Originally Posted by BearsPaw
I must admit that I was interested a motorized bicycle for a while. But then I noticed that none of them go very fast. 15 mph top speed? I can go that fast sans motor, without too much effort. What's the point? ...
-That's the electrics, no the gasoline-engine setups.
...OP: If you're going to do this, go all the way and buy a motorcycle/dirtbike (or a Vespa). Honda motorcyles, brand new, go for under $3k and for under $2k you could buy one of their scooters or dirt bikes. And you can easily find a used motorcycle for $5-600.
Do math much?
If the point is to
save money, then buying a motorcycle can be a really silly thing to do.
Most people who buy motorcycles (and even scooters) probably NEVER use them enough to recover their purchase price:
http://www.norcom2000.com/users/dcim...pisode003.html
Originally Posted by HiYoSilver
Re original post. Motorized bikes don't make any sense. Either you want a slow ride with other cyclist or you want a vehicle that will keep up with traffic. It's too dangerous being the odd vehicle that drivers don't have experience with and will be more likely to either right hook or left hook you. FYI: a 500cc motorcycle is too small for safe riding with traffic. 750cc is minimum, but I wouldn't be comfortable on anything less than 1000cc.
In most US states, motorized bicycles (and mopeds) are required to be operated the same as bicycles; the chances of getting hit are not any greater.
As for the bit about "needing a 1000cc motorcycle", I'm not going to even comment on that beyond this->
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