drzoom
Forum Master
Posts: 187
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Post by drzoom on Jul 28, 2005 15:09:04 GMT
Congartulations on passing !!
I occasionaly hanker after trying a geared bike but to be honest I can't really justify the expense for the use I put my bike too.
1) I use my scoot as a commuter so the extra luggage capacity of a scooter is useful. 2) I don't need to use a motorway, or take a passenger. 3) My top speed is over 65mph so how much more oomph do I actually need for everyday use. 4) Weather protection is better on a scooter. 5) It's so cheap to keep and run, why spend more money for no reason.
I think one day I'll talk myself into taking a geared test but until then my wee Honda does me fine.
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Post by Ginger Phil on Jul 28, 2005 15:11:32 GMT
You think along the same lines as me Simon. Basically I love the ease & practicality of a scooter but I wouldn't mind one with a bit more power. Big bikes just don't do it for me, if I could get a 125 scooter that's capable of doing about 45-50mph I'd be happy.
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Post by hypojam on Jul 28, 2005 15:20:22 GMT
surely 125cc scooters can do more than 45-50 i thinks they can do about 65-70?
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Post by Ginger Phil on Jul 28, 2005 15:23:08 GMT
Even better then!!
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Post by ianf6512 on Jul 28, 2005 15:42:19 GMT
Scooter, I felt exactly the same as you when I did my 500 test, I hadn't ridden a bike since I was sixteen, had taken 2 attempts at to get my car licence and on top of that, I was doing the course with a work mate from the same office, he had his test first on the Friday morning. So when it came to taking my test, knowing that he had already passed, I was under no pressure what so ever. However you have an intercom between you and the examiner and as long as you ride carefully, obey the speed limits and carry out the orders they give you, you should be fine. We came to an agreement that if I did not understand or hear correctly when an order was given, I tapped my helmet with my left hand and the examiner repeated it. And don't forget that you have a few days to get aquatinted with the bike before the test, we were riding for 5 hours a day, as well as doing an hour theory back in the classroom. Anyway passed my bike test first time and that gave me the confidence to do my HGV a few years later, so I only have my coach licence to do and I'm guaranteed never to be out of work again
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drzoom
Forum Master
Posts: 187
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Post by drzoom on Jul 28, 2005 18:26:20 GMT
even the crappiest 125cc scooter should be able to do 60mph at least. My Honda can hit 70mph on a good day (straight road, no wind etc). I originally started out scootering on a 50cc that had a wierd clutch system and would only hit 40mph even when de-restricted. My commute takes me through Dunfermline, Rosyth, across the Forth Bridge, along the fast A90 and into the centre of Edinburgh. Although the wee Bajaj Spirit was capable of doing the trip, it quickly became apparent that really I was a liability on the A90. Within a month I had done my CBT and traded up to a 125cc. 50cc bikes are usful but it's very important you carefully consider the use you are putting it too. They are great for using around town, but anything that involves dual carridgeways or fast A class roads, then in my opinion a 125cc (or bigger) is the safest way to go.
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Post by Ginger Phil on Jul 28, 2005 18:33:26 GMT
My 50cc scooter is used for going to work & back on mainly 30mph limit roads, even though I can keep up with all the traffic I still feed the need for speed. ;D
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drzoom
Forum Master
Posts: 187
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Post by drzoom on Jul 28, 2005 19:02:36 GMT
when your doing 50+MPH across the Forth Bridge and a side wind hits you...believe me...speed is the last thing you want Seriously though you seem to have bought the ideal machine for your requirements. Speed is dangerously addictive. When I had a 50cc I used to dream of passing anything (even a stationery bus was a major achievment). Now I overtake slower moving vehicles and dream of owning a Honda Silverwing, letting me become king of the outside lane ! (probably explains why I have 3 points for speeding on my license !!)
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Post by Ginger Phil on Jul 28, 2005 19:04:55 GMT
I think because I've been driving cars for 12 years doing 30 mph on a scooter seems really slow sometimes. Before buying my scoot I was quite happy at the thought of doing 30 mph, I didn't fancy the idea of falling off a bike at 50+ mph.
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Post by scooter on Jul 28, 2005 21:03:16 GMT
ianf6512, Thanks for the info. I'm looking forward to it. I've got a 2 hour lesson on Sat on a 500cc. Hope I won't need too many. I've been riding a 125cc for 18 months, and bought my Baotian to get me around town. Now the wife wants it. So I'll book her in for a CBT I think.
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Post by Ginger Phil on Jul 29, 2005 5:39:59 GMT
Good idea.
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