Dad to kid: "It's a moped"
Young woman: "How much for the moped?"
Another kid: "See the moped"
Arrrgh!

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Ossessionato
![]() BV400, Primavera 150, Yamaha Zuma 125
Joined: Thu, 06 Jun 2013 13:22:21 +0000
Posts: 4047 Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota |
Sun, 17 Sep 2023 15:46:18 +0000
quote
Sitting at the donut shop today…
Dad to kid: "It's a moped" Young woman: "How much for the moped?" Another kid: "See the moped" Arrrgh! ![]()
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Molto Verboso
![]() 2009 GTS250, Ducati Monster M900, KTM 390 Adventure
Joined: Mon, 23 Jul 2012 03:48:31 +0000
Posts: 1231 Location: Oceanside, CA |
Sun, 17 Sep 2023 15:59:24 +0000
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I'd sell it too. People keep confusing it for a moped, and that sh*t gets old.
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Hooked
![]() 2020 GTS300 HPE/2022 Triumph Rocket 3R
Joined: Sun, 04 Sep 2022 20:57:10 +0000
Posts: 474 Location: Black Hills South Dakota |
Sun, 17 Sep 2023 16:40:32 +0000
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When I had a 650 Burgman, kids (and even some teenagers) would occasionally refer to it as a moped. It made no difference that it weighed 625 pounds, with a wheelbase that compared to a Honda Goldwing...it was still a 'moped' in their eyes.
I used to politely correct their incorrect perception, and explain that a 'moped' had bicycle-like pedals that would start the (tiny) engine by pedaling it. Of course, it was futile, and something akin to pissing into the winds of the tsunami of misinformation concerning the 'new' definition steamrolling young minds where it concerned these bikes. Sigh!...modern problems! "IT'S NOT A MOPED!!!!".... ![]() Last edited by JBacklund on Sun, 17 Sep 2023 16:53:30 +0000; edited 3 times
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2006 Vespa GT (Rocket): 2005 Vespa GT (Razzo): 2007 Vespa GT (Vanessa): 2009 Yamaha Zuma 125: 2018 Yamaha Xmax (Big Ugly), 2023 Vespa GTS300 (Ghost)
Joined: Tue, 26 Sep 2006 21:01:37 +0000
Posts: 5113 Location: Jacksonville, Florida |
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
![]() 2006 Vespa GT (Rocket): 2005 Vespa GT (Razzo): 2007 Vespa GT (Vanessa): 2009 Yamaha Zuma 125: 2018 Yamaha Xmax (Big Ugly), 2023 Vespa GTS300 (Ghost)
Joined: Tue, 26 Sep 2006 21:01:37 +0000
Posts: 5113 Location: Jacksonville, Florida |
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Ossessionato
![]() BV400, Primavera 150, Yamaha Zuma 125
Joined: Thu, 06 Jun 2013 13:22:21 +0000
Posts: 4047 Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota |
Sun, 17 Sep 2023 16:52:59 +0000
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I bought a new BV400 after the 350 broke down in Michigan.
It's a bit discouraging when someone shows an interest in the BV350, then walks away when I tell them it's not a moped.
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![]() Sun, 17 Sep 2023 17:04:05 +0000
Veni, Vidi, Posti
MP3 500, GTS 250 (both 2008 MY), 2013 Piaggio BV 350, 2014 Can Am Spyder RT
Joined: Sat, 02 Mar 2013 22:00:49 +0000
Posts: 7406 Location: Madison, Wisconsin |
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
![]() MP3 500, GTS 250 (both 2008 MY), 2013 Piaggio BV 350, 2014 Can Am Spyder RT
Joined: Sat, 02 Mar 2013 22:00:49 +0000
Posts: 7406 Location: Madison, Wisconsin |
Sun, 17 Sep 2023 17:04:05 +0000
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JKJ-FZ6 wrote: It's a bit discouraging when someone shows an interest in the BV350, then walks away when I tell them it's not a moped. Don't ever disagree or correct a potential buyer on anything other than price or how well you cared for it. ![]()
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Ossessionato
![]() BV400, Primavera 150, Yamaha Zuma 125
Joined: Thu, 06 Jun 2013 13:22:21 +0000
Posts: 4047 Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota |
Molto Verboso
![]() 2022 Liberty 150S-"Meg"
Joined: Tue, 15 Jan 2019 19:11:08 +0000
Posts: 1090 Location: Texas |
Sun, 17 Sep 2023 17:29:28 +0000
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Madison Sully wrote: Amateur tip from a guy who sucks at selling things: Don't ever disagree or correct a potential buyer on anything other than price or how well you cared for it. ![]() I do always tell them they need a motorcycle license to ride a big scooter on public roads, though (at least in Texas). I did see a BV350 for sale in Dallas recently that had been titled as a moped (with a moped license plate), apparently to save money. Not sure how the guy got away with that.
