Hello from a rider with his first scooter...

[REW]

Hello everyone.

I have been riding motorbikes for more than 50 years and have just bought my first scooter - a Honda Forza 350 from 2022. I first tried a 300 Forza in 2021, borrowed from Paul at Newcastle Honda and the enjoyable memory of that ride has stayed with me and I finally "gave in" and traded my baby Harley (yes really!) to fund the change. What a change too and all positive for me: wonderful screen, luggage space, economy, remarkable acceleration and effortless cruising. In short all the practical benefits few bikes have these days. I have just had to get over the prejudices of some "bikers" out there but actually, I am definitely old enough and experienced enough to make my own mind up!

I still have my 1951 350 Matchless to bugger around with and for now a BMW F650 thumper (1997) but not sure whether to hang on to it. Decisions, decisions.

I look forward to contributing to threads when I can and learning about the other scooters that are around as it is a whole new world really. Old dog and new tricks? Definitely!

[Ministerofsillywalks]

Welcome to the Maxi-Muppets! I rejoined last month after 4 1/2 years, and I too have a 2022 Forza 350. Bought it a month ago and I haven't been able to get off it since! It certainly is a fine machine.

[REW]

Thanks Msw, and it certainly is a fine machine. As Capitano comments in a nearby thread the "does it all" machine doesn't exist though I still ponder the idea and a Forza gets remarkably close.

[Stibbs]

Welcome to the Maxi Muppet, 2022 Forza 350 club. Very exclusive…..enjoy

[Andym]

Welcome.

First scooter (or I suppose a SuperCub makes it arguably the second) here too. I came from an 850CC Moto Guzzi.

Totally agree with your comments, the Forza is just easy to live with

Andy

[REW]

Thanks everyone. My first bike 50+ years ago was a C70 step through which I suppose makes the Forza my second "scooter".

[Andym]

"Is the Cub a scooter?" is up there with "What oil?" and "What's the torque setting for...?" as a question no one should really worry about to the extent of 200 page interweb discussions

Andy

[Funkycowie]

Hi and welcome

[Old Scooter Pete]

Good Afternoon or at least it is here as I sit and write this.

I am at that age (67) where I have started to feel that my Tracer 900 GT is a bit too much for me in terms of weight and seat height. So after embarking on my last big tour to France on it within the next week, upon my return I will be swapping it over for a new Honda ADV 350.

My intention is to report about my last motorbike journey to France and how it went and then the transition into the Scooter World and how that goes and it makes me feel etc.

Please ask any questions if you are interested and are considering doing the same yourself. Lets see how it goes !!

[Old Scooter Pete]

I left a little time after returning from France on my Tracer 900 Gt so that I could make a true comparison on my transition to the Honda ADV 350 and make an honest judgement after the initial excitement of a new bike or perhaps doubt and disapointment regarding the change from a motorbike to a scooter ?

The journey to France on my 900 Gt filled me with mixed thoughts as to whether I was doing the right thing in swapping to the scooter, but as the journey progressed I realised what a struggle I was finding, managing the Tracer. The weight, the balance, the top heavy feeling, the dread of a U turn with a pillion on board, the panniers adding extra width and weight etc etc.

By the time I was on my return journey I couldnt wait to change to the ADV. Questions and doubts though were popping up in my mind like will it have enough power ? will it be quick enough ? will I miss the HP of a motorbike ?

Anyway I duly swapped and as I rode away from the dealership (the first time riding the bike I may add) I cant tell you how impressed I was and how it handled and also how the initial feeling didnt disapoint.

I ran the bike in on a weekend trip to Moffat in the Scottish Borders with my wife on the back and an overnight bag under the seat and a few bits and bots in the top box.

I rode not exceeding the recommended 6000 rpm for running in purposes and the bike more than lived up to my expectations. What a piece of machinery it is. Any doubts I originally had vanished and I now have a yearning to go out and ride which I had lost with the Tracer.

I dont know if its an age thing or perhaps I am now better educated in these matters, but I dont care about billy big bollocks 900cc etc etc I just love my Honda ADV 350 and if anyone has any doubts as I did then just stop it and go and live your life and get one !!

If anyone has any questions, please feel free to ask and I will do my best to answer.