Choosing your first two-wheeled friend: moped or scooter

Hello, friends! Not everyone likes or is suited to four-wheelers. It is a mistake to think that only young people ride motorcycles. Therefore, many people have the question of choosing the first motorcycle in their life.

Have you decided to get a motorcycle, but don’t know what to choose? You can’t decide which is better: and test different types of devices (scooters, scooterettes, mopeds).

Automotive impact wrench: which one is better to choose?

In terms of functionality, small-capacity bikes are not very different from motorcycles with increased power. The only difference is in the engines, acceleration dynamics, and fuel consumption.

This allows you to use mopeds and scooters for the following tasks:

• drive around the city;
• go to work;
• visit shops;
• carry out delivery;
• transport small-sized cargo;
• go to the country;
• transport passengers;
• go fishing.

The main advantage of this technique is that it allows you to safely and quickly master skills. With their help, it is easier to switch to more serious two-wheeled vehicles.

Equipment for everyday trips

Every day, urban residents usually ride motor vehicles. For those who need to travel to work, as well as on other business within the city.

A good and correct solution here would be a scooter with an engine capacity of up to 125 cc.

Its advantage is low fuel consumption, basic maintenance, as well as attractive appearance and simple operation.

And the prices are quite reasonable.

If you plan regular trips to the country, then it is better to take an Alpha or Delta moped. A good choice for a beginner who needs a motor vehicle with improved cross-country ability. With an engine capacity of up to 110 cubic meters, as well as with a manual gearbox, fuel consumption will be insignificant.

What to pack for travel

Travel is a long but relatively infrequent trip.

Both a scooter and a moped are potentially suitable. But if the main part of the journey is paved roads and tracks, choose a scooter. The moped is suitable for long-distance off-road conquerors, as well as for broken roads.

The priority for travelers is equipment with the following characteristics and features:

• engine capacity from 125 to 200 cubic meters;
• comfortable seat for 1-2 people;
• soft suspension;
• spacious trunk;
• effective braking system.

Based on these parameters, you can choose an excellent model.

Is it worth buying a Chinese scooter?

Chinese scooters began to appear on the Russian market even before the Alfa moped. For a while they were even popular and outperformed the moped market. But then Russian residents shifted their preferences towards mopeds for some reasons, since they were considered more universal equipment on the market. Despite this trend, scooters are still being sold.

Choosing a used scooter on the Internet is not so easy. There are not many specialized points where you can buy used equipment in this segment.

Better used Japanese than new Chinese . Statistics show that used Japanese scooters are sold in smaller quantities today. New Chinese models account for a large share of the market. And all this despite the fact that the price of the former is an order of magnitude lower. There are several reasons for this. For example, many people simply do not want to purchase used vehicles. In addition, choosing a used scooter on the Internet is not so easy. There are not many specialized points where you can buy used equipment in this segment. Another reason is the quality of Chinese technology. Today it costs much higher than 10-15 years ago.

Better a moped than a scooter . In general, a moped is a more versatile vehicle. Previously, it was even called differently - a motorcycle with a pedal drive. This is a lightweight motorcycle with large wheels and a gearbox. Such design features make it suitable for traveling over rough terrain.

But the scooter also has some design features that put it over the top. The equipment offers a variator - no need to squeeze the clutch and change gears. Here's a simpler landing. The scooter has a floor where you can put your feet. The front and rear brake levers are located on the steering wheel. A scooter is a vehicle for smooth roads.

For tall people, you should take equipment with 12 or 13 inch wheels

Chinese scooters are small . Most often, scooters with 10-inch wheels are purchased on the market - they are much cheaper and suitable for most people. But if a person’s height exceeds 180 cm, such transport will be small and not comfortable. For tall people, you should take equipment with 12 or 13 inch wheels.

Poor quality . Many people doubt the quality of equipment from China. To the surprise of many, today this country produces reliable vehicles, including scooters. Of course, the quality here is not the same as that of Yamaha, but the price is appropriate. The structure, engine and all other elements last a long time if they receive the necessary maintenance.

