CRUISER or MOPED?

davidclayton

which would you recommend overall; a 125 cruiser , or 125 moped?

taking into account:
-i am a bike virgin
-reliability
-ride comfort
-speed
-fuel consumption
-traffic weaving

please help...

dave

Verdammt

2 words for ya:


Moped - Muppet
Cruiser - Biker

Nuf said.

You choose.

davidclayton

but really...
practicality?

would the movement / acceleration / speed be much different?

Verdammt

Ok, here's the lowdown,

Moped's mainly come with 2 stroke engines, they are great for knocking around town and they pull away from traffic lights like a scalded cat but the reach their top speed very quickly (about 50mph - 125cc) and don't go any faster.

Cruisers come with a 4 stroke engine, acceleration is not as good as a moped but they are more reliable and they can go for ever, have a top speed of about 70 mph. They're also good for long journeys.

So if you want something to go to work on, get a moped. If you want an all week bike and a life changer, get a cruiser.

RicardoSmith

Was pricing them during the week. The mopeds seem to be a lot cheaper.

davidclayton

cruiser it is so!
what do you think would be the best 125 cruiser?
dragstar, marauder, eliminator...?

are they easy to find second-hand?

dave

rymus

No option here; go for a cruiser. something like a virago is perfect for a first timer. Get a second hand one obviously because you will drop it at least once. Theres loads of them on the market, mainly as they are so popular and ppl are upgrading. In fact, theres a lovely specimen for sale on these very boards!

I had a 125cc cruiser (Suzuki Intruder) and moved onto a 650cc cruiser at the start of 2002. In keeping with the genre, I don't think it'll be too long before I change to a fully fledged 1300cc cruiser/tourer. Something like a Yamaha Venture Star... pity they arent sold in Europe anymore

Verdammt

Originally posted by RicardoSmith
Was pricing them during the week. The mopeds seem to be a lot cheaper.

The reason they are cheaper is that they are slapped together and the engines last about 18 months

Verdammt

I started off on a Suzuki 125 Marauder. I got some look's while on that thing. I actually got waves from guys on big hog's !!!

Those were the day's ......................................

davidclayton

rymus, is the virago made by yamaha?
can't see it on their site.
is it discontinued?

dave

davidclayton

right so...
votes on 125cc cruisers.
contenders:

-dragstar
-marauder
-eliminator
-virago
-other

dave

rymus

the virago is indeed a yamaha...

It's not on www.yme.com which is a bit worrying. Either they've killed it off in europe or this is just some ghastly mistake. If the former is true then a 125cc drag star is your best option if you want to buy new. Theyre great bikes though, ive got the 650cc version

Even though its not on their site, you'll still find tons and tons of second hand models in bike shops and on the classifieds in the papers.

My vote would be...

Virago - because you'll find a cheap one and/or have lots to choose from
Drag Star - because theyre gorgeous. More expensive because you won't find an old one.

Marauder - sorry to it's supporters but I dont really like them. Underpowered compared to other 125's.

If I was new to biking all over again and looking for a nice cruiser to start out on, I'd stick with an Intruder or a Virago. Both lovely bikes and will bring you anywhere you want to go.

Verdammt

votes on 125cc cruisers.
contenders:

-dragstar - V-Twin , only 100% Biker Mag said it can only do 45mph at best
-marauder - Straight Single, 13.5ps, good all rounder, 70mph top speed.
-eliminator - ugly bast*rd, wouldn't touch it.
-virago - V-Twin, Great acceleration, comfy seat, nice little chopper, about 65 -70 mph.
-other - Honda Rebel or Honda Shadow, great looking bikes. The Shadow looks like a bigger bike because its liquid cooled with a front mounted rad.

RicardoSmith

Originally posted by Billy-Joe
The reason they are cheaper is that they are slapped together and the engines last about 18 months

Thats more with the way 90% of people rev the nuts of them driving them flat out 100% of the time. The average moped is about 2500 whereas all these cruisers are about 4500+

Thats a big difference.

seamus

Originally posted by Billy-Joe
-dragstar - V-Twin , only 100% Biker Mag said it can only do 45mph at best

Never driven one of these myself. Cool looking bike though.

-marauder - Straight Single, 13.5ps, good all rounder, 70mph top speed.

That's 70mph on a slight downhill with the wind behind you. Normal cruising speed (on the flat, zero wind) is 55mph. To push it above this means going into the very high revs. (What's 13.5ps?)

-virago - V-Twin, Great acceleration, comfy seat, nice little chopper, about 65 -70 mph.

