Research into getting a scooter

Billy-no-Money

I only suggested Greenlight because of word-of-mouth recommendations - haven't heard of Viper.

Be aware that a CBT is NOT a test therefore there's no such thing as a 'free re-test'. A CBT normally takes a few hours of which 2 must be on the road, but if a learner isn't grasping the basics a good trainer will take more time. If you look at the Greenlight site under CBT you'll see that they say they do this.

Being on two wheels can be a bit miserable in the depths of winter but you soon learn to dress for it. As long as you're warm it's fine - the only things I avoid altogether are ice and snow, and I'm not keen on motorways when there's a lot of spray about.

Benham3160 failed to mention having dead insects thrown in your face

Fiddlestick

top_drawer wrote: »

Fiddlestick - How much is considered cheap in terms of a motorcycle?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/125cc-MOTORBIKE-2008-VIXEN-/110575686833?pt=UK_Motorcycles

7hrs left, 11 bids and currently sitting at £530.

I'd expect it to go for around £750.

msmyth18

Have a look at a honda CBF 125 - Value wise you wont beat it

boyse7en

It's not miserable riding a scooter (or motorbike). It feels great as you filter past stationary queues of traffic, then sweep into a free parking space in the town centre.

I started out on a 50cc Gilera Runner,that I used to ride the 5miles or so to and from work every day. The only specialist kit I had was a helmet and gloves. Cheap waterproof jacket and trousers from Millets for the wet days - you don't have to buy expensive gear but it will protect you much better if you come off.

cyclonebri1

I apologuise in advance as I have not read the latter pages of the post, but;

If you value economy over your safety go with the Scoot.

Read the statistics if you doubt me.

Scooter = same risk as a biker without the thrills, avoid.

Sorry, just an honest opinion,:A

benham3160

boyse7en wrote: »

It's not miserable riding a scooter (or motorbike). It feels great as you filter past stationary queues of traffic, then sweep into a free parking space in the town centre.

I started out on a 50cc Gilera Runner,that I used to ride the 5miles or so to and from work every day. The only specialist kit I had was a helmet and gloves. Cheap waterproof jacket and trousers from Millets for the wet days - you don't have to buy expensive gear but it will protect you much better if you come off.

Indeed, but also on a moped it's not so much fun when lorries are thundering past you, car drivers just don't see you, or when you're on a country lane and realise you're holding up a mile of traffic.

Not saying they're bad, but plenty of 17 years olds seem to buy cars and never look back.

Regards,
Andy

Fiddlestick

boyse7en wrote: »

The only specialist kit I had was a helmet and gloves. Cheap waterproof jacket and trousers from Millets for the wet days - you don't have to buy expensive gear but it will protect you much better if you come off.

OOh, bone of contention there!

I would always stand by the advice that one should dress for the crash, not for the ride

adouglasmhor

^ This is correct.

My first crash I was on a Douglas Vespa in Leather safari Jacket and canvas jeans, still have the scars.

Jakg

top_drawer wrote: »

If its as miserable as some of you are implying, why on earth do you still do it?

Because it's fun!

However, a lot of people seem to forget that you are "in the elements". When it's hot, it'll be boiling in your jacket. When it's cold (and by this I do mean really really cold), your fingers will freeze. When it rains, your gong to get wet.

I loved my old bike (this was back when I was 16 and wanted a cheap way of getting to School), but I have "fond" memories of standing by the warm hand drier for 5 minutes until my hands were warm enough to have any feeling again. I also have "fond" memories of setting off for my GF's house, getting half a mile down the road, then having heavy hail for 5 miles. I was wearing a jacket and gloves, so as soon as they were off i was fine... but my jeans were *soaked*. I ended up drying myself off by hair-dryer-ing my legs for half an hour...


Clothing wise it's up to you what you buy, I used:

Helmet - get something good and comfy. You don't need to spend £200, but even ignoring the crash benefits, a £50 helmet wont provide enough ventilation when its hot and will steam up in the cold. I personally liked the Caberg flip-up style helmets, as when it got too hot or I wanted to talk to someone I could flip it open.

Headwear - I liked to wear a balaclava so I didn't get "helmet hair". A little girly, but I found it helped.

Ear-plugs - Up to you. I didn't find noise a problem, but then I was on a 50cc. Something sportier might need it, but I doubt it.

Jacket - here want something good. If yours is rubbish, you will get too hot and too cold far too easily. I went to a dealer and tried on what they had to find out what I liked. Also get something with a bit of armour in if possible (mine has shoulder pads and a hardened back section).

Gloves - again, you want something that wont get too cold (heat isn't so much of an issue). Yours hands will get the coldest. Again, you will want some protection (i.e. knuckle-guards).

Leg-wear - Up to you. I found that motorcycle legwear would be a pain to store and a hassle to put on or off for commuting. It also depends what you fall on - jeans will do well at holding up to gravel or the road but wont really protect you from impacts.

Boots - again, depends how much effort you want to put in getting ready. I didn't find it an issue to be honest.

This all seems overkill I know... but when (not if, sorry) you come off you'll appreciate it. My first (and last...) fall was when I had a flat front tyre (I was inexpereicened and didn't spot it sooner...). Bike went down, I landed on a verge. Landed on my shoulder and then my back. Thanks to the armour I got up (after getting the bike off my leg...) and while it hurt, nothing was damaged...

adouglasmhor

petrolhead89 wrote: »

EVERYONE needs to take a CBT regardless of wether you passed your car test before 2001 or not. Fact.

I believe if you take your CBT and you passed your car test before 2001 (not sure which month) you will gain full moped entitlement meaning you can ride a 50cc (not 125cc) without L Plates and with a passenger.

I never took a cbt, ever, do you think I shouldn't be riding my big twin on the motorways?