Opinion - Is a Forza350 everything a daily rider ever needs?
Discussion
The 125-250s I’ve owned were fun but too limited for NSL dual-carriageways & motorways. The 600-750s were plenty more than required but fuel consumption was not much better than a car (NC750X excepted). My Forza 350 is the middle-ground – almost as nimble & narrow for tight city filtering as the PCX but has plenty enough poke for the 70mph roads. Comfortable, no faffing up & down the gears in city congestion, and decent weather protection. The guy who invented the belt-driven CVT is a genius – so simple yet effective & reliable. I’ll tour down through France & Spain on it in the summer. With Honda’s recent price increases, the CRF300L is £5600 and the Forza 350 £100 more, yet when you look at what you’re getting for your money, the scooter knocks the socks off the bike which is bare bum basic & agricultural in comparison.
I know scooters get a lot of bad press from the sports-bike boys and the Hells Angels wannabes, but most of the ones I see hardly ever use them. When I’ve looked up all the previous bikes I’ve owned on MOT history check, NOT ONE has ever done more than 1000 miles a year in its new ownership. Yet apparently the owners are ‘bikers’ whereas scooter riders are teenagers, amateurs, poor, or are too pussy to ride a REAL motorbike. A good friend thinks he uses his ZX-10R regularly… but only managed 600 miles last year. It lives in his dining room and he spends more time cleaning it and admiring it than actually riding it.
Just like how major car manufacturers don’t sell the black plastic bumpered base models of their city cars in the UK because we allegedly have ‘more sophisticated tastes and higher expectations’, the same applies to bikes. Many UK riders don’t buy practical bikes like scooters for putting mileage on because they’re ‘real bikers’ with skills, sophistication & taste. All-the-gear-no-idea spring to mind. We’re a nation of try-hards with our heads up our arses. The continentals have got it sussed.
I know scooters get a lot of bad press from the sports-bike boys and the Hells Angels wannabes, but most of the ones I see hardly ever use them. When I’ve looked up all the previous bikes I’ve owned on MOT history check, NOT ONE has ever done more than 1000 miles a year in its new ownership. Yet apparently the owners are ‘bikers’ whereas scooter riders are teenagers, amateurs, poor, or are too pussy to ride a REAL motorbike. A good friend thinks he uses his ZX-10R regularly… but only managed 600 miles last year. It lives in his dining room and he spends more time cleaning it and admiring it than actually riding it.
Just like how major car manufacturers don’t sell the black plastic bumpered base models of their city cars in the UK because we allegedly have ‘more sophisticated tastes and higher expectations’, the same applies to bikes. Many UK riders don’t buy practical bikes like scooters for putting mileage on because they’re ‘real bikers’ with skills, sophistication & taste. All-the-gear-no-idea spring to mind. We’re a nation of try-hards with our heads up our arses. The continentals have got it sussed.
I suspect I'm like a lot of older bikers.
I used to do 10k miles a year on two wheels.
Lately it's variable. Covid and change of work means I have used the bike a lot less.
My 1000cc sports tourer cost about £4k used 10 years and 20k miles ago, now worth maybe £3k.
A lot of the miles were done in about 3 of the 10 years.
Some years I've not really had value out of it, but it's nice to have the odd ride and to know I've got alternative transport if the shed needs work or something.
The scooters with decent engines are great for some people.
2 wheels is a 'broad church' I don't feel the need to have a problem with people who spend lots on shiny new bikes and don't use them much, I got more in common with those people than people who spend the extra on shinier cars or holidays in Tuscany.
But some people can be quite opinionated about what great riders they are when they have only ever done 300 miles a year to the cafe on Sundays.
Just means there are a lot of 3,000 mile 10 year old Ducatis for me to choose from.
When I was younger, small-ish bikes were very cheap transport and a lot of fun. Doesn't seem the same now.
But then cars and driving have changed too.
A lot of people get a lot of 'social value' out of 'being a bike owner' or owning a classic car and meeting similar people. Don't knock that, it's important.
I used to do 10k miles a year on two wheels.
Lately it's variable. Covid and change of work means I have used the bike a lot less.