All scooters are supplied to the US market from the same factories from where they are sent to Russia

Equipment in this segment is supplied to the US market, where strict quality requirements are imposed on scooters. All scooters are supplied to this market from the same factories from where they are sent to Russia. Therefore, it is not advisable to doubt the quality of Chinese products in 2022. These manufacturers have even risen in the automotive industry. At the same time, over the past few years, their products have begun to appear in the rankings of the most popular cars.

Bottom line . Chinese scooters are still sold in large volumes on the Russian market. Future owners have many concerns that are not supported by evidence.

European scooters

Manufactured by Piaggio, Gilera, Peugeot, Renault, Derbi, Aprilia, Malaguti, Benelli, BMW, Beta, Italjet and others. Motor scooters of the old European school are characterized by a design with a monocoque body made of metal, later frame structures, but still with metal cladding, which affects the weight. Vespa became the founder of the European design school of motor scooters. A year later, Lambretta began to compete with it, which resulted in a protracted confrontation between the two brands.

There are Italian and German design schools. The Italian is characterized by lightness, a relatively small engine volume, and components created specifically for these scooters. The German school is distinguished by solid design, greater weight, higher comfort for the pilot, larger engine capacity, higher technical characteristics and widespread use of motorcycle components. Modern European scooters are little different from Japanese ones, with the exception of a more sophisticated design (water cooling, cantilever suspension of the front wheel, etc.) and general massiveness.

Among experts and riders in Europe, there is an opinion that the best purchase is a scooter from the famous racing company Aprilia. This brand has won competitions more than once and is considered reliable.

The main features of European scooters are their large size and weight, which ensure stability on the road and a high level of comfort. But the most important thing is the forcing capabilities. In Spain, Italy and Greece, many afterburner kits from Leovinchi or MetraKit are sold, turning the scooter into a real rocket.

Choosing what to pay attention to

When choosing a vehicle, you need to consider what roads you will be driving on. A moped is better suited for driving on country roads. It has larger wheels that allow you to safely drive on roads with potholes and bumps.

The scooter is more suitable for urban conditions. Thanks to the CVT, driving in traffic jams, with constant acceleration and braking, is more comfortable. It is also worth considering the subtleties associated with controllability.

The scooter is more suitable for people who have little experience in driving two-wheeled vehicles.

In appearance, each person has his own preferences. Some people will prefer a moped, as it is very similar to a motorcycle. And others will like the scooter because of its modern design.

Why I bought a used Japanese scooter

When I was inspired to get a scooter, I began reading information on this topic on the Internet. Of course, to begin with, I looked at online stores for new scooters and determined for myself a price of around 40-50 thousand, which I can pay for a scooter. And then I began to study what exactly I should buy so as not to waste my money.

And there were two options: either a new Chinese scooter or a used Japanese one. In principle, I don’t see anything wrong with used equipment if it is in good condition. Since I was planning to buy something that I wouldn’t mind damaging, the scales began to tip in favor of used. And in scooter forums, most participants recommended an old Japanese moped rather than a new Chinese one.

Now we had to choose the type of engine.

I read about the advantages and disadvantages of two- and four-stroke engines. I learned about the principles of their work - after all, all this was new to me. In favor of the two-stroke was its power and simplicity of design, and in favor of the four-stroke was less noise, fuel efficiency and increased environmental friendliness. Of course, my brain at that time was incapable of mastering all sorts of valves, camshafts, chains, etc. But I immediately wanted power that was understandable to me, and the two-stroke engine got a plus in the choice - although with a few doubts.

So, I already have the idea in my head that I want a used scooter with a two-stroke engine. Now it was necessary to choose a manufacturer and model. I again read on the Internet what is popular, and it turned out that the list of worthy manufacturers is small - these are three Japanese companies: Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki. And of these three, the highest authority belongs to Honda scooters, and the most common model is called Honda Dio.

So I got to the final stage: choosing a specific model. This is where it turned out to be more difficult. I looked at the prices of Honda scooters, and was disappointed to find that they cost in the range of 22-30 thousand rubles. According to my standards, it was very cheap, and I thought that for that kind of money you could only buy dead rubbish. Reluctantly, I continued my search. After looking through the forums, I learned that there are three popular lines: Dio AF-18/AF-25, Dio AF-27/AF-28 and Dio AF-34/AF-35. Of course, I needed the most expensive one.

