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General => General Discussion => Topic started by: KayakGuy on February 16, 2023, 09:32:15 PM

Title: Owning a scooter and motorcycle
Post by: KayakGuy on February 16, 2023, 09:32:15 PM
A question for those who own a scoot AND a "regular" motorcycle. I went from scooters years ago to motorcycles and recently back to a scooter (AK550). Been thinking about getting a second bike, specifically the Genuine Motorcycles G400C, just to have a little of both worlds at my fingertips and for mostly local riding. I have never owned two bikes at the same time. Still planning on using the AK for longer day and overnight trips. The one thing I have been concerned about is getting the 400 and then not using one of the bikes often enough. I know things don't always work out the way we plan, so I guess I am really interested in knowing from those who have two - does one bike pretty much just sit around to where it hasn't worked the way you planned? Or are you happy you got the second bike?

I know it's all about individual riding habits and frequency of rides, but I'm just trying to see what most two-bike owners end up doing.

Thanks...
Title: Re: Owning a scooter and motorcycle
Post by: Stig / Major Tom on February 16, 2023, 09:50:16 PM
Don't own a motorcycle - but i have owned 2 scooters at the same time for 8 or 9 years now.
I just alternate between the two every time I go riding, couple times every week - weather permitting.
At times there was a 400 cc scooter and a 163cc scooter in the garage - still I alternated.

Keeps them new, longer :) .....or whatever!

The Genuine 400 looks like a nice bike! I also liked the smaller one they used to offer.

(I daydream of owning another Honda motorcycle - but afraid I'd sell the scooters if I did!)
Stig
Title: Re: Owning a scooter and motorcycle
Post by: Iahawk on February 16, 2023, 11:06:25 PM
there are a number of us with multiple bikes on this forum..I'm thinking Klav with about 5 or 6 bikes?

I have a motrocycle, big scooter and smaller scooter...I rotate between the 3 depending on my mood. They all do good things and serve different purposes.

I don't split mileage between the 3 equally because I do much longer rides on my motorcycle but I do ride each of them a similar number of times. I can't imagine only having 1 bike, now. In fact, if my marriage will stand it, I'd like to continue to add more bikes to the fleet!

(as someone posted recently, your scooter makes you really appreciate your motorcycle...and your motorcycle makes you appreciate your scooter!)
Title: Re: Owning a scooter and motorcycle
Post by: NorWeWa on February 16, 2023, 11:57:33 PM
About all I do is think about getting another motorcycle.  The scooters have spoiled me with better MPG,  the storage under the seat, better weather protection. But then that Royal Enfield Classic 350 sure looks good to me. 

Art 
Title: Re: Owning a scooter and motorcycle
Post by: klaviator on February 17, 2023, 03:08:16 AM
This is my current fleet:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/2022/2022C/i-vC3cNkM/0/62d191dd/X3/P7110006%20%282%29-X3.jpg)

My two 150cc scooters get ridden most often by far but when I take out either of my motorcycles it's often for a 200 or more mile ride.  My Majesty gets ridden on both short and longer rides.  This was the mileage on each of my bikes last year.

Versys: 3389
Like 150: 2860
ADV150 : 2739
KLX250: 2570
Majesty: 1581

I'm hoping to do better this year.  I also have a rule.  If I'm not riding at least 1000 miles on a bike in a year it's time to get rid of it.

Title: Re: Owning a scooter and motorcycle
Post by: Neil955i on February 17, 2023, 09:11:01 AM
If I applied your 1,000 mile rule Klav, I’d have sold my Triumph a few years back as the number of miles it does now is risible!  I think last year I did <250 miles 😩

To give you a genuine response KyaykGuy, It’s getting more and more difficult for me to justify keeping the bike there gathering dust while I pick the just too darned easy scooter for nearly each ride!  When I do ride the Triumph I love it still, but 2023 may be the year it gets moved on to an owner who will actually ride it…

If I do move my Street Triple on, that will be because of my circumstances, it will be different I’m sure for each person you ask.  You do what works best for you!
Title: Re: Owning a scooter and motorcycle
Post by: klaviator on February 17, 2023, 11:36:12 AM
There are a number of good reasons for owning more than one bike.

1.  If one is broke you still have a bike to ride.

2.  If you will be taking one bike on a long trip, you can save the tires on that bike by riding the other.

3.  Bikes are different .  It's nice to have some variety in the riding experience.

4.  One bike just can't be good at everything.  Multiple bikes let you choose the best or most fun bike for any given ride.

