Are scooters "more fun" than motorcycles?

[nwscooterboy]

I have limited experience riding scooters and/or motorcycles but I've always had this perception that scooters are just, well...more fun! I have absolutely nothing to base this on but when I sit and analyze it I think it's based on a couple things. When I think of warm, tropical places to vacation to I always seem to see scooters/mopeds for rent. And who doesn't like bopping around on a scooter while at the beach? I think the other reason is the ease of riding them. Of course with a little practice shifting gears on a motorcycle isn't really that tough but the whole "twist & go" feature that most scooters have reduces the learning curve for most newbies.

Or maybe scooters are more "social"? That many folks that ride motorcycles often do alone but a lot of people that ride scooters do it together? (I'm grasping at straws here, lol).

For those of you that have been riding both longer then I have (which is pretty much everyone on here) what do you think? And why?

[wheelbender6]

You seem to have a good handle on it.
Scooters can be easier to ride on surface streets and through parking lots with the short wheelbase (length) and lack of a hand clutch. It is also easier to find a spot to park a scooter than a full size motorcycle.
If you don't ride in a lot of stop and go traffic, a small displacement motorcycle will likely be more stable and comfortable.
There are always exceptions, There are a few scooters that still have a manual clutch and there are some smaller motorcycles that don't need a hand clutch and there are scooters as big as 650cc sold in the states.
I don't think a scooter will disappoint you unless you do most of your riding on the freeway and open highway.

[kz1000st]

In many ways a scooter and a bike are two different animals and in separate worlds. They're not the same in power delivery, handling and overall ride. A gearbox allows the engine more flexibility, the CVT allows for ease of use. People who ride them are in a different mindset. Scooter owners like the simplicity and non-intimidating nature, motorcycle riders enjoy the speed, acceleration and sound.

I can't agree about riding alone. I see herds of bikes pass by my house every summer. Scooters, when they do go by, are alone. I can see a scooter as the ultimate weapon in a city, I lived in New York for a while. In the country a bike just eats up the road.

I have two of each in the garage. This is one of my favorites.

http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/pp129/kz1000ST/Peep1_zps838855f9.jpg (http://s404.photobucket.com/user/kz1000ST/media/Peep1_zps838855f9.jpg.html)

Four speed, 50cc, foot shift, no hand clutch and unbelievably fast for its size. plus it's very inexpensive and incredibly reliable.

[Vision]

In a word yes.

Easier to ride, lighter, smaller for better access to smaller streets, slower is more fun. No bad ass envy needed (which make me laugh at many motorcycle riders). Simply a happy experience.

[Bvance554]

I would say yes. I've ridden both and I enjoy my scooter the most. But that largely be due to how little money I paid for it. That always helps.

[savy09]

Been riding scooters for 7 yrs and still happy i can still ride at 78… maybe a couple of years more???

[thumper650]

I have both a scooter and a motorcycle. Motorcycle for getting away from the city, and nothing beats the scooter in the city. Easy to park, can use the bike lanes legally here, and parking is a cinch. I'm thinking of getting a smaller motorcycle for just that reason.
Besides the scooter does make me think I'm on vacation in Key West, even when I'm riding it to work in 32 degree weather!

[novaraptor]

Different Fun..

[kz1000st]

I second that.

[Cyborg]

i've had tons of motorcycles mostly big bores,,900cc+got a 350 dualsport last year and love it,,,and the mileage,,,got my first scooter ever early in the year,,,it's an auto,,,selling it for a stella 4 speed thats waiting for me at a shop,,,and following KZ'S lead on the semi auto big wheel scooter but i'm getting the bi-metro 110cc

[Cyborg]

and to answer the original question both are a blast,,just different

[wheelbender6]

When you look at the cost of a maxi scooter per cc, they are more expensive than mid weight motorcycles. That tells me that scooters must be fun if we are willing to pay more per cc for them.

[blueboy5000]

Well, I'd say my mc-23 is more fun than most bikes, but only because it's small lightweight size lets me ride it on paths and in meadows and such.

I wouldn't say a scooter is "more" fun than a "true" motorcycle, just different fun.

But that said, I've had 10 motorcycles, and 21 scoots, so I seem to prefer scooters.

[RetroBrian]

Totally depends... around town for fun is the scoot. Took it downtown to Comic Con last week and it made it a breeze.... But the Harley for a great ride to Vegas. Both Bikes have Music to enjoy and turn heads

[mithril]

Scooters have an advantage of being small and light with low power. The learning curve to ride a scooter is much less than that of a motorcycle. In many states you don't need any special licensing nor is state inspection a requirement. Many municipalities will allow you to park scooters on the sidewalk or in special "scooter parking" areas. Add to that that many scooters get 100MPG or better and you have some pretty strong reasons to ride one.

But, are they more fun?

While I'm going to echo what others have said, I'll elaborate a little more. I have a Harley Electra Glide, a Honda VLX and a Zuma 125. Which is more fun? Depends on what I'm doing. If I want to go 400 miles in a day at 65MPH the Harley is a sweet ride and my preference. If I'm going 200 miles of twisty curvy roads where it may require a U turn or two then the Honda VLX is hands down the most fun. But, If I'm going less than 100 miles and don't need to go over 45MPH then the scooter is my ride of choice. These are my criteria your mileage may vary.

