Yes, scooters and on Ducati forum ! Recently purchased a new Suzuki Address 125 - very cheap, really. And they reckon 160 mpg. Why not. I already have a licence, insurance, helmets, gloves - no extras required. Why bother with an electric pushbike that still has to be peddled and some of them cost more that the cheap and cheerful Suzuki scooter. Anyway, I did make a mistake though, which was not obvious at the time - that I share with you here. The thing is air-cooled. I knew that, but not the ramifications of it. So I have sold it with 100 miles on the clock. Cold mornings, it takes a while for the motor to heat up - because it does not have a thermostat. It runs a bit rough and down on power when cold - it does not feel right to be throttle wide open on a cold motor that really is not liking it at all. And the compartment under the seat gets warm - because there is an air-cooled engine directly underneath it. So water cooled it is. Give this a go.
I love a scooter. A couple of years ago I bought a £1500 kymco 300 downtown. It's bloody fantastic. A couple of mates have them as well as big bikes . Recently did a 500 mile weekend away on them . Great fun. Sometimes I question myself, brand new multi V2 and a 900SL in the garage and I'm going out on a cheap Chinese scooter instead .
Scooters are the future I have been commuting on this since October last year, Its a revelation. 400cc, cruises comfortably at 70 which is great because about 30 miles of my commute (each way) is dual carriageway. high 70s MPG and room for waterproofs and my helmet under the seat. it is super comfy, with heated grips and seat, the only downside is the small tank so I only get about 180 miles to a fill.
Neevesy raves about his (I think) TMax. Sold his car and uses it when not on his Gixxer or road testing. I am sorely tempted to do the same (the scooter bit).
I have got a Kawasaki Z1100 SE (no car anymore) and now a scooter for short local journeys - go to B&Q or Waitrose or whatever. But these bigger capacity scooters are a very attractive proposition. As you mention commuting - and touring is even within scope. Like being on the edge of a different world - the scooter scene ! Interesting.
Tempted by the Honda ADV, a claimed 85mpg by owners which if you commuting everyday is not to be sniffed at.
Did the Picos on the Multi a couple of years ago. Hooning around like a loony and at every stop a guy would rock up on his XAdv scooter never more than 30 seconds behind us.....Then he would lift his seat, grab his sarnies and have a picnic. I am sorely tempted to bin the Multi for the Honda.