One problem is that it can sometimes be tough to choose which bike to ride since that are all fun.  That's a good "problem" to have ;D

Pretty much everyone I ride with has more than one bike.  Some have even more than I do.  Once you own more than one bike its hard to imagine only having one.
Title: Re: Owning a scooter and motorcycle
Post by: KayakGuy on February 17, 2023, 02:31:55 PM
Hey guys, thanks for the responses. All very informative. Interesting to get some multi-bike owners perspective. I’ll prob make my decision today…
Title: Re: Owning a scooter and motorcycle
Post by: KayakGuy on February 17, 2023, 02:36:01 PM
Nice pic Klaviator. Quite a fleet…
Title: Re: Owning a scooter and motorcycle
Post by: Neil955i on February 17, 2023, 03:39:12 PM
Nice pic Klaviator. Quite a fleet…

And he does the miles to justify it!
Title: Re: Owning a scooter and motorcycle
Post by: KayakGuy on February 17, 2023, 03:52:06 PM
And he does the miles to justify it!
Very true. But when you live a few miles from the southern shore of Lake Erie, it’s hard to put on lots of miles like that. I did manage near 2,000 on the AK last year.
Title: Re: Owning a scooter and motorcycle
Post by: klaviator on February 17, 2023, 04:32:34 PM
Very true. But when you live a few miles from the southern shore of Lake Erie, it’s hard to put on lots of miles like that. I did manage near 2,000 on the AK last year.

There's some pretty good riding on the southern shore of lake Erie.

(https://photos.smugmug.com/2019-PICS/i-3Tw6NbV/1/f7e7cb28/X2/DSC03385-X2.jpg)

If you are only riding 2,000 mi then I think it would be hard to justify another bike unless you plan on riding more.  Have you ridden SE Ohio?  There is some great riding there.

Title: Re: Owning a scooter and motorcycle
Post by: KayakGuy on February 17, 2023, 04:36:44 PM
There's some pretty good riding on the southern shore of lake Erie.

If you are only riding 2,000 mi then I think it would be hard to justify another bike unless you plan on riding more.  Have you ridden SE Ohio?  There is some great riding there.
I have ridden southern OH. Did the Triple Nickel and Hocking Hills Scenic Byway last year. And roads that run along the shoreline here are scenic, it's just the shorter riding season that's the problem. If I do get another bike I def plan on more riding. BTW - where was that pic taken?
Title: Re: Owning a scooter and motorcycle
Post by: klaviator on February 17, 2023, 05:23:18 PM
I have ridden southern OH. Did the Triple Nickel and Hocking Hills Scenic Byway last year. And roads that run along the shoreline here are scenic, it's just the shorter riding season that's the problem. If I do get another bike I def plan on more riding. BTW - where was that pic taken?

It was a little bit east of Mentor Headlands beach.  I was visiting my parents back in 2019 and rode around the area a lot.  My ride report is here:  https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/full-throttle-touring-150-through-the-rocket-city.647784/page-115#post-37860841 (https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/full-throttle-touring-150-through-the-rocket-city.647784/page-115#post-37860841)
Title: Re: Owning a scooter and motorcycle
Post by: KayakGuy on February 17, 2023, 07:31:51 PM
It was a little bit east of Mentor Headlands beach.  I was visiting my parents back in 2019 and rode around the area a lot.  My ride report is here:  https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/full-throttle-touring-150-through-the-rocket-city.647784/page-115#post-37860841 (https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/full-throttle-touring-150-through-the-rocket-city.647784/page-115#post-37860841)
That's a pretty area. I live on the totally opposite side of Cleveland, so don't get out that way much anymore. Used to kayak quite a bit near there. I do plan on riding the covered bridge tour out that way in Ashtabula this year; there are 11 "famous" covered bridges. Nice pics with your trip report.
Title: Re: Owning a scooter and motorcycle
Post by: stuo on February 17, 2023, 07:58:48 PM
My reason hasn't been mentioned: I have two identical 2009 Grandvista 250's because I want to have one for spare parts if something breaks and I can't find the part anywhere else. And even if I could order the part at least I have one to ride in the meantime.

