Economical Chicago Area Transportation (Wheaton, Oak Park: house, living in, costs)

[HOWELL_STREET]

Living in the Chicago land area is all about economical transportation. After a choice of a community and house has been completed, then one turns to the transportation. However, maybe not in that sequence. So let's talk a little about motor scooters, tagged with a caveat or two. From our own family experiences, there are two good brands. Number one on our list is the Yamaha 'Vino'. And the second would be a Honda scooter. By scooter, I am talking about a 49 CC scooter up to just under a 150 CC scooter. From memory, I believe the standard Illinois driver's license permits any scooter below 150 CC. Above that, then one needs a motorcycle endorsement.
Although such scooters get fabulous efficiencies of around 80 miles per gallon, when a set of tires has to be replaced - - then it costs a small fortune if the motorcycle repair shop does it. I have blown out two sets of tires on our 49 CC Honda that was made in 1983. Although it has been a very good scooter - - if you can't do the repair work yourself - - then expect a very hefty bill for the cycle repair shop.
Such 49 CC scooters are a lot of fun to ride especially around town. On our Honda 'Elite' 80 CC scooter, I have ridden clear out to Cortland, IL from our other home in Wheaton, IL. That is a distance of about 38 miles. I have had a lot of fun with both scooters, but one has to drive very defensively. Also, never driver over a man-hole cover in the street. At times, they are very slippery.

Carter Glass

[oakparkdude]

Actually, you need a motorcycle license for anything 50 cc or greater. Thus, the existence of 49cc scooters for those who don't want to get the license. These are great scooters, but max out at about 35 mph, maybe 40 mph on the newer models. I've been thinking of getting one to cruise around Oak Park, but in the outer suburbs, their utility may be limited due to the presence of large, fast arterial streets.

[HOWELL_STREET]

Dear Friend:

When we purchased our Honda Elite 80 CC about a year ago, at that time our motorcycle dealer told us that the transition is at 150 CC for the state of Illinois. I don't wish to cause any argument, but that is also what the Illinois Vehicle Automotive Department told us at that time. If the rule has changed - - and that is VERY possible because Illinois is constantly changing its rules - - then I am not aware of it. In operating the Elite - - both my son (NIU student) and myself have never had any problems about the wrong driver's license.

Best Regards,

Carter Glass

[HOWELL_STREET]

Dear Friends:

My body weight is about 190 pounds. And that is important when riding a scooter. With my weight, I can reach a maximum of 29 miles per hour on our old Honda 49 CC scooter. With the almost brand-new 80 CC Honda Elite, the top speed is about 44 miles per hour. Forty - Four is 'fast' for me and I don't want to reach the twilight zone in doing about 160 MPH on a $25,000 motorcycle.
One caveat for the newer scooters that retail around $2,500. It is imperative that you ask the motorcycle dealer as to how fast you can go with that particular scooter. Modern manufacturers are now regulating the top speed by using an electronic ignition module that limits the top speed to perhaps 20 MPH or 36 MPH. On some scooter during this recent tranisition period, one could request a different ignition module that would permit a much higher speed.
In the way of scooter, I personally prefer a two cycle. That's because I personally believe that a two-cycle (oil mixed with the gas) engine will outlast the four cycle. As a testimony, consider our 1983 Honda which is actually still running great, although an inner tube tire has blown out.

Carter Glass

[Drover]

What exactly does this have to do with Chicago Suburbs forum topic?

[HOWELL_STREET]

Dear Friend:

I suppose you are correct about this subject. However, I don't know where else to place it so interested Chicago people may read it. From my observations, there are many people who want to move to the Chicago area. So it is my interest to try to help them with my opinions regarding housing, employment, transportation and the Chicago economy. It would seem to me that most people are trying to 'get ahead' and save money. Thank you for your interest and response.

Best Regards,

Carter Glass

[Drover]

Originally Posted by HOWELL_STREET

Dear Friend:

I suppose you are correct about this subject. However, I don't know where else to place it....

Well, there is an Automotive forum in the General Forums section...