- This topic has 15 replies, 10 voices, and was last updated 15 years, 2 months ago by boulevardboy.
I think I’ve decided I don’t want a motorcycle…
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February 5, 2009 at 6:12 am #2518MikeParticipant
…I want a scooter! Not one of those 50cc ones, though I may start on that, but a Suzuki Burgman 400. Why? I don’t like ‘sticks’. I don’t like them on cars and I have a feeling I wouldn’t like a manual transmission on a bike. Plus, I want storage space and scooters are known for that.
The only thing I don’t like about the Burgman is the price tag… like 6 grand new, but oh well, it’s really well made from all the review I’ve read.
Anyway, just thought I’d make the announcement Anybody else think a 400cc scooter would be a good beginner’s ride?
February 5, 2009 at 7:26 am #16296megaspazParticipantMike: Anybody else think a 400cc scooter would be a good beginner’s ride?
not at 6 grand…
February 5, 2009 at 11:32 am #16300MunchParticipantIt’s all about personal comfort man. There’s a saying it will for anything on two wheels wether it be hard cases, saddle bags, or “trunks”:
Properly equipped and loaded it will carry everything you need but not everything you want.February 5, 2009 at 4:33 pm #16303briderdtParticipant…the Aprillia Mana has what you’re looking for — storage space, and “automatic” transmission.
February 5, 2009 at 5:08 pm #16306Clay DowlingParticipantWow, there are a lot of nice motorcycles you can get for that price on the used market. Honestly the shifting thing is pretty easy. Way easier than a car.
Take the MSF class, where you’ll have to deal with the shifting for a couple of days. That’s the worst shifting situation you’re likely to ever deal with, unless you’re crazy like Elwood and live in an area where third gear is a special treat.
February 5, 2009 at 8:22 pm #16310CandiceParticipantIf you have not taken the MSF class I highly recommend it before you decide if you like motorcycle shifting or not. I had no shifting experience prior to this class and it’s really quite easy.
I had considered a scooter but I went with the motorcycle and I am soooooo happy!
Candice
February 6, 2009 at 8:19 pm #16333Clay DowlingParticipantMy bike cost me $3100 on the used market. It’s easy to ride. It is very pretty. The ladies like shiny bikes like this. So do the guys, if that’s more your speed. Heck, I could ride down and see Elwood, and we could both look badass. If I decide to resell it, I can probably sell it for nearly what I paid.
I also have a long list of extra stuff I can buy for it. More options for luggage, when I need to haul stuff on trips. I can buy a different seat. Different windshield if I don’t like the current options. Heated grips so my precious fingers don’t freeze in cold weather.
For that price, I can go as fast as I want. Faster than I can handle, if that’s what I choose. The highway is a non-challenge.
That scooter is also just slightly lighter than my motorcycle, and gets roughly the same mileage (I average low 50s).
So you have to ask if automatic transmission alone is worth passing all that up, for a lot more money. You might decide that it is, and that’s cool. But try out the small motorcycles at MSF first, because they have a lot to offer that will probably suck you in.
February 6, 2009 at 9:27 pm #16335AnonymousGuestTo each his own withauto/manual, but shifting on a bike IS different than shifting in a car. Take your MSF before making the decision.
Also, as a guy with school loans and school CC debt, let me suggest buying a cheap bike/scooter with cash, waiting a few months, and then moving to something expensive once you have more experience and cash.
February 6, 2009 at 9:28 pm #16336SantaCruzRiderParticipantCan’t argue with what you like or don’t like about shifting — though I mirror the sentiments that you pretty quickly learn how to handle it.
Your choice of bike can also reduce the amount of shifting you HAVE to do. Some have much broader power bands than others and can handle a broader range of speeds in a single gear (though nearly all require you to get out of first to reach even city traffic speeds).
You mention starting with a 50cc scooter. That’s probably smart. After a few months you’ll have a better sense of whether you can to add the complexity of shifting. And unless gas prices hit $4 again this summer, you may find some lightly used scooters for sale by all the would-be riders who panicked and bought one last year.February 6, 2009 at 9:56 pm #16338SantaCruzRiderParticipantLong-term reports I’ve seen put it in the 38 mpg range. I had a buddy with a Magna, and he had to stop every 140 miles or so to refuel (and I think that was using reserve).
Are you sure your speedo isn’t off (typical of lots of bikes)?
Low 50s would put you into the 883 Sportster range, the supposed mpg champ in terms of middle-wt cruisers.
What’s your secret to the awesomely high mileage? Cough it up so I can implement it on my bike too!
February 9, 2009 at 3:37 pm #16381Clay DowlingParticipantMostly I’m a pretty mellow rider. The bike is capable of going very fast, but I’m not. And we get very short range out of the bikes because the tank is tiny.
I may be off in my fuel calculations though. Once I can start riding regularly again I’ll check the numbers and see what I come up with.
February 11, 2009 at 5:04 am #16404boulevardboyParticipantDon’t get a 50cc scooter – that is what they tell you at the dealership and I didn’t listen to them and I regretted it almost straight away. OK, so you can sell it to trade up, but it is a lot of hastle to do and you will very likely loose money, especially if you are buying new rather than used. There are a lot of scooters that you can get that have the power and automatic trasmission, so if that is what you want, go ahead and get it and I am sure you will be totally happy, but try a few different things out before you buy. take the MSF course – if you get more than 50cc you will need an endorsement anyway, so you might as well. I know up here when I took my course I had a scooter and I could have taken the course on a scooter, but I did it on a Honda Rebel – I thought why not. That was a great idea ‘cos I found out that shifting was not hard, it made the ride fun and was not at all like driving a stick shift car. I grew up ion England and never drove an automatic until I came over here and so when I bought an automatic car I thought ‘why would anyone ever drive a stick shift?’ I too thought that the same thing would apply to a bike, so I was happy wioth a scooter until I tried a bike, and then that was all I wanted.
Bottom line is try a bike, try a scooter and then make up your mind, but get more than 50cc unless you want to go up hills at 20-25 mph!
February 11, 2009 at 9:32 am #16406smokeizfireParticipantLMAO….for six grand ur better off buying a used car.
February 13, 2009 at 12:41 am #16465eonParticipantDo not buy a Burgman if you answer yes to any of these questions:
1) You like chrome
2) You like tassels
3) You liked the movie Wild Hogs
4) You want to get a knee down
5) You want to wear full race leathers
6) You want to wheelie down I-5
7) You want strangers to be afraid of you
You want to ride with Ewan & CharlieIf on the other hand all you care about is the ride and 6 grand will not break the bank, then by all means put it on your list. Maxi-scooters will never be bad ass or sexy but they make great beginner rides. They can be heavy and are full of expensive plastic, but are very practical and easy to ride (and fun!).
I would take the MSF course on a normal bike and see how you feel. It’s always best to keep your options open.
February 13, 2009 at 6:26 am #16474smokeizfireParticipantI agree.
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