Commuting Advice Please

[rich673]

I am about to move jobs which will result in a 13 mile commute from NW London to SW London, along the A41, through town and finishing at Battersea. Trying to do this on trains and tubes is definitely going to be a nightmare, so want to get a scooter for the journey.

Really I am looking for the safest option but which also has a good mpg and will work well getting through the traffic as I get into central London.

I'd be really grateful for any guidance and suggestions, I have had a bit of a look around and I like some of the Piaggios, especially the MP3s - but are they actually any good for going through traffic? I've also seen that the Honda SH125 is highly recommended, is that still the case?

Would really appreciate a bit of hand-holding here!

Thanks

[barrkel]

MP3s are heavy and expensive for what you get. Upside is better grip on front - harder to lose the front on braking or corners. Downsides are weight, expense, and extra width - but the extra width doesn't stop much filtering since the handlebars are still the widest bit. It can stop you squeezing past traffic islands though. A dodgy advantage is that some are rideable on a car license without extra licensing, but I think the training and process of a big bike license are worthwhile in themselves. But I wouldn't buy one.

SH125 is a fine scooter, as are PS125, PCX, Cygnus etc. Anything Japanese will be decent quality. Ideally get something with 12" wheels at least, it gives you more clearance when leaning, and is less wobbly when exceeding 40mph. Smaller wheels are slightly more manoeuvrable though. Sit on a bunch and ensure you have e.g. decent seat height; PS125 has a higher seat than most of the rest. Flat footboard can be handy for transporting larger, heavier objects that don't strap easily to the passenger seat or fit in a top box, but some people don't like the look.

Find and book a CBT. You'll get an accompanied ride around some London streets by the end of the day, assuming you're not completely unaware of the rules of the road.
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Bikes: S1000R, SH350; Exes: Vity 125, PS125, YBR125, ER6f, VFR800, Brutale 920, CB600F, SH300x4
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[map]

Appears to be a duplicate thread

Click here on this one that at time of writing has more replies.
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[rich673]

Thanks map, have noticed that.

Also, thanks for the advice on the MP3, the question for me as someone who hasn't been on two wheels before is whether it is any safer going for a 3-wheeler?

[twistedlemon]

[map]

[cretin box]

I'm commuting on a 50cc scooter, due to reasons.

I'll be honest - I was more stable on the Yamaha YBR125 that I took my CBT on. Try scooters and motorcycles and see what suits you best.

A decent school should give you the opportunity.

[TheArchitect]

I commute 9 miles each way from North London to the city on a Honda PCX. Have been doing so for the past 18 months through all weathers and I have to say I love it. Beats the tube hands down.

The PCX hasn't missed a beat in that time and is still going strong. If the styling takes your fancy and the ride position is suitable for you I would highly recommend the PCX, it's nippy, reasonably quick off the lights for a 125 scooter and great MPG (i'm regularly hitting 90mpg if not more).

I'm waiting for some fair weather to do my Mod 2 and then I will [sadly] be parting with my PCX to get a big bike. If the budget allowed I wouldn't hesitate to keep it as my commuter.

FYI - MP3s aren't that stable under harsh braking, granted they're more likely to stay up than a 2 wheeler but they will give way if pushed. Just ride smart and you won't need to lock the wheels. But you can't beat the nimbleness of a 2 wheeler through the gridlock I see at Bishopsgate every morning.
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