Do I buy a scooter or a motorbike?

[HenryDorsetCase]

I can't decide.

I am thinking seriously about buying something to get to work on. I seem to be pretty much over pushbiking, so I was thinking of getting a scooter. That looks like fun, they are economical and quick enogh round town. Something like a 150 - 250cc one, like a Kymco or whatever comes along. Budget say $2k to $3k. Scooters have underseat storage and are designed entirely to do what I want to do. So its easy, right? Shut the hell up and go buy one.

Well, not so much. I have been watching how drivers treat scooters the past few days, and the homicidal rage exhibited by drivers is astonishing. Even big scooters. CAr drivers seem to think that scooters are the small reef fish of the roads, a tasty snack between meals. Every one is either being tailgated (particularly if they have an L plate attached), or lane changed into, or cut off, or carved up in some way.

I've been riding my black Triumph Scrambler to work a bit too, and I wear a black Shoei with a black visor and a dark or black jacket. And its LOUD. And people (if car drivers can be called people) just don't fuck with you. I think a motorbike has more road presence, and its easier to have that golden zone of empty space around you, which I covet, and really strive to create.

So maybe a motorbike? Something like a Suzuki unSavage 650 (or a DR650): which will be cheaper to run than the Trumpy, but stupidly costs the same to register? (thanks Nuck Smuth you wanker) I'd look at a 250 except they are stupidly expensive.

I don't know. I have some cash money but not a lot.

Your thoughts callers? What do you communt on, and why? issues? options?

[Edbear]

Scooters are a barrel of fun, I used one for mail deliveries way back and had a ball on it around the streets! I do see your point about how scooters are treated by drivers, though. Depending on your commute a 125 -150cc trail bike would be a good, cheap bet. I had an XT125 Yamaha back in the '80's and it was a fantastic wee bike for around town and light trail work! :yes:

[aprilia_RS250]

I commute on a push bike. I'd say stick with it

Advantages

-on my 6km commute to work it can be faster than bike (put gear on, take security chains off, warm up etc)
-Keeps me fit-ish.
-Can ride almost anywhere anytime (through green man on intersections, footpaths etc)
-parks in office easy, so won't get pinched in parking lot
-don't have to pay rego + insurance
-when i drop it i don't care
-Compared to motorbikes maintenance is almost free and easy
-Just leave your work clothes at work and cycle in

Disadvantages
-winter time it can suck always being wet and cold but that just makes you harder
-Lycra wearing homos wanting to race you

[jack_hamma]

Get a batman leather suit on a black scooter....

no-one goin fuck with you lol

[HenryDorsetCase]

I commute on a push bike. I'd say stick with it

Advantages

-on my 6km commute to work it can be faster than bike (put gear on, take security chains off, warm up etc)
-Keeps me fit-ish.
-Can ride almost anywhere anytime (through green man on intersections, footpaths etc)
-parks in office easy, so won't get pinched in parking lot
-don't have to pay rego + insurance
-when i drop it i don't care
-Compared to motorbikes maintenance is almost free and easy
-Just leave your work clothes at work and cycle in

Disadvantages
-winter time it can suck always being wet and cold but that just makes you harder
-Lycra wearing homos wanting to race you

I hear you. I biked to work pretty much every day from when I started work here in 1993 (!!!) to the start of this year. really till the start of autumn this year, when I thought "Fuck this for a game of soldiers" Now I only pushbike if its a nice day, and stuff. In fact I biked today and it was very pleasant.

the scooter/second bike option would work over winter. heated grips, leg shield, decent jacket. I nearly bought a Piaggio MP3 last winter but didnt have the coin together. theres one on tardme now for $6500 too.

[DangerMice]

I commute 19km in Auckland each way on a Yamaha Jog, so, a very small scooter. I do come across everything you described, but then, don't most riders? It doesn't happen all that often, and 9 times out of 10, a blast from the Stebel gets them scurrying back to where they came from. You have plenty of experience so I reckon you could make that scoot bigger than it really is.

They are perfect for commuting, twist & go vs the M50 I was filtering behind this morning who was having to change gear every 10 seconds. Heaps of storage without needing a rack or box so you can always have your wets etc on you, and cheaper rego, no wof costs. You have another bike for fun, so go the scoot for the commute says I.

