All scooter advice warmly welcomed

[androsaph]

My partner and I are about to embark upon our first scooter experience.

Together we weigh about 170kg, and it needs to carry us up a decent gradient hill, although more often than not only one of us will be on it.

I have a full car and a restricted bike licence, my partner only has full car but is willing to get motorcycle learners - personally I think that it is a good idea to have enough power to get yourself out of potential unpleasant situations (especially in a town like Wellington with the ultra narrow streets!). Also, sometime in the future, the bike may be used for a short commute between Wellington and Lower Hutt infrequently.

I have had motorbikes but it was quite a long time ago now and I have no idea about scooter/mopeds - and when I go talk to people at motorcycle stores I get a bit overwhelmed by all the shiny new motorbikes! Seriously though, some salespeople are fine but I get a little bit sick of the hard sell.



So - any and all advice appreciated 8D

[Pogo2]

Based on what you have told us I would certainly recommend 200+ cc. This will be able to handle the motorway and those steep Welly hills. Sure sub 200 cc scoots will do the job but the extra power is often quite useful.

Do you have any preferences? Budget, new vs 2nd hand?

[Dave Lobster]

How long left on your restricted?

[scootnz]

Go and talk to the guys at Scooterazzi, corner Victoria and Ghuznee Sts. Then you can see a variety of scooters, sit on them, and find out more about what you need.

[vindy500]

2 scooters?

[NZscoot]

Check out the Sym Citycom 300i, very capable two up. Check my review here http://scootdawg.proboards59.com/ind...d=16772&page=1

[McJim]

If you are planning on riding 2 up then I wouldn't consider anything less than 400cc so it will have to wait until you have a full class 6 licence. The other option is for your partner to get their learner licence and get a couple of 200cc + scooters.

[awa355]

What ever you get, get one with the largest diameter wheels/ longest wheelbase you can. You will find the ride is just as important as the power requirements.

I'm 95kg and ride a Suzuki uz125 with 10" rims.. It will drag me around all day at 90ks but is as hard as hell. with almost no suspension travel. The small wheels send every vibration from the road surface thru the frame. eg, changes in tarseal layers, on/off bridges is like hitting a piece of 4x2

Also, the extra power that comes with a 250+ engine gives you some reserve to keep up with traffic. Otherwise you will spend most of you time riding on the shoulder. My friends 250 Burgman cruises effortlessly at 120ks. and the ride is like floating on air after my 125. Whether you intend to ride on the open road or not, go for the biggest you can afford.

Plan on up grading your licence, opens up much more opportunities.