I don't know if you've seen that rocket powered VW Bug that's been making its rounds on the internet or not, but it turns out that the Dr.Frankenstein (Ron Patrick) behind it is the same guy who was considering the twin jet Metro we mentioned in the past. In a reprinted story I found on Car.Co.Nz he had this to say about the project.
CAR . CO . NZ Car News: New Zealands premier website for motoring and motorsport enthusiasts: "Here's my wife's Honda Metropolitan scooter. She wants it to go faster than 40 mph. So I have these two little JFS 100 jet engines and I am thinking how to put them on the scooter. Engines are 50 lbm each so weight is an issue. Will probably use air-start with a carbon fiber tank of compressed air. That saves weight since batteries will then not be needed.
Looks cool from the top. Will want to make aluminum housings to go over the engines just like on a DC-9.
Bitchin' from the back too. Should get the scooter going. On one jet engine alone, this engine will get a kart up to 60 mph. "
If you wanna see MORE photos, go to Ron's site here.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
CAR . CO . NZ Car News - The MetroJet Scooter is a real project!
The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : An `ideal' car for city traffic conditions
The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : An `ideal' car for city traffic conditions: "Bangalore: Bangalore city, which made the country's first commercially manufactured electric car, has spawned many inventors trying out variations of electric cars.
Some are powered by solar cells such as the car, or rather cart, designed by Syed Sajjad Ahmed.
'It was a dream I carried over from my school days,'' he says about 'Electro Solar Cart' he has made and taken around the city and even to places as far away as Chennai.
It is powered by a battery that has a solar cell back-up and can be recharged at suitable intervals.
After every recharge, the car can run up to 50 km at a speed of 30 kmph to 40 kmph, which is ideal for city traffic conditions.
Mr. Ahmed has been supported by several organisations, including the Centre for Environment Education and UNDP's Small Grants Programme.
'After being recharged, on a sunny day the solar cells get charged more or less on a regular basis and chances of running out of power are rare in a city,'' he explains.
The model he demonstrated has seats for two adults and two children; the average running cost works out to 30 paise a km, he claims. 'The solar power kits can also be fitted to some other vehicles with some modifications. If given enough support I can make this vehicle on a commercial scale and it can be ideal for travelling in the city. The prototype costs nearly Rs. 1 lakh but if manufactured on a large scale, the cost can perhaps be brought down,'' Mr. Ahmed says.
He has also developed two variations of solar powered two-wheelers, which, he says, can be comfortably used by the physically disabled.
These can run for 20 km after every recharge. This apart, he has experimented with converting to solar power some commercially manufactured mopeds.
Non-conventional energy has not yet been thought of as a serious alternative except for commercial transport in some cities and this trend should change"
Does this inspire anyone? I think solar is slowly creeping to the top of the renewable energy charts. Now they have flexible solar cells, who's gonna be the first to plaster them all over their Bajaj 3-wheeler?
Daily Motorcycle News - Scooter boffins help Gambia
Bikes (Motorcycles) in the Fast Lane - Daily Motorcycle News: "Some months ago Mike Werner over at the motorbiker.org blog wrote about a noble venture by some mad English bikers to ride from the UK to Bansang, Gambia on Honda C90 Scooters.
Called officially Scooters in the Sahara (but also known as TITS - Tossers in the Sahara), the epic ride was for a good charity cause (helping a local hospital by donating the C90 scooters, truck and medical equipment).
The brave folks (7 guys and 1 gal) have now published a coffee table book full of photos and stories of their adventure.
The money raised by the sales of the book goes to the hospital in Gambia. Here's a quote from the book:
Scooters in the Sahara
'However, the sight that stopped the group's banter quicker than any other on the trip was, undoubtedly, the infants' burial ground. This was not a cemetery or graveyard in the accepted western sense of the words. It was merely a barren piece of land, surrounded by litter on which were dotted small pieces of cardboard held in place with rocks. Each piece, we were told, marked the body of an infant. They were there to stop the Hyenas from digging up the bodies as soon as they were buried. I didn’t count them, I don't think any of us did, but the sight moved us all very deeply. '
Price: $36UK "
Wouldn't it look nice in your living room?
Kinetic to drive Velocifero into US
Kinetic to drive Velocifero into US: "Kinetic's soon to be launched 50 cc scooter Velocifero, in collaboration with Italy based scooter company Italjet, will be exclusively manufactured for exports to US. It will also add a series of six Italiano scooters for the Indian market.
'Velocifero will be exclusively for exports to US. We plan to export 20,000-30,000 scooters in a year. Each vehicle's� cost is around $500-$600,' said Arun Firodia, chairman, Kinetic Engineering.
Its Italian partner Italjet has provided the design and mould for the seven Italiano scooters - Blaze, Euro, Jupiter, Dragster Formula 125, Torpedo 125 and Velocifero. The six scooters ranges from 50 cc - 400 cc. The vehicles are manufactured at its Pithampur plant in Madhya Pradesh."
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Action Vespa stunt shots
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rgrjnr/148291529/
Not for the faint of heart. Do not try this at home. Kids, ask your mom for approval before attempting these stunts. Not available in Wyoming, Montana or the Dakotas. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Everyday With Rachael Ray features Vespa
Ever think you'd see a Vespa on the cover of a cooking magazine? Well the June/July edition of "Everyday with Rachael Ray" has one. It should be on stands now if you wanna see it yourself. I wonder if there is a mention of the scooter in the magazine... Does Rachael really ride? I'll have to see for myself.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Eye candy - Vespa with sidecar
"on a Geneva sidewalk we find a great example of a vintage Italian Vespa (scooter) parked with side-car!"
I concur.
What is that 1948? Maybe. Sexy? YES!
Piaggio MP3 raising the bar with 400cc!
(Je t'aime Scooter-Infos.com! Thanks for the spy photo of the Gilera version of the MP3)
Just found out what could be some GREAT news for those of you eyeballing the Piaggio MP3 (nod to "the buzz"). If you were turned off at the 125cc and 250cc versions out now (but not in America yet), wait around 'till winter when they introduce a 400cc version! (w00t!)
In an interview with Jean Philippe Dauviau, Marketing Director Piaggio France, we get the inside scoop on not only the 400cc MP3 but also a crazy looking Gilera model as seen above (that you will likely NEVER see in the USA... at least until we get Gilera imported again).
Even in Europe it'll be hard to get hold of an MP3 with only 600 production units being sold in 100 stores (skilled in MP3 maintenance) this year. Jean Phillipe went on to say that you can expect others to follow Piaggio's lead in the 3-wheeled market, but that Piaggio will always be in the lead.
