It's a thumper, Jim....

[iansoady]

but....

The mighty Francis Barnett has puttered off into the middle distance to be replaced by this maxi- (well midi- really at 250cc) scoot. Hip problems mean getting aboard the little Cruiser was well-nigh impossible, although the Norton is lower at the back so is slightly easier. I've only just sat on the Yam so far but am looking forward to being back out on the road. Most people who have them love them (so I will probably be the odd grumpy one out).

[Moto63]

Nice one Ian. As you say, still a (midi) thumper and if it enables you stay mobile. Go for it I say.
Hope you enjoy it🤞👍
Cheers, Michael

[CrazyFrog]

Nice one Ian. I have a friend with a 200 Bergman and that blats along really well. Very practical too...

[themoudie]

Aye Ian,

Sorry to read of the hip problems, hopefully you will be able to get them sorted sooner rather than later. Very pleased to see that you have gone for a midi thumper and hope that you can travel in comfort. And win the traffic light drag race, with the 'twist and go'! 

As an aside, I have a friend who used to run an SRX600, sold it to me and went and bought a new Kawasaki Z650 when he was 75. At 80, the Z650 was proving a bit of a handful and so he bought a new Piaggio MP3 400. I went out with him and through the corners it was quick and with a top end of 140kph (90mph), which he used to use, the SRX600 was having to work a bit, the 'twist and go' meant the MP3 was quick on acceleration. Because of Covid, he wasn't out on the MP3 last year and has decided to hang up his helmet at 91, having ridden motorcycles of all sorts since he was 12. I hope that I can keep going that long and more.

Good health and happy miles, Bill

[mthee]

Good for you, Ian - needs must!
Great story, Bill. I hope I'm still on 2 wheels at his age 🤞

[Itsme]

Hi Ian

Good choice of two wheeler to keep you going. A friend of mine who I have ridden with for the last 40 odd (some very odd!) years has a Suzuki Burgman 650 and uses it much more than his Harley. After riding HD and BMW machines for most of those years he is now totally taken with the Burgman and if I am honest I can see why; lovely wide comfy seat, no clutch to worry about and storage under the seat big enough for two helmets and jackets. He has always been a faster rider than me but even when I had my BMW R1100 a few years ago I couldn't keep up with the Suzuki which flies around corners and accelerates mighty well.

I think that maybe for an ageing generation, myself included, scooters offer a lifeline to continued biking fun as sadly we can't all be like Bill's friend. Me and Phil still get out together a couple of times a week and do longer trips through the year thanks to the mighty midget (my GN250) and his 'Burgervan' so have fun mate and long may it continue.

Spartacus

[iansoady]

Many thanks all for positive comments. The mighty(?)x-max is arriving shortly and I shall wave goodbye to the Fanny-B. Which, to be honest, as a somewhat daft impulse buy although I have enjoyed restoring it.

The X-max is from a local dealer (Arden motorcycles) in Alcester where I bought a V-Strom a few years ago and found them good people to deal with.

[Ian]

Hi Ian congrats on buying the scoot. I know you will enjoy it. I feel the lines between bikes and scooters is blurring now. When I had the BMW G310 it had to go in for a new water pump. They loaned me a 400cc scooter which I was l loathe to give back. I thoroughly enjoyed it and it felt safe at all speeds (unlike some of the earlier Italian varieties!!)
I have always said that if I got to the stage when  I was unable to get my leg over my present vehicles I would most certainly follow suit. Good on ya 👍

[richardeblack]

Just as an aside, I wasn't able to avoid the scooter racing at Cadwell classic racing a couple of years ago.  I was really glad once the racing started though.  The Lambrettas etc were surprisingly fast and close racing but the real eye openers were the Piaggios which were stormingly fast and a bit weird due to no gear changing or sound on the overrun. I really enjoyed it.
The real eye opener was the sidecar race which was a close one between a Commando kneeler and large wheel Thunderbird (the Thunderbird won!) but the third place was a Piaggio scooter outfit!  by the time they were through Halls Bends and the hairpin they were snapping at the heels of the Commando!  A truly amazing sight (and as I said before, sound).
I don't think I would personally want one but if it was a choice between two wheels and nothing, I would definitely have one.  I just wonder if I would find it a bit quick after the XBR!!!
Good luck with it Ian and hope you enjoy it.
Richard
Ps. A friend from a few years ago had a Honda 500cc scooter after a life with BMWs etc and never looked back.  Loved it.  And just think, the usually seem to have space for a crash helmet under the seat.

[spooky]

When i was recovering from my hip replacement I bought a Piaggio x9 maxi scoot, great fun , not fast and deadly on grass ! 250cc honda motor.

[iansoady]

Thanks all for the encouragement. Hip still playing up so haven't been out on it yet but hoping for a trial run next week.....

[iansoady]

Well, just been out on the first (brief 20 mile) run on the X-Max. Also my first time on a bike since last summer so I was a little nervous. How was it? Not bad at all although nothing like the grunt of the Norton. Oddly, the suspension also seems bouncier and clunkier than the antique plungers on the Norton which asre like a magic carpet in comparison.

It needs a very conscious effort not to treat the rear brake as a clutch (failed a couple of times) and it’s very odd having nothing to do with my feet. Slow corners were a bit threepenny-bit but it was fine on the sweeping bends of the A4189 out to Henley and back. It ran up to an indicated 70 fairly readily and with no fuss. I even got a nod from a kitted-up GS rider coming the other way.

All in all I’m very pleased I went for it. Getting on was OK but getting off again when I got home was a bit of a struggle as I had to use my right (defective) leg to hold it up while I searched for the prop stand which is lurking under the side fairing. An extension may help. Or maybe training wheels. I’m looking forward to some longer runs….

[themoudie]

All the best Ian, perseverance and patience will see you through.

Good health, Bill

[max]

It's got two wheels and and engine, and the coolest name for a thumper- good choice!

[Itsme]

Nice to hear you have been out and about, as with any new bike there is bound to be a settling in period. I think, like so many Thumpeteers that any ride is better than none. Perhaps we should hold a Thumpettes and clutchless meeting to celebrate the fact that we may be altering as we spend more time on this planet, but none of us are out of the game. Go us.

Spartacus