[BuzzardNZ]

I'd go with something like a GB400. Owned 3 over the years, very reliable, ultra economical. You could possibly consider a GN125 or 250. For what they are ( a commuter ) you can't fault them.

[SMOKEU]

Get a CBR400RR.

[chasio]

If you're quick (like today) Wysper is selling his DR650 (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/131815-DR650-for-sale?p=1129925699#post1129925699)for about the $4k mark. If I didn't have a Freewind already, I'd look bloody hard at that.

Or if you don't mind fugly (ahem) isiosyncratic-looking, there's always this from 3L4NS1R. (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/132085-1996-KLR250-for-sale)

All that said, I used to have a Vespa GT200 and if I could afford to run two bikes I'd have another one. Great commuter weapon. Can't get a FF helmet under the seat though, just the trendy jaw-munter style.
:facepalm:

Thinking it through, the Belladonna (http://www.retroscooter.co.nz/belladonna.htm)150 2-smoker would be my choice to combine with a bike as it has a foot operated rear brake and a left hand clutch/gear shift combo. Probably get a helmet under the seat as well.

[Juzz976]

I can understand spending $2-3k on a commuter bike, but not that much on a scooter.

If you do decide the scooter is the way to go I'm sure you'll get a good one for $1000-1200 and spend the rest on good riding/scootling gear that can be used on either.

If you get enough left over you may be able to get one of those pack rack box things (foget what they called now). luggage box....maybe and a loud horn

[Gibbo89]

I believe the honda cb400 has underseat storage. or else a suzuki across has storage where most bikes fuel tanks are.

i.e.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-332131509.htm

I have no idea what the storage is like on a cb400 but they claim it is decent:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-333997020.htm

but, maintenance-wise they may not be great for just the commute? you'll know more than me anyway :innocent:

[chasio]

The more I think about it, the more a used Belladonna makes sense for a biker... E.g. this TardMe (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Scooters/auction-339388213.htm) effort.

[HenryDorsetCase]

What actually started me down this path is that I was pricing up bits to build a commuter pushbike. And that got over two grand pretty quickly. And I thought "Hell with that, I can get something that pushes itself along for that money"

Riding gear isn't an issue, Ive got gear for Africa, and Madagascar too.

I am very tempted by the DR650 (I was pondering selling my Scrambler for a Street Triple and a DR650 a while ago. ) and that one at $4k is a bargain. Except its a bad time of year for money, and its more than I have to spend at the moment. (not by much, but enough).... by the end of January I should be more financial (of course last time I said that the bloody hot water cylinder shat itself.......)

Dunno: mulling from Kintyre.

nYhTye_A9H0

[HenryDorsetCase]

I believe the honda cb400 has underseat storage. or else a suzuki across has storage where most bikes fuel tanks are.

i.e.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-332131509.htm

I have no idea what the storage is like on a cb400 but they claim it is decent:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-333997020.htm

but, maintenance-wise they may not be great for just the commute? you'll know more than me anyway :innocent:

they're older bikes, and four cylinders, so maintenance will be more. single cylinder more new-ish than old-ish for the win.

hence the s40 savage, Dr650, scooter options. Even stuff like GB400's and SRX-6's (both of which I have owned in the past) are getting long in the tooth, and hard to find a good one. Incidentally the kickstart only SRX sucked as a communter bike. Started fine hot, or cold, but start it, run it for a few minutes, then turn it off and try and restart it: total bitch pain in the arse.

[Gibbo89]

How big is your commute? something like those gsx250's have fucking huge tanks for a 250, and it is a twin but big physically.

[HenryDorsetCase]

How big is your commute? something like those gsx250's have fucking huge tanks for a 250, and it is a twin but big physically.

its only about 7km, across town.

GS500, GSX400 too. GSX400 was my first proper road bike. Ooh errrr. would do 160kph indicated.

[martybabe]

Don't shoot the messenger but lookee at this without prejudice .

Cheap to buy

Cheap to run

Honda reliable

The presence of a cop bike

the convenience of a scooter

Specifically designed for ease of use commuting.

It fits your criteria perfectly though a bit over budget.


You won't win many bikey admirers but they make a lot of sense. Well worth a think if your man enough to take a bit of stick off those 'supposedly' in the know.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers/auction-340411553.htm

[HenryDorsetCase]

they're cool

I really like those DN-01's though, so I am retarded.

bit of a heifer for stropping round town though?