SEE Italjet?! You should have released the Scooop back in 2002! Where are you now? p0wned by Kinetic.
How we survived scooting the Bahamas
(Milan, Tony, John, Kevin and Me on camera... This is how our trip began)
7 Miles x 21 Miles... Four hours... 120ccs... That's what it took for us to circle the whole island of New Providence (Nassau Bahamas). You may recognize this as the little island most American land lubbers get dumped on during a cruise out of Florida. We left the boat with great expectations and barring a couple annoyances, we really did have a great time.
The riders consisted of Tony, a 2-wheeled jockey with over 50,000 miles under his belt. He was the only one to NOT have a close call. Milan, a hog rider who is relatively new on two wheels (3700 miles). John a REAL newbie on 2-wheels and myself with about as much road time as Milan (yes... Mr.ScooterScoop with less than 5000 miles. Dissappointed? I work from home, so my commute would be a scooter ride up a flight of stairs.) We all banded together to take on the Island by scooter. The first place we went was also our first annoyance...
The rental shop. Just off the boat there are guys in the little market trying to get you to rent. Looking for a 'better deal' we passed them up and went straight to the scooters just outside the market. We placed our request for 5 scooters and proceeded to wait... and wait... and wait while others were snatching them up right in front of us. The scooter rental lady said "We're waiting on gas". After :15 minutes Kev said "I'm outta here" and Milan and I began our tirade. "WHAT'S THE HOLDUP?! It's hot as hell and the clock is ticking!" We had already paid at that point. They tried to stick us on some 100cc beaters and that was the point where we had enough. We demanded a refund and were set to wander the streets. I decided to make one FINAL attempt, I mean... I wouldn't have a story for "The Scoop" if I just gave up. I pointed out some pretty nice looking (relatively speaking) Kayaks and said "Give us these 4 right here". Why they didn't offer them in the first place was a mystery, but I suspect that they prejudged us as a group of rowdy riders ready to demolish their newer scoots. They couldn't come up with any more excuses and finally handed them over ($80/each which included a $20 deposit).
We were issued a set of cheap jockey helmets and proceeded to find a grubbary. All of our bikes worked well except Milan's which wouldn't idle... at stops it just died. Good enuf... "Let's roll!"
First stop... Grub at a local Bahamian grill. We all bellied up to the table for conch salad, fruit punch and other local fish and chicken. Food wasn't bad... expensive, but not bad.
Tony doesn't like to play it safe... Orders the Turtle Steak and LIKES it. Service was dead slow. Figured they were waiting for the turtle to get there.
Next stop? Bacardi headquarters. Sadly, they are closed on the weekend. We used the wallet-on- a-scooter-seat tripod to capture this shot. This photo was taken just minutes after I nearly bit the dust. What happened was, I was watching out for John. Since he was new I felt it was my obligation to point out the many scooter swallowing pot holes in the road. Well, I looked in my left mirror... saw John... took my left hand off the grip and pointed down at a hole when suddenly I hit an equally menacing pot hole at about 45 MPH. The impact made my front wheel twist to the right and jerked the bar out of my right hand too. For a split second I experienced time dilation. I thought, "Get ready to slide" which was overtaken by "Pull out of it!". I placed both hands back on the grips, grabbed the brakes and wobbled left and right with my tires squalling like whipped dogs. I let off the brakes to correct the wobble then applied them again until I finally stopped. John looked rather shocked that I managed to stay upright. So was I. Doubly sobered at this point, I caught back up with the rest of the group and we got our Bacardi photo op.
Here's my Kayak. Chinese I presume, but couldn't find any info on it after 10 minutes of Googling. I managed to get about 84 kph (52 mph) out of her and we still had about 1/4 tank of gas when it was done. Yes... That is my personal helmet, not the jockey helmet. I figured since I took my scooter to the airport (yes with all my bags), that I might as well bring my helmet, jacket and gloves with me. They would have REALLY come in handy had I taken that spill earlier.
Then we stopped on South Beach for another little photo op. This was about the halfway point. By now we had just about gotten used to driving on the wrong side of the road. The ride filled the senses with views of mansions, abandoned beach condo projects, and homes spanning the range in between. Smells of sweet, salty air, mixed with local grills made our mouths water and the stench of roadside dumping and sewage treatment tickled our gag reflex. We had ridden though a small rain, John's first. He never imagined those little drops could sting so bad and while it was hot out there, being in motion made it feel fine.
To get to South Beach you have to get off of the main road which is highly recommended because traffic was so bad and the view was no better. I talked to a couple of locals to find directions to a road further south. They were all very friendly, even away from the tourist areas. One man explained that the way we wanted to go was "Very far away". This is relative of course. For someone born and raised on a 21x7 island it was a trek. For many American commuters, it's half their daily ride to work.
It was shortly after the South Beach stop that John nearly rear ended a car and at some point during the ride Milan laid his scooter down during the dreaded "quick stop on a gravel road" trick. Still no injuries and after this dangerous ride, that's all you can ask for.
While on South Beach I had to show off my jacket patch. Click on any of the photos to see 'em up close. This was one of the last photos taken on our ride. The final leg of the journey was pretty uneventful until we got about 2 miles from the dock. The guys had enough with their smelly helmets and took them off to balance the discomfort they were already feeling on their backsides from the cheap seats. While we were making the home stretch John's hat blew off. I was last in line, so I spun around to get it. I hopped off the scooter, and waited for the cars. One stopped and I went into the street. As I approached the hat I noticed a small, wiry, shirtless guy headed in the same direction from across the street. He was mumbling something and gesturing like he was going to retrieve the hat for me. I said "I got it, thanks" and bent over to grab the hat. When I stood up he said something about "gimme money" and then snatched the hat out of my hands. Not a whole lot of details here besides me yelling "Gimme the F*ckin' hat!" before the locals started to descend on the scene. Boxed in by cabbies yelling "Give the mon 'im 'at back!" the addict finally held it out for me to snatch back. It was then back on the scooters and onward to the docks.
We returned 4 hours and 3/4 tank of gas later, exhausted and sweaty (that last bit of traffic put an end to the 50+ MPH speeds we reached earlier and now it felt HOT). It would have probably been 4.5 or 5 hours if we weren't lane splitting at the very end. All that traffic on 2 lane roads makes you REALLY appreciate a scooter.
Over all it was a good ride. We saw about as much of he island as you could possibly see in a day. Would I recommend it? Sure! It's an adventure and it was nice to get away from the counterfeit Cuban cigar vendors and drug peddlers near the dock. Would I do it again? Eh, maybe another island... next time? The Caymans!
