Scooters on M-Way

Gatster

Thinking strongly about getting a smaller or classic car and a 'super-scooter' (though probably no bigger than a 250cc). Everyday on the M50 as I sit in traffic I see guys flying up on them.

When in use it would have to do about 50 miles a day, 4-5 days a week depending on weather, all M-Way. Does anybody have any experience of this type of machine, does anyone commute on one?

seamus

Well, I haven't ridden a scooter, but with normal bikes, if you're doing 50 motorway miles per day, anything else than 250cc won't really cut it for all that long. You want a machine that can do 130kph without screaming in pain.

a_ominous

I've not ridden scooters, but I knew a guy who used a Burgman 400 for a 25 mile a day roundtrip, mostly dual carriageway. One thing to note about any PTW for motorway use or higher than urban speeds is that you will have a more comfortable journey if the bike has some fairings / weather protection. Any bike/scoot with fairings will also cost more than naked or minimal faired bikes.
As Seamus said a bigger engine is going to have less problems at typical motorways speeds than a 2 stroke 50cc scoot Which means less time in the workshop and more on the road.

frodi

I've done some M way driving on a 100cc scooter. Will only do it now if I'm stuck. Cars don't give you enough room when they pass. Lorries & trucks are ok they know how much space to give. Windy days are a night mare you get thrown around and buffeted a lot. With a heavier bike and some more experience it should be better. You need to be fairly confident in your handling of the bike before you start travelling at speed in a dog eat dog atmosphere.

Gatster

Had a bike before (10 years ago now in England), but I'm not pretending to be confident. A 250cc was what I was thinking in conjunction with a car for more 'wintery' days. More looking for advice on what can be bought in Ireland for a reasonable price....

frodi

Try www.irishbikerforum.com
There's enough bike heads there to give you some good leads