Why a maxi scooter

[MjW]

I'm about to take my licence with a Yamaha xj6. And before I started lessons, I too considered a streetfighter style bike since they are cheaper and I don't mind a clutch.

I changed my mind though. I want something more easy going than a streetfighter. The xj6 is 600cc, while fun it felt too high revved even at slow speeds. I don't even want to try a long journey on it.

I'll stick to the original plan. Yamaha T-Max.
It might might only be 500cc but it's practical, great in the city and will gladly make a comfortable journey with 2 persons.


TA-Pa-Ta-Pa-Tapatalk

[capitano]

Some experiences and facts that swayed me away from maxis and back onto regular motorbikes:-

1. My Gilera Nexus cost more to run than my GSX1400, mile per mile. (Tyres more expensive, servicing/parts more expensive etc.)
2. For an initial outlay, a motorbike costs far less for better performance and fuel consumption (My Nexus 500 did the same mpg as my gsx1400 and 15 mpg less than my W800)
3. Working on a maxi scooter takes far more time. I am time poor and like to do a lot of work on my bikes myself. Having to remove acres of bodywork is a pain.
4. I could fit as much stuff in my GSX1400's topbox and tankbag as I could on the Nexus plus its topbox.
5. For comparable performance, maxis are heavier than I like bikes to be.

However, I do miss the weather protection particularly for the feet.

[Liam]

Cut to the chase Cap.
You're just an an old "rocker"

[wozza]

I love both and would readily have both a bike and a scoot in the garage... Some day I probably will.

[kayz1]

******MZ ETZ 250 that's quietly rusting away there back in 1997, and I should get rid of it******

How much?



****Why else would there be considerable interest in an expensive auto version of the Honda NC700 motorcycle on a maxi scooter****

I have one of those expensive auto versions of the nc700 ( but with the scooter body ) and i have a full licence and other BIKES too.
Mind i do like all of the practical advantages of owning a maxi scooter.....

[JohnR93]

I've got both a bike and a scoot in my garage, I lost interest in riding the MZ ETZ 250 that's quietly rusting away there back in 1997, and I should get rid of it.

For goodness sakes, don't tell Mark...

[Funkycowie]

I've never been convinced when I read posts saying "I just like twisting a throttle open, and don't like using a clutch or gears", with no mention at all of the practical advantages of owning a maxi scooter over a motorcycle. I think some are only saying that because an Auto only licence narrows their riding choices down. Why else would there be considerable interest in an expensive auto version of the Honda NC700 motorcycle on a maxi scooter forum, when there's little or no mention of the cheaper geared version that's already on sale.

If I could take the time to learn manual then I would, I am planning to learn to drive this year but will learn auto as the learning curve is quicker. That's the thing really, its easier to learn auto that and I don't have and am not stuck in the typically British attitude of 'You should learn manual because most vehicles are manual'.

[Driftwood]

Have ridden everything from Pan Euros (a beautiful bike, esp. the 1100cc), Deauville, V-Strom, XJ6, Triumphs (my favourite was the 500cc in 1966!), cruiser V-twins, and little bikes under 250cc, but I always come back to my Burgman 650 for comfort, ease of use, weather protection and carrying capacity.
As I reach the age of 69 I find motorcycles too high for swing the leg over, particularly when the back goes out more than I do! The seating stance is not comfortable with feet too high and weight thrown on the wrists.
The Satelis 250 is proving to be ideal for town work, shopping, and visiting friends....again, ease of use, protection and a cavernous hole under the seat.

I think some riders in this country are a bit snobbish about the use of two wheels, and unlike Europeans, we generally have no truck with scooters....until they are tried and found to be ideal multipurpose transport.
The tide of opinion seems to be swinging our way and I see more maxi-scoots on the roads nowadays.

I've had many years getting very wet,being about on a naked bike, and the time comes when I need cosseting behind legshields and screen....and the hands need shelter from the wind blast.

Auto v. manual? If you feel happy with twist and go then who are we to take the mike. If you enjoy making the engine sing with a manual, good for you. So long as you enjoy being on two wheels and promote the ethos of bikes by good courteous riding then nobody should judge your machine mode.

As for me, the first time I used an auto scooter I couldn't believe the grin-factor involved. Yes, my beloved Pan was great, but a scooter is so much better, despite the smaller wheels and ever-increasing size of pot-holes.

As a matter of interest...my friend a m/bike shop owner always rides a Burgman 400 and can beat pocket rockets any day over a distance between two town locations....he used to race bikes in his younger days and still has the skills to use the machine to its full potential. "Why don't you ride a bike?" "No thanks, the Burgman is everything I need for day-to-day riding".

What more can I add?

Take care DW

[gn2]

Thing is, changing gears isn't difficult at all so there's no real reason for restricting yourself.
Given that you already have an understanding of using the road from riding, converting to driving a manual car should be a walk in the park.

[wozza]

I've never been convinced when I read posts saying "I just like twisting a throttle open, and don't like using a clutch or gears", with no mention at all of the practical advantages of owning a maxi scooter over a motorcycle. I think some are only saying that because an Auto only licence narrows their riding choices down. Why else would there be considerable interest in an expensive auto version of the Honda NC700 motorcycle on a maxi scooter forum, when there's little or no mention of the cheaper geared version that's already on sale.

If I could take the time to learn manual then I would, I am planning to learn to drive this year but will learn auto as the learning curve is quicker. That's the thing really, its easier to learn auto that and I don't have and am not stuck in the typically British attitude of 'You should learn manual because most vehicles are manual'.

You do what ever suits you, and there's nothing wrong with auto cars either.