sbett said:
.
I like the mix of utilitarian features. I enjoy the relatively cool, wind-free, vibration free ride.
I like the way the fairing reduces wind exposure at 65 mph without trapping engine heat.
I like the cargo carrying capacity of my Burgman and the added comfort of a driver's back rest.
Why do you ride a maxi-scooter?
FEATURE . . . . . . COMMENT
AT CVT . . . . . . .I rather like shifting gears but the automatic transmission is a good selling point & adds value.
storage . . . . . . Crotch rockets are not designed to be practical - scooters are usually more utilitarian in design.
vibration . . . . . Some motorcycles are as vibration free as a scooter with the same displacement.
no heat . . . . . . My last motorcycle had a fairing and was very hot to ride at slow speeds in the summer.
better mileage . . I don't think that scooters with the same displacement
light weight . . . . would get better mileage or be any lighter.
cheaper alt. . . . . Is a 250 cc scooter cheaper than a 250 cc motorcycle (MC)? Probably not.
more capable . . . Scooters are not more capable but they usually have a better mix of utilitarian features.
. . . . . . . . . . . . You don't need to go from zero to 60 in 4 seconds to keep up with the traffic.
Since I posted this I sold my AN400 for $100 more than I paid for it and bought a newer AN650
The higher displacement seems to have cost me 10+ mpg but everything else has been upgraded.
If you want an automatic transmission or under-seat storage,
you are pretty well stuck with a scooter. Over 112 listed these items as important.
Better mileage was listed by 47 but there are a few MCs such as the new
BMW 650 that gets 20 more MPG than the Burgman 650.
Does the CVT reduce mileage that much?
No chain to maintain was not listed as a feature. Neither was ease of maintenance in general.
Ease of maintenance may be a toss up. The maxi scooter is easier to keep clean but
you have to remove some of the plastic parts to service. It is usually easier to replace
filters, plugs, and oil on a MC.
Lack of engine heat in the summer was mentioned by 58.
If you live in the South, having a cooler ride is important.
Lighter weight was mentioned by 22.
I am not sure that a 400 or 650 cc scooter is any lighter than an MC with the same displacement.
There does seem a difference in where the weight is located.
The scooter is not as top heavy as a motorcycle.
The weight on the front wheel on a scooter seems to be less.
The steering on many MCs feels heavy at low speeds when compared to a scooter.