Lammy in the shop?

lambretta
Originally uploaded by geccorulez.

You can always just hop on the marry-go-round for a few hours. Looks like another scooter next to it (on the left), so you could bring the kid and have a nice little ride. (I believe this is in Spain, but not sure). Thanks geocorulez for sharing!

Hrm... A new Honda scooter design. Maybe the Helix is getting a face lift?

She looks long and low... like some competition for the Yamaha Morphous. You notice it has a dash of "Griffon" on the front end.


Here again you can see she's pretty low profile and sporty.

From the top she looks sweet. I dig the fat pipe.

Look around back to see that pipe up close

And now from the side


Let's spin her around a bit. I could see myself mounting this scooter right here. Sure, the step-thru is a bit high for my tastes, but that's the case with lots of sportier scoots.

Let's put her head to head with the aging Helix. THIS thing is due a redesign since it's hardly changed it over 20 years. Now look below see any similarities?

So... What exactly is up with this design? If you click on the title link it will take you to a patent that was approved just 3 days ago. All I can say is THANKS to Dudel again for the scooter scoopage from the patent office... I mean, COME ON!? How much fresher can a scoop be? What do you want Dudel to do??? Go to the designers house and shoot him/her up with truth serum to get the scoop on scooters straight from their brain? We haven't resorted to that yet.

Here's Dudel's observations on this new mystery Honda.

This "ornamental design for a motor scooter" from Honda appears to be a design exercise only as there are no technical specifications. Perhaps this design concept is an attempt to create a long-and-low scooter (popular in Japan) based on the Reflex or SilverWing frame and suspension. The drawing uses a traditional scooter belt/pulley transmission (not the new HFT hydraulic-mechanical transmission) so one assumes the designer had a 250, 400, or 600 in mind. If nothing else it's fun to look at.

Hear hear! Come on Honda, let us take a look at it!

ComforTMax caught on video

Remember back in August of 2005 when we chatted with Andrew about his KERRRRRAZY maxi-scooter mod called the ComforTMax? There was a lot of love going on for that scooter. Well, here we have a reprise in Video form. The first half of the video is a lot of talking with crazy inventors and the other half is putting all over the UK on the actual scooter. It'll give you a good sense of the handling and physics.

Pretty pictures - The Peugeot S57B

Miraculum Lans
Originally uploaded by dElay.

This beautiful photo titled "Miraculum Lans" features a schweeeet looking 50's era Peugeot scooter. I love how it looks like such a low-rider. Anyway, thanks for sharing dElay!

Lambretta Model D custom

Lambretta Model D custom
Originally uploaded by Bagel!.

This shot, from the 2003 Kings Classic, just caught my attention for some reason. There is something about this simple custom that really pulls me in. If you click on the image you can see a follow up image from the back that shows the flame job on the inside of the leg shields. Thanks for sharing Bagel!

Helmets you can't get in the good ol' USA - Nexx

From Portugal comes the NEXX helmet. These guys have some really wild designs, two of which really stand out and a few that need to stand back in.

FIRST check out the NEXX Modular SU helmet. It comes in grey (yawn), and the shell is made of a thermo resin (ho hum) and the chin protection of the full face slides to the sides and back like the mandibles of an evil, techno ant! (ROCKIN!) Apparently you don't understand. Let me illustrate.



I figured that would cure that "whatchutalkinabout Willis" look that I was getting from you. Crazy far out, eh? Ok, so maybe the evil, techno ant look isn't for you. Maybe you're more of a back to the future, cylon, blue visor, fighter pilot kinda guy. Then maybe you need a look at the NEXX x60 Chrome. Below.



Sexy in a high tech geeky kinda way. Of course... I'll have to have one. AND, just when you though NEXX could do no wrong, they bust out with this.


The NEXX x60 Denim. Folks, denim is for your ass... maybe your back, but NOT your head (unless you're J.J. from Good Times). Let's keep set this aside for now. I'm sure this would be fitting for someone.

