Scoot! #37 is in the stores!

(We would have let you know sooner, but we were below "Peace in the Middle East" on Josh's To-Do list.)

Picked up my copy last week so you may wanna head down to your local scooter shop / bookstore / Walmart and pick up a copy. Nice Big review of the Big Ruckus is in there. I'm surprised it took anyone THIS long to review her, but that's to be expected on a Honda product (Honda's Press Relations department doesn't play well with independent media and most Honda Dealerships don't have them pre-prepped for the road.)

Lots more good stuff in there so go forth and read!

2strokebuzz Reviews the new Genuine Blur 150

2strokebuzz: The Blur 150: Modern scooters aren't rubbish:

Well Illnoise dun diddit. He went and reviewed him a scooter. His first since he started covering scooters more than 10 years ago (has it been that long???). What he says sounds promising. I'd suggest clicking the title link to read the unabridged version. One bit that really stood out for me was when Bryan said:

"I'm seriously considering trading in one of the rusty, cable-eating, oil-leaking vintage bikes in my garage and selling out to the four-stroke automatic world."

What?! What did you say?! ("The counclers are Jedi Knights, I believe." Um, sorry I always do that.) Anywayz, I couldn't believe my ears either. TSS trades in an automatic for a 'vintage' and 2SB considers trading a vintage for an automatic?!?! I think this is one of the signs of the apocalypse... I'm sure Nostradamus mentioned it somewhere, or maybe I saw it in the Di Vinci Code. Who knows.

One commenter (Prof. Matt) from 2SB noted that the FLY150 from Piaggio retails for $100 less than the Blur, and you know you love you some Piaggio!

I'll be leaving DC in the morning. I can sleep. It's 3:25am right now and I have a wake up call scheduled for 4:30am so I can get to my 7am flight back home. I blame it on that damned Arizona Energy Drink I had today. I'm gonna be draggin' a$$ tomorrow. Good night.

See the Di Blasi folding scooter in action

See the original post from December 2005 here.

I'm jealous

After spending a week on the road, I'm ready to ride. Cubicles suck. I had to put on my headphones to block out all the jibber jabber about what people's wifes made them for lunch and bad renditions of David Essex's "Rock On". There was one or two cool conversations about different martial arts and the Vince Carter slam dunk.

Talked to my boy Buzzbomb up in Atlanta. Says he may have the parts I need for my next project (yet to be reveled).

When I get to DC can I borrow someone's scooter and helmet? Thanks.

"Fairy's ride scooters"

I had to hear that enough in the office this week. Couldn't believe it... had to look it up. Seems it's true. : (

Jacksonvillians believe anything with less than 800cc's is a toy.

To that I say, "BRING THE TOYS!"

Poll: How'd you get here?

There's so many ways to get your daily dose of news these days. It makes me wonder:



If there is another way you got here, maybe you can add it as a comment.

Stella now a genuine collectors item.

(now officially no longer in the cards for 2007)

Illnoise at 2Stroke Buzz has been keeping his finger on LML/Genuine Stella's pulse for a long while and today Dr.Illnoise officially declared her guasto (dead in Italian). If you've been contemplating a Stella purchase and have one in your local store you might wanna get it, 'cause the parties over.

For '07 you can expect to see an all-PGO line up including the 50cc 2t Black Cat, 50cc 2t / 125cc 4t Buddy, 150cc 4t Blur and 50cc 2t Rattler as well as Stella parts and accessories (thank goodness). We haven't heard much about the Black Cat. The Buddy gets good scores so far and you can look forward to the epic review of the Blur from 2Stroke Buzz very soon. I like the looks of the Rattler, we'll have to see her in person though.

The ultimate accessory for the Lambretta riding outdoors man

"It's so simple, even a woman can put it together." OUCH!

In search of Vespa Videos

Video 2 of 3
Video 3 of 3

Number 8 Motorcycle of all time.

We know the Honda Super Cub is number one, but who's number 8? Vespa.

TSS Staff out of office. Might be in your city!

Well, I hate to say it, but news will be a bit scarce here at TheScooterScoop.com for the next 2 to 3 weeks. Yes, I said WEEKS, not days. I'll be in Jacksonville, FL all of next week, then on to Washington DC for a week, then back down to Atlanta for a week. I should be back in Austin after that (fingers crossed).

I'll miss my family of course... my T5... my riding mates for the Sunday meet ups... my Saturday morning breakfast tacos from Rudy's... but most of all, *sniff sniff*, I'll miss giving everyone the scoop on scooters for all that time.

