I did not want to ruin the person that has the 2 Honda Metro's for sale thread so thought I'd start my own.
I have thought about buying one and leaving it at the Watersound house, yes I pretty much walk everywhere there, but at times would like another mode of transportation to get around. Would probably drive it on 30A....off season only!
SJ, I love the Honda Metro pic you posted that is too cute! I looked online at the Honda website and could get one with a windshield and trunk attachment for a little over $2,000.00. BTW, it gets 100 mpg's! Anyone had one of these?
I have always wanted a Vespa, but not sure about repairs and such. Anyone have any experience? Is there a local place to buy in the panhandle? There is one here in Birmingham, but those things run anywhere from $4,500.00 up and only get 60-70 mpg.
Replies
42
Beach Fanatic
Anything that Honda makes will last. I have friend that has a honda scooter and loves it.
As to Vespa, I know they have their fans, but I think they are over priced and expensive to repair and many buy them for the name.
As stated, also, their gas mileage is not as good as Honda.
As to Vespa, I know they have their fans, but I think they are over priced and expensive to repair and many buy them for the name.
As stated, also, their gas mileage is not as good as Honda.
Edited
Moderator
Vespas are fine, but you might be hard pressed to find a place that will repair it down here. There is a Honda dealership in Ft Walton that has been here as long as I can remember. Hondas last forever, and at least you know you can have it fixed down here...
BTW...the little Metro scooter would be great on 30A. Regarless of the size, though, just remember to be vigilant!
BTW...the little Metro scooter would be great on 30A. Regarless of the size, though, just remember to be vigilant!
SoWal Expert
I know a few happy owners of the Honda Metro scooters. If I were looking to purchase an inexpensive scooter (and I have no reason to spend $5,000+ for a scooter), my choice would be the Honda Metro. I've owned a few Hondas and currently have a Honda motorcycle. They are extremely reliable, and Honda stands behind its products.
The Honda motorcycle store in PC closed last year. I think they closed the business rather than relocating, but I could be wrong. That closing, would make the Ft Walton Honda motorcycle dealership the closest around. I mentioned, inexpensive scooters in the paragraph above. The nice Vespas are pricey, and repairs if needed are expensive. Vespa has been around for a long time.
For repairs, the parts/service manager at Distinctive Cycles, located in Freeport on 331, used to manage a Honda service center, and they can repair most Hondas, even though they don't sell them. Distinctive Cycles also sells Vespa, Piaggio, and Aprilla brands. Aprilla makes some really nice sport bikes, and they are also in the scooter biz. I like the Vespas, but I think the Aprillas are better buys.
Aprilla 2008 Scarabeo 200
If I were you, I'd drive up to Freeport and talk to those guys at Distinctive Cylces and as Fonzy says, "Sit on it," and see how it fits. You might also ask if they have any riding classes. Sounds silly, I know, but taking riding classes will make you safer. Note, Distinctive Cycles is closed on Sunday and Monday every week.
The Honda motorcycle store in PC closed last year. I think they closed the business rather than relocating, but I could be wrong. That closing, would make the Ft Walton Honda motorcycle dealership the closest around. I mentioned, inexpensive scooters in the paragraph above. The nice Vespas are pricey, and repairs if needed are expensive. Vespa has been around for a long time.
For repairs, the parts/service manager at Distinctive Cycles, located in Freeport on 331, used to manage a Honda service center, and they can repair most Hondas, even though they don't sell them. Distinctive Cycles also sells Vespa, Piaggio, and Aprilla brands. Aprilla makes some really nice sport bikes, and they are also in the scooter biz. I like the Vespas, but I think the Aprillas are better buys.
Aprilla 2008 Scarabeo 200
If I were you, I'd drive up to Freeport and talk to those guys at Distinctive Cylces and as Fonzy says, "Sit on it," and see how it fits. You might also ask if they have any riding classes. Sounds silly, I know, but taking riding classes will make you safer. Note, Distinctive Cycles is closed on Sunday and Monday every week.
SoWal InsiderAuthor
Vespas are fine, but you might be hard pressed to find a place that will repair it down here. There is a Honda dealership in Ft Walton that has been here as long as I can remember. Hondas last forever, and at least you know you can have it fixed down here...