The GV is the perfect bike for me. The electric folding mirrors allow me to lane share with confidence, the flat floor allows my feet and legs to not stick out as they do on a motorcycle. In my neck of the woods traffic is a major problem and because lane sharing, or white lining, is legal in California it's an important part of my riding technique.   
Title: Re: Owning a scooter and motorcycle
Post by: randyo on February 17, 2023, 09:59:04 PM
I took a nice ride in Ohio one time, from Marietta up to Woodsfield, on Rt 26, early one Sunday morning, no traffic, fog just burning off.  Then my riding mate crashed his cbr600, I was on my SV650,  they took him to hospital in Wheeling, his harm got broken pretty bad, I saw it my rear view, he didn't slide like has bike, that was rideable afterward. he tumbled or rolled, don't know which is better to describe. I'm not sure what caused him to go down, I was in lead, he was following a hundred yards behind.

luckily, first car to come by, within moments, was a guy on local EMT, ambulance was there within a couple minutes, initially, he was freeking out wanted his helmet off, but I waited, let the ambulance guys take care of that.
My tires were down to threads, I holed up in Wheeling a couple days waiting for tires
Title: Re: Owning a scooter and motorcycle
Post by: klaviator on February 18, 2023, 02:57:09 AM
My first ride in SE Ohio was an HSTA rally in Marietta in 99 or 2000.  I was riding a new 99 SV650.  I remember riding 555 with a group.  We came to a stop somewhere waiting for everyone.  We were missing one.  We waited a few minutes and the guy showed up on his VFR.  He blew a curve and rode into a farm field.  He almost saved it but tipped over at low speed.  He got it up and back on the road.  His bike just had a few scratches and some dirt on it.  Those SE Ohio roads can be tricky.
Title: Re: Owning a scooter and motorcycle
Post by: randyo on February 18, 2023, 05:01:43 AM
My first ride in SE Ohio was an HSTA rally in Marietta in 99 or 2000.  I was riding a new 99 SV650.  I remember riding 555 with a group.  We came to a stop somewhere waiting for everyone.  We were missing one.  We waited a few minutes and the guy showed up on his VFR.  He blew a curve and rode into a farm field.  He almost saved it but tipped over at low speed.  He got it up and back on the road.  His bike just had a few scratches and some dirt on it.  Those SE Ohio roads can be tricky.

my trip on my new 99sv650  was in 2000, returning from my first trip south to Deal's Gap, I had brand new tires a week earlier, they didn't last long, 8 days to fabric
Title: Re: Owning a scooter and motorcycle
Post by: klaviator on February 18, 2023, 10:06:25 AM
my trip on my new 99sv650  was in 2000, returning from my first trip south to Deal's Gap, I had brand new tires a week earlier, they didn't last long, 8 days to fabric

The OEM tires on my SV held up pretty well.  I think the rear went 3,200 miles.  I was on a trip to Deal's Gap and Suches when I saw that the rear tire wouldn't make it.  Luckily Blue Ridge Yamaha had a rear tire in stock in the correct size and on sale.  It was only 99$ for a Dunlop Sportmax so I had it mounted.  Three days and 750 miles later it was toast.  It still had tread left in the center but I wore the edges off.

Those were the days 8)
Title: Re: Owning a scooter and motorcycle
Post by: aschrauth on February 23, 2023, 12:34:46 AM
never owned a motorcycle but have and still own a scooter, Motorcycles that go fast really frighten me. I prefer a scooter that caps out at around 50mph.
Title: Re: Owning a scooter and motorcycle
Post by: klaviator on February 23, 2023, 01:40:03 AM
never owned a motorcycle but have and still own a scooter, Motorcycles that go fast really frighten me. I prefer a scooter that caps out at around 50mph.

A scooter that only went 50 MPH would frighten me.  Around here you'd end up as a hood ornament. 
Title: Re: Owning a scooter and motorcycle
Post by: Stig / Major Tom on February 23, 2023, 02:16:33 AM
never owned a motorcycle but have and still own a scooter, Motorcycles that go fast really frighten me. I prefer a scooter that caps out at around 50mph.
I agree. Scooters have been taken well beyond their original purpose as urban transportation in postwar Italy.
10" and 12" wheels, often powered by as little as 12hp, sharing highways with Buicks! Really?
50mph scooters are perfect for cities....and certain rural routes if found appropriate.
"MaxiScooter"
Is it any wonder some motorcyclists are amused by our hobby?....Maxie-Scoooter..🙂
Stig
Title: Re: Owning a scooter and motorcycle
Post by: Neil955i on February 23, 2023, 09:08:47 AM

"MaxiScooter"
Is it any wonder some motorcyclists are amused by our hobby?....Maxie-Scoooter..🙂
Stig