Please stay in touch! I'll be able to check my emails from my Blackberry, so send messages to thescooterscoop@gmail.com

In my absence I suggest you visit the fine scooter sites in my "Links" list (over there on the right).

If you ordered jacket patches before 8/19, then they are in route now. If you order from 8/20 to 9/8, you may have a little delay until we get back in the office.

Everyone be safe out there.
Cheers!
Steve Guzman
Editor - TheScooterScoop.com

Parts catalog? OR A GIFT FROM GOD?!

As a kid I used to dig the JC Pennys catalog. Toys? And UNDERWEAR MODELS?!? What's not to love? Well back in February my mailbox reveled to me a catalog even GREATER than JC Pennys! What could it be??? The ScooterWorks USA Catalog No. 5.

What it lacks in underwear models, it MORE than makes up for in fun photos, facts and parts out the wazoo! It took me a long time to get to it in my In-Box... but now that I've found it, it will remain closely guarded next to my pile of Scoot!, TAG, Scootering and ScooterWorlds (so don't ask to borrow it). Get your own by filling out a request form. You'll thank me for it. Maybe you'll even buy me a pint!

newsandtribune.com - Scooters swiped

Grrrr! Scooter theft just rubs my rhubarb! And it's growing! Um... Scooter theft.. not, my rhubarb. Anyway, check out this news bit:

Scooters are a hot commodity, in multiple senses of the word, this summer in New Albany.

They’re popular, thanks to their low use of expensive gasoline.

They’re painful to sit on if you leave them out in the sun.

And they’re being stolen.

Several motor scooter and moped thefts have frustrated and confused victims, especially when the vehicles had been seemingly well-secured.

Richmer said he’d heard that neighbors across the street had had two mopeds stolen in the past month.

Good thing we have sites like Scoot.net's Stolen Scooter Registry. It's great for place to alert your fellow scooterists that someone swiped your bike and it's GOT to be better than yelling "Swiper no swiping" three times. Sure the site could use things like the ability to delete a post if your scoot is recovered, or the ability to sort by state, but it's free! So, who's complaining?

If you want some tips on securing your scooter, go here.

Tomberlin delivers a whole different kind of madass

When they're not peddling scooters and quad runners, Tomberlin is busy inventing mean, Darth Vader inspired electric hybrid car thingies. Introducing the ANVIL, an electric 4 passenger car that would look sweet rolling down your retirement community or golf course. For $8k you get a vehicle that goes 25mph (rumor has it that the Anvil is heavily restricted and can do much better than 25), and can travel 40 miles on a charge. It also has four wheel regenerative breaking. Tomberlin is expecting big things for the Anvil. In the next few weeks they should be arriving at some sort of dealership near you.

The Register-Guard, Eugene, Oregon, USA

The Register-Guard, Eugene, Oregon, USA: "A convergence of funky style and fuel efficiency is causing a nostalgic buzz among commuters in Eugene and around the country: scooters zipping off the pages of motor vehicle history books and onto local streets.

Hondas and Yamahas from Japan, Kymcos from Taiwan and the granddaddy of all floorboarded two-wheelers - Italian-made Vespas - are seeing a resurgence in popularity as motorists look for alternatives to gas-hungry cars.

And maybe even a little wind-in-your-face fun.

'One of the things I really like about what I'm seeing currently is that the age group is really expanded,' says Bill Cole, owner of Eugene's Wheelworks bike shop, which added Vespas to its line of scooters this spring.

'It's everything from young people to old people,' Cole says. 'I actually had a guy in his 80s who came in and bought a scooter. He said it was his way to revolt against the high gas prices.'"

Vespa papapapa Video

A fun Italian Vespa TV advert from back in the day. Enjoy!

Howstuffworks "How Two-stroke Engines Work"

'Case you wanna learn you sumthin'. Click on the title link.

EMO cult warning for parents | the Daily Mail

This article is SO UnFAIR! They just don't understand me. NOBODY understands me. It's soooo SAD! (sorry for the bad Emo imitation).

EMO cult warning for parents | the Daily Mail: "The internet has many sites dedicated to Emo fashion (dyed black hair brushed over your face, layering, black, black, black), Emo bands (Green Day, My Chemical Romance), Emo conversation (sighing, wailing, poetry).

The Instant Emo Kit site gives advice on identity. Wear a child's T-shirt with a slogan such as 'Unhappy Chick' and drive a Vespa. Above all, 'show your inner despair by looking like you are too sad to eat. Obesity and emocity do not mix.'"

Ashton Kutcher rolls Vespa

I thought this was cool. Check out this snippet from CBS New's ShowBuzz.

