Motorcycle Safety & Driveability/moped and travel

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Expert: Pat Hahn - 9/5/2006


Question
Hello,

I am thinking about getting a moped/scooter but my only drawback is that I like to travil.  I already know I would be looking at something around 150-250cc, but how are they for long trips?  Or for that matter if you can go on teh interstate?  Some of the "touring" mopeds seem to have the speed and are a little bigger so I dont know.

Thank you,

Kim

Answer
I guess that depends on what you mean by "travel."

A small scooter is not a bad choice for day trips, but it's carrying capacity is probably lacking when it comes to multi-day, high mileage trips.

A small scooter is not good for Interstate highway use, they're simply too small and too underpowered for that kind of traffic. A bigger one (600cc) is probably okay for the Interstate.

I think comfort-wise, small scooters are probably great for traveling. And they're fantastic for getting around town.

If you're not planning on taking any 700+ mile trips, and can avoid riding on the freeway, I think a 125-250cc scooter is a fine mode of transportation.

Pat

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Pat Hahn

Expertise

I can answer questions related to motorcycle safety: knowledge, skills, technical, or theoretical. I am especially familiar with the concepts of risk management, hazard awareness, crash avoidance, and traction management as they pertain to motorcycle riders. Please do not ask me to troubleshoot your mechanical/electrical problems ("Why won't my bike start?").

Experience

I'm an MSF-Certified Instructor (12 years), author of the motorcycle safety books How to Ride a Motorcycle, Ride Hard, Ride Smart, and Maximum Control; co-author of Motorcycle Track Day Handbook, and Public Information Officer for the State of Minnesota: I coordinate public information and education for the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center, a project of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. I am also communications director for the State Motorcycle Safety Administrators and serve on the NHTSA team that provides motorcycle safety program technical assessments to states.

Organizations
Motorcycle Safety Foundation, Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center, State Motorcycle Safety Administrators
Check out my website at www.motorcyclesafety.state.mn.us Of particular interest is "Safety Tips"

Education/Credentials
BA Communications/Organizational Management

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