What scoot, 100 mile commute.

[08087]

A friend of mine is looking into the idea of a scoot for his 100 mile each way commute as a way of saving money.

He asked my opinion and I told him he should go with a 400cc for a somewhat comfortable ride but he might get away with a 300cc if he had to. He has 2 yrs before he retires at 60 yrs old, is in good shape overall but that's one hell of a ride every day.

I told him to grab a diesel Jetta and make like easy all around, he's not listening. For those not aware of the area it would be mostly highway (93 miles) but it gets cold here in NJ from Oct-May. And can rain anytime.

[ce]

A Honda Silverwing FSC600 with a Givi windshield  would get him there and back for about $4000.

[MassScoot]

 I LOVE my 2009 VW Jetta TDI! I average 39MPG & that's 50 in-town & 50 highway. If I take a long cruise to say upper-Vermont from Mass., I can get 46-48MPG on the highway. If I had a 100 miles each way commute, I wouldn't even consider a scoot myself.

[08087]

I LOVE my 2009 VW Jetta TDI! I average 39MPG & that's 50 in-town & 50 highway. If I take a long cruise to say upper-Vermont from Mass., I can get 46-48MPG on the highway. If I had a 100 miles each way commute, I wouldn't even consider a scoot myself.

Exactly my thoughts, he's looking at my scoot and seeing 70 MPG or so, but you can't ride mine on the highway (too small at 163cc) too slow max speed 57 MPH and a larger scoot as ce mentioned will use close to the smae amount of gas ( I think) as the Jetta plus it's a 4 season ride where the scoot is maybe 3 season with rain factoring in cuts riding back that much more.

[streido]

Something big, powerfull and most importantly comfortable. Or if he's intent on riding then what about a trike with a nice laid back comfy seat?

Like you said, for saving money 2 wheels may not be an ideal mode of transport, unless he is a hardcore biker type guy. Sure is more fun tho 

[Mike Green]

After a little tricking with the seat I could think of nothing more suitable than an XC500Ri. It would keep him right up there with the highway speeds. It is big and stable and would allow him to manage the winter winds and he would look forward to his daily round trip commute. Tell him to go with the ABS model and enjoy!
Mike

[Vivo]

Like you said, for saving money 2 wheels may not be an ideal mode of transport, unless he is a hardcore biker type guy. Sure is more fun tho 

Yes, if he's not really into bikes, he will just have a hard time adjusting. I use my scoot everyday not because I want to save but because it's fun... especially in the rain...    100 miles is not a joke... for me, 20-30 miles trip one way is ok...

[Mike Green]

Vivo,
Your absolutely right my friend. A 100 mile commute is fun or excrutiating. At 58 I would say he must really like that hum between his legs to endure it for a couple of hours twice daily.
Mike 

[ce]

I wish I would get a hum between my legs for a couple of hours every day.

[ludo]

Maxi scooter definitely..... 300 to 400cc to still get good MPG.
Kymco Downtown 300, Suzuki Burgman 400 or Yamaha Majesty

[bootscooterboogie]

Vivo,
Your absolutely right my friend. A 100 mile commute is fun or excrutiating. At 58 I would say he must really like that hum between his legs to endure it for a couple of hours twice daily.
Mike 

I can't think of any guy that wouldn't want a 2 hour long hummer... 

[gn2]

100 mile commute solution?
Move house or job.
Simples.

[Vivo]

100 mile commute solution?
Move house or job.
Simples.

He can't move house...too heavy...concrete foundation  ...can't move job also...will retire in 2 years...retirement pay be forfeited...

[bootscooterboogie]

I'm on the side of the posters that say something along the lines of either a trike or a like a smart car or something.  The Smart Car comes to mind, along with any number of hybrids.  Also, what should be considered is just how much money is he going to be saving each year vs. how much he's willing to spend on the purchase of and the cost to insure an additional vehicle.  And, if he's commuting in an area that has cold weather or rainy weather, he's definitely going to wish he was inside a vehicle for 100 miles.

[ts1]

A friend of mine is looking into the idea of a scoot for his 100 mile each way commute as a way of saving money.

Has he considered the frequent maintenance and the costs? He needs 2 scoots as always 1 is beeing serviced.

But if he is a super hard core scooterer, who is happy with a 2 x 3-4 hours commute at -20°C on icy/snowy roads, he doesn't need to ask us ordinary scooter fans.

(I'd take a room for the week and commute only on weekends.)