Kutcher's New Roles Not In Hollywood, Actor Is Now A Husband, Stepfather And Student Of Kabbalah - The ShowBuzz: "Even with all of the recent changes in Kutcher's life, part of that kid who grew up poor back in Iowa still remains. 'I'm still a penny pincher,' he says. 'I went out and got a Vespa because I can drive all week in L.A. on $6 of gas.'"

Police officer injures leg in scooter crash

We wish a quick recovery for our fellow scooteratti.

Police officer injures leg in scooter crash: "A police officer from the North Shore's 120th Precinct suffered a leg injury when he fell off his scooter yesterday morning during a minor accident near the St. George Ferry Terminal, police said.

The officer, said to be in his 40s, was traveling on Bay Street toward the ferry terminal shortly before 7:30 a.m. when his scooter skidded on the wet and oily pavement, hitting the rear of a sedan stopped for a red light at Bay Street and Richmond Terrace, according to police sources.

Police said they didn't know how fast the scooter was going.

An officer responding to the scene suffered a laceration of the forehead, police said; it was unclear how the second officer was injured.

Both officers were listed in stable condition at St. Vincent's Hospital, West Brighton, according to police sources and a hospital spokeswoman.

The extent of damage to the red Pontiac Grand Prix with which the officer collided was not known.

A rainstorm had slicked Staten Island roadways just in time for the morning commute."

Thanks for the scoop Clay! Stay off the roads after a rainstorm starts. We don't need any more people slippin' and a slidin'.

TheScooterScoop.com Jacket Patches available NOW!

(You can go here to buy them online via PayPal)

Just a little reminder that the official "theScooterScoop.com" jacket patches are here! Bright white and green on a deep black background... Marrowed edges, custom cut, iron-on backing, all the quality you'd expect from TheScoop.

This limited edition patch can be yours for just $6.50 each or four for $20!

If you like what you read and want to see more AND want to show your support for TheScooterScoop while decorating your jacket / hat / backpack / chaps with a stylish new jacket patch, place your orders now.

The patches will ship immediately from sunny Austin, TX. All you have to do is send $6.50 via PayPal to thescooterscoop@gmail.com (don't worry about shipping or handling or taxes, etc). I'm working out alternate payment methods as well. If you are interested but do not wish to use paypal, please send me an e-mail telling me what works best for you.

Thanks again for visiting!
Steve Guzman
editor
TheScooterScoop.com
TheScooterScoop.tv

TSS covers Bryan covering the new Genuine Blur

Poking around the NoDirectionHome Rally shots on Scoot.net I found this nice picture of the Genuine Blur and what looks like Bryan from 2StrokeBuzz getting some nice new-product p0rn (wow, twice in one week). The Blur looks pretty nice really, in a CPI GTR kinda way. I think these new Genuine products are starting to grow on me. So, now we have the Genuine Buddy, Rattler, Blur, and the somewhat gaudy Black Cat. No telling if we'll see a Genuine Beast or Genuine Trip in the near future. Unlikely that they will introduce a Genuine Bug.

Thanks to Marty for scooping us on the NDH Rally and Geniune developments!

A Buddy done up right.

Nitro shot and posted these images on the illustrious Scoot.net site. What you see here is a Genuine Buddy in a sort of pea green (not the standard Black/Orange/Pink) with some cool skull graphics and red powder coated rims not to mention customized speedo. Great work on making this Buddy stand out from the crowd!

Death points his cold scythe at the last of the metal bodies - NO! NOT STELLA!

(I think I'm gonna cry here... *sniff sniff* WAAAAAAAAAA!)

[Please note... this story is based completely on rumors, hearsay, speculation, ouiji board results, coin tosses, calls to Mrs. Cleo's hotline and logical deduction. There have been NO official announcements confirming nor denying the future of Stella. This is just my gut telling me that Stella is finally saying "buon giorno" or rather "khuda hafiz".]

Back in January we made the announcement that Bajaj was discontinuing the Chetak. A sad moment indeed. Next we see a sudden boost of PGO products in the Genuine lineup for late '06 and in to 'o7 and VERY low, if not non-existent inventory on the Stella.

Finally, a flock of little birdies have recently informed us that Genuine is completely out of stock on the Stella. Not only that, but we also hear that the LML plant in sunny Kanpur has shut down. That's right... turn off the lights, lock the doors, collect dust and spiderwebs kind of "shut down".

