I’ve had an itch to acquire another motorcycle for a little while now, but don’t really want the expense of insurance and registration on another bike, which has led me down the path of mopeds. I’ve got a buddy with a fun QT50, and there’s a cool local group of moped builders and riders in the area so a moped would be something I could actually use from time to time.
So, a moped, in searching I’ve come up with at least four different options.
Option 1: Buy just a boring regular ass moped. Resist the temptation to modify it. Fail to resist. Modify it to make it cool.
Option 2: Chinese mini choppers. Really no explanation needed here.
Option 3, the wild card: Modify one of my existing machines.
Per South Dakota law a moped is defined as:
“Moped” a motor driven cycle equipped with two or three wheels. If a combustion engine is used, the maximum piston or rotor displacement shall be fifty cubic centimeters regardless of the number of chambers in such power source. The power source shall be equipped with a power drive system that functions directly or automatically only, not requiring clutching or shifting by the operator after the drive system is engaged.
So, the way I read this, If I swap a 50cc engine into the Chopper90, it would technically be legal as a moped (with the addition of a tail/brake light and horn). This is a really appealing idea to me. First, getting “parts” (an engine) through customs, IE the wife, is much easier than getting approval for yet another machine. Second, riding this thing on the street would be straight up bitchin.
Option 4. Motorized bicycle kit. I’ve got an old banana seat bike so I could probably build something cool with that.
What are Oppo’s thoughts on this? What’s your favorite option? Do you think the law will agree with my assessment on Option 3 or will I get way more hassle than it’s worth? Any recommendations for good but cheap Chinese 50cc two strokes?