Bemused scooter user seeks opinions from all

[Napalm]

As someone who was never keen on bikes, with a tendency to think of them as being dangerous (my cousin died at 17 in a freak accident) it was with some reluctance (only because of the appalling service from SW Trains) that I decided to do my CBT at the grand old age of 30 last year.

I then got a oh-so-boring Piaggio B125 twist'n'go for the daily commute into work (10 miles each way) which is pretty much all I use it for other than the occasional visit to my brother (when the traffic is soooo bad it'd take 3 times as long in the car)

After 3 months some lovely chap in an Audi A4 convertible decided to pull out of a side road without looking and destroyed my new bike along with the ligaments in my leg, which was fun at physio (court case still ongoing) but I was determined not to let an idiot decide the course of my life (and no way was I going back to paying £200 a month for the train as opposed to £6 a week on petrol) so bought another (identical) new B125 with the insurance.

Since then I've slowly began to actually like the journey (overall, although I still wish I could somehow kill the people who insist on using a mobile whilst driving their car and swerving all over the road, oh so much fun looking out for them) BUT a couple of friends who have 'proper' bikes keep trying to get me to upgrade to a geared bike and a bigger engine.

I'm not convinced - although I can admit that a part of me is tempted, so maybe I'm convincing myself not to for the fear that beforehand I'll be the sort of person doing 120mph down 40mph roads..........

Anyway, I LIKE my scooter and don't understand why people scoff at all scooter users - it's big, high, comfy, loads of room, reliable, easy to use - granted it's not particularly quick (tops out at about 70mph) but quick enough for me and I always grin at the people who scream away from the lights only for me to meet them 150yards away at the next set of lights.....

So I guess I'm looking for some balanced opinions as to whether there would be any benefit/point as to me going the whole hog, as it is? Is biking a means to an end or a way of life?

Do ALL 'proper' bikers hate us scooter users? Granted there are a lot of idiots on scooters but then I see a lot of idiots on all manner of 'proper' bikes as well.......I guess it must be irritating when I hold you guys up but I try to always be considerate, honest!

Let me know your thoughts guys and gals..... (gulp have I opened the doors for a gallon of abuse?)
____________________
-=Napalm=-

[Vespa]

.

[Josh|RD125LC]

Thats it Vespa, you tell him.
____________________
Honda MBX50 | Yamaha RD125LC | Suzuki RG125F Lucky Strike | Suzuki GSF600S
RD125LC Pictures

[Irezumi aka Reuben]

A scooter is a version of a motorcycle and is perfectly acceptible to me. You dont have to be a "biker" to enjoy motorcycling either. My Dad never really got into the whole biking scene yet he still enjoy's motorbikes, usually at well within the speed limit. Whereas I prefer the speed and the whole biking scene a bit more. He enjoy's motorbikes that are older and mechanics much more than I do, I prefer motorcycle sport and a bit more speed. Just because it's different area's of motorcycling it's still a bike and it's good to look at other parts of motorcycles and see their benefits/differences.

People dont suddenly become open hearted hippy's because they ride bikes, theyre still stubborn opininated people.

If you would like to keep up with the faster car's but still want an automatic then look at doing your full test and getting something Like a Yamaha T-max. Nice big comfy bikes and probably very good for touring.

And if you enjoy it and your not causing harm to anyone else then f*ck em'. It's your life.
____________________
Pictorgraphicalfantastical

[Kye]

I'm a biker and a scooterist, my job/apprentiship is for Piaggio.

Proper bikers tend to hate the chavs that ride scooters in shorts and t-shirts etc and act like pricks, it just so happens most of them ride scooters, hence the associated image with scooters.

I think its worth doing you're bike test, It is an eye opener and lets you experience some different bikes at the very least, I know for a fact the B500 is a bit of a monster and good for slinging round the bends, we have an older (70ish) customer that rides one and I've seen him slinging it round some bends like a loon before, I couldn't believe how much corner speed he was carrying.
____________________
Ducati 600SS
Vespa PX125

[mchaggis]

Do the test. It's worth it even if just to get rid of the red and white sails and the abuse they tend to attract. They also really spoil the look of a bike. If you do the test on a geared machine you can see what you think of them. It makes no sense to do it on an automatic as far as I can tell, as you then have to do it again on a geared machine to ride anything other than auto's.
____________________
I must not be a troll...
Mmmm, Guinness
Discovering the delights of Hammerite and a 3/4" brush.

[strag]

I think you may surprise yourself if you ride a 'big bike'. Scooters are fun, and as you say very useful. Bikes are a different kettle of fish. They are a bigger rush, yes they do go faster but only as fast as you want them to go. there is also the social side, I have made loads of mates through riding a bike, as do people that ride scoots. Depends on you really.

