pani_k

iTrader: (1)

So I have all but decided to give riding on two wheels a go. From what I gather road tax and fuel is really cheap and insuring a 125 Vespa roughly is around £250, much better than the £1000+ they want for me to insure a runaround motor car! Plus, I would probably cut my journey times dramatically because I'd say in that hour of driving it takes me to get to work, 20-25mins of it is 30-40mph, the rest of it is traffic (5-10mph)! This can very easily turn to 1.5-2 hours if it all turns to shit. Looking at gumtree and the like it seems there are quite a few you can pick up for £500-£1000. I have no idea what kind of bike to go for but been told that Italian stuff for buzzing around on is pretty good so looking at something like a Vespa ET-4 125cc.

I have some questions about riding bikes that I'd like to ask though.

1) Is a Vespa ET-4 a good starting point or is there anything better out there for the money? I just want a half decent and sturdy twist and go that can do 10 miles of mainly B-roads with one 40mph A-road. This is London and from my data above, the average speed is about 12mph!

2) A bit of a tarty question but my main fear is not about falling off or hurting myself with it, but what it's like riding a bike in the winter and in the rain I understand there's various kit designed for cold weather and riding in the rain but, especially rain, is a really dangerous to ride?

3) Security? How do people secure their bikes when away from home?

3) Any other tips? By my research, after I've done the CBT and bought all the gear (helmet, jacket, trousers, boots, gloves) and the bike itself, that's the majority of the cost. After a year or so if it goes well I'd take the full licence.

Thanks!

tonysierra4x4

imo scooters are a waste of time as they catch the wind terribly. i use a hyosung gt125r and it is a brilliant bike for commuting. full size as based on a 600cc frame and heavy enough not to worry about crosswind. just a suggestion. by the way only £16 rfl and around 75/80mpg.

pani_k

iTrader: (1)

I'd say there are more scooters round here than full sized bikes mate. I understand what you're saying but for a first bike was just wanting a small twist and go. Roads I'd use I thought it'd be ideal for.

Wood5tock

iTrader: (1)

1) Is a Vespa ET-4 a good starting point or is there anything better out there for the money? I just want a half decent and sturdy twist and go that can do 10 miles of mainly B-roads with one 40mph A-road. This is London and from my data above, the average speed is about 12mph!

ET4s are fine especially for a little nu-mod goodness

You may want to also consider the Gilera Runner VX 125 4 strokes these have the advantage of a more rigid frame having a spine over a monocoque as with the ET4. Runners also have slightly bigger wheels and tyres

I had a Gilera Runner 125 (2 stroke) which I used to use for work and my collegue had an ET4 and we had no probs with the types of roads you will be using. Oh and our place of work was a Bike shop and we had a fair collection of big stuff between us so anyone saying oohhhh little wheels are crap, no handling, no grip didn't see us going home

2) A bit of a tarty question but my main fear is not about falling off or hurting myself with it, but what it's like riding a bike in the winter and in the rain I understand there's various kit designed for cold weather and riding in the rain but, especially rain, is a really dangerous to ride?

Apply common sense in bad weather, example NEVER brake mid corner you only had two wheels once one starts to go you will have none! Don't by cheap gear, you don't need to have Moto GP level gear but gear that gives you the best protection from coming off as well as the elements is good. A good set of textile weather-proof gear will be perfect with removable linings so you can have heat and cold protection. Depending on which helmet you go for get an insert such as a Fog City no misting up so no need to lift visor in poo weather so you can stay sealed in Oh and if it snows you don't us the scoot simples

3) Security? How do people secure their bikes when away from home?

If you do go down the scooter route get a lock with the ability to lock the bike to something. Scoots are very light and can be picked up and put into a van easily if you just lock it to itself


3) Any other tips? By my research, after I've done the CBT and bought all the gear (helmet, jacket, trousers, boots, gloves) and the bike itself, that's the majority of the cost. After a year or so if it goes well I'd take the full licence.

If you feel you may well end up wanting a full licence why not get on a enrol on DAS course and get it done if finances allow. Courses will only probably go up and even if you are still on a scoot in 5 years time you will still have a full bike licence in your sky rocket

pani_k

iTrader: (1)

Wood5tock, thanks for all that mate!

Also forgot to mention above, any good scooter/bike forums I can join and have a read of some sticky topics? Also where does everyone get their gear from? Local bike stores or anywhere online with a good reputation?

Wood5tock

iTrader: (1)

Never needed bike forums as working in a bike shop was a physical forum of its own And i guess if i needed a forum to answer questions about the bike market i would be pretty crap at my job and some would have said that anyway where abouts are you?

pani_k

iTrader: (1)

North London mate.

Wood5tock

iTrader: (1)

Not to sure around that area, Hertfordshire, Hillingdon, Harrow - NW London I could help with

pani_k

iTrader: (1)

I ain't a million miles away from any of them and work in NW London