On a budget, Learner Scooter

MahatmaAndhi · Traffic Copper Joined: 10 Jun 2015 Karma :

Hi Guys,

I did my CBT about a year ago. Bought a Piaggio MP3, didn't look after it, sold it for spares and repairs (engine was about to go. Steering notch fault. Leaking rear suspension) before the MOT ran out. I was honest about it and so didn't get much in the way of cash.

Now, combined with what I already had, I've a budget of £900. I'm still on my CBT and can't afford to do my license and get a bike to potter about on in the meantime, so I'm sticking with the CBT for now.

I live in Peterborough and there's nothing within about 50+ miles. Also, the main road to the North and South is the A1(M) which I'm not allowed to ride on. So my choices do get limited without really going around the houses.

I did my CBT on a twist-and-go and my MP3 was a twist-and-go too. I've not ridden a geared bike in over 15 years and even then it was on fields, rather than roads. I'd like to stick with a scooter (storage too).

So, with all that in mind, if it's too far I'll need to include a delivery charge. Even if it's a mate, it's still going to eat in to my rather meager budget.

I've seen a few Cat D scooters around and I know 'should I buy' has been asked through searches, but what I haven't seen covered is whether I have to declare this to my insurance company or whether they automatically know because of the registration plate?
Also, at the value I am looking at, it's likely going to be Third Party F&F insurance - will being a Cat D increase the price?

I really don't want a Shanghai Special, so I'm trying to stick with decent well-established names. I've limited my search to Yamaha, Honda, Piaggio (and the sister companies), Kymco, Sym and Peugeot. Are there any others worth considering? I've seen the odd Hyosung from South Korea, which seem to have a good rep on actual bikes. Not much in the way of information on scooters though.

So, to summarise (because I like to fill my sentences with waffle): Cat D - does it need to be manually declared on insurance, and will the insurance increase?

Are there any other brands to consider?

As an aside, I saw a Sym JoyRide within 5 miles of me, low mileage and within budget. HPI checked it - outstanding finance. Gutted.

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

MahatmaAndhi · Traffic Copper Joined: 10 Jun 2015 Karma :

Thanks for your reply, Rogerborg.

I'll just do an insurance quote prior to buying to find out. What they quote me is what they get. It'll likely be Bennets as they're cheapest 9 times out of 10 for me. Not sure if their site asks for that information. If it does, I'll just be honest.

With regards to the Sym, I saw the ad, thought it was too good to be true. Called the guy, but he seemed really not very interested. I wasn't feeling great about it, so I did an HPI for peace of mind. When it came back with outstanding finance, I decided to walk away. But it's still there on AutoTrader toying with me.

Nothing about it in the description though:

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

£800 for a 7 year old Sym with a ropey history, a short MOT and a disinterested seller? I'd keep looking.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

MahatmaAndhi · Traffic Copper Joined: 10 Jun 2015 Karma :

I've decided to use the money to take the DAC instead.
More choice of bike. Safer. And I'll learn gears again in the process. I just won't have a put-put bike to get me around for a while (I have a car though, but share it with the woman.)

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

Right decision in the long run. Thumbs Up

____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike