We all know that a 50cc scooter is not for highway roads. It’s not allowed by law and, even so, is dangerous. But, what if we have the time and good local roads? It could lead us through great adventure.
I declare myself as a biker even I drive a 50cc scooter. Whether we ride the Honda wing or Vespa, we all love the feeling of freedom and joy that bikes give us.
However, some of us don’t have a bigger motorcycle or just want the simplicity of a 50cc scooter.
You can travel long distances with a 50cc motor scooter if you are ready for an adventure, plan your route and make regular rests for you and your scooter. Of course, you have to work your way up to it, just like anything else in life. Begin with 50 miles and work your way up to a hundred.
However, it can be pretty enjoyable if you visit exciting places along the way.
First thing first | Plan your ride
Consider all the factors associated with your trip. This is self-evident, but you must first decide where to go. I believe that the journey is more important than the end location. But choosing a definite destination helps it easier to organize the details, which we will discuss later.
It will help you know things like total miles for the travel, an idea of the terrain you’ll be covering, how many days you’ll need for the trip overall, and guide your luggage choice. Again, this may seem self-evident, but it’s the basis for everything else you’ll need to prep.
Make a checklist with all necessities for your trip.
Check out the map and checkpoints along the way
Research the roads law about the moped allowance and speed limit. Make sure not to break any state rules and get in trouble.
Now you know where you want to go, but then you’ll have to figure out how to get there. It is a far more complicated task than planning a road trip with a car when you’re more inclined to want to choose the quickest path.
That’s not the best method to ride a scooter since hours on a flat, straight road may be mind-numbing. So, arrange your 50cc scooter trip to link more minor roads and backroads to get to your destination since there will be less traffic, more turns, and more likable landscapes along the route.
Ensure the season and the expected weather conditions for the regions you’ll be riding through
Since you’ve never been on a given road before, check local riding forums or groups for advice, or contact the nearest dealership to see what locals have to say.
If the trip is more prolonged, maybe you should stay at a hostel/ motel and make a reservation. Bring everything you think is necessary according to your luggage capacity. That includes the right clothes, tools, battery bank for your phone, some snacks, and water.
We’re not done yet, even with all of the stops planned. Scooters have relatively short ranges, so schedule your fuel breaks ahead of time if you’re away from populated places.
Search for gas ahead of time on Google Maps and phone ahead to make sure gas stations are still open if you believe they will be closed.
Bringing a little extra fuel can take the pain out of an uncomfortable scenario.
On the go Motor Scooter Tools
You’ll need tools to tighten loose nuts, bolts, and screws, as well as a few other essential pieces to get you out of trouble.
- Wrenches. Carry wrenches for your scooter fasteners — on most European and Asian bikes, that’s 8 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm, and 14 mm (and possibly 17 mm and 19 mm).
- Screwdrivers – Make sure of any unusual fasteners on your scooter. For example, Vespas occasionally employ Torx screws that require a special screwdriver. Unfortunately, vintage Japanese scooters may be picky when it comes to screwdrivers, needing JIS-pattern screwdrivers, or you’ll destroy your screw heads.
- Zip ties/tape/wire ties. It helps fasten damaged chassis and may also be used for other things in a hurry.
- Fuses.
- Electrical tape. Wrap a couple lengths of tape around the handle of a wrench.
- Flashlight. Or use your phone’s built-in light.
- Tire gauge
- Mini Tire pump
- Spark plug. Before you begin, double-check that the gap is set correctly.
- Spark plug socket.
- Compact first aid kit
- Lightweight raincoat
The longest journey on a 50cc scooter is 15,925.41 km, and was achieved by Michael Reid (USA) and Yonatan Belik (Israel) in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, USA, from 7 September to 19 November 2019.
Michael and Yonatan have both held other Guinness World Records titles and teamed up to break this one. The duo traveled 15,925.41 km through the backroads of all 48 contiguous U.S. states between 7 September and 19 November 2019.
www.guinnessworldrecords.com
Learn more about your scooter
Make a general inspection, or go to your local mechanic before taking off. The 50cc scooter is for shorter rides around the city. That means when you drive in urban conditions, you make many stops, and in that way, the engine is not working at 100% of the capacity in long periods.
