Scooters by themselves

As long time motorcyclist (1955) but always having interest in scooters...I like scooters, too if for nothing more than the dry feet thing---bought my first Vespa 125 in 1968, later that year another new 125 in the crate when Sears was getting out of the scooter business, 125 engine in small frame, price $400 Later new PX200E---didn't like it too much--vibration. Final Vespa US model P150E with oil injection---from Army PX in Pirmsens as left over another $400---this one I liked, added nicely priced Vespa accessories including front rack---it was my favorite for trips/camping...inspite of BMWR80RT,Honda XBR500S, several MZ's in garage---rode it to Elephant Rally several times=great in snow. And to Stella Alpina in Italy a couple of times=easy ride on ruff course up mountain. Wide open 60-65 mph, carried spare gas can. Perfect is...Vespa with right Windshield can be Buffet free!! Case of beer carried well on front rack, blocked a little headlight beam. Other new scooters----4 Helix, 1 Reflex, 2 SilverWings, 2 400 Burgmans TMAX....like them all...But in the same years had Kawsaki Concours (buffeting king) sold at 56,000 miles, Kawasaki 1200 barge, Voyager-nice bike had some fine design features, 36,000 miles BMW dealer offered real deal on new K-75 BMW---maybe best BMW made but with odd features, like controls freezing up in winter weather/low fuel pick up not good on steep slopes.And Suzuki GS500E, liked inspite of lean running, sold at 64,000 miles=cheap to keep, original chain/sprockets went 43,000 miles.

Point for me: scooters not on way down for me or way up to bigger stuff. Already had it....including new HD 1966 factory sidecar out fit---great bike but ridden hard engine couldn't get rid of heat. Blew 2 engines.

Back to SilverWing and older riders/new riders: At 77, I find SilverWing heavy and more difficult to ride skillfully---think throttle tip in--than motorcycle...something to think about....many, including me have dropped theirs. What is my next purchase??Honda Forza? Yamaha SR400? Vespa and ride with no dealers,10,000 mile belt changes.Time willl tell.

I'm a little younger than you, but less experienced. I'm happy with my Silverwing for now, but I agree it's heavy. I ride with a friend who has a BMW R1200 RT and it weighs the same as my SWing. If I were in the market for another scooter, I would also consider the Yamaha TMax or Honda Forza as they are a little lighter. I think the Forza is almost 100 pounds lighter. If the NM4 or CTX700 had a shaft drive, I think they might be good rides, but they are just as heavy as the SWing and unfortunately, both have chain drives. Cleaning and oiling the chain every 300-500 miles is a lot of maintenance if you do much riding. I admire the simplicity of the SWing's CVT for it's minimal maintenance and reliability. The scooter market seems to be evolving and we may see more bikes in the 300 to 500cc range in the next few years. Like you say...time will tell.

The design of a scooter lends to them being heavy. A regular motorcycle has a triangular frame around the engine which is a very stiff design. A step through scooter doesn't have that top support to add stiffness so they have to much larger lower frame members to stiffen the frame.

Comparing weight of the Swing to a 300-400cc scooter you have to remember that the Swing engine is a twin where the others are singles. That will make up a large part of the 100 lb difference.

We all will eventually have to decide for ourselves when to downsize or hang up our helmets altogether. I have a friend who had been riding scooters since the 1940's, amassing over 1 million miles, mostly on Vespas and several Helixes. Had the sense to stop riding completely a couple of years ago at age 83 after a couple of close calls. Have another who still rides and camps with his Harley sidecar rig at 85 and even sleeps in the sidecar at campgrounds. Most of us won't ever be able to ride as long as these guys.

Keep riding while we can, but know when to slow down

Better down than not at all.