I just bought a scooter. What do I do now?

Question

It's a buddy international 150CC.

I'm told I need a motorcycle license in IL. Will I need different insurance?

What about tips, tricks, safety?

Most importantly, what's the best, easiest way to put an alarm on it. Also, what kind of chain should I get and how should i chain it. There's no room to rope it through the tires and since i cant park it on the sidewalk there's not alot to chain it to. I hear you can also park in between cars without paying for a meter? Can someone give me the 101 run down on everything I should know.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Ride it!

Answer 2

if you just bought a scooter...

*DUH*

ride it!

Answer 3

There are a couple of classes of license in Illinois, and I suspect you need the smaller displacement license.  But it's not any harder to go for the full motorcycle license.  Yes, you need to register and insure any vehicle you use on the road.  

Get a HARDENED chain and PADLOCK, if a solid mounting point is near where you park, attach it to that. If there is no fixed mount near where you wish to park, do the best to prevent it being easily mobile (chain through the wheels if possible anfdthrough the frame.)  Maybe a cable?

Make it look tough to steal so they will go for an easier target.

No, do not park illegally between cars, they need that space to get in/out of the parking spot and may run over your scooter.

For more about scooters, consult an Illinois based web site, 2 Stroke Buzz, this is a Chicago area site and is a top notch place to be.   Another good scooter site is Scooter Scoop, in Austin, Texas. Scooter Quarterly, is a magazine about the latest scooters, and stylish accessories, how to maintain your ride, that sort of info. (also a scooter site.)

Remember to have fun. Illegitimi non Carborundum.  Don't let the Bas****s wear you down.

Answer 4

y wood u need a motorcycle licence for a scooter but dont go by me im not totally informed of all the laws

Answer 5

scoot!

Answer 6

the best alarm to put on it is available at this website, as long as it has a front disc brake it works great,

Answer 7

ride free

Answer 8

ride it! and go on the website of the scooter!

Answer 9

1. get a license

2. get insurance

3. get a helmet

4. ride defensively

scooter rules above 49cc are the same as car and motorcycles when it comes to parking and obeying signs.  in some small communities you can get away with parking in places you would/could not put a car.

Answer 10

yes u will need a motorcycle licence,  bike insurance is inexpensive,   i would not park between cars  but u can use the bicycle racks, does it have a locking streering,

Answer 11

well if you just bought it i wouldnt do anything expect ride it first  nomatter wat  u need. then i would worried wat u need but be sure to ride it first

Answer 12

Sell it, my dad has the same thing, to get extra cash, he bout it for 1,000, selling it for 1,150.

Answer 13

Okay while first for safty buy a helmet and if you have 1 GOOD! Then you should go outside and do some practising and when u get good call up some friends with a scooter and RIDE AROUND!!!!!!!!!

Have fun on your scooter,

Green Skull!

Answer 14

haha. its called a bike honey.oh guess what...

hump it!

Answer 15

You need a "L" class license. Check with the Secretary of State's website, only certain DMV offices offer the motorcycle test. You can get a permit by taking the written test only at more offices, but again, you'll want to check before you go. If you have a permit, you can ride with friends who have "M" or "L" licenses.   Make sure you read the SOS's motorcycle manual, the written test asks for specifics like where to ride in the lane, and where the clutch and shifter are on a motorcycle.

You will need insurance specifically for the scooter. It's relatively cheap compared to a car (100-200/ year). And when you take the riding test, the DMV will ask to see proof of insurance.

Of course, the best advice anyone can give you is to take a riding course. The secretary of state offers free courses, and other agencies like Ride Chicago and Chicago Harley have classes you can pay to take, where you'll get your license at the conclusion of the course.

I don't know much about alarms, you can get some thick cable locks at Chicago Cycle, or online at most big cycle places (Dennis Kirk, MotorcycleSuperstore, Bikebandit).

You'll need thick skin, you'll get a lot of "g*y" comments from people who only put five miles a week on their bikes riding to the bar, or better yet, don't even own a bike.

Answer 16

That is a good ride, wear a helmet  and if  possible you should take MSF. Also due to its size you probably need a m endorsement in that state. You might be able to  add it to your dads insurance but you must have insurance. This all sounds like a lot but it is worth it and you have never had a bike before. You should learn to do some of the work your self if for no other reason than to  keep from getting cheated. Make sure you take it in for the first check up that way your dealer can let you  know if you have any problems. Have fun and be careful.