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Grumpy Biker
![]() 1980 Vespa P200e (sold), 2002 Vespa ET4 (sold), 1949 Harley-Davidson FL
Joined: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 02:56:36 +0000
Posts: 5148 Location: Sparks, Nevada, USA |
Sun, 17 Sep 2023 17:38:07 +0000
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Reminds me of this clip. But Bruce Willis was wrong. That's not a chopper. It's a motorcycle. 😂
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Hooked
![]() 2020 GTS300 HPE/2022 Triumph Rocket 3R
Joined: Sun, 04 Sep 2022 20:57:10 +0000
Posts: 474 Location: Black Hills South Dakota |
Sun, 17 Sep 2023 17:46:47 +0000
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JKJ-FZ6 wrote: It's a bit discouraging when someone shows an interest in the BV350, then walks away when I tell them it's not a moped. |
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![]() 2021 GTS 300 Super (white), 2021 GTS 300 Super (yellow), 1976 Bianchi Snark, 2002 Bajaj Chetak
Joined: Tue, 13 Sep 2016 17:50:08 +0000
Posts: 713 Location: Powhatan, Virginia |
Sun, 17 Sep 2023 17:48:48 +0000
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As a long time moped enthusiast, I can tell you that mopedders are just as offended when you refer to their mopeds as scooters.
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Sun, 17 Sep 2023 18:11:07 +0000
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As a motorcycle owner I sometimes have called my motorcycles mopeds. It's all good.
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![]() GTV / GTS
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Posts: 15 Location: Somewhere on the Island of Great Britain |
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![]() 2020 GTS300 HPE/2022 Triumph Rocket 3R
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Posts: 474 Location: Black Hills South Dakota |
Sun, 17 Sep 2023 18:36:43 +0000
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giallo wrote: As a motorcycle owner I sometimes have called my motorcycles mopeds. It's all good. |
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![]() 2020 GTS 300, 2011 LX150ie
Joined: Wed, 09 Jun 2010 10:59:40 +0000
Posts: 698 Location: Jupiter, Florida |
Sun, 17 Sep 2023 18:37:18 +0000
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I just searched "Moped" on Amazon. Just about every scooter listed is also listed as a Moped. IDK
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![]() 2020 GTS300 HPE/2022 Triumph Rocket 3R
Joined: Sun, 04 Sep 2022 20:57:10 +0000
Posts: 474 Location: Black Hills South Dakota |
Sun, 17 Sep 2023 18:39:37 +0000
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Come to think of it, I get all butt-hurt offended when my neighbor, Harlan, calls my Sears riding mower a 'lawn tractor'...but I let it go because every year, he gives me a pile of tomatoes from the mini garden on his deck.
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Sun, 17 Sep 2023 18:54:59 +0000
Enthusiast
2017 GTS Super
Joined: Mon, 09 Jul 2018 02:01:22 +0000
Posts: 55 Location: Kalifornia |
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2017 GTS Super
Joined: Mon, 09 Jul 2018 02:01:22 +0000
Posts: 55 Location: Kalifornia |
Sun, 17 Sep 2023 18:54:59 +0000
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What do you expect when we live in a world where the ignorant masses refer to bicycles without an electric motor as an "acoustic?"
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Ossessionato
![]() 2015 GTS 300 Super (Melody: 2015-2021, RIP), 2022 GTS SuperTech (Thelonica; bit the dust 02-22-23)
Joined: Wed, 22 Apr 2015 17:25:54 +0000
Posts: 3909 Location: Asbury Park, NJ |
Sun, 17 Sep 2023 18:57:15 +0000
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Well, time to pull this one from the archives again...
