Warren over at Mototek (Austin) forwarded THIS image from a California hotel room window in Burbank. From what I gather it's the beginning of the SMART car exposure campaign in the USA. If you live in Burbank, keep an eye out for these guys and say "Hi" to Arch (who shot this photo) if you see him.
Wish I could be there. I'm just glad they decided to make it a tad bit BIGGER for the American market. I'm not sure we'd be very comfortable in the original Smart seen below, up on a hydraulic lift.
OH! And, check out the Car Body Design site to see some fantastic photos of Smart FourTwo redesign prototypes. They were DEFINITELY thinking outside the box with some of those submissions.
***UPDATE***
Orin informs us in the comments area that the tour going on right now in LA, will travel across the USA until early November. Go HERE to find out when YOU can take one for a spin in y0ur city.
(We won't see one in Austin 'till Halloween. Please don't dress them up as little pumpkins. Thanks.)
Thursday, May 31, 2007
The Smart Cars are here! Tour begins in California
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Scientists discover source of global warming
Click on the image and look at the full size image... if not to get a better understanding of the phenomena then at least to catch a closer glimpse of those supa leg warmers.
Thanks for sharing joepyrek.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Channel 4 Video - The Indian Job (600 miles in an Autorickshaw)
You ever want an Autorickshaw? Maybe not like this modern, minivan looking version (I personally think it's kinda cool), but how about a Piaggio designed Bajaj? If not, you WILL once you've watched this wonderful video from Nick Gibbs called "The Indian Job". If you're a REAL thrill seeker, you'll actually drive one in India. I prefer to just crate a few up and bring 'em here.
I really dig the manual starter. Check the video to see what I'm talking about.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Finally a Hummer with better gas mileage than a scooter!
Well, ok... it doesn't have some of the luxuries of a normal Hummer; things like AC, leather seats, chrome rims, windows, an exhaust system, a fuel system or anything like that. It does have AM/FM CD player and will alllmost hit 15 MPH. You can check the specs here.
Build yer own for about $200, OR you could be the first to slap a 250cc 4-stroke motor in there. It wouldn't be as green as this baby, but it'll tear-the-roof-off-tha-mutha in a drag race!
via MAKE and the official project home page HERE.
I remember when R&D didn't mean Rip-off & Duplicate
Digging through my latest issue of TAG Magazine and I saw this little tidbit. As it says here, "this photo shows an R&D department in Vietnam where they're putting the finishing touches to a prototype of a new 125cc air-cooled SYM. Tisk-tisk (shakes head). I guess it just doesn't pay to innovate any more. I wonder what Piaggio would have to say about that.
Oh, and what's the difference between a Pence, a shilling, a Pound and a Quid? I just don't get UK money.
Didn't we just post something about Vespa moving production to Vietnam? It'll be easy now... they can just rebadge these SYM knock-offs.
Miami Herald - Scooter riders risk necks to save on gas
(Rowdy scooterists always to blame... making life tough for poor, defenseless SUV drivers)
Here's a rare story about how economics increases the scooter population. Well, what makes it rare is the tone of the writer. Larry "LL Cruel Jay" Lebowitz, bust out with this (snippet):
With gas prices hovering at the previously unthinkable level of $3.18 a gallon, more motorists are looking to save a few bucks on the backs of mopeds and scooters.
Once thought to be the trendy vehicle of choice for South Beach club kids and takeout delivery boys, mopeds and scooters are showing up with increasing frequency on heavily traveled mainland streets...
The spike in scooter traffic is only going to mean more potential chaos on the roadrageous streets of South Florida...
''I encounter those suckers just about every day,'' Diaz said of the scooter daredevils on Biscayne Boulevard.
''I cringe when I see aggressive drivers zip past in an attempt to get out from behind someone riding a scooter'' -- especially since most of them aren't donning helmets.
Diaz, who drives a midsize SUV, realizes the scooter operators are, for the most part, pretty skilled and brave. But it's just too dangerous...
''And so, a scooter driver becomes just another annoying slowdown or traffic obstacle instead of a real, living, breathing person trying to navigate our roads,'' she said. 'I'm constantly thinking to myself, `If a car or SUV clips a scooter, the [scooter] driver is as good as gone.' ''
Diaz recognizes the scooter operators aren't without fault.
