Scooter/Motorbike recommendations for a novice

[ibbz]

I far as I am aware, there is still a speed restriction on mopeds(different than scooters or motorcycles), regardless of engine used. If you were not bothered by consequences you could put bigger engine in and not declare it, it would still be a 50cc on the log book, it is not checked on mot's, so unless you had a whopping V4 sticking out the sides the tester will not notice.

Do you have moped entitlement on you license?

Yes I have had my licence since 1992 - I used to ride a Honda Cub90 years ago and abroad I ride a motorcycle but here no motorcycle licence so only a 125 with a CBT or a Moped 50cc

 

[ibbz]

Also, this is a motorcyle, you can only ride mopeds on the licence, defined by @Markybeau post with power/speed limits above, and it also needs to be a step through design with foot boards.

I thought it was based on power and cc and 50cc motorcycles are classed as Mopeds - I’m sure I read it recently but I may be mistaken

 

[mk one]

I thought it was based on power and cc and 50cc motorcycles are classed as Mopeds - I’m sure I read it recently but I may be mistaken

Yes, @Markybeau explained it a few posts up, I'm just out of date a bit

 

[Markybeau]

I thought it was based on power and cc and 50cc motorcycles are classed as Mopeds - I’m sure I read it recently but I may be mistaken

It used to be the case, and technically still is, but to incorporate electric bikes the rules define 25 - 45kmh speed range. Check gov.uk and you'll find it all goes a bit grey after that.

Your biggest problem these days is searching online turns up so many 'bloke down the pub says' it's difficult to get the facts you need. A Brave New World no less: so much information and most of it useless.

 

[Ronan1001]

They're a lot better than when this post first landed, but still not to Japanese build quality. That said most of the big 4 have satellite factories churning out their small capacity bikes in countries like Thailand, India and Indonesia. Or they badge engineer Chinese built bikes. As the build quality of Chinese bikes has steadily improved, the quality of Japanese manufacturers has steadily declined, to the point where it now depends more on how well you look after it as to how long it will last. Brands like Sym and Sinnis are turning out some fairly decent bikes.

50cc 4 stroke putting out 3.2kw / 4.3hp, that weighs 121kg, doing 45mph is possible but unlikely mate. Derestricting a 4 stroke engine with such little power in the first place won't give you any significant gain: not like a 2 stroke. It's fairly straightforward to remove the bridle / restrictor if you do a search for it, but there is no credible evidence of the advantages gained, other than anecdotal claims of 70kmh (42.5mph ish).

It might be an indicated 45mph downhill, but it's unlikely to be real speed, and certainly not with two of you on it. Added to which you will significantly shorten the life of that little engine.

Oh and if you got caught you'd be in a fair bit of bother. If you're riding a 50cc made under 3dld rules (01/14 i think) it has to top out at 28mph.

I agree about the declining quality of Japanese products. But now there seems to be a point where Chinese quality has lost a lot in quality, doesn't it?