Are 50cc or 125cc scooters built to withstand long-distance travel?

by Keith
(New Hampshire)

Hi... I will start with saying that I know NOTHING about scooters. I have two general questions to support a specific need.

I am planning an extended trip this summer to Europe where I plan on traveling up to 10,000 miles across the continent on a scooter (but only averaging about 100 miles per day).

I plan to travel mostly coastal routes, so I will be avoiding the major mountain ranges. I would prefer to use a 250cc+ scooter but will most likely be limited to a 125cc or possibly even a 50cc scooter (50cc = restricted to 28mph).

I don't mind going slow, so speed is not the issue... distance is the issue. Sorry for the long story... here are my general questions:

1) Besides routine maintenance, are modern day scooters designed with the quality and reliability to endure this type of long-distance travel?

2) Is a trip like this even possible on a 50cc scooter? (again ? I don't care about speed)

Thanks... Keith

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Are 50cc or 125cc scooters built to withstand long-distance travel?

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Oct 07, 2011
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Trip Photos
by: Keith

Thanks Jose, I'm a believer now. I went with a 125cc Piaggio (actually ended in Portugal and sold it at the campground) and did over 7000KM. My trip report and photos are here: http://www.moto-maps.com/featured_rides/europe_at_37mph/europe_at_37mph.html

This year, I bought a 125cc Yamaha Majesty in Warsaw and took it to Istanbul, Turkey - then Italy, France and Germany (photos soon, I hope)

regards, Keith

Oct 07, 2011
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Yes!
by: TodayAdventure

Answer to both questions is a simple YES! Pick a good quality scooter, keep it well maintained and it will bring you to wherever you want.

I'm from Portugal and I have a 50cc 3.8 horse power scooter and have made three summer trips. Asturias (Spain), Morocco and Scotland. ZERO problems. I still use the scooter every day. It has 22.000 kms on the clock. Other long distance trips are planned. Check the videos: http://todayadventure.blogspot.com/

José.

Jan 03, 2011
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50cc
by: Anonymous

I have 50cc Yamaha Bws and have ridden that from Nottingham to Skegness (160 miles round trip) and Nottingham to Hull that was 200 mile round trip and enjoyed the journey alot and the bike is fantastic.

Sep 27, 2010
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Love to Hear All About It
by: Kathi

Hi Keith... Great to hear about your successful trip and new love of scooters! We'd love to see your pictures and hear all about it.

I suggest you post it on our scooter stories page here:

http://www.motor-scooters-guide.com/motor-scooter-stories.html

You can add up to 4 pictures there... it's something, anyway.

Have fun!

Sep 26, 2010
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Over 4500 miles
by: Keith

Hi everyone!

Recently returned after 2 months on the Piaggio Hexagon 125cc. Went from the Baltic Sea to Morocco Africa... and a lot of places in between. Only spare part was a spark plug which I changed in Barcelona.

I'm turning into a huge scooter fan - bought a Piaggio Fly 150 when I got back - and I'm riding it more than my motorcycle!

I'd post pictures here, if I know how.

Regards, Keith

Sep 26, 2010
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Scooter Long Ditance Ride
by: Bikemonkies

If travel is in a normal speed which does not give the scoot long period of high rev, Yes, even a 50cc scoot can withstand a long distance journey...

A friend of mine did it with a Yamaha Vino 50cc scooter riding 1500+ km across the Borneo in 40 hours non-stop.....

Aug 01, 2010
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Korea
by: Anonymous

I paid $400 for a Guerilla 50cc scooter. Its Chinese, I think. I ride it about 30k a day, no problems. I'm taking it up the east coast of South Korea about 200 miles (400 round trip), starting this morning.

It goes about 40mph, and since it's a coastal cruise, and I'm on vacation, I'm not in a hurry. I'm confident it will make the journey with no problems! I'll let you know how it goes, but these 50cc scooters run forever. Check it out...

www.gmpryb.blogspot.com

Jun 29, 2010
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Thanks
by: Keith

Hi Folks,

Thanks for your help and suggestions. I ended up finding a used, 2000 Piaggio Hexagon 125cc 2-stroke at a good price. I'm in the Czech Republik now (purchased in Germany) and have about 1400km on the clock with this trip. Thing runs great and is solid up to 100kph fully loaded with me and all my gear.

Jun 05, 2010
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Different Bag
by: Jim Zeiser

In Europe you will encounter a different selection of scooters to choose from than here. I would imagine that given the choices available you would find suspensions that would be more comfortable for all day riding. There are more Italian made scooters, I've heard French brands can be had and, obviously, Japanese scooters are available. Since scooters are more popular there you could probably pick up a used one easily that has been well taken care of.

Jun 04, 2010
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Buddy 125 owner says
by: Anonymous

I have heard the Buddy is a little hard on the butt. There,I said it. For long rides. I own a 125 cc Buddy and I haven't tested others, but I have heard suspension is not that good given the small tires, hard suspension. nevertheless, people ride... Your choice. I don't know about other scooters.

Jun 04, 2010
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Yes
by: Anonymous

The right brand the answer is yes.
Honda is the best.
I have ridden my Reflex 300 miles a day for eight days stright and most of the time 70 mph.

Jun 04, 2010
Rating

Perhaps...
by: Kathi

Hi Keith... Great question! I'll take a stab at answering this, but if there are any 50cc owners reading, please chime in...

I drive a 125cc Genuine Buddy scooter, and though I haven't done any long distances on it yet, there was a lady who was doing a cross country US tour the year I bought mine... on a Genuine Buddy just like mine. She drove thousands of miles on it, apparently happy.

Personally, I think it might get tiring to be on a scooter all day long, day after day, but I could be wrong.

What do others think about this?

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Are 50cc or 125cc scooters built to withstand long-distance travel?