Fear or the two-wheelers...

[west3man]

I looked at scooters, yesterday. Nope, not full-on motorcycles, but scooters.

Between Puma's recent comments about her gas mileage and seeing a guy pull up to a restaurant on one, the day before... I'm more tempted than ever. The gas-mileage is incredible. The cost is really low. From what I can tell, it'd pay for itself every month (assuming one is making payments).

I'm not AS interested, anymore, in the smaller one because it's got a top speed of 45 mph. That concerns me for a few reasons. One of which is the fact that it's not highway-rated, from what I understand.

Despite all of these concerns, you know what's got me shaking in my invisible boots, right now? The idea of being on a two-wheeled vehicle going 60-70 miles per hour... on the damned interstate... with big ass tractor-trailers zooming past me. Hell, they shake my TRUCK when they do that. I'm afraid to imagine what they'd do to a 200-300 pound vehicle (plus my weight).


So, are there any posters out there who were ONCE afraid of two-wheeled vehicles, but are now confident and comfortable driving them (and riding on them)?


Btw, in fourth grade, I realized how rough it can be when you've got a passenger who won't stop shifting his weight on the bike. I got my lips ripped up f'ing around with that. That's another concern.

[Puma]

I ride a Honda Shadow 500 (not a scooter), I'm very comfortable driving on anything but the interstate (unless its really really a short distance). Not because of the truckers, but because of those folks going 90 and swerving in and out of traffic - they just ain't gonna see me on my bike. My husband though can ride comfortable anywhere; I think its because he's been riding his whole life whereas I've been riding for about 8 years.

[Valmore]

Figuring you live here in Tallahassee, I'd be more concerned about getting stuck on a scooter in a downpour.

[west3man]

I ride a Honda Shadow 500 (not a scooter),
I didn't mean to imply your vehicle was a scooter. Just that it is a two-wheeled vehicle with comparable gas mileage.

[west3man]

Figuring you live here in Tallahassee, I'd be more concerned about getting stuck on a scooter in a downpour.
I could deal with it, I guess (at least when it's not frickin' FREEZING), by having a hooded raincoat or whatever in the storage compartment.

It's Tallahassee's HILLS that concern me. Water on engine fluid and tires on top of all that... on a hill... I've been in CAR in Tally and slid into on-coming traffic. I'm really concerned about what'd happen on a hill on a scooter.

[Dan Apodaca]

I used to drive one of these:

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelimage/151/4/0/image.aspx

The pros are that it does save you a ton of money on gas, it's pretty fun to ride, and parking is a breeze.

The cons are its speed and inability to travel on freeways, lack of a roof, and increased danger in terms of an accident.


Make sure you have a good jacket, if you get a scooter. It can get cold pretty quick.

I'll happily answer any other questions as best I can.

[west3man]

Thanks.

Another "pro" was that I wouldn't need to refuel, as much. The smaller model I was interested in, the Yamaha Zuma, has a 1.3 gallon fuel tank. The Majesty, though, has a 4.7 gallon tank.

That means, I think, I wouldn't have to refill the tank for AT LEAST two weeks. That's the minimum.

I know that seems to go hand-in-hand with fuel efficiency, and it does, but it's not just more bang for my buck. With the local fuel shortage, it helps to not have to wait in that damned line so often or long for gas.

Also, assuming I had the balls to do it, I could go from here to Pensacola and almost come back, all on a single tank of gas, which'd cost me $12-15. That means that when gas is short there, as I hear it is, I wouldn't have to worry so much about getting there, but not being able to make it back... or waiting in line for gas so long that the vehicle runs OUT of gas and you have to push it while you're in line. That's how it was last year during hurricane season.

[Dan Apodaca]

Thanks.

Another "pro" was that I wouldn't need to refuel, as much. The smaller model I was interested in, the Yamaha Zuma, has a 1.3 gallon fuel tank. The Majesty, though, has a 4.7 gallon tank.

That means, I think, I wouldn't have to refill the tank for AT LEAST two weeks. That's the minimum.

I know that seems to go hand-in-hand with fuel efficiency, and it does, but it's not just more bang for my buck. With the local fuel shortage, it helps to not have to wait in that damned line so often or long for gas.

Also, assuming I had the balls to do it, I could go from here to Pensacola and almost come back, all on a single tank of gas, which'd cost me $12-15. That means that when gas is short there, as I hear it is, I wouldn't have to worry so much about getting there, but not being able to make it back... or waiting in line for gas so long that the vehicle runs OUT of gas and you have to push it while you're in line. That's how it was last year during hurricane season.

The Zuma's what I drove. It's a very nice scooter. And you're right, the gas lasts a long time. I only had to fill up about once a week, and that was driving it all around town every day.

