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Scooter for a Big Person

Ginae

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Apr 23, 2013
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Hello all!

I really want to be a scooter. However, I am not a small person. Please, what kind (model, etc.) of scooter should I get? BMW makes the most beautiful scooters that I've ever seen!
 
Hello all!

I really want to be a scooter. However, I am not a small person. Please, what kind (model, etc.) of scooter should I get? BMW makes the most beautiful scooters that I've ever seen!

Get a name brand, a BMW would work, but requires long legs. Go to the dealers and sit on them, see what is comfortable.
 
Sym or Kymco ... As much as I love my Beemer I would not consider it for a first motorbike.

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Xian - I'm with you on this one. I've been breaking in my new Stella (125 c.c. 240 lbs.) and have ignored the C600 for the last two weeks. I got on the C600 Sunday and suddenly realized what a big, heavy and powerful machine it is. I wouldn't recommend it as a bike for someone with no experience at all.
 
Hello all!

I really want to be a scooter. However, I am not a small person. Please, what kind (model, etc.) of scooter should I get? BMW makes the most beautiful scooters that I've ever seen!

I'm 6ft, 33inch inseam, 235-240lbs and my Vespa GTS300 worked well. It had plenty of power. Great acceleration and it could cruise at 65mph+ . I thought it was a great scooter for tooling around town. All the power you would need and more unless you are highway riding. The BMW is very comfy and definitely great for bigger guys. However, I definitely would not recommend it as a first scooter/motorbike. It has gobs of power that will get you into trouble if you aren't careful and the weight of it can be a challenge if you aren't used to it.
 
Too Right, I've been on Vespas and Lambrettas for over 20 years and I came a few twisted muscles and chiropractor trips away from totally dumping my Sport when I first got her. I'd say it honestly took at least a thousand or more miles to get used to the weight. For a casual rider it's just too much bike. A Sym HD2 or a Kymco People or Like is a much better choice for a first scoot or for someone who wants a leisurely fun let's go to coffee machine. I ride two up almost every weekend with the missus and head out on the open highway where the speeds are 70, 80, or sometimes more...this is where the Beemer is perfect. If I was just solo all the time I'd find a smaller bike a better choice. Even a GTS is not my recommendation for a first bike, it's too expensive (for something that has a high probability of being dropped) and it's quicker than the Beemer because of it's lighter weight. I'm guessing the op might not be stateside or I might also suggest a Genuine Buddy.

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What's life like on something that heavy? No wonder you needed something more suited to city/urban riding. /QUOTE]

It's my "Magic Carpet." I love that bike. It's heavy to push around in the garage, but once it starts moving the weight disappears. My wife also loves that bike; it's not uncommon to see her reading her Kindle when we're doing long stretches of interstates. She does put it away when we get off the highways and onto the twisty back roads though.

It has even more cargo capacity than the scooter, too. The only real drawback is when you get stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic. After an hour or so of riding the clutch, your left hand and arm get TIRED!!

It's also easier to squeeze the C650GT into tight parking spaces since it doesn't have those wide saddlebags to deal with (though the LT is one of the narrowest full-dress tourers on the road). We've test-ridden the K1600GLT (and even rented one for the whole week on our recent trip to Las Vegas) but we prefer the K1200LT for overall comfort.
 
What's life like on something that heavy? No wonder you needed something more suited to city/urban riding.

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I can't even imagine pushing around some of the Harleys I owned in the day. I think we should all have a city bike and a open road bike. I went to technological extremes with my C600 and my new Stella but each bike has its charms. If I could only own one however it would be the BMW.
 
I can't even imagine pushing around some of the Harleys I owned in the day. I think we should all have a city bike and a open road bike. I went to technological extremes with my C600 and my new Stella but each bike has its charms. If I could only own one however it would be the BMW.

Did you get a 4T Stella or a 2T Stella? I agree with you on having a few bikes. We all need a runnabout a C-series, a GS, and an RT or KLT, at least that's my argument to the missus...lol.

I tried to build a "super touring" vintage scoot and no matter how much motor work I've had done (its going to be water injected even) or high tech suspension it's just not as comfy and capable as the Beemer. I might do 100 on the top and will cruise at 70 but the mighty C will trump it 2 up all day long.

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Did you get a 4T Stella or a 2T Stella? I agree with you on having a few bikes. We all need a runnabout a C-series, a GS, and an RT or KLT, at least that's my argument to the missus...lol.

I tried to build a "super touring" vintage scoot and no matter how much motor work I've had done (its going to be water injected even) or high tech suspension it's just not as comfy and capable as the Beemer. I might do 100 on the top and will cruise at 70 but the mighty C will trump it 2 up all day long.

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I guess I'm drawn to being a Beta tester. I got the 4T automatic with fuel injection. It's a hoot. I needed a smaller bike for my in town scooter club stuff. My other club is mixed scooters and bikes and does heavier hauling. I bring the BMW to those rides.
 
For me, the mid-size 650GT is great, but I also thought about getting a smaller scooter for quick little rides. Didn't do it because with the edition of a dual purpose, I am running out of time for golf...or work....or food.
 
Also, while I know I sound like a broken record, new riders should probably not buy anything until they take a MSF Basic course, or something comparable. You'll ride a bike for a couple days and learn a lot about safety. Bikes considerably smaller than either BMW scooter can be a lot of fun, less expensive, and just might be a better first ride.
 
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