274 replies to this topic

[keyplayer]

I think this poster might be thinking of the class offered on Bradshaw. I think they are all sponsored by the same group, but I am not positive. The class at Sierra College also provides bikes and googles and helmets if needed. They also have a few scooters, but you have to call and request one of those. I would encourage David H to sign up for the class asap. You don't have to have your permit to take the safety course and the demand for the course will only go up with the interest and space will be tight. Welcome to the forum David.

I took the class at Bradshaw a few years back. It is also Motorcycle Safety Foundation. The riding was at Mather. It was great having them provide the bikes. If you fall, your not messing up your bike. We got a big bike and I had never ridden so it was good to start on something smaller. After I passed the test I rode the stuff on the big bike.
Check both locations to see when a class is available that fits your schedule.
Here's the info for the Bradshaw/Mather course
Company Name: SAFETY CENTER INC
Site Name: MATHER FIELD
Phone: (800) 825-7262 x215
Address: 3909 BRADSHAW ROAD

[DavidH]

Found it! Here's the link to the Bradshaw/Mather class, http://www.safetycen...yclesafety.html, but it doesn't show openings until early September. The Sierra College class has openings in early August.

[DavidH]

I couldn't find the scoot magazine either at the folsom borders.
Don't overlook the Aprilia SportCity 250. I was looking at the Piaggio BV250 also. I thought it was a great scooter but I settled on the Aprilia Sport City 250 because it has fuel injection and dual front disc brakes.

Thanks for the advice. One of the things I more concerned about is storage. Based on the pics of the SportCity 200, there's no underseat storage except space for a helmet. The BV 250 has both a locking helmet bar plus both helmet and additional storage under the seat. I'll proably also get a top case as I tend to carry "stuff" around with me.

As far carbureted vs. fuel injection, I'm not sure if the former is a deal-breaker. Obviously, you'll get better mileage and possible performance from an EFI delivery system but, from what I've read, it's marginal at best (e.g., 60 vs 62 MPG). I was hoping Piaggio would change the BV250 to EFI for 2008 (the BV500 is already EFI) but doesn't seem like that have. Again, I'm not sure it's worth ruling out some of these scooters because of it but I'm interested in hearing alternative points of view.

[Darth Lefty]

Yeah, I'd heard the MSF classes are booked up. Unprecedented demand, because all us moto guys have finally trained each other to tell you to sign up!

Terminology check, cause I'm pedantic: aspiration = air so "normally aspirated" = no turbo or supercharger. Fuel injection vs carburetor is fueling! I don't think it really matters that much except FI bikes have a reputation for cleaner emissions if that's important to you. They always list a skosh more power for FI but it's not convincing when you ride them, and carbs always seem to feel more snappy.

I think you'll find that the storage is pretty equivalent from one scooter to another of the same size range. It's a lot more than on a motorcycle unless it has bags, I kind of envy it.

[DavidH]

...Terminology check, cause I'm pedantic: aspiration = air so "normally aspirated" = no turbo or supercharger. Fuel injection vs carburetor is fueling! ...

You're absolutely correct! Must've been that second glass of wine or perhaps my brain isn't aspirated enough and it seized up! Sorry 'bout that; I've corrected my post and thank you for keeping me (reasonably) competent!

[MSgt]

Thanks for the advice. One of the things I more concerned about is storage. Based on the pics of the SportCity 250, there's no underseat storage except space for a helmet. The BV 250 has both a locking helmet bar plus both helmet and additional storage under the seat. I'll proably also get a top case as I tend to carry "stuff" around with me.

As far carbureted vs. fuel injection, I'm not sure if the former is a deal-breaker. Obviously, you'll get better mileage and possible performance from an EFI delivery system but, from what I've read, it's marginal at best (e.g., 60 vs 62 MPG). I was hoping Piaggio would change the BV250 to EFI for 2008 (the BV500 is already EFI) but doesn't seem like that have. Again, I'm not sure it's worth ruling out some of these scooters because of it but I'm interested in hearing alternative points of view.

You right. There is limited storage on the SCity 250. But I have found that I can get an 8 piece chicken dinner deal, a half gallone of milk and a bunch (5) banannas in the compartment if I take them out of the bag. I have ordered a top box for it even though I think the scooter looks better with out it.
THe Bev250 is a great looking bike. It has 16in wheels (Sport City is 15). What ever you get you will be happy. Also that A&S shop seems to be a great one. I hear they let you test ride the bikes there. I was very close to buying the BV250. You will be very glad you got a 250cc. I still have to take the Motorcycle safety course. I may wait and take the Mather one when the weather is a little cooler. Thanks for that link!