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Powersports Business - The people want scooters!
Got scooped on this via the world famous ScooterBBS. If you haven't been there, you must bookmark it. A great place for news and opinions right there in the warmth of a flame-war or two. The link points you to a little article from the Powersports Biz trade mag. Like to hear it? Here it goes.
Powersports Business: "As gas prices soar to record highs, a survey released last month indicated that 30 percent of U.S. consumers would be “extremely” or “somewhat likely” to use a scooter for their everyday transportation needs.
According to the survey, conducted in the first week of May by ICR on behalf of Piaggio Group Americas, queried individuals indicated a willingness to transfer 35 percent of their weekly mileage to a scooter. The survey also found that 33 percent of respondents would be likely to use a scooter to reduce emission harmful to the environment, and 35 percent would be likely to use a scooter to save $25 a week on gasoline.
Piaggio leadership said comparing the results of the survey to Department of Energy national averages for fuel consumption and emissions shows that if Americans were to utilize one of the scooters available in the market today, they could, in aggregate, reduce national fuel consumption by 14 million gallons of gasoline per day and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 324 million lbs. per day.
Scooters were defined in the survey as two-wheel vehicles that can reach 40mph to 100mph and have an average cost of $2,000 or above."
Yamaha introduces the ASV-3 airbag concept on the Morphous
Detailed text | Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. corporation: "'Yamaha ASV-3' air bag prototype"
I don't have any video of this in action, but Yahama was showing off their ASV-3 (Advanced Safety Vehicle initiative... you may recall the video) concept at the JSAE show this week.
The reason I mention "video of this in action" is simply because of where the bag is located. Right next to another very important bag... if you know what I mean. We already know what an airbag can do to your arms or nose, imagine what sort of damage it could inflict going off between your legs. At least Yamaha is thinkin'. Three cheers for rider safety! Just don't forget to wear a cup.
*UPDATE*
See a photo of this in action here.
We're back from the Bahamas!
(We rode Kayaks, the scooters not the boats, around the entire island and made a stop at the Bacardi factory)
I've got lots of details and a pretty big write up in store, so tune in to hear about the 4 hour journey around the island full of close calls, stinging rain and near fist-fights... later today.
We're in recovery mode today, so we'll be able to get back on the news, reviews, commentary and celebration of two wheeled oddities after we get swept up around here. Stay tuned!
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Out of office until May 22
Sorry to say, but The Scooter Scoop staff will be in the Bahamas for a few days of scootin' around the island. I KNOW for a fact that we will be without connectivity, so the only updates will be the comments left by the loyal readers. We promise to bring back pictures though. Cheers!
My Burgman opens today!
Check out the slick Burgman site featuring soccer genius Alexander Del Piero at www.myburgman.com. Suzuki has really done a good job with this immersion site even showing some love to English speakers. If you're not in a hurry, you can casually peruse the site with all of it's macromedia + lounge trance goodness. If your a "just the facts" kinda guy/gal... You'll probably not wanna waste your time.
Thanks to motoblog.it for the scoop!
What's wrong with this picture?
(It's the thought that counts)
Look carefully at this photo... see anything... different? Look care-full-lee. Yes? Now, before you bust out in a fit of laughing and pointing... you gotta give the girl a little golf-clap for effort, ya know? I mean, at least her heart was in the right place. Not to say I recommend putting on YOUR helmet bass-ackerds (especially if you have a full-face), but she's smarter that those people who refuse to wear a helmet at all.
PS> You know what really kills me? When I see kids on crotch rockets, with their helmets latched to their seat. That's gonna be one ironic death right there.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Scooters as far as the eye can see
An image of what we might be seeing in America? Eh, no time soon... Taiwan has a big head start. Thanks to Anthony for the shot! If you wanna see more great photos from around the world, you should check out his collection.
Monday, May 15, 2006
Your summer project - DIY Scooter
Are you the kinda guy/gal who likes to get your hands dirty? Maybe you subscribe to Popular Mechanics or Make or your Tivo is full of HGTV shows. You can feel great about customizing your scooter, but nothing beats the feel-goodness of just building a scooter from the ground up. If, Doing-it-yourself is your ticket, you should go to VintageProjects.com and get the free PDF plans.
I'm envisioning a Speederbike version for myself.
gizmag Article: MBI 2006 Motorcycling Star Awards
The MBI, of which The Scooter Scoop is a member, has announced their 2006 Motorcycling Star Awards. I didn't get in early enough to voice my opinion for 2006, but in 2007? We're gonna see some scooters! ; )
gizmag Article: MBI 2006 Motorcycling Star Awards: "May 15, 2006 A new organization of independent internet writers has banded together as Motorcycle Bloggers International (MBI) and created the Motorcycling Star awards. The first annual awards were announced last week and like most blogs, the informal approach is refreshing and knowledge factor high, so the awards have cred in our not usually very humble opinion. The Motorcycling Star awards are for noteworthy achievements ('Stars') and lapses of judgment ('Fallen Stars') in the motorcycle industry. Any new motorcycle or related product, service, event or action by an individual or organization is eligible for an award and amongst the gongs are such original awards as the ugliest new motorcycle (Boss Hoss), the Object of Lust (MV Agusta Tamborini), the Wish We'd Thought of That Award (SportVue MC2 Heads Up Display ) and the Best New Everyday Motorcycle (Triumph Scrambler).
The MBI awards are similar in concept to other site specific Internet awards but instead of voting for best internet sites, over 100 million motorcycle riders worldwide can vote to recognize the achievements of people who contribute to the betterment of motorcycling. They can also vote in different categories for motorcycles and motorcycle related products. For the inaugural 2006 awards MBI members served as both nominators and judges. Planning is currently underway to open the process to the motorcycle riding public for the 2007 awards. The 2006 winners are:"
Click the title link to see the winners.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Scooter safety tip #37 - Be visible
The Indian and the Harley Davidson
North Texas Lakes Rally THIS FRIDAY!
I know I didn't give you a whole lot of notice, but you got a week to get yer act together! The flier says it all. Click on the title link for more info from our brothers and sisters in North Texas. Many members of the Austin and San Antonio crews have plans on pitchin' a tent or two as well. I have a sneaking suspicion that it's gonna be a BLAST! I, unfortunately, will be in the Bahamas. It's a CONFERENCE! NOT A CRUISE! Oh, sorry... it's become a knee-jerk reaction from saying it so much. Someone eat a burger or a dog for me!
