Modern Vespa

I'm looking at the LX 50. I'm only 5'5" and want something just for fun around town and to go down to the beach which is just down the road and to take rides through the park near me. I don't want a motorcycle license either. I would actually be afraid to drive a motorcycle. Ok now that I have demasculated myself. do you think dealers will try to convince me I need a bigger scooter? Am I naive to think the LX 50 is really groovy? Ok I stretched that one a little too far.

I have an LX 50 4v on Conanicut Island (Jamestown) just for running errands around town, and it's perfect for that. If you need to use Rt. 1 or Rt 138 very much, consider the LX 150 that would allow you to blend in with the traffic on those roads, but does require the motorcycle endorsement. The 50 has a certain minimalist charm that appeals to some of us and it proves more than adequate for a surprisingly wide range of uses. The new ones seem to be bullet-proof and will go a real 40mph plus on the level, but only a real 30mph up steep hills.

It doesn't matter what displacement you buy. The cagers will treat you like it was a moped anyway.

The only problem I can think of is the seat height. The LX is pretty tall. I'm 5'7'' and only the tips of my shoe soles touch the ground.

I think the new Primavera is a little bit lower.

Thank you that's very helpful. That's what intend to use it for. I live in Mt View NK by the bay and by Goddard park? I really just wanted to have a scooter to take a relaxing ride after work.I first wanted a Vintage Vespa but I am a realist and my mechanic skills are non existent. My wife and I love Jamestown. What a great town to have a scooter. Thanks again for your reply

Aloha and welcome to the forum from Hawaii. Go sit on one and see how it fits. You can always swap the seat out for a ET one or get Jay who owns Pirate upholstery (NY and not very far from you guys, relatively speaking) to make you a custom one. Perfect scooter for your neck of the woods. Not to many mountains in RI. I'm originally from NY near the Berkshires. Good luck and pics when you get it please.

I would never consider a 50cc scooter unless I lived somewhere the speed limits weren't above 35 or 40 MPH.

I didn't even consider a 50cc because I would only be able to ride it in my subdivision. Once outside the speed limits go up to 45 MPH on all the roads with entrances into my subdivision.

Wouldn't do me much good, but that's my situation and, not knowing your area, may not affect you. That said, if it fits the area you're going to be riding it, then enjoy your ride and ride safe.

Almost forgot. Welcome to the forum. Great bunch of people here. You'll always find more help with questions than what you were looking for.

A lot of responses to this question will do the same thing. The LX50 is fine for what you want to do, and if you decide you need more displacement, people are always looking for used 50cc scooters.

The LX50 and the LX150 are exactly the same size and height. They are close to the same weight. If you can ride an LX50, you can ride an LX150. And taking an MSF basic riders course is also smart, no matter which scooter you intend to ride. That also gets you an endorsement that includes riding the 150 if you choose. I have never heard anyone who has ridden an LX150 say that it was too much scooter. Having said all that, get the bike that works for you.

This is very good advice. The course is something everyone should do. I dare say even take it on the class provided motorcycle if possible (many do have scooters too). It's not as scary as you think. If you can use all 4 limbs to operate a motorcycle, then you'll have a much easier time with the scooter, and know the basics of keeping yourself safe regardless of displacement.

That being said, 50cc scoots are great things.

Whether 50cc will work for you depends on where you want to ride. Most 50cc will take you up to 35 mph or so. Keep in mind that if you have a lot of hills where you ride, top speed on the hills may be much slower.

Buying a 50cc scooter because you are not comfortable with a motorcycle or do not want to to through the process of getting a motorcycle license is understandable (I was there once), but I am not sure it's good reasoning. Whether it is legally motorcycle or not, you are going to ride a two-wheeled motorized vehicle on public roads, in traffic. I have actually been feeling more comfortable on the city streets after I upgraded from a 50cc to a 250cc scooter, because now I can keep up with traffic better.

I would suggest taking an MSF class regardless of what you want to ride. It usually costs in the neighborhood of 200 dollars and will take you one full weekend or so. That's much less than the amount of time and money you will invest in even a small scooter.

If you can ride a bicycle, you can ride a 50cc scooter. And the course is not a complete waste of time, but you don't need it to ride a 50cc Moped any more than you need it to ride a bicycle in traffic. Get the thing, ride it, and decide if you want somthing bigger. Then take the course if you think you need to, or just ride on a beginners permit until you feel ready to take the test. It's no big deal. You ride around a bunch of cones and stop really fast.

Last edited by Motovista on Sun, 22 Jun 2014 00:00:24 +0000; edited 2 times

Check local laws on mopeds first. In Oregon one can't operate the LX50 unless they have a motorcycle permit. It has seating for two and goes over 30 MPH.


-smitty

I agree that it might not be required, depending on the state in which you live. I don't agree that you don't need it. A 50cc scooter is not inherently any safer than a 150cc scooter. The risks are the same. The skills needed to ride the scooter safely are the same. So the training needed to ride either one successfully are the same IMO.

i definitely agree check the laws first and foremost i started on a honda ruckus same reasoning a month later a law passed making it a motorcycle.

the i dont need the class excuse is a bad one i used it wish i hadnt it got me into a bad accident because i didnt have some of the knowledge that i learned. i looked to close to the front of the bike in a corner and a car came into my lane didnt see it till it was too late.

now the ruckus is faster than the lx50 and i will tell you if you enjoy riding you will most likely get bored on a 50 to be honest with you. the lx150 is a great little starter bike.

+1 on the MSF course. I was a re entry rider after years being away from the sport. Driving in all types of traffic after the training was a great boost to my confidence because I rediscovered the skills I hadn't used in years.

A 150 is great for just what you envision. You like me may get bored with the slow speed quickly. If you want to blend in with traffic more and not be the focus of someone's affectionate demonstration of road rage the 150 will also be your choice . Many cagers are impatient and you may have to push the 50 all the time adding to your stress.

The potential of a future adventure with a little bigger engine is so appealing and at the same time the package is the same.

The difference in power while noticeable will not intimidate.

The reasons above are mine and in no way are intended to "talk" you out of what you plan for your future with the LX50. They are my reasons why a 50 wouldn't fit what I actually do. YMMV

But do get a scooter and have a blast like the rest of us.

(First Posting) - I am new to the forum too, but here's my 2 cents of advise. Exactly like you I had wanted a Vespa since childhood and purchased the same exact model you are considering last winter in FL. I didn't know of the forum then. I am new to scootering and took the safety class, read books, and purchased the BEST helmet I could find. I now wish I had purchased a larger size. It is a lot of fun, yet you'll soon wish to reach other areas, you had a bit more power - even just to cross a "mid-level" road 45 mph to feel safe. The 50cc will hold you back to small residential type roads. The safety class at least in FL is the same for all size motorcycles, scooters, etc. and isn't hard - was actually a lot of fun. Having passed, purchased the safety gear, a 150 or even a 250cc will be my next purchase. Enjoy and do take a safety class. Then start in an empty parking lot and have FUN.

Disclaimer: I ride a massive 250cc scooter.

From my observations this is the way it goes, more often than not. Retroguy, I would caution against letting a reluctance to obtain the "M" endorsement overly color your thinking towards engine displacement. As Dooglas posted above, both the 50cc and the 150cc are the same size and about the same weight, and the larger engine can be really handy for those times it is needed. Having more of an ability to accelerate is usually a pretty groovy thing to have.

Oh, and welcome to the forum to both Retroguy and ADK Jim! This is a great place, and sometimes we even talk about scooters..

The stock main jet (75) should be replaced with a .80mm.Its like night and day!