[SafetyFirst]

Hey, cool, another n00b from the Buckeye state.

If you need encouragement to go out and ride, give me a holler. I’m over in Zanesville.

[Sangria7]

LOL I wouldn’t say lucky….Rebel 250 and Vstar650 were the first two. But I am really enjoying the M50. 800CC feels just about right for handling wise and power. I love the fact that is uses the same EFI as the GSXR though.

I will be adding the Dobeck TFI pretty soon. They are building the very first unit for my bike and should be done next week.

[Sangria7]

You know I was considering the Piaggio in the future as my standard commuter. How are you liking it?

[SafetyFirst]

1800 miles on the Ninja 250 so far. I hit 5000 exactly on the odometer in the parking lot of the BRC classroom section. I can’t wait to get over 3200 under my belt, because then I’d have put half the miles on the odometer myself. The baby Ninja seems to like the attention.

[eon]

I really like it but remember this is my first ever bike, it would have to be really bad for me not to like it
I think commuting is the major strength of any maxi-scoot. Lots of storage and protection from the elements plus the convenience of twist-n-go, perfect for riding in traffic. The third wheel of the MP3 gives you greater stability in less than ideal conditions (a third wheel means 50% more rubber on the ground). Plus 2 disk brakes up front means it stops quickly too.
Negatives are the cost. For some reasons maxi-scoots are freaking expensive compared to bikes. The build quality is not the greatest on Piaggio (typical Italian you might say). I’ve not had any major issues (just a few minor ones) but the support you get from Piaggio is really poor. You are relying on having a good dealership to sort you out, you will not get any support from Piaggio. They are trying to increase their reach into America so they are letting almost anyone sell their product. I would not buy one unless I knew I had a local dealer with a good mechanics.

Other scoots to consider are the Suzuki Burgman and the Honda Silverwing. They get good reviews from owners. There is also the very sexy Yamaha TMAX which looks (almost) like a sportbike.

[okcpony]

since I have just under 1000 miles in 10 months. But, five of those months I was on “hiatus” while my husband recovered from his broken leg! So, I guess the positive spin on that would be I did most of those miles since passing the BRC in mid-March!

[jmango95]

god i love that machine…and it doesnt matter what bike you have, just because people refer to it as a ‘beginner’ bike doesnt mean you cant ride it like you know a thing or two. thats one of those things that just gets to me calling something a ‘beginner’ whatever. sure its a good starter bike to learn on but just cuz you like riding it doesnt make you a beginner. its not the bike you have its how you ride it!

[Eddiepowerfm]

I agree that we should always be learning. I also agree with you jmango. I have a bike that can get me to and from work on the Dallas freeways and has great gas milage (I get 57-60mpg) so to get something bigger now would just be for macho reasons. I can only think of getting something different to experience different things like a sport bike instead of a cruiser or to get a bigger bike if my wife and I were to travel on it. Otherwise my bike is paid off and keeping me alive, I love it.

Young rider, I like that Elwood. I can be young again!

It is so great to gain experience and grow in confidence, but we must stay humble and respect the machine and things like traffic/ road conditions. Thank you for sharing where you are at in your biking journey.

If you are ever in North Texas I’d love to meet you. Keep rockin!

[Author]

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