My 1000cc sports tourer cost about £4k used 10 years and 20k miles ago, now worth maybe £3k.
A lot of the miles were done in about 3 of the 10 years.
Some years I've not really had value out of it, but it's nice to have the odd ride and to know I've got alternative transport if the shed needs work or something.
The scooters with decent engines are great for some people.
2 wheels is a 'broad church' I don't feel the need to have a problem with people who spend lots on shiny new bikes and don't use them much, I got more in common with those people than people who spend the extra on shinier cars or holidays in Tuscany.
But some people can be quite opinionated about what great riders they are when they have only ever done 300 miles a year to the cafe on Sundays.
Just means there are a lot of 3,000 mile 10 year old Ducatis for me to choose from.
When I was younger, small-ish bikes were very cheap transport and a lot of fun. Doesn't seem the same now.
But then cars and driving have changed too.
A lot of people get a lot of 'social value' out of 'being a bike owner' or owning a classic car and meeting similar people. Don't knock that, it's important.
I'm inclined to agree with OP.
I was reading about Hondas development for the original NC700 and how few HP most riders ever used. I'm not saying I don't break the speed limits but I did 130 miles on my VFR1200F on Sunday and don't think I ever went above 6 or 7k at most. I was just happy bimbling along but it did make me think.
I took my heavily fettled cbf500 out a few weeks ago. Ragging the hell out of it and had a blast with a third of the power of the VFR.
I don't get the hate that bikes like the NC/Forza range etc have. Realistically, unless you're carrying a lot of weight or trying to race a fireblade it's more than enough for most people.
It's made me seriously reconsider my next big bike from a fireblade to an Africa Twin or even a Rebel 1100 (will be keeping the 500). I don't think I could go down to a scooter as an only bike but for a daily they make a LOT of sense.
I was reading about Hondas development for the original NC700 and how few HP most riders ever used. I'm not saying I don't break the speed limits but I did 130 miles on my VFR1200F on Sunday and don't think I ever went above 6 or 7k at most. I was just happy bimbling along but it did make me think.
I took my heavily fettled cbf500 out a few weeks ago. Ragging the hell out of it and had a blast with a third of the power of the VFR.
I don't get the hate that bikes like the NC/Forza range etc have. Realistically, unless you're carrying a lot of weight or trying to race a fireblade it's more than enough for most people.
It's made me seriously reconsider my next big bike from a fireblade to an Africa Twin or even a Rebel 1100 (will be keeping the 500). I don't think I could go down to a scooter as an only bike but for a daily they make a LOT of sense.
If you only ever have that one job for the bike, or have different bikes to suit different jobs, then perhaps the Forza is the right answer for the daily grind. With only having one bike, as a daily rider my answer is "No" for the obvious fact that it'd be pants for two thirds of my annual mileage.
Given the choice between riding and cleaning, I've always chosen to put miles on the bike rather than soapsuds. I don't share the passion, but I do know that cleaning and tinkering are a big part of the ownership experience for many people; hell, look at the efforts of guys like Merch131, Buzzer, Evil.len and KTMBoy (sp?), you can't help but be impressed. Does their time spent in the garage with their bikes count for less than my time spent on the road with mine? I really don't think so.
I'm not sure I share much with the deliveroo types, but for everyone else I see them enjoying life with two wheels; in the more forms the merrier.
Given the choice between riding and cleaning, I've always chosen to put miles on the bike rather than soapsuds. I don't share the passion, but I do know that cleaning and tinkering are a big part of the ownership experience for many people; hell, look at the efforts of guys like Merch131, Buzzer, Evil.len and KTMBoy (sp?), you can't help but be impressed. Does their time spent in the garage with their bikes count for less than my time spent on the road with mine? I really don't think so.
I'm not sure I share much with the deliveroo types, but for everyone else I see them enjoying life with two wheels; in the more forms the merrier.
If I lived in a warm country then walking out the house in shorts, t shirt and trainers and hopping on my scooter parked out the front would appeal to me. Especially nipping up the street or round to see a mate.
As it is if I’ve got to get kitted up and manhandle a bike out my shed and through 2 gates it might as well be a motorcycle I’m going out on.
