Start small: 11 small motorcycles you don't need a license to drive

A personal vehicle is the dream of anyone who does not have one. Freedom of movement, the ability to have your own time and not depend on public transport leads many to purchase an inexpensive but worthwhile unit.

A scooter is the optimal means of transportation not only outside the city, but also within the metropolis. Even a beginner can handle the controls, because driving requires category A and A1 licenses.

Differences between Chinese scooter models and European ones

This type of motorcycle is represented by several manufacturers from Japan, Europe and China. The first ones are distinguished by their build quality and high price. European scooters differ in their stylish design. Chinese products are better in price compared to Japanese and European models, and the first motorcycles of this type began to be produced in Italy.

Motorcycles from Europe have impressive sizes. Technical equipment and ornateness often lead to breakdown of the unit. Spare parts must be ordered directly from the manufacturer.

At the very beginning of production, Chinese models were of low quality, especially in comparison with Japanese and Italian products. The current situation looks different. Now, Chinese manufacturers take into account all the previous shortcomings and produce truly worthy scooters with competitive advantages. They have proven that they are specialists in the production of motorcycles.

Chinese scooter 50cc

What are Chinese mopeds with so many cubes? This is a transport format suitable for the city. Chinese scooters with small cubic meters are budget models that almost anyone can afford.

Among the advantages of a small-capacity scooter:

• Fuel consumption is minimal - 2.5 liters per 100 kilometers (depending on the model);
• Wide range of models;
• Maximum speed is 75 kilometers per hour.

Among the main disadvantages, some note the presence of only one seat, for the driver. The Chinese took this point into account and offered their consumers a large selection of 50 cubic meters equipment, equipped with two seats.

Start small: 11 small motorcycles you don't need a license to drive

Usually, before buying a motorcycle, many people are stopped by the need to acquire a license, which, according to Russian laws, is required for all drivers of vehicles whose engine capacity exceeds 50 cubic meters. But for those who have not yet managed to get a license, and do not want to get on a scooter, there is a category of small-displacement bikes - they look like normal motorcycles, although many may consider them too much of a compromise.

In fact, the concept of a 50cc motorcycle has a rich racing pedigree. In 1962, the 50cc class entered the world championship and stayed there for more than twenty years until it was replaced by 80cc counterparts. 50 cc bikes gained popularity in the post-war years - then they were a response to the financial crisis and fuel shortages.

Having dealt with the history and justified the desire to buy a “rattlebug”, you can move on to the purchase itself - FURFUR has compiled a short guide to the main 50 cc motorcycles in almost all classes.

This motorcycle was created in 2003 as part of the Honda N Project, the goal of which was to captivate a young audience with lifestyle bikes. Honda wanted to sell 4,000 Solos a year, but this was not destined to come true - the model lasted until 2006, and then was discontinued. One of its most interesting features was that when buying it off the assembly line, you could choose one of 285 color options, that is, determine the color of each of the motorcycle parts. This project is all about design, but otherwise it's an easy-to-maintain moped with a Super Cub engine. However, on the Solo you will feel like a real macho, as it starts with a kick.

Of course, in the original it is not a bobber at all, but something very similar to a Virago for dwarfs. But precisely in this regard, wide scope opens up for the imagination of customizers.

The history of the model is as follows: in 1982, Yamaha released this model as part of a promotional campaign. Each dealer received a motorcycle to be drawn in a lottery among buyers. The point was that the model was sold in only two colors: red and black, thereby referring to the company's older models. The RX 50 received an engine and transmission from the sports Yamaha YSR, it spun up to ten thousand revolutions and produced 7.5 liters. s., which allowed a 100-kilogram bike to accelerate to 100 kilometers per hour.

This model is a nod to the title-winning Honda racing motorcycles of the sixties. The external difference was only the absence of a front fairing. The Dream was introduced in 1997 and was produced by Honda's racing division, essentially being a sports motorcycle. The motorcycle engine spins up to 13.5 thousand revolutions and produces 7 liters. pp., which in combination with a six-speed gearbox and a weight of only 71 kilograms justifies its formidable appearance.

The model was released in 2002 and looks like a serious motorcycle, but, unfortunately, it doesn’t differ in anything particularly interesting except for its appearance - on the other hand, for many this can serve as a determining factor.