Announcement - Central Texas Scooter & Motorcycle Monthly Ride
Here's the latest installment of the monthly Maxi-scooter ride (all bike types invited). This is a good way to build up your riding skills, break in your bike, meet some real cool people and get a mini-tour of Colorado. If you're interested let Fred know at idontgiveashift@gmail.com
Hey Fred! Don't forget to say "Hi!" to the Killer Bees, Peak, Bottle Rockets and SQREAM when you get to CO! You Shiftless riders are going to be Austin's Scooter Ambassadors. Now... on to the details:
May 27, 2006 - The Soft Butt 400 Central Texas Scooter and Motorcycle Ride
With the planned Colorado scooter and motorcycle trip only a couple of months away, this ride has been designed to give riders a taste of long-distance touring. The route is 400 miles in distance and should take 10-12 hours to complete.
After the Soft Butt 400 ride, the NEXT planned day ride won't happen until August, so we encourage everyone to come and ride with us in a few weeks. We have selected June 10 as an alternative date in case of severe rain and/or active thunderstorms.
Although the Colorado tour sections this summer will not be longer than 300 miles each, doing several multi-day rides over an extended period let's one know where there might be ergonomic issues!
Typically the biggest obstacle to riding far is the seat design and secondly, wind noise and buffeting related issues. Most wind noise can be greatly minimized by using earplugs that have at least a 30-db-noise reduction. They are available at most local CVS pharmacies. A more expensive route is a custom made earplug, which can cost up to $60.00 but provide a very secure yet not intrusive solution.
In addition, a full-face helmet also helps mitigate some of the loud noise from the extended riding one may experience. With good venting, a full-face helmet does not feel excessively hot when one is under way. The other benefits of a full-face helmet are greater protection in case of an accident and protection from the elements such as bugs, road debris and rain.
Suggestions for scooter and motorcycle seats are varied and everyone has their favorite. The cheapest solution is a sheepskin pads at: http://www.alaskaleather.com/. These cost up to $45.00. Another is an Air Hawk inflatable cushion at: http://www.therohogroup.com/, which can cost up to $190.00. Finally, there are several seat makers such as Corbin at http://www.corbin.com/ that have special seats with a more ergonomic feel. The total custom deluxe solution for seats is Russell Day Long at: http://www.day-long.com/. You typically send in your stock seat with picture of yourself in your typical riding position. They tailor your existing seat pan into an ergonomic masterpiece. It usually takes about two weeks from the shipping date before your seat is returned. Russell is known for their Iron Butt (http://www.ironbutt.com/) quality and comfort.
Besides theses suggestions, adding a larger windshield to one's
scooter or motorcycle can make a big impact on overall comfort. A cheap solution is from a company called Laminar Lip at: http://www.laminarlip.com/. They provide an aftermarket screen that attaches to your existing one increasing the airflow over the rider. Another more expensive option is to order a custom windshield from an established manufacturer such as GIVI at: http://www.giviusa.com/ or my favorite, Clearview at: http://www.clearviewshields.com/. Many times, if you have a unique scooter or motorcycle, Clearview can custom design one in a few weeks based on your specs. As well, many of the scooter and motorcycle manufacturers sell additional windshield protection options for your bike.
May 27, 2006 Ride Details
Due to the length of the ride, we will meet a little earlier at 7:45 am at the Scooter's Coffee Shop (formerly Trianon Coffee) located on 3742 Far West Blvd. In Austin, Texas 78731 near MOPAC. (See Map at: http://maps.google.com/)
This ride takes a route that offers the best of the Texas Hill Country has to offer. We also planned the route so there are plenty of locations where one can jump in and enjoy the cool waters of a local river and or lake. Make sure and bring a bathing suit! We plan to go near the Devil's backbone area before continuing to the hilly and twisty roads west of Bandera. We plan to stop for early dinner in Fredericksburg before continuing on to Austin.
For those concerned that the Devil's backbone might be the location of an infamous cult sacrificial ground, don't worry. The Devil's Backbone is one of Texas' most scenic drives, officially RM 32, the "Devil's Backbone" is a winding, razor-backed ridge overlooking Hill Country vistas. It extends from RM 12 just south of Wimberley, Texas west some 24 miles to near Blanco.
Due to the length of the ride, it is suggested you bring sunscreen, a camera for contributions for the scooter web site, effective sunglasses, water or Gatorade and some snacks to eat along the way. In order to ensure that we maintain a decent pace, it is recommended all riders fuel to capacity before the ride. All riders should also refuel when one member stops in order to create continuity regardless of what your fuel gauge indicates.
We are looking forward to seeing all the returning riders plus folks joining us for the first time.
Happy Trails,
The Shiftless
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Kymco People versus People S
This is strictly a quick-glance, atheistic comparison between the Kymco People 250 (left or top) and the People S 250 (right or bottom). You could sum up the new "S" with one word... "Angular". Not that "angular" is bad. In my opinion it's a huge improvement over the old People. I was never a fan of the "Arvin art deco, space heater" grill of the People. In my personal opinion, the old 250 just seemed sorta awkward for some reason... but the NEW "S" 250 looks much less clumsy. If you want to see more details, you could always go to Kymco's site. No... not the one for the USA audience... www.KymcoUSA.com doesn't mention the Kymco S 250. You have to go to www.Kymco.it in Italy to get more info. Perhaps because it was Italian designed? You could go to www.Kymco.co.uk in the United Kingdom to get more info on the "S", but they only have info on the S 125... Nothing on the 250.
How do they decide which country will or won't display the S 250 on their site? Is it by contract? Is it by which web team is the laziest? I don't know, but at least YOU know the new People S 250 looks like another Kymco winner.
High gas prices lead to U.S. scooter boom
(AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Here's a little slice from the Associate Press... not the whole thing, just enough to bring up some cool things about the article. It mentions the NYSC and the Jedi Knights. It also mentions some important statistics and trends in the scooter market today. Great job Desmond Butler!
High gas prices lead to U.S. scooter boom: "Scooter riders are also mobilizing in ways never seen before. Riders are joining clubs, setting up Internet message boards, and even lobbying city governments for more friendly laws.
One club, the New York Scooter Club, meets Wednesday evenings at a bar in Manhattan. They discuss mechanics, the relative merits of classic metal-framed scooters vs. the newer synthetic models, and the simple joys of scooter travel.
After the gathering, the members mount up for an 8 p.m. ride around town. On weekends, they organize day trips out of the city on scooters, first popularized in the 1960s and '70s by movies like Federico Fellini's 'La Dolce Vita,' and The Who's 'Quadrophenia.'
