Hello, Used to ride a few years back in Canada (2001), looking to get back into it as I will be working in central London. Sometime later this year there s a strong possibility the I will be moving outside the M25 and commuting into the big smoke. I have heard that scooters are the best form of two wheeled travel in side the city limits & if you have to use the motorway to commute in a motorbike.
I’ve been told that I may not enjoy using the motorway if I did get a Scooter. And things are getting a little confusing for me. If anybody has had a scooter at some point and moved to a motorcycle or vice versa I would appreciate your thoughts and input.
Also plan on taking the advance motorcycle course along with the bikesafe course that that Ace cafe offers if I end up getting the Honda…
Hi and welcome aboard.
I`ve gone from geared bikes to scooters, a 250cc scooter is more than adiquate for commuting and riding on the motorway. The 250 scoot can do 90mph easily and is light enough to flick through traffic when commuting.
I’ve been using a Vespa LX125 to commute for the last 3 years and it’s a good bet to start with if you’re returning to riding like I was. Having said that I have recently taken the plunge and bought an MT-03 and I intend to use it for the commute once I’ve put a few practice miles on it away from the chaos that is central London:w00t:.
I tried an Aprilia Sportcity 250 i.e. and it certainly had more poke than my Vespa- you might find you prefer it to the Vespa GTS?
Wow, I think that is really the most succinct and insightful answer to an age old question!
And of course it’s correct. A scooter can do anything a motorbike can do, and do it cheaper & more comfortably (generally). But it just can’t satisfy you if you have to have a motorbike.
I ride a SV650S for play time and a Vespa GT200 for commuting, The Vespa is perfect for my ride to and from work (about 50 miles a day). I travel down the A2 and it keeps up with the flow of traffic at 70MPH pretty easy. Its a lot more comfy than the SV getting through London traffic and its cheaper on the fuel too.
Welcome. It’s all been said above, except that I’d recommend you do the bikesafe course (At the Ace or at the Warren) whether you get a scooter or a bike.
(And for the record, my 250cc scooter regularly does long M-way runs, and goes on the continent for long tours with no problems)
