Brother is thinking about getting scooter/small motorcycle...

[BULLman]

So last night @ Hooters, I was showing off the ride to my brothers and David (the oldest) told me he is thinking of getting a scooter or small motorcycle for his 2 mile commute.

 

Sounds like he has $7500 to spend.

 

 

He was looking @ Vespas, which are cool, but $7500 is a lot.

 

He is a looking at the new Kawasaki and Honda 250s which he can get for $4K.

 

Personally, I kinda think the scooter would be a little more practical (considering I have the same kind of commute -but, he commute is a little more residential @ 40 mph speed limit vs mine where I travel on a 6 lane road with a 45-55 speed limit)

 

I mentioned to him the Vstrom 650 would be an economical ride where maybe he wouldn't out grow it quickly.

 

What does the collective say?

 

He is in his 50s

He had a bike briefly in college (Honda 125) which I took apart and didn't put it back together again.

 

He does want to take the MSF course, too.

 

Thanks, I will send him the results.

[cris nitro]

I have a 2005 R1150 RT and love it. But I wanted something a little smaller for "bobbing around". I thought about a naked bike like a Yamaha Z6, looked at the Kawasaki KLR 650 and then rode a V Strom. Wow, fell in love immediately. Bought a new left over 2011 for $7,000 and can't ride it enough. It is perfect for backroads, country roads, a little dirt roads and such and anything for up to 4 hours in the saddle. Not great for interstate work.

I still love my RT and am taking it up to the Delaware Water Gap this weekend, but the V Strom might just be the best middle weight bike out there. Especially for the price. I highly reccomend it.

Cris

[Quinn]

Let him take the MSF course first and it should point him in the right direction. If he gets bitten by the bug, he won't be satisfied with a 250 scooter. I'd reccomend 600 or 650ccs and a neutral sitting position for a normal size adult to start with. Also should be something he can flatfoot and pick up when he drops it at a traffic light or in his driveway. When he gets the bike, loan him your copy of David Hough's Profiecent Motorcycling.

 

-----

 

 

[eddd]

A scooter might be an excellent choice, but definitely not a new one. College towns in warm areas seem to have an abundance of used scooters at very reasonable prices, like under $2,000.

 

Even if the scooter leads him to wanting a larger bike, the low investment makes keeping the scooter a good option for short trips around town.

 

If he wanted to go with a motorcycle a Honda Rebel is really hard to beat. They hold their value, are always in demand, and are as reliable as a bike can get.

[Paul Mihalka]

For some time I'm seriously looking at what generally is called maxi-scooters. Available ones are Honda Silverwing (650cc), Suzuki Burgman 400 and 650, Yamaha Majesty (400cc) and Tmax (500cc).

For me it is not commuting but replacement of 1200cc sport-touring bike with something lighter handier due to old age. Step-through is great. Old dogs don't lift legs well. After serious test rides of the two Yamahas, about 500 miles each, I found I pretty much can do anything with them I (not you) do now with my R1200GS. I rode the Yamahas because they were available. I'm sure the other brands would do the same. You can find new left-over bikes in the $6.000-7.000 range and low mileage used ones around $5.000. They would do short commutes very well but be good for a lot more.

[BULLman]

For some time I'm seriously looking at what generally is called maxi-scooters. Available ones are Honda Silverwing (650cc), Suzuki Burgman 400 and 650, Yamaha Majesty (400cc) and Tmax (500cc).

For me it is not commuting but replacement of 1200cc sport-touring bike with something lighter handier due to old age. Step-through is great. Old dogs don't lift legs well. After serious test rides of the two Yamahas, about 500 miles each, I found I pretty much can do anything with them I (not you) do now with my R1200GS. I rode the Yamahas because they were available. I'm sure the other brands would do the same. You can find new left-over bikes in the $6.000-7.000 range and low mileage used ones around $5.000. They would do short commutes very well but be good for a lot more.

I've seen your posts and we were talking about them, too.

[Bob Foley]

Due to the learning process, I would go used for sure. I think the wee-strom is a winner. Also the SV650 in the standard model is a fine first bike.

 

I think someone who is 50 is way to young to be looking at scooters!

 

So you 3 were sight-seeing at Hooters! How was the food?

[upflying]

Saw something recently about a Honda 250 with ABS. Info came from Consumer Reports. Perfect entry level bike for a short commute.

Here it is.

http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2012/06/honda-cbr250r-abs-motorcycle-proves-fun-well-suited-to-new-riders.html

[fourteenfour]

Two mile commute?

 

Hell I would walk.

[OoPEZoO]

If I had $7500 to spend and wanted a cool bike for a short commute and putting around.......I'd go buy a lightly used Triumph Bonneville.

