Thanks for the warm welcome and all of the feedback.

I'm 28 and as I'd said, I'd not even sat on a motorcycle until yesterday. Iwas expecting to be doing my CBT on a scooter but glad I didn't as I got a bit more of a sense of acheivement.

I do see the value of doing my test on a geared bike, but I wanted to get some time on the road with my CBT before thinking of taking the full bike test - I'd like to think it will be a bit easier when I'm more settled on the road on a bike.

I guess the main plus points of a scooter for my commute is the ease of use in traffic and also the luggage space. Plus I can put some gear on top of my shirt and trousers and head in without feeling I've got to completely change when I get into work.

That said, maybe I need a scoot to commute and then pick up a cheapish 125 geared bike for weekends a few months down the line to get my practice in!

poldark wrote:

halfabusa wrote: But also do not discount some of the "value" brands, specifically Sym & Kymco, where money can go a bit further and they are very reliable manufacturers often overlooked for the named brands made in the same factory in some cases.

Could you give me a guide on what models from these brands to consider - not come across much online?

chriswiseman wrote:I do see the value of doing my test on a geared bike, but I wanted to get some time on the road with my CBT before thinking of taking the full bike test - I'd like to think it will be a bit easier when I'm more settled on the road on a bike.

Thought I'd offer the contrary view to some others and support your idea to start of on a scoot.

There is no "rule" as we're all different, but I believe for many people the ability to focus entirely on the road and it's dangers (surface, weather, traffic, junctions, pedestrians and everyone else out to get you) through use of a scoot would make a safer introduction to two-wheelers.

You get the opportunity to develop your Roadcraft without the added distraction of bike control (well gears only I guess). I know many people are clever and adept enough to cope, but if you're in a busy traffic area and you can afford to, then using a scoot initially to build confidence and ability makes good sense.

Then after a time, switching to a geared bike is a simpler transition, with less danger. Without intending to, I did this passing the test on a 125 scoot (not a single minor!) then retaking a few months later doing DAS having run a 125 geared.

Not sure I'd suggest you do that, probably a few months on a scoot then a few months on a geared and you can just take DAS after a couple of days training.

chriswiseman wrote:

poldark wrote:

halfabusa wrote: But also do not discount some of the "value" brands, specifically Sym & Kymco, where money can go a bit further and they are very reliable manufacturers often overlooked for the named brands made in the same factory in some cases.

Could you give me a guide on what models from these brands to consider - not come across much online?

The models will depend whether you want small or big wheels, and if you want slim or maxi format - primarily your size & fit will likely dictate. Guess you don't want to buy new, not especially wise if you're new to bikes, so just search Sym 125 like this -

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SYM-SYMPLY-II ... 1456wt_937

Hi Chris and welcome aboard,

Hello there.

Hi, Chris. Lots of folks giving lots of advice, so I'll stick my two pence in...

I agree with those who have suggested that you can't really know for certain which scooter would work best for you until you get up on them and ride. And don't think that you can judge by just sitting. You have to do a test ride. Some scoots will feel good because you are sitting up high, but as a tall guy they might be too top-heavy for you when cornering on the road. Others - like the Burger - are more 'bottom-heavy' but have a very comfy riding position once you get going. And I also agree that Sym and Kymco are putting out scoots of reasonable quality at affordable prices. Try 'em all. Ride, ride, ride.

And welcome from across the Pond, by the way.

Honda SH 125, Honda s wing 125,( maxi scoot ) then look at the Yamaha 125 vity and compare them, the vity is the smallest and slowest of the lot
the honda @ 125 is similar to the SH 125
Then you have Yamaha xmax 125 and cycnus x 125 and many others.

Anyone from around Loughborough who can advise Chris of a decent dealer?

Nosing around Google looks like there's a Guzzi, KTM & Yamaha dealer, the Yamaha place is Arnolds and if you search their Used Bikes you'll find a Honda Pantheon 125 for £600, that's got to be worth going and having a look at.

http://www.arnoldsmotorcycles.com/Locator.aspx

Not sure how far you'd travel but there's Sym dealer, who I posted an earlier EBay sale link for, called Nightingales of Rugby their used bike list only seems to show a geared 125 -

http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www/bi ... 4425266256

chriswiseman wrote:

poldark wrote:

halfabusa wrote: But also do not discount some of the "value" brands, specifically Sym & Kymco, where money can go a bit further and they are very reliable manufacturers often overlooked for the named brands made in the same factory in some cases.

Could you give me a guide on what models from these brands to consider - not come across much online?

Welcome to the forum.

I'd like to recommend the SYM GTS EVO 125. I did all my tests on mine (passed last year). Nice big comfy scoot (I'm 6ft 2) Here are some photos of mine http://www.maxi-muppets.co.uk/forum/vie ... f=6&t=9396

Very stable, lots of storage under the seat http://www.maxi-muppets.co.uk/forum/vie ... f=6&t=9396

I do a 32 miles commute each day, mostly at 50 - 60 mph. Getting 80+ mph

I'm just waiting for a GTS EVO 300i to be delivered so I can upgrade

Hi All
Thanks for all of the advice. After shopping around I decided on the Burgman 125. Picked up an 06 plate locally for decent money. Enjoying my couple of days on it so far, just takes some getting used to!

Thanks again.

Chris