It's a painful thought really. Seems like P.J. was JUST there. How could Genuine, the company that managed to bring us "the first EPA approved 150cc two-stroke to be sold in America in nearly 20 years", allow the Stella to just up and die? I don't think it's anything they could help really. I'm afraid the cheap 4-stroke had it in for the sweet little Italian decedent. Today more people want to ride automatics and they want 'em cheap. A large portion of the market doesn't care about things like "metal bodies" or "2 stroke engines"... and when you don't have money to pay your builders to keep production going, you gotta start looking at what you can cut and what you can keep.

I just hope Genuine keeps their parts division, ScooterWorks USA, rolling and that they can still get Stella/Vespa parts. If LML's isn't even producing replacement parts (assuming they made them in the first place), then P series Vespa and Stella owners are going to be hurtin'. We'll keep you posted on developments here.

Rumors also indicate that Phillip McCaleb might have a trick up his sleeve for saving the metal bodied beauty, but she may end up more like the Bride of Frankenstein when it's all said and done. I don't wanna be a naysayer, so Phillip... I hope you can make it happen brother. May the Scooter gods be with you!

Finally sat on the Burgman Executive 650

She was sweet. I'm sure a dream commuter scooter / cruiser scooter. Too bad I couldn't test drive it. : ( The Burg was at a shop in Jacksonville, FL. I'll be there next week, maybe they'll let me put the rubber on the road this next time.

I mostly made this post because I didn't want my Burgman readers to feel left out. THANKS for coming by, even if you feel a bit neglected. I think the Burg is a fine scooter! I hope to have Red Brown do some video reviews for TSS.TV featuring his well accessorized 650.

If you've been considering a Burgman or have one you wanna talk about, I suggest visiting the BurgmanUSA forum. Lots of great and experienced riders over there with over 3600 registered users. They definitely have more posts than you can shake a stick at... I don't care HOW big the stick is.

Riding old school

fe0001
Originally uploaded by yajiro.

Yajiro posted this image of a couple of nice ladies on scooters from 1955. I wonder, are those Hondas?

Learning from other's mistakes - Road Rash

I know it's hot as a 2-dollar pistol out there this summer. It's 99 degrees here in Austin today. It was 121 degrees last week in Death Valley and felt about that hot in Orlando last week with added humidity making it unbearable at Universal Studios in shorts, sandals and a guayabera.

I couldn't imagine waiting in the Shrek 4D line in a full-face, jacket, gloves, pants and boots. How could I possibly make it all around town in that get-up? Well, I personally manage to do it in at LEAST helmet and gloves. I wear a jacket (with reflector vest) about 90% of the time even though it's hot and nerdy.

Well, Pete sent me an interesting article that may help me reach 100%. What we have is a PDF of an article from Motorcycle Consumer News that tells the tale of Patricia Wilson. In it Patricia describes the hell that is road rash... what happened and how long it took to recover. It makes even standing in the Shrek 4D line fully outfitted sound like a day at the beach.

So... if you see me around town this summer looking sweaty and WAY over outfitted... it's Patricia's fault. ; )

Click on the title link to download the PDF.

Yamaha 2007 C3 Scooter | Uncrate

Looks like the C3 is starting to raise some eyebrows. Uncrate mentioned the Yamaha C3 in a recent post. I look forward to giving it a spin myself. The official release date is sometime in November. Let's see if they hit your shop around then.

Who'll be the first to install a 12v electric cooler under the seat?

Treehugger: US Scooter Sales Up 200% And Growing

(Click on the title link or here, to see one of the most visually offensive scooter color schemes EVER)

Treehugger: US Scooter Sales Up 200% And Growing: "Just last May Collin was saying how Piaggio Group surveyed Americans and found that "almost one in three Americans would be extremely or somewhat likely to consider using a motor scooter." According to a report in today's Wall Street Journal, we think Piaggio needs to encourage its market research firm to go out on a limb. WSJ reports: "Domestic sales of scooters have surged as budget- and environment-minded consumers look for relief from high pump prices and as more-appealing models come on the market". They report that "scooters with engine sizes of 150ccs or less... jumped some 200% to 48,000 by 2004 from about 16,000 in 1999, and they continue to rise...""

Cushman Scooter Show at the Frisco Festival (AR) Aug 25-26

The Morning News: News : New Events, New Locations as Festival Celebrates 22 Years: "Expanding its offerings for vehicle buffs, Frisco Festival will host the Cushman Scooter Show for the first time. Cushman Motor Scooters were built in Lincoln, Neb., from 1936 until 1965 by Cushman Motor Works. Cushman had been in the engine business since 1901 and began manufacturing scooters as a way to sell more engines. During World War II, Cushman produced scooters for the Navy, Army and Army Air Force. The show is sponsored by The Arkansas Vintage Scooter Club, and there is no entry fee. For information, call 273-3237 or e-mail waudby@ipa.net."

