Hey guys,

Well I've always wanted a motorcycle but didn't want to pay for insurance and buying a bike since I can't afford it on a car and a motorcycle.

In the past I looked at mopeds and I think it would be a fun toy since the weather is going to be getting better soon too.

I found a Tomos Moped with helmet for 500 bucks with about 2700 miles on it. The guy says it tops out at 35mph and runs good. He also said he had it checked out at a shop and they adjusted the throttle or something and made sure everything was alrigh (100$ checkup). It's a kid in high school who rode it before he got a car.

I have a car and was thinking of picking it up as a toy. Also, I could ride it as the weather gets better to school since its 3-4 miles from me (George Mason)

Plus parking for motorcycles/scooters is free AND much closer to the campus than car parking. I also figured it would be a nice first step before getting an actual motorcycle (after I finish school and can afford it)

The problem is I know close to nothing about these and need some advice on what to look out for when I go see it. I believe its kick start and its only a few years old. I think he bought it brand new for around 1500$ which sounds right to me cause a cousin of mine bought one a few years back for around that price too. I just know its a 2 stroke and mixes 2 stroke oil and gas in separate tanks.

Thanks for any info! I hope this is the right place to post this. My first time in the ramblings...

 

You know what they say about mopeds, right?

 

 

I think mopeds are pretty cool. I can't give you any advice about them, other than just check the overall shape when you inspect it. Make sure everything runs properly. Check for damage, and look carefully for shoddy repairs. Make sure fasteners are tight and the bolts not rounded, as well as chain/sprocket wear and tire pressures. In other words: look for anything that may be an indication of poor service and repair.

And don't forget to test ride it! If the owner refuses, then walk away.

 

Thanks for the info.

For me it would be just a toy. And maybe a way to get used to riding on two wheels. lol

Hopefully I can negotiate on the price to leave myself a small buffer in case I need to do some unexpected repairs.

 

I don't think he knows what they say......

 

I've been riding motorcycles of some sort for almost four decades, and mopeds have always intrigued me.

If you can ride a bicycle, then I don't think you'll have to get used to riding on two wheels.

Yeah, offer a respectful amount, but lower than asking. Have cash ready, and hopefully you can make a deal if it looks good.

 

(I don't really care what they say)

Thanks Teranfon. It's automatic apparently so I won't necessarily have to deal with shifting like on a motorcycle. Anywho 500$ isnt that big of a deal. Its probably worth that in parts worst case.

 

Should have gotten a Vespa

 

My advice on picking up mopeds: Lift with your legs and not with your back.

 

This brings me back to grade school...

 

Five years wasn't that long ago, was it?

 

 

Pretty common mode of transport around here in Portland, even with the rain. The only advice I have is avoid the 2 stroke because it is such a pain in the ass. Good luck.

PS: Stay off the highway

 

Yup.

The roads I take are all 45MPH or less so it is legal here in Virginia. Just need turn signals and a helmet I think and you're good.

I believe anything bigger than this would require a license, tags, registration, insurance, blah blah. Makes it no fun and not worth it.

 

NICE I love mopeds. I lived in Europe most of my life and that is the greatest way to get around big cities. I actually have a Vespa back there for when I go back. And thinking of getting a Peugeot Speedfight 2 next summer

 

that TOMOS is one of the better ones out there, if not one of the best. Very reliable, mixes it's own gas and there are plenty of dealers with spare parts. I have been shopping around for one too and that is the exact same model I am thinking of buying. Good move, you will love it! This is the one I'm looking at, although I don't like the white color: http://baltimore.craigslist.org/mcy/2857121371.html

 

Make sure it has ESP.

 

Nice!

I just picked it up an hour ago.

I rode it around and it seemed good. It wasn't in as good condition as i was hoping but thats not a big deal. I got it for 450$. Just a little rust on the exhaust and the helmet was missing the face cover but oh well. Maybe I'll do a DIY paint job or something to get it looking better and clean it up a little as the weather gets better in the coming weeks. I do have Spring Break next week so that should be nice.

It had a little less power than I was hoping for. I got it up to 30mph and it felt like it could go more, but needed some distance to get to 45-45MPH. Any idea what the lifespan of these are? I'm already looking at parts and exhausts and stuff. Some "biturbo" promise higher top speed and stuff, but thats ebay BS. I guess I'll have to find a moped forum, huh? God, just what i needed...another modding money pit!

 

Congrats!

Post some pics when you can.

 

45-45 sounds fast!

 

Awesome, congrats. Welcome to the 2-wheeled world! Once you get comfy on your moped, go take the MSF safety course and pickup a nice Ninja or CBR 250!!

Also, be sure to check out our "Official Motorcycle/Scooter" thread. A moped classifies as as scooter of sorts in my book! Here's the link for that: https://acurazine.com/forums/car-talk-5/official-motorcycles-scooters-thread-719775/

 

Congrats

I've never owned a scooter or a moped but I'm guessing their little 2-strokes are good for alot a decade or so of daily use.


My favorite scooter commercial, not as good as "dumb and dumber" but I like it.

 

I had a moped in college, it was very convenient. Just make sure it looks/runs/drives good.

I had mine for 5 years and I never even changed the oil in it. It was a 1976 Suzuki Shuttle. I was just waiting for it to die and it never did, still sold it for $375 when I was done with it.