Calis Beach and Fethiye Turkey Discussion Forum
Information and Services in Turkey Section => Cars, Bikes, Scooters, MOTs, Speeding... => Topic started by: Ian on March 27, 2010, 21:14:08 PM
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Hi - I have arranged to take out residency so everything is planned to buy our scooter but this evening I had my father-in-law saying to me: "those scooters are dangerous you would be safer on a moped"
He is a coach driver of 40 years - aged 84 and a member of the advanced drivers association!!!!
So having told my children something similar for years - my main reasons for buying a scooter are - I had one for 2 years - aged 18 and I tried it last year for 3 days and managed ok - they look trendier! - but I am aware that people say mopeds with bigger wheels are safer - does any one have a view which we should buy out of these 2?
Any real advice from those of you who have ridden both would be appreciated as if I come off now I will have my father-in-law saying "told you so" [:(!]
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e44/ian2006/1151177525.jpg)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e44/ian2006/1151168498.jpg)
Many thanks - Ian
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Ian mate..... this is fethiye, how can a ex mod even think of getting a moped!!!
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I'd go for the scooter. There's room for at least 2 passengers on the footplate but on a moped it's not so easy.
:D:D ;):D:D
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That's 2 of you talking my language - I can blame you both now!!!
Thanks :)
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(http://img.hisupplier.com/var/userImages/old/jh0417/jh0417$816101042.jpg)
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Ah...............A Quad !!!! Now you're gettin' there !
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Where does Gill sit????
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She walks alongside you
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Yep, you'll need her with you to carry the shopping.
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Ian, your photoes show a scooter and a step thru motorbike.
A moped is a motorised pedal cycle, now they are a good idea.
But back to the main point, bigger wheels are inherently safer on two wheeled transport, braking and steering are improved, less effected by potholes/gravel etc.
And tyres last longer (Being a Scot that was an important factor)
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Jim - many thanks - a real informative post :D
Those were the technical details I probably didn't want to hear ;)
I was ok (not great - just ok) on the scooter last year but I have never ridden a step thru motorbike but they seem to sell a lot of them to locals which should always make you think - they usually know best and they are cheaper!
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quote:
bigger wheels are inherently safer on two wheeled transport
So it looks like its the penny farthing Ian
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The bigger wheels do look safer - but the scooter looks classier - is that a good enough reason - I really don't know??
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ive got a scooter with big wheels!! lol
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Engine size is another consideration, the scooters you can get from 125 up to around 400cc the stepthrough motor cycle I believe only go up to 100cc.
Then of course there is the third type, which is probably the safest.:D
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w246/diverbaz/scooter.jpg)
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If you're going for anything over 125cc make sure that you're licenced for it.
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My medical cover (6-months) only covers me up to 125cc and I have passed my UK motorcycle test albeit 40 years ago so I have a class A.
The scooter in the picture is a 125cc and the step thru motorbike is a 100cc - with 2 of us on it I suppose the 125cc would be the best bet if we want to go up a slight incline - although both manuals say they will carry 150 kgs???
Ian
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I think you'll be ok Ian
(http://images.paraorkut.com/img/funnypics/images/f/fat_guy_on_moped-12288.jpg)
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Yeah - but he is going slightly downhill and hasn't got his "babe" on the back!!!! :)
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As a life long biker I would advise you to do some bike training in UK as you say it is a long time since you have ridden.Bikes have moved on a long way over the years.Wear appropriate clothing to save you skin should you have a spill rather than go for the poser factor of shorts & tee shirt as many do in Turkey.
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A bike or scooter with gears will be better for going up or down hills rather than a twist & go.Bigger wheels with wide tyres will give more grip & try to get one with disc brakes.
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Kevin - cheers - many thanks for the tips.
It is a little "against the grain" to wear anything other than the helmets when we are there for the summer and it is hot - but you are obviously right.
Ian
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Well, I weigh 105 kilos and Mrs KKOB is about 60 kilos but our 125cc Haojin never had much trouble getting us and our shopping up from Fethiye to Kaya by either route.
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KKOB - that is very useful to know - thanks.
I did wonder if the 100 cc would manage the "weight" and I even thought the 125 cc would struggle to get us up and over to Olu Deniz - so now I know the 125 cc should give us a wider range than I thought!
Ian
By the way - you really don't look 105 kgs - is that with all the leathers, gloves, boots, goggles and helmet!!!
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No mate, that's soaking wet, in me moleskin posing pouch and high-heels. :D 8) ;) 8):D
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Now then after listening to Barry / Kevin / Jim / Baz and KKOB - I have narrowed it down to 2 options. The main thing the scooter has going for it is we can carry a couple of small collapsible chairs across the platform when we go to the beach - which we intend to do quite often at 8am for a couple of hours for a swim and a read!
But the bike could be safer and with a box on the back I suspect I could strap the chairs on!
They are both the same price - both 125 cc's
I know I go on - but I haven't bought a bike for 40 yrs and want to do the right thing - and it is a lazy Sunday!!!
So - votes please from Barry / Kevin / Jim / Baz and KKOB (Scunner you are excluded because in the words of that famous tennis player "you cannot be serious" :D :D
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e44/ian2006/007.jpg)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e44/ian2006/1151168498.jpg)
Ian
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I'd definitely go for the scooter. With most of them you've got electric start, twist and go throttles, a bit of storage space under the seat, plus the added advantage of somewhere to rest a shopping bag or rucksack between your feet. It's also worthwhile having a top-box fitted for more carrying capacity and helmet storage. Although you have to be wary of them breaking away from their anchorages if you often go on dirt tracks.