Honda Cub concept

I think our chance of seeing this Honda Cub concept come to fruition is about as likely as our chance of getting the CURRENT Honda Cub imported into the USA. I wouldn't hold my breath for either one. Pretty freaky lookin', eh?

If you DO have a Cub (Passport to us 'Mericans), you can still get some support here.

Two-Wheel Travel (Life: Personal Finance) | SmartMoney.com

Two-Wheel Travel (Life: Personal Finance) | SmartMoney.com: "SCOOTERS ARE NO LONGER resigned to the courier business, college towns and replays of Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn's Vespa-enchanted 'Roman Holiday.' And they're no longer foreign to U.S. buyers.

Domestic sales of these gas-saving two-wheelers have surged as budget- and environment-minded consumers look for relief from high pump prices and as more-appealing models come on the market. Demand isn't expected to stall anytime soon, industry observers say.

U.S. sales for just the leading manufacturers Honda, Yamaha and Aprilia of scooters with engine sizes of 150cc or less (generally considered midsize to small and not usually reaching sustainable highway speeds) totaled about 16,000 in 1999. Sales from this group had jumped some 200%, to 48,000, by 2004, and they continue to rise, according to industry stats from Robert Pandya, spokesman for the Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows.

These figures include only those models endorsed by the Motorcycle Industry Council as being up to current industry standards and EPA regulations. Toss in older bikes and those imported from smaller, mostly Chinese, Taiwanese and Korean makers not typically manufactured to meet U.S. environmental rules, and the 48,000 figure nearly doubles, Pandya said."

Pretty high profile story! Click the title link to read more.

Lowell Sun Online - Why drive a scooter? How about 75 mpg?

Lowell Sun Online - Why drive a scooter? How about 75 mpg?: "Jason Ciolfi, owner of Boston Scoot in Billerica, says two types of people own motorized scooters: the casual and the obsessed.

Ciolfi is definitely the latter.

Standing in his shop on Boston Road, he moves among his seven scooters, talking about cylinder kits, exhaust pipes, leg shields and carburetors.

He is part of a growing population of scooter enthusiasts who not only love to ride, but have an appreciation for the scooter's unique history.

However, with scooters getting about 75 miles per gallon and generally costing less than $5,000, this population is eclipsed by an even larger number of casual scooter owners who are fed up with skyrocketing gas prices and an increasingly tumultuous economy.

Penny Lacroix, director of the Westford Museum, said she falls into the casual-owner category. She rides her robin's-egg blue 1991 Vespa ET4 to work on clear, sunny days. Wearing a matching jacket and a helmet, the mother of two said she gets quite a few looks from passers-by as she putters down the streets of Westford."

Click the title link to read the entire story.

The Noblesville Daily Times mentions the C3

Here's the first mention I've seen of the C3 outside of the press releases. Check out a snippet from Jonathan Babalola's article in the Noblesville Daily Times:

The Noblesville Daily Times: "Those who want a smaller motorized version have definitely taken to the scooter where some models, like the new Yamaha C3, check in at 116 miles per gallon. 'Scooter sales have been phenomenal,' said Andy Elder, who works in the service department at Noblesville Honda. 'They've picked up, and if you can put up with going a little slower than you normally would in a car it's quite a deal.'

Deines, who also works in sales at Noblesville Honda, said they have had customers who own four-wheel vehicles buy a new motorcycle and pay less for financing and insurance than what they would normally pay for an average monthly gasoline tab. 'We ask more people what brings them in, and they flat out say gas prices,' Deines said. 'It's hard to beat getting on something that's going to get you anywhere between 45 to 100 miles per gallon.' Wooldridge said that when gas prices hovered below $2.80, customers assumed the mileage on the bikes were good but did not bother to inquire. Now with the prices where they are he said it 'really opened people's eyes big-time.' 'It's on everybody's minds and more people are specifically asking about the mileage,' Wooldridge said.

With many Americans on edge about the cost of filling up, business remains good for motorcycle dealers who feel this trend may be a sign of things to come."

The Houston Scooter Battalion gets some face time.

Peep it! Try to get your local news network to feature YOUR scooter club so we can post it here. High Endurance? Boston Stranglers? Jedi Knights? Imperial? Hard Pack? NYSC? Metro Betties? Sqream? Piston Broke? Hell's Bombshells? Who'll be next?

A video guide to a safe group ride

I found out about this video from 2-Stroke Buzz, who found out from Scooter Diva who found it on the Motorcycle Safety Foundation website. It looked so useful that we had to share it here at TheScooterScoop. It's a tidy little video (12min) with lots of valuable tips that can help you have a safe and happy group riding experience. It's not gonna help you perfect your Teeter Totter or Slow Race events, but it might help you avoid catching a road rash. Bacon is best served with a side of eggs... not stuck on your body (sorta icky picture).

