Any scooter owners out there? ... cringe...

[JRO]

Get a dirt bike, or a Street Triple, or some other kind of light bike that floats your boat. Real Men, don't ride scooters.

If you get a scooter...

* Riding a scooter makes a man feel like a... squirrel, or something. It makes you look like one, too.

* It'll dump estrogen into your hormone system.

* You may suddenly develop an interest in solar-powered garden pond ornaments.

* You'll trade your AR-15 for a home wine-making kit.

* You'll start wearing sandals... In public.

* You'll start counting 'carbon credits', despite the fact that 31,000 scientists who remember their stiochemistry, say it's ********.

* You'll start wearing jeweled sunglasses.

* Mango-scented sunscreen will seem more of a necessity than Copenhagen.

* Anything colored pink will gradually become more attractive to you.

* Your genitals will shrink.

Those are the facts. Choose for yourself.

 

[Scab]

* You'll start wearing sandals... In public.

With or without socks? It matters. This could be the deal breaker.

 

[browndog]

chick magnet

I actually met one of these the other day and thought I was waiving at an 06 FJR? I would have waived either way though!

 

[madmike2]

I bought the 2007 standard edition Suzuki Burgman 650 last year. I have put about 6000 miles on it in that year. I would not part with it for anything. It handles extremely well, gets 52mpg, holds three of those plastic grocery bags under the seat, easy to maneuver and park, and its fast. Did I mention its fast?
Of course you have the stigma attached to riding a scooter.

Don’t let anyone intimidate you into thinking there is anything wrong about owning a scooter. There are a lot of people that have given up just about every type of motorcycle out there for a Suzuki Burgman. Many people ride 2-up across country on a 650. Have you seen any of jdog109socal’s videos where a guy rides with his group on a Burgman 650 scooter?

IMO, if we in the motorcycling community want better recognition and acceptance from the general populace, the first step we might take is to quit "bad mouthing" the scooters. Who appointed us as "THOUGHT POLICE" when it comes to two-wheeled conveyance?

I think the more young people (and "gray-hairs") we can get on two wheels, the more cagers might start to pay attention. People might be more aware if they have a son, daughter, mother, father or grandparent riding a scooter. And it could introduce many to the joys and freedom of 2-wheeled travel.

And, BTW, I wave at scooters. But maybe I'm a bit more secure in my own identity than others and less fearful of how they (whoever "THEY" are) might judge me or my motives.

 

[BernieB]

You can't go wrong with either one. I owned a Burgman 650 for a while. Other than the ride being rough, it was a great ride. Have you considered the Piaggio MP3? I have heard they are a blast to ride. A scooter is on my list of rides to add to the stable when I have the cash. I will be looking for a Vespa PX150 when I do. Don't knock scooters too much folks, those small wheels can make for some entertaining riding!

 

[madmike2]

Don't knock scooters too much folks, those small wheels can make for some entertaining riding!

Exactly my point! Lest we forget....its called RIDING!

Why do you think the Europeans are so much more aware of motorcycles, in general? Is it possible that because of their narrower streets, the cost of machines and insurance, and the fact that they have a tiered license structure leads more of them to start on scooters? And perhaps their mommies and daddies (and Grannies and Grampas) watch for scooters? And Johnnie and Suzie become automobile drivers who remember their roots and also watch for motorcycles and scooters?

And that's a bad thing, because....??????? Wouldn't it be a good thing if that same mentality was rampant here in the good old U.S.A.?

Sheesh....2-wheeled snobs!

 

[Hit the Road Jack]

FWIW, I was impressed with the new Ninja 250R just reviewed in the June 2008 issue of Cycle World!

$3499 new, for a real motorcycle! Looks good too!

12 months unlimited mileage warranty. 92 mph, 53 mpg. Something to consider.

 

[Old Michael]

A female friend of mine is a scooter nut - rallys etc. It's quite a world.

If it's got wheels, someone will TRICK it out!