 

If I had a two mile commute, I would never ride it though. It would take longer to gear up and warm the bike up than it would to get to work.

[krussell]

I'm not a scooter fan. (maxi scooters excluded)

 

- small wheels

- low power, perhaps very low power

- lack of seriousness

 

I think being able to ride with traffic, without encumbering traffic, is key to riding safely. A small scooter relegates you to the curb where you are hard to see, and constantly being passed.

 

I think there's also a perception that it's 'just a scooter' and somehow there is less risk than riding a motorcycle. To me, it's even riskier, and things like ATGATT, adequate training, etc. are even more important.

 

Lots of good suggestions above, the new NC700 from Honda looks interesting if he goes with a new bike. A used KLR650 or similar dualsport with a nice Givi topcase can be very functional.

 

[Paul Mihalka]

Some of the posts just clicked in my head. Two mile commute in Florida? Bicycle?

[Mrs. Caddis]

My 45 yr old brother just "upgraded" his starter scooter and this is what he had to say "The scooter is a 2001 Honda Reflex. It has a 250 cc motor, gets 70+ miles per gallon and can go 70+ miles per hour. Plug an ipod into it for cruising tunes. It is freaking AWESOME!" He did take the MSF class and does not see the need for a full motorcycle for his tooling around the suburbs of Cleveland. Of course, this fits his funky style perfectly.

[lkraus]

A good brother would put his older siblings Honda 125 back together - that would be perfect for a two mile commute.

 

Larry

[Bill_Walker]

Two mile commute?

 

Hell I would walk.

 

Or ride a bicycle.

[BULLman]

3 were sight-seeing at Hooters! How was the food?

 

Food? They serve food @ Hooters????

 

[BULLman]

A good brother would put his older siblings Honda 125 back together - that would be perfect for a two mile commute.

 

Larry

 

Too late. It was 20+ yrs ago and it was sold long ago.

[BULLman]

Thanks for the replies.

 

He is an avid rider (bicycles that is). I think his bikes are too nice and he is worried about them getting stolen. Plus, if he gets another bike its almost like me getting a second bike

 

I sent him a bunch of links on scooters for sale, found a nice Bonnie, too.

 

 

 

[szurszewski]

I'm not a scooter fan. (maxi scooters excluded)

 

- small wheels

- low power, perhaps very low power

- lack of seriousness

 

I think being able to ride with traffic, without encumbering traffic, is key to riding safely. A small scooter relegates you to the curb where you are hard to see, and constantly being passed.

 

I think there's also a perception that it's 'just a scooter' and somehow there is less risk than riding a motorcycle. To me, it's even riskier, and things like ATGATT, adequate training, etc. are even more important.

 

Lots of good suggestions above, the new NC700 from Honda looks interesting if he goes with a new bike. A used KLR650 or similar dualsport with a nice Givi topcase can be very functional.

 

Hi Kevin -

My wife has a Vespa GT (200cc w/CVT transmission - primarily used for her commute from NE to SE) and I find it more than adequate for any in town stuff around PDX. I wouldn't put it in the maxi scooter category, and it certainly isn't relegated to the curb - in fact, except on the freeway, it's got as much, if not more, acceleration as most cars and is more maneuverable.

 

Once you close in on its top speed (listed at 70 ish I think), it doesn't have much left, so I can see where your statements would apply to freeway use - but for anything else, it's a great bike with great economy and very low maintenance costs. It's also got some nice storage space between the under seat compartment and her topbox. Of course, as stated by the OP - you pay a lot for the style points up front. My wife got hers two years old with a few scratches and 3k miles - she paid 1/2 the new price.

 

josh

 

PS - I borrowed it a couple of summers ago to and rode backroads down to Oakridge and then back to Portland via the Aufderheide Parkway - my dad came along on his wife's Vespa LX (150). We had a great time and the bikes performed quite well even loaded with camping gear.

[krussell]

I'm not a scooter fan. (maxi scooters excluded)

 

- small wheels

- low power, perhaps very low power

- lack of seriousness

 

I think being able to ride with traffic, without encumbering traffic, is key to riding safely. A small scooter relegates you to the curb where you are hard to see, and constantly being passed.

 

I think there's also a perception that it's 'just a scooter' and somehow there is less risk than riding a motorcycle. To me, it's even riskier, and things like ATGATT, adequate training, etc. are even more important.

 

Lots of good suggestions above, the new NC700 from Honda looks interesting if he goes with a new bike. A used KLR650 or similar dualsport with a nice Givi topcase can be very functional.

