Hello and Maxi-Advice Needed

[nexusmaximus]

Guatamala!!!...well to the the sunny side of the street.

[chrisp]

Hi Chris,
I started off like this last year, I'm 52 but only 5'9", have driven just about everything and cycle commuted the 40 odd mile round-trip home to work and assumed riding a motorbike/scooter would be a very easy transition, but quickly found it takes a lot more skill, anticipation, observation, level-headed control than a car or cycle. But I absolutely love it and can't wait to get back on the bike for the thrill of it.
the first practical thing I did though being a contractor (no sick pay) was get myself good protective gear, gloves, boots, armoured jacket/trousers and of course the helmet (now have a Nolan N104 and find it great as the whole visor face can be flipped up (useful when you fill up the fuel - no taking the helmet off), has a flip down sun visor, so don't have to frig around switching between the a clear and tinted pinlock's or wearing sunglasses when it's sunny.)
Anyway, back to bike selection, I did my CBT on a scooter. That day was the first time in my life I had ridden a powered bike so it was a really big day for me at 51 years of age. I tried a geared bike but the instructor was in such a rush to get everyone through put me on the scooter with the 16 year olds! Next day I hired a 125 scooter for a week and used it for my commute then a 125 Honda geared bike and hell didn't like the Honda, thought what a lot of hassle changing gear constantly for a measly 125cc during my commute. Riding the scooter, I could concentrate 100% on the road and traffic, with the geared bike I concentrated probably 75% on being in the right gear and whether to use my right foot to brake etc and 25% on the traffic - not a good combination and I didn't have the patience to ride for weeks getting familiar with using gears so went with the scooter.
I bought a Yamaha Xmax 125, it had a big underseat storage area and looks pretty good I think. I found that by riding every day for about 3 months and getting 3 days formal bike training I was ready for the test and passed first time. I 'd passed the Theory test before I did my the CBT by the way, that was also helpful.
I now have an Xmax 250 and am very pleased with the extra power and still have all the practicality for my commute and the odd shopping trip. And best of all it only costs me about £12 to fill it up unlike my last car which was more like £80 a time. Now the car only sees a garage every 6 weeks or so and it's keeping it's value better as the miles are not clocking up ! I'm sure my ability as a bike rider is gradually improving with experience but would probably benefit from further odd days of professional bike training where the advice is invaluable.
I'm always on the lookout for another bike and have looked at the new Honda Integra, but have now decided the cheaper N700 in auto is worth waiting for as a serious new bike that has very good economy. But ultimately the Tmax is what I think I'll get, even if I get one now and get it's power regulated so it's below 33bhp as 2 years is a long time to be patient.
Last Saturday I saw a 2010 Suzuki Burgman 400 with 29 miles on the clock for £4399. It's a limited edition, has heated grips, hand guards and looked really good. Lamba Carshalton for everone out there.

I've also considered that I'd find it easier learning and re-doing the test on a bigger geared bike now that I believe my 'road-craft' is reasonably good, so I would perhaps have a better mind-set for riding a geared bike but maybe I've leave this debate for another post.

cheers and good luck whatever you chose to ride.

It's all emotion and it's great!

[halfabusa]

Hi Chrisp,

Out of interest, where did you hire the scooter from and how much was if for the week?

[mottza]

My bruv in law has a Varadero for sale. I was quite impressed with it when he came out with me.

Its a 02 plate with a fresh MOT and he has it for sale for £1800.

[chrisp]

Hi Chrisp,

Out of interest, where did you hire the scooter from and how much was if for the week?

Hiya,
I got a Honda PSi for £185 a week followed by a Honda CBF 125 for same £ from Abouttownbikehire in Wandsworth. There was a refundable deposit as well. Did also try the piaggio but liked the Honda better.
In hindsite I could have hired from my local Yahama dealer in Carshalton who may be a bit cheaper as riding as raw learner from Wandsworth to the sticks was going in at the deep end.

[chrisp]

Well done on the choice of bike. the 400 I sat on last Saturday was lower to the ground than my Xmax but very well equipped as all the Burgmans seem to be. Take it easy, watch it in the wet and enjoy the dry days to the max!

[Funkycowie]

Tmax if funds allow, I am 6'2 and have plenty of room for my legs, other than that Burgman or if you want to learn how to fix scooters a Gilera Nexus 500