I’ve owned 9 bikes in the last 20 years or so, still have 4 of them.
Out of the 9 one has had less than about a litre.
I don’t commute due to the nature of my work for most of that time, although that may change. I don’t ride in cities unless I really have to, living in NE Scotland gives me access to some of the best roads in the country.
My annual bike mileage hasn’t been much for the last couple of years but I’d normally do about 4-5k a year on motorbikes purely for the enjoyment of doing it.
I’ve ridden to the Nordkapp, rebuilt and restored bikes, been on holidays screaming across Europe with mates.
Now I’m finding out I’m not a real biker because I don’t put 20k miles a year on something I don’t like.
I’ve never even sat on a scooter. I have no interest in them, if I need better mpg I’ll buy a smaller bike (maybe drop to 800) or ride slower.
Out of the 9 one has had less than about a litre.
I don’t commute due to the nature of my work for most of that time, although that may change. I don’t ride in cities unless I really have to, living in NE Scotland gives me access to some of the best roads in the country.
My annual bike mileage hasn’t been much for the last couple of years but I’d normally do about 4-5k a year on motorbikes purely for the enjoyment of doing it.
I’ve ridden to the Nordkapp, rebuilt and restored bikes, been on holidays screaming across Europe with mates.
Now I’m finding out I’m not a real biker because I don’t put 20k miles a year on something I don’t like.
I’ve never even sat on a scooter. I have no interest in them, if I need better mpg I’ll buy a smaller bike (maybe drop to 800) or ride slower.
Romford4 said:
The 125-250s I’ve owned were fun but too limited for NSL dual-carriageways & motorways. The 600-750s were plenty more than required but fuel consumption was not much better than a car (NC750X excepted). My Forza 350 is the middle-ground – almost as nimble & narrow for tight city filtering as the PCX but has plenty enough poke for the 70mph roads. Comfortable, no faffing up & down the gears in city congestion, and decent weather protection. The guy who invented the belt-driven CVT is a genius – so simple yet effective & reliable. I’ll tour down through France & Spain on it in the summer. With Honda’s recent price increases, the CRF300L is £5600 and the Forza 350 £100 more, yet when you look at what you’re getting for your money, the scooter knocks the socks off the bike which is bare bum basic & agricultural in comparison.
I know scooters get a lot of bad press from the sports-bike boys and the Hells Angels wannabes, but most of the ones I see hardly ever use them. When I’ve looked up all the previous bikes I’ve owned on MOT history check, NOT ONE has ever done more than 1000 miles a year in its new ownership. Yet apparently the owners are ‘bikers’ whereas scooter riders are teenagers, amateurs, poor, or are too pussy to ride a REAL motorbike. A good friend thinks he uses his ZX-10R regularly… but only managed 600 miles last year. It lives in his dining room and he spends more time cleaning it and admiring it than actually riding it.
Just like how major car manufacturers don’t sell the black plastic bumpered base models of their city cars in the UK because we allegedly have ‘more sophisticated tastes and higher expectations’, the same applies to bikes. Many UK riders don’t buy practical bikes like scooters for putting mileage on because they’re ‘real bikers’ with skills, sophistication & taste. All-the-gear-no-idea spring to mind. We’re a nation of try-hards with our heads up our arses. The continentals have got it sussed.
As much as I appreciate the intent of what you are saying, it just sounds like a huge amount of confirmation bias.I know scooters get a lot of bad press from the sports-bike boys and the Hells Angels wannabes, but most of the ones I see hardly ever use them. When I’ve looked up all the previous bikes I’ve owned on MOT history check, NOT ONE has ever done more than 1000 miles a year in its new ownership. Yet apparently the owners are ‘bikers’ whereas scooter riders are teenagers, amateurs, poor, or are too pussy to ride a REAL motorbike. A good friend thinks he uses his ZX-10R regularly… but only managed 600 miles last year. It lives in his dining room and he spends more time cleaning it and admiring it than actually riding it.
