Recommendations

[MarkH]

but I don't want to go into the realms of the superscoots - Burgmans, etc.

The best suggestion I could make would be the one that you say you don't want - seriously how could you get a better vehicle for what you need than a Burgman 400? 25-30 kms per litre and no problem travelling at 100 (with more in reserve for passing). Yesterday I test rode this: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-162433244.htm and I had no problem accelerating up a steep hill from 20 to 120kph.

[Blackbird]

Attention Scruffygit!!

Hey John - I've just got back from a bit of consulting down country to find you merrily posting away on Kiwi Biker - well done!

Scruffygit on a scooter??? Please send photos, I want to embarrass you on the UK Blackbird site. I take it that you will be using your full-face helmet to stop people recognising you???

I'm delighted to see that you have had welcoming responses from the Manawatu lot including Yod, who at least has impeccable taste in motorcycles. What he failed to tell you that now you're living in the Manawatu, the most important accessory is a banjo and playing music from Deliverance at the dinner is your rite of passage.

Yeah, I know... Coromandel.... pot.... kettle...black...

I'll go now

[Scruffygit]

Scruffygit on a scooter??? Please send photos, I want to embarrass you on the UK Blackbird site. I take it that you will be using your full-face helmet to stop people recognising you???(

You do, you die - at Jennies hands when I tell her it's your fault I'm not giving her the walnut whips

playing music from Deliverance at the dinner is your rite of passage.

As long as it's only listening to the music - no squealing pig impressions, please!

I'm off to see Davey at the weekend so I'll give him the goodies to pass on to you.

See you

[chasio]

If you don't mind second hand I would warmly recommend the Vespa GT200 for about that money.

I paid $5500 for an 18 month old one with 8000kms (bought in Palmy last Christmas, incidentally, and ridden back to Auckland - what a hoot!). A couple of months ago I saw a similar one go for under $4k on TardMe. I nearly bought it, it was such a bargain.

They are well made in Italy, well supported and reliable. They look classic and best of all they hold their value. I could probably sell mine for $5k tomorrow, maybe more.

I commute on mine in all weathers and they are good in the wind (Harbour Bridge twice a day...), unlike some. My daily round trip is about 35kms including a dose of Southern Motorway where it hits 110kmh easily and top is about 120. I use 3 litres per 100 on average. Very nippy away from the lights, too.

I reckon it is the perfect commuting machine with decent underseat storage (less than a Burgman, sure, but I'd rather lane split on mine) and a Givi E55 top box.

And I am not at all biased, I promise

[chasio]

The best suggestion I could make would be the one that you say you don't want - seriously how could you get a better vehicle for what you need than a Burgman 400? 25-30 kms per litre and no problem travelling at 100 (with more in reserve for passing). Yesterday I test rode this: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-162433244.htm and I had no problem accelerating up a steep hill from 20 to 120kph.

I'm sure they're very good and style is a personal thing but, but, but...

Those things are fugly.

[UberRhys]

I'm sure they're very good and style is a personal thing but, but, but...

Those things are fugly.

Agree - but beauty is in the eye of the rider. Some people think Lead Wings are pretty???

[Del Fuego]

SYM Citycom 300i no question

[kaz]

How about a PGO G-Max 250. Cruises at 100kms on motorway easily 1-up. Haven't tried 2-up at that speed but 1-up I've had it up to 120kms and it seems happy. There are some earlier threads about this, when I first considered it, and then when I first bought it...
K

[awa355]

I ride a uz125 and it gets my 95k's along at 80-90ks. The biggest problem is the 10" wheels. l feel every small change of the road surface. Anything smaller than a Burgman doesn't have a decent suspension.

[Scruffygit]

Thanks for all the advice. After trying a few out, I've gone with Del Fuego and got a Citycom.

Not particularly outstanding at any one thing but overall extremly competant at everything - bit like the 'Bird really - and it's got that little bit bigger engine - size might not matter in other areas but if certainly does for anything with an engine......

I'll clarify that, and IC engine - small buzzy electric motors don't count.

Again, many thanks everyone.

[maybe]

I have a 650 Burgy its a great commute also good for touring as will do over the speed limit all day and in comfort.