airheadbullet
New member
I'm another convert that fits the closer to 70 than 50 demographic (66). Riding since 1968 on almost too many different bikes to remember, although I started on a 650 Triumph. I spent many years as a runner and doing all those stupid hang time sports like volleyball and basketball. The years and the miles haven't been kind.
About 6-7 years ago the pain in one hip and knee became noticeable after 15 minutes in the saddle and almost unbearable after an hour or so.
Here started the search for a ride that would keep me pleasurably in the saddle and not make each ride an endurance in pain. Five motorcycles later (R bikes, K bikes, and even a Honda Pacific Coast) I was still in the same predicament. For about a year I entertained the scooter idea and finally bought a 2003 Honda 600 maxi scooter. FINALLY! Here was a comfortable ride. For a year I alternated rides on my remaining Airhead ('81 RT) and the scooter usually in the foothills of the Rockies west of Boulder. I'd go out for 2-4 hours and it was no contest. The pain free ride of the scooter was remarkable. Equally remarkable was that I enjoyed riding the scooter almost as much as my beloved Airhead. I sold the scooter and the Airhead and bought a 2013 C650GT BMW in September of 2013. 6,000 miles later it was still the best decision for me. I still need to have a knee replacement but when I'm on the scooter I don't feel it. Nor do I feel it when I get off.
I say you do whatever you need to do to keep you in the saddle. For me the scooter does that. For me it wasn't an issue of strength or balance, just comfort.
About 6-7 years ago the pain in one hip and knee became noticeable after 15 minutes in the saddle and almost unbearable after an hour or so.
Here started the search for a ride that would keep me pleasurably in the saddle and not make each ride an endurance in pain. Five motorcycles later (R bikes, K bikes, and even a Honda Pacific Coast) I was still in the same predicament. For about a year I entertained the scooter idea and finally bought a 2003 Honda 600 maxi scooter. FINALLY! Here was a comfortable ride. For a year I alternated rides on my remaining Airhead ('81 RT) and the scooter usually in the foothills of the Rockies west of Boulder. I'd go out for 2-4 hours and it was no contest. The pain free ride of the scooter was remarkable. Equally remarkable was that I enjoyed riding the scooter almost as much as my beloved Airhead. I sold the scooter and the Airhead and bought a 2013 C650GT BMW in September of 2013. 6,000 miles later it was still the best decision for me. I still need to have a knee replacement but when I'm on the scooter I don't feel it. Nor do I feel it when I get off.
I say you do whatever you need to do to keep you in the saddle. For me the scooter does that. For me it wasn't an issue of strength or balance, just comfort.