[terbang]

What's the similarity between motor scooters and fat chicks?

They are both great fun to ride until your mates catch you on them...

[Big Dave]

You're a big boy - make up yer own ferkin' mind.

[HenryDorsetCase]

You're a big boy - make up yer own ferkin' mind.

I can't thats the problem.

I want your job, actually then I could have one of everything. You're welcome to my job.

[javawocky]

:ar15:

Don't shoot the messenger


...
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers/auction-340411553.htm

If I had that to look forward to every morning I would stay in bed or work from home :sick:

For a short journey you want something light and easy to get on and off of. So a :scooter: may do the trick

[neels]

Get a scooter.

In fact why not get an old scooter, to add some interest, and get cheap rego at 40+ years old.

Something like my ugly old beast should be right on your budget

226073

[HenryDorsetCase]

thats very cool. not so practical for everyday use though?

[HenryDorsetCase]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Scooters/auction-318671381.htm

that bad boy is under two grand. Ugly as sin though.

[javawocky]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Scooters/auction-318671381.htm

that bad boy is under two grand. Ugly as sin though.

might work if you paint it in Repsol colours?

[Smifffy]

I reckon a GN or Hyo 250. You still get the cruiser look and can wear all your black gears without looking ridiculous.

Likely to be plenty around since L platers want to upgrade, resale should be ok for next lot of L platers.

[neels]

thats very cool. not so practical for everyday use though?
Yeah perhaps not so much when you wear out the chain and sprockets and find you can't get replacements, and premixing 2-stroke sucks.


http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Scooters/auction-318671381.htm

that bad boy is under two grand. Ugly as sin though.
Now that is all kinds of awesome, resale might not be too sharp though, there aren't that many people who appreciate that kind of uniqueness.

[Laxi]

Get a batman leather suit on a black scooter....

no-one goin fuck with you lol

no female at any rate, tthink that could be one of carvers fantasies though

[neels]

Of course, the obvious answer is this.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Scooters/auction-335069237.htm

[HenryDorsetCase]

Yeah but nah.

if I was going 50cc I would go Honda Cub.

but I reckon with 50cc you may as well be pedalling!

[danchop]

heres what auckland motorbike couriers use(whats left of them)

suzuki uz125 x 3
suzuki dr400sm x 2
suzuki an125 x 1
hyosung gt250 x 1
yamaha qv50 x 1

that should indicate something

[Voltaire]

Taaa Daaah....:gob:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Sports/Cycling/Road-bikes/Other/auction-340540290.htm

[Kickaha]

its only about 7km, across town..

Walk it then you lazy fucker

Or else buy a FXR150 and bucket race it on weekends

[Gibbo89]

slap some indicators on this, and your away.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dirt-bikes//auction-289764787.htm

[dreamR]

i have owned a gilera runner 180 2t for a few years now, and have used it almost every day this year getting from home to uni. its a 15-20 min ride.

This scooter or one of similar power (20-ish hp) is awesome for commuting. it has enough power that you're never going to be getting tail gated by cars - i surprise more than a few cars on the motorway when i overtake them.

I dont really feel that i cop very much agro from cars here in auckland traffic and i mostly put that down to be able to speed off from the traffic lights without holding any cars up. of course cars dont like it if you overtake them in stupid places but thats common to motor bikes. but having more power on a scooter means you can get that space around you that you need.

Having raved about using a scooter, the runner in particular, i am going to sell it as i am moving to a street triple. reason being mostly as i want something a bit more substantial, as two wheels has become my main form of transport over the car.

all up though i would say go for a scooter, but only one like a gilera runner or something in that league- and i also quite like those mp3's just for something different with the huge storage space you get and clean feet!

[Kickaha]

If you'e going to go Gilera http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Scooters/auction-339051295.htm heaps of hot up shit available for them

[dreamR]

no, if your going gilera, buy mine :p comes with free under seat storage!

[JATZ]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Scooters/auction-318671381.htm

that bad boy is under two grand. Ugly as sin though.

