Newbie considering getting a two-wheeler | GTAMotorcycle.com

Newbie considering getting a two-wheeler

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highflyer

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After seeing someone on a scooter (for the first time) last week, I thought it'd be a useful tool. I've been taking public transit most of the time and drive during weekends with my mom's car as an occasional driver (for the past 7 years). I've held my G license since 19 or whatever the earliest possible date is. I'm currently 23.Often, when another family member takes the family car, I'll have to take public transit or ask friends to drive me, which I find annoying quite often.

I'm considering getting myself a scooter. I will use it to replace my current commute (bus, 30 - 80 min depending on route). I will use it to buy groceries and carry the occasional passenger, and a comfortable speed would probably be 80 km/h or less. I intend to take it to 70 km/h roads from time to time as I go up to Richmond Hill and Markham during weekends, but most of the time I'll be on busier roads with speed limits of 50-60 km/h. I won't consider the 400 series highways at the moment. I'm 5'10" and weight 145 lbs.

Anyway, based on my needs, I figure I'd need a 125-150cc scooter, but most of them are pretty expensive for what they offer. I stumbled across a CBR125 yesterday while reading through this forum and I thought it might be a more economical choice, although I'm sacrificing storage capacity and ease of parking.

Oh, and my mom will probably be pretty upset at me if I ever get a two-wheeler. She's extremely concerned about the safety of these things.

Anyway, my questions are as follows:
1. Will a two-wheeler be sufficient based on my needs?
2. If so, what makes more sense, a 125-150cc scooter or an entry level bike like the CBR125?
3. Do you think my mom will disown me?

Edit:
Looks like CBR125 isn't the most economical option. State Farm quoted $1800/year for insurance.
 
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1. A car will always trump a bike when it comes to lugging anything. But hell, they aren't nearly as fun.
2. If I'm not mistaken, a CBR 125r can be had for cheaper than a scooter and will do a lot better at speeds higher than 70k (although don't expect to break the 120km/h mark). A scooter, however, provides more storage room (I believe some come with storage below the seat). If you do choose the WeeBR over the scooter, you can invest some of the money you saved in some saddle bags; which, accompanied by a backpack will probably suffice for grocery trips.
3. My Mom didn't and neither did my girlfriend. Although they didn't really have a choice since I spontaneously picked up a motorcycle one day.
 
Consider that you will only be able to ride that scooter/bike for only 6-7 months/year, unless you're a hardcore winter rider.
 
I went through the exact same situation last year...originally started considering an electric scooter, then a gas powered scooter and then I bought the 125.
When you look at a 125+ scooter the pricing is basically the same (or higher) than a good CBR125R. Insurance is also very comparable so after I looked at all the up front costs the CBR was the clear winner due to it being more usable in life (ie: longer drives, more fun, and can go on the highway when/if needed). I never looked back and really enjoyed my short time with the CBR.

As for family and approving it...of course they won't like it if they care for you. I went through the same thing but involved my family in the process and kept them in the loop on my plans, and timeline (ie: when I went to the course, what bikes I was looking at, what gear I considered, etc.) and they came around once they saw this was a responsible decision and not an impulse one.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

p.s. you can also get a car for a very low price and it will be way more practical...but nowhere near as fun!
 
Thanks for the responses so far.

I had considered getting a car, but even if my mom was to give her old car to me, I would've had to spend $500+/month on insurance, gas, and 407 tolls. I'd rather spend an extra $500 on top of that and get my own apartment, which is what I ended up doing. For lugging around bigger items (which doesn't happen often), there are other solutions. My primary goal is to find an alternative means of transportation between my apartment in Etobicoke, work in Mississauga, and visiting family and friends in Richmond Hill/Markham.
 
Your killer will be insurance. If you are going to start on the scooter/mycycle journey then for your use start with a 50cc so you can keep insurance costs low for the first year.

Anything over 100cc will be a killer for insurance and also take the motorcycle course as it will save you insurance $.

Once you get past that first year ( and the 50cc are fine in the city. )
Then your rates will drop and you can consider other machines.

There have been some 400 Burgmans at decent prices and they are very good as a mix between mcycle and scooter - lots of power for the highway and tons of lockable storage. Put a topcase on and you can carry 100 litres of stuff in full security.

But you need a year of the smaller scoot for insurance and to learn to ride.

Nice rig

$(KGrHqFHJB8E-NvkRpJhBPqvk,!2(Q~~48_20.JPG


http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-veh...cooter-Aprilia-Scarabeo-50-W0QQAdIdZ378440465
 
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I just got a quote for a CBR125 from State Farm for $1800... I will ask them about 50cc scooters tomorrow. I see people stating that a few models can go faster (with mods): Kymco Super9, Aprilia SR50, and Yamaha BWS50. Hopefully I can get up to 80 km/h alone and 60 km/h with a passenger.

I saw someone claiming that they paid $315 on insurance for a 50cc, and this guy is a 20 y/o with an M1.
 
I`d always take a motorcycle over a scooter. Even if the bike is only 50-125cc. Scooters do have some style, but you wouldn`t want to be on the highway on one :)
 
Re: Newbie considering getting a two-wheeler

I`d always take a motorcycle over a scooter. Even if the bike is only 50-125cc. Scooters do have some style, but you wouldn`t want to be on the highway on one
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Oh?? hmmm -

2011-aprilia-maxi-srv-850-scooter-unveiled.jpg


maybe you should broaden your knowledge base a bit.mine seems fine at 140 and up all day for a 1,000 km

burgman650_campagne_.jpg


Eicma-2011-BMW-650-GT-Scooter.jpg


let's see top end on the Aprilla 850 140 mph

guess better not go on the highway....

••••

OP - the 50cc is the best start point for price - once you have a year then you can go larger scoot or mcycle but you will look at high premiums for a few years and the crossover machines as above with internal storage, intermediate engines and roll and go tech are increasingly popular as agile urban commuters that can also tour.

The small tires/wheel of the small scoots are great in the city but their design is not for highway speeds. Once you get 250 and up their are any number that are fully highway capable.
It's a growing area as gas prices rise. - one reason BMW has two new ones out this year in the $10-12k range.

Your problem tho is insurance costs and for that the 50cc is the solution and if you buy right you can flip it in a year for little cost except the damn tax. :(
 
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johnnie_c said:
Best advice... Get yourself a car. When you have enough $$ then get two wheels. Two wheels are toys.
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Toys to some - others *use* our motorcycles for more than timmies runs.
 
If you get a scooter you wont get waved at! so get a CBR lol :lmao:
 
Awwww, it thinks it's a motorcycle
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You'll understand it as the tail lights disappear down the road ahead of you-.....the rider wondering why you cling to old tech. :D

( yes those are Brembo stoppers up front ).
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