Need transportation, considering an Elite or Spree

[eliteguy50]

I would upgrade the shock on any of the honda 50cc 2t scoots, most have a "limit" of 180-200 pounds. A properly running spree will have no problem pulling that weight but it will be slow, expect a top speed of 25-26mph with slow acceleration, especially during take off. An aero or elite will pull your weight at 35mph all day, better acceleration and a more comfortable ride ('88-01 had the largest seats). If you are looking for a bone stock 50cc that needs no mods and will be comfortable, the only one I know of is the Yamaha Zuma. It is designed to handle two people and I've had over 500 pounds on one with no problems. The scooter itself weighs another 65ish pounds over the Honda elite but at 300 pounds, I think you can handle it.

The effects I've seen from heavy vs light riders is mostly in wear, like brake pads, tires, belt, clutch. Over time, the connecting rod can start to bow but we are talking about thousands of miles for that. The frame on a spree or E will bend in slightly from a heavier rider but not enough to worry about, you might just notice that the plastics don't line up perfectly.

As long as you maintain it, a scooter will run better as an everyday vehicle as opposed to the scoot that just gets out for the fourth of july parade.

[Bear45-70]

I would upgrade the shock on any of the honda 50cc 2t scoots, most have a "limit" of 180-200 pounds. A properly running spree will have no problem pulling that weight but it will be slow, expect a top speed of 25-26mph with slow acceleration, especially during take off. An aero or elite will pull your weight at 35mph all day, better acceleration and a more comfortable ride ('88-01 had the largest seats). If you are looking for a bone stock 50cc that needs no mods and will be comfortable, the only one I know of is the Yamaha Zuma. It is designed to handle two people and I've had over 500 pounds on one with no problems. The scooter itself weighs another 65ish pounds over the Honda elite but at 300 pounds, I think you can handle it.

The effects I've seen from heavy vs light riders is mostly in wear, like brake pads, tires, belt, clutch. Over time, the connecting rod can start to bow but we are talking about thousands of miles for that. The frame on a spree or E will bend in slightly from a heavier rider but not enough to worry about, you might just notice that the plastics don't line up perfectly.

As long as you maintain it, a scooter will run better as an everyday vehicle as opposed to the scoot that just gets out for the fourth of july parade.

I have found that rider weight has little to do with the Spree's top speed. This is because with either my 135 pound wife or my 295 pounds on board, my Spree still runs the same top speed. So the weight slowing your top speed down is myth, not fact.

[Kemmer]

yep, weight should only be a factor in acceleration and hills.

[Wheelman-111]

Greetings:

Any contest of acceleration will favor the lighter vehicle. The lighter one will walk away.
Increased rolling resistance will decrease top speed, but except for tire defoormation, this should be negligible.
However a heavier rider is likely to present a larger Frontal Area to the oncoming wind, which WILL affect peak speed.
Downhill, the heavier vehicle will enjoy an advantage. Ask any skier.