125cc scooter

[alisonbayne]

I have a full UK car driving licence. If I buy a scooter I know I have to do a bike test. If the scooter's 125cc I can't have a passenger on board and I have to diplay l-plates. Can I just ride around with L-plates for the rest of my life? Or does there come a point where I have to do a full motorbike test? I really want a classic-looking one like a vespa - any recommendations? Or would a 50cc be better anyway?

[mikewith]

If you passed your car test before 1 Feb 2001 you can ride a 50cc bvike straightaway. For anything between 50-125cc (or later car test) you need to take and pass the CBT - that's one day training and test and pretty straightforward. With it you can ride but you need L plates and can't carry passengers or ride on Motorways etc. Within three years of that you'll need to take a full test. Well worth it!

As for the scooter of your dreams - the 'real thing' would be a Lambretta or Vespa - the latter still produce the PX125, which is *the* classic. These bikes have gears. Or you might prefer the imitations - Havana etc, which usually have automatic gearing. Me? I ride a PX125 and, even though I'm the slowest bike on the road, I feel the proudest and undoubtedly look the coolest!!

[TheHitMaker]

Mikewith is correct in all he says - I will just add that you should go for as big a bike/scooter as you can - more noticable to other road users, less tiring to ride, easier to get out of trouble. Most important advice is get proper training before you start and wear proper protective gear - otherwise you will lose all the skin on whatever is sliding down the road when you come off. These last two will stop you being known as a "muppet".