decision time..help me.

[j490p]

this may be long, so, i am sorry.

i am in the market for a new scooter (already have a buddy 125). i want to get something sporty. genuine, thus far, has not let me down as far as quality and performance. based on this, i am really looking at the rattler 110.

i have done my homework and searched as much info as i could on this forum and others. as with any other product, especially scooters for some strange reason, there are mixed reviews about the bike. it's either "i love it" or "i hate it". there seems to be no in between.

based on how often i ride my buddy, i can say i will use the rattler as a daily rider. more importantly, i also want to use the bike for extended trips. an example is a trip from new orleans to the mississippi gulf coast with an average speed of 50 to 55 mph.

now, genuine lists the bike as having a top speed of "+55(restricted)". the majority of people with rattlers say that +55 is really pushing the top speed claim. now, i assume that genuine places that estimation on the use of the scooter by the "average rider". i am about 5'04" tall and about 130 lbs. i know road conditions, wind, etc. play a major role in speed, but, i do believe that my small frame will get the most out of the bike.
thanks to this forum and my experience with scooters, i know that performance mods can be done to the bike. that is actually one of the main reasons for wanting the rattler.....available performance parts and accessories.

i know that with "basic" performance upgrades i'm not going to scream down the street at 70+ mph. i am hoping for at least a sustained 60mph. as i said before, with my little frame, i'm sure i can get a good bang for the buck. i have done minor performance upgrades to the buddy and the results are great.

so, here are just a few questions:

will the rattler hold up to a long ride like the one i mentioned about the gulf coast? i am not worried about comfort.

if i do get the rattler, is there a certain period of time i should consider before adding the performance parts (and i am only talking about the simple performance parts like exhaust, roller or sliders, and variator. the cc upgrade will come much later).

i am sure i will have more questions, but, i just wanna make sure before looking somewhere else for another scooter. like i said, i know the bike has limitations. what else do you expect from a 110cc? i am not expecting a speed demon type bike. i just really want durablilty, quality performance, and a sportier looking bike. to be honest, the rattler is about as cool looking a bike as you can get.

thanks.

[Ray Knobs]

now, genuine lists the bike as having a top speed of "+55(restricted)". .

There is no "restricted" on the website or restrictions on the bike.

If you want to do trips this isn't the bike for you. Holding it wide open (55) for long periods of time will eventually cause damage.

Mine will do 56mph (dreammeter) and i am 200+, you'll get it to go faster but it's good for short bursts only.

Cruise speeds are in the upper 40's

As far as performance, all you can get from scooterworks is a pipe, spring, and weights. This will either do a little, nothing, or actually make you slower. Nothing dramatic. Don't expect to bolt on another 10+mph

Everything else you are kind of venturing out on your own. Buying big bores from Guam, a reworked pipe from Taiwan, removing the airbox & really up jetting. Going this route removes your warranty and decreases reliability.

Think of it more as an urban assault scooter and you'll be happy.
These are all my opinions and opinions are like assholes, everyone got one and mine was sore after 40 miles on Saturday

[bigbropgo]

^Are you complaining or trying to make us jealous.

+1 on everything ray said. its a fun ride but so far the aftermarket is non-existent. he mentioned some parts but they are from some guy, somewhere. a few have the stones to send the money and have claimed gains. nothing rock solid. if i had a long commute I'm not sure i would buy this ride again. having said that, its a ton of fun. and if i end up having a long commute, i would keep it and get another ride. nothing wrong with it. it is what it is.

[nissanman]

Rumor has it the "factory" performance upgrades will not void a warranty if installed at your dealer. This of course is a pipe, rollers and contr-spring.

[B02S4]

Rumor has it the "factory" performance upgrades ...

It is "performance" that should be in quotes

[nissanman]

lol

[Wheelz]

well, I've had my rat for about three months and I've put 3k miles on it allready-I have a 30 mile commute 15 there and 15 back, it has held up just fine for that, cruising speed I would say it easily does 50, you can get it up over an indicated 63 or so, so top speed in general is 55, but that's pushing it. I've also taken it on a few 300 mile trips and as long as you stop and give it a chance to cool down you shouldn't have any problems with over heating. I am in southern Florida so it gets "swamp-assed" hot down here, and really have not had any problems with it at all. It's my daily driver and I love it, so maybe I'm biased, but I really have not had any problems with it, other than the speedo fading out on me, but I'm working on that.

[kellertattoo]

I have had my Rat for about 6 months now, Its my daily comuter and im lovin it! I added the Formosa saddle bags which is also a little extra cushion, but with the addition of a piece of foam, i can ride all day now! Built my own topcase out of a rubbermaid action packer, so grocery shopping is a breeze with all the room. Have'nt had any problems with my rat, the top speed for me is about 55 cuz im pushing 300lbs my self. I did get it up to 60 when I first bought it, but put on a few pounds and all the accessories. Still cruises nice in the fortys with no shaking or anything. Lovin my Rattler and lovin all the pics and custom jobs i see here!!!
I'll try to post pics of mine soon!