![]()
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![]() 2020 Liberty 150, 2020 MP3-500
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Posts: 528 Location: Reno |
Sun, 17 Sep 2023 19:05:57 +0000
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Do Scooter or scoot next
Bikers, as in colors wearing HD riding may refer to their motorcycles as scooters, partially originating from a Montrose song about "get on your bad motorscooter & ride" |
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![]() Piaggio Beverly 300 ie - 2012
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Posts: 957 Location: Belgium |
Sun, 17 Sep 2023 19:18:10 +0000
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People tend to confuse scooters with mopeds.
It can also work in your benefit. Here in the neighborhood there are connections between nice roads that you cannot use with a motorcycle, but mopeds are allowed. On my BV I use these connections, and I behave as a moped. Never anyone protesting about that.
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![]() 2009 LX 150, 2008 GTS 250
Joined: Sun, 19 Jun 2011 14:33:33 +0000
Posts: 893 Location: Birmingham, Alabama, USA |
Sun, 17 Sep 2023 19:46:38 +0000
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But if I'm defending myself in court over a speeding violation, I'll be the first to point out to the judge that it's a moped. "Are you sure the radar gun is still calibrated"?
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Hooked
![]() 2020 GTS300 HPE/2022 Triumph Rocket 3R
Joined: Sun, 04 Sep 2022 20:57:10 +0000
Posts: 474 Location: Black Hills South Dakota |
Sun, 17 Sep 2023 20:11:13 +0000
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[quote="Mr. Thompson"]
What do you expect when we live in a world where the ignorant masses refer to bicycles without an electric motor as an "acoustic?" [/quote Seriously? I've never heard that one, but then, I live in relative 'Podunk USA', where a lot of the blossoming cultural trends are slow to arrive, if at all. Sometimes that's a curse, other times a blessing. Mostly the latter. Last edited by JBacklund on Sun, 17 Sep 2023 20:59:34 +0000; edited 1 time |
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![]() 2020 GTS300 HPE/2022 Triumph Rocket 3R
Joined: Sun, 04 Sep 2022 20:57:10 +0000
Posts: 474 Location: Black Hills South Dakota |
Sun, 17 Sep 2023 20:58:21 +0000
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When people ask "How old are you, Johnny?"
I answer: "I'm SO old...that I know the technical difference between a moped and a scooter!" The baffled look on their faces is priceless.
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Addicted
![]() Piaggio Beverly 300 ie - 2012
Joined: Sun, 08 Aug 2021 16:36:14 +0000
Posts: 957 Location: Belgium |
Sun, 17 Sep 2023 21:17:01 +0000
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Cosmos wrote: But if I'm defending myself in court over a speeding violation, I'll be the first to point out to the judge that it's a moped. "Are you sure the radar gun is still calibrated"? |
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2020 piaggio liberty 150
Joined: Sun, 13 Feb 2022 02:14:49 +0000
Posts: 546 Location: Reno Nevada |
Sun, 17 Sep 2023 21:42:54 +0000
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It's a really nice moped!
There I fixed it for you. I was at a stop sign and some high school kids were walking across the intersection in front of me and one of the kids says "nice moped" and I just said thanks. Then he asked how much I got it for and I told him I got it cheap from the lady that bought it and couldn't ride it. Perception is everything and if you don't take it like an insult it's not an insult. It is not your fault they are ignorant of the correct language to accurately describe the vehicle. |
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![]() 2020 MP3 500 HPE Sport ABS/ASR
Joined: Sat, 25 Aug 2007 10:52:31 +0000
Posts: 4556 Location: El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora Reina de los Ángeles sobre el Río Porciúncula |
Sun, 17 Sep 2023 22:10:15 +0000
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PeterCC wrote: People tend to confuse scooters with mopeds. It can also work in your benefit. Here in the neighborhood there are connections between nice roads that you cannot use with a motorcycle, but mopeds are allowed. On my BV I use these connections, and I behave as a moped. Never anyone protesting about that.