I went on reconnaissance to an office selling scooters. I looked and the scooters looked far from ideal. Moreover, it turned out that the scooters were very old – from the 90s. Only Dio ZX was from 2000. Somewhat discouraged, I went home to think until the weekend.

Still, I needed a scooter for the dacha, and Dio was described everywhere as a scooter for asphalt. So I shifted my focus from the Dio to the Honda Lead and Tact models - they have a swing-arm front fork that is more suitable for off-road use. But the Lead was too big for me, so I ended up choosing a Honda Tact AF-31 with a disc front brake.

Having bought it, at first I was a little upset, since the scooter was clearly not new, scratched, there was rust, dirt, etc. Although he drove briskly. However, later, in practice, it turned out that the Honda scooter has only advantages:

• excellent quality, many parts were 18 years old and were in perfect condition - for example, cylinder, brakes, carburetor, gearbox
• the scooter is very easy to repair, and any spare parts are available for sale
• plastic of excellent quality - does not crumble when dropped, like Chinese
• excellent driving characteristics, dynamics superior to any Chinese
• the scooter is available for tuning

Over time, I read about the problems that Chinese scooters have that my scooter does not have, and I was finally convinced that I made the right choice. And I quickly brought my Honda Tact into excellent condition.

How did you choose your scooter?

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Advantages of mopeds

1. If you do not want to go to the service center every time there is a breakdown. Certain shortcomings that surfaced during operation can be eliminated on your own, using the advice of experienced drivers.
2. Many owners note that it is many times more familiar to sit on a moped (almost like on a motorcycle) than on a scooter. But some people don’t care at this point.
3. The wheels are quite large. Accordingly, there will be no problems with cross-country ability. Scooters really don't like potholes. Even the most modern and large scooters are most often used only on good roads.
4. As for refueling, to some, a tank under the seat seems absurd - it’s all individual. In the case of a moped, you don't have to raise the seat every time - to some extent, that's also a bonus.
5. You can carry more luggage with you than on a scooter. But here you need to take into account the specific model of the moped or scooter.

Advantages of scooters

1. If you want to avoid spending a lot on fuel. Here it is worth saying thanks to aerodynamics and certain technical nuances of the internal combustion engine.
2. The design has a high level of ergonomics. We're not talking about aesthetics now. It’s just that the scooter doesn’t “blow away” so much in sharp and serious gusts of wind.
3. The scooter's tank is located under the seat. But there are no nuances when draining fuel, which is especially convenient for those who have never encountered such equipment before.
4. If you buy a modern scooter from a reputable manufacturer, it will have an automatic transmission. It hardly makes sense to describe the advantages. This makes driving easier - for some this is the most important point.

Japanese scooters

The main representatives are Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha. Distinctive features of scooters are: low weight, more powerful engine, frame construction and plastic lining. Original modern Japanese scooters are characterized by high quality workmanship and a relatively long service life.

Yamaha is often positioned as the most advanced scooter of its time, for example the popular Yamaha Jog model has been produced for the past 20 years with constant modifications, so there are simply no shortcomings in it. They have a fairly powerful engine and a successful design of the clutch system, allowing for smooth acceleration, and when a certain speed is reached, a sharp jerk forward, without failures or braking.

Honda has always been popular among connoisseurs of reliability and durability. All its models testify to the reliability and strength of the device. The rather heavy design and not very powerful engine do not allow these models to be as playful as their competitors from Yamaha, but the scooters are calm and confident in driving. Honda also produces sports boosted models equipped with a disc brake, models with sports carburetors and switches.

The Suzuki line is considered sports models. Even the standard Sepia for Suzuki is a semi-sports model with built-in limiters; it uses an engine with a high compression ratio and is more demanding on the quality of fuel and lubricants. At the same time, power and endurance are not reflected in the price at all; Suzuki makes inexpensive sports models.