looking for a used scooter in Yokosuka??

March 2, 2007 3:10 AM

Trying to find a used scooter to buy in or around Yokohama or Yokosuka, Japan, any ideas for a gaijin with no Japanese skills.

thinking things like Craigs List or such, but havent found what I was looking for, any gaijin specific japanese ebay type sites? where do I go for registration ect. I live in Yokosuka but would be willing to travel for it if necessary. thanks

posted by nintendo to travel & transportation (3 comments total)

Unfortunately you are a bit limited with no Japanese skills as there are huge Japanese language sites dealing with used bikes only.

English-wise there is metropolis but the pickings are pretty slim. Tokyo Craigslist is not especially useful in general. Also there might be something on gaijinpot classifieds.

This site looks to be pretty helpful actually - although unsure if the details are still relevant as there is no date on the page. Might be a good starting point.
posted by gomichild at 7:13 AM on March 2, 2007

A long while back there was a question about scooters in Japan. To summarize my answer there - once I had the scooter, I never bothered with the driving test...just wore a full face helmet and kept my driving under control.

As far as getting the scooter - do you have a Japanese friend who can look for you? My Japanese skill was minimal, as well. I had a friend search for me, and she came up with a used one from some private owner in town, and the scooter ran me about $500 (US).
posted by ArsncHeart at 10:22 AM on March 2, 2007

Eh, it's easy. Are you in Yokohama or Yokosuka? Which one?

The motorcycle test is pretty easy. Just expect it to be written in ASS BACKWARDS ENGRISH of the worst degree. They might make you do a riding test where people on a training course do stuff like throw cardboard boxes at you and other crazy stuff.

Go find the nearest foreign high school and just ask some high school dude to help you out. If you're in Yokohama, wander around the YCAC and ask people.
People get rid of scooters over there all the time. I lived there for 6 years and went through like 5 scooters... I kept tearing them apart for spare parts & reselling them.

This is actually one of those times where searching out an OFFline solution will make things easier for you.
posted by drstein at 9:27 PM on March 4, 2007