PS> Scooter Diva also found a powerful piece from CNN on the importance of Helmets. You know we're gonna nag you about that till the cows come home, right? Even if you're broke, you need to get a helmet on your noggin AND you can get one shipped for less than 75 bones ($US). That's one month without smokes for your average pack-a-day smoker or about 4 Fridays away from the pub. So... Next month try kicking your habit or renting less p0rn and get you a Snell rated can. Your brain will thank you for it!

Lots and lots and lots of plastic

In France they love some tuned up, tricked out 50cc scooters. If you are allergic to plastic you may wanna stay away, but if have love for all things two wheeled (mostly scooters) then you might enjoy this gallery from the French site Scooter-System. With more than 720 scooters on tap it weighs in at "more than you can shake a stick at". Lots of creative kids out there!

Save the planet, buy an SUV!

Thanks to the Willamette Week Online for helping to dispell the old "Scooters are more environmentally frendly" myth. They were basically saying an old 2-stroke kills more bunnies than a Hummer... Ok, not exactly... But they WERE saying that Patrick's '68 GT 180 is responsible for global warming and will melt 60% of the polar icecaps by the next High Roller's rally. Check out a snippet:

With temperatures rising like gas prices, scooters may seem the perfect mode of transportation.

You get up to 100 miles per gallon, on top of the hipster factor and the feel of the wind in your hair. But there's one imperfection to these sassy little two-wheeled machines: A March 2005 study by the Environmental Protection Agency shows most scooters on the road pollute more than SUVs.

That sounded so counterintuitive that WW decided to test a few scooters, with help from the crew at Esquire Motors in Goose Hollow, which donated its time and emissions-testing equipment.

Then came the hard part.

Telephone calls and emails seeking scooters to test from scooter shops and groups went unanswered; other scooter owners proved willing to talk—until the story's angle was revealed. Finally, however, we persuaded three scooter lovers to volunteer their vehicles.

Patrick Fitzgibbons, co-owner and founder of P-Town Scooters, let us test his vintage scooter, which established just how bad older models are. Although he knew his pride and joy wasn't the cleanest of motorized vehicles, Fitzgibbons was still surprised by the results.

Click on the title link to see the results. One comment from "Ferdinand" says:
"Even better: bicycles. No unburned hydrocarbons, but I do emit carbon dioxide as I ride." Not to mention the loads of Methane! (hehe, I kid, I kid) It's only a matter of time before humans make this rock look like Mars. I wonder how much pollution a rocket outta here would generate.

Genuine's latest addition!

Thanks to Keys for letting us in on an interesting discovery. Looks like Genuine is about to introduce another fresh face to the North American scooter market with the "Rattler".

Adjustable suspension, 50cc or a 110cc 2-stroke pushin' 8hp (according to Bryce), AND it should be available soon!

Thata boy Genuine! Keep 'em comin'! I haven't even sat on the Buddy yet!
Keep an eye out for even MORE Genuine announcements after the Minn Rally.

Vespa Lowrider

Crap... I wish I could remember where I found this image, but check it out anyway. I think it was shot in the Philippines. I've seen some chopped scoots before, but never a fenderlight cut down to three feet (so it appears or the dude in the background is really big).

Scootertruck

Scootertruck
Originally uploaded by joshbzin.

joshbzin says:
"Seen on bike ride through Amsterdam Noord. Very exciting!"

Indeed! Half Malaguti Phantom, half DIY flatbed truck... nearly flat rear tire.

It ain't pretty, but if you have a scoot with a busted front end, looks like with the proper ingenuity you could convert it into something useful. I would have been more impressed with an ice cream truck or rolling gas grill.

Helix vs. Vespa - Difference of the Day

A brief record of the differences I'm finding between a 4-stroke Honda Helix and a 2-Stroke Vespa.

It's much more work to wash a Vespa than a Helix. With all those nooks and crannies (ESPECIALLY the crannies). Plus I'm scared. With an Italian electrical system I'm in fear that a misplaced droplet of water could short the whole system!

Helix vs. Vespa - Difference of the Day

A brief record of the differences I'm finding between a 4-stroke Honda Helix and a 2-Stroke Vespa.

Going 55 MPH on the Helix is a piece of cake... being feed to you... on a Lazyboy lounger. But on the Vespa it feels like I'm going a million MPH! I feel like Steve Austin shouting "Flight Com! I can't hold it! She's breaking up, she's break--".

