Sorry, but scooters are brill!!!

[Charlotte3]

I never thought I'd be drive one, but today has changed my mind!

Used some of the old folding euros on No2 daughter last night (always works, doesn't it?) and OH and I took off for a wee jaunt this morning, he on the bike and me, much to my shame on Ann's scooter.

Well, I've got to tell you all it was absolutely fabulous.... nothing to do but steer the thing, so easy to ride I couldn't believe it!

After an hour or so fighting my natural inclination to head for the ditch we stopped at a plan d'eau. I mentioned to OH that she sounded a little rough and on checking the oil found that there wasn't any!!! Nice one, Ann! So of course we had to head to the closest Ecomarche to get some. I'm proud to say that I negotiated the busy (church getting out time) town centre, avoided a rather foolhardy pedestrian who had the temerity to cross the zebra crossing just as I approached it  (silly man), negotiated the roundabout and coped quite well in the busy and very cramped car park. I was feeling very pleased with myself until I realised that we'd parked right beside two of the biggest touring bikes I've ever seen....talk about embarrassed!

Anyway, went home, oiled up the scooter properly, quick cup of sugary coffee (and the obligatory chocolate biccy) for my nerves and off out again. Two hours later we got back to the house, and do you know I haven't had so much fun in years!! I've even got over the heading for the ditch thing! I'm totally converted.And no gear changes, so no sore leg!

I have been checking out 125cc scooters on the internet, but I wasn't sure that my nerve hadn't completely gone. I have looked at a really spivvy MBK Skycruiser and was suitably impressed.....fuel injected engine, onboard computer etc., a real top of the range job, and I think I'll go ahead and get it.After everything that's happened in the last few years I reckon I deserve it!

I am going to keep the CM though... you never know, some day my leg might stop aching, and in the meantime I'll have all that lovely chrome to polish!! ( and she does look so pretty in the garden on a sunny day)

Sorry for wittering on, but I'm just so happy to be back on two wheels....now I can't wait for the summer hols for some lovely long runs!

Thanks again for all your support,

Aly

[f1steveuk]

Well done, wondered how it was going!

I can recommend the Suzuki Burgman 400 or 600, but stay clear of the BMW thing with the roof! The only thing with these scooters is the small wheels, makes the steering much quicker, but you sound like your already on top of that. My mate lent me his Burgman (a 600) and it was a revelation, press the button and whoosh!!!!!

[Snorkel]

Glad to hear you are back in the saddle and enjoying the freedom of two wheels again. Whilst I’ll confess that as an old rocker from the sixties I have always quite irrationally hated scooters, they do look to be a lot of fun. I myself bought a Honda ST70 Dax (one up from a monkey bike) in mint condition from my brother about five years ago. I kidded myself that it was not a scooter because at the time, due to illness, I thought that it was about the only thing I would be able to ride. It was great fun and I gave many people a damn good laugh as I passed them by. It was riding this machine that made me realise that my condition, if managed properly meant that I could ride at speeds over 30mph. Well I’ve got the bigger bike now and the speeds to go with it so my poor old Dax has been left for the past three years in my garage sad and unused.

Well my conscience got the better of me and about three weeks ago I got her French plates. I just can’t stop wizzing round on her. I’ve got my maps strapped on the bars just like I’m doing ‘The knowledge’ and I’ve been places I would never dream of going on my Bandit. It’s light, it’s fun and uses about a thimble full of fuel each trip.

Yes, who cares what you ride? If your having fun that’s all that matters. To quote an old proverb, it’s not the size, it’s how you use it.

Sorry, Parkas, Vespas and Lambrettas still make me feel uneasy.

[Just Katie]

Well good for you Aly.  I have only one concern though.  Where will you put your paint and ladders?[:)]

[makfai]

Scooters are boring??????? [6][6][6]

Has anyone seen/tried the Piaggio MP3 http://londonbikers.com/articles/46200bfd-2889-4f4a-a8dc-cc8323f6c14d

Video of it filtering from the MCN reporter who had it on test http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/mcn/2007/May/may15-20/may1507mp3filteringvideo/

A more promotional type video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zJwRbQHCZU

A US take on it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjPEu0n2Kbc

At the car wash! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKT4_dDblzk&mode=related&search=

40 degree lean...that is more than my HD!...and they are supposed to be bringing out higher cc models (a 400cc I believe -currently 125 and 250cc and Gilera already do a 500cc http://www.viamichelin.co.uk/viamichelin/gbr/tpl/mag5/art20070515/htm/mobil-moto-gilera-fuoco-500.htm

 

Or what about the US 3 wheeler?... the 'V' Twin Can Am Spyder  is no 'creepie crawly'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkPVqGuj_V0&mode=related&search=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s40RtrK3lN0&mode=related&search=

 

 

[Charlotte3]

I did (fleetingly) think of the MP3, but even I dismissed it as just too w......y! Really, I wouldn't be seen dead on it, sorry, silly pun given my situation!!!!

Also wouldn't be seen dead on the BMW things with the roof, saw one in Paris and all I could think of was w....r! Definitely not for someone whose first love is bikes!

Personally I love the Daks, but I'm not sure I could live with the shame...I work with some serious bikers and have suffered enough this past few years!

Anyway, OH (bless him) and I are going to Mayenne on Saturday just to check that I haven't missed out on any new developements on the scooter front ( perhaps someone has released a model I don't know about..). When I am sure I have seen averything available I'll choose something and hopefully be in possession of just before our annual holidays in July.  That'll give me three weeks of practice before anyone I know will see me on the road, bright and bushy tailed and rearing to go!!

Where will I put my ladders and paint?  OH suggests up my a..e (not very ladylike I say), which is funny because he is broader in the haunches than me, so perhaps he could transport them for me on his bike? (Actually, my boss supplies vans for just this purpose:)  )

Thanks yet again all,

Aly

 

[f1steveuk]

I saw both ends of the scale yesterday, both Peugeots. One was a 125 that was supercharged, and looked the dogs, the other was a 100 that even had a mock walnut dash and air evnts for a heater system, eek!

[Clair]

[quote user="makfai"]Has anyone seen/tried the Piaggio MP3 [/quote]

I saw one in Aurillac last week and I really wish that had been available when we bought our Yamaha 125.

[f1steveuk]

These Piaggio MP3s, how much music can you get on them?[;-)]

[terry1956]

I have a scooter 100cc for the motorhome, and I must say I use it a lot more then my triumph 900. The only thing I don,t like is the slow pickup which makes the scooter a little unstable at times. I will be  looking out for a 500 cc scooter when I get back to the UK and the triumph will be on e-bay, scooters are a lot of fun, but a bit espensive on parts.

michael