Hi as a long term rider of bikes over the past 30 years I've tried out a few scoots in the past and thought its time to consider it again. Last scooter I test rode had some difficulty dragging my 250lb frame around, I think it was a vespa gts250. I commute 68 miles a day any suggestions on what can would be good for this would be great. My current ride is a BMW r1100gs !! Thanks for your help

Hello and welcome.

Welcome aboard. My Silverwing 600 had absolutely no problem lugging my 18 stone around. Stick a Givi Airflow on and it's a great scooter. Others will have alternative recommendations.

Hi pethmeister3 and welcome.
Best advice get test rides to find out which suits you best. You want something like a Burgman 650, a Honda Silverwing 600 or a Yamaha T-Max 500, all twins with enough power to lug a larger person around. But a Burgman 400 or a Yamaha Majesty 400 might be powerful enough for you and cheaper to run all round. Choice is yours.

Dear Vozza,

What its the point?

If people are going to be offering sensible comments and advice the World has gone crazy. Where will it all end I say.
Your advice was clear and to the point. I think it only fitting if someone, (probably with a Sym), jumps in and says the only bike to have is a Sym 600! (Which its not, but it is good). Couldn't Pikey recommend a Vespa?

Harrumph

I'm looking to not be contributing too much to the gs. If I decide to buy a scoot swmbo will freak out at any excessive costs!!! Ok I'm under the thumb, after 22 years of marriage it happens....

Reviews don't really tell you what ownership is like? The dull stuff like , which maxi scoot stands up to salt and winter best? Which one is fun on the twisties and gets reasonable mpg? There are loads of reviews but you all own them......

Hello and Welcome to the forum. There are many members on here including myself that have had many scooters of differing power and styles to suit many different requirements. I've had the big and the small and now have settled on the near middle ground with a 250cc producing 25hp, 80-95mpg, 85-90mph and cheap Insurance. However apart from the potential higher purchase cost of a 400cc, it falls into the same tax category as a 250cc currently at £38 and will still get good mpg of 70-80 mpg. A good brand 250\300\330 will carry your weight but a 400 has those extra few horses if needed. With your 68 mile daily commute I would also consider the service intervals and their costs even if you are a diy mechanic. Examples of a couple of longer service interval scooters are the Honda Forza 300 with an 8000 mile or 1 year service interval and the Piaggio 330cc engine models have a 10,000km (6000 mile) minor and 20,000km (12000 mile) major interval. For me, if I was travelling 68 mile a day and could afford it, I would buy another Burgman 650 Executive. Other brands are also available.

Thanks for the advice. Running costs are something to consider as well. My job involves community work and I thought a scooter may be useful for taking IT stuff, more weather protection?

Hi and welcome to the muppets. Like you I have been considering a move to a maxi-scoot for some time and from my posts you will probably see that I have been considering the 400cc offerings, however I am more and more coming to the conclusion that the Honda Silverwing most fits the bill.
Reasons: Proven long-term reliability (some have done over 100,000miles)
Plentiful spares and dealers, including after-market both in UK and Europe.
Excellent forums for advice and information - including movie clips of how to do things
Plenty of machines in good condition on the market to suit all pockets
Ease of maintenance with normal tools and know how.
I know there are others on the market, but can I justify paying out for a brand new bike, which may or may not continue on the UK market no matter how good some people find them and especially considering the massive depreciation after a couple of years!?
Those are my thoughts.