Yeah, easily one of the more powerful 125s. Good looking bike too (except for the skinny front wheel)

Have a look at the Suzuki Intruder. Some people here will complain about it, but it's a nice bike, very powerful for a 125. Takes your back a bit of getting used to though, cos it's kind of a sit-forward cruiser.

TUTS

I've had a suzuki maurader since april, its very reliable not a days trouble.......ever. Its a great bike not matter what anyone says.... for a 125 very nippy(good take off) in around town. On an open road youd get about 70 75ish, faster in shelter. I wish i drove it more........ (i have a lift to work)

a_ominous

I had a 125 Marauder as my first bike. I went for a 125 because I was nervous about trying to control too much power. LOL! Because my journey is mostly dual carriageway I found the top speed and poor acceleration was not confidence inspiring. Top speed for me was about 50-55 MPH.

So lack of power was one reason for changing. Also had applied for my A licence test and the minimum cc of bike for A licence test is 150cc. So it gave me another reason to change. Sure I could have hired a bike for the test, but that wouldn't help on the commute.

Although I ride a 400cc bike now, I would still consider a scooter. One of the bigger ones, say a 250cc Suzuki (Burgman I think). Scooters have built-in storage, don't require heavy footwear (for changing gears). You probably don't need as heavy protective clothing. I've girls riding scooters with clogs or whatever they're called this season. That's not to be recommended. Scooters also have a shorter wheelbase than a cruiser-style and are a bit more manoeuverable in traffic. Also a bit lighter too. Lightweight can help the thieving b******s around town too
Also have a preference for 4 stroke engine to 2 stroke hair dryer. That noise would drive (!) me mental. Yeah I know the power thing is great but 2 stroke engines are less environment friendly than 4 strokes.

Cruisers tend to be lower than other bikes and can make if more difficult to see ahead in traffic. But the low seat means short-@rses can ride bikes too

Walter Ego

Riding a moped is like riding an ugly fat bird.
Its all right till your mates find out.

Get the cruiser.

johnnynolegs

I was thinking of getting a 125 intruder but because i will be using it for long journeys (Dublin to Galway/Cork/Belfast/etc.) i was told to forget about it and go for a Honda Bros? or something similar to this what does everyone reckon?

a_ominous

@johnny, for that length of journey, you'll probably kill the smaller engine. You won't enjoy the ride and will have feck all power on those trips. Probably something a 400cc, be it a Bros / Bandit / AN Other.

One thing I forgot to say to any prospective riders, is get out and sit on a few bikes. See what is comfortable. Not all bikes are the same. Just coz a leaning-forward position on a sports bike is good for you, doesn't mean my previously droken wrist could take the weight/pain on a long ride.

Also check out the insurance situation. Moving up to a bigger bike can push up the premium very quickly for young folk

rymus

Jesus man... Dublin to Cork/Galway/Belfast is a long bloody way. Definately too much for a 125cc and if youre going to be doing it regularly it'd be too much for any normal bike. For that kind of milage I'd suggest a goldwing

Seriously though, I did the Cork to Sligo trip 4 times on my 650cc and although it actually wasn't that bad of a drive, its a right pain in the arse... literally..

seamus

Originally posted by rymus
Jesus man... Dublin to Cork/Galway/Belfast is a long bloody way. Definately too much for a 125cc and if youre going to be doing it regularly it'd be too much for any normal bike. For that kind of milage I'd suggest a goldwing

Seriously though, I did the Cork to Sligo trip 4 times on my 650cc and although it actually wasn't that bad of a drive, its a right pain in the arse... literally..

That's what I was thinking.

If you're going to be regularly doing long journeys, you'd be better off with a tourer. A Goldwing may be overkill (although damn comfy )

davidclayton

a_ominous...
would a 250cc scooter push you out of the class 2 insurance bracket that the 125 scooter/cruiser would be in?
because this would result in a jump of over €1000 per year for my age!

what kind of top speed would you get from a 125 or 250cc scooter?

dave

MojoMaker

Are there any real bikers on this forum?

Take it from someone who knows, unlike the piddly cruiser riders here, if you want comfort buy a 125/250cc 4-stroke scooter. If you want style buy a scooter. If you want storage capability buy a scooter. If you want to offer lifts to others buy a scooter. If you want better residuals buy a scooter.

