- This topic has 5 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 15 years, 10 months ago by datattooed.
Opinions, anyone/everyone!?
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June 19, 2008 at 12:28 am #1545datattooedParticipant
Long time no see everyone, it has been a LONG time since I posted, but I really wanted to reach out to you guys to see what you guys thought.
A quick background, I have had 2 major surgeries on my left ankle and I’m definitely not back to 100% (and probably will never get back to 100% either), I am really struggling with wanting a motorcycle but am afraid of the repetitive motion of the gear shifting especially in traffic up in Northern Virginia. So, with gas prices and everything skyrocketing, I have been looking at motorcycles but have taken a liking to the higher power scooters. The scooter that I have been really looking at lately is the Aprilia Sportcity 250. Or even the Sportcity Cube. Automatic <
> and then we would be making trips up to the beach which can be parked at the bike rack, if I remember correctly… So, I don’t know! Either or, it would just be nice to be on 2 wheels!! Don’t get me wrong, I’ve also been looking at cruisers and if I was to buy that I would install the Heal/toe shifter, so it isn’t one direction constantly… The thing about cruisers is that I don’t want too heavy of a bike because of the pesky ankle… got to be careful, you know!!
I already chose the license plate… “IMADORK” HAHA, good times!! 8^ )
June 19, 2008 at 12:38 am #7503megaspazParticipanthrm… the 250cc cruisers we used at the MSF weren’t too heavy. I saved one from dropping due to not having the kick stand completely out. But I also have no idea how shifting would affect your ankles after having 2 major surgeries either since I’ve never been under the knife for anything. I guess you kinda have to go with your gut feeling on the scooter/moto conundrum.
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If there’s anything more important than my ego
around, I want it caught and shot now…June 19, 2008 at 12:56 am #7504acidpopeParticipantLook for something with a wide powerband, so you don’t have to shift as much. When I was shopping bikes I think the salesman said the sv650 fit into this catagory. I would think an optimal pair of riding footgear would make almost as much of a difference too.
June 19, 2008 at 1:38 pm #7515MattParticipantThe MP3, a three wheeled scooter is a pretty great bike.
I know it sounds weird, if it has two wheels up front, is it really a bike? The reviewers all agree that it is. It is automatic, comfortable, and nigh undroppable. Plus it can really corner. There are 250cc, 400cc, and 500cc versions (I think). I’ve seen a couple of them around town – thier owners love them.
Frankly, I don’t understand the hate-on many bikers have for scooters. A modern maxi-scoot (like the burgman 650) can cruise at 100mph just fine, and if you’re aggressive can handle pretty well to.
For a good giggle, read this: http://onewheeldrive.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=154&Itemid=124
Acidpope’s comment about boots is good too. Look at something like a Sidi off-road / adventure boot (like the ones worn on Long Way Round / Long Way Down). They provide a lot of ankle support. But since I don’t know what type of motion could upset your ankle, I’d speak with your doctor about it. (The sidi’s protect mostly against a fall breaking your leg, I’m not sure just what sort of stiffining they do to the ankle. Of course, you could always screw on a brace/bracket so the ankle stays fully rigid and you shift by moving your entire lower leg… just thinking aloud).
Lastly, about the weight of the cruiser – cruisers have very low centre of gravities. They are MUCH easier to keep upright / recover than a sportbike of a similar weight. A 450lbs cruiser takes no more effort to keep upright than a 330lbs Ninja 250 (speaking from personal experience).
June 19, 2008 at 6:34 pm #7526shagglesParticipantI test drove an Aprilia Atlantic scooter. I didn’t really like it though I have to admit that it was nice not having to shift down everytime I came to a stop. Smaller cruisers like the Honda Rebel, Yamaha Virago or Suzuki GZ250 don’t weigh anymore than the Sportcity
June 19, 2008 at 9:26 pm #7533datattooedParticipantThanks for the replys…
yeah, having surgery SUCKS, trust me. The first surgery in 06 was to clean out the upper ankle joint (where the shin meets the ankle) from extra bone growth (old sport injuries coming back to haunt me)… the 2nd surgery, january of this year, was to stitch back together a tendon and a bone graph to keep that tendon in place, so motion and range of motion is kind of difficult to say the least. PLUS, My career as a foot and ankle model has ended quite abruptly!! 8^ ) But it is definitely not a lot of fun, I am on the road to recovery!! Just finished the physical therapy bit and now I’m doing the self motivation stuff… but not too motivated to do it!
The Burgman review was hilarious and I’m sure that I would be acting a fool waving at other motorcyclists as well, if I was to pick up a scooter. Just to draw out the attention some more, and get a good laugh at myself which I do often!! If I was to get a scooter, I do not believe I would be getting on the highways much at all. I would keep it in the city and then tow it to the beach for a good run around town…
I have been doing a lot of research on the SV650 and I love the sport bike look with the standard approach. I am going to be reaching out to a lot of my friends around the area with bikes (Cruisers and Sport) to test drive so that I can get a feel for what is going on with the ankle. I don’t think that strength is too much of a concern, but the constant up and down motion with the toe may get tiresome after a while which is what I’m concerned about. The boot idea is great and I will definitely look into those boots for the support thing in case weight becomes an issue…
I did see a version of the MP3 at a dealership which looked like it would be a blast to drive around in. I would definitely be more than willing to own one of those… but the price tag I saw made me think otherwise!!
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