Proper Bike or bigger scooter

Paschcom

Guys
Need some objective advice. Have been using a 50cc scooter for commute for several years - on my car licence, so never had to worry about bike tests. I now want something with more ummph, but as I dont want to kill myself will probably go for a 125cc or max 250cc.
I really like the style of the Yamaha dragstar, and I can get a 125cc, new but end of line for a good price. However, I haven't rode a proper motor bike b4, so will take some getting used to gears, etc. Has anybody got a dragstar and how is their performence? Reviews on line look good.
I also like the style of the Yamaha X-Max 125cc scooter, but not as much as the dragstar!
Heart says Dragstar, but head says scooter for practical reasons, such as less maintenance, easier ride, better weather protection, etc.
I have to get a provisional bike licence eitherway.

All advice gratefully accepted..

cheers

Run_to_da_hills

They both have their pros and cons. Larger Scooters tend to keep you dryer out of the elements with all the plastics, some have nice big storage compartments your lid, suit etc. some carry a quick detach spare wheel which can be very usefull.

I never liked the small wheels on a scooter! hit a pot hole and you will know all about it!, also If you decided to join a local MCC motorcycle club and you had a scooter you would the laughing stock!! :eek: Personally I would go for the Motorbike and CG125 at that.

I had a Dragstar 125 a few years ago, I now have a dragstar650. They are great bikes. Very comfortable and roomy for a 125. They are also extremely reliable, I never had a mechanical fault with mine. Performance is limited, but you would expect that from a 125cc cruiser. As far as maintenance goes you just have to do the same as you would with any other bike or scooter.
Lots of shiny accessories available from Yamaha and if you want storage there are plenty of saddlebags available.

Laserface

I agree with Nialler 24...dragstars are the best.most comfortable and spacious of the small cruisers.

but i would never recommend a 125 one.

if you have to get a 125...get a sports bike..or a dirtbike or something.

if you get a cruiser..get at least 400cc.

a_ominous

I had a Marauder 125, another cruiser-type bike. I was afraid to get something too big / powerful as well but I ended up changing it for a 400cc bike after 2 months. You'd probably find your 50cc scoot has better acceleration from a standing start at lights than a 125cc cruiser due to better power to weight ratio. But bike would probably have higher top speed and a longer lasting, more environmentally-friendly 4 stroke engine.

250cc scooter might be the way to go - as Run_to_da_hills said, good weather protection and storage due to large fairing. Learning curve will be tiny, just get used to extra weight. I would guess insurance for a 250cc scoot should be lower than 250cc bike, but I can't say for definite. BLue pages in Bike Buyers Guide shows insurance groupings and shops could also advise you on that.

Paschcom

Thanks Guys.
I think I'm sold on the cruiser idea - have enough of scooters!
Have been looking around further and came across the Hyosung. The GV250 cruiser looks good, is well priced (c5k) and is in the appropriate insurance grouping, but Hyosung have has got some bad reviews on this forum - resale appears to be poor, etc. Any recent experiences?

I think 250cc is as far as I would feel safe on for a start - Aside from the Hyosung, what are my other options in that range and how do they compare?
Cheers

I would go for a japanese bike myself. I also had a suzuki marauder and thought it was horrible. Terrible build quality,crappy engine etc. The dragstar is the best 125cc cruiser around imo. But if you come across a honda shadow 125 they are meant to be retty solid.