If the majesty is one of those "deluxe" big scooters, avoid it. They llok stupid, are unweildy, and take up more space for no reason.

[west3man]

The Zuma's what I drove. It's a very nice scooter. And you're right, the gas lasts a long time. I only had to fill up about once a week, and that was driving it all around town every day.

If the majesty is one of those "deluxe" big scooters, avoid it. They llok stupid, are unweildy, and take up more space for no reason.
Oh yeah? Hmm....

I don't know what'd qualify as "deluxe," but the Majesty IS about a forearm's length longer than the Zuma (about a 1 ft.). Supposedly it's gas mileage is the same, but it's top speed is 120mph instead of 40mph, the storage space is 16 gallons instead of 4 gallons, the fuel capacity is almost 5 gallons, instead of 1.3 gallons.

(Not sarcasm --->) Does that fit your definition of "deluxe?"

Those traits make the difference for me and are why I considered the Majesty when I walked in there specifically to see the Zuma. Not being highway-legal is one of the reasons I walked away from the Zuma (although its price is SO MUCH more attractive).

[Dan Apodaca]

Yeah, that's what I'm talking about.

Really, the main thing I have seen and heard about scooters like the majesty is that that they're very hard to steer, because of their length and bulk.

But the features you list do sound attractive. My suggestion would be to see if you can find a dealership that'll let you ride one around the lot a little. You can't really judge it until you drive it.

[west3man]

Yeah, that's what I'm talking about.

Really, the main thing I have seen and heard about scooters like the majesty is that that they're very hard to steer, because of their length and bulk.

But the features you list do sound attractive. My suggestion would be to see if you can find a dealership that'll let you ride one around the lot a little. You can't really judge it until you drive it.
Ahh. Okay, then.

Well, the Majesty costs three times as much as the Zuma, but it's got three times the fuel capacity, three times the speed, and four times the storage (with about 50-100% extra weight).

Hmm...


That parking thing sounds good, too. Oh, here's a question, Dan, Puma, and anyone else...

How do you park this muggg securely, without having to worry about whether it'll be there when you return? Let's say you're going to a movie, there's no bike rack (not that you could slide it in, but you could chain it next to it or something). That's about two hours it'd sit with no way for you to hear if the alarm goes off (assuming you opted for one).

I don't wanna go through all this trouble and expense just to have it stolen within the first week. :(

[Dan Apodaca]

Ahh. Okay, then.

Well, the Majesty costs three times as much as the Zuma, but it's got three times the fuel capacity, three times the speed, and four times the storage (with about 50-100% extra weight).

Hmm...


That parking thing sounds good, too. Oh, here's a question, Dan, Puma, and anyone else...

How do you park this muggg securely, without having to worry about whether it'll be there when you return? Let's say you're going to a movie, there's no bike rack (not that you could slide it in, but you could chain it next to it or something). That's about two hours it'd sit with no way for you to hear if the alarm goes off (assuming you opted for one).

I don't wanna go through all this trouble and expense just to have it stolen within the first week. :(

There are a few things. You can get a heavy duty chain lock for it. But like you said, there's always the chance there won't be any place to lock it.

Also, most of the scooters have an ignition and steering lock system, so someone couldn't just ride it away.

Also, also, they're pretty damn heavy. It'd take about four guys to lift it up onto the back of a truck or something.

[howyadoin]

How do you park this muggg securely, without having to worry about whether it'll be there when you return? Let's say you're going to a movie, there's no bike rack (not that you could slide it in, but you could chain it next to it or something). That's about two hours it'd sit with no way for you to hear if the alarm goes off (assuming you opted for one).I'd say chaining it up is your only option. That, and being very careful where you park it.

I wouldn't leave it on the street at night, either. But I say that mainly because auto theft is such a massive problem in Vancouver. No idea what it's like in your area.

[west3man]

I'd say chaining it up is your only option. That, and being very careful where you park it. The salesguy mentioned that, too. I don't go to too many unsafe neighborhoods, that I know of. I wonder what'd be bad places to park it, other that. Mostly, I'd be worried about being out-of-town or being in a mall.

If either of those is a bad idea, maybe the scooter is, too.

I wouldn't leave it on the street at night, either. But I say that mainly because auto theft is such a massive problem in Vancouver. No idea what it's like in your area. Meaning, you wouldn't drive it to a movie theater or mall parking lot at night?

See, that's some scary shit. I fret enough about my other vehicles getting stolen and it'd take a helluva lot more than four guys to lift them.

Also, I'm fretting because I said fret.

Fret.