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2020 piaggio liberty 150
Joined: Sun, 13 Feb 2022 02:14:49 +0000
Posts: 546 Location: Reno Nevada |
Sun, 17 Sep 2023 22:12:39 +0000
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Garthhh wrote: Do Scooter or scoot next Bikers, as in colors wearing HD riding may refer to their motorcycles as scooters, partially originating from a Montrose song about "get on your bad motorscooter & ride" I'd come out to your place but I'm afraid of you Dad... Between the opening guitar licks sounding like going through the gears to that iconic line in the lyrics such a great song! I wish I could find a live version with the guitar intro. Ronnie Montrose on guitar and Sammy Hagar on vocals early 70's Rock and Roll doesn't get any better than this! |
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![]() 2020 GTS300 HPE/2022 Triumph Rocket 3R
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Sun, 17 Sep 2023 23:11:05 +0000
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BUGGSY wrote: Its not a moped, Its a twist and go |
Mon, 18 Sep 2023 00:29:52 +0000
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LX150
Joined: Fri, 07 Jul 2017 19:03:21 +0000
Posts: 155 Location: Belle City |
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LX150
Joined: Fri, 07 Jul 2017 19:03:21 +0000
Posts: 155 Location: Belle City |
Mon, 18 Sep 2023 00:29:52 +0000
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JBacklund wrote: Come to think of it, I get all butt-hurt offended when my neighbor, Harlan, calls my Sears riding mower a 'lawn tractor'...but I let it go because every year, he gives me a pile of tomatoes from the mini garden on his deck.
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Ossessionato
![]() Triumph Bonneville 2022, Triumph Street Scrambler 2018 (sold), Suzuki VanVan200 (sold), 2015 Sprint 125 (sold)
Joined: Sun, 12 Apr 2015 19:52:24 +0000
Posts: 3037 Location: Finland |
Mon, 18 Sep 2023 06:22:48 +0000
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PeterCC wrote: People tend to confuse scooters with mopeds. It can also work in your benefit. Here in the neighborhood there are connections between nice roads that you cannot use with a motorcycle, but mopeds are allowed. On my BV I use these connections, and I behave as a moped. Never anyone protesting about that. ...and yep, here it really is legally 'a moped'. A moped is defined here as '2 or 3 wheeled, motorized vehicle that has top speed max 45 km/h...further restrictions are max. 50 cc ICE or max 4 kW electric motor. The history of the word moped is obviously similar. As mopeds dropped their pedals for the benefits of an ICE a long time ago and still remained popular, the term remained. We even have a term 'moped car', referrring to micro cars (ICE/electric) that can be driven with a moped license I assume these have no pedals either |
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![]() 1991 Vespa T5 Pole Position, 2008 Vespa S 125, 2023 Piaggio MP3 300HPE Sport
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Posts: 3999 Location: Staffordshire England |
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2006 GT200 2009 Genuine Stella
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Posts: 272 Location: Chandler, AZ |
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![]() 2006 GT200 2009 Genuine Stella
Joined: Sun, 19 Jul 2020 05:45:41 +0000
Posts: 272 Location: Chandler, AZ |
Mon, 18 Sep 2023 10:21:33 +0000
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This is a moped. 1979 Sears Free Spirit, made by Puch/Kromag. I bought it about 2 years ago. I've owned over a dozen actual pedal mopeds in my life, from several brands. This is what it looked like when I bought it, I have since done a complete teardown and rebuild, and cleaned it up quite a bit, and removed a lot of the junk the previous owner hung all over it. Moped meand MOtor+PEDals.
![]() 1979 Sears Free Spirit moped
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Vespa Sprint Sport S 125cc
Joined: Thu, 28 Jan 2021 23:16:48 +0000
Posts: 278 Location: England |
Mon, 18 Sep 2023 11:14:06 +0000
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What's your definition of a moped state side? In England, ours used to mean motor+pedal = moped, but now under our licensing laws, anything under 50cc that tops out around 30mph is a moped.
So even the 50cc Primavera / Sprint count as "mopeds" over here. Mopeds aren't allowed on our motorways (highways), and can be ridden from 16 years old - whereas 125cc and cars are 17 years+ |
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![]() Triumph Bonneville 2022, Triumph Street Scrambler 2018 (sold), Suzuki VanVan200 (sold), 2015 Sprint 125 (sold)
Joined: Sun, 12 Apr 2015 19:52:24 +0000
Posts: 3037 Location: Finland |
Mon, 18 Sep 2023 11:27:33 +0000
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but, but....is it a motorcycle?
