Motorbike and scooter owners.

[Electric_Andy]

I saw a weird looking (electric) scooter last night, with a ‘single side swinging-arm’

I’ve never anything like it before

I remember seeing one a while ago, and thought it very fancy. It always reminds me of a Ducati. Though it might be that it's not really done as a weight saver, but more to boast about on the website as a cool feature

 

[raleighnut]

I saw a weird looking (electric) scooter last night, with a ‘single side swinging-arm’

I’ve never anything like it before

The majority of scooters had a single sided 'swinging arm' these normally had the engine, gearbox and transmission mounted on them too. You couldn't see these as they were behind the body panels but both wheels on a Lambretta/Vespa were 'single sided' and held on by studs and nuts to the hubs

 

[Richard A Thackeray]

This one also had 2 x taillights
Not just the usual central

They were, maybe, a foot apart

 

[Vapin' Joe]

I saw a weird looking (electric) scooter last night, with a ‘single side swinging-arm’

I’ve never anything like it before

Possibly belt drive?

 

[Richard A Thackeray]

Possibly belt drive?

I had the windows down, it had an 'electric sound'

 

[YMFB]

Today I was out for a RoSPA training ride and as I pulled into Choppers Cafe carpark a red tyre warning light came on the dash. After hitting the kill switch i could hear air escaping from the rear tyre. A flint had cut into the middle of the almost brand new Michelin Pilot 6. I deployed a previously unopened motorbike Dynaplug thing. It took three darts to plug the hole, I inflated with my Michelin rechargeable pump. I rode back home and 8 hours later the tyre looks fully inflate, I will check it again tomorrow.

Strangely this ride was setup as the other tutor also had a flint inflicted puncture last wee. He was carrying a Rema Tip Top tyre repair kit, which we were unable to fix his with and he had to wait for the AA who tried bacon strips, screw ins and finally plugged it with a mushroom From stop n go.

 

[SteveH80]

And tomorrow is the 1st of March so I'll be taxing the big bikes, it'll be nice to give me legs a rest

 

[Electric_Andy]

We have given my 115cc scooter to my stepson, and are now looking for something that me and my partner can go out on together. Must have a separate pillion seat, ideally compatible with a back rest. The Royal Enfield Meteor looks ideal, but unsure if the 350 will have enough poke. ER6-F would be my choice, but the pillion seat is rather stuck up in the air.

Has anyone done much 2-up riding? Is it sensible to assume that if my partner sits on the back whilst stationary, and is comfy, it should be ok> She has visions of touring around the UK but I'm trying to get her to understand how different bikes are versus cars, and rain/wind etc is much more of an issue if you're not in a cage!

 

[figbat]

The Royal Enfield Meteor looks ideal, but unsure if the 350 will have enough poke.

What about the Himalayan?

I take my teenage son out pillion - not touring but days out. We use Cardo intercoms which makes it more of a shared experience. I have a topbox on the bike when he’s onboard which he uses as a backrest. It’s worth trying a bike fit with your kit on, and with both of you on it. Sitting static will offer some idea of comfort but bike saddles can become uncomfortable on the move depending on the position of the footpegs, grip handles etc which with affect how you sit and how much room there is to move around.

 

[Vapin' Joe]

Has anyone done much 2-up riding? Is it sensible to assume that if my partner sits on the back whilst stationary, and is comfy, it should be ok> She has visions of touring around the UK but I'm trying to get her to understand how different bikes are versus cars, and rain/wind etc is much more of an issue if you're not in a cage!

My other half always found that to be a good test. As long as you make sure there is also enough room for her to shift her position a bit, that's important when you're on the bike for a few hours at a time.

 

[SteveH80]

The other half used to ride but now is a pillion so we've been through this. It's not just a 'test sit' for bum comfort, back and leg space, you also need to consider how that will work out over an hour or two and then the bike's suspension and power.
You don't want the back suspension bottoming out (that makes for a very unhappy pillion) or wallowing about making for a nervous ride. Make sure the bike is rated for your combined weight and that the suspension preload is easily changed.
The weight of a pillion really eats into the safe overtaking potential so bear that in mind, although if you're used to a 115cc scooter you'll appreciate this.
Having tried various bikes our preferred pillion bike is a big scooter (an old Honda Silverwing). It's very comfortable, easy to ride two up and with a topbox and underseat cavern enough storage for her daily essentials and to store helmets etc when parked up.
You have plenty of choice in the 300cc+ bracket for not a lot of money.