Can anyone help?

**kave** · 18th June 2007, 15:32

My grandfather is trying to get back onto two wheels, after a lifetime of working on and riding bikes. He feels that a scooter would be the best option, and is looking for anything cheap that is capable of handling two up riding so probably 250cc and over, and is cheap, as he is on a very limited budget. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

**ManDownUnder** · 18th June 2007, 15:44

If he has a full licence he can get what he wants... go for a 400 or 600 maybe? Cruiser or Bandit type bike to have a more upright/less aggressive riding position.

A 250 will probably get him along quick enough though... I'd get him to a bike shop to find a style of bike he likes and is comfortable with - and take it from there.

If he wants/needs it checked I'm sure we can find someone to do that too.

**MSTRS:Me** · 18th June 2007, 15:52

Cheap...250...scooter...? Not a lot of options in that bracket. Suzuki Burgman is 650 but they are big, heavy and doubt you'd find one 'cheap'.

**Macktheknife** · 18th June 2007, 15:55

How about a little more info?
Not sounding too achievable just yet.

**Maha** · 18th June 2007, 16:11

Originally Posted by MSTRS

Cheap...250...scooter...? Not a lot of options in that bracket. Suzuki Burgman is 650 but they are big, heavy and doubt you'd find one 'cheap'.

They make a 250....insane1 owns one....but the key phrase here is 'after a lifetime'...he could be in his 70's... go Gramps!

**kave** · 18th June 2007, 16:14

I found this on trademe http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...865&key=354209 , and was wondering if this would be powerful enough for 2 up riding around town. He seems pretty set on getting a scooter as opposed to a cruiser/commuter/tourer.
Thanks for the advice.

**kave** · 18th June 2007, 16:15

Originally Posted by maha man

They make a 250....insane1 owns one....but the key phrase here is 'after a lifetime'...he could in his 70's... go Gramps!

Yup, he is in his 70's

**MSTRS:Me** · 18th June 2007, 16:19

Originally Posted by maha man

They make a 250....insane1 owns one....but the key phrase here is 'after a lifetime'...he could in his 70's... go Gramps!

http://www.trademe.co.nz/browse/cate...rder=price_asc
there's a few 250+ scooters here...but why would you when there's a world of 'proper' bikes out there?

**jafar** · 18th June 2007, 16:19

Originally Posted by kave

My grandfather is trying to get back onto two wheels, after a lifetime of working on and riding bikes. He feels that a scooter would be the best option, and is looking for anything cheap that is capable of handling two up riding so probably 250cc and over, and is cheap, as he is on a very limited budget. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

How limited is the budget ?
You can get a brand new 50cc scooter for around $2000.00

**kave** · 18th June 2007, 16:30

Originally Posted by jafar

How limited is the budget ?
You can get a brand new 50cc scooter for around $2000.00

$2000 is within the range. 50cc probably wouldnt be powerful enough, but I am wondering if a 200cc 2-stroke would be better than a 250cc 4-stroke, or would power be similar for both?

**MisterD** · 18th June 2007, 17:02

Originally Posted by MSTRS

http://www.trademe.co.nz/browse/cate...rder=price_asc
there's a few 250+ scooters here...but why would you when there's a world of 'proper' bikes out there?

Twist & go rideability, step through body, underseat storage, no oily bits hanging out all over the place and best of all nobody lumping you in with all those uncouth "bikers".

**MisterD** · 18th June 2007, 17:06

Originally Posted by kave

$2000 is within the range. 50cc probably wouldnt be powerful enough, but I am wondering if a 200cc 2-stroke would be better than a 250cc 4-stroke, or would power be similar for both?

A 200cc 2-stroke, and there is only the Vespa PX, will just about do 100kph. But it handles like sh1t and has tubed tyres....compare that with the GTS250 which will do 140 all day on way less gas and 12" tubeless tyres....

**Conquiztador** · 18th June 2007, 18:22

Originally Posted by kave

I found this on trademe http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...865&key=354209 , and was wondering if this would be powerful enough for 2 up riding around town. He seems pretty set on getting a scooter as opposed to a cruiser/commuter/tourer.
Thanks for the advice.

Dont know anything about that one. Buts scoots at 80K/h + are not the bees knees. Wind throws them around. Small wheels. The few times I been on a scoot in my youth I always wished I was on a bike.

And buying of Terry, he can be a strange guy if he has his period...

**kave** · 18th June 2007, 18:56

I'd much rather he got a bike instead of a scooter, but I am not keen on debating the merits of bikers vs scoots with someone who has far more experience than me, especially since once his mind is made up its almost impossible to change. I guess I am just happy that he is trying to get back on two wheels, and has asked me to help him find something suitable.