Yesterday afternoon I took ZOOM out for a short ride, my husband joining me on his VFR. We hit a back road, completely deserted and got into a good natured race. (Our bad) He actually wanted to pace me to check ZOOM's top speed with the new 70cc kit. My speedo only goes to 40. He estimated it was going about 55 but would probably hit 60 with more air in the tires, etc.

We got back and I confessed to him that I didn't think I was ever going to enjoy road bike riding as much as I do riding my scooter or my dirt bike. Shifting in traffic makes me nervous. I can do it, I just don't enjoy it much and I enjoy handling a big bike in traffic even less as I don't trust traffic. I also worry that as I grow older, my reflexes are going to decrease and react slower to traffic threats in regard to shifting. Trail riding on my manual shift dirt bike is different. No traffic. Trees don't tail gate, pull out in front of you or crowd you off the road. He agreed. He's watched me mature as a rider and noted that I ride my scooter with a confidence that I lack with my VTR. I told him that on a scooter, all you have to worry about is....stopping. You don't have to down shift, up shift, remember what gear you are in, you just ride for the joy of riding. Being a long time rider, he doesn't really understand that but he has noted that I have a confidence in riding my scooter that I lack with my VTR. I'll go full out on ZOOM and BUZZ, throttle wide open, shield up so I can feel the wind on my face like a silly dog with it's head out a car window and a wide grin on my face. I am FEARLESS on my scooter. I don't think I will ever be fearless on a street bike.

So my question is this. IF next year I would decide to get a larger cc scooter that would maybe be big enough to ride on the interstate, what would I get?

Now keep in mind, I'm only 5 foot 2 inches tall and weigh around 125 right now (dieting and exercising, shooting for 117 pounds. I'm a little stronger than the average 58 year old woman but I have joint and muscle disease that causes me pain at times and restriction of movement.

What could I look for? What is everyone's experiences with bigger scooters? Experiences with handling, weight, seat height? Do you own a big scoot? What are the pros and cons of the bike you ride.

DH suggested maybe dropping a larger engine into the Zuma. He read on the Zuma forum where somebody dropped a 400cc scooter engine into their 50cc Zuma so it is possible. I like the Zuma style and handling a lot but wonder if it could run with the big dogs structure wise with a bigger cc engine in it.

Lots to consider here so any input would be appreciated.

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There are two types of people in this world, people who ride scooters and
people who wish they could ride scooters.