Bear wrote, On 20/08/08 09:13:
> In article <4rina4184bl46s9fd9d9fbj6st9qtlp2sk@
4ax.com>, Richard
> Sherratt says...
>> On Wed, 20 Aug 2008 08:35:34 +0100, Bear
gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>>>> In article
news.east.cox.net>, Molesworth
>>> says...
>>>>>>> A very happy..
>>> It'll blow up again shortly.
>>>
>>> But I'm glad you're happy :)
>> I know that old, traditional scooters are shockingly dangerous and
>> unstable [1], but does that apply to the modern scooters? A friend is
>> thinking of buying one. Some of them seem to have more-or-less proper
>> wheels and tyres. Some of them even have engines that let them keep up
>> with traffic. But are they safe?
>
> Personal opinion, no ... small wheeled bikes are inherently unstable.
Big ones like I had are not small wheeled.
> Plus you're almost always saddled with a 2-stroke engine, although there
> are some 4-strokes available.
>
> If you seriously must have a commuter tool, get a Japanese 4-stroke
> scooter, and one of the larger wheeled ones.
I've had a Suzuki Burgman (380cc scooter) and a Honda Silverwing (600cc
scooter) and they were both stable. Continuously variable transmission
means no gear changes (not even automatic ones), just smooth pull from
stationary till way above the speed limit (I did not reach the end of
what they could do).
> Small wheels = easily
> moved by external forces (road bumps, wind, rider input, etc). But
> honestly, if someone can operate a manual car they should be able to
> operate a small motorcycle.
I think it is a little harder, and I was riding real bikes years before
I first say behind a steering wheel.
> TBH the only context scooters make any "sense" is in the way Molesworth
> uses them; as "cool" devices to recapture one's youth with; as
> engineering solutions to a problem they're fairly pants.
The big ones (like those I had) are very good for 1 hour each way
commutes through traffic that varies speed a lot (saves working the
clutch and gear leaver, space under the seat for you work gear and to
store your helmet when you arrive).
I have ridden small scooters but don't really consider them to be safe.
> Just my 2d worth, and bear in mind I despise the bloody things - I dare
> say TOG can provide a more balanced commentary :)
--
Flash Gordo
--
Flash Gordon