Just like their cousins on motorcycles, the scooter operators take advantage of their size and maneuverability, squeezing to the front of lines idling at red lights.
Except there's a big difference: motorcycles can haul ass, getting out of the way in a matter of seconds. Scooters, on the other hand, put-put-putter along, forcing everyone behind them to go slower, adding a couple more pinches of ''frustration'' to the already bubbling cauldron of potential road rage.
Streetwise tends to side with the car-driving masses on this issue. Just because a scooter or motorcycle can squeeze between the rows at a traffic light doesn't mean they should do it.
The increase in South Florida scooter traffic is inevitable as gas prices continue to rise along with high-rise, infill development. But it's not just going to be exotic hipsters and leggy wannabe models clutching miniaturized doggies on the back of Pepto-colored Vespas.
Paul Steward is starting to see the other end of the economic spectrum pass through the doors of his Vento dealership in Hollywood. Lots of people living paycheck-to-paycheck have been dropping by Steward's store on U.S. 441 since gas prices returned to the $3 a gallon level for the first time since Hurricane Katrina.
''It's a real mishmash. We've got more of the older set coming in. Most of the people we've been dealing with lately want to finance,'' Steward said. ``Finance a $1,500 to $2,000 bike?''
Most of these customers have bad, or nonexistent credit. Some are recently arrived immigrants living an all-cash existence.
''I had a woman in here last week; she wanted to finance a $600 used bike. Six hundred dollars, on credit. I felt bad for her. That's a tough one,'' Steward said. ``But it gives you a sense of just how hard it is for some people.''
Whew! LL stops just short of calling them "Scooter Trash". Of course the enraged SUV driver isn't at fault here, nor the cheeky, big bike rider. Nope, just the pretentious hipster or poor, broke immigrant "taking advantage" if the situation and clogging up our roads... making us mad... causing road rage. I'd be mad to if I was stuck idling in traffic at 12MPG. No word on whether or not smaller vehicles could cure some of their travel whoas.
(just to clarify for those SUV owning, new visitors to the "Scoop". I don't hate SUVs in general. I own one! A Honda CR-V. It's relatively fuel efficient and is normally hauling 3-4 people, a stroller and other stuff. It's the wife's monkey wagon... the kid carrier. I just can't stand to see gas guzzling, personnel carriers hauling... a driver.)
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Viet Nam News - Piaggio revs into Viet Nam with new Vespa factory
Looks like Piaggio's got big plans for the near future. Let's hope they produce plenty of the new Vespa S!
HA NOI — Piaggio SpA intends to invest 15 million euro (US$20.4 million) to build a new plant in Viet Nam in 2009-10 that will construct Vespas for the local market, according to AFX News.
The investment is part of Piaggio’s international expansion, the news network quoted Piaggio Chairman Roberto Colaninno at a meeting to launch the company’s new Aprilia SL750 Shiver model in Milan earlier this week.
Colaninno said the plant will be built near HMC City and source components in Viet Nam. The company already has a sales network in the country.
Viet Nam News yesterday was unable to contact Piaggio representatives.
The Italian automaker manufactured 650,000 vehicles in 2006. However, nearly 200,000 additional units were produced by Piaggio’s joint venture in China that were not included into the company’s sales figures.
The Pisa-based firm, established in 1884 by Rinaldo Piaggio, has several popular brands in the local market, including Piaggio, Vespa, Gilera, Guzzi and Aprilia. — VNS
The Arizona Star: Time is here to haul out your old motorcyles, even scooters
Here's another one... but in THIS story pay attention to "legal parking on sidewalks". It's about time to do a report on "how to convince your local government to show some love to scooterists." Here's a snippet:
As an alternative, many people are buying inexpensive new and late-model scooters.Scooter sales are up about 20 percent at Reina International Auto, a Vespa dealership in Brookfield, Wis."People are more serious about using scooters for commuting," especially after filling the fuel tanks of their sport utility vehicles, said manager Filippo Reina.In Wisconsin, a motorcycle license is required to operate mopeds with engines 50cc and larger.Many of the motorized bikes get about 75 mpg fuel mileage, and some of the smallest ones can be legally parked on sidewalks."So there's a huge savings not only in gas but in parking," Reina said.Joe Mirasola recently parked his GMC pickup, which gets about 17 mpg, and commutes 5 miles to work on a motor scooter."I have used the truck once in the last two weeks," he said. "It just kills me. … I put gas in the scooter the other day, and it cost me about $3."Kait Krueger uses a scooter to commute 10 miles to work at a hospital where she is a registered nurse. Her other vehicle is a 2001 Ford Taurus that gets about 21 mpg."Once I get used to the scooter, I will take a trek across town, to Greenfield, to visit my mom," she said.
