Question - can a scoot save my sanity?

[Liam]

I must admit the kymoco xciting I the vid is a nice looking machine

It is, but I don't think there's any plans to bring it here

I'm with dezzie, the Tmax is the bees knees!
I've not had a mk3 like his but I've had a mk1 and still got a mk2 which I've enjoyed for 4 years or so
and now got a mk4 but not done a great deal of miles on it.

I'm still deciding which one to keep. The mk2 has been such a good friend, I'm loathe to let it go!

[MattJH]

Guys, I really appreciate the comments and the thought that goes into them, particularly Wednesdays post from "anonstarter" who obviously spent some time putting it together.

I'm going to kit myself out over the next couple of weeks with a decent jacket, trousers, helmet, etc (my shape is somewhat different nowadays!) and then I can start arranging some test rides.

one conclusion I think I am coming to which narrows down the options quite significantly is that I want ABS. I know many will says its a "nice to have" rather than an essential but if it only kicks it once in the whole time I'm riding and it saves me loosing the front wheel and sliding down the road, I consider that worth it.

a mk3 TMax with ABS seems as rare as hens teeth (i'm not sure if they even brought them into the UK) so I'm looking at other alternatives. The MaxSym 400 with ABS seems unbelievable value and there is always the option of the new 600 which I think you can even get interest free finance on (although I generally never buy anything spanking new). The SilverWing has never drifted far from my desirable list but the one that I mentioned in my 1st post and nobody really picked up on is the Peugeot Satelis 500. The exec comes with ABS, has 39 horses, isn't massively heavy at 213kg and receives decent reviews, although a reasonably priced Exec model is pretty hard to find.

There are a few Satelis owners on the forum, if any of you read this, should I be searching for that rare beast that is the Exec?

[MattJH]

.............the other point too is "how much does it really matter"

I'm just going to love being back on 2 wheels!

[gn2]

Forza 300 has ABS but might not be physically big enough and perhaps not enough ponies.
Plenty demonstrators available for you to give it a try.

Peugeot after sales, parts supply etc perhaps not the best?

[MattJH]

An update...

I have just got a great deal on new gear that has recently been updated - Shoei Multitec helmet, RST Series III jacket and trousers, Richa boots, etc. Just need the bike!

I'm test riding an ex-dem x10 350 (25miles on the clock and offered to me for a bargain deal!) and going to see a 2012 Burgman 400 ABS with under 10k miles for a similar price. On paper I'm favoring the Burgman - partly because they have such a strong following and there is such a wealth of info and accessories available.

I will keep you posted on how I get on

[frankiej1949]

Once you have ridden the X10 the Burgman will be out the window

[MattJH]

Once you have ridden the X10 the Burgman will be out the window

I have to admit, I've been the typical kid in the sweetshop and have flitted from one favorite to another. On a scale of how often a each bike has been top of my list, the X10 is a front runner!

Did I read somewhere that Piaggio changed the rear shocks on the 350 and dealers where replacing them on earlier bikes? I dont think it has been an official recall though...

[MattJH]

I Finally got round to test riding a couple of bikes today ....

I went to a local bike dealer with a good selection of bikes I could sit on, see how i fitted them, etc. Unfortunately he didn't have a Burgman 400 which was my main focus but he did have a TMax and offered me a test ride. I was amazed at the effortless power delivery ( ), the natural maneuverability, and even the beautiful engine burble of tickover. I was hooked instantly!

The dealer encouraged me to try a another option with a comfy ride position, that being a Transalp he had. Lovely as that was I found the vibration off-putting although not overly excessive and the wind blast at motorway speeds was pushing at my shoulders and even lifting my head from under the helmet I guess because of the upright stance. I actually found the process of gear changing a distraction which I put down to having just ridden the TMax but this is all the more surprising considering that I have only ever ridden sports tourers before. Overall its a beautiful bike but the Tmax was so much easier and more relaxed to ride whilst having the ability squirt some fun into your weekend ride without any hint of hesitation.

I now just have to get over the fact that in the UK no ABS versions were sold. I am likely to be a fair weather rider mainly anyway if I am really honest with myself so ..... I think I have made my mind up

Ironically, this was what some of the first respondents to my question suggested, I guess I just had to make my own way there.

Thanks for all the chat and I'll post a pic or 2 when I get it.

[Ferret]

You cant really go wrong with a t-max and if it is confidence with wet braking you need go on one of many courses that are available and i am sure they will put you wright direction .

[Funkycowie]

I believe I had read some where that the MK4 will be receiving an update with ABS for an extra £500.