Thinking about a scooter or moped

[blisterpeanuts]

Originally Posted by mgforshort

I learned to drive on a Vespa clone and I love their looks. Currently the largest Vespa 300 has a 282 cc single cylinder engine and a top speed around 80 mph. Cost is $ 8,000 plus taxes and fees.

Just out of curiosity I checked the user guide for maintenance schedule. They need a major service every 6 K miles. The service is much more than changing fluid and plugs. I called 6-7 dealers for cost. The 3 dealers actually bothered to answer the phone quoted between $ 500 to $ 1,500 and had to leave the machine for 3 days. No one was willing to give a solid estimate.

Imagine a kid buying a Vespa to save gas and the next year he needs $ 1,500 for service. The major service is more complex than a service on a 6-cyl Honda Accord - I was a Honda master tech so please believe me.

Among the 4 bikes I owned, Honda CB 125 and CB 450, Suzuki G1000 and Kawasaki GPZ 1100 my combined total cost of maintenance was less than $ 500 in 10 years of use.

I realize Vespas don't get driven long distances daily like cars and the bigger bikes, nevertheless they won't save you much money.

How would this repair schedule compare to an electric scooter of comparable power and use? (if such even exists)

[mgforshort]

Originally Posted by blisterpeanuts

How would this repair schedule compare to an electric scooter of comparable power and use? (if such even exists)

On an electric your service would be checking brake pads, lights, and tire pressures, I'm not sure it has a belt or chain, I'm not that interested in scooters in my age. Then again don't underestimate the Italians contempt at simplicity. We have a Chinese Spirit 1.0 plus e-motor for a small Jon boat and it has a service recommendation which could be completed by a 10-year old in 5 minutes, like, check if the propeller is still attached to the motor.