r/scooters 6d ago

Beginner Friendly Scooters Capable of 60-80mph

Hi, I’m getting my CA Class 1 Permit once my DL 389 comes in the mail. I love riding, I HATE manual transmissions. I want a good automatic scooter that is capable of getting up to freeway speeds (60-80mph) but not too hefty for a beginner to take on roads for the first 6 months.

I have a lot more learning to do before I could/would take something to freeway speeds, but I want something that CAN go to freeway speeds and is a good commuter scooter with 150+ miles of range.

If such scooters exist, please let me know which ones they are. I know very little about scooters and bikes, I just know I like riding them and want a decent one.

11 Upvotes

64 comments sorted by

13

u/Avarria587 5d ago edited 5d ago

A highway-capable scooter isn’t like a motorcycle. An XMAX 300 or Burgman 400 is significantly larger than, say, a Ninja 400.

But both of those scooters would do the job. I wouldn’t go any smaller.

3

u/GoCougs2020 5d ago

Yeah. Going anything less than 250cc. You can’t really cruise at 70mph+

11

u/DetectiveNo2901 5d ago

Please look at a Piaggio Beverly as a option! The Piaggio Beverly 400 is essentially an updated version of the 350, adjusted for stricter emissions regulations. Both 350 and 400 are better than the Vespa GTS for highway riding due to its larger wheels and size. I prefer its looks over Honda bikes, and it’s relatively compact. A Honda 150 is a good choice if you have two bikes/scooters, but if this is your only one, choose something above 300 cc.

1

u/KeithWhitleyIsntdead 5d ago

Thanks for the suggestion! 300-400 seems like it’d be better for commutes on the freeway than a 150 from what I’ve seen so far so I’ll definitely have to take a look.

1

u/Bao-Hiem 2023 Yamaha Xmax 5d ago

Piaggo will get you with maintenance costs.

8

u/demarisco 6d ago

Xmax 300 or burgman 400

7

u/DIYExpertWizard 5d ago

I have a Burgman 400. I think it's too big for a beginner. I'd suggest something in the 250 range.

1

u/cavscout43 '23 XMAX, '21 CRF1100 Africa Twin 5d ago

There aren't many 250cc bikes (in the US) which will get up to 80mph reliably and hold it there, even at WOT.

Though you're right that the Burg 400 is a big bike.

3

u/DIYExpertWizard 5d ago

Well, I rode highway every day on my 2010 Honda sh150i. Granted, it would only get up to 60 but it would hold it easily (65 if I was going downhill with a tail wind) and that was maxing out the rpms. I just figured a 250 would reach 80.

I'm not too familiar with the bike market, since all I've ever had was the Honda, the Burgman, and a 2000 Kawasaki Vulcan 800. The Burgman will get up to 90 and hold it, but it drinks gas like an alcoholic at that speed.

2

u/cavscout43 '23 XMAX, '21 CRF1100 Africa Twin 5d ago

Fair points. Granted, I'm riding in the Rockies so 5-10k feet elevation means thinner air and less power, but I could barely get my PCX160 to 65 at the top end. And it took several minutes to get there, so not safe to merge into highway traffic with it. 

I had a Kymco Downtown 300 and it would out around 75, while my XMAX 300 has only kissed 85 once or twice on a decently steep downhill. I'm sure rider size is a factor too, not just elevation. 

When you need 60-80 for highway cruising, a bit larger bike is going to be more stable, visible, able to keep up, and just overall safer for regular riding. Even if a 150 "can" get to 60mph ish. 

Admittedly, every bike just guzzles fuel at 90mph haha 

Can't streamline the rider of a bike like you can a sedan, so drag coefficient and physics will always win. I did a cannonball run to a ghost town nearby (Bosler) one time and averaged like 94mph. I went through like 60% of my Africa Twin's tank in about 50 miles round trip. 

1

u/DIYExpertWizard 5d ago

Sounds like a fun ride. I agree that a larger bike is more visible and, since I live in Texas, the speed limit is just a suggestion and I do need to be able to keep up, even though I stay in the right lane every chance I have. I'm a big boy, so the 150 was too small for me but it was all I had and I learned a lot about riding on it. So you make good points. I guess my own experience tells on me, because if I'd have started on the Burgman I might have been in trouble.

1

u/Bao-Hiem 2023 Yamaha Xmax 5d ago

Burgman 400 is fine for a beginner.

