history
When I moved into the campervan in 2018 I sold my Honda NC700x and hitch carrier, and gave away the riding gear and Chinese 50cc and 150cc scooters. I plan on getting something simple and light to carry on the reciever hitch.
present use case
- bopping down forest roads and the like, scouting boondocking spots
- low speed pleasure riding. No desire to treat it like a dirtbike.
- milk runs to the nearest town
criteria
- light weight, small engine
- EFI preferred, as I will be everywhere from 0ft ASL to 11,000ft ASL. I suppose I could carry a couple carbs set up for lower and higher altitudes
- ability to hold 55mph for short jaunts
- electric start and kickstart preferred
- prefer biggers wheels (>12”) to handle dirt roads and rough streets
- non-origami riding position for 34” inseam
- non-spoked wheels preferred
- ~32” seat height preferred
- sidestand and centerstand preferred
- rear disc preferred for ease of maintenance
Scooters would have an advantage in grocery-getting and lower CoG for loading up the carrier ramp. Bikes would have the advantage of another contact point (knees on tank) and potentially bigger wheels.
contenders
In the real world I have limited resources and want something very light. From what I want most to least:
| Make | Model | Seat Height | Weight | fueling | Wheels | MPH | Transmission | starter | MSRP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda | CT125 | 31.5” | 259lbs | EFI | 17” spoked | 53mph | 4spd semi-auto | electric + kick | $3,899 | Don’t need ABS |
| Lifan | kpm200 | 30.7”” | 333lbs | EFI | 17” | 75mph | 6spd manual | electric | $2,999 | |
| Lance (SYM) | Cabo 200i | 31” | 240lbs | EFI | 12” | 65mph | CVT | electric | $2,999 | loved it in person |
| Yamaha | Zuma 125 | 30.7” | 282lbs | EFI | 12” | 60mph | CVT | electric + kick | $3,699 | Favorite scooter in person. Parts cheaper than Lance! |
| RPS | Hawk 250dlx | 34” | 278lbs | EFI | 21/18 spoked | 68mph | 5spd manual | electric + kick | $1,999 | |
| Lifan | X-Pect | 32.7” | 286lbs | EFI | 19/17 spoked | 63mph | 5spd manual | electric + kick | $2,299 | |
| Kymco | K-Pipe 125 | 31” | 264lbs | carb | 17” | 50mph | 4spd semi-auto + clutch | electric + kick | $2,249 | minimal goodness, but underpowered even in this segment |
| RPS | Hawk 250 | 34” | 278lbs | carb | 21/18 spoked | 60mph | 5spd manual | electric + kick | $1,477 | |
| Genuine | Hooligan 170i | 30.75” | 278lbs | EFI | 12” | 65mph | CVT | electric | $3,399 | niotes |
| Suzuki | DR200 | 31.9” | 249lbs | carb | 17/18” spoked | 60mph | 5spd manual | electric | $4,199 | weird ergos |
| Kawasaki | Z125 | 31.7” | 225lbs | EFI | 12” wheels | 58mph | 4spd manual | starter | $3,399 | fits me better than the Grom in person |
| Honda | Grom | 30” | 231lbs | EFI | 12” | 58mph | 4spd | electric | $3,499 | knee interference in person |
| SSR | Razkull | 29.5” | 225lbs | carb | 12” | mph | 4spd manual | electric + kick | $1,999 | seat too low |
The most practical for my budget and uses would probably be the Hawk 250DLX or Lance Cabo. Maybe a K-Pipe with a 138cc jug. Or a used Zuma with a slightly-oversized jug.