A scooter boom has been under way over the last few years as the vehicles came back into fashion. Retail sales in the U.S. have shot up from 12,000 scooters in 1997 to 113,000 in 2005, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council, a promotional trade organization. But this spring, the boom has turned into a bonanza, with more and more people realizing that scooters can get up to 100 miles per gallon and can weave around traffic jams.
'The phone has been ringing and recently the calls begin with talk about gas prices,' says Aaron Peterson, manager of Vespa Soho, a Manhattan dealer of the most classic Italian scooter.
Sales at the Chicago-based Genuine Scooter Company, one of the country's larger scooter dealers, which owns the popular Stella brand, have been doubling annually for the last three years, with even faster growth projected for this year, according to owner Philip McCaleb. The Stella gets about 90 miles per gallon...
... Some of the scooter clubs aren't as practical. The Jedi Knights, a scooter club for Star Wars fans founded in Ann Arbor, Mich., has spread to more than a half-dozen cities. In New York, the club recently built a speeder-bike modeled after the vehicle featured in "Return of the Jedi."
"The Jedi Knights are about taking ourselves lightly," explains member Gregory Heller. "We are into 'Star Wars' and into scooters and that's a pretty high level of dorkiness."
On a more serious level, Heller helped organize a charity for fellow scooter riders suffering after Hurricane Katrina. He is also active lobbying the New York City government for designated parking for scooters and motorcycles, which frequently get knocked over when competing with cars for legal parking.
Some more helmets... that you can't get
WTF?! Scooter of the month - MBK Spirit 3 Wheeler
One scooter, two motors, three wheels, for REAL! Look very carefully. This radically altered MBK Spirit (French) is a real oddity. You might see tricycles, but it's not often you see twin 50cc motors to go along with it. This is from Heavymotor.com, known for their carefully executed and quite extreme scooter creations (no REALLY... I don't think you understand). There's video of this thing in action... shredding someone's beautifully manicured lawn, but I don't wanna link directly to it. Check out Heavymotor.com HERE to see it in action. As long as you're there you can gawk at the other creations in disbelief. A sport scooter's dream come true.
Friday, May 12, 2006
Some sweeet designs from Moto-Zeta
This baby here, the Speed 50, is a 50cc 4-stroke (beggin' to be modded) from Moto-Zeta. Never heard of them? Me either until today. If you are a fan of the racing scooter, you might dig this slim line, rear center shock design. The weird thing about Moto-Zeta, is that if you go to their site, you'll see they sell a bunch of "off the shelf" chinese scoots. So what's up with this one? We need more data! Who designed this? Why does Moto-Zeta sell a bunch of knock-offs and one sweet ride? If you know, Scoop us!
Pimp your Piaggio - Revolver Exhaust
You may recall some time ago, the Tailgunner pipe. You remember, the one that looked like it could hurt someone? Well, here's the discount version of that. The revolver. From what I can tell, it doesn't spin... but, you could get one for your piaggio scooter (not sure what models exactly), or other scooter. Click on the title link to see the catalog. (German site in English). The good thing is that it's less than half the price of the Tailgunner, if price is an object.
This ain't no toy scooter!
(what probably started out as this...)
(has turned into THIS! A land speed record! *pick jaw up off floor*)
I've been known to snear when I give someone a business card and they say "Oh scooters... you sell those kick scooters, like the Razor?", but THIS my friends, this is a different kinda kick scooter, 'cause this scooter kicks-ass! A big bore 2-stroke (508cc) gets this baby to the cusp of 100 MPH.
I won't be able to laugh at stand-up scooters any more, 'cause this thing demands respect. Click on the title link for an exhaustive write up and a boat-load of photos. (thanks to Steve W. for the scoop!)
Thursday, May 11, 2006
**700th Post! ** More Piaggio MP3 Jucy Bits
Got some more deets and snaps of the newly announced Piaggio MP3
First why don't you have a look at the specs... I've got them here for you in a PDF format.
Then check out some more shots of the MP3...
...pissin' off expensive car owners...
...defying scooter physics...
...with plenty of room for your gear... including your ipod... A MP3 that can store a device...that can store Mp3s. More as it arrives...
***UPDATE***
I did a little conversion and here's what we got for speed...
The 125cc MP3 Top Speed? 65MPH
The 250cc MP3 Top Speed? 77MPH
sigh... now I sorta wish they came in a 300cc and a 600cc. Se la vie!
The MP3 is official! And you can't download it off iTunes.
(I'll be leanin' 'round the mountain when I come!)
My favorite quote is this one I found on DNAIndia:
"It's an absolutely new product which we hope will excite customer interest," said Piaggio chief Roberto Colaninno, who is hoping the new model will be a big hit on the streets of Europe as well as in Asia and the United States as the price of oil soars to an all-time high.WHAT?! WHAT DID HE SAY?! UNITED STATES? Seal the bridge! (oops... sorry my favorite line from Episode I got tied up in there... uh hmm... I mean...) SWEET!
The bad news is that while the 250cc version will go on sale in Italy next month (for around 5,000 euros), the exported version will be released some day and will initially be a paltry 125ccs.
All the 3-wheeled Piaggio goodness you can stand can be found at www.mp3.piaggio.com. (or at least all that's available). You can also check out the press shots over at our friends site www.2strokebuzz.com (Bryan! Curses! You beat us to the punch again!)
Here's a bit from their press release.
PIAGGIO Group - News: articolo: "Piaggio launched the first Vespa model - and with it the scooter phenomenon - in the spring of 1946. The scooter revolutionized personal transport, giving Europeans a sense of utter freedom.
Sixty years on, Piaggio has come up with another revolutionary product: the PIAGGIO MP3, a totally innovative three-wheeler with two front wheels. The PIAGGIO MP3 provides safety, road grip and stability levels that no two-wheeler can match. Power, performance and ease of use make for a very entertaining ride.
The two front wheels of the PIAGGIO MP3 re-define the very concept of ride stability to provide an unprecedented riding experience.
The front assembly, with two independent tilting wheels, is far more stable than any scooter. The PIAGGIO MP3 grips the road even when tailing other vehicles, providing top performance in total safety.
The full extent of this three-wheeler's stability can be tested on wet asphalt or tough riding conditions that would sorely challenge a traditional two-wheeler.
In town and city traffic the PIAGGIO MP3 has no equal in terms of safety. It takes on cobblestone streets, patchy asphalt and tram tracks with the greatest of ease, remaining safe and stable all the while."
