Suggestions?

[2000.malibu.ls]

I am going to college this summer at UCF in orlando, I will be living on campus, and most likely bringing my 00' 'bu with me for longer errands.
however for around campus (campus is about a mile in diameter) and short trips to town, I was thinking for practicability's sake of buying a 250cc moped, which my parents seem to be ok with for on campus. The thing is, Im a fairly big guy, (5'7", 220#'s) and I think I would look stupid as hell on a moped. I got to thinking and looked up 250 cc motorcycles, and they look extremely affordable ( low 4000-ish for a 2010) and I would probably get a ninja or a nighthawk.(i like both looks) and they are quite a bit bigger than a moped, and don't look as stupid(imo).

however, even just locally in my small town there have been a lot of low speed fatalities on motorcycles so Im a little unsure if I want one,
..... plus I dont want to loose my reputation for riding what could be perceived as a girls bike....

what would you guys do in my situation?

 

[madmaxstyle]

Get a moped and save money on gas which can go towards upgrades.thats what I would do.

 

[svltrack]

IMO both a moped & a 250 are going to give about the same appearance. My first bike was a 600 yamaha and I got tired of it in a week only to upgrade to an 1000 later that month..

Any of the 3 you are going to take a hit on if you were to trade it out next year. If you are going to invest in something I would suggest getting a used big twin or equivelent. People are practically giving them away.

The other option would be that if you are set on a sport bike type find one of the buells they are selling at 50% off MSRP. Best deal in 20 years for motorcycles.

 

[85 Cutlass Brougham]

If you are going to get a step through bike, get one that is small and cheap to beat around campus on. I would probably get an old Honda Cub (Passport) if it was me. Remember that in Florida, to not require a motorcycle license the moped must be less than 50cc's, and have pedals that the rider uses to assist the thing going up hills. Otherwise you will need to get a motorcycle license. If you are concerned about reputation, I don't know what to tell you. I have always been a very practical person who has never been considered cool, so I have no idea how to advise you there.

As for how they ride, I will let you know. My neighbor just got a freebie 1977 Garrelli 49cc moped (with pedals!) and I weigh about 240. I will probably try to help him get it running right in the next week or two, and may post a review. It tops out at 25mph, so with me it may do 18...lol.

 

[megaladon6]

you could also get an enduro, they're easy to ride, with small engines, but enough speed for the roads.
or do what i did when i was at nuc school down there--walk alot!!

 

[megaladon6]

BTW, i went to some sick ****in concerts at UCF

 

[2000.malibu.ls]

hmm... i forgot about enduros, they seem to be expensive though. Ill keep looking, my parents arent going to be estatic if they find out about me on a motorcycle lol. I will probably wait a year and see how it is going and if I can get a job/have time for one while im down there.

yeah... concerts are one thing im looking forward too... when/if I have time/money lol

and btw 85 cutlass broham, If I am gunna get a 49 cc, I might as well get a mountain bike lol, which is another option.

tell you what though if i was gunna buy a big bike, i sat on a suzuki bulevard 900, and that thing was sweet just to even sit on. I dont have the balls for the big boy sport bikes lol, my coworker has a gsx-r 1000, with exhaust, lowered, and lowered sprocket gear that does 200mph regularly... and hes upgrading it income tax time with a power commander, 6" stretch and progressive 60 nitrous shot system....

 

[glhman222]

dont get a 250cc scooter, they will break easy unless its a name brand, get a real moped (think old and 50cc) they are a blast no matter how big you are because you always look goofy on them i myself used to have a puch magnum for getting around town and it was so much fun

 

[350_85cutty]

my buddy had a 150cc moped and got rearended by a Dodge Durango not too long ago, luckily he didn't die and no broken bones or serious injury only suffered major road rash, a bloody/black eye and a couple stitches to his head which swelled up pretty badly, he was wearing no helmet! he did however have a backpack on which maybe cushioned the hit a lil, but still kinda a miracle he's still here...he recoverd in a week and is back to work like nothing ever happened and is currently waiting for his big fat settlement check...just be carefull in whatever you decide to get, just get a segway! theres a guy i see riding run around town

 

[2000.malibu.ls]

segways are freaking awesome! i rode one around chicago! i looked like a nerd but it was a freakin blast!!!! 14 mph tops, but one sidewalks duckin and weavin through pedestrians, man it was awesome.