[mnfitz]

If you like working on them, get a scoot. If you like riding, get a motorcycle. IMHO

[carpetscoot]

Really enjoy the treads. Love MCs & scooters. Both certainly have their place. I have 2 of each. But - really love riding the scooters a couple of miles to the grocery store. I can put groceries under the seat, in the trunk, and a sack between my legs - even in the cooler weather, for a couple of miles. I can't get over how the 50cc automatic get around side streets. It scoots about as fast as cars do. And, my 150cc that's got an upgrade clutch, electrics, and muffler, really gets with it on secondary roads. I love my Rebels, and my scooters. I just like 2 wheels - especially with motors, ha. Happy, vigilant motoring everyone.

[Irish]

I have been riding motorcycles since 1959/60. I think that it mostly depends on what kind of lifestyle that you are looking for! There are a--holes in every group. When you have ridden as long as I have , you gravitate towards the same kind of people. To answer your question-Riding motorcycles or scooters just depends on what you make of it. It also depends on what you are used to. I just relocated to Fla & bought a 250cc Road Warrior. Already the engine seems to small because i'm used to racing & building Bikes with a bigger engine & more power! Irish:tup:

[majbett]

Maxiscoots have diminished the difference but if you like to shift gears, acceleerate fast, and go off road, motorcycles are more fun.

I traded for a scooter after I retired because my wife and daughters did not want me to buy a motorcycle. They thought a scooter might be less dangerous. I rode motorcycles for 30 years (1960-1990).

I started with a 150cc and then bought a 400cc. I now ride a 650cc Suzuki Burgman which rides much cooler than a motorcycle (engine heat is ducted under the rider), with a driver backrest it is more comfortable, and with a T-box can carry twice the load.

The step through frame makes it easier for an to mount and is almost a necessity if you have a backrest and T-box.

In the city, scooters are just as much fun and usually more comfortable and convenient.



.

[nate7504]

Hello everyone, I will give you all a little back story before I respond to this post, a couple years back I bought a brand new 150cc Chinese scooter, I rode the piss out of that little thing! I rode it even a great deal through a Wisconsin winter, I didn't care it was fun. Any ways a series of irresponsible financial decisions.... Long story short I had to pawn it for $600 to pay a power bill . when I finally got back on my feet I decided to get a motorcycle (first ever) so I picked up 1982 yamaha xs400, very nice clean bike, rode it a year solid, again through a winter (not every day mind you), I eventually traded it for my current bike a 1977 kawasaki KZ750 twin. It is nice to be able to put my wife on the back and hit the interstate and cruse at 80mph,but I must admit I miss my little scooter, it had a fun factor, but more then that it was the absolute perfect vehicle for a warm summer day, if all you wanted was a quiet relaxing ride! I would littarally ride that scooter all day on a nice summer Sunday, that's a feeling I cannot recapture with my motorcycle! I prefer to use my motorcycle to commute as my rout involves interstate travel to work, but I will soon hopefully get onother scooter, definitely a 150cc for me that was the perfect size. Be safe out there, Nathan.

[tromper]

Heck Nate, if looking for a scoot in that range I'd suggest take a peek at the SYM HD200. I bop around on one of these a lot these days & I think it's the best bang for the buck. They tend to hold up a bit better than the Chinese scoots as well, & are about as easy to work on.
Beyond that if you need to be on the superslab there are more than a few scoots in that category. from the big ones, Burgman 650, Kymco Myroad 700 etc to the BV350 & people 300GTI. Those appeal to me since Seattle traffic can feature a lot of stop & go even on the freeway.
Overall I see the lines blurring these days in terms of the more practical applications, particularly with what Honda's doing with their 700c platform & the DCT

[kz1000st]

I just find getting $600 for a used Chinese scooter from a pawn shop amazing.

[Irish]

I have limited experience riding scooters and/or motorcycles but I've always had this perception that scooters are just, well...more fun! I have absolutely nothing to base this on but when I sit and analyze it I think it's based on a couple things. When I think of warm, tropical places to vacation to I always seem to see scooters/mopeds for rent. And who doesn't like bopping around on a scooter while at the beach? I think the other reason is the ease of riding them. Of course with a little practice shifting gears on a motorcycle isn't really that tough but the whole "twist & go" feature that most scooters have reduces the learning curve for most newbies.

Or maybe scooters are more "social"? That many folks that ride motorcycles often do alone but a lot of people that ride scooters do it together? (I'm grasping at straws here, lol).

For those of you that have been riding both longer then I have (which is pretty much everyone on here) what do you think? And why?

You don't need a Motorcycle license for most scooters/mopeds. I assume that's why you see them for rent. John (head up his Butt ) probably couldn't shift anything anyway!>D Irish

[novaraptor]

Nathan, Thumbs up on the KZ750. The only motorcycle I ever bought new was a 76 KZ750. Rode that for 10 years. Great all around street and hiway bike..

[Irish]

Maxiscoots have diminished the difference but if you like to shift gears, acceleerate fast, and go off road, motorcycles are more fun.

I traded for a scooter after I retired because my wife and daughters did not want me to buy a motorcycle. They thought a scooter might be less dangerous. I rode motorcycles for 30 years (1960-1990).

I started with a 150cc and then bought a 400cc. I now ride a 650cc Suzuki Burgman which rides much cooler than a motorcycle (engine heat is ducted under the rider), with a driver backrest it is more comfortable, and with a T-box can carry twice the load.

The step through frame makes it easier for an to mount and is almost a necessity if you have a backrest and T-box.

In the city, scooters are just as much fun and usually more comfortable and convenient.



.

Just for your information , Mustang makes a seat that has an adjustable backrest (it is also removable ) I have one & it is great.:tup: I don't have a step-thru frame but I had some steps (footpegs ) fabricated to help me in mounting :tup:(game leg ) Irish
P.S. I have a 2006 Sportster 1200cc w/ a Trike Kit.