Scooter question?

I'm thinking of buying a scooter (the gas kind that are somewhat similar to motorcycles, not the push kind) but I must admit I don't know too much about how they work. I know how to ride a motorcycle, but have never even sat on a scooter. My question is, do they have clutches and transmissions similar to motorcycles, or do you just turn the throttle to make it go? Also, is the shifting pattern similar, with the foot peg on the left?

Most scooters are automatic. There's no clutch and no foot peg. Scooters are just twist and go and they don't have foot pegs. I think part of what makes them so much fun to ride is that you can go anywhere a motorcyclist can go, at least on the larger cc scooters, but you don't have to shift. You literally turn the throttle to move forward and it does the rest.
I've had a motorcycle too but I have to admit, scooters are WAY more fun to ride. Shhh, don't tell anyone I said that. 鈽?br>
You can get a 100cc to a full 700cc and it's still automatic. The only exceptions are some older classic scooters.

Very much depends on the scooter model.

The new 50cc scooters that are common which don't require registration and insurance don't have a clutch.

But higher end scooters, like 150cc vespas have a clutch and full gear box.

you want a high powered scooter? I have a suzuki burgman 650, its sporty and fast go to their website and check it out. Lots of options and goes 115 mph. fully automatic.

Check out some scooter forums, there are many, try the forum at www.scootdawg.com

Grab a copy of the curent issue of Scoot! magazine. they have a buyers guide in it this issue. It`s very complete. Look for the local scooter "scene" for your city, there is always a scooter club that can be found online..