Scooter riders and greeting

[klingon]

It's reasonably easy to spot the difference between someone riding a scooter because it's cheap/shit/easier than the car/etc. and someone who is into bikes and happens to ride a scooter to work in the week.

If there's a chin on their helmet, they're worth waving/nodding at. If not..

Thing is, one of the advantages of a scooter is the storage space under the seat. But most of them don't take a full-face helmet. So if you want to ride your scoot to work and store your helmet aboard the machine you have to use an open-face for commuting.

I think you might need a better test for wave-worthiness.

[Dave Lobster]

Thing is, one of the advantages of a scooter is the storage space under the seat. But most of them don't take a full-face helmet. So if you want to ride your scoot to work and store your helmet aboard the machine you have to use an open-face for commuting.

I think you might need a better test for wave-worthiness.

Mine fits two full face lids under the seat, and a jacket and back protector.

It's an excellent test.. cuts out all the mopeds and coops.

[CookMySock]

Yeah they look a little alarmed when an intimidating looking biker waves at them - what I do? what I do?

We saw one scooter dood on the open road with an open face helmet, batman mask, flapping batman cape and the whole getup. We were more alarmed I think, particularly after getting the full wave treatment from HIM. Well into the "WTF" category. We were tempted to U turn and ride with him for a while just for fun..

I think most people who have scooters consider themselves more a cager-on-a-scooter than a biker. Once they are on a bike with no body covering the frame - well thats a real bike then, and it feels like it too.

Steve

[DangerMice]

It's an excellent test.. cuts out all the mopeds and coops.

My little Jog fits my full face helmet, gloves and my wet weather gear under the seat, (but I don't leave anything in it except the w/w gear in case some filth decides to abscond with it), so I say yes good test, cause then I might get some return waves

...flapping batman cape....

Damn I've got to get me a cape I think, it might make everyone else laugh so much they'll forget they are supposed to be trying to kill me

I think most people who have scooters consider themselves more a cager-on-a-scooter than a biker.

That's probably true to a certain extent, especially for the "I only use it for weekday commuting" crowd, and to be honest that's where I started out. But man, only until that first ride. I love my scooter now. Its sooooo much fun and perfect for what I want it for. I haven't driven my car at all since I got it.

[rosie631]

In their defence, I don't think they'd WANT to be part of a cruiser type biking fraternity.

LOL> That's probably true

[allycatz]

Yeah I love my wee scooter too...honda 50. Was advised to get it after slight loss of confidence learning to ride 250. Ultimately want to commute to work frm Kapti to Levin. So its either get a bigger scoot or get me arse back on a bike...either way I have to get licence

[MarkH]

So its either get a bigger scoot or get me arse back on a bike...

For the bigger scoots there are quite a number of choices:
Suzuki AN125
Suzuki Burgman 250/400/650
Yamaha Majesty 250/?
Honda Dylan
Honda Silverwing 400/600
Hyosung 250
Sym 250/300/heaps more
Vespa 150/200/250
etc.

I know my Burgman 400 is quite heavy at 199kg dry, but it really is an easy machine to ride. It comfortably cruises along at any legal speed & a bit more (top speed on the flat is about 140kph). It is really economical if you take it easy, I have travelled for over 100km keeping the average above 28km/litre. The storage is also good - room for 2 full faced helmets under the seat, I also have a 35 litre top box and a tail bag (enough storage for a ride to the South Island to a motorcycle rally with tent, sleeping bag, bedroll, clothes, wet weather gear).

Scooters make excellent commuters with their weather protection and lockable storage.

[UberRhys]

top speed on the flat is about 140kph

140? Thats a bit lame flat out isn't it? My GT200 will get pretty close to that (GPS reading)...

[allycatz]

Weight is an issue for me...have a permanently stuffed shoulder and was one of the reasons found cbf250 too heavy for me (plus it kept wanting to ride into lemon bushes lol) Mate who sells Hondas recommended their 150. All comes down to the money too I guess

[Sky-hi]

I think most people who have scooters consider themselves more a cager-on-a-scooter than a biker.

the thing that sorts the "bikers on a scooter" from the "cagers on a scooter" is rain. The number of people commuting into auckland city on scooters PLUMMETS when it rains. I've ridden my scooter into work every day for 3 years and you see some freakin amazing sights by other scooter riders. Some people just shouldn't be on 2 wheels

[allycatz]

Rain doesnt bother me..you only get wet once. or as army friend used to say"what are ya, a bloody asperin"? "ya not gonna dissolve if you get wet".

[scootnz]

The biggest problem with rain is actually all the other idiots on the road who then can't see you through the raindrops on their windows, and if its heavy rain it is also a lot darker. You go from being barely noticed to completely invisible. Some intensely rainy days I choose not to ride for that reason, rather than worrying about getting wet.

[MarkH]

140? Thats a bit lame flat out isn't it? My GT200 will get pretty close to that (GPS reading)...

Yeah 140 on the GPS (about 155 on the speedo). That is with the Givi screen (150mm taller than the Suzuki one).

*shrug* if going faster than that is important then don't buy a Burgman 400. It has reasonable torque and power that gives it good acceleration. It would easily handle cruising along at 110kph 2-up. I really don't need to be going over 140kph anyway, if I got caught going faster than that I would have a bit of a problem with my license.

For my weekday commuting it seems to perform quite well and gets me around Auckland more than adequately.

[Dave Lobster]

the thing that sorts the "bikers on a scooter" from the "cagers on a scooter" is rain. The number of people commuting into auckland city on scooters PLUMMETS when it rains.

And bikes.. I see heaps of bikes on the Northern motorway most days. One or two, tops, when it's a wet race to work.

*shrug* if going faster than that is important then don't buy a Burgman 400. It has reasonable torque and power that gives it good acceleration. It would easily handle cruising along at 110kph 2-up.

Mine kept up on the cruiser run from Coleman's on Sunday, two up, without too much of a sweat. Lost a bit up steep hills, compared to bikes, but most of the time kept up without a problem. It easily cruises along two up on the flat at 130+. Not really loads left for overtaking.. but then it isn't a motorbike.

[Danae]

I'm a lazy bastard so I've only got my car learners'. So it's either scooter or bus. Hmmmm. Anyway I plan to get my motorcycle licence soon, and after that a 250. >D My under seat storage can fit a full face helmet with gloves shoved in.