Plum Aspen | Gass Guzzling: Plum's Alternatives to Four Wheels
Check out what this article is talking about... No, ignore the standard issue, "Save the planet, buy a scooter" part and, well... pay attention to the "we get free scooter parking in Aspen" part we wanna talk about that some more in the near future. More importantly you should pay REAL attention to what the rumored gas price will be about 3 months:
Plum Aspen | Gass Guzzling: Plum's Alternatives to Four WheelsSIX BUCKS? YIKES! Much higher and I might have to start TheBicycleScoop!
With gas prices at a record high ($4.07/gallon) and rumored to encroach $6 by August, it's time to start thinking about parking the SUV and hiding the keys unless you're willing to go into debt filling your tank. But in a small town like Aspen, there are fun and easy alternatives to four wheels. The following are Plum's picks for how to avoid gas stations and still get where you need to go this summer.
Buy a Vespa
You've probably seen people cruising around town on candy-colored Vespas Sure, they look cute but these motorized scooters are also an environmentally friendly option in transportation when the weather's warm. Cheaper and cuter then a car, you'll save on parking and parking tickets (Aspen offers free scooter and Vespa parking) and get better gas mileage.
TWO FOR THE ROAD / An Avalon, sure, but a scooter? Yes!
TWO FOR THE ROAD / An Avalon, sure, but a scooter? Yes! And the scooter? As I approached the age of 60, I knew it was now or never. How long will I have the necessary reflexes for this? I wondered. Never having driven a scooter in my life (It just looks like so much fun!) I signed up for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's basic course. I had requested a scooter -- they told me they only had one -- and was assured I would have it for the course. When I got there, there was no scooter in sight, so I climbed onto a motorcycle. To my surprise, I managed all right and even felt pretty proud of myself for making it through the first day of the training. But that night I thought this is not going to work, especially since the motorcycle just felt very heavy. I had to constantly squeeze my left hand on the motorcycle's handlebar clutch and I thought this endlessly repetitive motion might eventually harm my left hand. Anyway, I wanted a scooter, not a motorcycle. I felt I was over the hill for motorcycles, but not for scooters. I returned for Day 2, requested, and was given their scooter. I'm sure that's the only way I was able to pass the test. And after a motorcycle -- hey -- this was easy! I passed the test and later got the M1 endorsement on my driver's license, allowing me to drive my scooter on state roads. I found my scooter, with all of 8,340 miles on the odometer, on Craigslist and immediately named it Blanche because it is white... Blanche has been completely reliable during the course of this first year on the road. The great thing about riding a scooter -- aside from getting 100 mpg -- is the sensory experience of moving through space with the air and the light all around you. And there's the pleasure of zipping around corners and gliding down a hill.
The tale of why a girl, 60 years young, decided to get a scooter to compliment her Toyota Avalon. Here's a excerpt:
Sounds pleasant, doesn't it? Are you ready to make the switch to a scoot (if you haven't already, of course)?
Scooter News - Japanese get's cloud shaped scooter plates
The Mainichi Daily News covered the new (Mario inspired?) cloud plates for scooters. How cool is that? When you city has custom plates JUST for scooters? I'll take mine in white... they should make them in grey too. Here's the story:
MATSUYAMA -- Cloud-shaped number plates will be issued for scooters in the city of Matsuyama, local government officials said.
Matsuyama Municipal Government officials reportedly decided to use cloud-shaped plates to promote the area partly because the city is vividly described in famous writer Ryotaro Shiba's popular history novel, "Sakano ueno Kumo" (Clouds above a slope).
The license number plates are all 10 by 20 centimeters in size and come in three colors -- white, yellow and pink.
"We hope that the number plates will become mobile advertising items for the city," an official said.
License number plates are normally rectangular in Japan. (Mainichi)
Impressive paint - Vespa Italia
Quite an eye-catching set up with the silver paint ripping away to reveal the Italian colors. Bravo!