I don't know if I'd get used to not putting down a kick-stand, but I can't wait to give it a test ride! My only complaint right now (besides the 125cc export) is the name! (Google Personalized Results 1 - 10 of about 1,170,000,000 for mp3)... ONE BILLION, one hundred seventy million. They should have stuck with X2 or even called it X3, but they didn't want it confused with a souring movie franchise... please make the last one good!
***UPDATE 5/14/06***
I did a little conversion and here's what we got for speed...
The 125cc MP3 Top Speed? 65MPH
The 250cc MP3 Top Speed? 77MPH
sigh... now I sorta wish they came in a 300cc and a 600cc. Se la vie!
Scurrying for Scooters 051106 - The Augusta Chronicle
Here's a couple of clips from an article in the Agusta Chronicle. Not really anything new, but I did like that they included some stats there at the end. Good to have if you have to write a report for school or need to convince the wife why you need to use the tax return.
Scurrying for Scooters 051106 - The Augusta Chronicle: "Previously accounting for a mere fraction of the shop's sales, scooters have recently become a much more popular option, according to sales manager Alan Moffett.
'The biggest complaint is people spending $300, $400 a month on gas for their car, so they're wanting to do anything to save,' he said. 'You see this a lot on college campuses.'...
'It seems to be the biggest increase in the large motor scooters,' she said. 'They have fully automated transmissions, large storage areas, and getting on and off is very comfortable.'
The trend is seen nationally, too.
According to Motorcycle Industry Council spokesman Mike Mount, scooter sales increased 65 percent between the third quarter of 2004 and the third quarter of 2005."
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Paris pizza scooters
Which would YOU rather ride?
Thanks to noneck for sharing!
Pimp my Tuk Tuk
The owners must put a lot of time into these things.
Aren't you glad this is over?
Works been so crazy, the only ride I'll get in is a lunch break to the gas station for a Snapple (I have a buy-one get-one free coupon).
Thanks to 'i get rad' sharing this photo captured back in Feburary.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Know any Power Rangers?
(Go go get my scooter!)
You know you've seem them... HECK! You might even be one! You ever park in front of a grocery store and have a little kid point at you and say "Mama! Look! A Power Ranger!"? Then you've probably got one of those nice, matching helmet, jacket, pants, boots sets.
I've got a friend who was recently asking me for riding gear advice. I was telling him that since he was a new rider, he should really consider something bright and not something stealthy like a Tie Fighter Pilot outfit. I went on to tell him that choosing your gear is completely personal, but he should consider a full-face helmet, gloves and jacket at a minimum.
I wear Icon. Many people wear Joe Rocket, lots of others wear what they have in their closet. Some people get a new scooter and they go all out. They buy "the best". They look sleek and modern and stylish in their official riding uniform... and most people who buy the matching power-ensemble don't even realize how powerful it is until a kid call's them out.
If you are a Power Ranger or you've seen one in your 2 wheeled adventures, snap a picture! We'd love to include it in our new Rider Style section of TheScooterScoop.com. If you're NOT a Power Ranger, but are proud of yer 'get-up', send pictures so we can present you to the world!
Front to back...
"Hey! Nice! What is that? Joe Rocket?"
"No darling, it's FirstGear... bought it online."
"That bitch KNOWS my pink gear is much cuter than her yellow. Why isn't he talking to me?"
RevoPower: Moped Retrofit - Gizmodo
RevoPower: Moped Retrofit - Gizmodo: "Hey, let's don't actually expend any energy riding bikes-we could just replace our front wheels with a RevoPower and never have to pedal our bicycles again. Well, not quite. This little 1.1HP, 23cc, two-stroke internal combustion engine-that-could revs up to 7500RPM and its maker says it can reach speeds of 20 mph on a flat surface.
The remarkable thing about this engine is that itÂ’s less than 3 inches thick, but it might be a little awkward since it adds 12 pounds to your front wheel. The good news is, it's capable of 200 miles per gallon. Available in early 2007, the reduced fitness it brings you will cost you $400."
Pretty ingenious design... I'd like to seem 'em pack 3 of those 23cc heads in there. Is that a phase II RevoPower?
Check out the product page here (try to avoid it unless you're in the mood for some 80's Taylor Daine flashbacks.)
Indiatimes Auto - Honda "puttin' the smack down" on Bajaj
Indiatimes Auto: "NEW DELHI: Identities change fast in a consumer’s market. That’s what seems to have happened to Hero Honda and Bajaj Auto. The motorcycle czar now sells more scooters than the scooter king.
In April, Hero Honda sold over 6,000 scooters against 2,000 sold by Bajaj Auto, a company synonymous with scooters in India. And don’t be surprised if the trend holds true for the rest of the year as well.
Bajaj Auto attributes it to their decision to clean-up their scooter portfolio before they launch new scooters models later this financial year. “We have stopped producing all existing scooters models and are cleaning up our stocks.
The only model being produced by us right now is Wave, but this also, we are not pushing very aggressively,” says S Sridhar, vice president (sales & marketing), two wheelers, Bajaj Auto.
He says, Bajaj’s current scooter portfolio is outdated and it doesn’t make sense to invest in their marketing and distribution. “Both Chetak and Wave were ‘me too’ product. We now want to bring scooters sporting new technologies to differentiate ourselves from others,” Mr Sridhar told ET. "
Bajaj would have benefitted from listening to a little Kenny Rogers... You gotta know when to fold 'em. For Bajaj to STOP and rethink their production strategy while they were on top of the game allowed Honda to sneak up on 'em and steal their cheese. You better watch out Bajaj!
Monday, May 08, 2006
YAMAHA MOTOR CANADA | What's the hottest Yamaha product available in Canada??
YAMAHA MOTOR CANADA | OUR COMPANY: "May 1, 2006
You might be surprised…. Based on our website traffic and dealership activities, Scooters are rapidly gaining popularity in both interest and sales. And thinking about it, why not?
Fuel is up over a buck a litre and showing no signs of leveling off for the future. New vehicle costs for cars and trucks approach that of a small mortgage and urban sprawl has more and more Canadians commuting longer distances than ever before.
On the side of the planet, greenhouse gases, global warming, dwindling fuel supplies and air quality are all issues that must be taken seriously to protect our children's health and future. Enter the scooter.
You save huge dollars in fuel and depreciation cost plus you'll feel good about doing something positive for our environment but that's not really what the scooter phenomenon is all about. The fact of the matter is: New scooters are a lot of fun to ride. They are stylish and more accessible than many realize. Several provinces do not require special licensing to operate a 50cc scooter and in some cases people as young as fourteen can legally ride on specific classes of scooters. Toronto among other cities has amended regulations governing two wheeled vehicles to offer free parking and greater access to the downtown cores."
