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[foil]

You would only need 3 wheels on a scooter if you still need stabilizers on a pedal bike.

[jester]

Nother vote for manning the fark up and getting a motorbike, scooters are just underpowered and poorly engineered motorbikes.  My brother the mechanic likes to say they come in 2 types:  over priced shit and cheap crap.

[Jacob/Lee]

Heh, this reminds me of a time when I was out at the park with family. For some reason, I was looking at the parking lot. I saw this white-haired old man with a beard. He had a leather jacket, black shirt, one of those spiked helmets, sunglasses, black boots, and jeans. This guy at least wanted to be a hardcore biker. He had a look hard as stone when he pulled up on his blue scooter. Don't be like that guy.

[Yoink]

Wait... Scooters less populous than motorbikes in Melbourne?!
Are we talking about the same Melbourne, or is there another, completely different one hidden away somewhere?

Anyway, that's irrelevant. If you get a scooter, get a vespa. That is all I have to say on the subject of scooters.
(I guess maybe you could get a different brand, that looks like a vespa? All I'm saying is vespas are the only motorscooters I've seen that weren't horribly ugly.)

Semi-related: In Bali (I've been there a few times) people don't differentiate between motor scooters and bikes, simply referring to them all as 'motorbikes'. It makes sense, I guess, since big, bulky motorbikes are hardly suited to the roads there.

[BuriBuriZaemon]

I have seen more motorbikes than scooters, but then again I work in CBD and live in the suburb. I guess if you lived in CBD, you'd see more scooters ridden by fellow CBD residents because they don't have to go through the highway to commute.

I was originally thinking of getting a Vespa, but I don't think they can carry as much stuff as a maxi scooter--imagine being able to store a helmet and groceries in the underseat storage. Plus I plan to ride to locations outside the city (e.g. Great Ocean Road), so touring characteristics that maxi scooters offer are ideal.

It seems from the replies that people still get the impression that all scooters are the 50-150cc ones. I am actually considering maxi scooters, with 400-650cc engine.

[DJ]

150cc is more than enough IMO. If you're going with 650 you may as well buy a small car.

[jester]

150cc is more than enough IMO. If you're going with 650 you may as well buy a small car.

There is alot to be said for owning something capable of 200+ kmh

[Tellemurius]

150cc is more than enough IMO. If you're going with 650 you may as well buy a small car.

There is alot to be said for owning something capable of 200+ kmh

200 on a scooter? no bad idea, vehicle is not balanced correctly for those speeds.

[DJ]

150cc is more than enough IMO. If you're going with 650 you may as well buy a small car.

There is alot to be said for owning something capable of 200+ kmh

Yeah, it says you have a deathwish.

[jester]

150cc is more than enough IMO. If you're going with 650 you may as well buy a small car.

There is alot to be said for owning something capable of 200+ kmh

200 on a scooter? no bad idea, vehicle is not balanced correctly for those speeds.

Exactly why you want a bike rather than a scooter.  Death wish is fairly relative, its other cars on the road that are going to get you most of the time on a bike, not yourself.  Speed isnt usually a factor.  I look at it as a desire to feel very, very alive.

[BuriBuriZaemon]

If I had spare cash I'd buy both a motorbike and a maxi scooter. The motorbike for pure fun, the scooter for half-fun and half-utility. However, I only have enough for one.

I drove a car for four years and had a lot of fun with it but the running costs of a two-wheeler are much lower and I like doing something new. And yes, speed makes me feel very alive. I am aware of the risk and willing to take it.

Should I change my mind and switch for a motorbike, I've been suggested to choose a Suzuki GS500 as my starter (naked) bike. When it comes to sportbike, the Suzuki GSX-R series seems to be much more newbie-friendly considering it's more upright seating position and low height, but I'd rather not buy one of these and damage it as a newbie rider.