See, term motorcycle comes from 'motor'...kind of obvious part, refers to the engine...but the 'cycle' comes from bicycle, which is a two-wheeled vehicle powered by pedals. I ain't got no pedals in my Triumph ![]() |
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![]() 2021 GTS 300 Super (white), 2021 GTS 300 Super (yellow), 1976 Bianchi Snark, 2002 Bajaj Chetak
Joined: Tue, 13 Sep 2016 17:50:08 +0000
Posts: 713 Location: Powhatan, Virginia |
Mon, 18 Sep 2023 11:35:20 +0000
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JakeM wrote: What's your definition of a moped state side? In England, ours used to mean motor+pedal = moped, but now under our licensing laws, anything under 50cc that tops out around 30mph is a moped Last edited by Mopedlar on Mon, 18 Sep 2023 11:38:43 +0000; edited 2 times |
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Ossessionato
![]() BV400, Primavera 150, Yamaha Zuma 125
Joined: Thu, 06 Jun 2013 13:22:21 +0000
Posts: 4047 Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota |
Mon, 18 Sep 2023 11:37:16 +0000
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Minnesota moped law:
Mopeds are registered and plated as a moped; have a piston displacement of 50cc or less, a maximum of 2 horse power, and a maximum speed of 30 mph on a flat surface. [Some 50cc machines, including Vespa 50cc scooters, don't meet the 2hp requirement and thus are considered motorcycles. This definition says nothing about having pedals or not.] Moped operators are required to have a moped permit, moped operators license, or a valid class D drovers license. Moped operators and passengers under age 18 must wear a helmet. Bicycle helmets meeting ANSI Z90.4-1984 are allowed. Mopeds are not permitted on controlled-access highways. |
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![]() 2021 GTS 300 Super (white), 2021 GTS 300 Super (yellow), 1976 Bianchi Snark, 2002 Bajaj Chetak
Joined: Tue, 13 Sep 2016 17:50:08 +0000
Posts: 713 Location: Powhatan, Virginia |
Mon, 18 Sep 2023 11:55:12 +0000
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Here's an old magazine ad by Vespa that pretty much says it all. I've also attached a pic of my '76 Bianchi Snark moped.
![]() ![]() |
![]() Mon, 18 Sep 2023 13:13:15 +0000
Veni, Vidi, Posti
2007 LX150 2015 GTS (on the bench) 2017 BV 350
Joined: Fri, 14 Sep 2012 00:46:39 +0000
Posts: 11665 Location: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin |
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
![]() 2007 LX150 2015 GTS (on the bench) 2017 BV 350
Joined: Fri, 14 Sep 2012 00:46:39 +0000
Posts: 11665 Location: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin |
Mon, 18 Sep 2023 13:13:15 +0000
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IT LIVES!
Gotta be easier to push than the last time I saw it. I'd say, related it as a moped. It will sell tomorrow. ![]() |
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Ossessionato
![]() BV400, Primavera 150, Yamaha Zuma 125
Joined: Thu, 06 Jun 2013 13:22:21 +0000
Posts: 4047 Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota |
Mon, 18 Sep 2023 13:21:47 +0000
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fledermaus wrote: I'd say, related it as a moped. It will sell tomorrow. ![]() [Minneapolis, MN] BV350 for sale |
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2020 piaggio liberty 150
Joined: Sun, 13 Feb 2022 02:14:49 +0000
Posts: 546 Location: Reno Nevada |
Mon, 18 Sep 2023 13:55:22 +0000
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That's a solid modern deal o' the day price for that bike.
Perfect for someone who wants to try a maxi scoot on a long term test drive. I cannot remember seeing a running not all beat up BV 350 for less. Forty one hundred miles a year is not a lot of miles really, just enough with a good maintenance routine to keep it in top shape. That will move as soon as someone in the area wants one of those and sees it. If you are a tightwad like me you will move it to the motorcycle parts section of craigslist when the listing expires and save 5 bucks a month on listing fees. I really love bikes like this because it gives a low budget enthusiast a chance to try the bike for a long term test drive and when it's time to move on the depreciation had already happened. Might not be a bad idea to try to plant that seed with similar language in the listing? |
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