Thanks for the scoop Peter!
Inside Bikes News - The Sachs Bee (Sachs desperate to get more Sachs branding in the shops)
Inside Bikes News: "Sachs have launched a 125cc 4-stroke scooter that will sell in the shops for just $1,299 (pounds) on the road. The news, from Germany's oldest motorcycle manufacturer, comes hot on the heels of the introduction of the sub- $1,000(pounds) 49er 50cc scooter.
The retro-styled Bee is the result of a long-term agreement between the German company and a major Chinese factory to produce a range of budget scooters that will offer European consumers German quality and dealer support at prices to rival Internet direct unbranded products."
In other words... Sachs is rebadging the same Chinese scooter that TNG is selling. YOU remember, the one that got Schwinn in trouble. Anyway... Those things are usually built using parts spec'd by the client, so I hope Sachs didn't cheap out on us (and by US I mean, the people over in Europe who are going to see this in the shops). It's good that they are offering support at least.
My advice to Sachs. Call your designers back in to work. Ask them to brainstorm something "Sachs"! I know it takes some time/money to get a new design to market, but it pay off in customer loyality. People buy Oakly sun glasses, not because they look like the Sunglasses in a Target store, but because they look like Oakleys. People are intrigued by Sachs because they came out of no where with the MadAss... not because they stuck their name on a TNG. We know you can do it Sachs!
Awe Shite!
Thanks to .m for capturing this horror.
Sunday, May 07, 2006
That sucks...
Bridge Crossing
Friday, May 05, 2006
Piaggio X2 expected to leave the hive May 11th
(The Piaggio x2 looks like it's ready to sting the $#!+ outta ya!)
During my mid-morning snack of Focalin/Creamcheese spread on an 'everything' bagle and a cold glass of Milwaukee's Best, I caught a 2StrokeBuzz about the new Piaggio X2 (Piaggio's 3 wheeled oddity... you know two wheels in the front, one in the back). Seems the official announcement will be made in 6 days. Will that announcement include news on a US release? I don't have a clue. I can only hope and pray. Some people may think it's ugly... but I like 'em ugly AND I'm sure she handles like a dream.
Aprilia Scarabeo 500 Awarded In 'The World's Most Beautiful Scooter' - Auto Racing Daily
2006-05-05
The International Panel of Judges of the "World's Most Beautiful Motorcycle" awards met last Friday at Cortile della Seta in Milano, a historic courtyard made available by Banca Popolare Commercio e Industria. The judges were the artists Heinz Mack, Vittorio Matino and Kenneth Noland, 15 time motorcycle world champion, Giacomo Agostini, the design professor Enrico Fagone, the transportation designer Michael Conrad, the fashion designer Carlo Rivetti, and the journalist Alessandro Giudice. The jury was chaired by Mr. Bruno Alfieri. The 26 examined and evaluated motorcycle and scooter models and defined the top aesthetic achievements of 15 European, Japanese and American manufacturers.
After a careful examination, the Jury presented the award for the scooter category to the Aprilia Scarabeo 500.
The awards mark a further extension of Automobilia's promotional activities, which began in 1993 with prizes assigned to cars, with a view to enhancing and promoting the artistic value of all "design-in-motion" products. As claimed by Ettore Bugatti one century ago and achieved by the greatest car, truck and train body designers and bike designers in the world, the focus of the awards is centred on the roles played by "shape" and "function". The aim is not to confine artistic creation to the secondary role of fashion styling and marketing design, but to confirm and enhance the social and cultural mission of industrial products in a society that should ideally become closer to the Aristotelian idea of beauty.
Note: Dudel posted this a couple days back:
Seems official - big Scarabeo-500 gone [replaced by BV500 clone]. If you click the "500" link on the official Scarabeo website you get the "New Scarabeo". I would love to see the old Scarabeo resurrected as an 850. http://www.combattiva.it/scarabeo/So... Say "addio" to the scooter voted "Most beautiful in the world".
New York Daily News - Daily Dish & Gossip - Tony Soprano whacked
New York Daily News - Daily Dish: "James Gandolfini got whacked yesterday - by a taxi. The 'Sopranos' star was riding his Vespa up Hudson near Clarkson around 10:30 a.m. when a cab knocked him off his scooter. Passerby Sameer Sheikh told The News that the cabbie and passers-by helped the TV mobster to his feet. 'I'm all right,' he said. 'I'm fine.' Gandolfini's rep doubted the scratched-up actor would pursue a claim against the cabbie. His Vespa is in the repair shop."
Thanks to Clay E. for the tip! I guess not ALL the cabbies are lookin' out for scooters in NYC.
If you can stand the flashing banners and pop-ups, you can read a better version of the story here.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
The Shiftless rides again! The April ride report.
I'm sorry I missed this ride cause it sounds like another great one *fingers crossed for next month*. Here's the very well written report:
April 29, 2006 Ride Report
"It just doesn't get any better than this," remarked an old friend years ago as we watched Haley's comet, shivering at 2:00 a.m. atop an abandoned oil drilling site in the middle of empty west Texas ranch land. Indeed, it was a rare moment--three close friends; a borrowed telescope; an amazing night sky; cold, crisp air; and heavenly silence. No sight or sound of civilization for miles around, yet we couldn't have felt more connected with everything, at peace, and filled with awe and joy.
Those doesn't-get-any-better-than-this events are rare, yet my husband Steve and I had the pleasure of experiencing another such event on Saturday, April 29, with the Central Texas "I don't give a shift" monthly scoot tour. Although newbies to the group on scooters with the minimum recommended engine sizes for a long ride (a Vespa Granturismo 200L and a Piaggio BV200), we were welcomed warmly by the regular group at Scooter's coffee shop in west Austin.
The ride began with a very technical scoot through the winding hills and hair-pin turns of Lime Creek Road in west Austin--a fun challenge and favorite route for two-wheeled enthusiasts. Shortly thereafter, we were joined by two more riders, Ruth and Frank, bringing the group count to nine. Ruth was riding her new Ninja 250--a sweet, red motorcycle that practically screamed, "I was made for Ruth."
We then made our way through the back roads west and north of Austin, eventually moving east to Georgetown, stopping for lunch and a glimpse of the Red Poppy Festival. While waiting for our table at the restaurant, Ben visited us on his beautiful, red “we're not worthy” BMW 1200RT.
OK, so I have a thing for red bikes. Yes, I'm the owner of the red BV200 in the photos. The restaurant, Dos Salsa, is apparently a popular place to eat, not just during the local festivals. The food was good and conversation was lively as we grazed and laughed our way through a two-hour lunch break.
