Mopeds
#16
10-10-2008 | 11:14 AM
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From: Marion, VA
Also many moped riders have already shown they have no respect for traffic laws(getting DUIs) and they think they can ride any way they want.They are a menice. And if by chance YOU hit one you better believe the moped guy (if hes alive) will demand YOUR INSURANCE INFO. I cry UNFAIR!
#17
10-10-2008 | 01:48 PM
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Joined: Jan 2006
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From: North of Normal
In most states, the moped rider doesn't have to have a license but they have to be eligible for a license. That eliminates those with suspended or revolked due to DUI or other illegal activities. If they ride anyway, it is as against the law as it is when they drive a vehicle. Over the last 45 years, I have had scooters and mopeds but mostly I ride larger bikes (I currently have a 1200 and a 800). They make a 650 scooter that gives a new meaning to scooter. I've never seen a moped of over 50cc (a moped has pedals).
#18
10-10-2008 | 02:02 PM
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From: So Cal
I have driven Mopeds, motorcycles, cars trucks etc.
I will say the vast majority of time, I was at far more risk from car and truck drivers not seeing me than me doing something stupid. The big drawback to Cycle/Moped/bike is that people DO NOT SEE you.
If a car hits a moped you might have to get a new paint job or fix a dent in your hood from the helmet slamming into it. But, I assure you, the moped driver will be far the worse for wear. Problem you are probably seeing is that a lot of small "motorized bike" drivers are young and inexperienced and don't know about being invisible.
Most states, the definition of moped is any 2 wheel vehicle 50cc or less, AND 2hp or less, AND 35mph(some 30mph) or less AND WITH PEDALS. Anything else is a motorcycle and subject to cycle rules.
Perhaps you are having problems with 50 cc SCOOTERS, very different from mopeds. They are capable of almost upto 50mph but not legal on the freeway. They do not have pedals. they are kind of in the middle of mopeds and motorcycles and bigger scooters(10hp?) which are freeway legal.
I sorely miss my old Puch Magnum moped I had during the late 70s gas crisis. Can't argue 100+mpg versus my Dodge 10mpg. Only problem was I could at best maybe get upto 35mph on a good day. This occasionally led to road hogs being irritated that I was keeping them at the 35mph street speed limit. Once or twice I was literally run off the road. I hope that Harley driver who took off after one of those sobs caught him. Would have loved to see what happened.
Mopeds are great fun but due to my experiences I would at least go for a scooter which is able to keep up with almost any street limit.
I don't care for uppity bike riders, motorized or not, you know the type.
Give the guy on a bike a break. He is pedaling as fast as he can.
Jim Henderson
I will say the vast majority of time, I was at far more risk from car and truck drivers not seeing me than me doing something stupid. The big drawback to Cycle/Moped/bike is that people DO NOT SEE you.
If a car hits a moped you might have to get a new paint job or fix a dent in your hood from the helmet slamming into it. But, I assure you, the moped driver will be far the worse for wear. Problem you are probably seeing is that a lot of small "motorized bike" drivers are young and inexperienced and don't know about being invisible.
Most states, the definition of moped is any 2 wheel vehicle 50cc or less, AND 2hp or less, AND 35mph(some 30mph) or less AND WITH PEDALS. Anything else is a motorcycle and subject to cycle rules.
Perhaps you are having problems with 50 cc SCOOTERS, very different from mopeds. They are capable of almost upto 50mph but not legal on the freeway. They do not have pedals. they are kind of in the middle of mopeds and motorcycles and bigger scooters(10hp?) which are freeway legal.
I sorely miss my old Puch Magnum moped I had during the late 70s gas crisis. Can't argue 100+mpg versus my Dodge 10mpg. Only problem was I could at best maybe get upto 35mph on a good day. This occasionally led to road hogs being irritated that I was keeping them at the 35mph street speed limit. Once or twice I was literally run off the road. I hope that Harley driver who took off after one of those sobs caught him. Would have loved to see what happened.
Mopeds are great fun but due to my experiences I would at least go for a scooter which is able to keep up with almost any street limit.
I don't care for uppity bike riders, motorized or not, you know the type.
Give the guy on a bike a break. He is pedaling as fast as he can.
