Korean Job Discussion Forums

[FliptheCoin]

Read the post on the car, but realize this is a little more than I wanted to spend.

How about scooter costs? Was thinking for the summer it would be great fun (I have a motorcycle back home).

How much can you realistically spend on a used (or new) scooter. Remember I am trying to be economical here. What about insurance? Can you insure for only a few months at a time? How much to fill up? How far on a tank of petro? Any other words of wisdom?

[Anda]

Um. it sounds like you are in a hurry to spend time in hospital
Most bike repair shops sell second hand bikes. 300,000 to 500,000 won should get you a small bike. 50cc doesn't require road tax. The thief rate here on bikes is huge so be warned.

[Howard Roark]

i've had 4 scooters this past year. i kept trading up for bigger and faster. anyways, you can get a small second hand scooter, fine for one person, for 300 000 - 600 000won, depending on size, condition, and year. these small scooters are very economical on gas, and you don't need a license or insurance. the small scooters tend to not even have license plates. most bike shops have second hand bikes in this price range. you just give them the money, get a receipt and your bike. there's no paper work involved. it's no more complicated than buying a bicycle. it is dangerous driving here though, be warned. also, make sure you get a lock and use it all the time, these scooters are so easy to steal.

[Dr. Buck]

Howard Raork's post is on the money. He knows what he's talking about. I've owned a couple and they are great for errands and exploring the city and nearby countryside.
I've also crashed one on a full speed collision with a truck and survived with a Terminator-like bounce off the pavement.
Wear a helmet or you will die. However, I broke that rule on nice weather days while driving in low-traffice areas.
But absolutely be careful, death is always near on these things and I've had hundreds of near-misses.
And you have to get good at quick-handling the nimbleness of this bikes--the smaller the better, the 49cc ones are best and safest because of the ultra-quick reaction you get out of them when you must make a millisecond reaction or eat taxi metal.
The little bikes also take a hell of beating--I've driven mine up mountain trails and they still keep running after a thorough trashing.
Lay them down, crash them and usually they still start up.

[mykrobb]

for about 400,000-500,000 won you can get a 125cc motorcycle. much better than a scooter in my opinion because you can take them on the highways.

[Bibbitybop]

Anyone interested in bikes should read "The official motorcycle/scooter" thread in off-topics.

Also, mykrobb, the expressway highways are off-limits to all bikes, even Harleys, though I hop on them illegally once in a while. Other than that, all highways are legal, even for scooters. You may have some problems going the speed limit riding a 50 or 100cc bike or scooter on national highways, but as far as I know it's legal.

[BRawk]

I have to disagree with the claim that smaller scooterss (50cc) are safer. I have owned both a 50cc and 125cc and have found the 125 to be much safer, the reason being the lack of power in the smaller bike. I find it sometimes unsafe to pullout into fast moving traffic when you have an underpwered scooter.

[mykrobb]

[Bibbitybop]

[mykrobb]

[shetan]

I tested a 50cc 100cc and 125cc scooter...

The 50cc was terrible after riding my 125cc.... the lack of power made me feel scared... you pull out in front of a car, crank up the accelerator... and nothing happens!

The 100cc is ok if it is really powerful 100cc... My friends 100cc had faster acceleration then my 125 but my 125 cc had high top speed (90-100kph), and more power when we have our girlfriends on the back...

I bought 2 scooters 125cc... first cost 300,000 but got stolen.
2nd one cost 250,000 but I had to buy new tire and replace started motor (110,000) so 350,000 all up. (these were really cheap, 500-700 is probably normal.

I love riding them and would never go less then 125cc... especially if you have a gf who will be on the back often.

I didn�t register either of them (which is illegal) but I've never had any problems with police. They usually leave you alone if you are wearing a helmet.

I have DL but no insurance. I recommend you get it though.

I put about $5 gas every 3 - 4 days.... I actually did a mileage test and I think it was about 11km/1,000won. (cant remember exactly)

Awesome in summer and great for traffic probs. 15mins to apgujeong and hongdae- from Itaewon... and usually cuts bus time in about half.

You have to be careful and paying attention to whats going on around you 100% of the time... no drifting off into your thoughts or your road kill.

Koreans are really terrible drivers... they seem almost oblivious to anyone else on the road. So you have to expect very unexpected behavior... driving in the middle of 2 lanes, abrupt stops, suddenly stopping and turning with no indication. Also taxi drivers are sworn enemies of the scooterer... I�m sure they live to take you out!!

Good luck...

[Bibbitybop]

About traffic laws, or lack of them:

Seoul cops are cracking down on unlicensed bikes and drivers. Read about the driver's license requirements before getting on a bike. They are also cracking down on helmet-less riders (even Korean drivers) as well as riding on the sidewalks.

I regularly see motorbike check points in Hyehwa since lots of students there cruise around with no helmet or license.

[Rae]

About helmets - does Korea require them for riding a bike (as in a bicycle)?

[VanIslander]

[Bibbitybop]