Why a maxi scooter

[Data]

So I decided an SH300 is the scoot for me but I could buy a Honda CBF500 for less money and it will do just the same job.So anybody else in the same predicament or had the same thoughts prior to making your purchase and what reasons got you to your decision ?

Thanks in advance.

I know how you feel! I'm a very recent convert to scooters after 43 years of riding bikes of all kinds, sizes and types. My last two bikes for example were the GSX1400 & DL1000 K8 GT. Both fantastic bikes and I worshipped them both. It was only a chance days riding on a Burgman 400 that took me 210 miles around Essex for my work, that convinced me that I not just needed to change, but 'wanted' to change. It was a marvellous days riding on the Burgman with it's weather protection, storage, smoothness, good handling and performance, and it opened up my mind to scooters for the first time in my life. I'm not saying the Burgman is the best scooter or anything like that, but it's right for me and is one of dozens of really good scooters out there. We are blessed with good choice over here.

And the Burgman couldn't really be anymore different to my previous two bikes. Yet it lets me do all the stuff I used to do on my big bikes, but leaving out the continental 100mph cruising - which isn't fun anymore anyway and likely to loose me my licence even on the continent! The storage on the Burgy is great too. Insteady of wacking great panniers (which I really needed on a bike due to work) sticking out 3 miles each side preventing me from filtering, I can take the Burgy through the tightest of traffic in perfect safety. But to be clear, I'm no old duffer wanting to slow down, but rather I've expanded my horizons. I still get that terrific adrenalin rush when on the Burgman, but I feel I've grown up at last!! (wife would disagree). I could have bought another motorcycle, but there would not have been as much fun for me in doing that. I'm also lucky in that cost didn't really enter into the equation too much. The Burgman is really cheap to service compared to my previous bikes, and because it's so simple, when out of warranty I'll be doing all of it myself. Now not saying you shouldn't buy a bike, but I think your scooter choice, although more expensive to start with, may turn out to be the better one. Only you can make the choice though. Good luck with whatever you do.

[Dave Weller]

You can even tour on a Swing125, I've just done 460 miles over the weekend, it uses very little fuel, 22.1miles/litre, I took the Swing instead of the B650 just to try it out.
You can keep up good progress and take in the views of our lovely country lanes, even motorways can be tackled, just enough speed to be riding along in the inside lane at lorry speeds or above, nearly forgot, no rain.
I now fancy a good blast on the Burger650, is 'ant retired life great.

[alicethomas]

So I decided an SH300 is the scoot for me but I could buy a Honda CBF500 for less money and it will do just the same job.So anybody else in the same predicament or had the same thoughts prior to making your purchase and what reasons got you to your decision ?

I too compared Xciting 500 & Co with CBF500 & Co:
Neither of the (my budget) <5000€ bikes had ABS.
Comfort (weather protection, feet position, pillion suitability, storage) scored against power and efficiency (manual gear).

[melpotter]

Thanks all for the superb responses but this one I found particularly interesting as I am in my mid forties and never was a particularly fast rider.I guess I am in my twilight biking years. What really got me thinking is that an SH300 is around £500 more than a CBF500.

Twilight years! I hope not, I'm in my early fifties and only started my two wheel career about three years ago. I couldn't afford the expensive scoots either so I've gone from knackered SYM Joyride to GTS EVO 125 and now 300i. Loving every minute

[macp]

Thanks all for the input. Sorry should have pointed out my max budget is £2500 which will buy a 2007 maybe 2008 SH300.

[alanduke]

gears are a pain in the butt...... no need for them when commuting.... i have had scooters then proper bikes and always end up spending half my time playing with gears.... and i dont need to on a scooter... also weather protection is immense making it a more pleasurable experience all round... plus its cheap.....

[jjprivate]

In my youth I used to ride big heave fast bikes. When my son was born I decided to quit riding.

After a break of 30 years I wanted something to ride around the city but not a car. So I ended up with a cheap 50cc scooter which I used for 1 1/2 years and never let me down. Was good for short rides but nothing on the road or for little trips and touring.

So I decided to buy a chinese 250cc quad, which was worse than pain in the ass. After a year I was really fed up with it and its permanent flaws and repairs and bad handling.

Started a search on ebay and ran into an X9 125cc. I liked its shape ( and price ) and bought it.

Must say it was a good decision. It is fun in the city, allows to transport a lot and also is fine for touring and cruising. I have done little more than 1500 miles on it and am very pleased with how it runs.

This summer I will start travelling with it.

[Steve_D]

Just completed a 1900 mile trip on my Burgman last week to Monaco and back, plus a detour to Switzerland and Italy. Got back as fresh as a daisy! Good speed, weather protection, comfortable and plenty of storage. The 'bikers' that came along (R1 and an F4) suffered a bit with a lack of all the above (apart from speed). The scoot was just perfect for that trip - handled well on the mountain roads too.

[Maxsymuppet]

Totally agree with the argument for maxi scooters. A lot more practical and usable than a conventional bike. Plus with the larger engined ones (Burgman 650, Silverwing etc) you get almost the same performance.

[Wolf]

My reason for Auto is simple I can't be arsed with a clutch & when I had scooters the storage was another reason plus better weather protection