And the winner is... (the replacement scooter announcement)

We got lots of qualified entries. The clues were:
1) It's a two stroke. 2) It's quick. 3) It's about half the scooter my Helix was (physically).

So, we knew it was a quick 2-stroke and I know that last clue was a little hokey, but the Helix was almost a 250cc scooter (244 to be exact) and the replacement is 125cc... half of... two hundre... well you get it. It also feels a lot smaller going from something 350 lbs down to about 250 lbs and from 89" x 29" down to 69"x29". The HP difference goes from a Helix generating 17hp at 7500 RPM down to 12hp at 6700 RPM on the replacement... but believe me, she's quick!

So, now let's look at the entries:
James was our first contestant, but we chatted about my decision briefly just a week or so earlier. I'm pretty sure he knew the answer. James gets a consolation prize of a "cold-one" at a local pub of my choosing and an official TheScooterScoop iron-on Jacket Patch.

Genwaylaid, a favorite here at the TSS offices, took a stab with "Lammy Ser. III". I approve, but that's not it.

Mike Castawave... please stand over here for a moment.

Crashtest took a smart route of considering actual scooters available in my hometown, but it wasn't the VBB at ASC. (Thanks for sending the Dallas shots! Looks as though your Stella served you well that day, eh? Hope everything worked out with lots of wine and phone numbers that day.) PS> Shoulda looked closer at Craigslist. You may have guessed it then.

Good 'ole Brent threw Vespa GS 150 in the hat. I love me a good VS1M! It's not that. Getting close with the Vespa guess.

Aiko figured I would stick with a Japanese scooter. I did love my Helix, but finding a good Rabbit in town is impossible. Easier in California. Not a Rabbit.

Brad went with Vespa 125GT... Very close Brad! But your guess was just edged out by another. Thanks for giving it a shot.

Chris in Nawlins says a Lammy Luna. Oooooohhh... I saw that '69 on Scoot.net and don't think I wasn't tempted. But that's not it.

Kooky ole Jim at PtownScooters pegged me as a lover of oddities and future scooters suggesting I got a Bombardier Embrio. I DID get an oddity, but not the vaporware Embrio. That P125 you've got in the shop is CRAZY by the way.

Art went with the safe bet, a Stella. I think our Stella dealer got outta town though. It does have a 5 port head but it's not a Stella.

Janine says a "1965 Vespa 180 Super Sport". Is that your dream scooter Janine? I wonder what that white Scomo one went for? Probably outside my budget. Good try.

SO... What DID Steve get???
A mostly original (with aftermarket kickstand and pipe), 1985 (first year) Vespa 125cc T5 MK1 "Pole Position"! W00t! Let's have a look at her:


The lego image from the contest post was a subliminal clue.
We don't have a name yet. May have to run a contest for that.
She's great fun! I got her up to 56 MPH (90kph) today with more to come.

I'm finding so many differences between the Helix and the Vespa that I'm thinking about posting them as they come... like... "Riding a 2-stroke Vespa is much more work than a Helix. No more eating or drinking while riding for me."

Our contest winner is Mike Castawave! He guessed a "Vespa P125" and while that's not exactly what I got, it's the closest guess. Mike you win the MadAss ball cap and official TSS jacket patches. I might throw a Pollini sticker in there too for good measure. Send over your mailing address and I'll get it out to you as soon as I get back in town next week.

And so it begins. Steve finds himself in the land of the 2-strokes. I hope I didn't break too many 4-stroke hearts out there. I know Suz out in NJ bent my ear with this comment:

Do let us know when you return to your senses. In the meanwhile, I offer up a
prayer for your return to sanity. Oh, the humanity..........Suz_NJ

Haha! I'll do that Suz! I know you've been a diehard CN250 fan for a long while. Please come back and see how this drama unfolds.

Fred from the IDon'tGiveAShift crew in nearby Fredricksburg also gave me a ration on not being able to run his monthly long distance rides. Eh, maybe. We'll see about that. I know it won't be as cushy as it used to be, but I think the T5 could almost keep up. I'll give it a shot one day.

Thanks to everyone who took a guess. You know what... For everyone who participated, I'm going to send them a TSS Jacket patch (like James' consolation price minus the "cold-one"). Everyone listed above, send me your addresses. Thanks for playing AND thanks to all the readers out there for keeping the fire burning here at The Scooter Scoop. Thanks to Gary Fisher for supplying me with a great little scooter and thanks to Dan for helping me to get it home. Thanks to Casey for helping me to brainstorm on my NEXT project (to be announced later).