This model has been produced since 1971 and during this time it has gone from a classic city motorcycle to an enduro. If you look at the history of changes in the design of this bike, you can be horrified - a real evolution according to Charles Darwin.

Despite all its merits, it is also an example of the worst branding in the world. The RG 50 was sold under a variety of names and characteristics. In Finland, it had a speed limit of 40 kilometers per hour, and the Dutch versions were equipped with pedals in accordance with local law. RG50, GT50, ZR50, X1 - don't get confused, they're all the same thing.

This model is a cross between a naked bike and a cafe racer, but that's not as interesting as the fact that if you remove the speed limiter, it accelerates to 160 kilometers per hour.

The MTX 50 and the following models are dedicated to all fans of off-roading and the movie "Terminator 2" - when you find yourself on this bike, you will definitely pass for John Connor, although he also rode another motorcycle - a very similar, but slightly more powerful XR 80.

For those unfamiliar with the terminology, a motard is a cross between a motocross and a road bike and is usually the best choice for the city. The crossover is fitted with road tires and the result is a very light and maneuverable city motorcycle. In general, among small-displacement motorcycles, this one takes the cake for the motard class.

A real enduro, outwardly indistinguishable from its older brothers and with its entire appearance referring to the fashion of the nineties. It's almost as powerful as its 250cc counterparts, making up for the difference with its insanely light weight.

Honda Benly is a model that appeared back in 1953 - then it was a moped with a 90 cc four-stroke engine. With age, the engine capacity increased, and in 1964 this bike began to be produced with a 154 cc engine. The name of the model itself means “convenience” in Japanese and fully reflects the qualities of the motorcycle, which was an alternative to the Dream sports model. In the 1990s, they decided to revive Benly in the guise of a retro moped. Its similarity to classic motorcycles and simplicity provoked the emergence of a lot of custom projects based on it: from cafe racers to dirt trackers and enduro.

Chinese 4 stroke scooter 150cc

A two-wheeled vehicle with high speed capabilities and a 150 cc engine can hardly be classified as a “frivolous” vehicle. This is an intermediate option between a full-fledged motorcycle and a small-sized model.

The 150cc Chinese has the following advantages:

• Economical fuel consumption due to engine rotation and starting in four stages;
• Winning engine configuration. This type of scooter is better due to the lowest environmental pollution;
• Produces less noise when driving;
• The best Chinese scooter for dynamic trips within the city and beyond.

Among the disadvantages is the high cost in comparison with the 2-stroke younger brother.

Which Chinese scooter to choose

The cost of a mini bike from China is impressive and immediately appeals to you, but before choosing a unit, you need to answer the basic questions:

1. Driver's age.
2. Do you need a scooter for traveling around the city or outside of it?
3. How much does it cost, how much is the future scooterist going to spend?
4. Will he travel alone or with a passenger?

Help: Following official documents, driving a vehicle up to 50 cubic meters does not require a license. Category A is needed when driving a car of 150 cubic meters or more.

The rating influences the choice, but it is better to rely on the following characteristics:

• Type and model;
• Cost of the product;
• Motor;
• Accumulator battery;
• Fuel consumption;
• Tire size.

A reliable “friend” when traveling out of town is a type of small motorcycle with a pendulum-type front fork. When the road is bad, depreciation increases with it.

Information: According to documents, more stringent requirements are imposed on the technical equipment of transport used outside the city.

The engine can be two or four stroke. The first type starts the car in two cycles, the 4-stroke - in four stages, during which the amount of emissions into the atmosphere is minimal and less gasoline is consumed.

2-stroke engines consume more fuel and consume more oil. Their dynamics are uneven. The units are easy to use and maintain. The speed of gaining speed made them optimal for country trips. The simplicity of the engine configuration reduced the overall weight of the scooter. On the one hand, this is a plus. On the other hand, the vehicle is vulnerable to theft due to its low weight.

The Japanese has all the advantages over a scooter from the Middle Kingdom. But in defense of the latter, one can cite the fact that Chinese specialists have surpassed everyone in copying famous brands. Therefore, all motor vehicles, as well as electronics, are successful clones. They undergo an additional upgrade, taking into account all the existing shortcomings of Japanese and European manufacturers.