Just like how major car manufacturers don’t sell the black plastic bumpered base models of their city cars in the UK because we allegedly have ‘more sophisticated tastes and higher expectations’, the same applies to bikes. Many UK riders don’t buy practical bikes like scooters for putting mileage on because they’re ‘real bikers’ with skills, sophistication & taste. All-the-gear-no-idea spring to mind. We’re a nation of try-hards with our heads up our arses. The continentals have got it sussed.
I ride about 5k miles a year, enjoy being in control of the gears, and don't want 100% practicality because I am not beige of mind. If the only choice was between a scooter and a CRF300L, I'd take the CRF EVERY time, it's a wonderful bike.
Bob_Defly said:
As much as I appreciate the intent of what you are saying, it just sounds like a huge amount of confirmation bias.
I ride about 5k miles a year, enjoy being in control of the gears, and don't want 100% practicality because I am not beige of mind. If the only choice was between a scooter and a CRF300L, I'd take the CRF EVERY time, it's a wonderful bike.
Yeah, pretty much that. I ride about 5k miles a year, enjoy being in control of the gears, and don't want 100% practicality because I am not beige of mind. If the only choice was between a scooter and a CRF300L, I'd take the CRF EVERY time, it's a wonderful bike.
If faced between dumping £5600 into a new maxi scooter or keeping my 2014 Triumph Explorer that’s worth similar money I’d just use the Explorer.
It’s got a sensible amount of power (137bhp), nice torque for low speed stuff and nipping past cars at higher speeds and it’s comfortable.
Or something like a Tracer, or any used big bike. My usage is wildly different from what the OP describes.
Romford4 said:
The 125-250s I’ve owned were fun but too limited for NSL dual-carriageways & motorways. The 600-750s were plenty more than required but fuel consumption was not much better than a car (NC750X excepted). My Forza 350 is the middle-ground – almost as nimble & narrow for tight city filtering as the PCX but has plenty enough poke for the 70mph roads. Comfortable, no faffing up & down the gears in city congestion, and decent weather protection. The guy who invented the belt-driven CVT is a genius – so simple yet effective & reliable. I’ll tour down through France & Spain on it in the summer. With Honda’s recent price increases, the CRF300L is £5600 and the Forza 350 £100 more, yet when you look at what you’re getting for your money, the scooter knocks the socks off the bike which is bare bum basic & agricultural in comparison.
I know scooters get a lot of bad press from the sports-bike boys and the Hells Angels wannabes, but most of the ones I see hardly ever use them. When I’ve looked up all the previous bikes I’ve owned on MOT history check, NOT ONE has ever done more than 1000 miles a year in its new ownership. Yet apparently the owners are ‘bikers’ whereas scooter riders are teenagers, amateurs, poor, or are too pussy to ride a REAL motorbike. A good friend thinks he uses his ZX-10R regularly… but only managed 600 miles last year. It lives in his dining room and he spends more time cleaning it and admiring it than actually riding it.
Just like how major car manufacturers don’t sell the black plastic bumpered base models of their city cars in the UK because we allegedly have ‘more sophisticated tastes and higher expectations’, the same applies to bikes. Many UK riders don’t buy practical bikes like scooters for putting mileage on because they’re ‘real bikers’ with skills, sophistication & taste. All-the-gear-no-idea spring to mind. We’re a nation of try-hards with our heads up our arses. The continentals have got it sussed.
If the Forza is the bike for you, then go for it. It wouldn't suit me. Even as someone who generally values function over form, I also want to get enjoyment and excitment from the bike(s) that I'm riding and the Forza couldn't deliver that. I am more than aware that I am making that statement having never ridden one but I have ridden scooters, which really do nothing for me, and I've yet to find anything with less than 500cc that can provide overall enjoyment and excitment.I know scooters get a lot of bad press from the sports-bike boys and the Hells Angels wannabes, but most of the ones I see hardly ever use them. When I’ve looked up all the previous bikes I’ve owned on MOT history check, NOT ONE has ever done more than 1000 miles a year in its new ownership. Yet apparently the owners are ‘bikers’ whereas scooter riders are teenagers, amateurs, poor, or are too pussy to ride a REAL motorbike. A good friend thinks he uses his ZX-10R regularly… but only managed 600 miles last year. It lives in his dining room and he spends more time cleaning it and admiring it than actually riding it.
