Is spending a lot of money on a scooter worthwhile?

chris50cc · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 23 Jul 2004 Karma :

Hi, my name's Chris and this is my first post. I'm completely new to biking as i have just turned 16, so now i'm looking for a 50cc bike.

Question is, do I buy a geared 50cc or just a normal scooter? Are the geared bikes worth the extra hundreds of pounds even though I can still only go 30mph (legally). Please help. All opinions welcome.
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Jake · L Plate Warrior Joined: 22 Jul 2004 Karma :

A geared bike would be more usefull if you plan on getting a larger bike when you're older, as you'd get the practice in. Twist 'n' Go scooters are pretty simple, which i find boring Wink

. Depends how long you want to keep the 50cc for how much you should pay for it.

Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

It is not worth spending lots on a 50cc bike or scooter as when you turn 17 you'll be looking to upgrade to a 125cc and then you'll be looking to do your test and move up again. If you look after the bike well you should be able to sell it for what you paid for it, or not make a big loss on it at all which is always good.

The geared bikes can be picked up second hand in good condition for not much at all really. They probably cost a few hundred more to buy one new, but it really is not worth evening thinking about buying a learner bike new as the value of it drop so much so quickly, and it offers no advantages over a second hand bike.

Just having a quick browse on Ad Trader I have found a couple of small 50cc geared bikes which would suit you fine. "SUZUKI TS50X, K reg. blue and white, very good condition, 6 months MOT,. £475. ono" and "SUZUKI TS50cc 1998, S reg, 12 months tax & tested, two new tyres, new battery, 4500 miles, ideal bike for learner, £650 ono," both of these bikes would be fine for learning on, and when it came to selling it you will be able to get back most of what you paid for it.

So, no it is not worth spending lots on a 50cc bike, and yes it is worth getting a geared one, and they don't cost hundreds more than ungeared 50cc bikes or scooters.

Frost · World Chat Champion Joined: 26 May 2004 Karma :

Get the cheapest thing you can see potential in. buy it ride it for a year, do it up as best as you can, turn 17, sell ped for a proffit and buy a decent 125 Thumbs Up

chris50cc · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 23 Jul 2004 Karma :

cheers guys, your helping a lot Very Happy

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chris50cc · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 23 Jul 2004 Karma :

What do you think of the Gilera DNA 50? Looks like a bike but has all the characteristics of a scooter, like twist and go...
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Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

I don't like the DNA bikes one bit at all, and lots of others feel the same way about them. If you want to get a scooter, then get a scooter. If you want to get bike, get a bike. But don't get a scooter which is pretending to be a bike. No real reason I can see why anyone would ever get one, just get something which is actually what it's trying to be as the DNA do not offer you any advantages really.

Jake · L Plate Warrior Joined: 22 Jul 2004 Karma :

I agree with Ste. DNA's are trying (and failing big time) to look like a larger and bigger bike, but with the sounds of a scooter. If you're after a bike, wait till you're 17, and get a 125 licence, then you can get a bike. If you don't want to wait, look for something like the Aprilia sr50

Lee_367 · Brolly Dolly Joined: 22 May 2004 Karma :

I would say definitely go for something with gears, it teaches you a lot about choosing the right gear for going round corners and such.

personally i regret buying a new 50cc due to the amount i am going to lose on it when i come to sell it, so i would buy a 2nd hand one.

edit> also, stay away from race rep 50's, they dmage to easily and cost a fortune to insure.

ps. i will be selling my derbi towards the end of september Very Happy

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karen_moomin · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Apr 2004 Karma :

Hi Chris, welcome to the forum Very Happy

My personal opinion is that gears are SO MUCH FUN!! Obviously go with what you can afford, but if there is even a tiny bit of the "fun factor" involved in your decision to get into biking (i.e. if it's not purely for commuting to school/college/work etc) then I think you'll get more out of it if you spend a bit more on something with gears.

You also get more respect from other road users and bikers than if you were on a ped. Thumbs Up

Let us know what you decide!

Slavo · Spanner Monkey Joined: 07 May 2004 Karma :

NO!

Your first bike is for learning on. You will hurt it whilst learning, by the way you ride it and also if you drop it / bin (hope it doesn't happen to you).

Also, it won't be a bike you keep for long. I know it sounds shit advice and you want to go and get the nicest bike you can with all the money you got. I made this mistake with my first "bigger" bike, I spent £2000 on it and 2 days later I was involved in an accident, not my fault, have been paid out, but still, I think if I had more experience on the bike or any bigger bikes, the accident could have been avoided.

Whatever you decide to do, have fun and ride carefully Wink

Welcome to the forum Thumbs Up