What makes a scooter a scooter?

[Turisu]

I always thought it was footboards that separated a scooter from other types of bike. The Tmax isn't exactly step-through and my old Peugeot Jetforce had the fuel tank between the footboards so that wasn't step-through either though it most certainly would have been classed as a scooter.

[gn2]

A Moto Guzzi California has footboards, so is that a scooter...?

[Gio]

I always thought it was footboards that separated a scooter from other types of bike. The Tmax isn't exactly step-through and my old Peugeot Jetforce had the fuel tank between the footboards so that wasn't step-through either though it most certainly would have been classed as a scooter.

I would be interested to know what the HD bikers think about that ! Some of their cruisers have foot-boards and not pegs.

[Drago]

I always thought it was footboards that separated a scooter from other types of bike. The Tmax isn't exactly step-through and my old Peugeot Jetforce had the fuel tank between the footboards so that wasn't step-through either though it most certainly would have been classed as a scooter.

I believe a scooter is defined as having a platform for the riders feet and a step through frame. Though with Maxi's it's usually intergrated footboard's and in some cases barely step through. Transmission has nothing to do with it tbh.
Vespa PX, GTS, honda spacy, Aerox, speedfight,Runner, LML star, tmax, burgman etc would fall into this category.

If it has pegs for your feet and you have to lift your leg right over it then i'd say it's a motorcycle, regardless of transmisssion Aprilia Mana, VFR1200, Yamaha FJR 1300AS, CB series, hayabusa etc would fall into this category.

If it's an underbone ie honda Cub series, Innova, SYM Symba etc. With pegs but a step through frame i'd still say it's a
motorcycle - The DVLA also say this (my C90 was classed as a Motorcycle, my GTS as a scooter).

[Drago]

A Moto Guzzi California has footboards, so is that a scooter...?

Due to them not being intergrated into the bike, i'd say no. Surely they can be removed and replaced
with pegs if desired quite easily?

If you wanted to have peg's for your feet on a maxi or vespa GTS , that'll require quite a bit of work wouldn't it?

[scorpakid]

small wheels..

[Bluebottle]

The DVLA also say this (my C90 was classed as a Motorcycle, my GTS as a scooter).

Have DVLA said it or is it just that appears as that on your V5?
(V5 info comes from a declaration - V55/1 so it is what DVLA have been told)

Back when I did work for the DVLA/VROs I would always have classed the Cub as a scooter because of the underbone frame. I got manufacturers/importers/builders to declare them as "scooter " and they always sailed through.

With the T-max, Gilera Runner etc I would consider them a step through design even if stepping through isn't that easy. I base that on them not having a direct frame member between the headstock and seat mount.

The only times foot pegs and/or boards was constuction and use regs. or a dodgy home build.

[Deeping]

Dumb question from a none biker. Why would you have/want/need a dummy fuel tank?

induction filters / carburetters / throttle bodies, check out a Yamaha V-Max

[shinysideup]

Dumb question from a none biker. Why would you have/want/need a dummy fuel tank?

Cover's the air cleaner and is something to grab with my knees to keep the bike steady in high crosswinds and when leaning off in turns.

[JohnR93]

Dumb question from a none biker. Why would you have/want/need a dummy fuel tank?

It's something to grip with your knees when you're riding. It's the only thing I miss when I'm riding my XEvo. I still feel like I'm just sat on the Scooter rather than a part of it.