Buying A Scooter

[bigian]

looking for some useful information on buying a brand new scooter in TRNC. Anyone know the best place to go to and what sort of money i can expect to pay for a new one. looking for either a 50cc or 100cc or similar size. also, where would i get cheap insurance for a scooter, any rough ideas on costs for a 45 year old guy to insure a scooter. when buying a new one, is it taxed or does it need to be taxed separately? one more thing, i see loads of people who drive round on scooters with no safety helmets,is this legal? thanks for any help on these subjects.

[karmels]

bigian.
The Bikers Club next to Lemar Karakum set all sorts of scooters, but as I was passing yestyerday it seemed they were clearing the shop. I don't know if they are on the move to a new location.
Insurance for mopeds and scooters is fixed at 150TL if it has not gone up.
I will try to check today to see what is happening, the bikers club is run by the Son of the GAU that is why there are a lot of old buses at the back.

[squashmad]

Legally you are supposed to wear a crash helmet and I think it the height of stupiditly to all those who firstly think they are above the law in not wearing them and secondly do not think of the consequences of having an accident with out one.

[iancrumpy]

Legally you are supposed to wear a crash helmet and I think it the height of stupiditly to all those who firstly think they are above the law in not wearing them and secondly do not think of the consequences of having an accident with out one.

The "height of stupidity" is a little bit strong - 95% of the time I wear a helmet, but in the height of summer wearing one can be quite unpleasant ... so for visits (on country roads) to the local bakkal in July and August I also tend not to wear a helmet. Please note though that for the ride over the mountain today into Girne, when I was travelling somewhat faster (between 35 and 55 km/h) I wore a helmet ... it was unpleasant, but in view of the speed at which I was travelling I deemed it necessary for my safety.

I don't know if it's official policy, but a couple of years ago a police officer told me they only stop riders if they see helmet-less on main roads outside of the big towns. However, for me, if it's not summer I will wear the helmet for all rides ... even if it's just a short ride on back roads to the local bakkal.

[Hector]

My philosophy when riding a m/cyle in the UK was 'if you have a £10 head, buy a £10 helmet.' Buy a decent quality helmet and always wear it, remember most accidents happen close to home and when you least expect it. It's dangerous enough driving a car out here let alone a scooter. Be aware, VERY aware.

[iancrumpy]

Remember most accidents happen close to home.

I'm aware of that Hector.

Be aware, VERY aware.

On my helmet-less visits to the local bakkal, on country roads, that I only do in the height of summer, I am travelling no quicker than a cyclist would.

Let me reiterate that 95% of the time, and on all occasions when I am travelling more than 35 km/h, I wear a helmet.

In any case, I thank you for your concern Hector.

[Hector]

Please accept my comments in the helpful manner in which I meant and they were intended. It's your life and head after all.
I wonder what Michael Shumacker would now advise about wearing a helmet when skiing even at low speed?

[squashmad]

iancrumpy wrote:

"The "height of stupidity" is a little bit strong - 95% of the time I wear a helmet, but in the height of summer wearing one can be quite unpleasant ... so for visits (on country roads) to the local bakkal in July and August I also tend not to wear a helmet. Please note though that for the ride over the mountain today into Girne, when I was travelling somewhat faster (between 35 and 55 km/h) I wore a helmet ... it was unpleasant, but in view of the speed at which I was travelling I deemed it necessary for my safety. "

The weather does not come into this. The law is the law in any country and should be followed whether you like it or not, no one has the right to ignore a law because it doesn't suit you, that is saying that you are above the law.

Only today in Cyprus Today it was reported that parliament has just approved a law allowing police to issue on the spot fines for those motorcyclists who fail to wear crash helmets. This article also covers on the spot fines for drivers failing to wear seatbelts.