happy new year and hello!
it's been quite a while since I've been on a forum of any kind so do forgive me if i ask dumb questions!
I'm a biker from the south east (brighton) and currently own a triumph bonneville.
My reason for joining up here is to hopefully gain some insight into the world of larger scooters as I intend to purchase one in the not to distant future as a slight change of location is going to find me with a short daily commute.
I was on holiday this summer and my girlfriend and I hired a mixture of scooters as a means of exploring Menorca - I had waaay more fun than I thought I would and she is sold on the idea of buying one as a second bike (the more bikes the better eh?)
tom

welcome tom, get a ride on as many as you can, small 125 for commute but 300cc for 2 up and then 500 cc if you dont mind heavier yet not as economical but very bike like in nature.

thanks Michael!
I did find the 125's to be a little lacking when 2up (great for some I'm sure) - the scoot I enjoyed the most was an xmax 250; I'm certainly going to test ride a couple of those and I've also heard the Kawasaki j300 might be worth a look?

welcome

Hi Tom and welcome.

welcome to the

Welcome tom.bh. Former motorcyclists myself but now fully converted scooter addict. Own a 2014 X Max 250 myself and pleased with both handling and mpg. Try and read a few threads by XMax400Paul for comparisons between the 250 and 400 versions. The Kawa is basically a rebadged Kymco scooter. Don't be afraid of the Sym range of scooters . Taiwanese manufactures but years ahead of Chinese quality. Whatever you choose enjoy, post some pics and get along to a ride out. Cheers.

How do...
XMax 250 for a commute 85 mpg, 400 is 65mpg, and a fat arse for traffic... the exra ooomph is useful and fun down the lanes...
My commute is 'stop-start city' to London and mostly 30 limit - so just purchased a Honda SH125, and 100 mpg... and so easy in traffic!
All depends on the nature of your commute... town work @ 30 /40 mph, or more a 60 mph A Road / Dual carriage way run between towns?
I ended up using the 400 more and more and the CCM less and less, so PX-ed the CCM for the SH125 for commuter duties, and Have the 400 for the weekend.

As Michael says, get some test rides done and see what style and size scooter and capacity floats ya boat...

thanks for all the responses guys! I spend most eves on the autotrader app at the moment comparing stuff - perhaps I should look at the 125's too? there is a Sym gts evo 125 very close by that looks interesting - it's a 2012 with 11.5k miles up for £1399... looks comfortable! my commute will be a seafront ride of approx 12 miles each way on 30/40mph roads. I will be carrying a lightweight passenger most days.

tom.bh wrote:my commute will be a seafront ride of approx 12 miles each way on 30/40mph roads. I will be carrying a lightweight passenger most days.

I'd go for a 250cc

I have a Daelim S3 Advance 250 - also known as SV250

It's not too heavy for town use at 185 kilo wet weight, and will do 80mph flat out on a motorway one up and fully loaded with gear under seat, in topbox and large tote bag strapped to passenger seat

It's made in South Korea and has the same engine as the Daelim VJF250 Roadsport sports bike

http://www.daelim.co.uk/s3advance_250cc.php

Various dealers sell them new for £2,999 through auto trader/ebay pages