Just like how major car manufacturers don’t sell the black plastic bumpered base models of their city cars in the UK because we allegedly have ‘more sophisticated tastes and higher expectations’, the same applies to bikes. Many UK riders don’t buy practical bikes like scooters for putting mileage on because they’re ‘real bikers’ with skills, sophistication & taste. All-the-gear-no-idea spring to mind. We’re a nation of try-hards with our heads up our arses. The continentals have got it sussed.
Even if I was looking for cheap transport, I'd still want something that was at least in part, trying to make the ride exciting rather than just trying to make it simple. I enjoy involvement of motorcyling too much to subject myself to a 350cc twist and go scooter.
Nonsense. It's got nothing to do with being a 'proper biker'.
People own bikes for many different reasons and if someone gets enjoyment from an occasional ride and cleaning it then I don't see a problem, that's entirely their choice - it fits their needs perfectly. They wouldn't necessarily ride it any more if it was anything else.
For me, when I was riding 275+ miles daily in all weather I wanted something that had decent pace, was comfortable and enough fun that I could enjoy the scenic route. I made an usual choice for such a journey - after trying and selling a few bikes, I ended up with a ZX-10R and aside from a stator failure it didn't miss a beat. At around 100000 miles I decided I switched it out for a ZZR1400. Both bikes were an absolute blast and made that commute far more tolerable than it would have otherwise been. Even in the snow.
I don't do that commute any more, but I still ride the ZZR1400 most weeks. The ZX-10R gets out less often - hopefully I'll get some track days in this year but I'm not hopeful with everything else that's going on.
For me a scooter doesn't deliver the same excitement, engagement and enjoyment. That doesn't mean I think they are any less of a biker. I certainly seem to think better of them than you do of your fellow bikers.
People own bikes for many different reasons and if someone gets enjoyment from an occasional ride and cleaning it then I don't see a problem, that's entirely their choice - it fits their needs perfectly. They wouldn't necessarily ride it any more if it was anything else.
For me, when I was riding 275+ miles daily in all weather I wanted something that had decent pace, was comfortable and enough fun that I could enjoy the scenic route. I made an usual choice for such a journey - after trying and selling a few bikes, I ended up with a ZX-10R and aside from a stator failure it didn't miss a beat. At around 100000 miles I decided I switched it out for a ZZR1400. Both bikes were an absolute blast and made that commute far more tolerable than it would have otherwise been. Even in the snow.
I don't do that commute any more, but I still ride the ZZR1400 most weeks. The ZX-10R gets out less often - hopefully I'll get some track days in this year but I'm not hopeful with everything else that's going on.
For me a scooter doesn't deliver the same excitement, engagement and enjoyment. That doesn't mean I think they are any less of a biker. I certainly seem to think better of them than you do of your fellow bikers.
Bob_Defly said:
Romford4 said:
The 125-250s I’ve owned were fun but too limited for NSL dual-carriageways & motorways. The 600-750s were plenty more than required but fuel consumption was not much better than a car (NC750X excepted). My Forza 350 is the middle-ground – almost as nimble & narrow for tight city filtering as the PCX but has plenty enough poke for the 70mph roads. Comfortable, no faffing up & down the gears in city congestion, and decent weather protection. The guy who invented the belt-driven CVT is a genius – so simple yet effective & reliable. I’ll tour down through France & Spain on it in the summer. With Honda’s recent price increases, the CRF300L is £5600 and the Forza 350 £100 more, yet when you look at what you’re getting for your money, the scooter knocks the socks off the bike which is bare bum basic & agricultural in comparison.
I know scooters get a lot of bad press from the sports-bike boys and the Hells Angels wannabes, but most of the ones I see hardly ever use them. When I’ve looked up all the previous bikes I’ve owned on MOT history check, NOT ONE has ever done more than 1000 miles a year in its new ownership. Yet apparently the owners are ‘bikers’ whereas scooter riders are teenagers, amateurs, poor, or are too pussy to ride a REAL motorbike. A good friend thinks he uses his ZX-10R regularly… but only managed 600 miles last year. It lives in his dining room and he spends more time cleaning it and admiring it than actually riding it.
