Mopeds

[Beckiboo]

@ depreciating I don't think I've ever used it in my life before and now I sound like a car sales man

If I had my way I'd bin all cars from the roads..........but if you think it thru logically you're going to probably go back to your mums for a bit when you first get back cos otherwise you'll be homeless then say it will take a couple of weeks to find a temping job, a couple of months to find a permanent job that you want, then once you're settled in there you can think about mortgages/looking for places to live.......but in the inbetween time you will need a car to get you to tube station for work, get to wherever Jon is living, look at areas where you're going to live etc.

Can you get your mum (or someone) to use it a bit over winter cos if it's sat there not being used for 6 months it won't do it a lot of good??

It's an accounting term

Yeah I think thats the best option, I will need it when I get back for getting around. I think it's best to sell once I find a place in London, otherwise I'll be paying out more on travel options to get around!

I've asked my mum to start it a few times over winter but being the fuddyduddy that she is, she can't drive manual cars Both her and my dad switched to automatic when they were younger
It should be ok as it's a new car so it wont completely freeze up in the winter!

 

[Padster]

Do you have to take another driving test, or will I be ok as I have passed the one for driving a car?

I.e is there a moped only driving test?

You will need to pass your CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) to ride a moped on British roads (Why you asking Silvia when she is in Spain???). You will still have to have L plates on and I'm sure the insurance in London will be astronomical! Also, if you want to ride without L plates you will have to pass two(!) further tests. If you do not pass a full test (CBT, plus parts 1 & 2 bike tests) within two years you will have the licence for mopeds and motorbikes suspended for a year. Probably better to get a smaller car.

 

[Jinja]

I had a small motorbike and i loved it. Can't beat the acceleration and exhilaration of a bike. Would love to get another one when i have the money.

Down side is the rain and other people on the roads! I had many near-misses due to car drivers not looking in their mirrors but i believe it has made me a better and safer car driver.

I think everyone who gets a car licence should have a compulsary day on a moped due to seeing a different side to driving.

 

[jjinit]

I had a small motorbike and i loved it. Can't beat the acceleration and exhilaration of a bike. Would love to get another one when i have the money.

Down side is the rain and other people on the roads! I had many near-misses due to car drivers not looking in their mirrors but i believe it has made me a better and safer car driver.

I think everyone who gets a car licence should have a compulsary day on a moped due to seeing a different side to driving.

I'd rather stick pins in my eyes!!!

 

[Loz_957]

bad idea. guy from my college was riding one home the other night on a moped and got hit by a car and killed

 

[Drew]

I could never recommend anyone buying anything with 2 wheels.

My best friend was tragically killed on his motorbike 3 years ago

I see so many people on motorbikes, mopeds, bicycles on my journey to work. You just don't see them coming up either side of you.

VERY bad idea.

.... but then who asked me?

 

[Mitsi]

They are really really great - fun to drive, and nothing beats whizzing ahead of stationery traffic feeling all smug. V cheap to run - when I had one the insurance was MUCH less than a car, and a full tank of petrol cost £11 and lasted for 2 weeks! No congestion charge either...

If you get one 50ccs or under you can drive it with a full UK driving license and don't need to take your test. You don't really need anything more powerful for driving round town anyway.

However there are some bad points:

1/ Weather. I drove mine in Edinburgh, and it was unbearable from mid november - March. London may be slightly better though. The wind totally cuts through just about anything except for heavily padded leather, which for me is not a favourite look. There is also the issue of 'Helmet Hair' to consider

2/ Danger. People just don't see you, whether its other drivers or pedestrians. You just have to be VERY CAREFUL.

3/ Wee Neds also love them, and love to steal them. If you don't have secure parking at night, forget it. I had 2 stolen in a year, and gave up after that. Or get a really rubbish looking one that nobody wants to steal, not a brand new Vespa like me...


I miss mine

 

[Drew]

I miss mine

Just be thankful you're alive to tell the tale.

Sorry, just feeling a little melodramatic today.

 

[Beckiboo]

They are really really great - fun to drive, and nothing beats whizzing ahead of stationery traffic feeling all smug. V cheap to run - when I had one the insurance was MUCH less than a car, and a full tank of petrol cost £11 and lasted for 2 weeks! No congestion charge either...

If you get one 50ccs or under you can drive it with a full UK driving license and don't need to take your test. You don't really need anything more powerful for driving round town anyway.

However there are some bad points:

1/ Weather. I drove mine in Edinburgh, and it was unbearable from mid november - March. London may be slightly better though. The wind totally cuts through just about anything except for heavily padded leather, which for me is not a favourite look. There is also the issue of 'Helmet Hair' to consider

2/ Danger. People just don't see you, whether its other drivers or pedestrians. You just have to be VERY CAREFUL.

3/ Wee Neds also love them, and love to steal them. If you don't have secure parking at night, forget it. I had 2 stolen in a year, and gave up after that. Or get a really rubbish looking one that nobody wants to steal, not a brand new Vespa like me...


I miss mine

I hired one a few years ago when I went to Majorca (I did have a crash on it though! ) and you're right, it is liberating zooming ahead of cars that are held up in traffic. I'd only really use one for going to the shops or visiting my parents' house. It's definately something I think I want to do, but I've decided to wait until I get back from travelling before making a definate decision

Fingers crossed I'll win the Euromillions jackpot tonight and then I can keep my car, buy a moped, and a speedboat!

 

[silvia]

I could never recommend anyone buying anything with 2 wheels.

My best friend was tragically killed on his motorbike 3 years ago

I see so many people on motorbikes, mopeds, bicycles on my journey to work. You just don't see them coming up either side of you.

VERY bad idea.

.... but then who asked me?

But this is a very "strange" (I can't find the exact word, sorry) argument drew. I mean, I lost two close friends in car accidents and I never say: don't drive cars cos you are going to get kill

And yes, you are being very tragic today

 

[Drew]

But this is a very "strange" (I can't find the exact word, sorry) argument drew. I mean, I lost two close friends in car accidents and I never say: don't drive cars cos you are going to get kill

I bet it wasn't a two-wheeler that caused the car accidents though.

P.S. It was last night i was feeling tragic. I'm having a much better day today - so far

 

[silvia]

I bet it wasn't a two-wheeler that caused the car accidents though.

P.S. It was last night i was feeling tragic. I'm having a much better day today - so far

No, it was four wheeled cars who caused the accidents. And actually most crashes where there's involved a bike are caused for 4 wheeled cars, at least here in Spain. So, following your logic, don't drive 4 wheeled cars please

PS: your sense of humor doesn't seem to be in top form today tho

 

[Beckiboo]

Can we keep the positive vibe in this thread please! Otherwise I might have to send in a praying mantis to bite off your heads!

 

[Drew]

No, it was four wheeled cars who caused the accidents. And actually most crashes where there's involved a bike are caused for 4 wheeled cars, at least here in Spain. So, following your logic, don't drive 4 wheeled cars please

PS: your sense of humor doesn't seem to be in top form today tho

Where was the humour meant to be?