Texsinbad

Thanks for all of the comments/suggestions. I have ridden 50+years; so, I am full aware of the dangers and requirements. I have owned and ridden many different bikes and sizes. I was asking about scooters here because scooters are not very popular in the US. Motorcycles, yes, scooters, no. I know that a 200-400cc will be fine where I live and for my needs. Now, I just have to find one I like.

After a little more research, I found out that the Honda Forza is NOT available in the US. At the dealership today, I really liked that the windscreen was electrically adjustable. I am renting a Yamaha NMAX now and like it, but it not powerful enough for freeways in my area with 70 mph speed limit. While at the Yamaha dealership, I saw the TMAX 550. That looked like a beast. Too heavy for me and too expensive at 528,000B.

I am in Pattaya now, but will be returning to the US soon. When I return, I plan to buy a large scooter. In the past, I have had motorcycles, but being older now, I think that a large scooter would be more comfortable being automatic, more storage, and the seat is also usually more comfortable. I am looking at the following scooters which are available in the US (some may not be in stock where I am located): Suzuki Burgman 200/400 Yamaha XMAX 300 Honda Forza 350 SYM CitiCom 300i 2021 KYMCO X-TOWN 300I ABS Today, I saw a Suzuki Burgman 400, Yamaha XMAX, and Honda Forza at dealerships, but didn’t ride. I would appreciate hearing about riding experience on any of these to help me decide which to buy. Remember, I am talking about riding in the US—not here. I live in the Tampa Bay, Florida area and most of my riding will be around town. Thanks

briofoz Thanks for the recommendation.

Probably Patong to stay and scooter rental. Asking for recommendations for a more "honest" company. Tks

In Pattaya now, but will be travelling to Phuket for a week. Looking to rent a scooter and looking for recommendations. Also looking for an area to stay that has a lot of activities--restaurants, shopping, etc. close by to walk to. I know it sounds like a contradiction, but like to ride during the day, but not at night. Thanks

I did a search, but didn't see the answer. Arriving in Pattaya 5 Dec and looking to rent a scooter for a month. Recommendations appreciated. BTW, I have a Florida motorcycle license and International Driving Permit with motorcycle endorsement. Also 50+ years riding with 5+ years riding in the Philippines where anything goes.

I see recommendations for 150/155 and then 300/350. Is there anything inbetween like 200 or 250?

Seems like I read that "big" bikes needed a different license. What is a big bike and how much harder is it to get a "big" bike license? Thanks

Thanks for all the suggestions/comments. Here in the States, I ride a Suzuki 250, which is perfect for me. It goes as fast as I want to go, gets 74 mpg, and is not that heavy. I am not into long trips, but enjoy riding around seeing new places. So, most of my riding will be in the city, which is why I didn't want a big bike. I use to have a Kymco 150 scooter (about 11 Hp), but I felt like it was a little underpowered with 2 people outside of city riding. So, something a little more powerful than that, but probably not much larger than 200. I will try to rent some different sizes when I get there before I buy. Thanks again.

I have been riding motorcycles/scooters for over 50 years with over 5 years in the Philippines where traffic laws basically don't exist, and 30 days in Pattaya back in 2008 where at each light, I felt like I was in a race, and I always had to keep reminding myself to drive on the left. That said, I plan to go to Pattaya as soon as normal travel resumes, and will be buying a scooter. I would like one with bigger wheels to handle rough roads, and with a bigger motor to travel around Thailand, BUT, I don't want it too big for riding in city traffic. Any suggestions/comments appreciated. Thanks

Again, I appreciate all of the comments, and whenever I am able to, will spend time getting to know both of them. I am old, 64, but I don't think that I act or feel old. I like to bike, hike, and play golf three times a week. I currently live 3 miles from Clearwater Beach (usually voted the best or one of the best beaches in America). I ride my bike there several times a week. From the way some people describe Jomtien Beach, it sounds like living in a Retirement Home--quite, peaceful, and so on. I am sure that some people like that, but I want to be out and more active. Thanks again

Many thanks for all of the comments/suggestions. Of course, I will have to wait until things reopen, but at 64, I don't want to wait any longer than I have to. Recently divorced so couldn't come sooner. More about my likes/wants. I prefer American type food, and would like to be closer to those types of restaurants. I like malls to do some shopping. And, I absolutely love beaches, and if they got pretty women in bikinis, so much the better. I will probably rent a scooter, but it is nice to have good restaurants, shopping, and beach within walking distance. Thanks again.

Whenever travel resumes, I plan to go to Pattaya to see if I might want to retire there. I visited Pattaya in 2008 for 30 days and stayed in Jomtien Beach. I have never drank and not into bar girls (have a gf), but I enjoyed going down Walking Street every now and then. I also enjoy going to the beach, and looking at some youtube vloggers, Pattaya beach is a lot more active than Jomtien beach. I plan to rent a condo and was wondering what the pros and cons are for living in Pattaya or Jomtien Beach, and I would appreciate any comments/suggestions. Thanks