Thread: Hi

**Scaredy Cat** · 22nd October 2004, 07:10

Hi,

I just found this forum. I am a novice I don't know much about bikes apart from the ones that you peddle.

I am thinking about getting a moped/scooter for going from home to work etc. I am looking at the Suzuki SJ50QT. I went for a test drive last night and it was really good I didn't fall off and I had good balance as I do a lot of cycling. So what do you think, I haven't riden a bike before but I reckon I did pretty good for the first time. If I was to get one I would take it quietly for the first couple of weeks getting the balance right and confidence on some nice quiet streets before I even thought of going anywhere buzy.

Hopefully I have chosen the right forum and that you wont laugh at me for having a scooter :-). It was funny when I mentioned getting a scooter to other people they all said, don't get one its to dangerous etc.

Scaredy Cat

**Cajun** · 22nd October 2004, 07:13

Welcome

Scooters are fun, nice and easy around town, i will most likley get another one when i move closer to town, instead of running aorund town on the gixxer, which arn't good for them

**Two Smoker** · 22nd October 2004, 07:13

Hey welcome to the two wheeled club

there isnt anything wrong with a scooter (theres a photo of Motoracer pulling a wheelie on one somewhere....) Im glad you enjoyed your first experience on two wheels

**wari** · 22nd October 2004, 07:30

HUllo ... :spudwave:

DOit ... yeah doit ..

JUst dont gett distracted by these onthe side ofthe road ..==>

**Joni** · 22nd October 2004, 07:33

Hello... welcome.
:spudwave:

**manuboy** · 22nd October 2004, 07:35

Yeah nice one Wari, was wondering how you were gonna slip that one in (maybe i should rephrase that?), but as usual you handled it with applomb. Pure class.

Scaredy cat - last time i was in dunners was a wee while back, but i'm assuming you live in a slightly "flatter" area? Can see a scooter struggling a little on some of those hills eh.... depending on ya weight of course....

**Scaredy Cat** · 22nd October 2004, 07:45

Hi all,

Yep I live in a slightly flatter area of town and work is on the flat, so it wont be a problem. I also dont weigh to much so that will help as well.

I only have my learners car licence at the moment so I thought a scooter would be a good idea. My husband has the car everyday to drive out to work in Mosgiel and I get sick of catching the bus (useless timetable) or cycling to work in the rain (I am always getting sick after doing that). At least if I had a scooter I can get home when I want to, and will hopefully get less wet than if I was on the bicycle though I doubt it. I guess I would have to get some good wet weather gear.

By the way wari I thought your smilie was funny

Thanks for your replies

**Posh Tourer :P** · 22nd October 2004, 09:19

Yeah a couple of things - firstly, scooter is probably more visible and less dangerous than a bicycle I reckon....
Secondly, its still not as visible as a larger bike. But if you ride a bicycle, I'm sure you know about visibility issues.

Getting wet is nicer on a bicycle, cos you are doing something. On a scooter/motorbike, you just sit there as you get wet... ugh
I reccommend you get at least a motorcycle jacket for riding to work, if not pants as well. If you get good gear, it'll be waterproof anyway... Its weird how lycra is acceptable on a bicycle at 60kmh, but not on a motorbike

**Cajun** · 22nd October 2004, 10:00

Originally Posted by Posh Tourer :P

Yeah a couple of things - firstly, scooter is probably more visible and less dangerous than a bicycle I reckon....
Secondly, its still not as visible as a larger bike. But if you ride a bicycle, I'm sure you know about visibility issues.

Getting wet is nicer on a bicycle, cos you are doing something. On a scooter/motorbike, you just sit there as you get wet... ugh
I reccommend you get at least a motorcycle jacket for riding to work, if not pants as well. If you get good gear, it'll be waterproof anyway... Its weird how lycra is acceptable on a bicycle at 60kmh, but not on a motorbike

very true about lycra PT

**Ms Piggy** · 22nd October 2004, 10:33

Originally Posted by Scaredy Cat

I get sick of catching the bus (useless timetable) or cycling to work in the rain (I am always getting sick after doing that). At least if I had a scooter I can get home when I want to, and will hopefully get less wet than if I was on the bicycle though I doubt it. I guess I would have to get some good wet weather gear.

I reckon a scooter in Dunedin would be great! You could even try and get it up Baldwin St!

Welcome to the site btw :spudwave:

**thehollowmen** · 22nd October 2004, 10:45

welcome
You'll find that we give scooter drivers a lot of stick but hey when riding the GN250 we expect to get all that stick back

Riding two wheels around town is great
Keep an eye out for bike parks, the ones on george st are 30 minute ones but the ones behind the meridian are all day, as are the ones by the medschool, on campus etc

Most of dunedin is flat so scooters are great, but be warned once you're bitten you might want to go for longer rides, then you'll be needing a bike

PS - do you know who the person is on the tiny 50cc suzuki farmbike in town / on campus? I saw they left it on an SUV's roof in a george st bike park... wish I had a camera and I soooo need to buy them a beer for that :-P