So I've literally just become the owner of a scooter this evening! It's a wonderful machine (honda jazz 09) and I cannot wait to ride it on the roads. Some things I'm wondering about are:
-insurance and registration/plates in AB
-anti-theft devices
-parking in the city
Another thing is that if I plan on riding it to work, what do you folks think about making it up the hills to downtown E-town from the Walterdale bridge? This is one obstacle that I'm concerned about, but thought you experienced riders would know best.
Cheers!
This n That for a new scooterist!
Moderator: Moderators
Congratulations.
First a question: Is this an Alberta scoot or have you bought it from another jurisdiction?
It will require insurance and registration. If from another jurisdiction, it will also require an Out of Province inspection.
You can run a 50cc scoot on a class 5 license though it is always a good idea to take motorcycle safety training.
On my valuable to me vintage scoots/motorcycles, I use a small u-lock though the front wheel. I never park in the "bar" district at night unless I can see it. People whose judgement has been impaired have been known to kick scoots over, pick them up and hide them and, on one notable occasion, pee into a helmet!
For now, parking a scoot/motorcycle is the same as parking a car. There are some places you can get away with parking on the sidewalk but there are not many (unlike in Europe).
It won't go up steep hills quickly but it will go. Move over to the right lane or hang a left, head under the Legislature and up 109 St.
Lastly, at gas stations when you are next to an SUV, always complain loudly and bitterly about the outrageous cost of filling your scoot. For example, "Six bucks! Six Bucks! Six bucks to go 200 miles! It's highway robbery!
Don't spoil it by breaking into a grin until you are out of sight or safely tucked into a full face helmet.
First a question: Is this an Alberta scoot or have you bought it from another jurisdiction?
It will require insurance and registration. If from another jurisdiction, it will also require an Out of Province inspection.
You can run a 50cc scoot on a class 5 license though it is always a good idea to take motorcycle safety training.
On my valuable to me vintage scoots/motorcycles, I use a small u-lock though the front wheel. I never park in the "bar" district at night unless I can see it. People whose judgement has been impaired have been known to kick scoots over, pick them up and hide them and, on one notable occasion, pee into a helmet!
For now, parking a scoot/motorcycle is the same as parking a car. There are some places you can get away with parking on the sidewalk but there are not many (unlike in Europe).
It won't go up steep hills quickly but it will go. Move over to the right lane or hang a left, head under the Legislature and up 109 St.
Lastly, at gas stations when you are next to an SUV, always complain loudly and bitterly about the outrageous cost of filling your scoot. For example, "Six bucks! Six Bucks! Six bucks to go 200 miles! It's highway robbery!
Don't spoil it by breaking into a grin until you are out of sight or safely tucked into a full face helmet.
-
coyoteran
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Congrats. Once you start riding you won't be able to slap the smile off your face.
Just my .02 from the Capt Obvious files. Ride often, ride lots, ride far. Get to know the strengths and limitations of your machine and your abilities. How fast can you accelerate? How fast can you brake and how quick are your reflexes? Practice dodging manhole covers to start. That way if you hit it, no harm no foul. The techniques that you learn in the motorcycle safety course and controlled street driving will help you dodge that pothole that just appeared out of nowhere.
The only way to know how your bike will react to the hills and streets of e-town is to get out there and try it. Preferably not at rush hour until you have a better feel for the bike. 6am on a sunday morning perhaps. I am not joking about that btw. Fantastic riding in the early a.m. before the world is in full motion.
Finally, remember that you are in essence, invisible. Cars and trucks will not see you so you have to be aware of them from all angles, all the time. Riding tired or impaired is the quickest way to ensure that a new scooterist will not become an old scooterist as you become both invisible and oblivious. Bad combo.
Once again, good on you. Have fun and enjoy your newest obsession.
Trevor
Just my .02 from the Capt Obvious files. Ride often, ride lots, ride far. Get to know the strengths and limitations of your machine and your abilities. How fast can you accelerate? How fast can you brake and how quick are your reflexes? Practice dodging manhole covers to start. That way if you hit it, no harm no foul. The techniques that you learn in the motorcycle safety course and controlled street driving will help you dodge that pothole that just appeared out of nowhere.
The only way to know how your bike will react to the hills and streets of e-town is to get out there and try it. Preferably not at rush hour until you have a better feel for the bike. 6am on a sunday morning perhaps. I am not joking about that btw. Fantastic riding in the early a.m. before the world is in full motion.
Finally, remember that you are in essence, invisible. Cars and trucks will not see you so you have to be aware of them from all angles, all the time. Riding tired or impaired is the quickest way to ensure that a new scooterist will not become an old scooterist as you become both invisible and oblivious. Bad combo.
Once again, good on you. Have fun and enjoy your newest obsession.
Trevor
Vy is it vee get too soon olt and too late schmart?