[Darth Lefty]

Quick note for anyone who has been looking at scooters OR bikes: you can now get a motorcycle with a scooter-style automatic transmission.

Aprilia Mana

This thing has been on sale about a year overseas and is now finally available here. It's a good-looking standard naked bike in the same mold as Suzuki SV650 or Ducati Monster, with an 840cc, V-twin engine of about 76hp @ 8000 rpm, Max torque 53 ft-lb at 5000 rpm. The torque is huge and low-rev which accounts for the low peak power for the engine size. The transmission has three settings to regulate how much power you put down, and also a fake-manual mode. Cost is $9900.

Rumor has it there will be an automatic-transmission Gold Wing soon, too. That one might be a car-style slushbox.

[Dave Burrell]

Quick note for anyone who has been looking at scooters OR bikes: you can now get a motorcycle with a scooter-style automatic transmission.

Aprilia Mana

This thing has been on sale about a year overseas and is now finally available here. It's a good-looking standard naked bike in the same mold as Suzuki SV650 or Ducati Monster, with an 840cc, V-twin engine of about 76hp @ 8000 rpm, Max torque 53 ft-lb at 5000 rpm. The torque is huge and low-rev which accounts for the low peak power for the engine size. The transmission has three settings to regulate how much power you put down, and also a fake-manual mode. Cost is $9900.

Rumor has it there will be an automatic-transmission Gold Wing soon, too. That one might be a car-style slushbox.

dang automatic transmissions on motorcycles..... never thought I'd see that but I guess it would help get more riders on board who can't shift

[Andrea V]

dang automatic transmissions on motorcycles..... never thought I'd see that but I guess it would help get more riders on board who can't shift

Shouldn't be riding if you can't shift!! The SAFETY CLASS TEACHES you to SHIFT!

Shouldn't be riding if you can't shift!!

[Darth Lefty]

Aprilia Mana

Mana mana doot doooo do do do... sorry can't help it

Shouldn't be riding if you can't shift!!

Everyone thinks he's a good driver she's a good rider.

I thought I could shift just fine til I dropped two and dumped the clutch at Fernley and the bike almost bucked me off!

[Dave Burrell]

[DavidH]

IMHO, everyone who rides or is contemplating riding a motorcycle or scooter should take the MSF (http://www.msf-usa.org/) class. I took mine last weekend at Sierra College and learned SOOOO much. The focus is on safety, incident preparedness, and riding skills (5 hours of classroom, 10 hours of riding). Learning how to stop quickly, stop when riding on a curve, last-second swerving, etc. is invaluable. Sure, you can pick up those skills on "the street" but having professionals demonstrate, talk you through, and then critique your technique is far better.

I don't have enough good stuff to say about the class and believe it should be mandatory!!! They also have refreshers available that are recommended 6-12 months after getting a 2-wheeled vehicle just to keep you fresh.

[Darth Lefty]

Thanks for taking the course! We all appreciate it! :D

[MSgt]

IMHO, everyone who rides or is contemplating riding a motorcycle or scooter should take the MSF (http://www.msf-usa.org/) class. I took mine last weekend at Sierra College and learned SOOOO much. The focus is on safety, incident preparedness, and riding skills (5 hours of classroom, 10 hours of riding). Learning how to stop quickly, stop when riding on a curve, last-second swerving, etc. is invaluable. Sure, you can pick up those skills on "the street" but having professionals demonstrate, talk you through, and then critique your technique is far better.

I don't have enough good stuff to say about the class and believe it should be mandatory!!! They also have refreshers available that are recommended 6-12 months after getting a 2-wheeled vehicle just to keep you fresh.

David,
Did you buy your scooter? What did you get? The Bev250?

[Dave Burrell]

IMHO, everyone who rides or is contemplating riding a motorcycle or scooter should take the MSF (http://www.msf-usa.org/) class. I took mine last weekend at Sierra College and learned SOOOO much. The focus is on safety, incident preparedness, and riding skills (5 hours of classroom, 10 hours of riding). Learning how to stop quickly, stop when riding on a curve, last-second swerving, etc. is invaluable. Sure, you can pick up those skills on "the street" but having professionals demonstrate, talk you through, and then critique your technique is far better.

I don't have enough good stuff to say about the class and believe it should be mandatory!!! They also have refreshers available that are recommended 6-12 months after getting a 2-wheeled vehicle just to keep you fresh.

Congrats on taking the class and passing, that is indeed the best course to take when getting into motorcycle riding