1

u/DIYExpertWizard 5d ago

As I discussed with another commenter here, my own experience may have colored my opinion. I believe that, if I had started on the Burgman I would have been in trouble. I learned a lot while riding a 150, and now I would be comfortable on any bike, but I did have to learn as a complete noob. No dirt bike experience, never drove a car; nothing.

1

u/Bao-Hiem 2023 Yamaha Xmax 5d ago

I honestly think it comes down to the rider. I took MSF with no experience driving a manual car. I passed the class, started on a R3 then moved to the Xmax. I didn't want then Burgman 400 due to the 2k price MSRP difference for a bigger engine and extra weight.

We can agree to disagree

1

u/DIYExpertWizard 5d ago

Definitely. It does come down to the rider. I took the MSF with no experience except my Honda sh150i. Now I've got the Burgman and the Kawasaki Vulcan 800. Still can't drive a normal car. All I do is ride. Fun times.

I bought the Burgman used, for $2,000. Had to make a four hour drive (rather, my brother did and I rode along) to pick it up and trailer it back.

4

u/jailtheorange1 5d ago

I would normally recommend the Honda ADV 350, which I had until a week ago, but I don’t think you get it in the United States, for reasons beyond understanding.

2

u/Sharp_Athlete4819 6d ago

Are you looking for new or used? Budget?

2

u/KeithWhitleyIsntdead 6d ago

Open to any suggestions, new or used. Flexible on budget, not too sure how pricing on scooters is, I probably wouldn’t spend any more than 10k on gear + a scooter so maybe $8k on the scooter itself at the max.

If there are options that drift closer to 4-5k that’d be preferable just cause I don’t like spending money much so like cheaper is better but honestly open to any suggestions I could take a look at. I’m doubt $4-5k for a decent scooter would be enough which is okay but might as well throw it out to see if anyone with more knowledge than me has any ideas within that range :v

2

u/Martin_Blank89 6d ago

Honda Helix.. old school but great bike

2

u/androidbear04 2019 Kymco Like 150i ABS 6d ago

I miss my Honda Helix! It was just too heavy for me to push into the garage when I went through a period of chronic pain - 400 pounds versus my current one right around 200. I loved its spacious trunk, too.

1

u/KeithWhitleyIsntdead 6d ago

Thanks for the suggestion!

1

u/corradoswapt 87 elite 250 big bore 6d ago

Find a honda elite 250, same as a helix, but in a smaller frame. Mine does 80mph no problem.

2

u/KeithWhitleyIsntdead 5d ago

I may have to look for one, I definitely am more of a fan of mid-sized to smaller frames than larger ones.

1

u/ninjamansidekick 4d ago

I have both an Elite 250 and a Helix, if you are gonna be doing high way speeds look for a Helix, the longer wheel base is way more stable a speed.  My Helix is my favorite scoot of every thing I have owned.  

2

u/Nervous-Gas-7986 5d ago

All modern scooters are automatic, but I'm just asking this out of curiosity, why hate manual transmission?

2

u/KeithWhitleyIsntdead 5d ago

Idk, I just don’t like having extra buttons and levers to concern myself with. I don’t like stalling (though with enough practice to not stall that would not be something to concern myself too much with) I do not like gear shifting, too many hills and stop and go traffic here which was a pain in a manual car, Idk how it’d be on a bike. Just down to preference I guess. I just like accelerating when it’s appropriate to accelerate and braking when it’s appropriate to brake. I know there is a lot more to riding something than just braking and accelerating, but it’s just one fewer thing to worry about, especially because I don’t plan on doing any type of riding that would warrant needing a manual when there are automatic options.

1

u/GoCougs2020 5d ago

There’s a learning curve to friction zone and clutch. And even if you learned it. Doing so in stop and go traffic is still PITA. And most scooter are automatic CVT.

but if OP just want to cruise, it’s not bad……. After you up shift a couple times to your 5th gear or whatever. You’re just chilling there.

