Do you drive your scooter to work?

[kmrcstintn]

our first snow in southcentral PA came on October 30th-31st and I thought it was time to pack the scoot/moto away; I even winterized the fuel in each, but each week beyond that offered decent enough weather to continue riding until December 22nd when I avoided an accident and injured my left knee...

so, yes I continued to ride to & from work well beyond what I thought was feasible...I changed my riding wardrobe to meet my needs as the weather got colder;

[blorf]

I work in the construction industry so i need my truck on job sites usually. I do however ride it to work occasionallly when all tools are there already. I also ride the scooter to look at jobs when i get called for estimates. People seem to like when i pull up on the scoot.

[Southerner]

Now that I've been making my 25 mile commute to my new job for about 2 weeks, I've been reconsidering Eric's advice about buying the smallest machine that will suit one's needs.

Although my drive is relatively long, the traffic conditions are surprisingly good and the route is enjoyable.

I've been thinking about what scoot or smaller MC I might try when funds become available. Somebody just mentioned to me that rollers probably need to be replaced every 5 or 6k miles and that got me thinking about life cycle costs. In other words, when ALL things are considered, not just MPG, but tires and other maintenance costs, what will be the most reliable and require the least in maintenance costs?

Will, for example, a Blur cost more, the same or less than a smaller MC like, say, a Honda Rebel or a Hyosung GV250 since these cost about the same thing?

[ericalm]

Now that I've been making my 25 mile commute to my new job for about 2 weeks, I've been reconsidering Eric's advice about buying the smallest machine that will suit one's needs.

The caveat here is that many new riders don't or can't accurately assess their needs. When I bought my first scooter it was with the intent of just recreational riding, running errands, the occasional weekend jaunt for coffee, etc. Not "Adios, car! I'm a scooterists now!" I was fortunate that I got the 150, which suited my needs after they'd grown.

I've been thinking about what scoot or smaller MC I might try when funds become available. Somebody just mentioned to me that rollers probably need to be replaced every 5 or 6k miles and that got me thinking about life cycle costs. In other words, when ALL things are considered, not just MPG, but tires and other maintenance costs, what will be the most reliable and require the least in maintenance costs?

Low mileage '80s Honda Elite 150 or Helix 250. The more I'm around these and speak to owners, the more I'm amazed by their durability, longevity and low cost of ownership.

Will, for example, a Blur cost more, the same or less than a smaller MC like, say, a Honda Rebel or a Hyosung GV250 since these cost about the same thing?

Well… First off, there's a cost premium for most scooters, which tend to be priced higher than the equivalent-sized low-end motorcycles. A lot of it comes down to what and how you want to ride. All machines have parts that wear and maintenance costs. I think you might come out paying out less in the long run on the Rebel. But… it's a Rebel 250. Nice bike, but as straight-up no frills kind of boring entry-level motorcycle as you can find. The Blur may be a more fun and enjoyable ride.

As far as MPGs, one reason not to consider them is that they're a terrible measure of actual costs/savings. It's much more informative to calculate Gallons per Mile and Fuel Cost per Mile. There are diminishing returns and the cost differences between a 65/75 MPG vehicle and a 90/100MPG one aren't all that significant. You will consume less and be able to go farther on the latter, but you won't be saving that much more money.

[rkcoker]

Did a test run to work. Looks like I'll be riding to work after all once the foul weather goes away.

[Southerner]

In the scooter's favor is the internal storage many have, plus weather protection in the form of legshields. Addjng things to motorcycles to accomplish the same things can get pricey.

I can't wait to start riding my mc to work but the weather here lately has been alternating between particularly cold and warmer but rainy. I'm no fair-weather rider but would hate to get the crud and start missing work days, especially since I have no sick leave yet.