Jim Henderson
#19
10-10-2008 | 02:11 PM
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 14,941
Likes: 1
From: North of Normal
I have driven Mopeds, motorcycles, cars trucks etc.
I will say the vast majority of time, I was at far more risk from car and truck drivers not seeing me than me doing something stupid. The big drawback to Cycle/Moped/bike is that people DO NOT SEE you.
If a car hits a moped you might have to get a new paint job or fix a dent in your hood from the helmet slamming into it. But, I assure you, the moped driver will be far the worse for wear. Problem you are probably seeing is that a lot of small "motorized bike" drivers are young and inexperienced and don't know about being invisible.
Most states, the definition of moped is any 2 wheel vehicle 50cc or less, AND 2hp or less, AND 35mph(some 30mph) or less AND WITH PEDALS. Anything else is a motorcycle and subject to cycle rules.
Perhaps you are having problems with 50 cc SCOOTERS, very different from mopeds. They are capable of almost upto 50mph but not legal on the freeway. They do not have pedals. they are kind of in the middle of mopeds and motorcycles and bigger scooters(10hp?) which are freeway legal.
I sorely miss my old Puch Magnum moped I had during the late 70s gas crisis. Can't argue 100+mpg versus my Dodge 10mpg. Only problem was I could at best maybe get upto 35mph on a good day. This occasionally led to road hogs being irritated that I was keeping them at the 35mph street speed limit. Once or twice I was literally run off the road. I hope that Harley driver who took off after one of those sobs caught him. Would have loved to see what happened.
Mopeds are great fun but due to my experiences I would at least go for a scooter which is able to keep up with almost any street limit.
I don't care for uppity bike riders, motorized or not, you know the type.
Give the guy on a bike a break. He is pedaling as fast as he can.
Jim Henderson
I will say the vast majority of time, I was at far more risk from car and truck drivers not seeing me than me doing something stupid. The big drawback to Cycle/Moped/bike is that people DO NOT SEE you.
If a car hits a moped you might have to get a new paint job or fix a dent in your hood from the helmet slamming into it. But, I assure you, the moped driver will be far the worse for wear. Problem you are probably seeing is that a lot of small "motorized bike" drivers are young and inexperienced and don't know about being invisible.
Most states, the definition of moped is any 2 wheel vehicle 50cc or less, AND 2hp or less, AND 35mph(some 30mph) or less AND WITH PEDALS. Anything else is a motorcycle and subject to cycle rules.
Perhaps you are having problems with 50 cc SCOOTERS, very different from mopeds. They are capable of almost upto 50mph but not legal on the freeway. They do not have pedals. they are kind of in the middle of mopeds and motorcycles and bigger scooters(10hp?) which are freeway legal.
I sorely miss my old Puch Magnum moped I had during the late 70s gas crisis. Can't argue 100+mpg versus my Dodge 10mpg. Only problem was I could at best maybe get upto 35mph on a good day. This occasionally led to road hogs being irritated that I was keeping them at the 35mph street speed limit. Once or twice I was literally run off the road. I hope that Harley driver who took off after one of those sobs caught him. Would have loved to see what happened.
Mopeds are great fun but due to my experiences I would at least go for a scooter which is able to keep up with almost any street limit.
I don't care for uppity bike riders, motorized or not, you know the type.
Give the guy on a bike a break. He is pedaling as fast as he can.
Jim Henderson
#20
10-10-2008 | 03:02 PM
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,327
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From: Kingsport, TN
Still watching the chatter. After 30+ years of riding a bike, I know for a fact that there are a lot of jokers that think their "crotch rocket" is the baddest thing on the street and they own the street. I also know that a lot of drivers will slow down for bicycles and pedestrians - stay clear of semi's - even competition with other cars and pickups and not even register that a motorcycle is on the road. - I've had eye contact with a person in a car and have it still pull out on front of me. My bikes were daily commuters but 'set up' for touring ( fairing, saddle bags, etc.) I don't like bugs > beetles hurt and butterflies are messy. I ALWAYS HAD A CASE GUARD w/ foot pegs - keeps damage down AND keeps the bvike off you if the asphalt tries to bite you.
