I've decided.

Rather than which I would rather have, a bike or a car, I have asked myself another question: which would I most not like to have if you see what I mean. The answer is the bike. Apart from the enjoyment factor, there is the shorter travel times. When I decide I have to bus it to work I have to get up an hour early, but if I had a car I would still have to get up the best part of half an hour early because going anywhere by car is such a nightmare these days and it would probably take near enough twice as long to get to work. And this is all year round, not just the winter.

As to this winter, I will just muddle through as I always have. I don't really have the money for a car (even a cheap one) at the moment, but I have enough for the occasional bus and taxi. Maybe I will get a cheap car as a backup next winter.

As to the three-wheeler idea, it's a good one and I will give it some consideration. But the fact is I rather like my Maxsym. It is comfortable, fast (fast enough for me anyway) and with a top case has enough capacity for a week's shopping.

Oh yes, another of my Maxsym's virtues. So far (touch wood) it has been 100% reliable. Overall I am reluctant to part with it.

Great, great!! Nice one. Sym make a good bike. Glad you've decided not to give up riding. I suspect many of us have doubts about riding at some point in our lives (although I haven't as of yet!). You seem to have worked it through in your head and come out the otherside unscathed! Good on yer! Take care bud...

Though I don't use the car that much, I must admit I wouldn't like to be without one - useful specifically for when the weather is so bad that the scooter isn't an option, or for long journeys laden down with luggage. Public transport round here is just useless - the bus takes 50 minutes to get to the nearest town 5 miles away - though local taxis are really convenient and relatively cheap.

As Data says, I have worked it out in my head and decided not to give up riding. I have these crazy ideas sometimes!

Talking of 3-wheelers, this review of the Yamaha Tricity is quite interesting, as it tries to describe and analyse the riding experience of 3 wheels vs 2 wheels.

https://www.scooterlab.uk/yamaha-tricit ... ke-review/

I think I'd still gamble £500 or so on a winter car. Look for Nissan, Toyota or Honda on a private sale from an old fella (cos they have spent a lifetime looking after cars) and you'll be unlucky if it has any serious failures.
I'd guess £500 is the average cost of lobbing the bike down the road anyway.

It’s not just the price of the car though. There’s mot, insurance, maintenance and repairs. That could easily top £1,000 a year.

Burgman1958 wrote:As Data says, I have worked it out in my head and decided not to give up riding. I have these crazy ideas sometimes!

O shit - wot about your dear old mum - bless her

Bergie bloke, you popping up the Raven tomorrow bud ?