Sisters fella has just passed his CBT and wants to buy a scooter, don’t know why, but he thinks I know something about scooters. I think, because I ride a bike (imagine there is some logic in there somewhere). Told him I would ask around.
What is an okay scooter for someone (over 21 and with a car licence), who has passed his CBT and is looking for a commute machine?
He’s expressed an interest for the classic Italian style jobbies.
J
i know you said ‘Italian’ but i rate our Ps125 highly!
it has loads more space (than the labrettas,vespas) and easily beats them off the lights. also goes up to 60 easy! 
Ask JohnP about Italian scooters and I think you would get a lot of colour and rude words.
Have a look at the Yamaha and Honda offerings. But be aware that Honda’s prices have gone through the roof of late.
Nice looking scoot, not too garish. Good tip.
I can’t recommend a Vespa PX125 enough.
They’re really great scooters. Yes, les space than a modern twist and go, but if he’s intersted in classic Italian scooters but still wants to commute on it, it’s the perfect one. It’s a lot easier to live with than the really nice old ones (GS, Rally …), and way better than the Lambrettas in that respect.
I commuted on a PX (125 first, then a 200) for years and never broke down once. One morning it didn’t start (kickstart) and a new plug and 15 minutes later I was on my way. You even get a spare wheel, so flat tyres aren’t anything to worry about either.
They’re quite “big” as well compared to an ET4 or something, which is a good thing in terms of road pressence.
And they’re great fun. Once the insurance has paid out mine will definitly be restored and put back on the road.
I second the PX125.
I commute 14 miles a day on a 1981 PX (actually a P125X) - it’s never, ever let me down and it costs me about a quid a day to run - and that includes everything; tax, fuel, insurance…
Mine has drum brakes (just about adequate) and a kick starter, though later ones have ‘luxuries’ like electric starters, front disk brake and halogen headlights - depending on model.
There are literally millions of PXs out in the world - so loads of cheap spares. They are very easy to fix yourself in the unlikely event anything goes wrong - I’ve had mine about 5 years and haven’t even had to change the spark plug. PXs are made of steel, not plastic so they last much longer than most modern scoots. I can easily keep up with London traffic (despite being a tub of lard - fitting a Sito Plus exhaust helps a bit) and I wouldn’t hesitate to go longer distances (I’ve ridden to Southend from Stratford many times on my other, older Vespa). Weather protection is good, too. And by golly, Vespas are FUN.
I’ve riden mine to the Isle of Wight and back for the rally. I can’t say it was an enjoyable ride, but being there was 
My friend rode his back from Napels with his girlfriend and camping gear on the back. They toke small roads all the way and toke quite some time doing it, but had a great time at it.
I’ve had a Honda PS125 as a courtesy bike twice and it was an absolute riot, great engine and brakes, room for a lid under the seat. I didn’t want to give it back.
It depends what the commute is, how big he is, how much storage he wants.
As a start, and Vespa/Dylan/PS1/SH or equivalent would be fine. For longer distances involving 50mph limits and above get a maxi scooter like an X8/X9/S-Wing/Burgman for the protection and road presence.
PX Vespas are OK, but if there is any city commuting, and auto is better, and PXs have a low top speed and are not fast enough to qualify to take the practicle test on.
You can take an A2 test on a T5 (same shape as a PX but slightly different engine).
Yep, did mine on a T5. You can also use the LML Star Indian-built PX clone.