And, thanks for sharing Ross!
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Orangutan goes on scooter bashing rampage!
(You'd have to be some sorta big ape to hate on a scooter)
In Taipei, Taiwan an orangutan with the with disdain for plastic twist-n-goes went on a bashfest, tossing and tipping countless scooters before finally being hit with a tranquilizer dart full of weapons grade Guinness. The orangutan was recovered and placed back in captivity to sleep off the buzz. No classics were damaged in the tirade. This has not been ruled out as a hate crime. No members of the Piston Broke Scooter Club could be reached for comment.
Click on the title link to read the story and watch the video. Thanks to Ben in Australia for the scoop!
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Smart's evolution - How the Smart Car has changed in the last 5 years
Our amigo bom, Pedro Pinheiro, from the Matsu blog based in Portugal knows that we love the Smart (consider by The Scooter Scoop to be an honorary scooter). Pete has gone through the trouble of photographing the differences to share with the scoop readers... so without further ado, here's a side by side comparison of the 2007 Smart (Left) and the 2002 Smart (Right).
So... here on the left we can see that Smart has made the grill more smiley and dropped the fog lights down to the spoiler. The headlights don't have the same strange, yet endearing "spider eyes" shape that they used to have in previous years. Also the logo on the nose went from the old "Smart" logo type to the simple Smart symbol. I personally like it spelled out. The last thing that really stands out here is that the tridon frame isn't quite as pronounced as it used to be. You'll see that in greater detail shortly.
Ok. Face to face you can see some of these differences more clearly. What do you think? I'm leaning toward the old style myself. The silver piece above the headlights makes the front end of the car look shorter... dare I say cuter. The new smart (on the left) is beginning to look more conventional, in other words "like a regular car".
Ok, the profiles. New Smart left. Less pronounced tridon safety cell now that part of the back end is the same color as the body panels. The wheels are sportier, I'm not sure it that was an option or standard gear. The flares around the wheels appear more angular on the new smart and it looks like the door pull is now parallel with the ground. Over all it appears to be stretched out a bit. Right now, I'm not sure if it actually IS longer or if it's just an illusion.
On the rear you can see the '07 edition has the reverse lights built into the turn signals and so you loose an extra lens back there. Also you can see a very obvious shield over the license plate. Maybe that's where the trunk-pull is. Some of the simplicity seems lost here because of that. Also, the lenses do not appear flush with the back end of the car now (even if they are). The more subdued color scheme around the tridon safety cell seems to reduce the smarts je ne sais quoi.
Open up! New seats are more plain. No fancy cut-outs or cup holders (is that what those are in the '02?). Not much else to speak of. The angular body panels are easier to see here.
No fuzzy blanket for you "2007"! I understand you've got a little more punch in there though, so that makes up for it. Maybe I'll ask granny to sew up a little quilt for ya though... so you can be warm and cozy. I wonder if we can the the Smart on CuteOverload.
Close up of the speedo. 2007 on the left, eh? Not bad. Easy to read. I approve.
The flight controls. Considerable rearrangement going on for 2007. Loss of the snarky robot look of 2002... you know you see it. The 2 eyes, the orange nose, big mouth with little tongue stickin' out. I see an added coin tray for 2007 and that a button is missing. The sunroof? I'm not sure. Also, if you look closely, you'll notice the 2002 version has a sort of obnoxious, blotchy fabric on the seats. Some may argue that it looks cleaner in 2007 and others will say it's lost its character. I'm leaning toward the later of the two comments.
So, in summary. I would say Smart did some cost cutting... probably homogenizing some of the parts and/or manufacturing methods to match other cars in Daimler's stable -OR- to offset the cost of other improvements to the engine. The more unique, the more expensive. Making the car less unique means making it less expensive. Is it worth the trade off? Since it has taken THIS long for us to get it in the USA, 13 years according to Wiki, I'm ready to say what ever it takes. It's still "cute as a button". I'd even entertain the Smart knock-off, the Ford Think at this point. Let's just get some microcars up in this joint! Popular Science published a great little article on the Smart in April, seen HERE.
Thanks again to Pedro for the detailed photos! You can also see them by clicking on the title link. I still love ya Smart! Now, hurry up and GET HERE!
