New member - looking for 700 mile a week commuter

[Stuntman]

Hello chaps, I found the forum on a google results page,

I'm looking for a reasonably priced maxi scooter, I'll be doing around 140/150 miles a day round trip commute, ideally around 800-1500.

Mostly a roads and dual carriage ways as I live in Norfolk

I look forward to reading the posts on here

Andi

[poldark]

Well lots to choose between, but with that mileage I'm guessing mpg will be an important factor.

That tempts me to suggest a 250/300cc, but against that a 400cc will give you more perfomance for dual carriageway use (not that a 250 won't run 75mph all day long) and in my experience a 400cc can actually perform at similar mpg than a smaller unit as it'll be less strained.

So unless you also want 2-up or touring use as well, I'm thinking:

Burgman 400
Majesty 400
Xevo 400
X9 500

In that order, subject to you test-sitting at least as the Burger is quite low and some find it odd, whereas others fit like a glove.

There's other newer models I've ignored because of your budget. Worth suggesting you spend top-end of the budget or even push it to nearer 2000, as you want something that'll cope with that mileage for some years, rather than wear it out inside 18 months and need to buy again.

[pikey]

There's a guy on here Drago got a 400 burgman on eBay £1250 looks nice he's in Devon tho

[halfabusa]

Welcome to the forum Stuntman, I have a burgman 400 and previously had the 650 version too. Both would handle the job with ease but i would also look at the maintenance costs if i were you. Most maxis would require a belt change every 12-15k which might be needed frequently with that kind of mileage you're planning. 150/day commute would mean changing belt/rollers as low as every 4-5 months.

I don't know how well you're with DIY skills so you might be alright doing that kind of maintenance, but if i were to commute for that much, i would be looking at other alternatives. Even if i planned to do all my own maintenance, it's still a hassle if i had to do it frequently.

Although this is predominantly a maxi scooter forum, as you might have seen, we hold a broad view on the bike world, so we're not your typical "harley" gang )

Therefore, I would suggest you take a look at the deauville which would have been my choice of weapon for that mileage. Couriers have been using them for years, bulletproof engine, shaft drive, minimal maintenance and go for ever with storage and weather shielding.

[michaelphillips]

doing that kind of mileage means a scoot that can easy be serviced regular by yourself.. also costs in buying the scoot as you dont want high mileage to start with... so more to the point , whats your budget

[halfabusa]

I think he indicated a range of 800-1500 which is quite limiting to a high miler...

[pikey]

I disagree if your putting miles on you rapidly devalue a low miler may as well get one 25/30 k on cheap run it to 60k you can't wear these engines out as long as you look after the oil .Plus long commutes where engine gets up to full temp its going to run at its best

[anonstarter]

Hi Stuntman and welcome!

This is a great website to see how you might 'fit' on the most popular motorbikes and Scoots: http://cycle-ergo.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I did a quick search on Biketrader and came up with these in the Norfolk area: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/search/used ... asc/page/1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

There is a 2006 400cc PIAGGIO X8 that's done 24400 miles for £875 near to you that might be worth popping along to check out?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... ?logcode=p" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Further afield (120 miles-ish) there's a £1,395 2004 600cc HONDA FJS Silverwing that's done 53,000 miles - though still capable of another 100,000+ if looked after well... http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... ?logcode=p" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The 600cc Silverwing is generally a reliable, well made and comfortable touring Scoot but quick research suggests that it does around 10-20 MPG less than the 400cc PIAGGIO X8.

Fuelly is a great place to compare MPG's - but remember to change units to "UK" up in the top left: http://www.fuelly.com/motorcycle/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Choices, choices, choices...

Personally, if it was me, I'd be tempted to check out the 400cc Piaggio x8 and put the cash saved towards a damn good servicing!

And if you're pretty dapper with a spanner you might be able to service the thing as fast as this fella... " onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Happy hunting!

[johnp]

Hi and welcome aboard.

[pikey]

Heres the drago one on ebay



http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221320527190? ... 1423.l2649" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;