Are scooters "more fun" than motorcycles?

[nwscooterboy]

I have limited experience riding scooters and/or motorcycles but I've always had this perception that scooters are just, well...more fun! I have absolutely nothing to base this on but when I sit and analyze it I think it's based on a couple things. When I think of warm, tropical places to vacation to I always seem to see scooters/mopeds for rent. And who doesn't like bopping around on a scooter while at the beach? I think the other reason is the ease of riding them. Of course with a little practice shifting gears on a motorcycle isn't really that tough but the whole "twist & go" feature that most scooters have reduces the learning curve for most newbies.

Or maybe scooters are more "social"? That many folks that ride motorcycles often do alone but a lot of people that ride scooters do it together? (I'm grasping at straws here, lol).

For those of you that have been riding both longer then I have (which is pretty much everyone on here) what do you think? And why?

[wheelbender6]

You seem to have a good handle on it.
Scooters can be easier to ride on surface streets and through parking lots with the short wheelbase (length) and lack of a hand clutch. It is also easier to find a spot to park a scooter than a full size motorcycle.
If you don't ride in a lot of stop and go traffic, a small displacement motorcycle will likely be more stable and comfortable.
There are always exceptions, There are a few scooters that still have a manual clutch and there are some smaller motorcycles that don't need a hand clutch and there are scooters as big as 650cc sold in the states.
I don't think a scooter will disappoint you unless you do most of your riding on the freeway and open highway.

[kz1000st]

In many ways a scooter and a bike are two different animals and in separate worlds. They're not the same in power delivery, handling and overall ride. A gearbox allows the engine more flexibility, the CVT allows for ease of use. People who ride them are in a different mindset. Scooter owners like the simplicity and non-intimidating nature, motorcycle riders enjoy the speed, acceleration and sound.

I can't agree about riding alone. I see herds of bikes pass by my house every summer. Scooters, when they do go by, are alone. I can see a scooter as the ultimate weapon in a city, I lived in New York for a while. In the country a bike just eats up the road.

I have two of each in the garage. This is one of my favorites.



Four speed, 50cc, foot shift, no hand clutch and unbelievably fast for its size. plus it's very inexpensive and incredibly reliable.

[Vision]

In a word yes.

Easier to ride, lighter, smaller for better access to smaller streets, slower is more fun. No bad ass envy needed (which make me laugh at many motorcycle riders). Simply a happy experience.

[Bvance554]

I would say yes. I've ridden both and I enjoy my scooter the most. But that largely be due to how little money I paid for it. That always helps.

[savy09]

Been riding scooters for 7 yrs and still happy i can still ride at 78… maybe a couple of years more???

[thumper650]

I have both a scooter and a motorcycle. Motorcycle for getting away from the city, and nothing beats the scooter in the city. Easy to park, can use the bike lanes legally here, and parking is a cinch. I'm thinking of getting a smaller motorcycle for just that reason.
Besides the scooter does make me think I'm on vacation in Key West, even when I'm riding it to work in 32 degree weather!

[novaraptor]

Different Fun..

[kz1000st]

I second that.

[Cyborg]

i've had tons of motorcycles mostly big bores,,900cc+got a 350 dualsport last year and love it,,,and the mileage,,,got my first scooter ever early in the year,,,it's an auto,,,selling it for a stella 4 speed thats waiting for me at a shop,,,and following KZ'S lead on the semi auto big wheel scooter but i'm getting the bi-metro 110cc

[Cyborg]

and to answer the original question both are a blast,,just different

[wheelbender6]

When you look at the cost of a maxi scooter per cc, they are more expensive than mid weight motorcycles. That tells me that scooters must be fun if we are willing to pay more per cc for them.

[blueboy5000]

Well, I'd say my mc-23 is more fun than most bikes, but only because it's small lightweight size lets me ride it on paths and in meadows and such.

I wouldn't say a scooter is "more" fun than a "true" motorcycle, just different fun.

But that said, I've had 10 motorcycles, and 21 scoots, so I seem to prefer scooters.

[RetroBrian]

Totally depends... around town for fun is the scoot. Took it downtown to Comic Con last week and it made it a breeze.... But the Harley for a great ride to Vegas. Both Bikes have Music to enjoy and turn heads

[mithril]

Scooters have an advantage of being small and light with low power. The learning curve to ride a scooter is much less than that of a motorcycle. In many states you don't need any special licensing nor is state inspection a requirement. Many municipalities will allow you to park scooters on the sidewalk or in special "scooter parking" areas. Add to that that many scooters get 100MPG or better and you have some pretty strong reasons to ride one.

But, are they more fun?

While I'm going to echo what others have said, I'll elaborate a little more. I have a Harley Electra Glide, a Honda VLX and a Zuma 125. Which is more fun? Depends on what I'm doing. If I want to go 400 miles in a day at 65MPH the Harley is a sweet ride and my preference. If I'm going 200 miles of twisty curvy roads where it may require a U turn or two then the Honda VLX is hands down the most fun. But, If I'm going less than 100 miles and don't need to go over 45MPH then the scooter is my ride of choice. These are my criteria your mileage may vary.