PS> So, Pedro... What do YOU think about the new Smart? Anyone else wanna chime in? Would you buy one at $14k - $17k? I'll have to calculate how it stacks up to buying 2 Burgmans instead.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
OMG! The most suspense I've seen on TV in a LONG time
I had never heard of Charlotte Church before today, but now that I've seen her I know she's mean, heartless and cruel. This video I found over at the Honky-Tonk Dragon (title link) PROVES it.
Monday, May 21, 2007
New Book - Complete Idiot's Guide to Motor Scooters
Friendly neighborhood scooter enthusiasts Bev Brinson and Bryce Ludwig (of ScooterWorldMag) have recently had their rendition of the "idiot's guide" come to fruition. The Guide to Motor Scooters is in stores now or available on their site for the paltry sum of $19.95 (shipped! OH! and, ordering on their site benefits them much more than ordering from Amazon by the way).
I haven't had a chance to flip through the book just yet, but when my autographed edition arrives I'll be sure to tell ya what I think. It's likely to be a good resource for the scooter curious.. Here's what the back says:
With oil prices soaring and people looking for alternative means of commuter (and cruising) travel, motor scooters have exploded across the country as a viable means of transportation. Here’s the book for both scooter newbies and accustomed riders that includes a complete listing of scooters available by size and power, advice on evaluating and buying scooters, maintenance and customizing, and more.So, there you have it. I've always wanted to make an even SIMPLER version with nothing but black and white icons in it and call it "The Guide to Scooters for Complete Fargin' Dumbarses!" I'm just not sure how well received it would be by the publishers. Any offers? Publishers?
—Complete list of all manufacturers, road rules, and government regulations
—Written by the founder and senior writer of the premier industry magazine ScooterWorld Magazine
Dragsters are on the boat!
Here at TheScooterScoop, we wait with baited breath because in the next 6 to 8 weeks (give or take) we are expecting to see the worlds first Itlajet Dragster 250 to hit the shops, not to mention the revival of the classic racer, the Dragster 50cc 2-stroke.
With sport scooters on the rise, we're gonna see even MORE scooter customizing, tweaking and perhaps even racing. In the USA, we've been lagging behind nos amis in France and unsere Freunde in Germany. It's about time to turn the tables there. Who knows... maybe YOU could be the next American to compete in the 2008 Scooter Cup.
You could also keep tabs on the MASRA forum to see how you can get in on the action. Also found this little list of US scooter racing shops at WhizWheels.
Well, since we still have some weeks to go before they get here, let's reminisce by reading a Press Release from 2005:
"DRAGSTER - BACK TO THE FUTURE"
"Strange, grotesque and over-the-top. But who will use it? Who will want it with that front, with that exhaust and with that frame?"
These are some of the comments that Italjet overheard - and metabolized, analyzed and motorized - among the crowd ten years ago at Milan's Bicycle and Motorcycle Exhibition 1995 when the prototype of the Dragster 50cc went on display on the rotating podium at the company stand.
The Bolognese motorbike manufacturer presented a proud, amusing, trendy, racer-style Dragster mixing technology with aesthetics; a scooter with a visible lattice-work frame and going by the name of Dragster - because no other name could be more suited. Instead, ten years on, the Dragster not only still exists and is observed in wonder, but it is still in great demand. Even more impressive perhaps is the existence of a worldwide network of fan clubs that are just as original and surprising: one example is Paul Robinson's www.italjetdragster.com site.
Robinson created the website in the year 2000, in honour of all Dragster owners and to make sure they had a space where they could find information on how to 'hot up' their engines and to redesign and re-clad their scooters to reflect their personality. The legend of the Dragster - seen as the scooter for the new generations, as a scooter like no other, and the symbol of a very new-age New Wave - has given rise to a scooter-rider attitude and identity embodied in an endless number of T-shirts, badges and other paraphernalia. Yet it does not end here. The Dragster has even arrived in Silicon Valley: the videogames sector leader has created a special Dragster game where fans can bemuse themselves or let off anger in endless battles escaping from or chasing the enemy aboard a virtual, blazing Italjet scooter.
And here it is again, more exuberant than ever, offering a reliable performance keeping up with modern times, but above all non-stop intense emotion.