#22
10-10-2008 | 03:23 PM
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Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Sin City
every moped/scooter on the street is one less car/truck/suv clogging up the streets. They are also using far less crude oil at who knows what it costs today for a barrel. There will always be idiot drivers and riders, it doesn't matter if they're on a scooter , a 600cc sport bike or a 3/4 ton truck. I think I would rather the idiots (no matter what age) were riding scooters than an Excursion or Suburban.
#23
10-10-2008 | 03:24 PM
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From: North of Normal
every moped/scooter on the street is one less car/truck/suv clogging up the streets. They are also using far less crude oil at who knows what it costs today for a barrel. There will always be idiot drivers and riders, it doesn't matter if they're on a scooter , a 600cc sport bike or a 3/4 ton truck. I think I would rather the idiots were riding scooters (no matter what age) than an Excursion or Suburban.
#28
10-10-2008 | 05:12 PM
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From: North Carolina
I own a 1987 Honda Elite moped, 49.9CC. My son owns a 1985 Honda "Iowa" moped, 49.9cc. Top speed on both machines is under the legal limit of 35 mph.
Your statement that "... it is fair to generalise (sic) that 100% of them DONT (sic) have any liability coverage" is, quite frankly, anything but intelligent. We BOTH have six-figure liability coverage, specific to each machine. While it's not a legal requirement in this state to have liability coverage, as responsible drivers we consider it prudent to have it. The cost is only $75.00 per moped per year.
I think you're "painting with too broad a brush", there, dude. As long as two of us have liability insurance, it is mathematically impossible to state that 100% don't have any coverage.
Your statement that "... it is fair to generalise (sic) that 100% of them DONT (sic) have any liability coverage" is, quite frankly, anything but intelligent. We BOTH have six-figure liability coverage, specific to each machine. While it's not a legal requirement in this state to have liability coverage, as responsible drivers we consider it prudent to have it. The cost is only $75.00 per moped per year.
I think you're "painting with too broad a brush", there, dude. As long as two of us have liability insurance, it is mathematically impossible to state that 100% don't have any coverage.
#29
10-11-2008 | 11:47 AM
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From: Marion, VA
I got my first scooter (Allstate made by Cushman) in 1963. It was a dangerous slug with a top speed of 50MPH and an almost useless rear brake (no front brake at all). At that time, I was totally ignored by 4 wheeler drivers and had to dodge everyone (they would pass me and not cross the center line). I started with small motorcycles in the 70s (185cc) and I was seldom seen by drivers of 4 wheelers. Most cars were large and a small motorcycle did not register in their minds. After 2 or 3 other bikes, I discovered that I could put a big white fairing on my 500cc bike and I was normally seen and was only occasionally run off the road. As time has passed, I have worked my way up to larger motorcycles (1200cc & 800 cc) with fairings, bags, top cases and four lights in front so I am usually seen. I think the reason is because there are now a lot of small cars on the road that are not much larger than my bike so people are far more accustomed to seeing small vehicles. There are also a lot more bikes on the road and people are more aware.
The little bitty mopeds and scooters might save a little money but I think they are the most dangerous thing you can ride other than a bicycle. People buy a motorcycle to save gas. It is true that you save gas but if you think you are going to save money, you are mistaken. When you consider the cost of the bike, insurance, maintenance, and tires (usually $100 or more per tire that frequently last under 10,000 miles) the cost per mile is high because you still need a 4 wheeler. I ride a motorcycle because I like them and not to save money. So far, I have owned 15 scooters, mopeds and motorcycles.
The little bitty mopeds and scooters might save a little money but I think they are the most dangerous thing you can ride other than a bicycle. People buy a motorcycle to save gas. It is true that you save gas but if you think you are going to save money, you are mistaken. When you consider the cost of the bike, insurance, maintenance, and tires (usually $100 or more per tire that frequently last under 10,000 miles) the cost per mile is high because you still need a 4 wheeler. I ride a motorcycle because I like them and not to save money. So far, I have owned 15 scooters, mopeds and motorcycles.
#30
10-11-2008 | 03:27 PM
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From: North Carolina
Last night a fellow I know who rides one parked it and chained it up near the light rail station and rode the rail into the city to his job. When he returned after work (around midnight) he went to get his moped and THEN THREE ARMED BROTHERS FROM THE HOOD JUMPED OUT AND TOOK IT. Good news is they didnt take his cash(over 500bucks) This poor fellow is from Equador and is undocumented so he cant get a drivers licence.