And we care?…
Title: Re: Owning a scooter and motorcycle
Post by: klaviator on February 23, 2023, 11:27:51 AM
I agree. Scooters have been taken well beyond their original purpose as urban transportation in postwar Italy.
10" and 12" wheels, often powered by as little as 12hp, sharing highways with Buicks! Really?
50mph scooters are perfect for cities....and certain rural routes if found appropriate.
"MaxiScooter"
Is it any wonder some motorcyclists are amused by our hobby?....Maxie-Scoooter..🙂
Stig

The minimum speed to safely ride an area depends on where you live.  I do a lot of riding within the Huntsville/Madison city limits.  No way would I buy a 50 MPH scooter.  55 MPH might be OK but I prefer 60.  There are places where 50 MPH would be plenty.  When my parents lived in the Cleveland, OH area I took my scooter up there a few times.  Most speed limits were 40 MPH or less.  I was getting 100 MPG on my Like because of the low speeds.

I have never owned a scooter that couldn't get up to at least 55-60 MPH and felt comfortable at that speed.

Title: Re: Owning a scooter and motorcycle
Post by: monkeybongos on February 23, 2023, 01:33:27 PM

(as someone posted recently, your scooter makes you really appreciate your motorcycle...and your motorcycle makes you appreciate your scooter!)

I might have been that "someone".  If not, I'm certainly in that camp.

The shifting required on the Rebel is a blast, but also creates appreciation for a scooter's shift free riding, especially in traffic.

The big wheels and relatively heavier weight of the Rebel and BV 350 feel comfortable and stable compared to the Cali, especially over bumps and rough sections, but makes me appreciate the nimbleness of the smaller wheels and lighter weight of the Cali.

Like the laid back cruiser ergonomics of the Rebel and Cali, while the more upright position on the BV is a nice change of pace.

And though the relatively low speed and power of the former two suit most rides, they make the BV feel like a rocket ship, which is fun.

All in all, each of the three bikes makes me appreciate the others more (than if I just had one, or even two).
Title: Re: Owning a scooter and motorcycle
Post by: aschrauth on March 03, 2023, 04:56:29 AM
scooter than a motorcycle for me. I am abosutly terrified of motorcycles, I dont know why. I think it was because when I would ride with my father when he bought one when he was going through a midlife crisis and was constantly riding unsafe as well as always speeding.
Title: Re: Owning a scooter and motorcycle
Post by: Neil955i on March 03, 2023, 10:48:01 AM
scooter than a motorcycle for me. I am abosutly terrified of motorcycles, I dont know why. I think it was because when I would ride with my father when he bought one when he was going through a midlife crisis and was constantly riding unsafe as well as always speeding.

Interesting that.  The main reason I got into biking in the first place was being taken out on the back of my big brother's BSA C15 aged about 5 or 6 - me, not my brother.  I just loved the experience and from then on was fixated on 'bikes.  (Yes, the C15 mentioned in my bio was his bike, but about 10 years later when I pulled it out of his shed for a bit of a restoration.)
Title: Re: Owning a scooter and motorcycle
Post by: aschrauth on March 09, 2023, 01:41:10 AM
A scooter that only went 50 MPH would frighten me.  Around here you'd end up as a hood ornament.
Believe me, People where I live NEVER follow the speed limit. Highway 231 where I am is a missouri state highway and the max speed limit is 40 mph. 45 MPH max. I have had people barrel past me going over 70mph!. Problem is the police around here do nothing to enforce the speed limit but instead would wrather sit in parking lots, most of the action and officer activity is in the city.
Title: Re: Owning a scooter and motorcycle
Post by: klaviator on March 09, 2023, 04:14:05 AM
Believe me, People where I live NEVER follow the speed limit. Highway 231 where I am is a missouri state highway and the max speed limit is 40 mph. 45 MPH max. I have had people barrel past me going over 70mph!. Problem is the police around here do nothing to enforce the speed limit but instead would wrather sit in parking lots, most of the action and officer activity is in the city.

The drivers around here don't usually go that much over the speed limit.  The thing is that when I leave my subdivision the speed limit is 45.  The next road I get on, depending on which direction I go, is either 50 or 55 MPH.  Many drivers will go about 5 over.  That's' why I prefer something that will do 60.  This is all within city limits.  Speed limits on rural highway can be as high as 65 while interstates are 70.   
Title: Re: Owning a scooter and motorcycle
Post by: Viper254 on March 09, 2023, 01:05:57 PM
About all I do is think about getting another motorcycle.  The scooters have spoiled me with better MPG,  the storage under the seat, better weather protection. But then that Royal Enfield Classic 350 sure looks good to me. 

