Scooter advice

top_drawer_2

hello,

I've had a provisional driving licence for ages now and passed my theory last year. I am getting a bit worried now as I stopped taking the lessons as I was struggling to afford them. If I did pass atm I wouldnt be able to afford a car, insurance, petrol etc but maybe able to in the next year or so (finish uni in May). I cant decide whether to resume, try for a scooter/bike licence as least that would get me mobile (better for finding a job next year/better accomodation etc) which is what I want really, or just forget both ..... Many people have said that scooters/bikes are relatively dangerous conpared to cars and im just wondering if this is true.

Any advice would be useful.

Jen

scbk

Just like cars, they're only dangerous if YOU are a dangerous rider/driver, or one crashes into you

Bob63

Previous poster is right - danger comes in two forms: you and other people. You can fix the bit where you are dangerous by doing lots of training and having the right attitude. You can also mitigate some of the risk involving other people by the way your ride (presenting yourself to other road users), what you wear (hi-viz) and by having really good observational skills. All these can be learned but are generally more advanced than the basic motorcycle skills test.

Having said that, biking is wonderful. There is a saying that only motorcyclists understand why dogs stick their head out of a car window. How true. Add to that the ability to cut through really heavy or stationary traffic and you have a recipe for stress-free travel.

One further bit of advice. Do not be tempted to go for a 50cc scooter. If you are 17 then go for a 125cc instead. 50cc mopeds are restricted to just 30mph which can put you into conflict with other faster moving road users when you enter 40mph+ traffic zones. Being able to keep up with other road users is a big part of staying safe.

Lord_Lardington

I agree with Cheesy.Mike - a lack of power on a really small machine is very dangerous. No "get out of trouble" power can leave you very exposed. It's also more tiring to ride a 50 because you're essentially thrashing the nuts off it everywhere you go just to keep up with people on roller skates.

My other tip would be - even if a driver looks you in the eye, assume he/she has not seen you.

Go for it, you'll never look back.

P.S. But litteraly speaking, you'll be looking back a lot.

scbk

Most 2nd hand 50cc's will probably be de-restricted, and anything 2 stroke should be capable of 50mph-ish. They're fine for about town but if you're old enough go for a 125 as the cost is usually only slightly more.

2 stroke 125 scooters like Gilera Runner, Italjet Dragster, Aprilia SR will have a tope speed of around 70 and will get there pretty quick. A lot of fun too.
2t will be slightly more to run as you have oil to pay for but servicing is easier, and the engine is a lot simpler

4 stroke 125 scooters like the Gilera Runner will be a few mph slower and take slightly longer to get there but are nice steady, economical bikes.

4 stroke geared 125 bikes are quite simmillar to the automatics performance wise

2 stroke geared 125's like the Aprilia RS are pretty fast (people claim 80mph-odd) but have a reputation for being unreliable



I've no idea on the statistics but most people killed on 2 wheels are probably on large sports bikes like gsxr/r1/r6/cbr etc etc
IMO youngsters are probably safer on low capacity bikes than in low capacity cars

iolanthe07

Good luck with whatever you decide, but please don't modify the exhaust like so many w__kers do where I live, just to show off and pretend they've got something powerful.

Bob63

iolanthe07 wrote: »

but please don't modify the exhaust like so many w__kers do where I live, just to show off and pretend they've got something powerful.

:whistle:

...actually I do have something powerful and the loud exhaust isn't to show off, it has a positive effect on the bike's performance and fuel economy. Plus it's great fun too - IMHO the music it makes is much sweeter than any iPod could deliver!

top_drawer_2

hi,

I worried partly because my theory test certificate will expire in September of next year and I dont see any progress on getting my test passed. Will getting a bike licence change this, so that when I can afford to get a full licence I can just upgrade it?

The other thing is does anyone know how I could go about getting the lessons or even the lessons and the scooter in a all in one deal?

Thanks

Jen

Bob63

top_drawer wrote: »

I worried partly because my theory test certificate will expire in September of next year and I dont see any progress on getting my test passed. Will getting a bike licence change this, so that when I can afford to get a full licence I can just upgrade it?

The other thing is does anyone know how I could go about getting the lessons or even the lessons and the scooter in a all in one deal?

Bike theory test is completely different but you don't need to take it until you are ready to take your test. To ride a 50cc (or 125cc if you are 17) all you need to do is take you CBT (compulsory basic training) then you're free to ride around on L-plates for a year.

As for packages - yes, some dealers will sell you the scooter and CBT together. Not sure you need to do that though. I would be tempted to book a CBT (takes just one day) to see if you like biking, then if you do go ahead and choose a scooter. Don't whatever you do be tempted to do a CBT on your own scooter as you *will* drop it at some point during the day. Let the riding school's machines take the punishment.

There is a really useful booklet from the DfT called routes to your motorcycle licence. It should explain a few of your questions. Come back here if you need more info.
http://think.dft.gov.uk/241012/241027/241127/mopedsandbikes.pdf

top_drawer_2

I'm actually 25 .... does it make a difference?

Jen

Bob63

top_drawer wrote: »

I'm actually 25 .... does it make a difference

Yes it does. You could do something called Direct Access, a 5 day crash course (not literally!) leading to your full licence. Get that and you would be allowed to ride any sized bike. There are some superb large-engined scooters from the likes of Suzuki and Piaggio (to name just two) or you would be able to choose any bike you fancied. You would have to study and pass your theory test before doing the Direct Access though as the practical test is normally taken on the last day of the course.