Should i get a motorcycle or scooter?

I need either a motorcycle or scooter. I drive a regular car to work everyday which is only about 5 miles away. I am spending way too much on gas to go to work and would love to ride something.
I want to be reasonably safe (as safe as it can get outside a car) and cheapish. Vespas and Honda Rebels are both about 2k.
I want good gas mileage. I dont drive TOO much. And if needed I could take my car to farther places.
Which do you suggest? I want a Vespa but everyone says a motorcycle is safer and more practical?

I have about five years experience driving scooters but have recently moved to motorcycling. I will instantly expel the myth here and now that bikes are safer than scooters or vice versa.... It鈥檚 the rider that is safe; the vehicle is just a vehicle.

I recommend getting a 50 or 125cc scooter. My reasoning for this is because you get to enjoy being on two wheels with a convenient storage compartment and in many scooter models, you also get built in security normally in the form of an immobiliser.

If you are smart, you will get a French scooter such as for instance a Peugeot Elystar 125cc that features really good linked ABS breaks, an immobiliser and also a built in chain / boa lock. You get nice storage capacity under the seat and the overall build quality of the vehicle is pretty good. The vehicles potential top speed is around 65 to 70 mph and depending on how you drive it, will probably achieve around 90mpg. I owned one by the way!

If you want convenience 鈥?get a Peugeot Elystar 125cc
If you want to look cool - get a Rebel 125cc
If you want fun 鈥?get a Cagiva Mito 125cc

Scooters are safer & more practical in my opinion. Most have at least some luggage capacity, get way better mileage & are easier to balance, ride, & maintain. Down side is they aren't as fast or as cool looking. You will be made fun of, but who really cares what anyone else thinks.
BTW, the Rebel is a great starter bike but has no place to carry even a purse safely.

my friend i would get a scooter if i was you. if you are in the uk then i would say get a gilera runner vx125, they are four stroke so are reliable and have a top speed of about 60mph. they are also learner legal. o and they are twist and go.

there is also some good manual 125s like a cbr125, they are 4stroke so are also quite reliable and they will have a top speed of about 70mph.

if i was you i would get a 50/125 cc scooter to go to work since you are not traveling far.

hollomangenda

I personally love motorcycles more than scooters. Although I think that you should get a scooter, they are smaller, run on less gas, and they are actually safer. I hope I helped you with your decision.

here's a link to them on ebay.

I would say scooter if thats all you do. sugest if you end up with a bike you should use it alot more.

scooters are generally more practical and a bit safer but ive known several people who have chosen the scooter route and their vespas and what not have all had increadibly short lifespans, most motorcycles that i have seen have lasted a good while with minimal maitenence which can generally be done yourself. most of the scooters seem to be easy to fix but in the end are more hassle then they are worth. i personally belive a motorcycle would be a better investment

good luck!

I would go for the motorcycle.Once you start riding and enjoying it you will start venturing out on the weekends,I have rode several scooters and they seem harder to handle than a bike.those small wheels seem to wobble some.Maybe it's just a matter of getting used to the scooter.Good luck and be careful.

My wife started out on a 185 Yammy exciter. # 4 bikes later she is on a Yamaha 650 V Star. Loves it. If all your trying to do is commute get a small 250 cc bike. Honda Rebel, Suzuki Savage, or Yamaha Virago. If you really like it and want to move up you'll have much better resale on a motorcycle then a scooter. Much better handling with the taller tires on a motorcycle also. Plus you can add accesories like saddle bags, windsheild, etc cheaper then a scooter. Scooters are fun if all your going to do is commute but most people really get into the freedom and the exposure to the world. (Not being in a cage lol) Motorcycles are better suited to longer distance travelling. You can get out and stretch your legs and not be so whipped at the end of the day. But we also have 2 scooters just for bombing around town when we don't need all the extras the motorcycles afford. Confusing enough?

If all you want is cheap transportation ,then a scooter is the way to go. also, depending on your level of experience, a scooter is a great way to learn to ride due to the fact that most of them are automatic. but be forewarned. little scooters lead to bigger scooters. enjoy the ride.