I'm looking to get a motorcycle to share with my son (16 soon) to ride to the train station/school a few times a week. It's about 4 miles each way. A 50CC moped would be nice, given I can park it on the sidewalk, no license plate required, and no motorcycle license. However, I don't think it would have enough oomph to get me or him up some fairly long 3-4% type grades coming home. A few sections probably pitch to 6%-8% for a 1/4 mile or less. There is a decent bike lane.
I only need enough power for good acceleration but I don't want or need anything that can go over 60 given it's for short commutes. Given his age, less power and speed for him would probably be somewhat safer. He is an excellent rider on dirt - he races motocross and is currently on a KTM250F that puts out around 40HP compared to maybe 10HP for a Z125. I'm in the same boat, lots of motocross experience but no road experience.
It's a safe road to school/train station, no lights and only a few neighborhood roads coming out on the main road. Speed limit is 35 and 45 in parts. I have no desire to ride on the road past the train station or want him going past school.
The Z125s look cool, especially compared to a moped.
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I only need enough power for good acceleration but I don't want or need anything that can go over 60 given it's for short commutes. Given his age, less power and speed for him would probably be somewhat safer. He is an excellent rider on dirt - he races motocross and is currently on a KTM250F that puts out around 40HP compared to maybe 10HP for a Z125. I'm in the same boat, lots of motocross experience but no road experience.
It's a safe road to school/train station, no lights and only a few neighborhood roads coming out on the main road. Speed limit is 35 and 45 in parts. I have no desire to ride on the road past the train station or want him going past school.
The Z125s look cool, especially compared to a moped.
I