Yamaha Vino, 2001
Written: Oct 04 '01
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Pros: Economical to purchase, insure, and operate. Great for the money.
Cons: None that we've found so far-----just take the scooter with it's limitations in mind.
The Bottom Line: Not a ton of money for the payback in fun, relaxation, sharing with others, and even some
practical uses from time to time !
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| mscuy's Full Review: 2000 Yamaha Jog |
My wife and I had ridden a vintage Italian Vespa scooter that a friend owns and we were hooked on how much fun these things could be. (without being too intimidating) Recently Karen found that Yamaha makes a 50cc retro Vespa look-alike that's called the Vino. We test rode a Vino at State 8 Motorcycles in Penninsula, Ohio
and after purchasing our first one from Brian we were back one week later to buy a second. (PS-We've seen several 2001 Vino's on e-bay since so you don't always have to buy from a dealer.)
(it's no fun watching and waiting for your turn to ride so we now can go together !)
We paid $1650 for each scooter as the base price. Paperwork, registration, plates, temporary
motorcycle license (required here in Ohio for the Vino since it doesn't have pedals it's not considered
a moped.) helmets and such were extra. One is burgundy and tan and the other is black and tan.
They are just a real joy to ride and we've already got over 200 miles on each. The standard stock speed for our Vino's was around 29mph. We read an article in Motorcycle Online that told of removing an exhaust
pipe restrictor and a variator washer from the transmission. These mods brought our level-road speed up
to around 38 mph so we were more comfortable riding them on more than side-streets. They are great for the areas parkway system and most 35 mph streets, although we avoid rush hour to frequent those roads. We ordered a 70 cc upgrade kit for one of the scooters from Jay at www.mototek.com and that is supposed to give us even more speed. The only reason we are looking for a bit more speed is to flow better on the 35 mph roads and to help us get out of any situation that might require getting out of the way faster. Fuel consumtion is quite low
and even with the mods we are realizing about 75 mpg which is really a small cost to pay for so much fun. We've purchased a small trailer to take the scooters on trips or to use them elsewhere if we desire. They are great to share with those who've never been on a cycle of sorts because the automatic transmission and 10-speed
bike type handlebar brakes are so familiar. The Vino's electric starter is a hoot--actually about the size of
an aspirin bottly it turns a second or two and the little engine comes to life quietly with little vibration. It is so amazingly quiet, even when riding. The wind noise will annoy you more than the engine. We like the generous storage compartment under the seat which locks as well as a locking fuel cap. The same key fits all plus
ignition. The fuel gauge, instrument gauge, running lights, brake and turn signals are all clear and bright at night. There is a separate oil container so you don't have to pre-mix your fuel. The oil is metered with the fuel to the correct ratio so all you do is fill the tank when the gauge reads close to empty. You only need to re-fill the two-cycle oil reservior about every three tanks of fuel. The fuel tank holds 1.6 gallons of fuel. If you forget to fill
your two-cycle oil reservoir there is an idiot light when it's low or out. (so either keep your oil level up or put a small bottle of two-cycle oil in your carrying compartment just in case you run low.) We are enjoying the Fall change of color by riding thru the park these last few weeks before snow flies here in Ohio and plan to drain fuel and such for storage in the garage this winter. We are told that storing 2 cycle engines with fuel in them over the winter can gum up things in the carb much easier than we get away with in our lawn mowers and such. We just love these little scooters. They are a great enjoyment and give you a sense of freedom, speed, and satisfaction after a days work or a ride just before the news or bedtime. It is a refreshing new way to go for a hamburger, to the store for some milk and bread. The Yamaha Vino is the essence of what Europe and Asia has known for years----they are not only fun but practical in many ways.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1,650
Condition: New
Model Year: 2001
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Epinions.com ID:
mscuy
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Reviews written: 1
Trusted by: 1 member
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