Motorcycle and Scooter appreciation

And to think I went years not riding through the winter, sounds equally exciting as terrifying. Glad the DR is rolling again.

The first couple times were a little interesting, but it got more fun and more predictable as I learned how the water reacted. Generally it's follow the rule of, as slow and steady as possible while maintaining momentum. No stopping, and keep the revs slightly higher while slipping the clutch.

Honestly I don't like lumpy water crossings where I can't see the bottom, but the road should have been quite smooth. If it had run-off from the fields it could have been slippery too.

I was keen to try it a few times as it was tidal. You have the flow of the river, and then proper waves formed by the cars also going through. So, as you move forward your bike begins washing out (literally).

That was great practice, because you're being pushed sideways, and then you are also trying to flow with the waves formed by the other vehicles.

Of course, once you're in the water and broken the surface you can pin it... but the bigger the splash the less visibility.

Can't find any videos online. Hopefully something surfaces eventually...

Looks like someone knocked a biker off just a few yards from the water crossing. I assume they were doing a U-turn and didn't look, as I near-missed a half dozen during the day.

I had water up over the axles of the VFR last weekend. The old girl plowed through it like an ocean liner.

Sick - I’m going with the Pier City guys for “work”, so just follow the sounds of mayhem and that’s where I’ll be

Found the nissin oe pads the best.

Have you got the 4 pad brembo brake calipers on the Duc?

Bet that was a sight. My mechanic had tide marks along the fairings on his ZZR1400 when he eventually got in today.

How dirty was his bike ;)

Actually how manky was the water.

The latter… countryside run-off. Bleurgh!

Spotted in Devizes

1 Attachment

NEED

New additions in the garage….moving heavy stuff can >>>>>

1 Attachment

Probably bought new from Woolworths...

Looking for advice here as I’m a total beginner, I’ve not ridden motorized bikes of any kind, only bicycles.

I’m looking at getting into the 49cc world, specifically Honda Giorno here in Canada. All in a new one is about 4300 CAD, whereas there’s a 2003 Honda Jazz that’s apparently been well tuned available for 2275 CAD. The guy seems to be well regarded around here as someone who does good work for a fair price.

Which one is the better choice?
I should add that the only specialist shop in my city is apparently a joke and most local riders stay away.

https://scooterdoc.ca/scooter/2003-honda-jazz-49cc-yellow/

https://motorcycle.honda.ca/model/minimoto/giorno

Can you not go 125 or 250 even? 50cc are really gutless.

I can ride the 49cc without a moto license, not ready to commit to that level yet. Also, anywhere I need to go in the city can be done on 50kmh roads.

My 50cc was terrible, I'm not sure it even made 50kph. And it was so slow to get going. Just beware its the crap version of motorised transport.

I'd buy whatever is easy to resell and not loose money on, if it's testing the water.

You would be better spending the money on an e-bike than a 50cc scooter of any kind. Even e-bikes at legal speeds are better for city riding.

Unless it's over 125cc you'll struggle and be miserable. I'd only consider small capacity for the laugh (ie the PUCH MAXI above), or for... nope that's all.

Definitely wouldn't want to be in traffic on a 50cc.

What are the requirements in Canada for motorcycle licences?

In the UK you only need basic training and can ride up to 125cc without an actual test.
Guessing stricter over there?

You can have fun on a scooter. Get the cheapest one going and modify from there to increase power.
They aren't complicated things so big bore kits and even whole engine (rear end) swaps are easily done.
I don't know how your insurance would fair but I wouldn't tell them, but that's up to you.

Do you wish to progress to something bigger? If so look at potential resale value and buy what you want if you're not keeping it for too long. Canadia is going to be pretty miserable for (motor)biking of any sort pretty soon, I suspect, so there may be some good pre-owned deals to be made before the weather improves. Buy it, ride it, get some experience, get something bigger.

Thanks for the responses everyone!

@skinny The Hondas are meant to hit up to 60, so I think 50 would be attainable. People mention having more in the tank in order to get yourself out of trouble but I ride bicycles on these same roads and certainly don’t have that level of speed available to me! The ‘buy cheap’ advice totally makes sense, I don’t always follow wise words though.

@pdlouche I don’t want an ebike, partly for aesthetic reasons and partly because I want to get close to road speeds on something that was designed to go that fast, and partly because of lack of decent after sales care around here - the tech still surpasses the mechanical and electrical skills.

@DethBeard Motorcycles require a class 6 around here (anything above 50cc) and that entails a written course, classroom time and driving test. There are costs involved, not much, but I’m not doing that yet. The licensing body is also currently on strike, though that may be resolved soon.

@Tom13 Kind of my thoughts, but I’d like to start out slow…

@Constable_Savage Also what I’m thinking, but being in the middle of a sparsely populated country with sort of brutal winters negates anything approaching deals no matter the time of year. You may laugh, but my end game is max 200cc, maybe even as low as 125cc.

Buy a dirt bike, have fun in the snow

Winter wonderland vs Hell frozen over.
Fantasy vs Reality.

Do you want to stay scooter style or road bike or trail bike? A trail bike might be fun and more versatile as long as you don't become Pooh Bear's lunch. 4 stroke is less faff for fuel but 2 stroke smoke in the pine forest smells nice. So many decisions but you seem to have fewer choices unless you go main dealer delivered.