Tartarini and Ferrandino have both decided to photograph it in all its force, with its accessories and related spare parts, because it is recognized as the scooter. A scooter that, despite the passing of time and market and consumer changes, has remained a cult. And as such they have chosen to immortalize it.
So here is the Dragster once again (in the 50cc injection version, the 125cc four-stroke and the 250cc four-stroke) to surprise, amaze and pamper - yes pamper - aficionados of myths, monsters, legends and metropolitan-scooter realities. Here it is in all its finery and - adding a dash of imagination - whatever customized look may be given by fans sweeping from Europe to the lands of the Rising Sun, who have finally found a mascot to unite them.
ITALJET INTERNATIONAL PRESS RELEASE
(EICMA - November 2005)
Sunday, May 20, 2007
If Diana Ross was a scooterist...
Then she might have done this herself. I'm not sure who's responsible for it, but it's not bad and entertaining to boot.
Friday, May 18, 2007
It's the FINAL COUNTDOWN (don't tell me that songs not in yer head now)
The "tftdguru" from the Space Coast Scooter Crew sends word that there's only 3 weeks 'till liftoff for the 3rd Annual Canaveral Caper Rally in Florida. Looks to be a well organized event and if I still lived in Orlando I shur-as-HELL would be there to rally up. Please share the photos Stan!
Genuine Buddy - How does it stack up as a pack mule?
Keys, over at the Skutergruven blog is a man with no fear. He doesn't even hesitate an instant to pack up his Genuine Buddy and roll it across the arid Arizona mountains HUNDREDS of miles to check out a NASCAR race.
If you've ever considered the Genuine Buddy because you want something reliable to ride while you're waiting to rebuild your clutch pack, Key's testimonial should help you with the decision. Click on the title link and stay tuned for more of Key's adventures in Buddy land.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Spiderman 3: Peter Parker's Puch
Went and saw Spiderman 3 last night... My review can be summed up in 2 letters "eh".
Here's the unabridged version:
(spoiler warning)
In this one Spidey gets a shot of black, gooey, testosterone making him less of a geek. Spidey turns bad, bad guys turn good, and none of it fits into the original Marvel Universe. It's fine that they didn't reconstruct the Secret Wars scene just so Spidey could get the black suit... but from what I remember, he no longer had a suit... He had this symbiotic being that was on him and when he needed his suit, it would just appear. He didn't pull it out of a trunk.
There were lots of flying fight scenes that were displayed in "real time", making them very hard to follow the first time around. That's a benefit of a comic book; the scenes are easy to follow. I didn't like Mary Jane's lipsynching and the whole goofy love triangle thing. In my opinion, the entire film could have been summed up in :20 minutes. They should make an A.D.D. cut of the flick. 'Nuff Said.
12,600 people place $99 order for Smart fortwo in U.S.
(As you can see, Smart had to make some changes for the car to be acceptable to American buyers. jk)
United Auto Group Inc., the auto retailer charged with distributing the Smart fortwo when it arrives on U.S. shores in 2008, is reporting that 12,600 people have plunked down $99 to become a Smart "Insider" and reserve a spot in line to buy DaimlerChrysler's microcar. That number of people represents about three-fourths of the 16,000 fortwos that will be sold in the car's first year on sale in the U.S., and there's enough time before then that the entire allotment could be, in a sense, "sold out" before it actually goes on sale. Of course, not everyone who spends $99 to reserve a fortwo will buy one, but they'll lose their c-note if they don't.
We expect the rate of reservations to increase sharply over the course of this summer with the cost of gasoline continuing to rise. High fuel prices have a way of making people reconsider cars that promise above average economy, and the fortwo should be able to achieve 40 mpg without breaking a sweat. The $99 reservation campaign is also helping the automaker determine how many of each fortwo will be needed next year. Customers can choose from the base Pure model, upgraded Passion model and Passion Cabriolet. If you want to reserve a fortwo and haven't yet, visit the Smart USA website to get in line.
[Source: CNN Money via Kicking Tires]
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
DiCaprio rides Zuma
Looks like DiCaprio is out for his morning cuppa coffee on the back of his YammyZuma... sans helmet, jacket or gloves. Yikes! I hope he's not going far.
