Motorcycle vs Scooter around London with a suit.

pfenig · Derestricted Danger Joined: 15 Nov 2016 Karma :

Have decided to return to 2 wheels, which I need for getting around London in all weather.

The trouble is I mostly need to get around London in a suit and/or get in and out of London in a suit and onto a plane at one of the 5 airports for work.

I need to think of a better method of getting myself in a suit and onto a bike (with adequate whether protection) or myself and a suitcase with my suit in it on a bike or I'll have to think about getting a scooter (I know, I know).

The main issue remains with the weather protection clothing, boots and helmet which I cannot take with me onto flights, since it makes everything that much heavier.

Having a top box/givi rack just doesn't seem so bad on a scooter but I can't seem to do it on a motorcycle and I do have a problem with fugly looking bikes (which appears to be just about all the modern bikes these days).

Do you guys have any ideas?

recman · World Chat Champion Joined: 26 Mar 2012 Karma :

Taxi.

bamt · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Dec 2013 Karma :

If it has to be a bike, get one with full luggage. Boots and overtrousers in one pannier, jacket in the other, helmet in the top box. I do that when using the bike fur customer meetings. My suit jacket folds loosely into thirds in a thin fabric cover into the top box whilst I'm riding.

Depending upon distance I sometimes pop into the nearest motorway services to my destination and change from jeans/overtrousers to suit trousers and overtrousers, to avoid riding all the way in my suit.

grr666 · Super Spammer Joined: 16 Jun 2014 Karma :

Ideally you'll be needing something acid and stab proof. Have you tried Army surplus?
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Polarbear · Super Spammer Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Karma :

I agree with taxi, especially if you can stick it on expenses.
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bassmastergen... · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 16 Jun 2011 Karma :

pfenig · Derestricted Danger Joined: 15 Nov 2016 Karma :

pfenig · Derestricted Danger Joined: 15 Nov 2016 Karma :

grr666 · Super Spammer Joined: 16 Jun 2014 Karma :

TheSmiler · World Chat Champion Joined: 14 Apr 2011 Karma :

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

You could try an NC700/750S, with the "tank" cubby and a big double-helmet fnar top box.

The good news is that nobody will want to steal it. The bad news is that's because you're riding an NC.

A midi scootay is really what you'd want for that purpose though. The Burgman 400, for example, is properly capacious and comfy, or you could try the Kwak J300 or the Kymco Downtown 300 (the J300 without the Japanese badge). Throw a Tucano Termoscud invalid blanket on you're protected from most of the weather so can get away with less protective gear.

Slightly less chance of being acid-stabbed than on the Vespa 300, but I'd put a Bikejet™ on the bars to wash away those melting eyeball tears anyway.
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