Do we really need big bikes?

[alternative_vtr]

For the last week I have been riding an Aprilia SR125 Motard, it's a larger than normal wheeled 4 stroke 125cc scooter. I am loving it and feel myself preferring it to my storm
It is lightweight, easy to manouver, nippy, gives leg protection against wind and rain, easy to ride being an auto and just fun to loon around on. I can't believe how young it makes me feel, I feel like I am 16 or 17 years old again. I am thinking about getting a 300cc or thereabouts scooter which has all the qualities I have mentioned but a bit more omph or just keeping this one. Oh and it has underseat storage and I have ridden it around for a week and have used hardly any petrol. This was my sons scooter but he doesn't ride it so I have bought it off him.

There is a lot to be said for small bikes that you can throw around and feel more "casual" about.

What do you guys think?

[lloydie]

for local travel they are fantastic and i do miss my t80 at times.
£40 fc insurance
£15 tax
£20 a month in fuel


but as clarkson says "POWER" so i will stick to the storm

[VTRDark]

Scooter nah, not for me, but I can see the appeal of something smaller that is cheaper to run and you can throw around. I'm not a fan of twist and goes and prefer manual control. If I was to downsize it would be a 400 Jap import or smiler.

(:-})

[benny hedges]

There is a lot to be said for small bikes that you can throw around and feel more "casual" about.

What do you guys think?

small bikes are fiddler.

but scooters are great fun. that's all i have to say about that.

[Miztaziggy]

As a commuter then I would say yes, unless you're commuting on the motorways and then I would want something faster.

As a bike for sunday ride outs, I would definitely prefer a bigger bike.

[turbo_billy]

Do we really need big bikes?

YES

[alternative_vtr]

The thing is its all too easy to think you need bigger, faster, more powerful bikes but I have had a bit of an eye opener riding this. I enjoy riding super motards so maybe this is the same for me, It is just so much fun when you have to ride it for ridings sake rather than riding on the power of it, I am not sure I making myself clear, sorry but I cant really explain it very easily.

[Virt]

What miztaziggy said. I've been thinking about ditching the hornet for a CRF250 or something when I can afford it as it was only gonna be used for commuting anyway once I got the VTR small bikes do give incredibly mpg soo they have a place. 125's not so much, it's dangerous having so little power if you ask me

[whitestorm pete]

i do miss my nsr 125 the drama of getting the two stroke up to 80mph mega fun but it aint as good as a bigger bike imo

[lumpyv]

the point of a big bike is that it is exciting. this little scooter is probably great for getting round town and undoubtedly nippy / economical but it doesn't really thrill you.

I could live in a 2 bedroom studio flat with the people I have to accommodate but I prefer not to ?

[bigtwinthing]

you obviously havent ridden a long way on a small bike, ride across the pyrenees on a small one? there okay for a blast around a street etc, but for serious miles you need "cubes","torque and a big tank"

[simo]

Whatever I chose I would certainly miss the Punch of a VTR. As a second bike/scoot I have a fancy for a Honda Silverwing 600.

[alternative_vtr]

Done Stoke to Skegness and back on a FS1E does that count? When I was 16

Of course big bikes are best for long trips but for nipping about, as in trips of a few miles here and there around town the scooter has been great fun so far, I am not suggesting touring Europe on it but for just looning around on its loads of fun. I am thinking about getting a bigger cc scoot or another SM, I have 4 bikes at the moment (850 Suzuki, Storm, KH100 and this 125cc scooter) but this scooter has been loads of fun

[nobby]

oh yes bigger the better for me

[cheekykev]

There is not and never will be a substitute for CCs