Motorcycle and Scooter appreciation

https://instagram.com/p/BXLmlRujP0X/

If you're selling it then it doesn't make much sense but I reckon a serious chain would stop them getting away with it, it doesn't stop vandalism though. Sad state of affairs, I won't be surprised if someone doesn't end up going vigilante again: http://i796.photobucket.com/albums/yy248/joshmolloy/PB-The%20Equalizers/IMG_0002.jpg

@Jung I've been in Nashville the lasr couple of days and apart from the super loud Harley's I've seen a load of bikes with long wheelbases, wondering if that's a thing in the states, and if they're road legal drag bikes. Weird to see a bike roll up and as it goes by be longer than you'd expect it to be..

It's kind of a thing, though you see less than when I first got here. I've seen some crazy stretched, turbo'd streetbikes. And much neon hideousness....

Speaking of Nashville have you been to Princes Hot Chicken yet? Tis a must do.

Some photos of them in action splashed across the internet would probably make things a bit more awkward for them ... just sayin'.

The police would probably do more about you infringing upon their civil liberties or privacy as minors than they can about those scroats running amock and disrupting other people's lives.
Hope it ends well @Sparky.

Unfortunately, you're probably right. Perhaps they would need to appear from many anonymous sources.

No chance of happy ending. It's SORN and uninsured, and the little gits have no police worries.

School holidays should be banned. And killing bike thieves should be legal.

That absolutely sucks man. Anyone you know that has a garage or something you can stash it in for a bit?

Thanks to everyone who replied to my question a few pages back, forgot to check back.

Spam: I'm selling a chain lock here that might suit a motorbike
https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/308383/#comment13771226

Not really. I tried to start it and got nothing: they've cut some of the wiring loom. Really won't have time to do anything about it for a while so it's going to just sit there, and I'm sure the little sods will be back soon.

If I thought I could get it in my Corsa I'd take it to Norfolk and stash it at my dad's for the foreseeable.

Isn't there an LFGSS man with a van service?

Just a thought, but is there room in your flat for the engine and back wheel?
They are very easy to remove and carry away. They can't nick a scooter without an engine.

Hey guys, looking for some advice.

I have been very tempted to get a scooter to nip about London and local places when i cant be arsed to ride or its not the most practical. any advice or tips in getting started? i'm happy enough to get something (probably a vespa as my vanity dictates a little style) cheap and ride with L plates to see how much use i really get out of it and if it is worth it. before thinking on getting full licence.

Any tips for best places to be looking for purchase and for the essential requirements would be appreciated!

I Don't need it for the commute so its likely to be parked up (on the street) a fair amount of time. and reading the recent pages in regard to theft has given me second thoughts... best anti theft actions one can take?

i appreciate this is pretty vague but i'm just dippng my toe in really.

thanks
Mark

Firstly, you'll need to take a CBT course to be riding legally unless you have a 50cc exemption for having a UK driving licence from before Feb 2001.

After that, i'd look for a cheap honda 125. Vespas are expensive theft fodder (just look at @sparky posts from the last couple of days...!).

You'll need a disc lock and a large chain to stop it from being stolen and ideally a garage.

1. Test - you need a CBT. Shop around for the cheapest quote. This time of year space will be tight. Personally I would try and do it on a geared motorcycle so you know how incase you buy one later.
   
2. eBay and Gumtree will be best value. There will be lots of shit ones. The ones you like are likely to be the same as other people prefer - so expect prices to be higher. Only buy common Jap ones.
   
3. Security. Lots of locks and prey.
   

A lot of the advantages have been eroded by parking restrictions, theft and bike lanes. If you really only want to use it occasionally (no commuting) you might consider an electric bike, they are a good alternative to a 50cc moped these days. You've got to be a pretty committed petrol head to put up with the hassles of running a petrol scooter in London these days.

If you're really wanting to get into a full license then do a CBT and ride something like a CB125 for a year. If you still like it and use it go for the full license and pick up a 5/600.

I would never choose a motorbike for style reasons. It's not that stylish most of the year in this country and 50cc scooters have very little style that isn't eroded by their crappy performance and lacklustre exhaust note. The most stylish I've ever owned was the velocifero but they're rare and pricey now. Looking stylish usually involves not wearing enough protection and hospital visits are not cool.

If you're thinking it's fun to bomb around with the Doris on a weekend or buzz across London to a gig then you're not wrong but the off season is a bitch, you arrive cold and wet or overdressed and now you run the risk of getting an acid bath on top of it. If you do have an accident with a pillion then you realise the risk you are taking with someone else's life and you need them to be cool with that.

Don't be put off though, I'm a grumpy old git but my best riding days have not been in London, for me it was a way of getting from A to B for work and play but it starts to define you if you do it all the time and I'd rather not have had to spanner the bike until 6 in the morning in January just to get to work the next day.

Alright dad....

Bit neg mate ;)

But yeah once you've fucked around locking/unlocking, dressing, parking and walking to your final destination they're rarely faster than a bike.

Personally I'd go for a ratty px125 or one of those funny skelly bikes.

What time do you call this sunshine. Riding that bike around all night, what do you get up to anyway and look at the state of you. etc. etc. Get a haircut and stop using my aftershave.

In a similar vein does anyone here know what the logistics of owning a scooter or motorbike in the New York is ?

These are usually silly expensive or hard to find. Because of the modding scene I think. Honda Zoomer/Ruckus

etc

If you want a cheap 125, buy this Vespa.

Yes. But I'm trying to sell the flat at the moment and already get told off by Mrs Sparky for tools etc lying around...