What should I get? Scooter or Motorcylce?

Question

Hi, I want a bike for recreational riding. My state has some interstates, state hwys and local streets. I want to be able to drive into Baltimore (20 miles away) and be able to keep up with city traffic and a traffice on a state hwy which is 55mph. I will rarely go I95. What should I get? What size and why.

I have ridden before. I used to ride a honda elite 80.

Answer 1

There are huge differences between scooters and motorcycles. For example, scooters use to be automatic, use to have great space for light cargo and use to protect you better in wet streets because you put your feet behind a protective "wall" and over a flat “floor”. Also, scooters use to be lighter and have a higher center of gravity that equals to faster responsiveness but less stability. That’s why scooters are very good for the city. Anyway, depending on the size of the engine, there are scooters that can go highway and there are others that shouldn’t (with less than 125cc I don’t recommend you to try busy or fasts (65) highways).

On the other hand the motorcycles are great for riding through medium to long courses and travels due to their usually lower center of gravity and higher weight that translates in better stability but lower responsiveness. Also, you may expose your feet to splashes and debris from the road, because you put them on sticks at the sides of the vehicle.

In either case you can choose in a wide array of options, some of them even fit the center of both (light motorcycles and heavy scooters)…and you can travel in style no matter the category. From my point of view, the most beautiful scooters are the Italian ones (Vespa, Aprilia, Piaggio…ranging from traditional looking to ultramodern… small engines and medium ones). I would go with the Aprilia Sportcity 250…, The Honda Silver Wing is a big scooter that can go highway (kind of middle of the worlds) and for the motorcycles…American, Japanese, German, Italian…there is so much to choose… I would also go Italian (Cagiva Raptor 500 for example)

Answer 2

Motor scooters are for girly men sisy pants that have really, really, really small privates they need to sit down to take a leak. A 450 would be alright for puttin' around town. Any of the Japinse big three will have a twin that will do that job well. Getting on the freeway is a big game of Dodgeball. You'll need something to really move out. Any 750 twin or 750 Four will have plenty zip to get you on & off the freeway safely. I personaly like water pumpers. You're only limited by your....... Money Pile.

Some women have no problem whatsoever with the larger bikes. They do however have a problem with the smaller whimpyer girly man Bikes that can't keep up. Size matters.

As your privates grows to your motorcycle you may want to trade up for something bigger, more powerfull, & faster. Motorcycles that are 8,000 ccs are avalible for those that have The Funds. As are the motorcycles powered by Jet Turbine Enguines. That have as much as 500 horspower or more.

Live to ride & ride to live.
:)

Answer 3

The only advantage of a scooter is gas mileage. Motorcycles are more stable, more comfortable at freeway speed, can stop quicker, can go faster (which can really be a good thing when accelerating to freeway speed or speeding up to get away from a dangerous situation/driver) and are much more fun to ride. Both scooters and motorcycles have the potential to get you hurt or worse, but a motorcycle has the above advantages that may help you out in a tight spot. And hey, motorcycles are a hell of a lot more sexy, which is never a bad thing...

Answer 4

Scooters are for losers. Don't waste your money on one of those. Buy a motorcycle. I would recommend a Harley Sportster (883 or 1200). The Sportster is the entry level Harley bike. It's perfect for the type of riding you've described. You could buy a smaller bike by another manufacturer but you'll soon want something larger. Then you bought two bikes. Save yourself time and money. Start with the Sportster.

Answer 5

It's basically a question of economics. A scooter will get better gas mileage but will not go as fast as you may need. A motorcycle will go faster, but may also cost more in insurance. You did not state you age, so be careful, some states have age restriction on the size of the bike. If this you first bike you will also be required to obtain a drivers training course license. It sounds like a lot of work, but it is one of the most enjoyable experiences you will have. Good luck and be safe.

Answer 6

The scooters these days have big enough engines to be ridden on the highway. The only problem is with the CVT transmissions and bigger engines they have gotten nearly as expensive as motorcycles. Scooters are more economical and if you use it solely for a commuter and if you are man enough to beat down anybody that calls you a "girlie man scooter rider" then you should be happy with a big scooter.

Answer 7

Rifleman01 writes a better book than I do. I also started with a moped (my Mom's). I usually don't bring it up. After that I got a Honda 360. Learning the right clutch/gas combo was a sight to see! My experience was similar to his, except for the broken bones part. Read his again.

P.S. In NH, you need a motorcycle license to operate a motorscooter. They are not allowed on limited access highways. Like I-93.



HD are.

Answer 8

Get a Honda. You can't go wrong and if you've owned an Elite you know Honda quality first hand.
If you are going out on the highway you want a bike that is powerful enough to get out of the way of danger. That rules out Harleys.
I have a 600cc VLX I like. It will cruise at 85 mph all day, is fun to ride and gets good mileage.

Ride your own ride.

Answer 9

I would say a sportsbike. Depending on your size a GSXR, CBR or SV are all pretty good bikes. Only with the SV you have to check the oil frequently because 1 out of 6 SV's have issues with the oil... But besides that you dont want a boring ol scooter because you wont look as cool, and a motocycle like a harley is way to loud (but if you like loud than they would be perfect) but if you just want to look good, keep up with traffic then a sportsbike would be the best way to go.

SV- are inexpensive, very lightweight, kind of basic but can be used for stunting

GSXR- a new one starts in the 8k range, decent for tall person, allows you to stunt and speed

CBR- Great streat bikes, decent size, stunt and speed

******- Easy to handle, decent size(not to heavy), stunt and speed

The SV is mainly the one you should watch for since it has a good chance of having issues with the oil and it can be really unsafe if you plan on having passengers because it is so lightweight that if they move there is a good chance you could loose balance and fall into traffic ie: if your at a complete stop and there is on coming traffic and your passenger is moving..if your not grounded your passenger could tip you both into oncoming traffic...

Hope this helps, oh and you can also check out the Katanas and the R6.

Answer 10

Depends on what you need it for and how far you plan to travel. If the cost of insurance matters a great deal it would cost much less on a scooter. Wear a helmet and safe riding.