 

[dekkerd]

My prior ride was a majesty 400. Can't recommend it enough, let me know if you have any specific questions. Plenty of storage, nice zip, comfortable on the highway. Also the only bike Corbin makes a 33 LITER smuggler for. Poke around over here for all the info you want. https://majestyusa.com/forums/index.php

 

[ceddec]

Well, we are a mixed family :blink: and I occasionally take the 650 (a white one) out for a spin. :huh: Its a blast to ride if you remember the left lever on the handle bar is a brake and not a clutch, one can do just fine. It is a chick magnet, fun to ride, and probably bit heavy for an RV unless you have one of those really neat big ones with a garage. The 400 might lighten it up a bit. Maintenance is minimal and reliability very good with no issues after about 2 years.

 

[SR-71]

BernieB - I took a close look at a 250cc MP3 yesterday. It's an interesting machine and I understand they now make them in the 400cc and 500cc versions. Unfortunately with that 3rd wheel it won't fit on my motorcoach single bike rail carrier. Plus they're damn proud of those damn things too! $$$

I got a chance to drive a friend's 400cc Yamaha Majesty last summer. I was surprised this little scoot could actually keep up with my FJR under moderate acceleration (granted, it was trying hard). The 400cc category seems to be a good choice for something to take on camping trips and buzzing around town. It's light and easy to scoot around on, and it can keep up with with moderate speeds on the highway. Also since the engine is in the back (somewhere) the driver feels no engine heat, it manages to get 65 mpg, and with the engine being so low it has a low center of gravity too. But I have to admit, it took some getting used to. 40+ years of riding and that was my first time on a scooter. It felt weird having my feet out in front of me, and the clutch lever being a brake - then again, all that just takes getting used to.

JRO - Thanks for all the great input. You might be surprised to learn that some of the 1K crowd considers the FJR to be an over-weight pig that's designed for the gray-haired over-the-hill crowd, and just a close step away from a Gold Wing. But hey... I don't listen to them either. Whether it's my Busa, FJR, KTM450, or maybe even a scooter... it's kinda nice to have the right machine for the job. And don't forget, even Vinnie (ex OCC employee) drives a scooter on occasion, and no one screws with Vinnie! :nono:

Wave at all two-wheeler's folks, even the 50cc scooters. Don't be afraid; it won't make you less of a person and it's to your advantage. Like others are mentioning, the more two-wheelers that are on the road, the more the idiot cage drivers get used to seeing two-wheelers on the road, and the better chance you'll have of not having a cage take you out.

Thanks for all the input folks. Much appreciated.

SR-71

 

[JRO]

Scootin' is big. Try Muskegon, Michigan. It looks like Shanghai. With gas at $4.05 a gallon, half them Yankees have traded in their Priuses for scooters. Pull up at a stoplight. Ten of them scooterers, a'waitin on the light. You think they're a scooter club? Naw - when it turns green, they go every which way. Down to the Tastee Freeze, there's a dozen more of them things. Only two cars. One of them was a Mustang covertible. Guy drivin it had a little dog, leadin' him about on a string. The girls were all over him. The scooter guys seemed stumped. They musta believed them posters, down at the scooter dealer's: Attract Wimin! - Geta Scooter!

It doan work.

 

[Checkswrecks]

I saw one of these stickers waiting for the Pentagon ride last weekend and nearly died laughing. It's all about your perception!

HalfaBusa Stickers

 

[CRMH Eagle]

A female friend of mine is a scooter nut - rallys etc. It's quite a world.If it's got wheels, someone will TRICK it out!

Something is just WRONG with that pic.

That's not a bike, that's a scooter. A donkey covered under a sheet upon which an artist draws a stallion is still an ass. Any of you that wants to put ANY scooter before an fjr, or ANY motorcycle, needs serious therapy.

 

[CRMH Eagle]

Good golly.... This world is going to hell in a handbasket!!!