Art

Having ridden one and very nearly bought it at the dealership 6 months ago, I can confirm the Classic 350 is an absolutely storming ride.
Title: Re: Owning a scooter and motorcycle
Post by: Neil955i on March 10, 2023, 01:39:46 PM
Having ridden one and very nearly bought it at the dealership 6 months ago, I can confirm the Classic 350 is an absolutely storming ride.

They (RE) look to be wiping the floor with the opposition over here and with the rumoured faults with their new Gold Star, it's hard to see BSA overturning that!
Title: Re: Owning a scooter and motorcycle
Post by: KayakGuy on April 13, 2023, 10:01:12 PM
After a lot of thinking and going back and forth, I pulled the trigger today and brought home a new '22 Genuine Motorcycle G400C. Tried using the clutch as a break a few times (force of habit), which of course didn't work that well. Re-learning curve. Fun to ride. Still love the AK and will use it for longer trips, but will be nice switching off for the different types of riding.
Title: Re: Owning a scooter and motorcycle
Post by: Neil955i on April 14, 2023, 07:28:06 AM
After a lot of thinking and going back and forth, I pulled the trigger today and brought home a new '22 Genuine Motorcycle G400C. Tried using the clutch as a break a few times (force of habit), which of course didn't work that well. Re-learning curve. Fun to ride. Still love the AK and will use it for longer trips, but will be nice switching off for the different types of riding.

Congratulations! Chinese manufacturers? 

Edit:  For anyone else unfamiliar with the brand, I found this on line:


OUR STORY

For more than twenty years, Genuine Scooters has been creating passionate two-wheel scooter enthusiasts in a way we never thought possible when we launched the business out of an old warehouse in Chicago.

From our humble beginnings then, to our thankfully thriving business today, Genuine has only had one goal in mind:  Bring a better scooter to the United States.

And, we’ve stayed true to that goal, by partnering with some of the best gas-powered scooter manufacturers in the world who produce the Buddy, Roughhouse, Kick, Hooligan, Urbano, Brio, and GT150 scooters along with many other bikes in our line-up. 

Genuine has expanded the line to include motorcycles and we’ve entered into an exclusive partnership with NIU to provide a full line of electric scooters in a variety of styles and displacements.

We have tremendous confidence in our product and the Genuine Authorized Dealers who sell them. We’ve backed this confidence with a 2-3 Year Genuine Confidence Warranty that comes with every vehicle that we sell. So wherever you are, you’re not far from someone you can trust to assist you.

Genuine’s love of two wheels has remained the same since those humble beginnings all those years ago. We want everyone to feel the same passion and excitement that we do when we take one of our scooters or motorcycles for a ride. So what are you waiting for? Isn’t it time to Feel the Love? It’s Genuine.

More info?:  https://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/genuine/2019-genuine-g400c-review.html

Title: Re: Owning a scooter and motorcycle
Post by: Iahawk on April 14, 2023, 12:33:45 PM
that's a good lookin' bike! You've now entered the best of both worlds, a motorcycle and a scooter!
Title: Re: Owning a scooter and motorcycle
Post by: monkeybongos on April 14, 2023, 01:41:16 PM
Sure is a nice looker, great specs as well.  If I didn't already have a Rebel...
See if each bike doesn't make you appreciate the other more.
You're in a minority in that your scooter is more powerful than your mc.
Title: Re: Owning a scooter and motorcycle
Post by: KayakGuy on April 14, 2023, 03:40:50 PM
Thanks for the comments guys. Yes, this is a Chinese-manufactured bike (was my only qualm about buying it), and designed by Honda. First thing I did when I got home was remove the "Made in China" sticker!  ;D Only have about 30 miles so far, but going on a ride today in the Metroparks. It's a torquey (sp?) little bike and should be great fun, once I get used to it after riding the AK.

Ordering a rear seat bag today for it. I'm used to the storage and top case I have on the AK, so need some more carrying space.
Title: Re: Owning a scooter and motorcycle
Post by: KayakGuy on April 16, 2023, 04:52:53 PM
Added a universal windshield from Amazon to the G400C yesterday. Quite finicky to install, but finally got it right. Put over 100 mi. on it in the past 3 days. Took the AK out today and it felt like I was riding in a luxury car compared to the G400C. But for me, each has its own purpose (other than both are fun to ride).