I haven't purchased my scooter yet, but looking into a Yamaha zuma 50. I can't decide to get an older than 2011 or wait for a new model with no kick start, 4t engine. It is tearing me up. Believe it or not, price is least of my influence. I get a lot of suggestions for a larger scooter or motorcycle. I'm not into speed.

What makes you prefer the 50cc engine over a larger cc engine?
Shall I wait and get a brand new model? The 2t concept is worrying me. I had a honda elite 80 back in 1990 and it was 4t electric start.

please offer your 5cents of wisdom.

I'd say 4-stroke based on your situation. Both scooters have a similar top speed in stock form. The 2-stroke model can be derestricted for an extra 5mph, but it sounds like you wouldn't be doing that anyways. So the main differences would be the 2-stroke would have more peppy acceleration, while the 4-stroke would offer significantly better fuel economy, lower emissions/noise/smell and have a longer engine life.

As for why I like 50's, I really enjoy travelling at slower speeds. It's zen. I find 70km/hr to be about the perfect top speed for enjoying the ride yet still going fast enough to get places. Once you go bigger than 50cc you get a lot of downsides (higher price, higher insurance, more gas usage) and the machines are typically less fun to drive (IMO) and you still aren't keeping up on 55mph roads unless you're looking at a +200cc machine usually. So my opinion is to go slower and enjoy it (50cc) or go for a ride that will be able to keep up on all roads. I find 125cc machines to be frustratingly close to keeping up. Just my preference though.

Hi, I agree with Dan also. Not in a hurry As well as cheaper insurance and gas, I want to prove transportation can be done on a 50cc Scooters are cool practical and economical and fun

Add light weight and free parking to the list (mopeds can park in bike racks here).

I live in Connecticut, USA. a 50cc scooter does not need to be licensed here. There is no need for insurance. No property taxes on the machine. It is lawful for me to ride down the center of any lane on any road in which I can keep up with the posted speed limit. I usually travel on roads posted at 25 to 30 mph. I ride a 1986 yamaha ce50 Riva/Jog (2 cycle auto oil mixing). It cruises easily at 35 on level roads - bogs down to no less than 25 climbing hills and rumbles to the low 40s going downhill. It gets 90 to 105 mpg and I weigh 165 lbs. Check with your local laws and that will help you determine whether a 50cc is good for you.

Wow that is great that a lot of the US states have very little requirements to ride a 50cc scooter, a very good incentive. But shouldn't you have some kind of insurance if a accident or injuries occur and you and require some type of compensation? Also some of these 50cc scooters really go fast(like mine ) and some type of mandatory training is so necessary for first time riders.I forget sometimes that I have been riding scooters-bikes daily since I was 4 years old and it is very second nature (passion) but even as careful as I have tried to be I have had a few accidents over the years and I was lucky to have survived(again insurance really helped!) and recover to still ride now into my 50's Balance - awareness game aways a factor with our 2 wheeled friends. My highway days are over for now and the newer 50cc scooters suit me fine for city and back road cottage country riding, not in a hurry just enjoying the ride

thanks for the spare change offered. I will seriously consider the points given. I am. looking forward to purchasing one this September if God willing.

again I was looking at the Yamaha zuma 50f and the Honda metropolitan (definitely 2011 and before due to the headlight fixed position)

the zuma is what I really want for the wheel thickness.

oh, motorcycle safety course is on my agenda as well.

I agree the big tires are a nice safety feature for that unexpected big pot holes you come across. I have a ruckus and a kymco super 9 and it took me a bit to get used to the fixed head lights all my other bikes before the headlight turned with the bars, my riva 180 light turns too and is a yellow color head light bulb which is odd.

Why do you want the fixed headlight position?