KymcoForum.com

General => General Discussion => Topic started by: 08087 on September 26, 2012, 07:23:54 PM

Title: What scoot, 100 mile commute.
Post by: 08087 on September 26, 2012, 07:23:54 PM
A friend of mine is looking into the idea of a scoot for his 100 mile each way commute as a way of saving money.

He asked my opinion and I told him he should go with a 400cc for a somewhat comfortable ride but he might get away with a 300cc if he had to. He has 2 yrs before he retires at 60 yrs old, is in good shape overall but that's one hell of a ride every day.

I told him to grab a diesel Jetta and make like easy all around, he's not listening. For those not aware of the area it would be mostly highway (93 miles) but it gets cold here in NJ from Oct-May. And can rain anytime.
Title: Re: What scoot, 100 mile commute.
Post by: ce on September 26, 2012, 08:03:24 PM
A Honda Silverwing FSC600 with a Givi windshield  would get him there and back for about $4000.

Title: Re: What scoot, 100 mile commute.
Post by: MassScoot on September 26, 2012, 08:47:15 PM
 I LOVE my 2009 VW Jetta TDI! I average 39MPG & that's 50 in-town & 50 highway. If I take a long cruise to say upper-Vermont from Mass., I can get 46-48MPG on the highway. If I had a 100 miles each way commute, I wouldn't even consider a scoot myself.
Title: Re: What scoot, 100 mile commute.
Post by: 08087 on September 26, 2012, 08:53:20 PM
I LOVE my 2009 VW Jetta TDI! I average 39MPG & that's 50 in-town & 50 highway. If I take a long cruise to say upper-Vermont from Mass., I can get 46-48MPG on the highway. If I had a 100 miles each way commute, I wouldn't even consider a scoot myself.

Exactly my thoughts, he's looking at my scoot and seeing 70 MPG or so, but you can't ride mine on the highway (too small at 163cc) too slow max speed 57 MPH and a larger scoot as ce mentioned will use close to the smae amount of gas ( I think) as the Jetta plus it's a 4 season ride where the scoot is maybe 3 season with rain factoring in cuts riding back that much more.
Title: Re: What scoot, 100 mile commute.
Post by: streido on September 26, 2012, 09:16:53 PM
Something big, powerfull and most importantly comfortable. Or if he's intent on riding then what about a trike with a nice laid back comfy seat?

Like you said, for saving money 2 wheels may not be an ideal mode of transport, unless he is a hardcore biker type guy. Sure is more fun tho  :D
Title: Re: What scoot, 100 mile commute.
Post by: Mike Green on September 27, 2012, 12:42:40 AM
After a little tricking with the seat I could think of nothing more suitable than an XC500Ri. It would keep him right up there with the highway speeds. It is big and stable and would allow him to manage the winter winds and he would look forward to his daily round trip commute. Tell him to go with the ABS model and enjoy!
Mike
Title: Re: What scoot, 100 mile commute.
Post by: Vivo on September 27, 2012, 01:50:10 AM


Like you said, for saving money 2 wheels may not be an ideal mode of transport, unless he is a hardcore biker type guy. Sure is more fun tho  :D

Yes, if he's not really into bikes, he will just have a hard time adjusting. I use my scoot everyday not because I want to save but because it's fun... especially in the rain... ;D ;D ;D   100 miles is not a joke... for me, 20-30 miles trip one way is ok...
Title: Re: What scoot, 100 mile commute.
Post by: Mike Green on September 27, 2012, 02:40:15 AM
Vivo,
Your absolutely right my friend. A 100 mile commute is fun or excrutiating. At 58 I would say he must really like that hum between his legs to endure it for a couple of hours twice daily.
Mike 
Title: Re: What scoot, 100 mile commute.
Post by: ce on September 27, 2012, 03:24:58 AM
I wish I would get a hum between my legs for a couple of hours every day.
Title: Re: What scoot, 100 mile commute.
Post by: ludo on September 27, 2012, 06:22:38 AM
Maxi scooter definitely..... 300 to 400cc to still get good MPG.
Kymco Downtown 300, Suzuki Burgman 400 or Yamaha Majesty
Title: Re: What scoot, 100 mile commute.
Post by: bootscooterboogie on September 27, 2012, 07:47:28 AM
Vivo,
Your absolutely right my friend. A 100 mile commute is fun or excrutiating. At 58 I would say he must really like that hum between his legs to endure it for a couple of hours twice daily.
Mike 

I can't think of any guy that wouldn't want a 2 hour long hummer...  :P
Title: Re: What scoot, 100 mile commute.
Post by: gn2 on September 27, 2012, 07:50:47 AM
100 mile commute solution?
Move house or job.
Simples.
Title: Re: What scoot, 100 mile commute.
Post by: Vivo on September 27, 2012, 08:01:11 AM
100 mile commute solution?
Move house or job.
Simples.