 

[Open Fire]

My wife has a Vespa 150 and while it is a great little scoot (as measured in scoot terms) and classic looks, I dont like riding it.

the wheels are too small, the wheelbase is too short, and I dont like my feet being on a floor board feeling like standing straight on a skateboard. centrifigal clutch is weird too, and no foot brake, just two levers like a 10 speed.

she loves it, but after almost three years and only 200 miles it aint getting ridden much.

if I had to ride a small 2 wheel for economic reasons, it would likely be a Honda rebel or Virago 250.

thats my 2 cents

 

[madmike2]

That's not a bike, that's a scooter. A donkey covered under a sheet upon which an artist draws a stallion is still an ass. Any of you that wants to put ANY scooter before an fjr, or ANY motorcycle, needs serious therapy.

The man is highlighting the points I tried to make earlier. As long as this attitude prevails rather than accepting them as an alternative and increasing the number of two-wheeled vehicles on the road so that cage driver awareness might be increased, the problems and issues will continue. Personally, I'd rather see more scooters being utilized than "Ricky Racer wannabes" and "Pseudo Biker-gang posers". From a long range viewpoint, it may very well help the entire motorcycle/2-wheel reputation. Aunt Mathilda would be less likely to complain about a gang of scooter riders if her niece or nephew rode one, and she might be more aware of and look for cycles of any kind.

 

[CRMH Eagle]

That's not a bike, that's a scooter. A donkey covered under a sheet upon which an artist draws a stallion is still an ass. Any of you that wants to put ANY scooter before an fjr, or ANY motorcycle, needs serious therapy.

The man is highlighting the points I tried to make earlier. As long as this attitude prevails rather than accepting them as an alternative and increasing the number of two-wheeled vehicles on the road so that cage driver awareness might be increased, the problems and issues will continue. Personally, I'd rather see more scooters being utilized than "Ricky Racer wannabes" and "Pseudo Biker-gang posers". From a long range viewpoint, it may very well help the entire motorcycle/2-wheel reputation. Aunt Mathilda would be less likely to complain about a gang of scooter riders if her niece or nephew rode one, and she might be more aware of and look for cycles of any kind.

First, I love to be sarcastic

My point is the capability of a scooter is in a different arena than a motorcycle. I've had friends tell me that so-and-so got a bike and I ask what kind and they say "it's a scooter of some sort." Not being rude but a scooter isn't a motorcycle and thus the reason for the donkey example. Not knocking the scooter, and, I don't think my fjr is "better" than a scooter. It's a different machine. I'd own or rent a scooter if it fit my situation.

I've forgotten what are we arguing over?

However I do have safety concerns for those who take their scooters on the highways.

As far as a chick magnet I'd choose my cherry fjr over a scooter. If you are a guy... do you want to be the person who she likes to be friends with or the dude she wants to break all the rules with? Do I have to explain which of these guys owns the scooter?

I do wave at 2 wheelers regardless if it's a scooter or biker. The only ones who don't normally wave back are the hd riders. Go figure.

 

[Sherman]

1. I have 3 teenage daughters and there is no way I could keep them off of a scooter if I had one. I would not want them mixing it up with heavy traffic even in town.

2. When I can drop 5k and get a nice '99 Blackbird or a Bergman guess which one I would want. I kinda like the Big Ruckus, but no way can I spend that on a toy. If you have a vacation home, then it might be a nice option. I got nothing against them, but I cringe when I see shorts and flip flops on those kids. Asphalt bites no matter what you drive.

 

[FJRMGM]

the Burgman 650 solves a lot of problems that have kept many off of scooters:

1) storage space for gear and rain suit

2) big enough so it has street "presence"

3) can more than keep up with traffic

4) has bigger tires/wheels so it is more stable on the road

A couple of months ago one of the Motorcyclist mag editors rode a Burgman for a week and proclaimed it just might be the perfect California commuter vehicle. He might be right.