Taking into account today's congestion on roads, the cost of fuels and lubricants, as well as a number of other reasons, we conclude that the issue of acquiring and operating more economical and compact vehicles is becoming more and more urgent.
Among them, scooters are especially popular today. An incredible variety in the design of models is presented today in the modern world, and they are used both by young people for entertainment and by law enforcement officials in individual countries. An excellent option for various maneuvers, sometimes indispensable in the country, and some see it as the next step after a bicycle, even for your child.
Compact transport
A scooter, or moped, is a small motorcycle, its engine is located below the driver, namely - under his seat. If the user mainly moves alone, without passengers, this device is the best option. The main reason is maneuverability, which is very important in urban conditions.
The larger the city, the operation of the scooter is more justified. The second, no less important reason is profitability. Why pay more for fuel if it copes with its task functionally as a means of transportation? And if we see that it is impossible to argue with the necessity and expediency of acquiring a scooter, the first question arises: how to choose a scooter or a moped? To do this, try to understand the main features and selection criteria.
First questions
First you need to decide for what purpose you plan to use your transport. The answer to the question of which scooter to choose will largely depend on this.. It will be useful to recall that the engine capacity of motor vehicles is up to 50 cubic meters. see no driver's license required. There are owners of more voluminous engines who are not afraid to drive without a driver’s license, but mostly manage to drive over short distances or use their vehicles in low-crowded places and cottages.
For obvious reasons. Depending on your requirements and preferences, the price of scooters can range from 300 to 2000 y. e. It would be nice to immediately decide on which scooter is better to buy - new or used. And not always used will be cheaper, because you can buy a quality “Japanese”, if not new, but you can also new, but “Chinese”. Therefore, you will need to consider all options. We will consider how to choose a scooter BU.
We trust, but in moderation
Whatever decision you make at the first stage, you need to remember that consultations on how to choose a scooter, received both in motor shows and from sellers on the market, are unlikely to be particularly objective. Each merchant will praise his goods, and your task is to "weed out" the excess praise from the truth.
You also need to understand that people selling motor vehicles and giving advice on this issue know and understand a lot in this matter, therefore, if the seller offers several models or options, it is necessary to focus on the comparative part, and not on endless compliments to 2- wheeled friend.
In this case, the seller can help with the issue of how to choose a scooter. It will be better to visit more than one salon, since each of them can be a dealer of various brands and brands. In addition, it will be much easier to draw an objective picture, having received consultations in several places.
As cheap as possible
The cost of any motor vehicle depends on factors such as its class, engine power and brand of the manufacturer. The least burdensome from a financial point of view will be an inexpensive "Chinese" small size with an engine capacity of less than 50 cubic meters. However, saving money when buying, you can lose when operating the vehicle. We can talk for a long time about how to choose a Chinese scooter.
Be that as it may, the Chinese quality is famous for periodically reminding of the existence of technical problems that will need to be addressed. And bear the costs. For example, "Japanese", not even new, will allow the owner to feel much calmer. Although in case of problems it will cost more. The lottery aspect is there anyway. In an effort to save money, do not forget to look ahead. At least try to do it.
How to choose a good scooter
If we decided that the Chinese-made scooter models are the cheapest, then now we need to decide on the remaining options. Which scooter is better to buy? Let's look at the main differences between the technique of Japanese and European origin. You can buy a scooter and a European brand, while receiving a large number of options. And in size, as a rule, they are larger than similar Japanese ones.
However, during operation, there may be problems with the electronics, which may not be easy to solve. A large number of sensors, including a speed limiter, which are not found in Japanese models, can become part of these problems. Moreover, the repair and maintenance of the “European” will definitely exceed the cost of the repair of any other manufacturer, and the cost of its purchase will be higher. For these reasons, it would be more appropriate to exclude Europe from our attention and dwell on Japan.
Japanese scooters
The main Japanese brands to be listed are Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha. These brands are located in approximately the same price segment and offer similar models. Therefore, it makes no sense to look for a fundamental difference between them. Honda can be seen as a first step for itself, it is considered less demanding on fuel quality and more slow-moving than its counterparts.
If there is no need for dynamic driving, this is the best option. The disadvantages of Honda scooters can only be attributed to the fact that they are not very easy to tuning. However, is this nuance important? Also, the reliability factor can be attributed to the advantages of Honda, which will be mentioned below. Taking into account the main points inherent in this brand, you can quite lean in her direction even if the question is how to choose a scooter for a child.
Used option
Whatever brand you choose a scooter, but if it is not new, pitfalls can be present in any of them. First of all, you need to pay attention to the year of manufacture. The lower the quality of the equipment, the more critical the age for it. Especially considering that you do not know how the previous owner looked after her.
Moreover, there are very common cases when the owner gives his old device as a model of more recent production. This should be remembered and measures taken so as not to be deceived. Otherwise, you can underestimate the "problem" for five years, and this is a lot, especially for the "Chinese". Make sure that in the years declared by the seller, this model was generally produced.
If there is such an opportunity, it is worth attracting a specialist who, when choosing and buying, will evaluate the condition with an experienced look (after all, a scooter, like a car, can be sold after a serious accident) and will make technical diagnostics as much as possible.