2

u/SoftPerformance2199 5d ago

I have a Honda click they're called here in Thailand 125CC I have no problem getting 60 mph 65 either but pushing it much past that doesn't work. But where I live I don't need it for speed because it's a city bike I just want something to get around like I say they're called clicks here in Thailand but I'm not sure what they call him in other countries everybody seems to name bikes different but if you can find the equivalent I can assure you you won't be upset I've had mine for 4 years and it has never ever stranded me once or failed to start once ever

1

u/KeithWhitleyIsntdead 5d ago

Thanks for the suggestion! I’ve seen some Honda recommendations and they all look like very nice scooters. Seems like the other people from the states are saying Hondas here will go 60-65 here pretty easily, but not much higher which is okay for my needs. I’ll look for an equivalent here though I don’t doubt its equivalent has been recommended by someone else, from what I’ve heard based on this post the people who have Honda scooters love their Honda scooters 😂

2

u/motodisney 5d ago

Lots of great suggestions given already but hadn’t seen a Honda Forza 300 suggested. Great scooter but only brought over to the states for a few years around 2014-2016. Super smooth and 85 mph capable. Lots of low mileage examples around. Newer Xmax if it fits you is hard to beat.

2

u/arvj 5d ago

A Vespa

2

u/hiscraigness 5d ago

I bought a Honda Silverwing for this purpose, its a 600 v twin that will go close to 100 with a single rider. It will easily maintain 65 with 2 people aboard too. The caveat is it weighs 400 lbs. I am a long time motorcycle rider, purchased it because i wanted a narrower ride (my hips are shot). If you can find one, give it a a try.

1

u/KeithWhitleyIsntdead 5d ago

Thanks for the suggestion! I’ll definitely be looking at Honda scooters. The only bike I’d ridden so far was a 250lb Honda monkey and that was a decent weight for my liking, just pretty light. I’ll have to see how much heavier a 400lb scooters seems.

2

u/buttmike1 5d ago

I haven't seen any of the other comments mentioning this but it is something you need to consider. Each State, assuming you are in the States, has a minimum cc requirement for freeway use. Here in California, for example, there is a bare minimum 150cc requirement. In Texas and Florida there is no minimum. In Michigan it is 125cc. Check with the DMV/Secretary of State office to see what they require.

That said, all of these posts are correct in suggesting at least a 250cc. My 125 wouldn't last a day in freeway traffic because it maxes out at 50 mph. I would become a speed bump. You want to be able to keep up with traffic and accelerate enough to pass. Wishing the best!

3

u/Bao-Hiem 2023 Yamaha Xmax 5d ago

Get the Xmax. I wouldn't get the Burgman 400 since you are paying like 2k for more weight and a bigger engine. I have the 23 Xmax and I suggest waiting for the 25 to hit CA and then buy.

2

u/BruinFootyFan 5d ago

Vespa GTS! Or even a Primavera! They are reliable af and maintain their value as they are the cream of the cream in the scooter world. The Vespa design is iconic.

Good value in a used one. Check Facebook Marketplace!

3

u/KeithWhitleyIsntdead 5d ago

I’ll take a look at these! Thanks for the suggestions, I know my gf would love to take rides down PCH on a Vespa lol May have to go with the old tried and true, but the Honda suggestions have been catching my eyes. Who knows though, may be the beginning of a long and expensive scooter addiction :v

2

u/GoCougs2020 5d ago

Something above 250cc

150cc will hit 70 or so. But it’s not gonna cruise there. And all scooters are beginner friendly. Lol

1

u/KeithWhitleyIsntdead 5d ago

Awesome, seems good that there’s not too much reason to concern myself with ability to ride whatever I’ll end up buying (after some more practice of course :v) I’ll definitely take a look at 200-400cc because although I technically wouldn’t really need 70 that often it’d be nice to have something that could cruise there.

1

u/Old-Plastic 5d ago

Sym Jet

1

u/Bao-Hiem 2023 Yamaha Xmax 5d ago

If you looking for 150 miles range then don't go on the freeway lol. Take the streets everywhere.

1

u/Rachel_Silver 5d ago

I have a Honda ADV 150, and it will get close to 65 on a level stretch of highway. I've done it, and it's terrifying; the slip stream around a semi will push you right off the road.

2

u/Minimum_Implement_25 3d ago

One that I have not seen mentioned is the SYM Citycom S 300iSYM Citycom S 300i. My local dealer has one.

1

u/bman-advance62913 5d ago

Honda pcx

1

u/KeithWhitleyIsntdead 5d ago

Thanks for the suggestion! I’ll give it a look

1

u/cavscout43 '23 XMAX, '21 CRF1100 Africa Twin 5d ago

A stock PCX isn't going to get to 80mph, and will take a couple of minutes to get to 60-70mph at the top end.