[Valmore]

But what self-respecting auto thief steals a scooter? I doubt even Grand Theft Auto III players bother with scooters! :D

[howyadoin]

Meaning, you wouldn't drive it to a movie theater or mall parking lot at night?Not in Vancouver. Lots of our movie theaters and malls are in... shall we say, questionable areas.

[west3man]

But what self-respecting auto thief steals a scooter? I doubt even Grand Theft Auto III players bother with scooters! :D
Only if they figured out a way to work a hooker into the scenario...


But yeah, people get a couple of metal bars, four guys, and quickly lift and walk'em into a truck. They're in much higher demand now that gas is so expensive (and somewhat scarce).

[Fabian]

You know, I've been looking into buying a motorcycle myself and that's what I'm saving up for. With the down payment Id put down for a new car, I could get a new motorcycle. People have been telling me they're dangerous as the only con about them but if I follow proper handling, I'd be fine.

It would be great in Southern CA. I would save gas, I would cut traffic, and I wouldn't have anyone asking for a ride.

I would only use it around the tri-county area because the heat would be too much if I leave it while wearing a jacket.


I just though of another con: no tunes

[Valmore]

I just though of another con: no tunes

iPod, Dell DJ, iRiver...

[howyadoin]

People have been telling me they're dangerous as the only con about them but if I follow proper handling, I'd be fine.That's assuming the other drivers around you know what they're doing, of course.
I just though of another con: no tunesThey make stereos for bikes. You just wear headphones under the helmet.

[Nitmo]

Have you thought about a hybrid car?

I am, I don't feel comfortable riding a motorcycle, plus, I have to wear a suit to work.

[Fabian]

They make stereos for bikes. You just wear headphones under the helmet.
It's illegal in CA to drive with any sort of headphones on, I'm not sure if this doesn't apply to motorcycles

[west3man]

You know, I've been looking into buying a motorcycle myself and that's what I'm saving up for. With the down payment Id put down for a new car, I could get a new motorcycle. People have been telling me they're dangerous as the only con about them but if I follow proper handling, I'd be fine.

It would be great in Southern CA. I would save gas, I would cut traffic, and I wouldn't have anyone asking for a ride.

I would only use it around the tri-county area because the heat would be too much if I leave it while wearing a jacket.


I just though of another con: no tunes

There's a "glove compartment," of sorts, that I'd put my Treo in, as I wouldn't wanna worry about it falling out at 40+ mph. That'd be fine for answering the phone, via Bluetooth, but it'd frig up the music option... unless... Hmmm...

Y'know, you could get a cheap-o radio /w headset (or a headset that IS a radio), hook your music source up to it via an fm-transmitter, then listen to radio or whatever wirelessly.

I wouldn't advise changing songs while driving, but you might be able to change radio stations.

Waddayathink?

[Nitmo]

It's illegal in CA to drive with any sort of headphones on, I'm not sure if this doesn't apply to motorcycles

you can have the headphones over one ear, but only one.

[west3man]

That CA law screws up my idea. Maybe there are fancier helmets you could get.

[howyadoin]

It's illegal in CA to drive with any sort of headphones on, I'm not sure if this doesn't apply to motorcycleshttp://www.globalfabinc.com/motorcycle.htm

[Fabian]

you can have the headphones over one ear, but only one.
Well that would sound odd and this is speaking from someone who had a set of headphones where only one side worked

[west3man]

you can have the headphones over one ear, but only one.
Ahh. Cool.

[Valmore]

That CA law screws up my idea. Maybe there are fancier helmets you could get.

Wait! You're going to be one of the SMART ones in florida who drive a scooter (or motorcycle) WITH a helmet?!?

Seriously, I rarely ever see anyone with a helmet on down here.

[Nitmo]

Ahh. Cool.

well, that's California law, you will probably have to check out what the laws are in your neck of the woods.

[west3man]

well, that's California law, you will probably have to check out what the laws are in your neck of the woods.
Right. I meant for Fabian.

[west3man]

I talked to my grandmother, today, and she confirmed that the damned lines for gasoline in Pensacola 3-4hrs long. She doesn't drive, so her information may be out-of-date (if that changed in the last few days or so), but between that and the fact that our gas finally topped $3, today, I'm more interested in a two-wheeled alternative than EVER.

I kinda dig the hybrid idea, but there are some things against it (like 2 weeks of idle time kills the battery... not sure if that's easily fixed or not, though), though. In order to save tens of dollars per month, I don't want to have to spend hundreds of dollars.

That's why the scooter/motorcycle alternatives appeal to me.

I'm still worried about highway travel, though. People drive poorly enough, as it is, without making it harder for them to see me.

Maybe driving at odd times, when I'm going out of town? I dunno.

