First ride of AA500

[wozzerwozzer1]

First long ride today. Maxi scooters are the best kept secret in motorcycling in the UK. Comfortable, 80 mph all day long, easy to ride, nimble...the list goes on and on. Had a 100 mile commute today around the M25, trip home was very busy, and had a warm glow passing the traffic as it queued for no apparent reason. The only thing I did notice was quite a strong handlebar shake if you take your hands off the bars. Tyre pressures are good, just passed MOT so hopefully not mechanical, might be the aftermarket screen and laminar lip ?? Overall really pleased thus far with the scoot, can't believe I've not tried one before. Despite all the stick from motorcycling pals, very happy with my purchase !

[Jedburgh]

Good on yer wozzer, agree with everything you say about maxi-scoots.

[mottza]

Handlebar shake is more than likely to be the head bearings.

[spaceprobe]

So true about best kept secret (says former biker), all day comfort, speed and maneuverability. Taking mine on its first camping trip today.

[Data]

Nice one wozzer. Totally agree with you. There are more and more of us "moving up" from big bikes (or any bikes) to a maxi. It just makes sense and is so much fun too. Re headshake, as mottza says and also could be the front wheel needs balancing.

[Dave Weller]

I would look very closely at the front tyre, tape a block to the inside of the fork and look for any irregularities as it revolves, could have been pot holing.

[Steve_D]

Have you got a top box fitted? If so, that could be the problem. See here: " onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[mottza]

If its the head bearings it will also feel strange when turning in. It'll be all or nothing.

To test, put the scoot on the center stand and then lean it back so the front wheel is in the air. Then slowly turn the handlebars. If you feel a notch in the middle, then its the head bearings. Not much in parts but a good few hrs in labour. I paid about £120 to get mine sorted.

[wozzerwozzer1]

If its the head bearings it will also feel strange when turning in. It'll be all or nothing.

To test, put the scoot on the center stand and then lean it back so the front wheel is in the air. Then slowly turn the handlebars. If you feel a notch in the middle, then its the head bearings. Not much in parts but a good few hrs in labour. I paid about £120 to get mine sorted.

I've checked as you've suggested. ..no notch so hopefully ok.
The tyre is near the legal limit so may be that.
I'll spin the wheel when I get home to test if it's true.
No top box fitted, did come with a natty Aprilia soft rear pack though

Another trip in today in glorious weather. It really is a fantastic bit of kit. The amount of people that look down on you as you are "just a scooter" is becoming apparent ! Enjoy sitting in the queues as "just a scooter" glides past
Im still nodding at fellow bikers, I reckon 30% are returning the gesture.

[anonstarter]

Im still nodding at fellow bikers, I reckon 30% are returning the gesture.

As a youngster I was often reminded (by the less 'informed') that no-one likes a smart arse.

Let's be honest, an AUTO scooter rider in congestion IS a 'smart arse'!

Remember the City/Town/Congestion scenario?

Manual motorbike; Junction/traffic lights/congestion; Clutch in, change down, one legged stop, check gear, ease out, first, second, maybe third, clutch in, change down, one legged stop, check gear, clutch out and repeat...

Auto Scooter; Brake, twist and go!

What with the ankle ache, knee ache, back ache, neck ache, wrist ache, arse ache and wallet ache, it's hardly likely that the 'I'm a real biker' is going to be in the 'waving' frame of mind.