Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Hancock
IMO, a scooter would be the PERFECT mode of transportation in NYC.
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Right on Tim, you know it makes sense. I used to ride across London every day on my Gilera 125 Runner, was lots faster than the 600 Suzuki I replaced it with, plus it was much easier to ride fast through twisty traffic with its low centre of gravity. I now live in the country and ride a 750 Ducati Monster, but I have absolutely no doubt that the scooter would flatten the bike point to point across London.
Both brakes on the bars gives you confidence you just don't have in stop-start weaving traffic on a motorcyle, particularly a 4 cyl. Sticky tyres and decent suspension means a very able chassis. Long wheelbase means it's stable and 75 mpg means it's cheap to run. 0-60 was about 6.5 seconds, so just as fast as a CB500 Honda or what have you. Lots of storage under the seat so very handy for shopping on - yes you have to be able to use these things for other jobs.
If you have never used a scooter around a city then you don't know how good these things are, they flatten motorbikes and bicycles for practicality and fun. If I ever move back to a city, another scooter will be at the top of my shopping list.
I would say go for it, buy a decent scooter and if you hate it it's only gonna cost you what, about $100 in depreciation? But get decent kit to ride it, including proper gloves, decent bike shoes if not boots and a slip-on back protector.