RIDING EXTENSION

I am 61, and over many years I have had some fine motorcycles including a ’74 Yamaha RD250, Honda ST1100 and a Kawasaki Versys 1000 – and many others in between. I loved the Versys 1000. It was cheap to buy used, very fast, good on fuel and comfy – everything that you could want. I got to the point after it fell over while I was putting it on the centre stand that I thought I don’t need to ride that fast, I don’t need all that power.

So I decided to do something completely different. While on holiday I saw how the United States of Europe had a big love affair with... wait for it... scooters. Without even having a test ride I bought a Yamaha XMAX 300. I fancied the bigger TMAX 530 but was put off by the price.

I seriously love my scoot. It’s fun, it’s comfy, and unlike the Versys 1000, it’s got a good screen. I don’t regret for a moment getting a scoot. It corners very well, the brakes are good, mpg is easy 90 mpg.

I had no expectations so I couldn’t be disappointed. My riding style has changed, and my licence is now a lot safer. And more importantly, my wife who is 57 loves going out on the scoot as pillion. For what the Yam cost I could have gone out and spent £5000 on anything used, but I didn’t want to. I wanted the Yamaha XMAX 300. Don’t knock ’em till ya try ’em – they’re great around town, and able to cruise 70-80mph. This scoot has extended my motorcycling career. Keep up the good work.

Scooters can indeed be great fun, and many handle so well that the sideways step from motorcycles really isn’t as big as many think. I have done some great rides and tours on scooters, and if I had a few more pounds in my pocket there would certainly be one in my garage.