I’ve been commuting into london for a good 10yrs now and have a trip from Bromley to Paddington, which is a 30mile round trip.
I currently ride an R1200GS into work, but because we’re moving offices I’m loosing my secure parking, so it will have to park outside the office albeit chained to something substantial. Now I’m not keen on having the R1200 lifted, so I was after a more “disposable” scooter.
I’m looking to spend not much over £1k. Would like something not more than 12-18months old. So far I’ve been looking at the Honda Dylan, or the SH125 but am aware that there are many different brands other than the big japanese four.
Hey there GSmonkey (love those new GS’s!). Bike2Travel (Cezar) has an Aprilia 125, I forgot the model, which he uses for commuting and swears by it. We’ve borrowed it and absolutely love it as well. He’s on holiday for another week but I’m sure he’ll post up the moment he spots this thread.
There’s no way I’d leave a GS on the streets of London, chain or no chain. You’d be playing the numbers game with the theft epidemic right now, or risk it being damaged by careless pedestrians or other riders. So I think it’s a great idea to get a cheaper ride.
Yep, I’m a bit pissed off at not being able to use the GS for work any more (got till September). Although it would be in a private carpark, its a fairly quiet one and bikes have already been lifted from around there by fellas in vans.
I’ve had 2 peugoet speedfights both were really great reliable commuters. The last was a 100cc speedfight 2, not too hairdyer-ish, plenty of punch (for a 100cc) most come with the built-in boa lock which means you don’t have to lug a huge chain around with you. It’ll lock round the back wheel or a convenient post/railing.
For comfort and storage space, may I mention the Vespa GT? Comes in 125cc and 200cc, while the new GS (aka GTS) comes in 250cc. The GT dates from August 2003, and second-hand ones are available, while the GS is a brand new bike, so will be way out of your budget. I’ve got the 125cc and its alleged top speed is 62mph. Very fast off traffic lights, and nimble to handle.
The Gilera 125 VX has got to be the best scoot Ive ridden - shifts off the lights, goes round corners (a novelty in comparison to some!) and could sit at 70 quite happily for a few hours. Had one for two years, changed the oil once, one new tyre and one new drive belt in all that time. Everyone I know that had a Gilera found them great fun, really reliable and easy kicks - both 2 and 4 stroke types.
Hey,
Jay is right the Aprilia Sportcity is the best scooter I know out there. They come on 125 and 200 but unfortunately they are too new to the market for you to find one on the price you want. The Honda Dylan is the option then
why not have a vespa et4 125 there awesome, mine (sadly no pics) was red with union jack seat and chrome touring kit with alarm it was awesome nice looking, pretty fast & relieable. it could remove the hairs off ur mums vag at 50 paces just from looks alone.
Gillera DNA cos it kinda looks like a bike lol. Think its the Gillera anyways.
mate has a RS125 aprrilia. she’s a scooter loike but she a nifty little fecker.
i personally have company Vespa gt 200, and would say that a vespa et4 125/gt 125/200 would be a great choice for you. Very quick bikes, reliable and robust. did you know the vespa is steel built?. the 200 is going to give you better power for your 30 mile commute and they are also well comfy!
I too am looking to update my scooter now that I shall have a longer commute and may need to take it on the motorway - looking for something that will do 80 mph with not too much difficulty, has good brakes and is quite punchy.
Was looking to get rid of my current vespa ET4125 which is fine for a 30 mins commute but struggles over 60 mph and get a Gilera Runner 200cc. Friends of mine recommend the new Vespa but I’m kinda bored of vespa now I’ve had one for a couple of years. Cezar, the Sportcity looks really nice but I can’t find one at 200cc on their website.
I’ll probably go test riding a few in the weeks to come and will be happy to keep y’all posted.
Before you ask Jay - I still have the gixxer but don’t want to commute with it.
That Gilera Runner is brilliant…I had a Runner 200 for a year and I found it to be by far the best two wheels to comute through town on. there is a new 06 model out there and I’ve seen a few good deals on the older model. If you can strech to 1200 you could get a 93-94 model.
Aprilia SR125/50 is good bike, i Started off on one of these before the mito and it never put a foot wrong. Or if your willing to up your budget, an Italjet Dragster, those things look the dogs!!!(for a scooter)