You have the option of taking your test and riding what you like, if you do and decide you prefer scoots then no problem:)

Give it a go, what have you got to lose.
____________________
carbon bling

[veeeffarr]

I don't see anything wrong with people who ride scooters, we're all people at the end of the day

Could be worth you taking your full test just so you have it with you, it might not compell you to get a bigger bike, but it will give you opportunity, and since when has opportunity ever been a bad thing?

Might also make your insurance a bit cheaper as well

Could go for a big auto as some people have already said in this thread, some of em look pretty nice, wouldn't mind taking some of them down the motorway

Which brings me on to another point, you'd be able to use motorways, take passengers and the like, which is another bonus on it's own

I personally don't think you've got anything to lose, you can even do your full test on a large scooter if you want - you'll be restricted to scooters until you get tested on a manual but you seem pretty committed to your desicion anyway.

At the end of the day it's what you want to do, it's your life, don't change what you do or how you act for anyone, just enjoy yourself

[colin1]

get a big scooter

ive got an rs125 but im thinking about getting a suzuki burgman 400 or yamaha majesty 400

you can get 650cc scooters

they wont be as stable in cornering as a motorbike but they will be comfy and plenty fast enough

my rs125 is ok cos its a 2 stroke so its got a bit more power but a 4 stroke 125 is a bit lacking on power so id suggest getting a bigger scoooter for improved safety

you are unlikely to go above 100mph on a scooter not cos you cant just cos u wont want to
____________________
colin1 is officially faster than god

[Napalm]

Hmmmm lots to ponder, thanks for the thoughts people, I'm pleasantly suprised at the lack of abuse as well! (exactly how big ARE those boobs Vespa?)

Once the wedding (30/9/5) is out of the way, I think I will take the full test and then give it some thought.....I have caught myself admiring those 250-500cc scooters.....

Having never taken a passenger, how does it tend to affect the dynamics of the bike? I'm already pretty heavy (110kg) so it'd be interesting to know your thoughts.....

I sometimes use the A3 which is pretty much like a motorway (3 lanes, 70mph limit) and the bike seems fine on that, although I spose I'm topping it out and have nothing in reserve....what are the 250cc and 500cc's like on a motorway? Anyone used em?

Thanks again guys (and gal)
____________________
-=Napalm=-

[biggerjohn]

Scooters are like fat birds fun to ride till your mates find out.



Odd as it sounds there some truth in that statement they are fun and if you don’t care about what “your mates” think stick with it.

I would say go for your test in the knowledge it will make you a better and safer rider and they ride whatever you like as you have the choice from a insane sports bike or a 50cc ped or the suggested larger scooter.

[strag]

Napalm, have you ever gone pillion on a bike? If you have any mates with a decent sized bike, have a go on the back (make sure you trust em and they are not going to scare you!). You will get a feel for the amount of power they put out and I am sure you would enjoy it. You will also get a feel for the handling.
____________________
carbon bling

[Napalm]

Good idea, I'll see what I can arrange on that!
____________________
-=Napalm=-

[shammon]

Scooter ,Bikes We all take the same risk on the road exept when it comes to speed. If you love bikes you will prob have had a scooter, still have a scooter, or had a go on one

[Vespa]

.

[JonB]

[Ork12]

But one of the 500cc ones could quite possibly do 90mph .
Alex

[JonB]

Yeah, but he owns a 125.
____________________
Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it?s worth.

[Napalm]

LMAO no no no I tend to cruise it at 50mph road permitting, I've pushed it to over 70mph a few times but it took forever to do the last 10 or so mph!!! Honest guv!

Anyway, if you want speed you don't buy a 125 scooter. Simple as.

Anyone here ridden any of the larger 250/400/500 scooters? I do like them I must admit......
____________________
-=Napalm=-

[Andy C]

although i only had a 50cc scooter, when i was riding it OUTISIDE of town (was great in town) i found myself wanting to go faster than 50ish but mainly was the lack of gears, i now love having gears and feel that if you have a twist and go you are taking away a very enjoyable part of biking. you may not be bothered by this at all but i love have 6 gears now and getting the extra power before an overtake or any other situation.

hope this helps!! and i agree you should go on the back of a bigger bike!
____________________
99 RS125 --> 02 SV650s --> 03 Speed Four --> 92 RXS100 --> 93 CB400sf --> 01 CB600f Hornet

[DM]

I see T-Max's all over Florence every day. Very popular scooters that sound quite nice and can be ridden to knee-down angles.

https://homepage3.nifty.com/rockz/02.jpg

[Andy C]

very tasty!!
____________________
99 RS125 --> 02 SV650s --> 03 Speed Four --> 92 RXS100 --> 93 CB400sf --> 01 CB600f Hornet

[Napalm]

[dodsi]

I started off my riding like on a Peugeot speedshite 2 100cc thing.

At the time thought it was ok, but now I know much better!

Bigger bikes are so much fun, the power to get right out of the way, the effortless 80mph cruising, No attitude from other bikers. More road presence.

Not just with other bikes but cars have a complex with scooters too, they seem to need to overtake you even when your speeding.

Bikes are much better.