Posted on 05/10/2011 7:12:36 PM PDT by danielmryan
I've been corresponding with someone down in Florida who's looking for a moped because of high fuel costs. After a disappointing experience with one she bought and had to return, because it belched smoke, she's got her eye on the Hero-Majestic Ankur 49cc Moped. She doesn't want the same bad experience, especially since it's a lot harder to return one that's been ordered out of town.
I admit that I'm not that mechanically inclined, and I have no experience at all with mopeds. So, I'm asking for help: does anyone have any experience with the Ankur, including bad experiences? Or a recommendation for a moped, or a recommendation about what to avoid? I should add that she's not mechanically inclined either.
Thanks for any advice you have.
I tried one, but I just woke up the next morning with an androgynous person and a goat who was eating my bed-sham.
No more for me!
Built in India, NOT CHINA!
Don’t do it. You will want to buy a scooter that has both parts and service available. The cheapies are considered ‘throw away’ scooters because they tend to not be that well put together and once they break down, it is very difficult to have them serviced. Some names to know are Kymco, Burgman, Vespa (if you have the bucks)... there are others. For some reason the Honda Ruckus comes to mind as a great smaller scooter. A nice website to search for is, ‘Just Gotta Scoot’. They have a number of scooter reviews and links to other information.
The link states that it has a 2 stroke engine...Is it EPA certified? Is there a disclaimer that it is for Off Road Use only?
suggest to her to take a look at this forum and the few remarks on this bike.
www.mopedarmy.com/forums/read.php?1,245091,245091
Hero motors has discontinued all gasoline powered modela and now makes only electric vehicles. Parts and service will probably be hard to get.
Get something from a known manufacturer. Years ago I rode a little Yamaha moped, and it was great ... other than the fact that, in Houston, riding it was somewhat of a life risk.
I asked the same question at one point,
.......At the end of the day after lots of discussion with people I ended up buying a 250cc motorcycle.
For what you get, they are more versatile and reliable than these India Imports. Plus the parts are way cheaper.
I was thinking moped because the insurance is cheaper on them, but turns out that if you have a good driving record the 250cc is only 10-15 dollars more a month.
Downside is that I had to go take the test for a motorcycle endorsement, but I have to tell you....not sorry. I am sure I ended up making the right decision.
Now the India Imports are cheap new, but if you buy a used motorcycle in good condition you end up paying the same or less.
I was going to try one myself, but I found out that Ontario law now requires you to get a special moped licence.
I wish I were joking...
>>I wish I were joking..<<
When dealing with the government, no amount of satire can exceed Real Life...
I guess this isn’t a joke.
It will probably work for a few hundred miles and go tits up.
Thinking dollars per mile. What’s this thing go for $300 dollars, it may cost 50cents(fity-sint) per mile. She will look real cute on the side of the road or pedaling the damn thing when it breaks.
Get a Honda, Suzuki, anything but some under-engineered POS.
How about brakes? 30 to Zero in a country mile?
Buddy if she gets it buy a big insurance policy.
Good questions. The specs gibe with street legal, but I couldn't find out if this specific model was EPA certified.
But most two-wheeled vehicles require care and maintenance more often than a car. They are also more dangerous to use and you can't carry much. My usual load of groceries certainly won't fit onto a scooter. Also motorcycles and scooters are easily (and often) stolen, just by picking them up and loading onto a truck; takes all of 15 seconds to do the deed.
It might be OK as a second vehicle, for short rides. But even then a 50cc vehicle is woefully underpowered, to the point that it is just dangerous. 41 mph max at full throttle won't cut it even on a very average city road. I think it is not allowed on freeways, like a bicycle. Overheating will be a problem, and when the engine is used at 95% of its rated power all the time it wears out fast. If you want a ride then buy at least a decent scooter. Saving money on the deal, though, is not guaranteed. A novice rider has good chances of dropping the scooter (including under someone else's car.) It takes some time to learn basics of survival on a motorbike, and rain changes the picture a lot.
http://www.heeters.com/mopeds.shtml
The guy in South Carolina may have bought a container of these discontinued (no longer certifiable) bikes and is trying to unload them...hence the 'Freight Collect'
Better buy a used Honda, Yamaha or Kawasaki product and stay away from the Chinese clones.
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