50cc moped help

[shaggs147]

Hi gang,
I've never owned or ridden a moped as I came straight into bikes via the direct access route.
A friend of mine is looking to get a second hand 50cc bike for their son's Christmas present. They're looking to pay around £5 - 600, so nothing too fancy I guess. They are looking at the speedfight style of moped.... kids image n all that.
I was wondering if anyone had any experience with mopeds, and what would be best to get - 2 or 4 stroke, any particular makes to stay clear of? 

[Winston Smith]

Not many 4T mopeds around tbh.

My lad has a Piaggio Zip 4T but that is 5 years old.  All the new ones are 2T.

All much of a muchness really and if buying second hand will have been ragged by teenagers!

We got one from a middle age guy who used it for commuting.  Best to look for something like that.

The 4T aren't particularly quick off the mark, but as they will only do 30mph it's not a massive issue.
The 2T ones are quicker but again the limit is 30.

Exhausts tend to be one part that rot on most bikes.  Don't be tempted to put a power exhaust replacement as it may turn it from a moped to a motorcycle!

[doebag]

Stick to well known manufacturers for quality and spares availability.

Chinese ones are almost throwaway bikes, no dealer back up, poor spares etc.

[Burchy]

They'd be better off waiting until the boy is 17 and getting a 125

[Winston Smith]

They'd be better off waiting until the boy is 17 and getting a 125

Whilst I agree, the problem nowadays is that the route to a full licence for motorcycles is so long and expensive most kids go straight to cars - one test and you got it.

Cars can be bought new for less or similar prices to new bikes and are far more practical, comfortable for dating etc...

At least the 16 year old will gain some road craft and independence whilst, hopefully, sewing the seed for the future riding motorcycles.

In 'our' day, cars were expensive and bikes were a necessity - now they are just a luxury

[shaggs147]

Thanks for the replies. He's 17 in Feb, and although a 125 would be great, its a bit of a killer on insurance. I guess the 50 will give him a little freedom without breaking the bank in the first year and hopefully getting him some no claims in the bag for future progression

[Debs]

Shaggs.... Please don't let him go out on it in trainers, jogging bottoms and a hoodie.. So many dicks ride like that on mopeds.. 

[Charlie747]

Mopeds................The class of 76................the jap ones were slow compared to the 6.5bhp machines from Europe



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