BTW...the little Metro scooter would be great on 30A. Regarless of the size, though, just remember to be vigilant!
Like I said....I would only ride on 30a after season. I get scared in my big ole' car on 30a during season now. I'm thinking (depending on what year) those two scooters for sale are a good deal. I built my own on the Honda site and it would be a little over $2,000.00 for the '07. I could buy those two for $3,000.00. I need a pair anyway.
SoWal InsiderAuthor
I know a few happy owners of the Honda Metro scooters. If I were looking to purchase an inexpensive scooter (and I have no reason to spend $5,000+ for a scooter), my choice would be the Honda Metro. I've owned a few Hondas and currently have a Honda motorcycle. They are extremely reliable, and Honda stands behind its products.
The Honda motorcycle store in PC closed last year. I think they closed the business rather than relocating, but I could be wrong. That closing, would make the Ft Walton Honda motorcycle dealership the closest around. I mentioned, inexpensive scooters in the paragraph above. The nice Vespas are pricey, and repairs if needed are expensive. Vespa has been around for a long time.
For repairs, the parts/service manager at Distinctive Cycles, located in Freeport on 331, used to manage a Honda service center, and they can repair most Hondas, even though they don't sell them. Distinctive Cycles also sells Vespa, Piaggio, and Aprilla brands. Aprilla makes some really nice sport bikes, and they are also in the scooter biz. I like the Vespas, but I think the Aprillas are better buys.
Aprilla 2008 Scarabeo 200
If I were you, I'd drive up to Freeport and talk to those guys at Distinctive Cylces and as Fonzy says, "Sit on it," and see how it fits. You might also ask if they have any riding classes. Sounds silly, I know, but taking riding classes will make you safer. Note, Distinctive Cycles is closed on Sunday and Monday every week.
Thanks SJ, I may just head up there next weekend. I grew up on motorcycles and had my very own when I was young. My brother and Dad still have big bikes. I would probably want a refresher course anyway since I have not been on a scooter but a couple of times.
100 mpgs! Does gas go bad?
SoWal Expert
yes, gas can go bad. Use it or lose it. The good news is that the gas tanks are rather small, so you shouldn't have wrotting fuel.
SoWal InsiderAuthor
yes, gas can go bad. Use it or lose it. The good news is that the gas tanks are rather small, so you shouldn't have wrotting fuel.
1.32 gallon tank. Man, that would be cheap to fill up. Ok all you math wizards, if I filled up and it goes 100 mpgs, how many trips could I make up and down 30a? Would I ever have to drain it? When do you know it is getting old?
Edited
SoWal Expert
it should be okay for up to a year. Just burn it before letting it rot.
SoWal Expert
I think a scooter is a great idea! Would definitely help the gas/traffic issues if we traded in the gas guzzlers for a cute lil' scooter!
I assume this will be a pink scooter right?
I assume this will be a pink scooter right?
Admin
I will make sure they get ridden enough. :wink:
SoWal InsiderAuthor
I think a scooter is a great idea! Would definitely help the gas/traffic issues if we traded in the gas guzzlers for a cute lil' scooter!
I assume this will be a pink scooter right?
Of course, I would have to find someone that could paint it if I did not get the one SJ posted in the two metro's for sale thread, the '07 comes in the pink hibiscus paint job.
We had talked about a golf cart for keeping at the Watersound house, but I like the little scooters, they would be funn, then I could take it on 30a. You need to buy one scooterbug and we could start a sowal scooter club!
SoWal InsiderAuthor
I will make sure they get ridden enough. :wink:
Alright! I could give you a spare key so the gas won't go bad, just make sure it is there on the weekends.
Moderator
Alright! I could give you a spare key so the gas won't go bad, just make sure it is there on the weekends.
The good news about the gas thing, though, is they don't put 2 cycle engines on anything, anymore, because of pollution. That gets you out of having to mix gas and oil. That has only taken effect in the past year to two years. Check to see if the ones for sale have two or four cycle engines. If they are two cycle versions, I would pass on them and spend the money for one new one instead...