A 125cc 4-stroke scooter will have better acceleration and top speed than a heavy asthmatic 125cc cruiser. Do not touch cruisers until you are up to 750cc or beyond. FYI - if you are still certain that you want a cruiser be aware that the best (fastest, most stylish, largest, and most reliable) 125cc cruiser on the market is the Honda Shadow by a long, long way. Although it is also the most expensive. All others are a joke standing next to the Shadow.

You will have more fun on a scooter too, and can use it for work, college, and in more weather conditions that any cruiser. I have had 3 big cruisers including a Vulcan and a Fatboy and I would not touch a cruiser/custom below 750cc with a barge pole. They may look good to a 19 or 20 yr old but a proper scooter (not a moped) will get more respect from other bikers on the road than a piddly cruiser.

Do not under any circumstance buy a moped (2 stroke) 50cc or 125cc. However a "proper" 125/250cc 4-stroke scooter represents a much better value for money, all things considered. You're kidding yourself if having a 125cc cruiser makes you a real biker. It most certainly doesn't. You'd be better off in fact with something like a KMX125 or Varadero rather than a tinny little cruiser. You will never be taken too seriously one way or the other until you have cubes anyway, sorry.

rymus

Originally posted by MojoMaker
Are there any real bikers on this forum?

Take it from someone who knows, unlike the piddly cruiser riders here...

Tell me; have you been a condescending asshole all your life or is this a recent development?

RicardoSmith

Originally posted by rymus
Tell me; have you been a condescending asshole all your life or is this a recent development?

No need for that mate. I think he made fair comments. Glad to see a alternative view point, as personally the whole puesdo biker image rings a little hollow. A scooter is for convience not image. I don't know why people are hung up on that. If you have to where a suit to work the scooter could well be the better option.

The bigger 4cyl scooter. What licence is require. Full driving ok for those. What sort of prices for scooter/insurance are we talking? I don't like those "estate" versions. What a good compact one?

rymus

fair comments on the scooters perhaps but is there really any need to belittle the opinions and choice of motorcycle of every other poster?

He could, like the rest of us have, posted his own comment on why a scooter would have been better without all that added flamebait.

dave is going to make his own mind up anyway and egotistical crap like that really doesn't help.

seamus

Originally posted by RicardoSmith
The bigger 4cyl scooter. What licence is require. Full driving ok for those. What sort of prices for scooter/insurance are we talking? I don't like those "estate" versions. What a good compact one?

You'll need a Theory test -> bike licence -> driving test for anything bigger than 50cc. Any experience driving a car is null and ignored.

They're 4 stroke scooters, not 4 cylinder (that'd be pretty savage)

Insurance and prices are comparable to all other bikes. Go to www.bikeworld.ie and most of the info you need should be there.

For the record Mojomaker, there's a similar littany of abuse that could be directed at scooter drivers

a_ominous

@davidclayton
Take a look at Cotter motorcycles for a list of bikes and groupings. Cotter's also are an agent for AON / Hibernian.

I don't know top speed of the scooters. I Googled for "AN250 top speed" which is the Burgman 250 I mentioned. Top speed is listed on various pages as 80 mph. It is also a group 3 bike. IMHO top speed is not as important as acceleration / torque because most cars can outpace you on the open road, but you'll beat them from the lights and can filter to the front most of the time. Just don't be too greedy! There are times when it's better to hold back.

I think John Wheeler of the Irish Times did a review of a Honda Silver Wing; defo saw a review in a bike mag last year. It easily topped 100mph in comfort and outdid a couple of sports bikes in some parts of the test. BTW it's only a twin cylinder, but 4 stroker

In fact acceleration is quite important. I used to cycle and remember several times having to go slowly from a standing start if I got caught behind a 50cc moped. They just have no real acceleration. In fact, my top speed on a commuter (not racing bike) was 37mph on the Chapelizon bypass. Could only go over 30 mph with a tail wind which wasn't ofter.

The insurance groups are worked on a power to weight ratio which also forms part of the terms of the driving licence. In Ireland Hibernian have 12 groups, in the UK they (well Norwich Union) have 17 groups. A bit of a nuisance but another symtom of rip-off Ireland.

One other plus about scooters over cruisers is the fairing / weather protection you get from day one. I don't see too many naked cruiser bikes out now. When I had my 125 Marauder, I was buffeted so much by the wind at 50 mph in the summer that I didn't look forward to the winter. That was another reason to get a bigger bike.

RicardoSmith

Originally posted by seamus
You'll need a Theory test -> bike licence -> driving test for anything bigger than 50cc. Any experience driving a car is null and ignored.

They're 4 stroke scooters, not 4 cylinder (that'd be pretty savage)

Insurance and prices are comparable to all other bikes. Go to www.bikeworld.ie and most of the info you need should be there.

