TIPS BUYING 50CC SCOOTER/MOPED, (RUNNER SR50 AEROX NRG) : eBay Guides

There's an awful lot of choice out there when buying a scooter, this should help you get the best deal, and the best out of whatever model you choose.

Firstly, I'd say take one of these: Gilera Runner, Aprilia SR50, Yamaha Aerox or Piaggio NRG. Peugeot Speedfight are alright, but generally aren't greatly reliable and finding performance parts can be a bit difficult. Aerox's are a little pricey, but are well worth that extra bit of cash in my opinion, as they're probably the fastest scooter when fully tuned.

Don't be a afraid to buy second hand - you can save a lot of money, and, generally speaking there isn't a lot that can really go wrong, and even if it does, whole engines are easy to find on eBay for £100-£150, providing you buy one of the scooters listed above.

I wouldn't spend less than about £600 if possible, unless you go for a slightly older SR50, which can sometimes be picked up for a little less if alrightish nick. The main things to check when buying are that the V5 (logbook) is present, and the pictures on listings are of a decent quality - generally if it looks alright and looks cared for, it's going to work alright, but don't feel obliged to buy if when you go to collect there are little niggles that went unlisted in the advert - there may be bigger problems you haven't been made aware of.

IF A PHONE NUMBER IS LEFT IN THE AD, ALWAYS GET IN TOUCH BEFORE BIDDING. ASK ABOUT RECENT WORK CARRIED OUT, ASK IF ANYTHING WILL BE NEEDED FOR THE NEXT MOT ETC. IN THE HEAT OF A PHONE CALL, YOU'RE MORE LIKELY TO FIND OUT IF SOMETHING IS A BIT DODGY - IN AN EMAIL SCAMMERS WILL HAVE TIME TO COME UP WITH WHATEVER RUBBISH THEY LIKE WHEN THEY TAKE THE TIME TO REPLY.

Also, don't be put off by there being a long list of previous owners, quite often 50cc bikes are owned for a year before owners turn 17 and move up to a 125cc. Obviously try to buy the newest scooter possible, and with the lowest mileage possible - the engines don't last forever if not properly cared for. And don't bother with geared bikes - they'll do 60-65, but with a six-speed box you'll be changing gear every 10mph, which you will get tired of. Quickly.

Now you've got your bike, you're going to want to go faster - being beaten by mates is as low as it gets. The most popular upgrade is a sports exhaust, which will set you back around £80-£150 for a decent one (Leo Vince, Gianelli, Arrow etc) well worth doing. Also, changing the Variator and Clutch (around £100 combined) will give you a higher top end speed and acceleration (buy Malossi or Polini). These 3 uprades together should get you to at least 60mph. You can then progress to investing in gear up kits, big bore 70cc kits, etc etc.

Hope this guide was helpful!

My Gilera Runner.