Just like how major car manufacturers don’t sell the black plastic bumpered base models of their city cars in the UK because we allegedly have ‘more sophisticated tastes and higher expectations’, the same applies to bikes. Many UK riders don’t buy practical bikes like scooters for putting mileage on because they’re ‘real bikers’ with skills, sophistication & taste. All-the-gear-no-idea spring to mind. We’re a nation of try-hards with our heads up our arses. The continentals have got it sussed.
As much as I appreciate the intent of what you are saying, it just sounds like a huge amount of confirmation bias.I know scooters get a lot of bad press from the sports-bike boys and the Hells Angels wannabes, but most of the ones I see hardly ever use them. When I’ve looked up all the previous bikes I’ve owned on MOT history check, NOT ONE has ever done more than 1000 miles a year in its new ownership. Yet apparently the owners are ‘bikers’ whereas scooter riders are teenagers, amateurs, poor, or are too pussy to ride a REAL motorbike. A good friend thinks he uses his ZX-10R regularly… but only managed 600 miles last year. It lives in his dining room and he spends more time cleaning it and admiring it than actually riding it.
Just like how major car manufacturers don’t sell the black plastic bumpered base models of their city cars in the UK because we allegedly have ‘more sophisticated tastes and higher expectations’, the same applies to bikes. Many UK riders don’t buy practical bikes like scooters for putting mileage on because they’re ‘real bikers’ with skills, sophistication & taste. All-the-gear-no-idea spring to mind. We’re a nation of try-hards with our heads up our arses. The continentals have got it sussed.
I ride about 5k miles a year, enjoy being in control of the gears, and don't want 100% practicality because I am not beige of mind. If the only choice was between a scooter and a CRF300L, I'd take the CRF EVERY time, it's a wonderful bike.
For what it's worth I think a lot of recreational riders/occasional/fair weather commuters will buy something they want, rather than something that's the perfect tool for the job - I know I did - nothing wrong with that. Equally there's nothing wrong in not doing that many miles per year.
Biking is a broad church as said above, and if you like your scooter and think it's great, why does what other riders think/don't think/you think they think matter? Personally I don't look down on scooter riders and I'm not sure you'll find many on here that do. I don't want a scooter though.
Similar to the Forza I really like the new ADV 350, but it's all the bumpy potholed roads in my area that make me think twice. I've had a few scooters over the years and when those little wheels hit those bumps it felt like I was going to damage myself as well as the bike!
I love scooters for getting through traffic and other bikes for more open roads.
I love scooters for getting through traffic and other bikes for more open roads.
_Neal_ said:
I agree with Bob too - too many generalisations in your post for my liking - also aren't scooter and small bike (e.g Enfield Meteor) sales absolutely through the roof (compared with big bike sales) which rather undermines your argument?
For what it's worth I think a lot of recreational riders/occasional/fair weather commuters will buy something they want, rather than something that's the perfect tool for the job - I know I did - nothing wrong with that. Equally there's nothing wrong in not doing that many miles per year.
Biking is a broad church as said above, and if you like your scooter and think it's great, why does what other riders think/don't think/you think they think matter? Personally I don't look down on scooter riders and I'm not sure you'll find many on here that do. I don't want a scooter though.
I see a lot of 'small' bikes and scooters around, mostly Chinese 125s and 250s.For what it's worth I think a lot of recreational riders/occasional/fair weather commuters will buy something they want, rather than something that's the perfect tool for the job - I know I did - nothing wrong with that. Equally there's nothing wrong in not doing that many miles per year.
Biking is a broad church as said above, and if you like your scooter and think it's great, why does what other riders think/don't think/you think they think matter? Personally I don't look down on scooter riders and I'm not sure you'll find many on here that do. I don't want a scooter though.
Which look like cracking value, if you only look at new bikes.
But once you're 'old' it costs no more to run a 'big' bike if you want.