Answer 17

Yes, you need insurance. I went on progressive.com and bought a policy for $75/year (PA). Also in PA, i had to get a motorcycle permit. It is good for a year, then you must get your license or renew it. With a permit, you can ride dusk to dawn, you may not take any passengers, and you must wear a helmet.

I have a 150cc also. You ride it just like a motorcycle. You want to be seen by other motorists. Be especially careful at intersections when another car is turning left. This scares me more than anything. I'm finding that you've got to be a little bit defensive on these things. I enrolled in a motorcycle safety class.

I think you can get locks for scooters; try an online search. I am not sure about parking where there's meters, as I don't have to worry about that. You'd have to contact your dmv for that one.

Answer 18

OK DUDE THIS IS HARD FOR ME BUT REALLY, ALL THE THINGS YOU'RE ASKING ARE SOME CRAZY THINGS. YES YOU HAVE TO GET CYCLE INSURANCE...SAFETY--WEAR A HELMET AND SAFETY GLASSES. NO TIPS, NO TRICKS PLEASE. GO TO WAL MART AND PURCHASE A BICYCLE LOCK AND LOCK IT THROUGH THE FORK AND RIM SO THE WHEEL WILL NOT TURN. YOU CAN PARK BETWEEN CARS BUT THEY MIGHT HIT YOUR SCOOTER, MORE THAN LIKELY AND YOU CAN GET FINED IN SOME PARTS OF THE COUNTRY, BUT THERE'S ALWAYS AN ALTERNATIVE: GET A GSXR.

Answer 19

on mine i can chain the back tire....like on a pedal bike the front is easy to take off....you can chain it by the brake pads, suspention, handlebars,drivetrain etc...depending on the bike....a picture would help as i can't  actually picture that model of moped.  150cc is the point when it becomes a motercycle, rather than a moped , in europe anyway....you can park between cars but you could get a ticket for 'impeeding other parked cars' (depends on the officer) an alarm would be the job of a mechanic or as part of the price from the dealership. but they do little on mopeds, i personally do without,

tips and tricks??

well it's just like a car except slower and you can skip lights by getting off and walking it around the corner. oh and you save on petrol.

safety?

wear a helmet...and leathers if its fast... and never let anyone ride *****....tell them to walk or get a bus....it's more dangerous than you'd think....

Answer 20

If you park it between two cars, and the meters run out. You may end up, with two tickets, unless you talk with the local police first.

Answer 21

caution!! a motorcycle written test is totally different from a car test you must study. insurance you better check with your insurance man. there are so many things different rules you need to know. do not under any circumstances try to by pass parking laws! pertaining to safety........the main thing is remember to most car drivers you are invisible....because they are idiots....i've ridden a motorcycle for many years and you can never relax your guard. be safe!!

Answer 22

Yes, you will need a license and insurance.  The best thing to do would be call the IL Motor Vehicle and License facility to ask them more about this.  I would probably get a chain for it too but dont leave it on a sidewalk.  Good luck and do wear a helmet.  When you go down, your head will most likely be the first thing to hit the pavement!  Play safe!

Answer 23

ride it. start jump stairs. or do a shove it or a tail whip..

Answer 24

I'm jealous of your scooter.  Tell me you got the Italia.  That thing kicks ***.  Did you buy it in Chicago?  My advice... learn to do the maintenance yourself.  You'd be surprised how much the shop'll charge you for an oil change.  Wear a helmet, in Chicago to protect you from other cars; in rural illinois to protect you from cicadas hitting your face at 60 miles an hour.  GL

Edit:  You do need a Motorcycle license for anything over 149cc.  Anything under is Class L.  And you should get some insurance.  It's very cheap.

Answer 25

You will need to have it registered... get a plate and your motorcycle license.  When you get it registered, you'll need proof of insurance.  Insurance on my scooter was only 140 for the whole year.  You could get the lock and chain, they also have brake caliper locks that you could look into.  As far as safety, ride as if you were invisible... as if nobody can see you, cause chances are, the cant see you.

http://www.scootforum.com

Register today for great scooter resources such as downloadable owners and repair manuals, tips, and tutorials!

Answer 26

You bought a scooter and didn't do your homework before your purchase?

Good luck.

Answer 27

Toph -

I'm waiting for my Genuine Buddy International 150cc St. Tropez

I sent you two emails - Part 1 and Part 2 - to answer your questions and ask a new one.

Good Luck with your new Genuine Buddy International!