"New" ride for me (non-FZ6)

[gnyce]

I'm not just riding my FZ6 (new Road 5 tires on the way in order to pass inspection) these days... an ex-coworker gave a not-running 2009 150cc scooter to me a number of months ago. It has many names (Znen/Lance Milan/Komoto), but it's the basic GY-6 engine setup coming out of China. It actually didn't require much work to get running - battery, taillight, added a Givi monokey, etc - and I've since put about 900 miles on. The dog likes riding around on it as well (sits on my lap, ears flapping in the breeze). I find myself using it for quick errands - grocery store, Home Depot/Lowes. It's not fast - top speed is probably 55mph on a straightaway - but the appeal is I think a bit like "drive a slow car, fast" vs. "drive a fast car, slow". I've changed the variator roller weights to 13 gram, which improves take-off response but inhibits top speed. In fact, the biggest challenge to getting this on the road was getting this licensed. My buddy never applied for a title from DMV, and was unable to find the manufacturer's certificate of origin, so I was in limbo for several months, and even considered going through the local court system. Instead, I went the Vermont route - and sure enough, 4 weeks after sending the application in, I now have a VT tag and registration card. Go figure - kinda' assumed that wouldn't work, but happily proven wrong. So I don't know where, or even if, this fits in long-term. It certainly will NOT replace the FZ6 - but short errands (and getting 70mpg) feels pretty fun right now, so will hang on to until at least next Spring.

 

[Gary in NJ]

That looks like fun. Scooters don't work in my part of the world because we have roads with up to 12% grades on the county roads, and higher on the township roads. But if I lived in an urban area, I could see myself on a scooter or a Monkey. I like small bikes.

 

[trepetti]

[/QUOTE]

I'm not just riding my FZ6 (new Road 5 tires on the way in order to pass inspection) these days... an ex-coworker gave a not-running 2009 150cc scooter to me a number of months ago. It has many names (Znen/Lance Milan/Komoto), but it's the basic GY-6 engine setup coming out of China. It actually didn't require much work to get running - battery, taillight, added a Givi monokey, etc - and I've since put about 900 miles on. The dog likes riding around on it as well (sits on my lap, ears flapping in the breeze). I find myself using it for quick errands - grocery store, Home Depot/Lowes. It's not fast - top speed is probably 55mph on a straightaway - but the appeal is I think a bit like "drive a slow car, fast" vs. "drive a fast car, slow". I've changed the variator roller weights to 13 gram, which improves take-off response but inhibits top speed. In fact, the biggest challenge to getting this on the road was getting this licensed. My buddy never applied for a title from DMV, and was unable to find the manufacturer's certificate of origin, so I was in limbo for several months, and even considered going through the local court system. Instead, I went the Vermont route - and sure enough, 4 weeks after sending the application in, I now have a VT tag and registration card. Go figure - kinda' assumed that wouldn't work, but happily proven wrong. So I don't know where, or even if, this fits in long-term. It certainly will NOT replace the FZ6 - but short errands (and getting 70mpg) feels pretty fun right now, so will hang on to until at least next Spring.

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The scooter looks like fun, but I am REALLY impressed by a dog with riding skills so advanced that you'd feel comfortable riding pillion!

 

[gnyce]

That looks like fun. Scooters don't work in my part of the world because we have roads with up to 12% grades on the county roads, and higher on the township roads. But if I lived in an urban area, I could see myself on a scooter or a Monkey. I like small bikes.

It's definitely fun. I have to think I look a little funny riding it, but - not caring. I found a PDF of the manual, and the maintenance schedule seems aggressive. Maybe normal for a small engine like this? Oil change every 600 miles, and (!) valve clearance/can chain chk every 2k-3k miles. Yet absolutely nothing for the drive belt.

 

[Ohendo]

Great job! Can't beat the mileage.
Vermont registration...hmmm. Think I can register my car in Vermont, and avoid the insane priced annual PA registration fee and annual inspection process? Intrigued.

 

[gnyce]

Great job! Can't beat the mileage.
Vermont registration...hmmm. Think I can register my car in Vermont, and avoid the insane priced annual PA registration fee and annual inspection process? Intrigued.

This is a good question - I'll let you know in April 2022, which is when the tag has to be renewed. I _assume_ they send me something, but this is a new experience. Plus which though - don't states have laws about how long you can keep a vehicle licensed with another state? I figure I'll find out when I get pulled over, but - unlikely that will be from speeding

 

[Ohendo]

After doing a little research, I realize that you saw the true benefit of the "Vermont Loophole" is for when the title is lost or there's an issue with existing one. And besides...it appears it's $76/year for the car registration in VT. I'd be spending about 40 bucks more per year. I thought PA was high...yikes.

Yeah, there's an issue with owning a car registered in one state, with insurance and license being in another. I vaguely recall the problem when I got out of the Navy, moved to PA and kept Florida tags on my car for a couple of years. Got pulled over for something or other, and was told very sternly to register the car in PA ASAP.

 

[gnyce]

After doing a little research, I realize that you saw the true benefit of the "Vermont Loophole" is for when the title is lost or there's an issue with existing one. And besides...it appears it's $76/year for the car registration in VT. I'd be spending about 40 bucks more per year. I thought PA was high...yikes.

Correct. $76 is peanuts when dealing with a free scooter than is conceivably worth $1000+, just to get it into the "system". It's funny, though - I pulled the CL add, and will keep until next Spring at least. I'm over 1100 miles now (got it with 70), just keep using it for errands about town.