Newbie scooter driver - tips please

joolsybools

I've just done my CBT and am looking at buying a scooter (125cc) in the next few weeks.

I will also need to get a helmet, jacket, trousers, boots, gloves, a lock and insurance of course.

Does anyone have any tips on things to get/avoid?

I'll probably be getting a brand new scooter, am considering a Honda PCX or PSI at the mo although haven't test ridden either yet.

Any tips/recommendations?

paddedjohn

Steer clear of the cheap Chinese scooters, they are crap and will fall to bits in no time at all. Buy the best safety gear you can afford especially now that you are just about to start scootering as the winter months advance.

RichardD1970

I have a Honda PCX bought new in March. Very good scooter, easy to ride, comfortable and getting over 100mpg (even with my fat a$$ on it ). Not the quickest 125 out there but perfectly adequate for A roads.



For helmets have a look here, more expensive doesn't necessarily mean better protection. Go to a bikers shop and look at gear, find what you like then go and look on the internet for better prices.

The only exception to this is your helmet, buy that in a shop, not on-line or via mail order, you don't know how it has been treated in transit.

Get a jacket with a removable liner for when it is warmer. I have two sets of gloves, one winter and one all season.

Insurance, same as with cars, shop around, I'm 43, no no-claims, fully comp, kept in a shed/secured car park overnight, and paid £200 for the first year (provisional and CBT).

joolsybools

Thanks guys, very useful. I've heard bad things about those Chinese scooters!


P.S. I have a fat a$s too...well more of a fat tummy!

Mankysteve

Where's Martin hes a Scouter rider aint he?

forgotmyname

Scooters are high risk. Make sure you secure it properly even when at home.

They broke into my mates garage to steal his scooter. So even in the garage make sure its locked up. And no tools left around to cut it off.

sithmaster

for your gear get the best you can afford. I wear rst textile its waterproof but a nightmare to clean. pay close attention to the helmet make sure its fitted correctly a loose helmet is just as bad a not having one at all, also can get an internal sun screen if like me your eyes are sensitive to bright sunlight
for the summer months always wear your gear even if its hot you don't want to come off in shorts and t-shirt it will hurt
for best security in the garage get almax chain with ground anchor
get a disc lock for when your out and about

but most off all watch out for the idiots on the road, be safe and enjoy

fivetide

In terms of inexpensive helmets, Caberg have always been good - and you get the internal sun visor which is brilliant at this time of year with low sun.

However, different lids fit people differently so try them all on and make sure you get one that you feel comfy in.

I'd recommend picking up some cheap waterproofs too to go over even textile kit on particularly bad days. Not only do they make sure you are dry but they also have added warmth.

Plus side, with a scooter your legs have a bit more protection and I suppose you aren't going to be touring Europe on it!

When it comes to riding, mind the potholes and things and of course drain covers when it is wet.

Watch roundabouts for diesel spills - the best thing here is your nose! Usually you can smell it before you see it!

Happy motoring!

worried_jim

Mankysteve wrote: »

Where's Martin hes a Scouter rider aint he?

Busy trying to spend £87m.

martinthebandit

If your going to be using it all year round then one of these is a must,
http://www.urbanrider.co.uk/scooter-leg-covers.html?gclid=CILw1Ye-3rkCFWfMtAod72MA_w

And these
http://www.urbanrider.co.uk/brands/tucano-urbano/bar-muffs-r360-neoprene-no-bar-end-weight.html

Jo_F

I have a PCX, lovely little scoot, very stable, handles like a dream.

As to helmets, try them on, and try some more, you need to make sure that it fits properly, even if it means leaving it on in the shop for half an hour to make sure its still comfortable.

I have boots, and a Richa textile jacket with armour in it, along with 2 pairs of gloves. I also bought an Oxford oversuit for when it rains, if getting one of those, make sure you try it over your jacket, saying that, you will look like a sumo wrestler!

I have two chains that I got from Screwfix which chain both wheels to anchor points in the house at home and also have an alarmed disk lock.

With regard to insurance, stay away from MCE, do not be fooled by zero excess and such like, I insured with http://www.just-motorcycleinsurance.com/
was around £600 for the first year, but has gone down considerably this time round.