emissions thing, and you don't get cleaner emissions than none.
#3 pluisjen Aug 19, 2011 7:00:14	What about an actual bike? :P Things you should keep in mind with a moped: it has no roof. You're going to get soaked if it rains. Dunno how rainy the area is but the main suckage about bikes and mopeds here is going to work when it's raining. You also have almost zero vision when it rains, which is bad if you're on the main motorway with the cars. Mopeds also have some cargo space, it's quite possible to go shopping on one if you don't intend to buy two weeks of groceries at once.
#4 Cpt_Micha Aug 19, 2011 7:57:14	So mopeds. Cheaper then a new car or a motorcycle, enough power to get around a relatively small town without too much difficulty, just might be the solution to the "not enough wheels for this household" problem I seem to have. Any suggestions, things I should know/think about, etc? For reference, the city/town/whate'er I'm in is relatively small (the main part is 3 miles by 12 miles, with speed limits getting above 35 only near the perimeter), this would mostly be used by myself to get to work or the SO to get around town while I'm at work (on days when he doesn't need cargo capacity), that sort of thing. Also, I have no idea about what weird laws California might have in regards to mopeds. For all I know they require you to wear a pink helmet and use ASL to signal your intentions to other drivers while doing a handstand on your handlebars everytime you want to turn your head 13 degrees to the right (but only in months that don't have a blue moon). If it were me, I'd buy a used motorcycle. Mopeds are not nearly as cheap as people think they are, they also tend to require alot of maintainence. (due to more than a good portion of them being 2 stroke engines) some mopeds actually cost as much as a brand new full on motorcycle. You can pick up a good bike for around five grand or so easy enough. If you've got any height to you at all (like say if you are six foot) and plan on ever riding for more than thirty minutes at a time, I would get a Sport Touring model, or an older (say late 90s) 750.
#5 zombie_babies Aug 19, 2011 8:46:10	Aren't mopeds like fat chicks?
#6 pluisjen Aug 19, 2011 10:28:03	You really shouldn't have to pay more then 1500$ for a new moped, at least not down here. I can get them for as low as 600e (about 850$) and those are new. I don't know how much money you think you'll lose on maintenance but from what I heard from my gf it wasn't that bad. And she really destroys those things, she must've crashed at least 3 times in as many years, but they kept patching it up easy enough.
#7 EscherEnigma Aug 19, 2011 10:44:59	Rain is not an issue. From '97-'09 the highest annual rainwall was 7.61 inches with an average of 4.5 inches a year, and it mostly falls at night during our brief "monsoon" season. And I'm not spending 5 grand on a bike at a moment. Once I've had more time to build up capital I'll be getting a full bike, but for now we're looking at something in the <$1k range. And e-bike? Wouldn't that just be a moped with an electric engine instead of a gasoline one?
#8 homicidal_squirrel Aug 19, 2011 11:01:28	Less than $1000? That is going to be tough. A decent bike can cost between $500-$750. A good E-bike can easily go for more that $1000. You could probably find a use one, but I'd be weary of getting a used E-bike. You could also look for a used schooter. If you are getting paid well, you could get a used scooter and save up for a good car.
#9 EscherEnigma Aug 19, 2011 11:30:37	Getting something that works for now and getting something good later is the plan, yes. And from what I've seen online I should be able to get a moped or something for under $1k. Not one of the just-shy-of-a-motorcycle models, but something that'll work.
#10 zombie_babies Aug 19, 2011 11:48:18	From what I understand of bikes, that's the way to do it. Buy something that'll work for now because odds are you will damage it. Once you're used to it (and have more fundage) something nicer is in order.
#11 Cpt_Micha Aug 19, 2011 13:49:07	I think you'd be better off putting a 20hp single piston Kohler engine to a bicycle if you're after getting used to riding something on two wheels. Depending on how old you are willing to go you can get a motorcycle for around a grand. Mopeds really really aren't safe (I'd sooner drive a prefuel celled Pinto).
#12 Count_Von_CoC Aug 20, 2011 13:20:15	Also, I have no idea about what weird laws California might have in regards to mopeds. According to the CHP office in Santa Ana, CA; under CA law, mopeds are motorcycles in all respects, including licenses and helmet laws. I actually looked into it. Granted, this was ~1.5 years ago, but it's a safe bet that they haven't gotten less restrictive.
#13 absolutelyperfectno Aug 22, 2011 0:51:21	Also, I have no idea about what weird laws California might have in regards to mopeds. According to the CHP office in Santa Ana, CA; under CA law, mopeds are motorcycles in all respects, including licenses and helmet laws. I actually looked into it. Granted, this was ~1.5 years ago, but it's a safe bet that they haven't gotten less restrictive. Quite right. DMV laws concerning two(and three) wheeled vehicles.
#14 ViolenceJack Aug 22, 2011 22:10:33	I want to get a little 50cc scooter here as a second vehicle, especially if my wife actually gets her driver's license in the spring. Cheap to run/insure, and fine for the short distances I'll need it for. They can be had for well under $500usd here (I have heard as low as $200, but that might make it little more than a year). My wife is against it, because she doesn't like how other people drive them. Yeah, it makes as much sense to me, too.
#15 Robin_Hoodlum Aug 23, 2011 7:41:14	Aren't mopeds like fat chicks? I dunno... I like fat chicks... I don't like mopeds.
#16 zombie_babies Aug 23, 2011 8:47:04	I dunno... I like fat chicks... I don't like mopeds. It's a joke I can't tell. It's not even a nasty or graphic joke, but you know. And it's 'fat chicks are like mopeds, ____' instead of the other way. You've probably heard it. Not terribly funny.
#17 Robin_Hoodlum Aug 23, 2011 8:52:47	I dunno... I like fat chicks... I don't like mopeds. It's a joke I can't tell. It's not even a nasty or graphic joke, but you know. And it's 'fat chicks are like mopeds, ____' instead of the other way. You've probably heard it. Not terribly funny. Oh I know what you're saying! I'm just being... difficult... this mornin'!
#18 zombie_babies Aug 23, 2011 8:54:06	You? Nah ...
#19 EscherEnigma Aug 23, 2011 21:16:44	So we'd have to get motorcycle licenses to drive a tiny little moped? That's a bummer.
#20 Robin_Hoodlum Aug 23, 2011 21:18:31	So we'd have to get motorcycle licenses to drive a tiny little moped? That's a bummer. Right? Then why not just get a motorcycle!?
#21 EscherEnigma Aug 23, 2011 21:23:13	Cost. Even if we have to get a new license, it'll still be hella less expensive to get a moped then a motorcycle, and it'll be hella more gas efficient too. Either way though, the license bit makes it annoying. If it's anything like NM it'll mean a motorcycle safety course a few nights a week for a week or so...
#22 Count_Von_CoC Aug 23, 2011 21:28:23	Cost. Even if we have to get a new license, it'll still be hella less expensive to get a moped then a motorcycle, and it'll be hella more gas efficient too. Either way though, the license bit makes it annoying. If it's anything like NM it'll mean a motorcycle safety course a few nights a week for a week or so... Probably. Once i found out it was just an itty-bitty motorcycle in the eyes of the law, I didn't inquire further. Sorry I don't have more info for you, EE.