[clayholio]

I've been doing some internet research on scooters lately. I actually like the Honda Silver Wing, one of the accursed deluxe scooters. Of course, it gets only about 40 MPG (which is atrocious by scooter standards, but pretty good by my standards). I'm giving some serious consideration to getting one. But I think I'm going to look into motorcycles too before I make up my mind. Might as well see what all's out there...

[Trystenn]

So, are there any posters out there who were ONCE afraid of two-wheeled vehicles, but are now confident and comfortable driving them (and riding on them)?
Ya until i saw how bad@$$ a motorcycle looks.

[howyadoin]

I'm still worried about highway travel, though. People drive poorly enough, as it is, without making it harder for them to see me.That is a point. The other guy is always gonna be a danger to you, so you have to be a lot more vigilant on a bike than you do in a car.

Even in city driving, where the speeds are much less.

[Paradox]

If you get one, be sure to put a couple of dozen extra mirrors on the front...and get an Ivy League jacket and white buckskin shoes. ;)

WE ARE THE MODS! WE ARE THE MODS! WE ARE THE WE ARE THE WE ARE THE MODS!

[howyadoin]

If you get one, be sure to put a couple of dozen extra mirrors on the front...and get an Ivy League jacket and white buckskin shoes. ;)

WE ARE THE MODS! WE ARE THE MODS! WE ARE THE WE ARE THE WE ARE THE MODS!http://www.scootculture.org/e2002/e2002i/npton02cs/2002-07-27-npton-133-cs-mod-li.jpg

[west3man]

http://money.aol.com/bw/general/canvas3?id=20050831135709990001

Article on scooters.

Got me thinking.

[Quarterwolf]

Question I have always had.

Do you need a special licence to drive a scooter? I know you need one to drive a motercycle but I never knew if you needed one for a scooter.

[howyadoin]

Question I have always had.

Do you need a special licence to drive a scooter? I know you need one to drive a motercycle but I never knew if you needed one for a scooter.In Canada at least, it depends on the size of the engine. For bigger ones you need a motorcycle license.

[west3man]

In Canada at least, it depends on the size of the engine. For bigger ones you need a motorcycle license.
Yup. Same here, I think.

I asked so many questions of so many models, I've forgotten where they draw the line between which require motorcycle licenses and which don't.

I'd better call the DMV or whomever and find out for sure. I plan to take the motorcycle driving course, regardless.

Supposedly, it's $200/person. I think that'd be a really good idea, particularly for someone like me.

[howyadoin]

I plan to take the motorcycle driving course, regardless.

Supposedly, it's $200/person. I think that'd be a really good idea, particularly for someone like me.Good plan. Nobody else out there on the road is gonna be watching your back, so it's all up to you.

[west3man]

Good plan. Nobody else out there on the road is gonna be watching your back, so it's all up to you.
Gotta do it. There's too much I don't know.

When I tried to mount the vehicle, I was about to do so from the side without a kickstand. The salesperson suggested I mount from the other side in case I lose my grip on the vehicle or my balance.

Simple shit like that is a no-brainer for some folks, but not me. Balancing the vehicle with a passenger, effectively viewing my surroundings with a frickin' helmet on, etc....

[howyadoin]

Gotta do it. There's too much I don't know.The reason I point it out - and I hate to be a bummer here - is that I know 4 people who were killed in motorcycle accidents. The circumstances were all different, but extra training and extra vigilance couldn't possibly hurt in any situation.

[west3man]

The reason I point it out - and I hate to be a bummer here - is that I know 4 people who were killed in motorcycle accidents. The circumstances were all different, but extra training and extra vigilance couldn't possibly hurt in any situation.
I appreciate the advice - also the ones that just echo other people's advice (adds weight).

A friend of mine's husband tried out someone else's bike, one day. He jumped on, rode it around. All was well. He returned the bike and as he was getting off of it, he lost his balance (big bike) and it fell on him. He was trapped under it and the tailpipe was resting on his leg.

Burned the shit out of him. To the bone, I think.


Tips am good.

[Slappy san]

http://www.scootculture.org/e2002/e2002i/npton02cs/2002-07-27-npton-133-cs-mod-li.jpg

That's just plain hideous.

[Davideaux]

So West, are you still thinking about getting a scooter???

[west3man]

So West, are you still thinking about getting a scooter???
Not nearly as much as I was. A cold-ass Winter and some really hot Florida days gave me 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th thoughts.

Also, my co-worker bought a bike and has since washed out on it (in front of a bunch of people, I might add), damaging the hell out of it (expensive repair job), and gotten a wicked speeding ticket in the hundreds.

I might just fix up this old car I've got (though I ain't lookin' forward to it) as it gets surprisingly high gas mileage on the highway (about 34mpg). No monthly payments and a sunroof. *shrugs*