CHEERS!
steve

Florida Today - Scooter sales still growing

Life: "Whenever I pull up on two wheels, I can count on one comment: 'You're crazy,' strangers tell me. 'Riding is dangerous.' The comment is usually accompanied by a horror story about some neighbor's friend's gastroenterologist or other distant acquaintance who had a spectacular crash.

But a funny thing's been happening lately. In addition to the usual comments on my sanity and safety, I'm hearing envy, and the horror stories they tell are their own. 'What kind of gas mileage are you getting?' they ask. The question is typically followed by the price tag on their latest fill-up, usually about $60.

While the average U.S. passenger car chugs gas at a rate of 22.4 miles per gallon, two-wheelers average about 50. So it shouldn't come as too huge a surprise that sales are up for the lightest drinkers: scooters -- by about 17 percent in 2005 (though the rate has slowed to single digits this year)."

CONTEST! What scooter did Steve get???

Ok! It's done. I putted home on my new (old) 2stroke this evening and rode around till the sun set. So far? I LOVE IT! It's a big change for me. Now, the question is WHAT did I get?

For our first contest here at The Scooter Scoop, we ask this question. Now, lemme give you some hints.

1) It's a two stroke.
2) It's quick.
3) It's about half the scooter my Helix was (physically).

The first person to guess it, in a comment on this posting, between now and 9pm tomorrow (Aug 3rd) will get a NEW Sachs MadAss ball cap and two OFFICIAL "TheScooterScoop" Jacket Patches. Yeah, yeah... It's no visit from Ed McMahon, but it's a start!

If no one guesses it exactly, the prize will be awarded to the person who comes closest. So have at it! Give it your best guess... What would you imagine could replace Uhura? Good luck!

Sorry but friends, relatives, homeboys, psychics and ninjas not eligible to win. Some restrictions apply, allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery.

Steve leaves the land of the 4-Stroke

(It's with a heavy heart that I say "Good bye Uhura!")

Well, it happend. Last night I sold my trusty 1986 Honda Helix. The scoot I've owned ever since I lived in Austin. Uhura, served me well. Never had a breakdown... no leaks... no rust... she did an easy 65-70 MPH on the freeway.

Which usually leads to this question: "Why the hell are you selling her?!" It's just time for a change. When I hang out with my fellow scooter compadres here in Austin, the Helix doesn't lend itself to conversation.

(Overheard in our Sunday meetup)
2Stroke Rider1: "Hey! I finally got around to replacing my flywheel. While I was poking around in there I figured it was time to replace the head gasket."

2Stroke Rider2: "Yeah? Cool! I'm still waiting for my Malossi kit to get in."

While I stand there next to Uhura thinking, "I twisted the throttle and now I'm here".

Sure she was unique, but truly a commuter scooter more than a social scooter. So now, I move on to the 2 Stroke. I haven't decided 100% with what I'm going to move to, but once I figure it out you'll be the first to know. (supplimental images)

***UPDATE***
Got a call from Roman, Uhura's new owner, and he said he's lovin' it! I'm glad to see her go to someone who's gonna take good care of her. Have fun Roman!

Motor scooters ride to rescue as gas prices get bad - MarketWatch

Well, well. Even Dow Jones is starting to see the light. Thanks to kfreg for plugging me into this story. It makes for a good read. Here's a snip:

Motor scooters ride to rescue as gas prices get bad - MarketWatch: "Energy efficiency, relatively low entry costs -- some new midsize scooters start near $1,000 -- and parking flexibility are frequent motivators behind purchases of new scooters and of the growing crop of used machines being refurbished from fix-it shops and flea markets. But for many buyers, the cache that comes with buzzing around the neighborhood astride a sleek mass of plastic and chrome is just as enticing.
'People realize you don't need a three-ton vehicle to run down to the corner store. So, yes, it's about practicality. But really, it's about fun,' Pandya said."

Givi introduces the Babybox. Great for 3-6 month olds!

Ahahaha! Just kidding. This photo was submitted by one of our loyal readers Rusty in Bradenton, FL. It's his little granddaughter sitting in the top case of his Baccio 150. Thanks for the picture! It does give me some ideas though. Hrm... I need a bigger top case!

NYPD Today

(preparing to "put the smack down")

Now they actually use Piaggio BV200's , but I hear they have issues with overheating in the Summer.

NYPD After

NYPD gets Yamaha Rivas to replace the Lammys. Boo. But... still better that trottin' around on a horse.

NYPD Before

nypd lambretta
Originally uploaded by kanoa.

According to kanoa, the NYPD used to ride Lammys from 1968-1982. JOY!