Mine costs me whatever it is in tax, £23 for an MOT, £50 for oil and filter, £150 for insurance plus a few pence per mile for consumables.
Depreciation is a few beans.
A few hundred pounds a year I choose to spend on owning a bike.
That would not go far in terms of owning a more aspirational car.
For that, I get something which will go at least as fast as I want.
The CRF would appeal if I had somewhere off road to play with it, or maybe if I had a short commute where a big bike wouldn't get warm.
But then if I had a really short or city commute I might want an e-bike instead.
It's the OP criticising other people's choices, not anyone I know with a 'big bike'.
I'm sure a few of the stoodents with Chinese '125 sports bikes' are sarcastic about step-thrus and all that, but that's young people for you.
Bikerjon said:
Similar to the Forza I really like the new ADV 350, but it's all the bumpy potholed roads in my area that make me think twice. I've had a few scooters over the years and when those little wheels hit those bumps it felt like I was going to damage myself as well as the bike!
I love scooters for getting through traffic and other bikes for more open roads.
The ADV suspension is pretty stiff, it'd properly shake your bones taking it down a rough road.I love scooters for getting through traffic and other bikes for more open roads.
It does have full length forks which is unusual for a mid range scooter, it's better on the country roads than my last two scoots were.
As an every day tool the Forza, and the ADV are ideal. Great underseat storage, 80mpg ish, cruise happily at 70mph, will increase to 85mph for a bit (revving it's nuts off) and important for me, a very upright riding position (bad back)
Would people ride them for fun?
Not really, they're a tool for every day use. But a tool that's far more fun then your average car, and free parking most of where you go.
Need has nothing to do with most car purchases let alone bikes - it's want !
I don't care how good they are I don't want a scooter in the same way that I don't want an electric car - they are missing looks, noise, character - as are scooters
I own lots of bikes and ride throughout the year but I don't consider myself to be a biker, I don't object to scooters (nor their riders) I just don't want one
I don't care how good they are I don't want a scooter in the same way that I don't want an electric car - they are missing looks, noise, character - as are scooters
I own lots of bikes and ride throughout the year but I don't consider myself to be a biker, I don't object to scooters (nor their riders) I just don't want one
Not sure I agree OP, but I can see why you think it.
Like many on here, I’ve rode scooters, twist& go / Vespas/ lambrettas/ Harleys /CBX and so on… they have all been either right for that time in life (commute in town for work etc) or just toys for sunny days. I “could” have done it all on any of the bikes I’ve had. But I didn’t need to, or want to.
I have a fender strat. It does everything I need a guitar to do, but I like having my Gretch and my les Paul junior. Just because they add another dynamic, and I like the options.
Im all for variety.
Like many on here, I’ve rode scooters, twist& go / Vespas/ lambrettas/ Harleys /CBX and so on… they have all been either right for that time in life (commute in town for work etc) or just toys for sunny days. I “could” have done it all on any of the bikes I’ve had. But I didn’t need to, or want to.
I have a fender strat. It does everything I need a guitar to do, but I like having my Gretch and my les Paul junior. Just because they add another dynamic, and I like the options.
Im all for variety.
Romford4 said:
The continentals have got it sussed.
Yes, on the continent many people use scooters as every day transport.You see people riding around in their business suits, taking kids to school (4 at a time in Thailand) and rows and rows of them parked up in town centres.
They haven't really taken off in this country, probably because of our winter weather, and maybe the theft problem in London hasn't helped.
I find riders of "proper bikes" often don't wave back, or decline to talk when parking up in the bike parking areas. I do think many see scooter riders as not proper bikers. That's ok with me.
I've had scoots since my first in 1996 when I just needed something to get to the train station.
Had them ever since as my every day transport, along with the sportsbikes.
OutInTheShed said:
It's the OP criticising other people's choices, not anyone I know with a 'big bike'.
I'm sure a few of the stoodents with Chinese '125 sports bikes' are sarcastic about step-thrus and all that, but that's young people for you.
Valid point there on youth; hence the original post I believe.I'm sure a few of the stoodents with Chinese '125 sports bikes' are sarcastic about step-thrus and all that, but that's young people for you.
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