Hi All
I'm Chris from Loughborough and am completely new to bikes after years of car driving.
Having never ridden a bike before, I passed my CBT on a geared bike yesterday and am now considering what to get.

As I'm 6ft 4 and about 15 stone I've been pointed in the direction of a Honda Valadero 125 but I'm only really using it for a 6 mile journey into work, including a fair amount of traffic, so I'm drawn more towards a maxi scooter initially. I've been looking at a few from Piaggio X8 to Suzuki Burgman 125 but could really do with some advice on what might be best for me?

I also need decent luggage space as I'm lugging a laptop to and from work on a daily basis.

Thanks

Chris

wise choice to go for a scooter instead of a conventional geared bike, especially if you'll use it to commute in rush hour traffic. Last thing you'd want is to keep on your hand on the clutch all the time with no or little weather protection or storage space, which a scooter would provide with ease.

Both X8 and Burgman are highly rated maxis but it would eventually be down to how you'd feel riding on either of them. I'm sure there'd be subtle but important differences like seat height/feet space which especially in your case (height) would play a big role. I'd say go for a test ride on both and see how they feel.

Hello and welcome to the

This is going to sound a bit controversial on this site, but, I'd stick with the gears until after you passed you test, then you can drive what you like.
Get too ensconced in auto's and you may never bother, and that'd be a shame.
Having said that, there are some geared scooters so you could have the best of both worlds. Some of the trads here will put you right on which one to go for.

Welcome, by the way.....

halfabusa wrote:Both X8 and Burgman are highly rated maxis but it would eventually be down to how you'd feel riding on either of them. I'm sure there'd be subtle but important differences like seat height/feet space which especially in your case (height) would play a big role. I'd say go for a test ride on both and see how they feel.

+1 - wise words


Basically it's nigh on impossible to give you a definitive answer as people vary in what they feel comfortable with, so one will swear by the Burgman whilst another will prefer the X8, they're different in overall ergonomics so really important for you to at the very least sit on each & ideally test-ride before deciding.

But also do not discount some of the "value" brands, specifically Sym & Kymco, where money can go a bit further and they are very reliable manufacturers often overlooked for the named brands made in the same factory in some cases.

Some riders prefer the big wheeled (16" such as Honda SH) but you lose some in under-seat storage necesitating a topbox, which some people prefer not to use.

Key advice then is "try before you buy" and don't be tempted to jump at the first scoot, check out a few. Not sure how spoilt you are for dealers in your area, but you may find another member will be along shortly to give that advice.

seat height/feet space which especially in your case (height) would play a big role

I know you haven't mentioned it but my guess is at 6'4" you might find the Silverwing a little cramped in the leg-department.

I concur with all the other comments, especially 'try (at least sit on) before you buy'.

Welcome aboard

Congratulations and Welcome Chris. The world of bikes/scooters either geared or auto is exciting and you no doubt will discover this, if you haven't already. At 6.4" I would suggest you get the biggest most comfortable machine you can afford, although not necessarily a big engine of course. You will currently have some restrictions. I concur with the previous advice about getting test rides wherever possible. This can be exciting and fun so take your time when doing this and don't make rash decisions. Please come back to us and let us all know what you decide upon. Good hunting!

SpikeOne wrote:This is going to sound a bit controversial on this site, but, I'd stick with the gears until after you passed you test, then you can drive what you like.
Get too ensconced in auto's and you may never bother, and that'd be a shame.
Having said that, there are some geared scooters so you could have the best of both worlds. Some of the trads here will put you right on which one to go for.

Welcome, by the way.....

+1 if you can, buy a little 2nd hand geared 125 bike and pass your test on that. Then you can ride what you like (after the 2 year limit for 33bhp which will stop you buying anything too powerful before you've had some experience).

Hi welcome, I agree with some others here, take your test on a geared bike, then in later years you have a choice of both.
You dont say how old you are, but after

years of car driving

Im guessing your in your 20's at least, why not go the whole way and do a direct access on a 500cc bike, then you can ride ANY scooter, or take your test on a high power 125, then you can ride anything upto 33bhp, which includes a Burgman 400 which has a lot of rave reviews and "raving" owners on here.
Most training places have a 125 scooter to take your test on as well as 125 bikes.