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Now you change the choice by adding a normal type motorbike....
I would def give that a miss as there are no leg shields, a must on the local boulder strewn roads.
And what about getting a trailer for your furniture, seems a common enough accessory in the area
Best to list the must haves
For me it would be
Leg shields
Leccy start
Big wheels
Manual gears
Enclosed chain
And the biggest/most oomph engine I would be allowed, but that is not always CC's, check the BHP/KW figures and also the torque figures, I know its getting a bit techy but will only take minutes to check on this interweb thingy.
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Jim - the scooter has 3 of those - so the scooter wins!
And I am really not strong enough these days to lift / balance the sort of machine you are picturing!!! :)
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Personally, I'd go for the Mondial. Larger wheels for stability & control; geared; it looks like it has leccy start (the small cylindrical gizmo behind the cylinder head); also a back-box and crash bars can be bolted on if your bothered about your legs being exposed.
Having a kickstart as well gives you more flexibility.
That's just one man's opinion!!
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Connor - cheer's - some good points
They are both Mondial - both have electric start and kick start - but the under seat storage on the scooter and the lack of protection on the bike - are making me lean towards the scooter.
I would be reluctant to bolt bars on as additions are often not as strong as those built in by the manufacturer.
But you have given me something to think about - many thanks.
This is what I like about "research" - you get all the views and facts that you can and then you have to make a decision!! :)
Ian :)
Ps Forgot to say - I don't know where or what a cylinder head is - can't think of a reason why I should want to know !!!
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My personel preference would always be a motorcycle but from what you describe your needs the scooter will fit the bill, or go for one of the step through geared bikes they have leg protection & a back box can be added.
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Well as an ex mod it had to be a scooter, electric start, kick start and can be started with the remote control as you approach the bike, under seat storage and top box for the shopping, footplate to put goat or other odd shaped passengers/ladders etc on, Kevin b has not spent the summer here yet riding a bike, you won't believe how hot and sweaty it is to wear a helmet and the sweat running into your eyes, I know you should aleays wear a helmet but the stinging eyes can be even more dangerous. The leathers, thats another story (betty swollocks doesn't come close to it): :). Best advice is drive carefully and defensive, its not a race, just quicker than walking.:D
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It sadly shows how big a part of my life CBF takes up, when I read Baz recommending the scooter as an ex-mod, and I immediately think "What's Baz on about, he's never been a mod" :-\:D
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Just waiting for the call though:D:D ;)
Just to clarify,
Mods
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w246/diverbaz/thumbnailCA2G2SQB-1.jpg)
Moderator
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w246/diverbaz/PC260010.jpg)
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Sorry Baz, it's rockers CBF needs now ;)
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From what I remember about havic a scooter Vvs a bike was that the windage on a scooter was not very good.
Steve
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its easier to get your leg over with a scooter.!!
especially for a lady on the back!
how do you put a wink on here?
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quote:
Originally posted by stuart
its easier to get your leg over with a scooter.!!
Stuart - your advice has blown all other contributions away!!!
The 125cc scooter it will be - looking cool (Barry) with a helmet on at all times (Baz) - leccy start (Connor) - good storage for shopping and will get 2 of us (155 kilo's) up and down Babadag (KKOB) and will suit my needs better (Kevin) - oh and I'll barter the price down (Jim)
What more can I say - thank you
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keep right side up and enjoy.
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Only 7-days now - forgot to ask - sorry - does the mandatory insurance cover third party & theft - if not do I go to Baris to get that cover and if so any idea on roughly what I should pay
Ian :)
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as far as I was told by broker it is minimum road risk,if you want fire & theft/fully comp equivelent you need to go to broker.
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Cheers Kevin - it just dawned on me that after all this messing around - research / visa etc - it would really upset me if it got nicked! :)
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Good luck on the scooter Ian, I would like one myself.
Dont forget the 10 headlights on the front and the furry tail on the back
Quadrophenia reborn :D
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Good luck with the scooter Ian,but as a long time biker in uk and having had a 250cc tiger here,for gods sake be careful,keep minimum 20 metres from any one in front.Keep right in the gutter area at traffic lights or they will pass inside of you etc.One small point,if you are expecting to ride two up? I would suggest getting a 150cc not a 125cc,it will struggle badly on a gradiant.Best of luck.
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John - many thanks - good advice and I will take note!
I am one of those boringly careful drivers (56mph on motorways etc) after many years of doing 30,000 miles a year at 80 - 100mph when I had my own business) I suddenly realised I did not feel safe at those speeds anymore at about age 50 (8 years ago).
I have a 40 yr no claims bonus and have obviously seen just how reckless a lot of Turkish drivers are so will keep very alert to the problem.
I think we are going to just use it for going to Calis - Fethiye Town and Olu Deniz / Hisaronu (occasionally) from our little place near the Otogar. No trips out of town and hopefully most of those will be in the kerb at 20mph and me concentrating - so glad to arrive!! :)
Thanks again.
Ian
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I dont ride in the gutter or near the kerb, thats where all the holes are and loose gravel, thats the biggest danger on the side roads as well.
Andy
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Tinx - what sort of bike are you riding?
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I heard it was a three wheel push bike with a basket (Not the case riding it! ;)):D