Problems can be found both in normal damage to the wheel, and in the condition of the engine with the transmission.It is important to remember that the seller who sells any vehicle while operating it, as a rule, does not particularly care about it, and even the use of low-quality oil or consumables can lead to very unpleasant consequences for the next owner.
Where to ride
Before choosing a scooter, you need to again remember the main goals of its acquisition. It is important to consider the moment where the new owner of the funds is going to move on it. If the plans are for operation outside the city, then let's talk about, how to choose a scooter for a summer residence.
If you recall, for example, the Yamaha brand, it is worth saying that its models are suitable mainly for urban conditions. They are faster, they have good dynamics of dispersal and sports bias. It is unlikely that all these advantages can be of interest, say, on uneven dirt roads, so this brand can be excluded from the number of country options. The next thing to pay attention to is the front fork.
If it is telescopic, all the roughnesses of the road will be transmitted to the steering wheel, and, accordingly, to the hands. Therefore, in our case, a lever fork will be preferable. She is also called the pendulum. With its help, road irregularities will be absorbed more gently and imperceptibly. There is an option of a reinforced telescopic fork, with it it will be pleasant both on a flat road, and on a bumpy one. however, such a purchase will hit the pocketbook harder, since only expensive models have it.
Pay attention to the location of the air filter. The lower its air intake, the more often it will have to be changed, especially if the environment is dusty. For country conditions in a vehicle, qualities such as reliability and low maintenance are very important.
Based on these factors, it will be much easier to decide which scooter to choose. Thus, you can pay attention to the Honda Lead models, as well as Honda tact, which, in turn, can be of various modifications. These scooters are highly reliable and have a lever fork.
We run in correctly
Using, among other things, this article, you finally become the proud owner of a new two-wheeled friend, and you no longer need to think about how to choose a scooter. If your purchase is a device without mileage, its proper operation at the initial stage is very important. An important detail is the break-in of the vehicle. This is required so that the parts of the engine mechanism are rubbed without overloading each other. Run-in should last at least 500 km. In case the engine was repaired in terms of replacing the rings, 200 km will be sufficient.
What you need to remember when running:
- use high-quality oil, preferably synthetics;
- the octane number of the gasoline to be refilled should correspond to the figures indicated by the manufacturer in the technical documentation;
- acceleration dynamics should be smooth, driving should not be intense;
- Do not overload the scooter by weight or when driving on steep and prolonged ascents;
- it is not recommended to sharply release the throttle stick while driving, this has a bad effect on the motor due to a decrease in oil supply to it;
- stopping, do not immediately turn off the engine, it is advisable to let it run at idle for two minutes;
- speed should be no higher than 40 km / h;
- after break-in, it is advisable to change the spark plug and the oil in the rear hub.
Before the break-in process, it is advisable to start the engine at idle. In three passes, start the engine for 5, 10 and 20 minutes. Between starts, let it cool for 10-15 minutes.
Scooter rating, opinions
Consider the most interesting scooter models known around the world. We will conduct our excursion according to the Japanese brands described in the article.
- Honda Shadow / Joker. The elegance of the lines of this hybrid scooter and cruiser makes you want to hang out at biker parties.The disadvantages include a rather long rear part, and in urban conditions it is no wonder to catch it on the participants of the movement when changing from row to row. Very inconsistent trunk under the saddle, not ready to help even when traveling on weekends to the country. When operating this unit, the driver attracts special attention, including attention from the opposite sex. Especially if it is a double elongated 90 cc version. Many users of this technique note that technically Joker is almost no different from the Honda Lead. The main difference is design. Another part of the fans claims that the engines are the same there. It is quite difficult to get spare parts, especially if the scooter receives external damage.
- Honda Dio ZX. Ideal for urban use due to its compactness and maneuverability. Up to the point that, being stuck in a serious traffic jam, it will not be a problem to put it on the sidewalk and change the direction of movement. Great for traveling in bad weather. If the question is how to choose a scooter, 50 cubes, which are present in this model will justify the money spent. The opinions of their owners are expressed in the fact that, despite the small size and unambitious appearance, quite accelerated, the speed can be developed up to 60 km / h. Users agree that this scooter model is very reliable and unpretentious.
- Yamaha BWS / MBK Booster Spirit. Recently released a millionth instance of a scooter. A very common model. Combines the possibility of movement not only on the pavement, but also on the road; suitable for lovers.
- Yamaha Slider / MBK Stunt. Another masterpiece from the "Yamaha". No sooner had the first instance left the assembly line than disputes arose throughout the whole of Europe. This model is something fundamentally new at the time of release, which, no doubt, did not disregard the world of scooters. An excellent suspension resource that affects long-term driving performance, wide off-road tires, high-quality plastic cladding and much, much more than can be positively characterized by Slider. Successful design and small size are definitely positive qualities of this device. It differs in many variations for tuning, the elements of which are proposed by many companies. You can also fantasize in your garage, coming up with new "chips" for your pet.
The world of two-wheeled vehicles is to some extent the opposite of the automotive world, for which it is already worth trying them. Given the many advantages and the tricks that can be implemented when driving a scooter, this is something unique. Buying a scooter or a moped, you will not only approach the issue of movement rationally, but also get the opportunity to change your image, as well as significantly diversify your life.