Click on the title link to see their line up.
(Gizmodo picked up on this today)

Helmets you can't get in the good ol' USA - Schuberth

Well I say that, but the Schuberth site says to get their products in the USA to contact their Sales Department directly. Doesn't matter, I still don't think you're gonna see this head mounted oddity at your local scooter shop. This is the Schuberth J1. Basically it's a Jet style helmet with a chin protector that is supposed to give you all the safety of a full face. WebBikeWorld did a review and they said they really like it, mostly for it's wide open viewing angle and impressive noise suppression.

Here's what their sales sheet has to say about it.

The superiority of the J1 becomes apparent when touring thanks to its advanced aerodynamics and further features. Absence of drafts from the visor and aerodynamics developed in the wind tunnel make it suitable for riding at higher speeds.

The J1 is a premium jet helmet that offers a substantially quieter riding experience than most full-face helmets, only 92 dB (A) bei at kph (on unfaired motorcycle), the reduced noise level improves the concentration and attentiveness of the rider.

The chin guard hoop makes all the difference - although barely noticeable, it protects the rider according to the same principle as a full-face helmet. If required, the hoop can be removed at any time by pressing the button on the side.

The J1 conforms to the ECE-R 22.05 standard. This test standard guarantees conformity to defined safety standards in respect of impact absorption, penetration resistance, lateral rigidity, retention system and field of vision. The approval guarantees that you have approval for all the countries which recognise the ECE standard.

If you want to see more, go to the Schuberth site by clicking on the title link.

It's official, "You won't get a date on a Vespa"

At least, that's the word from this www.groovygreen.com promotional video on the Vectrix Electric Scooter.

Let me say this about the Vectrix, and it's nothing I haven't said before. I love the idea of electric scoots. I even kinda like the electric motor sound they make, like my old battery powered car I had back in the 70's (you can hear it pretty good in the video). The problem is, the batteries being used aren't much more advanced than those either. Ok, I exaggerate... They aren't Lead, they are NiMH... but as Jay pointed out in a previous comment. Why not spring for Lithium Ion / Lithium Polymer?

Truthfully, I hate poo-pooing the Vectrix. I WANT it to be earth changing. I want it to be affordable. I want one! So, as of right now, I'm gonna stop pointing out the evident flaws. If a design team wants my opinion, I'll let 'em have it. For now, we need ALL the deep-pocketed earth-lovers to buy into the Vectrix so more money can go into R&D and eventually produce a small, light, quick, long distant city runner that you and I could stick in the garage and charge in our office cubicles.

We wish you the best Vectrix! Oh, and to GroovyGreen... I'm sure my wife would be glad to hear that I won't get a date on my Vespa, but I'm ALSO sure that I know quite a few riders who would beg to differ with your statement. I'd suggest laying off the groovy green before spittin' something like that again Michael. Oh and thanks again Cleat!

Shots from Scooter Attack Weekend 2006

September '06, over in Hockenheimring Baden Württemberg (Germany), the Scooter-Attack.com crew was gearing up to add another notch in their weekend race series belt. This, their fifth yearly event, looks to be another blazin' success. If you'd like to see some snaps of some crazy custom race scoots and a little bit of video that starts with some race footage, moves to some dyno tests and ends with some golf ball sized hail, then hit play.

You may want to reject the supplied sounds track and substitute your own.
Thanks to Cleat for the scoopage!

Congrats to TSS Customs Consultant Casey! He's "Tying the knot"

Pink & Blue - Bondi Scooters
Originally uploaded by Charlie Brewer.

This picture reminded me of some very exciting news. Casey, our resident Badboy of Bondo and Sultan of Steel Cutting is finally hitchin' up with his perpetually lovely lady, Mrs. Heather! (You lucky dog!)

I got the invite on my front porch this morning (loved the "Hot Rodding" magazine theme!)

Unfortunately for me I've got a family beach trip planned that weekend. : (

All I can say is "I'm sorry", to all the ladies who swooned over Casey in our TSS.TV Episode 1 show. He's now officially off the market. *cue the Queen (Flash Gordon) cover of the wedding march* (thanks to Charlie Brewer for sharing the great photo)

Honda Helix meets its match for "Comfiest 2-Wheeler"

(I'd take the Helix in a race, but for the long, long haul this baby's got CUSH!)

Here you see the 2-wheeled Evolution One from Emosign. But FIRST, know this... "No", it won't get you from point-a to point-b, "YES", it costs as much as a Honda Helix ($2,530 Euro) and "YES", like a scooter you're wife wont let you keep it in the living room.

If you are still interested you can get it in Allschwil, Switzerland, but before you order you may want to see the options.

The Honda Griffon is a "GO"!

(above you can see the 2003 Concept and the 2007 Patent file drawing)

At the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show Honda introduced a concept... A DREAM of the future and it was called the Honda Griffon GRF-1. Well, it appears as of yesterday the Griffon became official! That's right! Resident Seattle Scooper Dudel has been doing some digging in ole US Patent files where he discovered that on April 17th the patent was filed for this baby.

What does that mean for you and I? There is a distinct possibility that you will see this Horizontally Opposed 4-Cylinder 750cc VTEC automatic 2-wheeler announced for 2008 release as soon as... November 2007, maybe?

Of course, I'm making assumptions here and I'm sure my good friends at Honda Press Relations will be able to neither confirm nor deny the existence of this so called "Griffon". So, this is just a rumor being propagated by the minions at TheScooterScoop.com.

Thanks for the delicious scoop Dudel!

Gas prices bust through the $3.50 mark!

According to GasBuddy.com the current average price per gallon nationally is $2.87, even higher than it was a year ago. In some places (California) it's even broken the $3.60/gal mark! I'm sure that right about now people are starting to feel it.

I feel bad for the people who have to drive a big truck for their daily job. Roofing contractors, concrete contractors, etc. They've gotta hatin' life when they see it costs them $86 to fill up. I don't feel bad for the clown who bought a Hummer because it qualified as a work vehicle for tax deduction then they give it to their spouse to drive to the mall. I'll be ok with the Hummer when they finally make it electric.

Speaking of big trucks and electric, I wonder when we will see a big contractor's truck in a hybrid or electric. I know towing capacity could be an issue, especially if you're hauling bags of concrete... but these poor guys need a BREAK here. Dodge? Ford? Chevy? Honda? Toyota?

Vectrix getting geared to launch!

Got some mail in my box yesterday with the scoop on how to get a Vectrix. For those who haven't heard of the Vectrix, it's the worlds FIRST fully electric maxiscooter... both stylish AND sensible. Here's what they had to say:

Be one of the first to own and drive a Vectrix, the world's first high-performance, zero-emission, electric maxi scooter.

Here's how it works. Having registered your name on the Vectrix corporate website qualifies you for one of the first Vectrix maxi scooters. Prior to May 15th, you may place a $300 fully-refundable deposit at www.myvectrix.com to confirm your reservation and secure your spot in the order queue. Delivery priority will be assigned to all orders placed prior to May 15th based on the date you registered on the Vectrix site. Shortly after May 15th, you will be notified of your delivery priority number and you will receive periodic progress reports on production and test drive opportunities.

Market response to the Vectrix maxi scooter has been phenomenal. As demand will far exceed supply in the initial months of production, we want to reward those who have expressed early interest in owning a Vectrix. After May 15th, online orders will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis and the refundable deposit will be $1000.

Don't wait. Visit www.myvectrix.com today.

So, what are you waiting for? The MSRP is $10,999 US, so if you got the loot and you want to be a part of the electric revolution now's yer chance. Read the demo report from www.stefanoparis.com for ALL the deets. You can also read an interesting thread on electrics and see one UGLY SOB scooter here at the TreeHugger.

Richmond represents for the moped population

get_image-3
Originally uploaded by toaprock.

Here's a photo from Kimberly Frost and shared by toaprock. It's a motley bunch of hipsters on mopeds that were part of a fashion photo shoot for RVA Magazine. http://www.rvamag.com/

What do you think Lester? (Lester is our local Ped Peddler here in Austin at, where else? Austin Mopeds!) http://austinmopeds.com/

Oh, and you can see the super big pano version here.

What's next for Piaggio? Flight?

Flying scooter
Originally uploaded by yhancik.

The Zantajet from Belgian comics writer Franquin and his comic strip Spirou and Fantasio, except for REAL! This little baby will hit 130mph at a height of 100 feet! :D just kidding.

This photo is from yhancik, who took some photos from Franquin's exhibition. For me, it's just one step closer to a Speederbike.

Before the MP3 and Fuoco there was the... Vespa PK 3!

Woah! Stop the press! Sure, a tilting 3-wheeler is nothing new from a design standpoint, a full-production tilting 3-wheeled scooter IS... BUT, before Piaggio went all out they had to develop some prototypes and THIS baby is more than 20 years old!

Check out the 1984 Vespa PK3 Prototype!

No, it's not a photoshopping, it's the real deal. Some have commented that THIS is the way they should have gone... the aesthetics of the good ol' P, with what I would call the kookyness of an 80's Honda Stream.


Here you see the rough welds of an early ancestor of the MP3. If you'd like to keep an eye on what others are saying, check out the Italian VespaOnline.com or Motoclub-Tingavert.it
Originally scooped by Motoblog.it. Grazi!

Celebrities on Scooters - David Arquette

david arquette
Originally uploaded by murphelz.

Here WCW World Champion Wrestler and Scream Star David Arquette posing on a little Ron Regan Vespa in Houston, TX. Real nice suit David! You look like a mariachi! Thanks for sharing murphelz!

How's your lego skillz?

Also, thanks to the Honky-Tonk Dragon. This is the best Lego Vespa I've ever seen. Looks like a kit, but I don't believe Lego made one. If you click on the title link you can see it from all sides. Who knows, maybe you can figure out what pieces they used to make it. Arvo also shows it off here, but give's no clues on how it was built.

Arvo is known well in the Lego world and builds lots of unconventional Lego objects.

NASA tests Gilera Fuoco 500ie as possible moon/mars rover

(As you can see, she performs marvelously in rocky, low gravity environments)

It had been a while since I visited my steampunk friends over at the Honky-Tonk Dragon blog. But today after I perused the Indigenous Filipino scooter rally , the Flash Gordon scooter, and the SteamPed, I found this mind boggling photo of the Gilera Fuoco on what appears to be a moon terrain test track. Every time I look at this picture, I shake my head in disbelief. You can click on the title link to read Punkelf's droolings or you can go to his source (Modern Vespa Forum) and check in on the buzz it's creating.

So, Punkelf... When are you going to break out the brass and wood and finally build your steampunk scooter? Times-a-waistin'! Oh, and thanks to Arturo in Corpus for snapping me out of my daze and pointing me back toward the Dragon.

Kustom Skooters RULE!

(The Rat Fink would tear up if he saw this two wheeled goon mobile)

Jesper from the ever popular Motorcycle site The HelmetHairBlog and fellow member of Motorcycle Bloggers International (MBI) was doing some digging around the SketchKult Forum and found this glorious scooter example from Atlanta's own tatt artist, scooterist supreme and overall visual ninja Dirk.

This is precisely why you hire an artist. From what I gather Dirk did it all from the paint right down to sculpting the skull from Magic Sculpt. We are humbled by your work Dirk! I'd be proud to see that thing rolling around my town.

If you want to see more photos and read the gawker's comments click on the title link.

Greenest Vespa

Picture 217
Originally uploaded by superkidlinh.

Superkidlinh got some nutso shots in Vietnam. Check this one out. Looks like this Vespa was made by Edward Scissor Hands or maybe it's an escapee from the local putt-putt golf.

All I can say is WOW!

Vespadillo?

Picture 218
Originally uploaded by superkidlinh.

Whew! Straight from Vietnam is this KERRRRAZY looking Vespa. This custom is the work of a madman! I can't tell what's it's covered in.

Huge Lambretta? Small VW Van? You decide.

Lambretta with VW van sidecar
Originally uploaded by pauls.

This photo taken at Volksworld 2007 by "pauls" shows a wacky Lambretta with VW van sidecar. I can't say I've ever thought about doing this sort of mod. Somehow it works out and still manages to seem 'not right'.

CRIPES! We're another year OLDER?!

(ok, we're not THAT old. Can I just get a keg with 2 candles please?)

Well, look at that! April 9th marked the birthday of The Scooter Scoop. We've just hit our terrible twos. I remember when it was just a glimmer in my bloodshot eye. So what does that mean for everyone? Well, now we're old enough to talk but not old enough to listen AND you still have to change our diaper... no wait. That's my little boy.

What does that mean for The Scoop? It means that we're gonna keep on stickin-and-jabbin', movin'-and-groovin', and whatever else we need to do to bring YOU the latest in motor scooter news, reviews, commentary and the celebration of 2-wheeled oddities.

We currently have THREE more episodes of TSS.tv in the can (editing now) with 3 more in planning. We've got some other surprises scheduled as well, but I'm not at liberty to discuss them at this juncture. So stay tuned!

To our longtime supporters. Thanks for hangin' in there. We hope you've enjoyed the ride so far and we look forward to another year of scootin' excitement!

To the newcomers, thanks for coming by to pay us a visit! Please make yourselves at home. Don't be afraid to click the Google Adsense ads. They actually help pay for gas money. We've also got a small selection of scooter related gear up there in the upper right-hand corner of the screen if you're in the mood.

Also, don't forget to tip your servers. They're workin' hard down here to mix yer drinks up right to help ease you into the night.

HERES TO TWO YEARS! *clink*
Steve

Gilera Fire 500ie - What's there not to like?

This review doesn't offer much more in terms of road tests, but what it lacks in actual content it makes up for in tight leather.

I say click on the title link to see more FIRE!

The New and Improved 2007 Suzuki Burgman 125/200 K7

While the Suzuki Burgman is no slouch in the here, it practically owns the highways in Europe, especially the ones with the smaller displacement (not available in the USA).

Their 2007 edition guarantees that this will continue to be the case with some really important changes including compliance with the very strict Euro 3 environmental standards.

According to the article embedded in the title link, these smaller Burg's are produced in Spain. Interesting to know. Another interesting thing is that the 125cc version is planned to make its way through a majority of Europe, but the 200cc version is only planned for Italy and Spain (not France). I wonder why.

Anyway, they seemed impressed with it and from what I've seen so far in photos and video. I'm impressed. I originally found the photos at motorcycle-journal.com, where the American subscribers are too manly for scooters. One guy from NY who actually says:

Wow..that's nice.

Does it come with a matching purse? Perhaps a lovely brouch to hide the key in?

How any self respecting man can ride one of these things is beyond me.

I know when my real bike was getting serviced, I had to use the wife's Honda Scooter to get to work...I kinda felt like I was wearing ladies underwear...on the outside of my clothes.

No one said anything...but man I sure felt like they were going to.

Well... I'm sorry that your masculinity is so fragile that a simple scooter ride might shatter it into a billion glittery, rainbow shards. I hope, for testosterones sake, that your real bike never has to get serviced again.

Back to business. I'm gonna go see what's new for the USA from Suzuki. Any Burg fans wanna give us a head start?

PS> Oh and you can find some of their other smaller displacement scoots here.

Gilera Fuoco 500 gets a test drive in Germany

(Infomotori.co.uk, a fine example of an Auto & Motorbikes webmag takes to the road)

Here's an article that could have been a great little intro to the hot Fuoco 500. Not complaining about the times where the writer inexplicably breaks into Italian, (it's a bilingual site, so it could be their translation app) for the most part it's English.

This was their idea of a Test Drive and although it is called a Test Drive, they stop at giving any REAL details on the ride. I think they literally were in Belgium Berlin... sat on the scooter. Took it around a little test area (dare I say parking lot) and putted around a bit shooting photos.

They refer to her as the SUV for scooters or the Big Brother to the MP3 and describe her as being "much more aggressive". They toss us a few specs from their press sheets and shoot some pretty, action photos, and... that's about it. I'd say, it's worth a visit just to see the photos of the Fuoco in it's 3 colors. Maybe you can buy a body kit to make your MP3 look like a Fuoco? No one has said as of yet, but we'll keep you posted if someone tries it.

The ROOF is on fire! Or at least its review says it is.

(Why shouldn't I give you a traffic ticket?
"Because I'm holding a thermal detonator.")

I've been considering a new summer helmet for this 2007. I want something cool and unique. Something that's not too heavy. Maybe something a little easier to lug around or stow away.

Usually, when I begin my helmet search I like to drop by webBikeWorld to see whats new with their reviews and lo-and-behold they covered the ROOF Boxer V! I've always been a fan of the Boxer. It's one of those helmets that, if you had it on... and you ran into... um... say... Princess Leia in her Boushh the Bounty Hunter get-up, you'd sorta look good together.

Now, I'm not going to ruin the review for you, so let's just say the ROOF Boxer V was smiled upon.

The only two major drawbacks for us 'Mericans is 1) It's French. You can't get it in the USA. 2) If you KNEW someone in France (which I do), you'd STILL have to spend over $500 to get it ($480 for the helmet + overseas shipping). On top of that, it's not DOT certified. If you live in an area that requires the DOT cert (like on a military base for instance), there's a chance someone will give you a hard time.

While I think my noggin is easily worth $500+ US, my allotted budget is a bit less. I love unique, Euro design, but I'd like to spend less than $400. I think I'll check out the Momos since they meet that criteria AND are now available in the USA with DOT certs. We'll keep you posted!

Scooter, moped use way up

By Brian Morelli
Iowa City Press-Citizen

Trotting over from class in Phillips Hall, University of Iowa sophomore Rafael Eubanks climbs on his Yamaha Zuma, a low-powered, motorized two-wheeler that is parked free — and legally — 100 feet away in an Iowa Avenue bike rack.

“I use it every day, everywhere I go,” Eubanks, 20, who also plays football for the Hawkeyes, says before zooming off. “It’s perfect to get around campus or to get to practice. It’s hard to make it on time to the west side of campus.”

Eubanks’ teammate, Dan Doering, also a moped-riding UI sophomore, agrees.

From parking to quick access to great gas mileage, “if you are going to be here for four years, it just makes since,” Doering says.

On campus, motorcycle permits, which include mopeds, are way up for students as well as for faculty and staff. The most recent report from UI Parking and Transportation shows 439 student permits and a total of 747. That is more than twice as many as the 186 student and 368 total permits in October 2003, and it is more than three times as many as the 94 student and 229 total permits in October 2001, the year numbers first started climbing.

UI Parking and Transportation Director Dave Ricketts said the high point for motorcycle permits was in 1992, with more than 800, but then numbers dropped until 2001.

“In recent years, I’d say fuel prices were obviously a factor,” Ricketts said, “but also where students are living and the cost of parking and operating a car.

“Then there are also trends that have nothing to do with that. This place has become more urban. It is easier to move around with those things.”

Nine-month student motorcycle permits cost $46, while annual permits, primarily used by faculty and staff, cost $69. That number will go up next year to $50 and $75, respectively. They must be parked in designated zones.

Student-athletes are among the most frequent permit holders, Ricketts said.

“There is really something going on,” Ricketts said, “it is just hard to say exactly what.”

A popular explanation for the increase is high gas prices, but gas prices jumped in 2003, which doesn’t explain the increasing moped numbers prior to that or why sales have gone through the roof since 2005.

Two local motorcycle and moped dealers, Don’s Honda, 537 Highway 1 W, and Iowa City Motorsports, 155 Escort Lane, say moped sales have been increasing for years and have surged since 2005.

“Smaller bikes and scooters in general are up dramatically,” said Mike Zeman, the sales manager for Don’s Honda, citing a 250 percent increase since 2005.

Zeman said gas prices are the primary reason for the recent increase.

“At first, we thought it was just a reaction, things will come down,” Zeman said of surging prices after the Iraq War began in 2003. “By 2004, prices stayed high. In 2005, prices stayed high. We started to think maybe they are coming down. As prices stayed high, now we have to look at doing other things. Let’s look at more economical means of transportation.”

Rod Holst, owner of Iowa City Motorsports, said sales of his most popular scooter brand, Yamaha, quadrupled in 2005 and those numbers have remained steady ever since.

“Iowa City is a special place for parking,” Holst said. “People that are buying them in Iowa City are mainly (doing so) for parking and transportation.”

**Click the title link to read the whole thing.

New sidecar lets you have your mate and lean it too!

Granted... this sidecar from ARMEC called the Sidewinder is NOT available for scooters. They only make it to mount to a BMW or Moto Guzzi, but who's to say with a little creative engineering?... maybe the Big Ruckus will give it a go?

Perhaps I should take a step back. Let's look at the title. What do we mean by "have your mate and lean it too"? Well, if you've ever ridden a scooter with a sidecar and one without, you'll notice one critical thing missing from the sidecar ride. Your ability to lean into the turns. The Sidewinder takes care of that with a sidecar that attaches in 10 minutes and gives you the freedom to go lean.

So... what IS the price of freedom? Well, without the optional features on the Sidewinder we've nearly reached the $10,000US mark. Hook up quick connect hydraulic brakes, steering damper and tonneau Cover and you've got a few more bucks to add to the bill. That in itself pushes it out of scooter range. There's hardly a scooter that costs $10,000. Looks like you'll have to just lean your body in the turns to simulate the sensation... or... go out and spend $16k on a Beemer and $10k on a Sidewinder. Whichever works best for you.

Free colorful scooters are one way to lure loft buyers

Amy Kinran, (left) a mortgage specialist talks with Adhar Usher, (right), Monday, at the company's office. The popcycle scooter, (foreground) is one that is offered free to anyone purchasing a loft with McGowen-Walsh.
(F. Brian Ferguson/P-D)

By Repps Hudson

ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH

03/23/2007

Close on a downtown loft costing from $150,000 to $300,000 from McGowan Walsh, and you get your choice of 49-cc motor scooters — free.

The developer will even throw in a helmet, though state law doesn't require one for such a small machine.

"We like to promote safety," said Adhar Usher, marketing and sales director for McGowan Walsh. The St. Louis development firm owns several old downtown factories and office buildings that it's turning into lofts.

Since the middle of last year, anyone going by the sales office at 2200 Washington Avenue during business hours might see several brightly colored (yellow, blue, purple or red) model G49 Popcycle scooters sitting on the sidewalk.

These little machines, which get about 90 miles to the gallon and might hold two small or slender people as well as a modest grocery bag or two, are a trendy way for residents to get around downtown. Top speed is 35 mph.

The scooters are one of the ways developers have hit on to stand out among the growing number of loft developments.

"I think it's an interesting trend," said Sarah Coffin, assistant professor of public policy studies at St. Louis University. "It's a way the developer has of differentiating themselves. What you're finding in St. Louis is that we've come into the loft style (of living) a lot later than in many other cities."

Coffin, who owned a loft in Cleveland nearly 20 years ago, before other "urban pioneers" caught up with her in that city, said this kind of promotion is another way a developer can catch the eye of a potential buyer. The idea is to get buyers into a building and the model display unit and to pique their interest.

In the case of the scooters, they go well with the burgeoning urban landscape, where new residents may not want to worry about parking and maintaining a car.

"As more and more people realize the appeal of urban amenities, the nightlife and other things, it's good not to have to rely on a car," Coffin said.

***Click the title link to read the rest of the story
Oh and... G49 Popcycle? Yikes. Couldn't they spring for they Schwinn at least?
If I'm gonna drop $300k on a loft, I'd like to see a Mojito 150 in my garage or a Vespa LX50 or something with some panache. Hey Austin? Are you listening?! There's a buncha new condos going on downtown... Let's get some scooters in the garage!

This Lammy is tasty and FULL of Fibre!

You can do a lot to supe up yer scoot. Big bore kits, tuned pipes, bigger carbs, (weights, rollers, springs if you ride an automatic) the list goes on and on... but the TRULY hardcore go Carbon!

If you're building a competition sprinter, you better think about sellin' yourself (plasma, bone marrow, kidney, sexual favors, etc) to save up for a set of Carbon Fiber leg shields and side panels. You can get leg shields (seen above) from PM Tuning for about $500 US and some other pieces (horn casts, head cowls, running boards, etc) from MBDevelopments if they are available. I recommend you check out the Chris Sturgess CF masterpiece "Psycho GP" for more sprinter goodness.

As long as yer at it, why not get some CF reed valves and a CF Silencer and a CF keyring... does anyone make a CF monocoque?

Scooter inspired art - Susumu Yokota

A few days ago we covered art inspired scooters or "Art Scoots", now let's look at artists who's work is inspired by scooters! Take this piece titled "Art Form" from Susumu Yokota. If you visit her site you can see samples of her work from as far back as 1987. She even has some photos of the legendary Sexxim girls.

Scooter inspired art - Bruno Pozzo

Bruno Pozzo, known for his travel prints, is ALSO known for his Vespa inspired fine art prints. I couldn't find his home page, but if you click on the title link you'll see a bunch of nice scooter posters from a variety of artists including Bruno. You can get a 20" x 28" from allposters.com for $41.99 OR if you got the deep pockets, you can get a framed 36" x 28.25" from Target for $219.99!

Scooter inspired art - George Coghill

Right here in the good 'ole US of A, is an illustrator named George Coghill that creates a marvelously polished art piece. Here you see an example of his Vespa inspired artwork. He describes this piece like so:

This scooter hot rod/Odd Rods monster cartoon illustration was created for an Austin, Texas scooter freak and his 'blog the Scooter Scoop. The client wanted a cartoon illustration of a Mod scooter creature in the style of the "Big Daddy" Roth Odd Rods. we had a lot of fun developing this illustration, right down the the Swiss Army knife and train whistle on the front. You should see the length some of the real scooter fanatics go to to customize their bikes - I kept thinking as I threw more and more on the front that there were too many headlights, and then I'd go back to the reference photos and realize there still wasn't enough! The literal "foxtail" on the whip antenna was a nice touch of inspiration by the client.

A very collaborative illustration, and the final cartoon came out pretty awesome if I don't say so myself.

I agree! I'll have to go check out this "blog" called TheScooterScoop. Sounds interesting! Hehe... I just had to plug this guy. George did an OUTSTANDING job with this guy named "Mod Rod", who is sorta the unofficial mascot for the site. If you need to hire a talented, easy going, illustrator who takes great direction and offers fabulous creative input... Coghill is your man!

George is currently involved in the revamping of the Odd Rods franchise. He did a great job on their website too!

Bad Fuel Rising

Well, summertime is quickly approaching. This morning in Austin, Texas it's a sunny 61 degrees and as the temperature rises so do gas prices. As you can see, from the GasBuddy chart of the last 9 months, we're on the upswing with average gas prices in the USA climbing above $2.67/gal.

Are you ready for $3/gal again? Make sure you scooter is tuned and your tires are right 'cause it's gonna be a bumpy ride! I believe 2007 has more scooter models available that we've seen in years, so there's something for everyone. It doesn't matter if you're grabbin' groceries, class hopping or making your daily commute, you can do it on your scooter.

If you've been thinking about scooters and need some advice, shoot me an email and I'll see if I can help ya out! thescooterscoop@gmail.com

Or... you can just watch the news and hear them tell you the same thing (ignore the SUV commercial that comes up beforehand)

Have scooter will travel

From the ridiculous...
Originally uploaded by john m flores.

john m flores shares this shot of a pair of Valmobiles from the Barber Museum.

http://www.valmobile.com/
http://www.barbermuseum.org/

See how modern we were back in 1963?