Two wheel curious... Is buying a scooter a stupid idea?

[d_brennen]

Have taken a notion to get a scooter, like the Italian sort. I've never been on one except when I was 15 or so as a passenger and it wasn't a pleasant experience if remember correctly! Basically for a bit of fun in the warmer months as a cheap commute to work and back (12 miles roughly) is a scooter a really bad idea for a 6ft heterosexual male going on 28?

 

[Maccapacca]

I did 32 miles each way on a 125 into London and it was fine, if you mean a 50cc then no, if you mean a 125 scooter then yes it'll be fine, enjoy the weather

 

[Dogbreath]

If you are commuting through a city they are ideal IMO. Not the most macho looking things, but very practical.

 

[d_brennen]

I must check my license, I take it 125s are ok to ride under a standard license or is there another test? Last question as I know I should do my own research is special clothing I.e. Leathers required for scooters?

 

[Marvin]

You'd need to do your CBT for a 125 if you haven't already.

 

[FunkyCowie]

I'd go the textile route rather than leathers, maybe a textile jacket and draggin jeans or similar.

I ride a Gilera Nexus 500 all year round about 9 miles each way to work.

 

[Dogbreath]

Leathers offer the best protection, but not very practical for commuting (they aren't waterproof unless you get stupidly expensive ones) and would look a little daft on a scooter tbh. Textiles are much more practical, lots of pockets, reasonably waterproof and cheaper as well. Textile trousers are big enough to be worn over your normal work trousers as well.

 

[Sagalout]

Will you travelling at decent speed on A roads / motorways? If so then you can get some fairly stylish textiles. If it's sub 30mph city riding then personally I wouldn't bother, but that's just me (don't want to get into a debate about it lol)

 

[d_brennen]

Back road 30/40 mainly. Will do some research. Cheers fellas, I've seen the bike injuries thread and lol