The you'd have to change your name to George Jetson :D

It is cool though

Or you could try.... http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Other/auction-339525051.htm

[baptist]

I ride my Yamahahahaha Scorpio to work or college every day. It does 100kmh on the motorway if needed and is small and nimble, and very economical to run, also a single banger so cheap to service.... Can pick up 12 month old, low km, ones within your budget, mine was 12 months old with less than 1800km and got it for $3K. You won't win the street cred stakes (who cares) but it will do everything you want...:yes::ride:

[wysper]

If you're quick (like today) Wysper is selling his DR650 (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/131815-DR650-for-sale?p=1129925699#post1129925699)for about the $4k mark. If I didn't have a Freewind already, I'd look bloody hard at that.



Thanks for the plug Chasio. But the DR is now sold.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Thanks for the plug Chasio. But the DR is now sold.

I'm pleased. Sorry to muck you about. As you see, I am in a quandary.

One of the big turn offs for me is that two over 600cc bike rego's a year is over a grand: add to that insurance (say another grand) and they eat their heads off at $50/week nearly, before they've turned a wheel. Maintenance and running costs extra.

I might just spend it on blow and hookers, like I usually do

[wysper]

I'm pleased. Sorry to muck you about. As you see, I am in a quandary.

One of the big turn offs for me is that two over 600cc bike rego's a year is over a grand: add to that insurance (say another grand) and they eat their heads off at $50/week nearly, before they've turned a wheel. Maintenance and running costs extra.

I might just spend it on blow and hookers, like I usually do

you didn't muck me around. I can see your dilemma. I will watch with interest to see what you sort out. good luck!

[shrub]

I'm pleased. Sorry to muck you about. As you see, I am in a quandary.

One of the big turn offs for me is that two over 600cc bike rego's a year is over a grand: add to that insurance (say another grand) and they eat their heads off at $50/week nearly, before they've turned a wheel. Maintenance and running costs extra.

I might just spend it on blow and hookers, like I usually do

A good reason to buy a smaller bike - have you considered a mid 80s onwards 500 twin? Years ago a mate had a GPZ500 and it was a wicked little bike.

I have ridden scooters a fair bit in our fair city, and came to the conclusion that car drivers are like dogs - they smell fear. If you ride with a "don't fuck with me cocksmoker" attitude they back off and leave you to it. I'd personally go for a scooter, and the bigger ones are better value than the 50s because everyone wants a 50 because you don't need a bike license. They are a lot of fun to ride in town and a 200cc scooter can smoke most cars - I burnt off a couple of boy racers on a Vespa once, they were beside me at the lights laughing at me and revving their engine, so I gave it a big handful when the lights turned green and was gone. At the next set of lights they completely ignored me.

[pritch]

If you get a scooter, get a small one. Physically small that is. Then when the traffic snarls you can take to the footpath, grassed areas, driveways, pedestrian underpasses, or whatever else is available so as to keep moving. You don't buy a scooter to sit in traffic.

Take no notice of anybody who doesn't ride a scooter because they obviously don't know what they are talking about.

You already understand that the car drivers will look at you and ignore you completely, so you just allow for that.

Oh, and you might be surprised at just what a moped can do, and the rego is relatively friendly. As is the WoF situation. You can usually also park them on the footpath briefly, right outside the bank or shop or whatever.
Get a ride on one and try it.

Have fun.

[insane1]

have you ever thought of a an650/400 tons of storage a little tuning i admit ive gone overboard yoshi/powercommander but part from looking after it no real worries .

[MarkH]

If you get a scooter, get a small one. Physically small that is. Then when the traffic snarls you can take to the footpath, grassed areas, driveways, pedestrian underpasses, or whatever else is available so as to keep moving.

Hang on, are you saying that I shouldn't be doing those things on my big scooter?

[Edbear]

Hang on, are you saying that I shouldn't be doing those things on my big scooter?

Not without a video camera on it anyway.... :innocent:

[Sable]

Gb400gb400gb400gb400gb400!

[javawocky]

I think the "Who Needs a 1000cc (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/132208-Who-needs-1000cc)" thread answers your question...

[pritch]

Hang on, are you saying that I shouldn't be doing those things on my big scooter?

Not at all. My puny physique limits me to a small scooter.

Oh, parking a big scooter by the front door of the bank may attract comment but pedestrians tend to ignore a moped. Just like drivers do... :whistle: