Hip little helmet from Caberg - Downtown S Gipsy

Straight from Bergamo Italy comes the Caberg helmet. This outstanding example is from their Jet collection. New for 2007 it's the Caberg Downtown S Gipsy. We don't have a lotta details here, but maybe it's better that we don't... it would just make you envious that we can't get 'em here. I really dig the funky paint and built in shades.

Scooters... It's what's for breakfast!

scooter
Originally uploaded by ajia mignon.

Eat up!

Thanks for sharing Ajia Mignon!

Staff outta town for a couple weeks - Jacksonville, FL

Whew.... It's 1:45am EST right now. Just got back from watching Pan's Labyrinth an hour ago. I was thinking, "Nah, I don't wanna see Children of Men, it's just too much of a downer. Lemme go check out this cool looking fairytale movie." Not to give it away, but after that? I could leave Children of Men skipping and singing "Oh Happy Day"! It was like a "what if Tim Burton did Schindler's List". The last hint I'll give is a warning... DO NOT TAKE YOUR KIDS TO THIS! Unless you think they could use a fortnight or two of sleep deprivation and a few years of counseling. That monster that eats babies will flip their wig... maybe permanently.

We'll we gotta get in bed... It's gonna be a looong day tomorrow. But I promise we'll get some updates in the next couple of days... In the meantime know that CPI should have a 180cc GTR in effect in April retailing for under $3,000. More details / test rides as they come. Thanks for the scoop Ptown!

Sorry for not responding to emails lately. We'll get back to you ASAP! (end of the week).

PS> Check out Future Car coming out next week on Discovery. Looks good!

So long Humvee H1!

ƒu¢k you, Hummer
Originally uploaded by unpossibles.

This news is 6 months old, but it's still fresh to me. It seems that 2006 was the last year for the Hummer H1. Yeah, I know... Other members of the Hummer family will still be at large, burning resources, but at least THIS one is dead. Here's a snippet from BlogCritics Magazine:

"The hulking, gas-guzzling Hummer H-1 is going the way of the Dodo, the Desoto and the Daughtry, as GM has announced 2006 will be the last year for this 10-mile per gallon behemoth.

Mentioned in the news accounts of GM's announcement is that environmentalists hated the H-1 for obvious reasons, while celebrities and off-road enthusiasts loved the indulgence and power offered by the mother of all Hummers. "

I'll stop there because if your browsing from work and your IT group has a keyword checker, they will find a multitude of hits for words associated with men's privates. Click on the title link to read the whole story once you get home.

Shout-out to Unpossibles for the great image!

There's also a less vulgar version of the news over at the WashingtonPost. But they DO still mention THIS site. Oh, and don't forget the short film!

Electric Kingdom - Could this be the near future of scooting?

Magnetic hybrid motorbike unveiled in Japan

A Japanese vehicle manufacturer unveiled the prototype of a new electric motorbike carrying a hybrid magnetic motor, which can run almost noiselessly up to 180 kilometres (112 miles) on one charge. Tokyo-based Axle Corporation says that the battery of the next-generation electric vehicle motorbike can be charged at home, in the same way as a cellular phone. It takes a little over 6 hours to fully charge the battery, and the vehicle's maximum speed is capable of reaching 150 kilometres per hour (93 miles per hour).

The company says the futuristic motorbike enjoys high energy efficiency thanks to a state-of-the-art magnetic motor which is a hybrid between a electromagnet and a permanent magnet.
The new motor, called SUMO, short for "super motor," is housed inside the bike's rear wheel. The manufacture says the new motor is seven-times more cost efficient than gas-powered scooters. "I just feel that in the near future, we'll be seeing these kinds of electric motorbikes running all around town. And when that happens, conventional vehicles could disappear from motor racing, too, and well be competing only in electric vehicles."

The company plans to start selling a mini-scooter version of the magnetic-powered bike in 2007.

Thanks for the scoop Fritz!

***UPDATE***
The original video I had must have died, but Honky-Tonk Dragon found a fresh copy and I'm posting it here.

Trick radiator setup inside the glovebox!

Trick radiator setup inside the glovebox!
Originally uploaded by Bagel!.

Check out this radical radiator set-up. I bet that water cooled rocket can MOVE! For a front shot of this Vespa go here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/go_bagel/365776213/in/photostream/

THANKS FOR SHARING BAGEL!

CMSI prepares to show off the L-Series in the USA

Justin Owen over at Tulsa Scooters noticed some updates over at L-series.com. I can't wait to caress her tight vinyl seat or cool curves... Maybe I'll even get to ride her.

Thanks for the scoop Justin!

Honda pushing the sanity limits on commercials

I was kickin' around the old 2StrokeBuzz today and saw a rather unique Honda commercial for the Zoomer (Ruckus to you and me). Well, being a big Honda Fanboy I thought I'd see what else they've been keeping to themselves... Look at that! A cute little Ape commercial... What else do they got?

A Scoopy (Metropolitan to you and me) commercial! I began watching as a scooter riding "Red Riding Hood" putted briskly through the forest when she was suddenly ensnared by a web where an ebony hula dancer with 5 arms crawls out to wrap her up in a spaghetti tongue and swallow her where she is later released like a 4-stroke flea from the scalp of the she devil... Then we're left with the little word image... "The other side of wind"

Trust me when I say that if I'm ever responsible for WIND... you don't wanna be on the other side. But seriously though, that commercial was OUT there. Click on the title link to see 'em all.

Puma Flat 2 - It's what ALL the stylish speeder bike pilots are wearing this spring

If I had a speeder bike, this is what I'd wear. Now, if you want some REAL protection you should check out the Puma 1000!

APE gone Bananas

Motoblog.it told me about this video titled "Ape Freestyle" and it goes well with the snow drifting video. While it's kinda fun and cool I can't help but feel bad for that POOR LITTLE APE!

Congrats to our winners!

(Mark selected an official TheScooterScoop.com black tee as seen here on Kristin)

Woohoo! We have a winner! Mark Johnson from Orlando, FL was the first to respond with the answer to "Who is the artist at the end of the latest TSS.TV episode and who is their number one influence." It was Micah and Sam Cooke, who is coincidentally ALSO from Orlando... or at least WAS until he moved to NYC. For that correct answer he wins his selection from The TSS store.

The song playing at the end is "Come on Let's go" and was recorded by another friend of mine Sean Dunson who also lived in Orlando but is now in LA. Ah, but I digress...

William Ash won 2nd runner up and receives an official TheScooterScoop jacket patch. Thanks to everyone who participated!

Return of the Rail Scooter!

(You REALLY wanna know how the rail system works before hoppin' on this baby for a ride or you'll be in for a SERIOUS game of chicken)

You might recall back in July we had posted a WTF?! Scooter of the month, the "4 wheeled rail scooter". Seems that it's not uncommon to stick a (properly equipped) scooter on train tracks.


And even tote the wife and kid! Good fun! Shout out to Sam in Albany again for scoopin' us on it. I'm up at 5am posting this before the kids get up and blasting my headphones. I think I've listened to Nelly Furtado "Say It Right" one too many times.

***UPDATE***
Since we're talking about rails... this isn't a scooter, but it's funny to see people's reactions. Check it out on Neave.tv!

As long as we're talking about Japan...

Check out this FP Racing "scooter class" race video from 2005. Sounds like a swarm of angry hairdryers! I'd like to see that in person someday.

Add THIS to your scooter toy collection

Sam in Albany scoops us on some HOT toys from Japan. In three days, it will have been a year since F-Toys in Osaka had released their "Moped Collection" from the "1/24 Vintage Bike Museam" (misspelled as it is on the packaging) set.

This sweetly detailed collection includes a 1958 Honda Cub with rider (and a little basket with two kitties in there), a 1966 Cub with 'head intensely cocked out' rider wearing a pair of flip-flops, a Mr. Thurston Howell dressed gentleman on a 1957 Rabbit, a stylish scarfed little bird and her trusty 1964 Rabbit AND a couple of sweet 70's hunnies on a pair of 1976 Honda Expresses.

I know I need say nothing else... You want them.

Now, how to get them is another issue. Are they still available? Maybe a hip little shop will get them imported and offer them online. Any takers? P-Town? Urban Moto? The Motorcycle Shop? Any of the multitudes of swanky moped shops? This chapter is just unfolding... We'll keep you posted, in the meantime here's how F-Toys describes 'em:

NEWS
December 19th 2005
' Moped collection '

East Japan (ChubuHokuriku from here east) with it sells starts from January 23rd! ! !!
From the sixties reproducing the popularity motorcycle of the seventies and the rider of the social conditions manners with 1/24 scales! Furthermore now, it continues to run with active service, "super Cub", the name car very important boom was caused with, TVCF "of Rabbit" which after the war represents scooter zenith age and "Ratsutatsutaa" the "load pal" was lined up. It is old with combination with the fashionable figure, please come well and taste the longing into age. (I haven't a clue what Ratsutatsutaa or "load pal" is. -steve)

Furthermore the main thing you handle and the store is description below.
Seven eleven, and circle K, poplar, ion and in addition specialty store etc..

So... 7-11 and Circle-K? If you live in Japan you could just hit the corner store to pick these things up (assuming they are still available).

If you do actually collect Scooter / Moped toys and whatnot, you would benefit by keeping an eye on Scooter Swag . com. They've been busier than a 3-legged ninja over there, keeping you on TOP of the world of "Scooter ephemera and stuff". Who knows... maybe they'll add THESE guys and gimme a little linkage. ;)

***UPDATE***
Found them in a store here. About $35 + shipping. Here's a better explanation of the characters via Google Translation:

* Explanation of commodity
From the sixties the popularity motorcycle of the seventies and the rider of the social conditions manners were reproduced with 1/24 scales. By the fact that the motorcycle and the rider are set the new feeling which it reappears it has become the motorcycle model to the air of that time. The fact that it thinks to those age and utilizing in the scene model, are your idea circumstance. Please enjoy the world view which spreads. (c) F-toys

(includes)
Brother of HONDA super Cub C50+ buckwheat noodle house
Source of HONDA super Cub C50+ liquor store
Gentleman of the Fuji Heavy Industries Rabbit super flow S601C+ ivy style
[machiko] of Fuji Heavy Industries Rabbit super flow S601C+ actress
Load pal NC50+ beauty Oobu HONDA
Sophia of load pal NC50+ English conversation teacher HONDA
1 kinds of all the 6 kind + secrets

* Because it has entered into random, it cannot choose content.

AGN: Yamaha Majesty custom leaves me speechless

Our Japanese contact AKI sends this scoop from AutoGalleryNet. This customized Yamaha Grand Majesty, called the "Hagane", was found lounging at the 2007 Japan Auto Salon. We're talking the most foot forwardy, leaning three-wheeled, pimped out, jaw dropping custom to ever make you say "OMG!" or "WTF?!", your choice.

In their article there is a quote that goes:
"Perhaps we plan the sale during this year..."

We wish you the best with that and recommend a US tour just because it's one of those "gotta see it to believe it" kinda things.

Arigato AKI!

Old Vespa TV Ad for SS 180

Oh, the things you find on YouTube... The Vespa doesn't show up until the last seconds of the video, but you can see some cool barrel jumping!

***UPDATE***
My Italian leaves MUCH to be desired but after reviewing the video with the sound on, it looks like an instructor (who's an Italian blend of Joaquin Phoenix and Tom Welling) is asking the class what defines a "Diva", then he breaks into a little song and comes back for more input before he finally reveals that it's Kristin Kreuk the Vespa Super Sport that embodies all of those qualities of a Diva.

112bhp Scooter has the same power as a 2006 R6!

(click to see it a bit bigger)
From a post in the MCN we catch a few more details since we first reported on it here, namely a couple new photos and some numbers that put this thing into perspective... for instance, this custom 350cc monstrosity has as much break brake horsepower as the racing machine seen below. That's right! Fast as a Yamaha R6! Crazy, huh? You KNOW you want to blow some people of the line on her... You know, the guy in the Porsche that's pulled up next to you with the snicker grin on his face. SEE YA! *Chaownnnnn*

Cool new enduro jacket makes you look like Blowtorch

While poking around motoblog.it I found an interesting jacket from UFO Plast in Italy. It's an enduro jacket called the MX-17. VERY visible, as you can see, and sort of reminded me of Blowtorch from the old GI Joe days.

Now, I'm not sure if it is armored or not, so it may be a BYOA situation... then to make matters worse, I'm not sure you can even get UFO Plast in the USA. So the use of this jacket on your scooter here in the USA is purely hypothetical.

If you want even MORE info on this jacket, don't bother going to UFO Plast's home page. It's useless.

The Afro-met... Only in Japan

(what caption could I possibly put here?)

Do you refuse to wear a helmet for fear of "helmet hair"? Do you not wear a helmet because you love the feeling of the wind blowing through your lovely locks? Well, our Japanese friends have a solution for you... AFRO-MET!

What you got there is a half helmet with a big 'fro stuck on it. Now, no more helmet hair because you don't have to take your helmet off AND you can still have that "wind in the hair" effect ALL while being modestly protected from low impact head injuries.

This scoop is brought to you by AKI who explains the real reason for such an invention:

In Japan some of young person like 70's USA disco sound
pops and like there style,This helmet price about 4,500yen
(37.5US$)

So...$37.50 for the hair by itself or $59.00 installed on the helmet... a bargain at any price for those people wanting to kick it like Shaft... or Ronald I suppose.

Thanks again to AKI for the scoop! (We love Japan scoops 'cause their the loopiest scoops.)

Honda brings the BLING with their Forza Concept

(Looks like Honda asked themselves "what if Ludacris was scooter shopping?")

From the looks of THIS concept found at the 2007 Tokyo Auto Salon, it appears Honda doesn't want to pigeon-holed as that stodgy old scooter manufacturer known just for their reliability. No, it looks like they are actually taking some tips from Yamaha lately and breaking out the pre-customized look. Isn't that what shocked most people when they saw the Morph? For a list of all the bells AND whistles on this Forza (Reflex to us 'Mericans) read this from the Honda site:

<>
This 250cc scooter combines high quality comfort with information-related functions for safe and pleasant city riding for two. The Forza Smart 2-seater can be equipped with the same ‘go-anywhere’ portable AVN entertainment system as the Fit Daily Active concept vehicle, allowing easy transposition from one to the other for increased versatility. Conversation between operator and passenger is facilitated by the inter-communication system and music can be shared thanks to the front/rear speakers. Body and seat color themes are coordinated with that of the Fit Daily Active concept vehicle. The LED headlights, LED front fog lights, welcome lighting and passenger backrest with built-in wing-type high visibility high-mount stop lamp also reflect the same up-to-date concept seen in the Fit Daily Active. The Forza Smart 2-seater is all about fun, comfortable city riding for two.


You know there's someone in Japan doing this to his scooter RIGHT this very minute. Click to see massive, iced-out, versions of the above images. Thanks to Jon Sleeper for the scoop!

Amazon deal on K&N air filters!

If you're in the market for a new cone filter then NOWS the time to stock up. Amazon has a good deal going on with ALL of their K&N filters. Get one for car & the scooter!
Go here to check on sizes and stuff.

Does this seat make my ass look big?

töffli SUV
Originally uploaded by Roli Schoenholzer.

Looks like another bit-o-photoshop luvin' here, but it caught my eye. Looks comfy!

Scooter Diva's 2007 Buyers Guide

Just like black-eyed peas for the new year and tamales for Christmas, a delicious yearly tradition is back! From the kitchen of The Scooter Diva comes the 2007 Scooter Buyers Guide. More specs and prices on US available scooters than you can shake a stick at. Don't believe me? Why don't you click on the title link and bring your stick.

2007 Non-European Scooter Shows - China

If you follow the big scooter shows then I'm sure you're familiar with EICMA in Milan, Intermot in Cologne, M.D.D.R.(MONDIAL DU DEUX ROUES) in Paris, so forth and so on. Then, outside of Europe you have The Tokyo Motorshow and... annnnd... Give up? The Shanghai International Leisure & Sports Vehicle Exhibition or SIVE, that's who.

Any importer who's worth their yuan will be in Shanghai for two short days (March 3rd - 5th) to see the latest from those hard-working scooter sharks in the east.

Our main purpose is to let more and more overseas people understand the best quality and the lowest price of Chinese products in ATV, Scooter, Dirt Bike, etc. and to set up an international, multi-roles platform for the communication between Chinese domestic manufactures and overseas trade buyers.

Well, we wish you the best with that. From what I've read, the government is tightening the reigns on Chinese exports... doing more to ensure higher standards... and we could all benefit from that. If you're in the area in early March you should share a few pictures!

WTF!? Scooters of the week - Weatherproof homebrew?

Super photoblogger, Michael Westerlund, shares this photo of some unknown 3-wheeled contraption. Just thought I'd put it out there to see if it rings a bell with someone. Maybe Dr. Seuss? If you wanna take a stab at it, click on the photos for an XL version. I'm leaning toward homebrew myself. Thanks Micke!

Scooters getting a little more "airtime"

Was on the Western Union site for some reason the other day and saw THIS on their homepage. I also noticed the new TLC commercial for "American Chopper". Featuring Mikey on a Vespa. As seen here:

I wonder what the pop has to say about that. All I can say is "YOU GO MIKEY!"
PS> I thought junior high crushes on Joan Jett were supposed to go away after a while. Should I see a doctor about that?

Classic CUSH!

Super Eagle 62
Originally uploaded by krugerin50.

Here krugerin50 shows a photo of a mint condition '62 Cushman Super Eagle... well, it's mint because the photo was taken when it was brand new. Kru had to be proud as can be. Doesn't it look fabulous? I wonder where it is now.

Notice to self... never challenge school girls on a cubby

Any scooter than can pass a 400cc FZ-R while hauling 3 school girls is alright in my book!
Image from Bastardidentro.it courtesy of our good friends at motoblog.it.

Sleeps with the fishes

Submerged
Originally uploaded by (((Cohen))).

It's like a scene from scooter CSI.
I... can't bare.. to look. I think... I'm gonna.. *BWARF!*

(Darned rookies)

Thanks to (((Cohen))) for sharing!

Hey! Don't forget your safety ge....*stun*

vespachik
Originally uploaded by athandidas.

You know me... Mr. Safety. But what could you possibly say?! Excuse me miss... would you please put on a helmet, some riding pants with boots, a jacket and some gloves? Nice fenderlight by the way!

Thanks athandidas for sharing!

NEW CONTEST - Win some Mod Rod gear!

(The videos been updated! See if you can solve the mystery.)

Sure I've been sitting on a heaping backlog of posts and scoops, but it 'cause I'm getting over the growing pains of the Video show, which I hope you're enjoying.

Well, just the other night I made some changes to the latest Episode of TSS.TV (the Scala Rider FM review), and I thought I'd run a little contest to see if yer payin' attention.

Here's how it works... YOU watch the show (as seen below) and listen to the LAST song played in the video. Now, with that clue tell me (via email at thescooterscoop@gmail.com) the artist's name and their number one influence. ALL the clues can be found in the video.

I'll give you ONE hint, you may not necessarily be able to tell their number one influence by listening to the song... I'll leave it at that for now.

THE FIRST PLACE WINNER will get to pick ANY one item from our store. The RUNNER UP will receive an official TheScooterScoop jacket patch.

Winners will be determined by reviewing the emails for the first and second persons to come up with the correct answer. The contest ENDS at midnight on Sunday, January 14th.

We wish you good luck! First place winner should allow 3-6 weeks for delivery. GIMME A BREAK, IT'S A CUSTOM JOB! Now for the video:

The General Lee T5?

The General.
Originally uploaded by pondocus.

I seriously doubt Bo and Luke would be caught dead on a scooter.

Thanks for posting, pondocus!

UK Transportation Chief says "RIDE THE BUS!"... Rides lammy to work

(Martin Mullaney, seen here looking rather dashing, waits to pass the bus so he can point and laugh... just kidding, he wouldn't do that)

icBirmingham had a funny little story about transport chief Councillor Martin Mullaney. It seems he's been bashing folks for not using the lovely Birmingham public transportation system... It makes sense, it's his job and all was good... until someone noticed that HE wasn't on the bus. How does Marty get to work? He rolls in like any good mod would, on a 1967 Lambretta!

Martin defends his decision on a catch 22 situation with a loophole. He says riding the bus takes too long because there are too many cars on the road, he however, rides a scooter which doesn't take up as much space. So, I guess it boils down to "Get out of yer car and get on yer scooter! And if you don't have a scooter, RIDE THE BUS!"

I don't blame you Marty! If I had to choose between a :15 minute scooter ride or a :45 minute bus ride, there's no contest. Martin Mullaney, The Scooter Scoop supports your decision!

There's more interesting details to read if you click on the title link.

It's time for the 2007 MBI Riders Choice Awards and we need YOUR help!

(The glamor, the glitz! Let's get oil stains on the red carpet!)

It's time once again to nominate YOUR choices for the 2007 Motorcycle Bloggers International Awards. WAIT! Before you get your wires in a wad, TheScooterScoop is a member of the MBI and we along with the likes of 2 Stroke Buzz, Classic Italian Scooters, Scooter in the Sticks, Girlbike, ScooterDave, Little Billy's Scooter Tales, and Who rides a Vespa?, are making sure Scooters are represented this year and every year.

Please take the time to go out and nominate YOUR choices for last year, if not for every category at LEAST for the scooter related ones... oh and of course "Best Motorcycle Blog". ; )

Thanks!
-steve

Myth #86 - I need my SUV to haul all my groceries home

(With the proper accessories, you can do almost ANYTHING on a scooter!)


(Including hauling home $154+ worth of groceries!)

Stan-O, aka the "tftdguru" from the Space Coast Scooter Crew, sends us the proof that you don't need to own a Ford Exorbitant to bring home the bacon for a family of 4. Here his trusty 2004 Stella is seen doing pack-mule chores that most people wouldn't think possible. Granted, we've seen scooters in 3rd world countries pulling off the impossible, but what you see here is totally possible, and not only that it's ROUTINE for Stan! Check out what he has to say about it:

I make two trips a month for similarly sized loads. This one was heavy on meats (steaks, chops, chicken, roasts, and a 7 lb spiral sliced ham) which I only stock up on monthly. It's a family of 3 or 4 depending on my son's home visits from school so we do knock it out pretty fast.

The market I chose for this trip market is 3.6 miles from my home in The Springs on the Longwood-Altamonte Springs, FL border. I can hit my choice of 3 Publix, 3 Albertson's, or 2 Winn-Dixie's inside of 5 miles. The scooter's a little heavy while hand-rolling it out of the parking space but no problem at all in ride or handling once it gets going. Gotta make a trip like this during the day as I can sometimes block the
headlight with the groceries.

The scoot is a 2004 Stella with racks front and rear. It's named Quicksilver and I frequently refer to it as my Sherpa. The only mod of note is the Sito+ pipe and a larger jet and mixer tube. It's got 5200 miles on it and is my primary vehicle. It lets me leave the Jeep Cherokee in the driveway most of the time. I'll take 70+ mpg over 20 mpg any day.

That's super cool Stan! Looks like you're puttin' Quicksilver to some good use! Racks are now next on my shopping list. Thanks for helping us to bust myth #86! (Oh, and thats quite a nice buncha riders you got in yer crew. I don't remember seeing any groups that large in Orlando!)

Jess at Modern Vespa gives the MP3 a physical

(Jess says "Now cough for me" and gives the MP3 a top to bottom review)

Jess, the moderator over at Modern Vespa, gets his hands on the Piaggio MP3 for 2 solid days and really puts her through the ringer, testing the extent her acceleration, braking limits, storage capacity, and lean angle which is summed up in this sentence:

I was having fun, I was riding too fast, and I was leaning hard in every turn like I was Valentino Rossi. Even the slow ones. In fact, the slow turns were especially fun, because I could lean into them at angles that would be impossible to do on a regular two-wheel bike.

Great job Jess! Very thorough and entertaining read! Over all she sounds like a solid scooter with the only major complaint being that 250cc's doesn't cut the mustard. Topping out anywhere between 50 mph and 75 mph depending on the incline, it sounds like she performs very much like the old Honda Helix. As Jess suggests in his review, Piaggio should consider skipping over the 250cc and go straight to the 400cc... I tend to agree, though I remember a time when Piaggio threated to deliver a 125cc version to us. Me says, "no thanks".

I suggest clicking on the title link, grabbing a nice hot cup of tea and sitting back to enjoy the ride. Oh, and THANKS for the scoop Pete!

Honda Helix dethroned as king of 2-wheeled barcaloungers

Not ones to be outdone by the scooter crowd, it looks like the bikers are about to totally out-lounge what was previously the cushiest bike on the road, the Honda Helix, by building a... well, a rolling barcalounger. At ArmchairCruisers.com you can get a variety of electric or gas powered road-worthy furniture.

Prices start at around $3500 for a single seat electric (GREAT for getting you from the living room to the fridge for a beer and back) and go all the way up to well over $17,000 if your looking at the love seat with a Harley power plant. You could stack the whole family on there and still have room for a bowl of popcorn.

Daniel L. Helton is definitely the kinda mad-man we like here at TheScooterScoop. Keep up the great work and give us a call when the off-road queensize beds come out!

You can check out the video of this thing here, though you may want to mute the audio.

And you thought the Lambretta was slim.

sexy lady
Originally uploaded by de jäck Mamsäll.

You ever see the Simson Schwalbe? Here's what the Wikipedia had to say about her:

Series manufacture of the scooter KR51 "Schwalbe", fitted with a 3.4 hp engine, began in 1964. The year 1968 saw the merger of Simson and "VEB Ernst-Thälmann-Werk Suhl" to "VEB Fahrzeug- und Jagdwaffenwerk Ernst Thälmann Suhl". Subsequently, the Schwalbe helped the company to worldwide and fame in the GDR the scooter stood for the success of East German two-wheeler motor manufacturing.

After the political changes in East Germany in 1989 a number of attempts to modernise the assembly lines failed. Several investors tried unsuccessfully to keep production going and to bring new developments on market.

Consequently, production finally ceased in autumn 2002 and on 1 February 2003 bankruptcy proceedings were held in the wake of which the remaining 90 employees were made redundant without any form of compensation.

However, the beautiful Schwalbe has since gained cult status in West Germany, where it is now as popular amongst enthusiasts as the VW Beetle or the Piaggio Vespa.

PROBABLY more than you wanted to know about the Schwalbe (Swallow in English). If you wanted one you can still find them in Germany for around 400 Euro (example).

Thanks to de jäck Mamsäll for sharing this great image!

Rumor Mill - Honda may grace US shores with the SH300i!

(Take me to your leader! Is the SH300i preparing to invade America?)

You may recall me begging back in October... groveling for Honda to bring us the SH300i. Just when I thought all hope was lost on Honda, Susan, a dedicated Helix owner and rabid scooter researcher in New Jersey, found a little tidbit that could turn everything around. In an article from Cycle World, there is an bit on the SH300i with one little sentence:

"It might come stateside, says Honda Italy."

Now, I know it's not much to cling to, but that little glimmer of hope found in the word "might", is better than nothing. So, we might see the Lexus of large wheeled scooters on our roads. We don't have a time frame and we don't have an Italian follow up contact, and we don't have an American Honda contact that will give us much more than a "we cannot confirm nor deny the existence of a so-called SH300i"... all we have is Sue's scoop from Cycle World.

With only 300 available to the UK for 2007, I have to wonder how there would be any available for the US market unless they are tapping from the 30,000 scheduled for arrival in Italy this year (according to this story from Visordown.com). The Visordown article is a good read because it involves a test drive that sounds exhilarating. I especially like their description of the handling:

At low speed you’re thanking the fact that this thing isn’t barge-like, like a SilverWing or Foresight allowing you to drip and slip through traffic like shite through a Victorian sewer. Then, when the mood takes you, whazz the SH up to top speed and revel in the stability that only a 16-inch big-wheel scoot can provide.

Thank you Sue! Please keep us posted... I'll start with the diggin' to see what we can come up with on the Bentley of big wheels. Stay tuned!

PS> You can see a boatload of photos and a terribly translated review courtesy of Google, here.

2007 Vespa S (LXS)... Not scheduled for arrival in North America?

Of the 2007 Vespa releases, it's the Vespa S (or LXS... marketing still hasn't made up their mind) that I am anticipating most. Not that I don't love the GT60, but I imagined that this baby would fit my wife's budget a bit better.

Next step, find out when we can take a test ride. I proceed to call my local Vespa Boutique to get the scoop... what I get instead is uncertainty with a side order of disappointment, in other words I was told "I'm not sure when we'll see it, but I think it's a Europe only release."

Not content with that, I called their mother-shop in San Antonio and was told the same thing. Europe ONLY? Eghads! No skinny legshield, trap headlight, racing seat goodness for us 'Mericans? Where's the love Piaggio? wheres the love?

To show you what we potentially could be missing out on, I pasted the press release below. Let's hope that it isn't so... We deserve to see the Vespa S here and even though it's just a 124cc scooter, I think it'll still move a few units... at least ONE in Austin.

Press Release
The appeal of the racing “Vespino” lives on in the shape of the all-new Vespa S. The minimalist design of the Vespa S traces its origins to legendary models such as the 50 Special and the Vespa Primavera.

Sport, dynamism and originality are the trademarks of the all-new Vespa S. Clean, essential lines provide a minimalist version of the original Vespa legend.

The reduced handlebar on the Vespa S holds a new rectangular headlamp. It’s not the first time we’re seeing a Vespa headlamp in this shape: Vespa fans will remember its use on the extraordinary 50 Special, a teenage icon in the Fabulous Seventies. The front shell is now bigger and hosts a new air intake that confers an aggressive touch to the frontal.

Downsized to highlight the view of the suspension, the mudguard in a new shape features stylish chrome trim for a sleeker look. Its reduced size also puts the wheel and the light alloy wheel rims on display in a tribute to the Vespa S’s performance and technological content.

But it is the front shield that has gone through the most significant changes. It is back to being a two-dimensional structure: no plastics, only the pure lines that have always been the Vespa’s trademark. The very simplicity and minimal thickness of the shield make it a strong design element.

The seat has a new shape with two versions available: a single seat that highlights the vehicle’s racy dynamism or a two-seater for extra comfort and use with a passenger. Both versions are impeccably clad in new upholstery with a classy clear trim to highlight the shape of the seat.
The rear end of the Vespa S has an all-new look: the shape is sleek and simple with a new tail light designed especially for this model to enhance its dynamism.

The minimalist yet striking design and simple yet stylish lines of the Vespa S evoke the fresh, dynamic look that made the Vespa the favourite ride of 1960s and 1970s teenagers.

The front wheel has a diameter of 11” to give the Vespa S stability and the rider an obvious feel of safety. The tubeless tyres measure 110/70 in front and 120/70 on the 10” rear wheel. The braking system is a conventional disk-drum combination. The stainless steel front 200 mm disk brake is gripped by a two-piston caliper and dependably backed up by a 110 mm drum. The 8.6 lire fuel tank is placed inside the chassis without however reducing the underseat storage bay, making it easy to access the engine.

The Vespa S is available in two classic displacements, 50 and 125 cc, on which the Vespa’s reputation was built. Light, speedy and very quick off the mark in town traffic, the two-stroke 50cc is perfect for young riders while the 125 version, equipped with a modern, environment-friendly four-stroke engine, stands out for its performance, low running costs and total compatibility with the stringent Euro 3 emissions norms.