Oppo, School Me on Honda Metropolitans

[glemon]

So I am going to look at a 2003 Honda Metropolitan tomorrow.

Looks just like this, though this one is a little newer, but I think the same generation.

50cc two stroke 3000 miles, does not run.

Bought at auction, assuming it sat. Assume it needs fuel system cleaned and maybe a new carb or thorough carb cleaning. Worst case somebody borked up the engine, it's a 50cc single cylinder, can you get a rebuild kit for under $100?

Will I look like a circus bear riding it (6'0" 210)?

I have lately wanted a scooter, thought I wanted a Vespa or vintage thing, but they are pretty non-existent around here, hard just to find any scooter.

[Mr.Ontop]

@glemon You will look like a circus bear on the bike, but if you've never ridden before it's a good way to learn. The Metropolitan is a four stroke engine, so don't expect any great speed or to really to go more that about 30mph and considering your weight, be patient going uphills.

The bike is a Honda however, so there probably isn't too much you'll need to do to get it running again. It will probably just go with a new battery.. maybe give it an old change and check the brake fluid. Again, it is a Honda so if you maintain it properly, or even minimally, it will probably run until the sun finally goes nova.

Have fun! For extra fun, find a scooter riding group near you.

[glemon]

@Mr-Ontop I have ridden and owned motorcycles and still have my motorcycle designation on my driver's license (but has been many years since I have ridden regularly) and many miles on non powered two wheel conveyances, so I am not too worried about that. But I haven't ever driven a scooter.

Pretty flat here, and the plan would be for fun and local errands, not going anywhere where the traffic goes fast. I thought I read it was a two-stroke, but as Honda has sort of championed the four stroke cause since the 60s, even for the small displacement stuff, that makes sense. Also makes me more comfortable working on it and maintaining, don't have much experience with two strokes.

[Mr.Ontop]

@glemon Keep up n mind, I live in California, they basically outlawed 2 stroke engines for anything but off road use. I'm saying because that ban didn't go into effect until around the time yours was made, so what I'm saying is that yeah, maybe yours is a two stroke, not a four, but if the twos exist I've never seen one that I'm aware of.

[Shop-Teacher]

@glemon They are indeed 50cc 4-strokes. They are tiny little things. You will look like a circus bear riding it, but if you're smiling, who cares? If it's cheap and not beat to crap, buy it. If you don't like it, flip it.

[glemon]

@Shop-Teacher That is my thought, as I am getting closer to thinking I might pull the trigger I am wondering if I would like a small old bike better. But I love to tinker with things, so getting it running is half the fun. Far as I can tell from the pics it is in very good shape cosmetically.

[glemon]

@Shop-Teacher Ghosted
"Can I come look at it Saturday"

"Yeah, anytime, just give me a half hour's notice"

"OK, probably be mid-morning"

9:30: "Will come by at 10:15 if that works"

.....

10:15: "I am running around in your part of town, let me know if I can swing by"

Nothing, but I did drive by the place, small house, big shop, trucks and RVs in the yard. Presumably knows how to fix, or at least accumulate, things so my hopes of a very easy fix are dashed.

I am probably out, don't care if you end up not being available, but a couple words and a few seconds is all it takes.

[Shop-Teacher]

@glemon UGH!!! It can be so frustrating!

[Mr.Ontop]

@glemon I hate it when that happens.