seriously, motorcyle vs. scooter - non-tech differences

[jstark47]

.....scooters now are much more like bikes than the PUCH mopeds I kicked around as a kid. Now they are quality performance machines.

One thing is the word "scooter" isn't any more precisely defined than the word "motorcycle". A Honda Supercub is a motorcycle, but so is a Victory Vision. Look at Yamaha's scooter line - what does a 49cc Vino Classic have to do with a Tmax? Very little.

So what does "scooter" mean? Step-through frame? Engine on the swing arm? Small wheels? CVT? Bodywork with onboard storage? We can all point to machines called scooters that don't conform with one or more of those "norms". Check out Honda prototypes like the 1997 FB-S, or the 2005 E4-01: motorcycles or scooters? Why is a DN-01 a motorcycle and a Tmax a scooter?

Is "scooter just another example of Justice Stewart's famous line (to paraphrase), "I know one when I see one?"

[rlmitchell]

Sorry that I'm so horrible with names. Still trying to get used to the forum.

In any case, someone sent me a forum email asking that I elaborate on my post regarding my experience with scooter vs. motorcycle.

The scooter is simply simpler to me. I love riding the motorcycle now and will NEVER go back to a scooter. But I did find significant differences. The biggest one - you simply have more going on when you're learning to ride a motorcycle. Shifting, which you don't have on a scooter, 2 brakes instead of 1. Those are the primaries.

However, that being said, I'm a whimpy little girl so if I can graduate from scooter to motorcycle in less than a week, I think it's likely that just about anyone can do it! I would never discourage it. Just be prepared that there's a bit more involved and you're "busier" while you're learning it all.

Rhonda

[zeligman]

VERY informative posts - well, except for one - My friend Jstark has it right - I am in LOVE with riding - and miss it every day, but do not know if I will regain full use of my left foot (and won't know for a while yet) - and suicide shifting just seems like a bad idea

So to keep my mind on riding I am exploring all kinds of interesting ideas - even to the point of the can am...

I've read that that configuration makes for a very different feeling ride... what about traditional trikes? anyone have any experience with those?

thanks for all the support. You guys have helped me continue healing with a smile and to feel connected to riding even when i'm not on two wheels~!

-Z

[Grey Thumper]

If you have no problems putting weight on your foot, but don't have the flexibility to shift with it, how about motorcycles with pushbutton shifters on the left handlebar? I think the best-looking bike to have this feature is the Aprilia Mana, but it's also available on the VFR1200F and Yamaha FJR1300.

[zeligman]

If you have no problems putting weight on your foot, but don't have the flexibility to shift with it, how about motorcycles with pushbutton shifters on the left handlebar? I think the best-looking bike to have this feature is the Aprilia Mana, but it's also available on the VFR1200F and Yamaha FJR1300.

won't know for a while... but I will have to experiment and let all of you know!

[sapaul]

If you have no problems putting weight on your foot, but don't have the flexibility to shift with it, how about motorcycles with pushbutton shifters on the left handlebar? I think the best-looking bike to have this feature is the Aprilia Mana, but it's also available on the VFR1200F and Yamaha FJR1300.

Both the Mana and the VFR are real motorcycles in the true sense of the word, just like when cars went tiptronic, it really is just a mild adjustment. One that could solve all of your problems though.

[zeligman]

thanks for the suggestions! keep em coming! with my ankle fused at 90 degrees, i don't know what seating config will work either ... crusier, standard, etc... once i'm healed i'll just have to go have fun trying them all!

hehhe

z

[Grey Thumper]

Piaggio MP3 500? Auto tranny, and you won't even need to hold the thing up at a stop (the tilting mechanism for the two front wheels can be locked). Lean it like a regular bike at speed, get three contact patches as a bonus, it looks like the head of an Autobot, and it's officially cool (according to the Cool Wall at least).

[sapaul]

It is cool and you get some serious head turning when you ride the thing, like you just got dropped from a UFO. Strangely, it's a chick puller too, hey go figure.

[jstark47]

Strangely, it's a chick puller too, hey go figure.

I found the Honda Reflex scooter we used to have would generate more female attention than any other bike I've had. I think the logic runs like this: bike is unintimidating, hence friendly, which then transfers to the guy riding it.

Obviously not something I was interested in, as I was married at that time (as I am now) to Mrs. Stark Herself....... but had I been single, the scooter would have been a great conversation starter with the females clustering around.