 

Hi Kevin -

My wife has a Vespa GT (200cc w/CVT transmission - primarily used for her commute from NE to SE) and I find it more than adequate for any in town stuff around PDX. I wouldn't put it in the maxi scooter category, and it certainly isn't relegated to the curb - in fact, except on the freeway, it's got as much, if not more, acceleration as most cars and is more maneuverable.

 

Once you close in on its top speed (listed at 70 ish I think), it doesn't have much left, so I can see where your statements would apply to freeway use - but for anything else, it's a great bike with great economy and very low maintenance costs. It's also got some nice storage space between the under seat compartment and her topbox. Of course, as stated by the OP - you pay a lot for the style points up front. My wife got hers two years old with a few scratches and 3k miles - she paid 1/2 the new price.

 

josh

 

PS - I borrowed it a couple of summers ago to and rode backroads down to Oakridge and then back to Portland via the Aufderheide Parkway - my dad came along on his wife's Vespa LX (150). We had a great time and the bikes performed quite well even loaded with camping gear.

 

My comments are more aimed at the 50cc class, the GT is a pretty serious scooter.

 

Love the Aufderhide, was down there about two weeks ago.

 

What's the maintenance like on the GT?

[philbytx]

Aprilia Scarabeo...check them out

We had an early 50cc without the governor on it and wished we hadn't sold it. Large wheels and it would do 55mph with both Deb and I on it!!!

[Richard_D]

I found a used 2007 V-Strom 650 with 8000 miles and ABS for $4300 . I absolutely love the bike for around town and have also ridden it to N.C. from Florida and it was great. I mostly took back roads but it was fine on the highway. I've ridden BMW's for the last 10 years and can't find anything to complain about on the V-Strom.

[elkroeger]

I really hate to sidestep the original question (although those Ruckus-es are pretty popular)... but a 2 mile commute isn't long enough to warm up the engine on most vehicles. If he's considering a bike only for the commute, then a bicycle would be ideal. 2 miles would take about 10 minutes. Don't get me started on the health benefits. It would probably be the best thing he could do for himself. Just my two cents...

[moshe_levy]

+1 on the bicycle for a 2 mile commute, which would be murder on any engine - but if he wants something motorized, I too would recommend a "real" motorcycle, if only because beyond the commute, it would simply be more useful all around for longer trips if he gets "bitten" by the riding bug.

 

-MKL

[Quinn]

Here's a site that should be useful in comparing bikes:

 

http://cycle-ergo.com/

 

Pull up what he was using at MSF first and then add the bike he is looking at. You can superimpose one over the other to see the difference.

 

 

------

 

 

[Bill_Walker]

If he HAS to have something powered for his arduous two-mile commute, how about either an electrically-assisted bicycle or a Vectrix electric scooter? As others have mentioned, an internal combustion engine will never even get warmed up in a two-mile commute.

[Mister Tee]

I think a scooter is just fine for a two mile commute on City streets. You can keep up with traffic no problem. Forget a Vespa, those are overpriced and not terribly reliable. Get a 115 cc Honda Elite. Rock solid dependability, 100+ mpg, and you can park it pretty much any place you can park a bicycle.

 

If you need freeway capability and you are riding 20+ miles a day, then no a scooter won't meet your mission. I wouldn't even consider one of those maxi scooters.

[Paul Mihalka]

If you need freeway capability and you are riding 20+ miles a day, then no a scooter won't meet your mission. I wouldn't even consider one of those maxi scooters.

Have you ridden one?

[BFish]

new Vespa's (150) quite a bit less than $7500.

[szurszewski]

My comments are more aimed at the 50cc class, the GT is a pretty serious scooter.

 

Love the Aufderhide, was down there about two weeks ago.

 

What's the maintenance like on the GT?

 

She got it in 2007 with 3000 miles, and I think she is just about to turn over 10,000. I've done all the maintenance myself so far, though I really know nothing about them and am not much of a mechanic. Primarily, maintenance has involved filling the tank with gas about once a month , but I've also done a few other things:

brake fluid flush every year - very simple

replaced stock rear tire about 8k - about ready for a new front

replaced drive belt and rollers at 7500k (recommended mileage - but they looked like they could have gone another 7.5k)

also replaced spark plug at 7.5k with fancy iridium one - didn't work as well, so I put the original back in thinking I'd get a new one of that type...but I haven't yet

since she drives it across town in the very early morning, she's pretty easy on it and the "clutch" that drives the back wheel can get a little glazed - if I remember to ride it a bit harder now and then, that takes care of it, or you can take the cover off and scuff off the glazed surface.

 

I haven't changed the coolant yet, but should do that. When we had that really cold winter in 2009 it leaked a few drops of coolant from the connection to the engine while parked in our unheated garage, but apparently, according to those who live in the colder climes, that is normal for the setup.

