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Should you get a scooter or an underbone motorcycle?

Which of the two is the best all-around machine?

EJ Punsalang EJ Punsalang on Jul 18, 2022
Should you get a scooter or an underbone motorcycle?

In the Philippines, two of the most popular two-wheeled modes of transportation are scooters and underbones. They’re both popular options for individuals to go around because of how simple they are to use, maintain, and repair. However, it's understandable why some individuals mistakenly believe scooters and underbones to be the same thing. 

Underbones and scooters feature engines that provide roughly the same amounts of power and are roughly the same size in terms of dimensions. Even though they share a lot of similarities, both are unique in their own ways. To help you choose which of the two is a better fit for your lifestyle, let's examine some of the important distinctions and similarities between scooters and underbones. 

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Different configurations

Should you get a scooter or an underbone motorcycle?

Scooters often feature step-through frames, and the engines are typically located towards the back wheel, underneath the seat. In order to be more aerodynamic and reduce drag when moving at faster speeds, the majority of scooters conceal their frame and chassis behind plastic panels. Its form makes it possible to rest your feet while riding on a flat floorboard, and paneling shields the rider's legs from flying objects and air resistance. With a small pocket for accessories like a water bottle or your electronics, this panel frequently also offers some extra storage space.

On underbones, the engine is situated between the rider's legs, and the bikes get step-over frames. Underbones don't have the backbone of the frame that typically houses the tank like normal motorcycles do. To mount the bike, you still have to swing your leg over it; there isn't a step board that runs through to rest your feet, but rather conventional foot pegs. Furthermore, underbones miss out on the standard storage options that scooters often provide making them lag a bit behind in terms of practicality. 

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Engine and performance considerations

Should you get a scooter or an underbone motorcycle?
Should you get a scooter or an underbone motorcycle?

Typically, 100cc to 150cc single-cylinder engines power both scooters and underbones. However, some scooters have even larger engines that have displacements between 200 and 700cc. These scooters, which are more frequently referred to as maxi-scooters, are made specifically to travel larger distances. Smaller two-stroke engines, like those found in vintage Vespa and Lambretta scooters, were widespread in older scooters, but as emission regulations tightened, manufacturers began to switch to larger, cleaner four-stroke engines with displacements ranging from 100cc.

It's a little bit more difficult to put larger motors on underbones because their wheels are often bigger than those of scooters. A such, there aren’t really any maxi-underbones, or high-displacement underbone models available in the market. That said, underbones can be sportier than scooters. The Yamaha Sniper 155 is one of the most sought-after underbones in thelocal market. It has a 155cc liquid-cooled, four-valve, single-cylinder engine that produces 17.8 hp and 14 Nm of torque, making it one of the most powerful underbones out there.

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Do you prefer automatic or manual transmission?

Should you get a scooter or an underbone motorcycle?

Nowadays, scooters typically have an automatic transmission, or CVT, which allows you to cruise comfortably without worrying about a clutch or changing gears. The early Vespa scooters had a transmission system that allowed for gear changes using shift levers, but today, consumers would prefer the convenience of an automatic twist-and-go scooter.

Underbones, on the other hand, continue to get by with a semi-automatic gearbox that has foot controls that allow gear shifting without the use of a clutch. In addition to having an automatic transmission, some underbonesalso have fully manual 6-speed transmissions, like the Honda RS150 and the Suzuki Raider R150.

Affordability is the name of the game

Should you get a scooter or an underbone motorcycle?
Should you get a scooter or an underbone motorcycle?

Scooters and underbones are undoubtedly the champions of quick and simple transportation in underdeveloped nations where two-wheel mobility is crucial for individuals to go around and have their essentials supplied to them. They are therefore offered at prices that satisfy both the affluent and the frugal. A respectable budget scooter, like the Honda BeAT 110 and the Yamaha Mio line of scooters, may be purchased for between P70,000 and P85,000. They have a twist-and-go throttle, are lightweight, and are simple to maintain.

On the other hand, underbone motorcycles llike the Yamaha Sight are suitable for consumers on a tighter budget, and they can get you around for between P59,900 and P62,900. On the other hand, the powerful Suzuki Raider 150, which has a manual 6-speed transmission and a powerful engine, is only one of the many alternatives available and costs P97,900.

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