With that in mind going in long distances with your 50cc, you should be very careful and prepared for the risk of breaking some parts while you are on the road. In that case, you have to know how the scooter and the engine work and have some skills and tools to make your bike move at least to the nearest mechanical shop.
Before you start your 50cc motor scooter long distance journey | Motor scooter maintenance checklist
Before hitting the road, make these checks:
- Check the tire pressure. Check the pressure in your tires (see your owner’s handbook). The ideal pressure is 1.5–1.8 bar in the front and 2.0–2.2 bar in the rear.
- Inspect the tread depth. Check the depth of your tire tread. The legal minimum is 1.6 mm, but you need to replace your tires when they reach 2 mm for wet-road safety.
- Inspect the health of the brake pads. Check the quality of your brake pads. First, check the wear indication line on the pad’s surface, contacting the brake disc on a disc brake. You must replace the pad if the line is no longer visible. The same rule applies when the pad is less than 1.5 mm thick. A pointer on the brake lever is typical with drum brakes. The position of the brake rod or cable adjuster can also indicate the status of the brakes, or you may need to check inside the drum directly.
- Inspect the brake discs. Brake discs should always be checked. Is there deep scoring, or are they badly worn (obvious recess at the edge)? Over time, scoring can reduce the effectiveness of your brakes. In addition, worn brake discs generate excessive heat and should be replaced regularly.
- Check the battery. Test the battery. Is it in need of being refreshed with demineralized water? (Sealed, maintenance-free batteries are excluded from this rule.) The battery is usually found behind the seat, in a compartment of the front fairing, or in the step-through part of your scooter (see your owner’s handbook for further information).
- Replace the engine oil. Four-stroke scooters should also change their oil and filter every 4,000 kilometers (2,500 miles). Warm up the engine first to allow the oil to drain more freely. Place a plastic sheet or cardboard below your scooter and a large enough drain bucket underneath the engine, then release the drain cover to allow the warm oil to pour into the bucket. So when oil has been entirely drained, clean the drain cover and the engine’s sealing surface before putting the drain plug back with a new seal. Fasten the drain plug slowly to avoid damaging the threads in the aluminum engine block.
- Replace air filter. Clean air filters prevent start-up troubles and other engine issues by preventing particulates from entering the engine system of your moped or scooter. In addition, particles can affect your engine’s fuel-burning mechanism, pushing it to work harder. Check your air filters every 2,500 miles or as directed by your owner’s handbook, especially if you drive on filthy or sandy roads.
- Chek the spark plug. Because the spark plug is an essential component of your scooter ignition system, you should regularly inspect it with a spanner if you’re having trouble starting it. A porcelain insulator nose that is caramel or light brown in color suggests that it is in good condition. Check the surface for any cracks or damage. Before applying the WD-40 lubricant, clean it with a wire wool brush. Spark plugs typically have a lifespan of 1,800 to 2,500 miles.
Take a rest. Allow your scooter’s engine and yourself a rest to stay fresh
Riding your scooter at top speed for an extended amount of time is a formula for catastrophe. They aren’t meant to be pushed to their limits for lengthy periods, so don’t harm your scooter.
If you’ve only ridden your scooter within a 10-mile radius of your house, a 120-mile journey today is not the most excellent option. Even if you’ve only made a few short journeys to get used to scootering, progressively increase your mileage traveled before taking on anything more challenging. If you can do 30 miles on your next long ride, add another 15 miles.
Have fun!
Think About Bringing a Friend. Consider inviting a riding friend to accompany you on your excursion. Two heads are better than one, and you’ll be able to keep an eye out for each other on the road.
Plus, you’ll have someone to chat to on the road if you have walkie-talkies or at rest breaks if you don’t, and they’ll be able to assist you to snap those all-important Insta images that will make everyone back home jealous.