For the record Mojomaker, there's a similar littany of abuse that could be directed at scooter drivers

My bad - "4 cyl" - LOL

Ummm big jump in cost of ownership from 50cc though. I'm looking at 7 mile commute through heavy traffic. Already have a car so I'd be looking at the lowest overall cost. I wouldn't be hammering it, theres too many lights on the route anyway. Rarely get above 30mph in the car on the same route.

a_ominous

@Ricardo
If you go for a 50cc moped, you won't need an A/A1 licence. Car will do. Bike will be cheap to buy and insure. Also goes on a whiff of petrol.
That is probably best option for commute you suggest. But don't go trying to drive to Cork on it. Or use it on the motorway. Or get in from of me on my bike

RicardoSmith

Originally posted by a_ominous
@Ricardo
If you go for a 50cc moped, you won't need an A/A1 licence. Car will do. Bike will be cheap to buy and insure. Also goes on a whiff of petrol.
That is probably best option for commute you suggest. But don't go trying to drive to Cork on it. Or use it on the motorway. Or get in from of me on my bike

Are there any non boy racer or granny shopper 50cc mopeds?

MojoMaker

The Vespa ET4 125 is a decent stylish machine but it is pricey, still cheaper than a 125cc cruiser though. I agree on the mopeds, not good, not good at all, and I guess I can sort of understand why someone might buy a 125 cruiser - bad advice for starters, or maybe a desire to be regarded as a 'rea' biker. TBH - a low cc cruiser rider sits lower on the bike scale than a 'proper' scooter rider. Mopeds are lower again of course, especially rice boy mopeds like NRG's or Aerox's.

Rymus, you always take the bait. I'm beginning to think you're a bit ashamed of your piddly cruiser roots dude No offence anyway. But seriously, how anyone could recommend an Intruder or Virago over a Shadow?? Have you been on a Shadow? Most powerful engine in its class, and that's what counts. Also nicest style, and largest frame, which is always good IMO.

Seriously when you move up the ladder to real bikes you will look back and think "wtf was I doing on a 125 cruiser?". Honestly, I swear, you WILL think this one day. I was a massive cruiser fan for a long long time, Shadow 750, Vulcan 800, Vulcan 1500, 1450 Fatboy, until I realised what a real bike was. No Reno Raines impressions for me no more, lol.

It does pass, just hang in there man.

Get a scooter unless you want to be ridiculed on the road by other riders, cagers, pedestrians, couriers, bus drivers etc...I always keep a couple of coppers spare to hand to the Virago/Marauder/Rebel riders that pull up beside me. :cool:

davidclayton

if going for a 125cc scooter, with styling aside...
which would be preferable:
[only examples]

-new age style [eg. aprilia ATLANTIC 125]
-old skool [e.g. aprilia HABANA 125]

[both 4 stroke]

dave

davidclayton

mojomaker...
have to say the vespa et4 looks a bit like a bitches bike!
check the pic...

there's better looking ones out there. [aprilia HABANA]

dave

rymus

Originally posted by MojoMaker
Rymus, you always take the bait.

Ahh thats only since the presciption for the anti-psychotics ran out

I've been on a shadow 125. Theyre nice and seem bigger than they actually are (if that makes sense) but I still don't like em much. Personal preference maybe? Could be that I was driving my sisters crashed shadow too? I dunno. Never see many of them round these parts anymore. In fact ive only seen one in about the last 6 or 7 months. Are all the shadow owners selling up and buying something decent?

MojoMaker

Believe me I'm only defending it in terms of 125cc cruisers, against anything else it too is cack. But if you absolutely *have* to ride one the Shadow is the best. How much you wanting to spend Ricardo? You could also look at the Varadero but again being a Honda it's pricey too. Don't suppose you like the DT125 or the KMX125? Trail bikes are an absolute hoot, strokers nonetheless.

Virago 250 might be worth a look while you put the miles in en route to your Blade I suppose. Don't expect to pull though.

RicardoSmith

Theres way too much Reno Raines in this thread. I just want something easy to get to work on. Anytime you get advice about bikes around here all you get is fashion advice. Which colour leathers are in this season anyway and does my arse look too big? Seems at bit over the top to get an R1 and matching leathers just to go 7 miles at 30mph (or less) for 20mins every morning.

