If you don't want to read all the way through this my main question is, simply: What specific things should a Noob scooterist look for when buying used scooter? Any tips for trying to get this sucker running when I go look at it? This one is an Aero 50, so at least 20 years old. My engineering skills are limited to understanding simple machines, specifically ramps.
![Shocked :shock:](./images/smilies/icon_eek.gif)
I've been in the market for a while and happened across a Honda Aero 50 in the somebodies garage. They're willing to give it up for a good price because he just wants to get rid of it. So, with my limited knowledge, I'd really appreciate anyone who can help me think of some specific things to look at to determine how/if I can get the thing running again. Thanks for any help in advance. I'll go over what little detail I could get from my initial exam of the scooter. I appologize in advance if I misuse the terminology or names of parts. Like I said, newbie here.
Honda Aero 50, appears to be a later model, but I'm not sure. Just recently discovered how to tell the year through VIN, etc. Next time I check it out (hopefully soon) I'll gather this info.
Muffler appears to be rusted badly, although it isn't rusted through. Possible just on the surface.
Hasn't been run in 5 years, according to owner. Of course, last time they tried it the thing worked.
No battery, so I couldn't test it out. Not even sure if it has a kickstart. If Aero's have them, where are they located and how does one use it?
Some light pattern rust on the fork. But nothing serious as far as I could tell.
Had a key in it.
Also has gas in it, most likely 5 years old
As far as I can tell it is 100% complete and 100% original. Owner said they haven't done much with it and nothing to it since they got it quite a few years ago.
Any info on how to operate said scooter would be nice. I wanted to play around with it but felt foolish and didn't want to make anything worse than it might already be.
So, as you can see, I didn't find much when I went to look. Mostly because I dont know what to look for. What I'd like is an operable scoot (of course) but I'll settle for a fixer-upper, as long as I don't have to spend 500 bucks doing the repairs. I've been searching for parts online but haven't found much. I was trying to get a feel for a worst case scenario, meaning complete engine rebuild and how much that would cost. Any ideas on that front as well?
Anyways, thanks to those of you who read through all of that. I appreciate it and any help/encouragement you can offer. I'm dieing to get a scoot so any help at all, even a story about how cool scoots are will be great. Thanks in advance for any help you can give. I'll shut up now