The new Japanese scooter is certainly better, but for the price of some models you can buy a decent SUV. Units from the Land of the Rising Sun are distinguished by their sophisticated technical equipment and lower engine operating capabilities. The build quality of Japanese plastic is much lower than Chinese.

Among the large selection of Chinese scooters, you can choose a model with the optimal price-quality ratio.

Which motorcycle should you choose first? 15 models for beginners

In urban conditions, a motorcycle provides an undeniable advantage in maneuverability and speed of movement, which is why the number of owners of two-wheeled vehicles is growing rapidly from year to year. More and more “first-season riders” are appearing in the ranks of motorcycle enthusiasts, many of whom are asking the age-old question “which motorcycle should I buy first?” We tried to summarize all the parting words from “experienced” people regarding the purchase of their first motorcycle in one huge review.

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Of course, it is not possible to combine all the options (especially among used motorcycles), so we limited ourselves to the models published in the catalog and tried to offer a generalized selection of new motorcycles for a wide variety of budgets and tasks. All models listed in the review can be purchased in the showrooms of official dealers in stock or on order. Well, we will tell you which used models to choose as your first motorcycle in the next issues of the magazine.

The best Chinese mopeds

The best Chinese scooter is a moped that satisfies all customer needs. A rating and review of models will prove that recently China has not only completely improved the design of “motorcycles” from European manufacturers, but also equipped them with excellent technical characteristics. China has proven that cheap transport models do not mean low quality.

Delta

Irbis Delta and Viber Delta are popular scooters in this series. These are the cheapest models, which have the advantages of units with minimal cubic meters and good characteristics. The minimum number of cubes in the engine is 50. More expensive models are equipped with 75-100 cc engines.

Delta mopeds from any manufacturer are equipped with the same motors, which simplifies their maintenance. Reliable 4-stroke engine with long service life. Minimum fuel consumption (2 liters per 100 kilometers). There is no plastic lining, which is a positive thing, since over time the plastic begins to crack.

Among the disadvantages are the lack of a fuel level indicator, a low-capacity fuel tank, and a small storage compartment.

Alpha

A review of the Chinese Alpha showed that it is a bright representative of Asian technology, combining a low price and good technical characteristics. In appearance, it resembles a full-fledged motorcycle with large wheels, large front forks and a rearview mirror. Alpha is a large size scooter with a respectable design.

The speedometer and special light bulbs are ergonomically located on the panel. A reasonable solution of the manufacturer is to install a small fuel tank (4 liters) in the unit, since gasoline consumption per 100 kilometers is 2 liters.

Despite the comfort of movement, Alpha mopeds are not perfect. Their electrics, built on a generator, are vulnerable. The 4-stroke engine does not have a forced cooling system or a manual gearbox.

Harley

The speed of the Chinese chopper in a smaller version of Harley is only 60 kilometers per hour. But it starts very quickly and climbs hills without difficulty, thanks to the optimal transmission number. Other advantages include the presence of a disc brake on the front wheel and a design with a twist.

The operation of the mechanisms does not cause any complaints, and the braking system delights with its impeccability. The moped will last a long time due to the absence of plastic parts. This unit is equipped with a 50 cc engine, which means it is possible to drive it without a license.

The “fly in the ointment” is a narrow seat designed only for the driver, a small trunk and insufficiently rigid shock absorbers.

Assets

A lightweight moped, created as if especially for beginners - the Active series. Interesting design, good technical characteristics, semi-automatic gearbox. Such a moped cannot be called a “stool”.

A roomy seat, 17-inch wheels and all this at a modest price. With a mixed operating cycle, the scooter consumes 2.5 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers. The downside is that its fuel tank capacity is 3.3 liters. There are minor problems with electrical components and plastic elements that quickly fail.

Sport

The sporty design turns the scooter into a compact sports bike. The practical absence of breakdowns has made this series of scooters popular not only among those who have just begun to master serious two-wheeled transport, but also among professionals. This is a travel option not only among the wilds of the city, with its traffic jams, but also on country roads. It is easy to operate, despite the full technical equipment.

Panda

A scooter whose design is thought out for young people. It combines sport and classics. Panda is a good solution for traveling within the city and small towns. The instrument panel is equipped with all necessary sensors.

