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Post Info TOPIC: Vespas
Amy


RV-Dreams Community Member

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Vespas


Does anyone have any experience with using a Vespa or any type of Motorscooter, simliar to what is common in Europe for 2 riders, in place of a toad?  I realize that such transport would not be appropriate in bad weather, but I expect it might suffice for short trips for sightseeing in good weather.  We plan to eventually purchase a Class C Motorhome, and I've seen lifts advertised that attach to the back of the motorhome, and am wondering about the difficulty in using them.  It would appear that using such a method of transport would be easier and more cost effective than towing an actual car, but then I have zero expertise in such matters!
Thanking you in advance for any insight.

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Amy


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I have seen them on diesel pushers. A friend had a nice 250cc Honda Reflex for a while and regrets selling it http://www.seeya-downtheroad.com/InformationPage/HondaReflex.html

Some friends with a truck camper carry two minibikes in a rack in front.

I also have seen a blog with someone towing a Honda Gold Wing Tricycle on a small trailer behind, but can't remember the web address. Oh, ya it is listed on this forum in the RV blogs as www.mytripjournal.com/werewinginit .

-- Edited by bjoyce at 17:44, 2007-03-16

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Bill Joyce,
40' 2004 Dutch Star DP towing an AWD 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid
Journal at http://www.sacnoth.com
Full-timing since July 2003



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A great thought. Motor size is a KEY distinction in your decision. Vespas are some of the cutest looking machines and are well known for their 50cc machines. They do make a 150cc unit. Some things to consider:

A scooter of 50cc or less can be operated withOUT a motorcycle license (I think in every state).
A scooter of 50cc or less can NOT be licensed (I think in every state).
A scooter of 50cc or less can barely hold 30mph maybe 35mph if the wind is at your back.
All right you say, still sounds good. Here are the rubs.

To ride on the roads in any National Park requires that the vehicle be licensed - a 50cc can't.
50cc bikes are at home in the city where speeds are low and distances short. From a practicality perspective trying to ride something that can barely hold 30mph on a road where the traffic hovers above 40mph (which is most roads even your 25mph neighborhood street) is far more exhilarating (in a bad way) than you can imagine.
Trying to commute with a 50cc bike in the wide open countryside at distances greater than 20 miles really becomes impractical.
You won't be carrying many groceries on any bike and will be fearful of the weather.
You can't really carry 2 people on a 50cc bike - try it. You'll wish every road was downhill.
If you hit the slightest hill on a 50cc, be prepared to feel the need to pedal.
Again, in city type situations, a 50cc rocks!

Not to knock a 50cc bike, they have their place. It might not be for what you desire.

I currently run an 80cc bike (Honda Elite 80) as it is the smallest licensable bike there is which means I can ride it in the National Parks. Problem is, even with 80cc my max speed is 45mph on the flats with no wind and even that limits many places I can realistically go. I only paid $400 for an old used one and will say it is clearly worth it. Light and easy to carry on any motorcycle hitch rack.

That said, I am definatly going to move to a something like the Honda Big Ruckus at 250cc as having the power to hold 55mph on a hill means that machine is usable everywhere. Realistically, I'd probably do fine with a 150cc (Vespa does make one 150cc model) but I want to be able to carry two people and still not be run over by traffic.

Just some thoughts. Your "Wild Hog" ride might be different.



-- Edited by RVDude at 20:34, 2007-03-16

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www.RVDude.com


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I purchased a Kymco 50cc scooter a couple of years ago to take with us when we go out. I had the dealer do something called delimiting it. When scooters are manufactured they have a speed limit of 30 MHP. If you are older than 18 years you can have it delimited which allows you to go up to speeds of 45 mph. Both my wife and I ride it around the parks that we visit. Yes we ride it together. I will take it into town to get a few things that we need if it is not too far. We live in Texas and it has to be licensed and inspected like any other vehicle. I do not have to have a motor cycle license to drive it however. I would prefer to have a 150cc to be able to keep up with the traffic flow but it would be too large to fit in the back of the pickup when I have the fifth wheel attached. I have an 8' bed and have to remove the bed hitch to put in and remove the scooter but it is worth it to me to have the capability to ride around in the parks and surrounding areas.

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RV-Dreams Family Member

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We have a Yamaha ZUMA which is 49CC. When we bought it we DID license it and it has plates. The scooter can go roughly 40 MPH sometimes faster depending on the wind, if you're going downhill, end such...but on average anywhere from 35 - 40 is about it. There is some good storage under the seat as well.

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