We lost a few riders after lunch, bringing the group count down to six. But that didn't stop us from continuing on through beautiful countryside east of Georgetown. We eventually made our way back long enough to stop at the Georgetown Suzuki and Yamaha dealership—a must-visit for motorcycle enthusiasts and anyone looking for a good deal on tires. Beautiful bikes! Nathan, seeing you on that Vulcan even made me think of buying one--and I'm a tough sell for anything other than a twist-and-go transmission. From there, we returned to the back roads, flying past fields of cattle and crops, a calf on the loose, peacocks and peahens, other motorcyclists, and all with the warmth of the sun on our backs and a brisk wind at all sides. Steve and I are diligently looking for windshields for the next ride. Thanks for the ear plugs, Fred.
Then it was time for a quick stop at Salado and an irresistible graze through the sample trays of relishes, salsas, and butters in the local coffee shop, followed by a dose of somewhat well-intentioned (I think) verbal abuse in the parking lot by a truck driver who wasn't fond of motorcyclists riding anywhere near his truck. Oh, well. Can't please everyone.
Onward to Granger Lake for our next rest stop, a beautiful view. Tamara and Fred were brave enough to navigate the boulder-studded hillside on their way to the shore, but Tamara managed to have a close encounter with the ground. But if you think her scrapes look bad, you should see what she did to the boulders! :)
Just before leaving, Nathan couldn't resist the urge to test-drive Fred's scooter. Luckily, Robert was able to hop on his fast, Aprilia Scarabeo 500 and retrieve Nathan. A group of weary riders made their way back to Austin at nearly 7:00 p.m., close enough to empty for the smaller scooters to require one more gas stop just before Pflugerville. But this group leaves no one behind, so we were quickly greeted just past the gas station for the final few miles home.
Fun, good food, new friends, beautiful scenery, and that almost Zen-like focus that one experiences while flying through the countryside on two wheels—yes, in the words of an old friend, “it just doesn't get any better than this.” Many thanks to all our new scooter friends who helped to make the day so special. Steve and I are already looking forward to next month's ride.
Christine Fish
NYC - The perfect place for the scooter commuter
(Ian posing with his customized Vespa ET at 60th and Broadway)
Unfortunately, I won't be in town to meet up with the NY Scooter Club today, but at least I managed to talk to a real NY Scooterist named Ian. He, like EVERYONE else I met in the city, was as personable as he could be.
We talked briefly about what it's like riding a scooter here in America's biggest city and he said you couldn't be in a better place to ride a scooter. SURE, in his 6 years (6000+ miles) of city riding he's had a couple of close calls, but he says the Taxi drivers are very courteous to scooterists and with all the one-ways and "no-lefts", the apparent chaos is actually perfect for scooter riding.
Ian went on to say that he can make much better use of his time on a scooter. Today, for instance, he made 3 stops on different sides of town in just :45 minutes. A feat that would take a cab or train rider 2 hours at LEAST. You can squeeze though the grid lock and you never have a hard time finding parking.
Ian also reaffirmed what all scooterists know and that's the driving experience is completely different on a scooter. He gets sights, sounds and smells you would never notice cooped up in a car and adding to those sensations, Ian says, is the sensation of "Play". Traveling to your destination by scooter is more like play than travel. You feel like you did when you were a kid, enjoying the ride with the quick and nimbleness that you can only experience on a scooter.
I had a heck of a time on my first trip to NYC and I hope when I come back I'll get to meet more of the city's great scooterati. It's a helluva town!
(Steve poses with someone else food delivery Honda Elite 80)
(Times Square even had the Vespa in lights)
(David Blaine's latest stunt. A week submerged and then a shot at the world's record for breath holding... 9 minutes. Near Columbus Circle)
Monday, May 01, 2006
7 ways to slash commuting costs (Page 1 of 3)
7 ways to slash commuting costs (Page 1 of 3): "Every morning, you take the same route to work. Every day it costs you $10 or more for parking, gas and tolls. And that doesn't even count expenses like insurance and maintenance.
Given the way fuel prices and tolls are rising, maybe it's time to re-evaluate your daily commute.
Changing how you get to your job can create more breathing room in your budget -- from gas savings to insurance reductions to reduced wear on the car.
'After spending $100 one week last summer on gas for my 2000 Nissan Xterra, I plunked down the money for a small used Honda scooter,' says Shana Smith of Eugene, Ore.
'My gas bill went from $100 to $2.80 in one week,' Smith says. 'I find that I only need to fill up the Nissan Xterra about every three weeks. I don't live far from work, and the ride is beautiful. Yipppeeee!'
The used scooter cost Smith $675, and it paid for itself in a few weeks. 'I ride about six miles to work one way,' she says. 'If the weather's crappy, I take the car. I live up in the hills, and it's not worth the risk during inclement weather.'"
If yer looking for more excuses to get a scooter, you should read this whole article. Lot's of ammo you can use on the "significant other" who is trying to hold you back.
Monterey Herald - Gas-efficient scooters zoom in popularity
(VERN FISHER/The Herald
Scott Kelley, of Monterey Peninsula Sports Center, moves some of the inventory around at the company's Seaside showroom.)
By MARIE VASARI
Herald Staff Writer
There isn't a lot of good to say about the high gas prices these days.
Unless you're a scooter salesman.
Sales of the ultra-efficient two-wheelers are stronger than they've ever been at Monterey Peninsula Sports Center.
"Last year," said owner Joe Rossi, "I think we sold maybe 50 or 60 scooters in the entire year of 2005."
He met that number in the first four months of 2006 alone.
"Sales" said Rossi, "have been tremendous."
Scooters are only a small part of his Seaside dealership's sales volume, which does the bulk of its business in motorcycles. And while motorcycle sales are strong these days, increased demand for scooters, coupled with smaller inventories could create a pinch in that market. If his current rate of scooter sales continues, Rossi expects to run out of stock long before his '07s arrive in December.
"Scooters are not flying out of here 10 a day, but they're certainly selling at a rapid rate," he said. "We're scrambling. And if we're not out by July, then by August, we'll be out of all the scooters we'll be able to put our hands on."
If that happens, customers will just have to wait, since dealerships calculate their orders to manufacturers a year ahead of time.
Eh poop... TheScooterScoop Staff out of office this week
Steve will be in NYC till the end of the week. Talk about last minute trips. At LEAST it's a non-stop flight from Austin to Newark... One of the few trips you can take directly from Austin. If YOU happen to find some news, maybe you can post it in the comments here like Dudel did with the last one. Keep you're fellow scooterists up to date!