Any Motorcycle Riders? Questions!

[Spec A!]

For reference, we all live and work in The Woodlands, so chances of it seeing alot of highway time is slim. Not saying there wont be some, but for the most part he'll be riding the mile or two to and from work, and playing a little on the weekends.

So I have another question- what do all you motorcycle riders feel about scooters? ;)

[iCe]

I refuse to answer that question on the grounds that I don't like to be rude (on purpose) on web forums You really don't want to put someone that size on a scooter... it's just wrong...

[Spec A!]

HAhaha, well it's not for him. But you responded as I would've expected. ;)

[Buddha]

If that were my situation, I would look for a dual purpose bike, a street legal dirt bike styled motorcycle, called enduros or adventure bikes now. They work well on the streets and still give you the opportunity to ride on trails if you want to. A used one would be a good choice here.
I was in this same situation years ago, made this same choice, and never regretted it. I am also one of those who think that the best and safest way for beginning riders to learn is to start on a dirt bike. This style of bike allows for trail riding with an easy move to the streets when the rider is ready. Such riders were almost never involved in accidents according to the Hurt Report, the only competent study of motorcycle accidents.
IMHO, a new rider who's experience is based on 2 miles of daily riding on busy streets is an accident looking for a place to happen and that would be a cruiser rider in this case. The chance to ride in the dirt is an opportunity that shouldn't be passed up.
Despite the number of scooter riders on the streets now, and what appears to be a convenient mode of transport, I have an old bias against their lack of maneuverability and handing, and the fact that you sit on them rather than 'in' them with it's lack of connectedness to the bike that influences your ability to control it. A used enduro would be the cheaper option, too.
I have already offended someone with my opinions, so expect that to happen again here, but this is a question of someone's life, not just a consumer choice, and someone did ask.

[Hogleg 44]

Originally Posted by Spec A!

For reference, we all live and work in The Woodlands, so chances of it seeing alot of highway time is slim. Not saying there wont be some, but for the most part he'll be riding the mile or two to and from work, and playing a little on the weekends.

So I have another question- what do all you motorcycle riders feel about scooters? ;)

Don't take scooters too lightly guys. Scooters now are a little more respectable than the name implies. Aprilia has some 500cc Scooters that will do well over 100mph. These are for adults, and will carry some pretty good sized guys. I have friends that have toured on them, and have had no trouble keeping up with the regular touring bikes they were running with.

[Spec A!]

I'm actually thinking of getting a 125cc scooter for myself (5'10", 160lbs) to "commute". I don't have the need to go over 45mph (barely) and not only does it seem like it'd be fun, 80some mpg would be nice too. You can think less of me if you wish, I also don't carry any large glass either.