Don't understand????

[Irish]

Possibly it's because I'm fairly new to scooters but there's something that makes no sense to me. Many people buy a certain size engine scooter & they almost immidiately want to put a BBK on it. Why not get a bigger engine to start with? I'm not being a smart ass. I really wonder why! Irish

[Gene563]

Here's a speculative answer ...
Many of the state laws require minimal licensing for 49cc scoots. If one owns a scooter of such, and makes modifications to make it faster ... bonus!
Personally, I had the MC license, so it came down to the speed difference. I bought the 150cc.

[kz1000st]

Years ago a certain person, who shall go nameless, had his license taken away for DWIs. He then purchased Aprilia two stroke scooters and set out to bore and port the heck out of them since the State he lived in didn't bother to register them. He bragged that he was riding undetected at over 50 mph by the Police. Until the day came when a Cop bagged him, impounded the scooter and threatened to arrest him. Said individual then screamed how his Constitutional right to mobility was taken away by Fascists.

Some people always try to skirt the law with modifications. It's no secret that in many States as soon as an engine is over 49cc it has to be registered and the rider has to have a Bike license.

I'm not preaching against people but against the possible troubles if caught. I can't see the gains over the possible headaches. The cost of insurance, license and registration fees pales in comparison to the cost of an attorney if caught.

[bull]

KZ, I know that what you suggest is true as many buy the 49cc scoots so they don't have to comply with certain laws. I have a problem with those laws that say that when a scooter engine size is increased they can now do whatever like registrations, etc.

What gives them the right to make or even enforce these laws when the scooter was manufactured as a 49cc in compliance with fed laws. I see no difference than when someone swaps out a 4 cyl in a car for v8 or adds components like a turbo or blower for more power. Or big wheels on a car not originally equipped. Aren't they both the same?

If they enforce said laws, shouldn't the car owner that did the changes be required to get a new emissions and safety certifications, especially when the vehicle doesn't have enough stopping power?

[cheapeto]

[ laws that say that when a scooter engine size is increased they can now do whatever like registrations, etc. ]
If your not needing to be licensed, nor registered, nor plated, nor need insurance to ride at 30mph. That is the scooter parameters for a 49 cc to operate, and it seems generous to me.
When you go over that speed your now a motorcycle, so you get MC license, you get plated, inspected and insured.
Seems reasonable to me.
The car analogy, is a bit different argument to me, the stock car is paying all the same fee's as the guy that wants more power.
If I'm injured by a souped up rod, (and live) me or my loved ones, can go through the legal process to relieve the rod builder of everything he owns.
Or a different view, maybe.
I drive a pick up truck, if I haul furniture somewhere, maybe over state lines, should I need to get a CDL?
There are many unfair practices in America.
Maybe the 49cc scooter law came from DUI folks needing transport...IDK.
OR maybe it was in place to help people selling scooters to sell more of them and keep sidewalks safe, IDK.
For myself, a 150cc is to small for my fat ass, to stay up with traffic, so I wanted a bit more, for my own sense of well being.
Just my $.02

[Irish]

Originally Posted by kz1000st

Years ago a certain person, who shall go nameless, had his license taken away for DWIs. He then purchased Aprilia two stroke scooters and set out to bore and port the heck out of them since the State he lived in didn't bother to register them. He bragged that he was riding undetected at over 50 mph by the Police. Until the day came when a Cop bagged him, impounded the scooter and threatened to arrest him. Said individual then screamed how his Constitutional right to mobility was taken away by Fascists.

Some people always try to skirt the law with modifications. It's no secret that in many States as soon as an engine is over 49cc it has to be registered and the rider has to have a Bike license.

I'm not preaching against people but against the possible troubles if caught. I can't see the gains over the possible headaches. The cost of insurance, license and registration fees pales in comparison to the cost of an attorney if caught.

I agree with the last paragraph. I don't know if I would have when I was younger but after hiring a lawyer I see the sense now. In my state insurance isn't mandatory but I have it! When you get older some things just make sense. Irish

[wheelbender6]

I'll answer you with another question, Irish. Why do all those Harley 883 Sportster owners add 1200cc kits?

[Irish]

Originally Posted by wheelbender6

I'll answer you with another question, Irish. Why do all those Harley 883 Sportster owners add 1200cc kits?

I know absolutely nothing about Harleys! The only reason that I have one is because they phoned me & I liked the bike. From what I have been told 883s are garbage & 1200s are good. In NH i specialised in Triumphs but in Fla. the only Triumphs I have seen are rice rocket types. I have been to Triumph East Coast School. Irish
P.S. I test rode a stock Harley Trike & it was larger then I liked & I told them to call me if they got something smaller in physical size in. I figured that was the last I would hear from them! Even tho I like my bike , I would buy a Freewheeler if I had the $.

[blueboy5000]

It is 100% illegal in all 50 states to modify your automobile AT ALL if registered for street/highway use.

[wheelbender6]

I don't think the 883 is a garbage engine. It is supposed to be much smoother with the 1200cc kit installed when you are trying to keep up with the bigger hogs like the street glides and soft tails.

[Irish]

Originally Posted by wheelbender6

I don't think the 883 is a garbage engine. It is supposed to be much smoother with the 1200cc kit installed when you are trying to keep up with the bigger hogs like the street glides and soft tails.

As I said before , I know nothing about Harleys except what has been told to me by long time Harley owners , riders & tuners. My bike had a 1200 in it & I was glad because of what I was told. The way I look at it , if 883s WERE garbage , they wouldn't put them in newer models! Irish

[kz1000st]

I read recently that the Sportster engine is the most reliable engine that Harley builds. The new Evo Sportsters are especially so. It mostly centers around the cam drive from the authors description. The Sportster has a geared drive as opposed to the chain drive on the "F" motors with separate crank/transmission.

The V-Rod and Street models, while shunned, are even more reliable.