Extreme winter: Motorcycle or scooter?

Question

I will be moving to Buffalo, NY and I want to have a car and a two-wheeler as my transportation. I'm from Cali and I usually had both a scooter and motorcycle. As far as maintenance goes, my knowledge is limited because I only send my bikes for their routine maintenance. Now, I'm thinking of buying a motorcycle or scooter in Buffalo. I don't want to purchase both; I just want to have one (either-or situation). But I'm not sure which one would be easier to maintain (or is it preety much the same?) during winter. I can start the bike once a week or two weeks during winter. I have ridden and had both but now I just want to have convenience in terms of maintenance. The bike would be for commuting in the city (not freeway) and it would be my main transportation in the summer. I'm thinking of getting a Rebel for a motorcycle or Piaggio BV250 for a scooter. I know, pricewise, Rebel is cheaper. Which one is the way to go if my main concern is winter maintenance? Thank you.

Answer 1

#1 - too much info

#2 - If you ever lived in NY area, you do NOT ride in winter.  

NO !!!

==

#3 - Get a motorcycle.  It is just better all around vehicle.  The maintenance is about the same.

Good Luck...

Answer 2

First, in upstate New York, you do not ride a motorcycle in the winter unless it is equipped with a snow blower.

Here is one aspect to consider.  Before the snows blanket Buffalo, if you still want to ride in comfort, consider a machine with a large enough charging system that will allow the wearing of heated clothing.  I am a user and big fan of the products from Gerbing.

I wear the Union Ridge riding pants, jacket liner and classic gloves.  My Goldwing handles the electrically draw of the riding gear easily.  Same cannot be said for my KLR 650.  About most I can run is a heated vest.  

Please do yourself a favor and check out the history of past winters in Buffalo.  My hats off the the citizens of Buffalo.  Very hardy folks in upstate NY.

Answer 3

get the motorcycle

buy something larger than a 250 for buffalo ny highway riding

maybe 500 or 650

Answer 4

Both similar in matienence costs, but the Rebel is going to be cheaper to fix. I work on them and there's nothing to them, it's a very basic motorcycle. The Rebel is going to be more powerful also. Have you thought about a Ninja 250R or a Honda Nighthawk? They are more well rounded.

Answer 5

If your only concern is winter maintainance, pick what you like best. Winter maintainance is basically the same for both.

Personally, I prefer a motorcycle. I believe they are safer.