Observations.......Scooters Vs. Motorcycles

[Scooterdude]

Just as an observation, ever since switching from motorcycles to scooters I have noticed some very definate differences in handling and riding characteristics between the two. Perhaps some of you have made these same observations. Coming from a fully dressed BMW, and a full dressed Goldwing before that, onto the Blur, the very first thing I noticed, besides the weight, was how much the difference in wheel size completely changed how the scooter tracks in a straight line, especially when following another vehicle. With the exception of a perfectly flat breeze free and vehicle free road, there seems to be a need for nearly constant course correction in order to avoid appearing like you are driving under the influence! I am getting more used to it but it is still noticeable and something I have to pay attention to. I love the light weight of the Blur BUT wind buffeting, especially coupled with the smaller wheel size offers some serious excitement at times especially when traveling at speeds. I am not saying that it is inherently dangerous but it could be if the rider over corrects. It is a good idea to not over react and stress over the wandering nature of scoots. Ride it, and enjoy it. I also love the balance that the scooter provides over the top-heavy larger motorcycles. At stop signs where there are no other cars present, I can usually balance the scooter to a full stop without having to put a foot down if I concentrate and come in straight. It's that well balanced! Can't hold the stop long, but long enough to be safe and legal.

I am greatful for the experiences gained from riding motorcycles since 1972. Without them, I might be more likely to be overly nervous when being blown about by bigger bruts, and with few exceptions, most everything else on the road is, bigger than a Blur, that is! Finally, I love the looks I get when riding my Blur around town in uniform while on duty as a law enforcement officer! Since purchasing my Blur, I have ridden my Blur during the 4th of July parade to perform street closures, answer spectator and participant questions and to monitor the crowds. The manuverability and lightness is far superior to that of our big Honda police motorcycles thus making zipping in and out of the crowds an easy task. Also, it is a great public relations piece and far less intimidating than our police motorcycle. I wish we had several, department owned, scooters for downtown patrol duties. They sure beat our Segway, in my opinion. Thanks, for letting me ramble.

[babblefish]

Thanks for your insights, Scooterdude.

My past motorcycle experience almost mirrors yours, except I started two years earlier and on both dirt bikes and street bikes. I first rode scooters extensively while living in Taiwan back in the early nineties and have liked them ever since. My '83 750 Suzuki had a 16" front wheel, which was the rage in road race bikes back then, and made handling "exciting" for those not used to them. Kinda adds a powersteering feel to the bike which until you got used to it, could cause oversteering, overcorrection and pucker moments going over ruts, potholes and small children.

That's really neat (now that's an old geek word!) that you ride your scoot while in uniform. I'm surprised you're allowed to! Here in SF, single cylinder enduro type bikes are part of the car pool for the police officers. They've almost taken over for the horses (still a few of those around though). Makes it easier for them to get around heavy traffic (not that we ever have that ) and patrolling Golden Gate Park (a 1 mile by 3 mile park) and the coast line.

Thanks for letting me babble.

[illnoise]

Thanks for the insight!

I came to the blur from vintage scooters (8" wheels! 4" drum brakes! 35-year-old shocks! starboard-heavy engine!) so I've had the opposite experience, the Blur handles like a dream! : )

Bb.

[NathanielSalzman]

Yeah, I also came from an old Vespa. It at least had 10" wheels, but the difference in handling and especially braking were just night and day.

I <3 Blur

[beelzebubbles]

Finally, I love the looks I get when riding my Blur around town in uniform while on duty as a law enforcement officer! Since purchasing my Blur, I have ridden my Blur during the 4th of July parade to perform street closures, answer spectator and participant questions and to monitor the crowds. The manuverability and lightness is far superior to that of our big Honda police motorcycles thus making zipping in and out of the crowds an easy task.

That's awesome - it's so ultracool to be layin' down the law while riding the Blur! (if you have any photos of this, please post) I've always kinda wondered why more police officers don't ride smaller, nimbler vehicles on crowded city streets.

A touch of irony is that, when Genuine advertised the Blur, they'd talk up the rebel image - stuff like "Dial it down in a hurry when you see a radar gun" and "You're guilty until proven innocent."

[NathanielSalzman]

And they weren't kidding. I can't believe I haven't gotten a ticket on this thing yet.