Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Qinella]

I was asking a fellow hard-working English language technician today about scooters, when he offered to sell me his, due to his need for something more suited to making longer trips.

He told me that he paid 250,000 in December and had done some subsequent repair work (new headlight, new muffler, new battery) totaling 90,000 won. The price he asked was 300,000.

I, however, know next to nothing about scooters, or buying scooters in Korea. Can anyone tell me if 300 is a steep price to pay? I didn't even think to ask the power of the engine, but it looks like one of the kind that delivery guys drive. It isn't new, but he said he takes it from Itaewon to Mokdong nearly every day, which means it must be fairly reliable.

The only downside was that he mentioned it can't run in the rain, or if there's any water on the roads, as the back tire will kick up water, making the engine stall out. Is that normal?

If this doesn't sound like a good deal, can anyone suggest a place where I can find another used scooter?

Thanks,
Q.

[Qinella]

*bump* Hoping that at least someone who reads this has bought a scooter and can tell me what's up...

[thekingofdisco]

[seoulsucker]

If it's a delivery bike, it's probably 125cc, which is plenty of power. 300,000 sounds fairly reasonable.

[denverdeath]

As others have said, it depends on the size, year, miles, etc. If prices haven't changed much in the past four or so years, just to give you an idea: New 50cc = 1.2mil, 90cc = 1.6-1.8mil, 125cc = 2.2mil. If you look around at any of the Dae-lim or Hyo-sung shops you can usu see all kinds of used ones. Like cars, prices drop dramatically within a short period of time. You could probably get a nice year-old 90cc with low miles for 500,000. Guess it depends on what you want and how long you think you'll use it. 300,000 for the one you're talking about seems okay, especially if it's a 125cc. Also, you may not want to drive it much in the rain anyway due to lowered visability and safety(slippery paint on the roads), so the factor you mentioned may not be a big problem(although you probably won't be able to drive it for most of the rainy season). If you take it for a test spin and it actually feels like it's humming fairly nicely, accelerates easily, stops well, starts easily, and has functional lights and mirrors, it's an okay deal(especially if he throws in a helmet and lock).

[denverdeath]

[thekingofdisco]

Also do you have a valid license in korea?? Or plan to get one?

Despite what people say about not needing one if you drive something under 125cc.... that is completely untrue.

You need a basic car license or a basic motorbike license to drive stuff from 1cc-125cc.

from 125cc onwards you need to get a specialised one for bikes... although I think it can just be added to your car licence too.

I have two bikes now (one large and one small) the small one is 99cc, but that still needs number plates, insurance etc etc - just trying to set some of the myths straight.

[denverdeath]

The stuff thekingofdisco said is true. I don't believe the 50cc ones need to be licensed for the road; but if you get in an accident and don't have insurance, you're screwed(more ways than one if it's a bus). Although rare, even with a 50cc the cops could stop you(I was stopped once because I had my headlight on and I had to do the breathalyzer a few times) and it's better to have some kind of valid driver's license if they ask for it.

[thekingofdisco]

Well the reason I decided to post that reminder... was that I was stopped randomly today, and asked to show my drivers license. I wasn't doing anything strange or dangerous, and I had full leathers and full face helmet on (so nothing to do with being a foreigner).

Anyway, if you want to be legal - even on a 50cc you need to have a drivers license.

[Qinella]

Thanks for the info. I'm meeting with the seller again tomorrow, so I'll ask the pertinent information (mileage, cc). The thing about the motor shorting out in wet conditions, though.. I mean, yes, on one hand, I wouldn't want to drive it during rain, but if the rain's over and there's some water on the roads, I don't want the thing stalling out on me. What a pain that would be.

Actually, when I told my boss about the water issue, he started laughing and told me just to wait until he can take me around and find one for the same price that won't stall out in wet conditions. So I'll probably do that.

About the license, I remember reading on here previously that you can get a Korean license easily enough if you have a US one, so I should be able to take care of that in short time.

Thanks again for the input!

-Q.

[nene]

lately i've been entertaining a little fantasy and this brought it up, so i thought i'd throw out a few questions...

i'm thinking of getting a bike, mostly to take across the pond to china after finishing my contract, and then cruising down to veitnam and thailand and unloading it there before heading home. but i have no experience with motorbikes or driving in asia, which leaves me plenty of room to be laughed at. so, some questions: how much would i need to spend on the bike to be reasonably assured of it making the X000 km trip to thailand? without an international drivers licence or proficency in korean, can i get a licence here? and how much does insurance run? thanks.

[seoulsucker]

[antoniothegreat]

i dont really think i would pay 300,000 won for a scooter that cant run in the rain. what happens when it starts raining and you are already out somewhere, especially a place like costco with a bunch of stuff.

you can find something better

[soulsurfer]

Does anyone have any links for where to go to get a korean driver's licence/insurance? And does anyone have any examples of how much insurance costs for scooters or motorcycles?

[daz1979]

If it runs when its raining but doesn't start in the rain once you stop it might be something as simple as water getting in the sparkplug this is the white thing sticking out of your engine Costs a couple of quid to solve the problem!

Try changing that 1st if you go ahead and buy it, might be nothing at all, other than that I would look for something more reliable!!! Bike's break an awful lot BTW if you know nothing about them they can be a right headache!!

If it cuts out in the rain whilst it is moving DO NOT BUY IT!

125cc bikes are fast and a good laugh too, I got 100mph out of a billy whizz in Turkey and my ex was on the back too!!