I have a lot of people ask me about our scooters so I wanted to provide some bullet points to help people answer their questions and encourage more people to get one.
- We have a 2005 & 2006 Yamaha Vino 125
- Top speed is between 50-55 mph (varies by weight of driver)
- Holds 1.2 gallons of fuel and gets about 70-90 mpg. I usually only fill up once a week.
- Insurance is like $10 a month.
- 125cc engine: Weighs 250 lbs.
- It is NOT interstate legal.
- In TN you have to have a Motorcycle endorsement.
- I feel safer in traffic on this than I would a bicycle. I can always keep up with traffic in town. Sometimes out on highways, I may fall behind traffic a little.
- It is a 4-stroke engine so there is no mixing gas and oil.
- Price ranges on scooters for a 125cc are from a $1000 (Chinese models) to $6000 (Vespa/European models).
- Automatic - Actually it doesn't even have multiple gears. It's just gas and go.
- No emissions testing required.
So, what's involved in getting a motorcycle endorsement in Tennessee? Is it complicated?
ReplyDeleteWell, I had to take a written test for which you have to study for, and then a road test.
ReplyDeleteThe road test consisted of me getting on the scooter, driving across the street, doing a circle, and returning to the testing center. All of this was done as the instructor stood on the front steps of the testing center and watched. It was easy.
yeah i'm thinking if i start dave ramsey's plan before i get in debt in the first place then i will be set. I would definitely want a scooter. 70-90 mpg is sweet. i just drove 1500 so i could live in idaho for the summer. that would have been a fun long scooter ride, just tougher to keep up with traffic on the interstate.
ReplyDeleteI've debated back and forth.
ReplyDeleteI a somewhat large guy. Shop at Casual Male huge and hefty. So my guess is my high end speed would be even more diminished.
That being said, if gas prices remain where they are or higher, our beltways are going to start looking like downtown Hanoi at rush hour with pedestrians, bicycles and scooters replacing the soon to be unknown 4 wheeled vehicle known as a car.
I think America's love affair with the automobile is about to end.
So in bumper-to-bumper traffic, do you ride past on the side of the road?
ReplyDeleteMy hat's off to you all. I'd be too nervous about being on the losing end of a fender bender with some SUV driver who isn't paying attention to the road because they're talking on their cell phone.
ReplyDelete@Troy: Sometimes. Usually only at a traffic light where I am trying to get to a turn lane that is empty. I try not to cut in line when people are already there.
ReplyDeleteSo do you have the Chinese model or the European model?
ReplyDeleteJapanese.
ReplyDelete