For all you motorcyclists out there. Is it best to start out with a scooter or m

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   Link10103posted 9 years ago

   For all you motorcyclists out there. Is it best to start out with a scooter or motorcycle?
   
   I am personally thinking a scooter/moped is best for me right now since I don't see that as being much of a jump from my electric bike. The price is better than a motorcycle as well.
   The only thing is, is a regular license that is required to drive a regular car needed to drive a moped as well? Would save me some additional hassle if that is all that is needed, since then I can simply focus on getting my license and then save up for a scooter. I can worry about a motorcycle later down the line.
   
   Forgot to mention, but I live in Florida.

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2. 90

   Ilonagardenposted 9 years ago

   The cyclists in my family all went with a motorcycle from the beginning. They took a course and then got their license. None even considered a scooter type bike, but I don't know if there was anything except preference tat went into the decision.

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      Link10103posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      If I had the money, I would probably go that route as well. Even 150 cc scooters which require an endorsement are still cheaper than a regular motorcycle, so it seems the scooter route might be best for me as it stands.

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3. 76

   junksellerposted 9 years ago

   I think in Florida, you need a motorcycle endorsement for anything over a 50cc engine. I imagine that a 50cc scooter would be better then an electric bike in most ways, but your still talking about a pretty small vehicle that is going to top out at 40mph (if that).
   
   Personally, I think I'd just go ahead and get the motorcycle license. Even if you don't get a motorcycle right away, it means that you won't have to limit yourself to a 50cc scooter. You might be shopping around and find a good deal on a 125cc or 150cc scooter. At that size, you get a bigger vehicle under you, your top speed will go up in the 50-60mph range and you generally will get better brakes and suspension.
   
   The price difference going from one to the other seems to be in the 125%-150% range. For example Yamaha's 50cc bike (Zuma 50FX) is $2600 and the 125cc bike (Zuma 125) is $3400.
   
   Piaggio's 50cc bike (Typhoon 50) is $2000 and the 125cc bike (Typhoon 125) is $2900.
   
   Those are pretty nice scooters. They can be gotten for cheaper.
   
   Another option would be a 125cc motorcycle. I think they are kind of tough to find in the U.S., but you might come across one.
   
   I'm hardly an expert. Just some thoughts. I guess in summary, my suggestion would be to skip the 50cc level.

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4. 85

   Austinstarposted 9 years ago

   While there are some pretty cool electric bikes out there, I started with a scooter and loved it! After about a year, I graduated to a 450cc Honda motorcycle which was perfect for long rides in the country. But the scooter is good for in town.
   I've always wanted a full sized bike, but could never justify it, plus I already had a car. The MC was just for fun.
   I don't know about the license requirements. You can probably go online to the DMV of Florida and find out.

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5. 86

   Alphadogg16posted 9 years ago

   I have a very fast motorcycle (1000) & could imagine riding a scooter/electric bike. I believe anything that can be driven/ridden in the street requires a license

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   sheilamyersposted 9 years ago

   Everyone has hit on the main points I was going to make. If you're fairly sure you're going to be buying a motorcycle within a few years, get it now instead of a scooter. If you're planning on buying a brand new scooter of 50cc or higher, you'd probably be able to get a very nice used (or sometimes even brand new) 650cc motorcycle for right around the same price or a little more. I was worried about being able to handle the bike because I'm small, but I'm so happy my first bike was a Suzuki Savage and not a scooter.

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7. 0

   Lybrahposted 9 years ago

   Link, don't ride motorcycles.  They are so dangerous!  I've seen two people skid out on them, and they were in pretty bad shape.  The ambulance had to come and get them.  Don't do it!

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      Link10103posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      That's like saying don't use a stove because you got burned, or not to ride a bicycle because you fell. If safety is in mind, I don't find it any more dangerous than a regular car. In fact, you can react better on a motorcycle to idiots on the road.

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