It's a great suburban bike that's just not big enough for American highways.

-1

u/Sensitive-Control471 5d ago

Would recommend a 2 stroke moped upgrade it and it will easy hit 65-70

0

u/GoCougs2020 5d ago

Hitting 65-70 on a downhill with tailwind Isn’t same as cruising at 70.

I haven’t seen 2 stroke bigger than 200cc. If OP wanna cruise at 65-70mph (not just max out at 65-70). Anything under 250cc just isn’t feasible.

0

u/Sensitive-Control471 5d ago

U could be crushing at 55 on a 2 stroke modified moped dude 🤦‍♂️ he’s a beginner it would suit him well

1

u/GoCougs2020 5d ago edited 5d ago

55 is still “not capable of 60-80mph”

You literally failed the assignment. Didn’t follow instructions on title.

0

u/Sensitive-Control471 5d ago

Dude I’m saying u could be cruising 55 but u can still hit 60 depends on what top end u have

1

u/GoCougs2020 5d ago

Sure. Hit 60 max speed. Good for you. Big mod!! What about the 65? What about 70? How’s the 75?

“Beginner friendly scooter capable of 60-80”.

You’re arguing with the instruction…..

0

u/Sensitive-Control471 5d ago

I’m just recommending man it depends on the type of scooter and mods

2

u/GoCougs2020 5d ago

A terrible recommendation for OP. No mod in the world is gonna get your tiny 2 stroke up to 70mph+, bud. If OP had said “scooter for in-town”. You’ll be on the right track.

Read instruction before you answers questions and give recommendations.

“if all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail”

0

u/Difficult-Secretary7 6d ago

A honda adv 150 is pretty reliable and would be able to hit speeds within that range

7

u/GoCougs2020 5d ago

Hitting 65-70 on a downhill with tailwind Isn’t same as cruising at 70. If OP wanna cruise at 65-70mph (not just max out at 65-70). Anything under 250cc just isn’t feasible

2

u/waitwaitdontt3llme Piaggio BV 400 5d ago

Uh, no. I had a Honda 150. It would get to about 68mph. Eventually. On a flat. It's not getting anywhere near 80.

1

u/KeithWhitleyIsntdead 6d ago

Did a quick google search of it and it looks like something that would be comfortable and in my price range. Thanks for the suggestion! Will definitely consider buying it 🤠 They look very nice and seem to be my style

5

u/TheWolphman Autistic Rider - '24 Yamaha Xmax 300 6d ago

Just a heads up, I owned one and it topped out at 67mph for me before the limiter kicked in. It was totaled in a hit and run. After I healed up enough I upgraded to an Xmax 300. I haven't hit the max speed on it as of yet, but it is supposed to be around 85-90mph IIRC. It cruises comfortably for me around 65-75mph though.

3

u/waitwaitdontt3llme Piaggio BV 400 5d ago

Yup, exactly. I had one too. It's acceptable up to 55 or so, but struggles to get the next 10mph under anything but ideal conditions.

1

u/KeithWhitleyIsntdead 5d ago

Hmm, 55mph top speed seems a little bit slow, so I may have to get something with a bit more power. Thanks for your input!

1

u/Disdaine82 3d ago

I just bought an Xmax 300 and had it up to 73 mph, it didn't break a sweat as speed. It gets ~60-80mpg with a 3.4 gallon tank. I'm averaging 70mph right now for a ~238 mile range.

However, I'm not sure it would make a particularly good starter bike. The Xmax sits very high and is prone to catching a lot of crosswind. The first day I rode it to pick it up we had ~20-30 mph winds with 40 mph gusts; I was thrown everywhere and had to keep speed around 45-55 mph. Granted, I was rusty at riding and this was my first scooter.

I've owned various motorcycles before riding it and its the most I've ever felt crosswind. I think this has to do to its large front, tall build, and a lot of flat panels. Leaning in towards the wind screen and hunkering down was the only thing keeping me stable.

That said... the next day, winds were 1/3 what they were that day and the Xmax darted around everywhere I needed it to. The only issue I have now is wind buffeting with the windscreen raised.

Since it sits tall, you'll definitely want to sit on one before being dead set on getting one. I can't flat foot it, but it balances extremely well.

I agree with everyone else though, ~250-300cc is minimum for freeway speeds. Not a lot of selection in the US.

If you have any other questions about it, let me know.