Folding footrests, high beam control button, hand protection. However, with all the advantages, there are significant disadvantages. Fragile plastic and low ground clearance.

Flight

Excellent driving dynamics, 12-inch wheels, high ground clearance, good speed and European design - the Reis series scooters. Several modifications of mopeds are produced. Some have rear disc brakes and an additional muffler. In Asian versions there is a front disc brake. Due to the enlarged wheels, the cross-country ability of the vehicle is increased. Among the shortcomings: fragile plastic and easily deformed front fork.

Storm

Brutality and power shine through in the design of the Storm series scooters. The “evil expression” of the style emphasizes the support of the modern concept of an aggressive direction in the appearance of not only bikes, but also cars. Mopeds in this series are equipped with high-level optics. The presence of a muffler and rear disc brakes enhances the favorable impression. With its weighty dimensions, the transport itself looks bulky. Among the disadvantages are some disruptions in driving dynamics, which is due to the large size of the moped.

What is a good scooter to buy up to 50cc: reviews, specifications, testimonials

Modern scooters and scooters up to 50cc have a single-cylinder engine with electric start, an automatic transmission (variator), and high consumer properties.

Honda Dio AF68

Created for city streets, the small-sized scooter is distinguished by its build quality, economical fuel consumption, durable, quiet engine, and durable frame. Develops speeds up to 60 km/h. Easy to operate, suitable for riders with basic training. Meets modern environmental requirements.

A comfortable seat, good handling and fast acceleration allow the owner to feel confident in a large flow of traffic. Lightness, mobility, and aesthetic appearance have made the model popular among scooter enthusiasts. There is a large supply of used scooters on the market.

Advantages:

• maneuverability;
• durability;
• compactness.

Flaws:

• cannot be used in winter;
• high price;
• low clearance.

Yamaha Aerox R

On a fast, lightning-like, single-seater scooter you can ride not only on smooth asphalt, but also on rough terrain. A bright, sporty, aggressive design reminiscent of racing models, and a dynamic acceleration of up to 70 - 80 km/h and more attracts fans of street racing. Excellent road holding at any speed thanks to the rigid suspension.

The high seating position is suitable for tall people and gives a wide view to the sides. Reliable and economical, with low fuel consumption. Anatomical saddle, large wheels. Owners have the opportunity to constantly improve their Yamaha Rocks: a huge number of components are on sale. A new scooter is expensive: the unit belongs to the premium class.

What is the price?

A natural question is about the cost of scooters from the Middle Kingdom. The price of a new moped ranges from 40 to 200 thousand rubles. Some models may even be more expensive than a sophisticated brand of car.

But the cost of a brand new Chinese mini bike will be significantly less than a new Japanese unit. Its price is determined by several factors:

• Manufacturer, brand;
• cubic capacity;
• Country of purchase and so on.

Fact: An identical model in different countries can be purchased at different prices, since the cost is formed from factors and the amount of customs duties (customs clearance amount).

At what age can you ride a scooter?

In the constantly changing rules, it is difficult to navigate the permissible minimum age of a person who has the right to drive a vehicle, category M. At the moment, according to the rules, you can ride a scooter or moped after reaching 16 years of age. The cause of many accidents is scooter riders under 16 years old, simply put – children driving!

It is from the age of 16 that you can acquire a category M license. Having a license is a prerequisite for legal driving. Otherwise, you can receive a fine ranging from 5 to 15 thousand rubles, as well as pay for storing the vehicle in a impound lot. A person who transfers a vehicle to a person without a license (most likely, parents) receives a fine of 30 thousand rubles - you must agree, a decent amount.

Reviews from owners

From the experience of real owners of this type of transport of Chinese origin, many note the affordable cost of mopeds. Despite the peculiar attitude towards Chinese products, many objectively evaluate the price-quality ratio of the product.

Quality and reliability are two points that people pay attention to when buying a two-wheeled “friend”. Chinese manufacturers are constantly improving their products, so the quality of scooters in this country is getting better every year.

Most of the minor complaints are about the quality of the plastic, which is an order of magnitude better than its Japanese counterparts. The good news is that if your vehicle breaks down, you can easily find spare parts for it, and if you have certain skills in this area, you can repair the scooter yourself. Broken parts are replaced with elements from other manufacturers. In addition, the mini bike is easy to tune.