buying a moped/ scooter

slightly_delayed

i've had it with public transport so i've decided to buy a scooter /moped . the problem is i.'ve no idea about this sort of thing i have no idea what to look for in a bike i'm just looking for something to wizz around town on any advice would be great.

also are my figures realistic

£100 for cbt
£15 road tax
insurance i'm not entirely sure about im 28 full time retail assitant the bike would be locked up in secure off road parking so i'm guessing £200
petrol £40 ?
i'm looking to spend £300 to £500 on a bike the lower the better
A helmet i've no idea about the cost
is there any thing else i've not thought of

any advice would be great

Titch89

You need leathers, (or similar) gloves and decent bike boots.

Keith

I'd allow a bit more and buy one of the better scoots, a decent 125 will pretty much go anywhere for you, a 50cc will have you in the gutter of a NSL road with cars touching your elbows

Bob63

Don't buy a 50cc scooter as going everywhere at a maximum of 30mph is dangerous. A 125cc will get you up to 70mph and allow you to keep up with any other traffic on the road.

Helmet - get the best you can. Only buy a £50 helmet if you have a £50 head! My personal recommendation would be Caberg who make really nice helmets. The Justissimo GT costs around £150, is a flip front and has an integral sun visor which can be raised an lowered whenever you need it. You probably need to spend around £200 on a cordura jacket and trousers for protection (Hein Gericke is a good company to look at and they have stores nationally) and a good pair of gloves as well.

If you are going to be parking at work or elsewhere, get a good chain and disc lock to secure your bike.

Two wheeled travelling is great fun, but it can be dangerous. I would budget for more training over and above your CBT to reduce the chances of getting killed.

Titch89

I think you may need money (no idea how much) for another bike test, so that you're not classed as a learner any more?

Markyt

check here for helmet ratings:

http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/

Most times the difference between cheap and expensive is not the protection levels, but the extra bits like removable linings etc.

Keith

Markyt wrote: »

check here for helmet ratings:

http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/

Most times the difference between cheap and expensive is not the protection levels, but the extra bits like removable linings etc.

I ride in an Arai and once anyone and I challenge anyone to try a Shoei (spelling) or Arai and then go back to a cheaper brand.

I know I would never. My Arai fits well, has removal lining which allows it to be cleaned/dried easily, is very light and whilst I'm hammering along a motorway it reduces windnoise very well.

Going back to a cheap helmet the noise levels rise, the features are reduced and the weight increases.

Markyt

I have an Arai at the moment, and it is very comfy and quiet. I also have an inferior Suomy, and a KBC flip. I'm looking to replace the fliptop soon though. Fliptops are noisier than full face, but have other advantages.

hewhoisnotintheknow

where do you live i have my very snazzy 125 bike for sale

im in southampton

fender

I'd go for a Japanese or Italian bike. Japanese models are good for reliability esp Honda.

Try to make sure any jackets you get have armour built into them. Having had a broken arm in a fall, I can tell you you will need them!

tightrs

my nephew has a 50cc peugeot for sale, am i right in saying i dont need L plates or a cbt as i passed my car test 20 years ago.
the bike is de restricted and he claims it does 55 mph i am seriously thinking of buying this as wife has car and i too am sick of public transport and walking to work in all weathers.