 

If you want to come by sometime, I'm sure she'd let you take it for a spin - send me a PM if you like.

josh

 

 

[mickeym3]

I haven't read every reply but I do have a fair amount of experience riding a Yamaha Vino 125 scooter to ride 12 miles round trip for grandchild care. Goes 55 and gets 85 MPG and cheap to insure. They sure as heck beat a Vespa in terms of price...mine's a 2006 with 2200 miles, excellent condition for $1500 and think you can find cheaper ones if you don't mind scratches and nicks like you would find around large university campuses.

[krussell]

If you want to come by sometime, I'm sure she'd let you take it for a spin - send me a PM if you like.

josh

 

Josh, thanks for the offer, and the maintenance info. I teach for Team Oregon, we use Buddy 125s in class for students who reserve a scooter. Other than the extra 75cc, I suspect they handle about the same.

[azccj]

I ride a 2009 Yamaha Tmax everyday to work, 8 miles each way. The bike of choice if I ever have to go anywhere around town. Lots of storage, gets 50 mpg and it will do 100 mph. Cost $11 a month for full coverage insurance. It's not that comfortable on long rides but I have other bikes for touring. Cost me just over $7k new out the door.

[jfremder]

Have him look at the Suzuki TU250, single cylinder standard. I have a couple friends that teach MSF, and they say it's head and shoulders over the Honda. We have a '03 Hawi Ninja 250 that has been everyones learner. It's been flawless in 20k mi. for < $1500

[taylor1]

Just bought my wife a Yamaha Majesty 400. Will pick it up on Friday, myself and her will drive it for about a week, and then report back

[John Bentall]

What a huge variety of responses.

 

Motorcycle evangelists who want to turn him into a recreational motorcycle rider ....

others who say he should walk or cycle. ....

others who say you cannot take a scooter on the freeway.

 

I actually own a scooter and commute 20 miles each way to work, the airport or rail station, occasionally cruising on the freeway at 65-70 mph. Why did a buy it? - because lane-splitting on an RT without saddle-bags was too much for me and losing 350lbs of motorcycle was definitely the answer.

 

For a 2 mile commute an electric scooter or a 50cc would be adequate, for crossing a large metropolitan area on a 10-mile commute a 125 or 150 would be a lot more relaxing.

 

Personal advice - do not buy a used Chinese scooter. Stick with a known brand where you can get decent service locally.

 

HTH,

 

John

[azccj]

Yes, I would say stay away from the Chinese scooters as they are junk from what I've seen and when they break who knows if you can get parts to fix it. But a Taiwan scooter made by Kymco is another story. Before I owned the Tmax I had a Kymco Exciting 500. Stone axe reliable and very easy to work on. Most parts, especially body parts were dirt cheap compared to the Japanese brands.

[BULLman]

Personal advice - do not buy a used Chinese scooter. Stick with a known brand where you can get decent service locally.

 

Amen

[BULLman]

Went out today to a few dealers to look at bikes/get pricing.

 

He was looking at the Honda 250 and the new KAWASAKI 300 crotch rockets and the new line of 500s from Honda.

 

I only sat on the bikes, but I liked the Honda CB500X -which is the "Adventure" version of the bike, despite the new style camo paint job.

 

My brother liked the CB500F - "Naked" version.

 

Well after playing a couple of rounds of WhatIsItGonnaTakeToGetYourBusiness - we went to a smaller dealer. He talked to the Sales Manager/Owner who presented a no pressure OTD price, which my brother accepted. Their 600 mile service was half of the "pushy" place.

 

They didn't have the bike in stock, but will be getting it in next week. He only put a couple $200 deposit on it. So if things change - he will get the deposit back and we"all start over (ugh).

 

It will be black on black, will post a pic when this happens.

 

Let the farkling begin

 

,

[fourteenfour]

MP3 250, then you don't fall over at a light!

[Shaolin Master Sergeant]

Good scooter reading on this site.

http://www.justgottascoot.com/reviews.htm

 

I've ridden a Honda Ruckus 250. What a hoot to ride. It's a lot more fun than a motorcycle IMHO. A Zero electric motorcycle is way overkill for a 2 mile commute.

 

But I would have to say that a bicycle is the way to go. Maybe an electric scooter. I own a BMW Active E electric car and my experience taught me that you need to put many miles on an electric vehicle to make it fiscally viable, or even advantageous.

 

 

[BULLman]

Brother got a Honda CB500F

[zixis9]

if its two miles, Id go for a Tomos moped. just register annually. no license, no helmet and FUN as heck. Super LOW maintenance! 100 mi /gal. Ive enjoyed mine for years! (and Im talkin Miami streets!@#$%^&)