Hi everyone, new to scootering (don't own one yet !) I am on the prowl for a bike for work purposes - so which kind person can point me towards the correct forum section for info on what to buy (or not to buy,which maybe the case). By the way - I'm 42 years old,made redundant in August after 26 years with the same company, new job is a bit far out (2 buses - what joy !!) I don't drive, so a scooter seems like a decent option - seems to be more and more about in my area.
:welcome: when considering a scooter your best bet is a 125 for longer commute as it stresses the engine less. piaggio 125s are unbeatable for performance and reliability compromise and the newer 4 strokes will go forever as long as they are serviced regularly. ideal for you would be a runner vx125 unless you want a bit more go then maybe a runner fx125, piaggio typhoon 125 or aprilia SR125 (all 2 stroke)
Thanks for the replies. I have been to 2 dealers in my area (Leeds - if anyone can reccomend a decent one then please let me know). 1st was Padgetts in Batley and 2nd was Motoretta in Halifax. Both asked how far and if 'hilly area', well... it's 5 mile trip there and back and all on the flat. Both replied that a 50cc would do it but would end up a bit of a bind and reccomended a 125cc. Motoretta had a decent offer on (there words) and was an ARN KEYWAY 125cc price was £1499 + free top box and then a package @ £250 for CBT/helmet/jacket and gloves - any good from that ? Money isn't an issue,but like anyone else would prefer to spend the least !! So... 1. Is the above a good offer ? 2. Are they right about engine size ? 3. Decent dealers near me ? 4. 2nd hand or new ? Have my licence ready so need to get moving sharpish,any help most appreciated. Thanks,Spike.
1. no, the keyway is a taiwaneese honda copy, nothing special, they show their age very quickly and depreciation is bad. 2. yeah i'd say 125 is a better bet 3. not sure in your area 4. personally i would always go with a reasonable 2nd hand one at about 2 years old as these have lost most of the depreciation and are usually pretty smart.
i would go for a second hand 125, maybe a Gilera runner 125, i had one a few years back and they are great fun i have a leanardo 250cc at the monent and its nowhere near as good as the 125 runners
:welcome: to the site!! if its only 5 miles to work then a deristricted 50 would do it easily.. but if you want to stay 100% legal then a 125 would be best...A 125 also gives you some margin for rideing further a field which im sure you will once you get your confidence up!!
Thanks for the replies again guys - very helpful answers. Hope I don't pee you off with my questions !! Reading about the Keyway, it does get good write ups - I wasn't aware that a brand new scooter would depreciate as quickly as a new car would, as they are coming more popular, but if that is the case then a 2nd hand bike would do the job. Just a few pointers on 2nd hand buying though... 1. A good price around £800 - £1000 ? 2. Milage to look for (or avoid) 3. And I guess to avoid buying privatly from a 'kid' who may have wragged the arse off it ? - so stick to a dealer ? Would I be fair then to say, I should get my CBT taken (and pray I pass) using the test centres scooter, and then go looking for a bike, or what ? Cheers chaps, Spike.
you dont have to pray mate CBT is a piece of pi$$ lol. I did my CBT then went looking for a bike. but i suppose that bit is up to you
runner 125 fx hi there,personally i would avoid any cheap copies from china,india,taiwan.the bike breakers near me is full of them some only two-three years old! i bought my runner for pretty much the same commute(bit longer) and ive still got a grin on my face when i get there.wouldnt get a 50 as you end up gutter riding or with impatient cars behind you. cheers, ian (age 41)
hey welcome and 1. A good price would be £800 but a bargain try lookin for £500/£600 2. Milage to look for... low milage as posible... 3. no dealers are robbing bastards.. unless they are a dam good dealer....best looking in a news paper or ebay... and as ive learnt u cant (rag) a standard scooter.. they are ment to go that speed for a reason...
ebay is one of the best places mate to spot a good bargain but also the most dangerous after all you are dealing blind unless you actually go up to meet the seller eithier ebay or word-of-mouth, i.e know someone who selling one. I know a very very good courier who delivers R1's, scooters etc anything with two wheels, fully insured etc 99 quid anywhere! :w00t: lol ebay is good but do your homework, hpis etc - these days they can be around £5 - £9.99 cheap if in doubt ask us and see what we think, i have a few years of experience on there, been conned over £100, sold stuff, bought stuff the lot etc... so i am willing to help yeh if your not too fussed on tuning but want a great economical and reliable scoot go for a piaggio 125 four stroke (runner vx) 2 strokes will take the piss out of you sometimes lol
CBT stands for compulsory basic training, so you can't fail it :]. If you don't know much about mechanics then it would be better to either buy a first hand scooter from a dealer or a second hand scooter from a dealer, They might cost a fair bit more, but at least you have some peace of mind (and someone to go and yell at if it goes wrong!).