SoWal Expert
Now that I saw the pic of the one w/ blue hibiscus flowers I REALLY want one!
Not very practical for me though, since I haven't even hit 70K miles on my car that gets 30+ mpg and most of my errands on 30-A are done by bike unless I need to haul stuff.
Where can we test drive one?
Not very practical for me though, since I haven't even hit 70K miles on my car that gets 30+ mpg and most of my errands on 30-A are done by bike unless I need to haul stuff.
Where can we test drive one?
Beach Fanatic
Vespa!
louis seat and storage.;-)
louis seat and storage.;-)
Edited
SoWal Insider
Just make sure you get a comfy seat. I rode mine last weekend and my bum still hurts. Well, MANgo calls it the taint. Itain't the butt really, but that bone. 
Beach Fanatic
Well, MANgo calls it the taint. Itain't the butt really, but that bone.
Edited
hmmmm......can't remember
Mine has a comfy seat and is also for sale...
If you need 2, my cousin has one he'll sell you that's just like it. Both of us loved our scooters, but we've both had circumstances change that make them unnecessary.
125cc engine, storage (big enough for full-sized helmet) under a VERY comfortable seat, 80 mpg, 2 years old, $1500.
If you need 2, my cousin has one he'll sell you that's just like it. Both of us loved our scooters, but we've both had circumstances change that make them unnecessary.
125cc engine, storage (big enough for full-sized helmet) under a VERY comfortable seat, 80 mpg, 2 years old, $1500.
Moderator
If you're gonna go scooter, go big!
One thing to keep in mind, though. 50cc's is the magic number in most states (GA for sure) for engine size. Go over that, and you have to get a motorcycle license despite the fact that it's technically a scooter. Some models have bigger engines than my '82 Honda GL500 and are highway compatable...
One thing to keep in mind, though. 50cc's is the magic number in most states (GA for sure) for engine size. Go over that, and you have to get a motorcycle license despite the fact that it's technically a scooter. Some models have bigger engines than my '82 Honda GL500 and are highway compatable...
hmmmm......can't remember
If you're gonna go scooter, go big!
One thing to keep in mind, though. 50cc's is the magic number in most states (GA for sure) for engine size. Go over that, and you have to get a motorcycle license despite the fact that it's technically a scooter. Some models have bigger engines than my '82 Honda GL500 and are highway compatable...
That's a tricycle...
You're right--some have HUGE engines now! I wouldn't get one less than 125ccs because if I'm gonna have a motor I want to be able to get out of the way of someone with a bigger engine. Really loved the 125cc size, and it was easy to take the road test on it.
picky
Mine has a comfy seat and is also for sale...
If you need 2, my cousin has one he'll sell you that's just like it. Both of us loved our scooters, but we've both had circumstances change that make them unnecessary.
125cc engine, storage (big enough for full-sized helmet) under a VERY comfortable seat, 80 mpg, 2 years old, $1500.
That's what I had when I was a freshman in college! I taught all the gulls in the dorm how to drive it. I had this bright orange helmet you could see a mile away.
Moderator
Here ya go, BB...
If more wheels make you feel better, go in for a new Can-Am Spyder. They make leathers for women in pink. I think it would be hot!
If more wheels make you feel better, go in for a new Can-Am Spyder. They make leathers for women in pink. I think it would be hot!
SoWal Insider
Just make sure you get a comfy seat. I rode mine last weekend and my bum still hurts. Well, MANgo calls it the taint. Itain't the butt really, but that bone.
needs to get out more
scooter
i use a metro in telluride. it rocks. small, easy to ride. and i don't need a backstage vehicle pass. just hold up my wristband(backstage in telluride is extememly small and tight) and in i go. a good amount of storage under the seat, and you can a basket for behind the fairing.
i use a metro in telluride. it rocks. small, easy to ride. and i don't need a backstage vehicle pass. just hold up my wristband(backstage in telluride is extememly small and tight) and in i go. a good amount of storage under the seat, and you can a basket for behind the fairing.
Beach Fanatic
I can so see BB, having one of these 
in pink of course. 
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