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Plinco ..be on the lookout for a small motorcycle ....will probably be more suitable to your needs than a scooter...the small tires , and minimum suspension on a scooter makes them a bit unstable...something to think about anyway
 
I've built seven mb's now and w/o a doubt, the BMP friction drives with 4 strokes are my faves. Thing is, you're talking comparable money in a "better" mb and a scooter or moped. But, since I really enjoy riding and occaisionally pedaling my mount, the mb fits the bill. I'm already pricing out build #8. I've learned my lesson on the cheap junk. You guys were right, as usual. One big thing is to have a donor bike that fits you. Most important on long rides. Since going to better tire tubes I've not had any more flats. MB's aren't everyone's thing and it's a shame to put a grand+ into something you lose interest in quickly. But if you enjoy the hobby, do yourself a favor and spend more and get LOTS more. The Worksman's salesman told me they sell alot to mb'ers. They're getting ready to sell to another! I can't wait!
 
I've built seven mb's now and w/o a doubt, the BMP friction drives with 4 strokes are my faves. Thing is, you're talking comparable money in a "better" mb and a scooter or moped. But, since I really enjoy riding and occaisionally pedaling my mount, the mb fits the bill. I'm already pricing out build #8. I've learned my lesson on the cheap junk. You guys were right, as usual. One big thing is to have a donor bike that fits you. Most important on long rides. Since going to better tire tubes I've not had any more flats. MB's aren't everyone's thing and it's a shame to put a grand+ into something you lose interest in quickly. But if you enjoy the hobby, do yourself a favor and spend more and get LOTS more. The Worksman's salesman told me they sell alot to mb'ers. They're getting ready to sell to another! I can't wait!

+1.
I have said many times that you get what you pay for.
 
I have had no problems whatsoever with a GEBE kit with a Tanaka 32cc engine and heavy duty rear wheel. I mounted it on a good quality 15-year-old front-suspension mountain bike. I started riding 4 months ago and have now ridden 2000 completely trouble-free miles.
 
Plinko- today I was cruising some moped site and it was mentioned that the scooters are more reliable than the mopeds, the poster mentioned that when they go for a ride the mopeds are the ones that break down while the scooters don't.
This was news to me.
And it was commented by a moped guy.
He also said something to the effect that the 'peds go a few thousand miles and need rebuilding.
These things are toys for me, so longevity is not much of an issue. It will take many years for me to do that kind of mileage.
How about a real 4 stroke small cycle? Or maybe a Honda or Yamaha 'ped?

Well professor,I assume the reason scooters last longer than mopeds Is because most scooters are 4 stroke and mopeds are 2 stroke.And when you use today's modern ethanol based fuel on a 2 stroke.It does bad things to your gaskets and causes you to have more rebuilds.Don't get me wrong.I don't mind a rebuild or 2 In a year.But when frames and engines tear up every week or I have to tighten bolts and fix the chain digging Into my tire every day.I don't have time for this.I just bought a 250 suzuki marauder.And I figure It will be better for a person like me who has never rode a motorcycle before and cheap on gas. It'll do 65 to 70 without vibration.And top out at 80.I doubt I will be doing over 50 to 55 mph.I may get a scooter later.I have to pay on a fine,Insurance, and get a license.But,At this point.It's well worth the trouble and effort to have something reliable for my style of travel.I'll build another m.b. down the road once I get things straight with the motorcycle.And the next one I build will be all custom.From frame to engine.And remember.Helmets save lives:helmet:
 
I have had no problems whatsoever with a GEBE kit with a Tanaka 32cc engine and heavy duty rear wheel. I mounted it on a good quality 15-year-old front-suspension mountain bike. I started riding 4 months ago and have now ridden 2000 completely trouble-free miles.

I agree with you 100%.And I am glad you have had reliable performance.My problem Was not necessarily the grubee gt-5 engine I used.It was the frame and rims I got from wall mart.And I just need something for my riding style a little stouter.Many times people overlook bike quality and things like frame and rim thickness.If you ride very little.You may be alright.But when you ride like me.It becomes an Issue.And Next m.b. I build will probably be a dax titan or ezm In frame 4 stroke on a heavy duty frame.Not no cheapo wall mart job.I am so glad to see you had over 2000 trouble free miles and may you have 10,000 more.
 
+1.
I have said many times that you get what you pay for.

Esteban my friend.You are wise and a dear friend of mine.But,Not all of us can afford a 600 buck m.b. kit and have access to or afford a 500 dollar worksman bicycle.I just bought a gs 250 suzuki marauder 1999 model for 400 bucks.Just needs a starter.When I find that rare frame and engine at a flea mkt cheap I will do another build.And It Is misleading that the cheap 2 stroker companies and vendors advertise their engines as getting 4 to 6 thousand miles and will hold 35 to 40 mph all day.Truth Is they can't hold 25 all day without something tearing up.And I have learned from experience and personal humility that a cheap wall mart bike and cheap engine kit = cheap performance.I never thought I would say this but,I will be glad once the 2 stroke engines become obsolete and I hope bicycle manufacturers will offer bikes more suited for m.b. projects.
 
Plinco ..be on the lookout for a small motorcycle ....will probably be more suitable to your needs than a scooter...the small tires , and minimum suspension on a scooter makes them a bit unstable...something to think about anyway

I got a suzuki marauder 250 cc .And It just needs a starter.Been very well cared for for 400 bucks.I decided to make some monthly payments on my fine so I can get a license and just get cheap liability Insurance.Gonna cost me but,It's worth It.And Once I come up with a custom m.b.. I will build one.But this time.It won't Involve a kit.Doing this one The old school way:helmet:
 
Scoopter vs moped, I'll bet you a scooter with smaller diameter wheels and tires with a shorter suspension travel length will cause you to crash quicker than a moped too ! I'll take an old fashioned style moped with peddles over a modern scooter any day. Plinko, I think you made a wise choice getting a small motorcycle over a scooter. I'm sure it will cost more in the long run with insurance and the other must haves, but more stable and dependable. Japanese vs Chinese as well, we all know who makes better quality products.
 
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Plinko..I do agree with what Porkchop says above..Susy mar 250 for 400bucks..good deal..good luck with that...much better choice than even a new chinese scooter I think.
 
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