There was guy at work say mid 40's who went back to bikes recently. Bought a Harley, the right helmet, the saddle bags everything. Tassles everywhere. Would even have been cool only for he got it ALL in white. :eek:

My time for going the bike route has passed. I've a couple of mates who have bikes just for fun. I'll do that another time. For now its just for the commute with the least hassle and expense. I dunno but if need a bike to pull a bird thats a bit desperate. Besides the wife wouldn't be that pleased. Git to find space at the bar with a bike too.

deecom

Scooter if all you do is town riding. Cruisers, not really sure there a great idea. I ride a big bike, but to be honest i am thinking of a scooter, Burgmann or the likes for riding around the city. Go with what your wallet can hack, both price of bike, and insurance wise. You can always go for the bike of your dreams in the future. As regards the long journeys, aer arann have cheap flights!

batman_oh

one of the first replies said a 125 cruiser would beat a 2 stroke 125 moped
a long long time ago a friend of mine had a virago125 and another had a gilera runner 125
the runner walked all over it thru the rev range, mauled it off the line, would stay close to my rs125, and would do near 80 flat out
just somethin a bit stupid i saw there

MojoMaker

Agreed. I have a heavily modified ZX-9R and am considering getting a small trailie or 125 scooter to use purely as a commuter, particularly during the winter. Never in a million years would I consider a 125cc cruiser but would nonetheless ride a big cruiser again - just not as my main bike. Cruisers are fine, but small cruisers are just laughable. AS RS bloke says, the Gilera Runner would eat a 250 cruiser for breakfast, lunch & tea.

Have a look at the Aprilia Atlantic, no sports machine, but a decent option all the same. The Runner is a bit of a boy racer yoke so perhaps not what you want. The 125 Burgman will be an excellent medium distance commuter and has excellent weather protection. Plus you don't look like a wannabe pratt riding one.

Samba

Have to agree with Mojo,

On the other hand it is good to have a year driving a 125 Under your belt.


Mopeds are unreliable, crap, and they make a pathetic noise but they get you from A to B.

The newer models even have bloody fuel injection , the 50 cc bikes have come a long way since the Honda Vision!

Been Drying them since I was 12 (in europe), geuss I just have a soft spot for them

The Nrg, or Gillera would be probably be the best ones to buy performance wise and for reliability(Watch out for crap getting into the carb on all piaggios <--their only major fault), they are both boy racer style tho, take all the crap off the nrg and it does not look too humiliating

batman_oh

id say the burgman or somethin similar,i have an rs250 as my road bike, and while brilliant for traffic and short trips to town, it is a pain after a few hours and hammers wrists legs etc, im considering a supermoto or an sv650 as an everyday workhorse(i really like the ktm duke)
definitely go for a larger moped over cruiser, because any cruiser under 650 will be too feable for long distance

Fabritzo

Yeh cos what you need for long trips is a rattley scooter, they don't call the crusiers for no reason, are you familiar with the Honda Steed V4 400? A nice smooth cruizor.

D!ve^Bomb!

anyone who even considers gettin a moped is just a scumbag, cos thats who has them, scumbags!!

so wot if a 125 cruiser looks pathetic compared to others, its still better than a ****in moped,,

i cant believe someone would even ask this question!!

RicardoSmith

Originally posted by newband
anyone who even considers gettin a moped is just a scumbag, cos thats who has them, scumbags!!

so wot if a 125 cruiser looks pathetic compared to others, its still better than a ****in moped,,

i cant believe someone would even ask this question!!

They use them in F1 to get around the track, the scumbags.

MojoMaker

Children, children. We are not talking about 50cc mopeds here. Not every moped rider is a scumbag and while we're at it very few scooter riders fall into your category either. Have you seen the prices of decent 125cc scooters? lol...

Another stereotype reinforced here on boards. Oh joy.

I've had several big cruisers and none of them were particularly comfortable for long journeys. Certainly not when compared with a VFR800 or a CBR600, ZX9R etc..

Very few sportsbikes are uncomfortable to ride. Sure the 998 is a little heavy on the wrists and I don't think I'd take it to Cork and back on a regular basis but most sports tourers are built for starship mileage. A decent tourer like the VFR, Futura, Sprint, ST4 etc will be a million times more comfortable than any cruiser.

Anyway, back to the scooter/cruisers debate. A 125 Burgman would be a significantly smarter buy than any 125 cruiser. Although they are about €5k so start saving now. I've seen '02s this year for €3500 so maybe worth a look? Vespa's keep their value well and the PX200 model is reasonably nippy if you're into that whole retro look. Personally I think they look ok, but they ain't cheap either. I think a new one is about €3500 compared to €2k for a 50cc moped.