He can't move house...too heavy...concrete foundation  ;D ;D ;D...can't move job also...will retire in 2 years...retirement pay be forfeited...
Title: Re: What scoot, 100 mile commute.
Post by: bootscooterboogie on September 27, 2012, 08:12:50 AM
I'm on the side of the posters that say something along the lines of either a trike or a like a smart car or something.  The Smart Car comes to mind, along with any number of hybrids.  Also, what should be considered is just how much money is he going to be saving each year vs. how much he's willing to spend on the purchase of and the cost to insure an additional vehicle.  And, if he's commuting in an area that has cold weather or rainy weather, he's definitely going to wish he was inside a vehicle for 100 miles.
Title: Re: What scoot, 100 mile commute.
Post by: ts1 on September 27, 2012, 09:52:57 AM
A friend of mine is looking into the idea of a scoot for his 100 mile each way commute as a way of saving money.
Has he considered the frequent maintenance and the costs? He needs 2 scoots as always 1 is beeing serviced.

But if he is a super hard core scooterer, who is happy with a 2 x 3-4 hours commute at -20°C on icy/snowy roads, he doesn't need to ask us ordinary scooter fans.

(I'd take a room for the week and commute only on weekends.)
Title: Re: What scoot, 100 mile commute.
Post by: streido on September 27, 2012, 10:00:44 AM
I wish I would get a hum between my legs for a couple of hours every day.
:D :D :D :D :D :D

Couple of hrs per week would do me. Actually a couple of hrs a month would still be an improvement...... :-\

Be good to have multiple wives like our multiple scoots, a good old dependable one that may be a bit scruffy and worn around the edges, but is guarenteed to be faithfull and be there when you need it and always gets where you need to go, plus a newer sportier one that may need constant attention and "tune-ups" at the nail bar, hair salon or tan booth, but is a great ride and will do things your old wife couldnt even imagine doing :D

Even better if you could put them away in the garage when you dont need them too  ;D
Title: Re: What scoot, 100 mile commute.
Post by: gn2 on September 27, 2012, 10:20:40 AM
Difference between a scooter and a woman?
A scooter doesn't stalk you after you're done throwing your leg over it.
Title: Re: What scoot, 100 mile commute.
Post by: de-dee on September 27, 2012, 03:08:45 PM
   200 miles a day , thats 45 to 50 thousand miles a year ,needs two bikes for sure, 500 cc to take the milage and the ease on the butt, is your road high speed , or is it secondary roads through towns and slow driving, it takes a couple of hours at least, or more, through towns,
Title: Re: What scoot, 100 mile commute.
Post by: 08087 on September 27, 2012, 04:39:30 PM
It would be a 2 hr ride with most being on highway 93 miles or so. Speeds of about 70 MPH the entire ride.

If even the bigger scoots need that mch repair time he'd better go with the car as he now does, just gas prices are hurting him. I'll add more later
Title: Re: What scoot, 100 mile commute.
Post by: Vivo on September 28, 2012, 01:53:58 AM
A very popular car here is the Hyundai Accent CRDI 1.5L Diesel... 30 kms per liter Highway or around 75 miles per gallon.... This car is the favorite of taxi operators here...
Title: Re: What scoot, 100 mile commute.
Post by: 08087 on September 28, 2012, 02:06:31 AM
A very popular car here is the Hyundai Accent CRDI 1.5L Diesel... 30 kms per liter Highway or around 75 miles per gallon.... This car is the favorite of taxi operators here...

Not sold in thr States. Many cars you can get elsewhere can't be bought here. Too high of milage and our still cheap gas does not allow for any profit.
Title: Re: What scoot, 100 mile commute.
Post by: KennyT on September 28, 2012, 04:04:02 AM
100 miles each way?  Car or scooter that would be no good...
Maybe if he had a helicopter...
Ken

Title: Re: What scoot, 100 mile commute.
Post by: fshfindr on September 28, 2012, 02:54:46 PM
He should look into public trans.
Title: Re: What scoot, 100 mile commute.
Post by: 08087 on September 28, 2012, 07:29:03 PM
He should look into public trans.

MAss transit at the NJ shore is horible, 1 bus per hour, if you miss it or it's full your F'ed. In the end he'll stick with the car, told him to buy a scoot for the fun and keep safe and worm in the car for two more years until he retires.
Title: Re: What scoot, 100 mile commute.
Post by: Vivo on September 29, 2012, 01:37:47 AM
Maybe he can scoot once in a while just for kicks... but car most of the time... he can still save...