You know, speaking of DiCaprio... I was one of those dudes who hated-on him back in the days (90's), and when I heard that rumor that he might play Vader in the Starwars Ep2 & 3 I was up in arms! "He could NEVER be the dark lord!". Today, in hindsight... I think he actually would have kicked ass as Vader. Yes, I actually said that. I'm judging by the work I've seen him in lately (over the last decade minus "The Beach") and by the fact that I don't care if girls are droolin' all over him. It's easy to hate someone who gets more than you when you're young and single.
Thanks to Bob in Alberta and E! Online for the shot!
Oh! And click on the title link to see a bunch more scootin' stars.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Just a plain coool photograph
I *heart* weird helmets
You ever wonder where they come from? Read.
CNNMoney - Gasoline hits record $3.10 a gallon
Checking on GasBuddy.com and I ran into this Reuters piece on CNN Money. It goes like this:
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- U.S. consumers are digging deeper in their pockets to fill up at the pump, with the average price for gasoline now a record $3.10 a gallon, the government said on Monday.If you're riding a scooter then you've got a 10 year jump on the plan. Great job!
The national price for regular unleaded gasoline rose 5 cents over the last week and is up 16 cents from a year ago, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration's weekly survey of service stations.
The latest pump price tops the old record of $3.07 set in September 2005 after Hurricane Katrina disrupted refinery operations and oil production along the Gulf Coast, the EIA said.
The much larger AAA survey showed the price for gasoline at a record $3.07 on Monday.
Higher gasoline costs are cutting into consumer spending, which accounts for about two-thirds of U.S. economic growth.
The EIA has forecast the national gasoline price will stay at or near $3 a gallon for most of the summer but will not come close to the $4 level that many consumers fear.
Energy experts say rising motor fuel costs reflect the temporary shutdown of several oil refineries, strong petroleum demand, militant attacks on Nigeria's oil production and higher crude prices.
Guy Caruso, who heads the EIA, said that, given the tight supply conditions, OPEC oil ministers needed to boost crude production this summer and not wait until their next planned meeting in September to decide whether to change oil output levels.
"We do think there will be a need for more OPEC oil," Caruso told reporters. "The most important thing is to keep the market adequately supplied."
The record pump price came on the same day that President Bush ordered government agencies to begin developing regulations to carry out his plan to reduce U.S. gasoline consumption.
"Our dependence on oil creates a risk for our economy, because a supply disruption anywhere in the world could drive up American gas prices to even more painful levels," Bush said in a speech from the White House Rose Garden.
Bush's plan will not affect this summer's U.S. gasoline prices or supplies, but by 2017 it is supposed to have Americans using 20 percent less gasoline and billions of gallons more in renewable and alternative fuels instead.
Monday, May 14, 2007
One way to stand out from the crowd.
You gotta check out the work of Homburg's Jorg Manderscheid. He's got CRAZY airbrush skills (and he's not bad on the bo staff either). If you dig this custom King Kong (Simpson Bandit), then you'll get a kick out of his other work. Click on the title link for MIER... er MORE!
Friday, May 11, 2007
Aprilia SportCity 250 i.e. has landed on US soil!
(Looking at her in person reveals why "Sport" is part of her name. Click on the image to see a few more photos.)
Here we've got a 244.29cc 4-stroke pushing 15" wheels up to nearly 80 MPH all in a compact yet comfortable package. But, don't let that tiny frame fool you. This baby is SOLID and you're gonna need a little muscle to maneuver her with the engine off, due to her weigh of 326 lbs and that's without the 2.7 gallons of gas in her tank.
I'm very excited that Aprilia decided to bring the SportCity 250 to us (too bad the bike wasn't prepped for me to test ride today). All I can say is "thanks" to Warren over at Ducati Austin for giving us the scoop on her arrival. He said that he'd call us next week after she's been given her check up. JOY!
If you don't mind watching raw footage without audio, you can at least see how she handles here.
I believe the MSRP on the 2007 SportCity 250 i.e. is $4,599.00. Pricey? A bit, but when you look at the Honda Reflex at $6,049, the Honda Helix is 5,299, the Honda Big Ruckus is $5,499 and Vespa GTS 250 is $5,999 it seems to be a good deal. I'll have to verify that MSRP with Warren next week as well.
Sorry I don't have a whole lot more details, but you can always click on the title link to see what the Aprilia USA site has to say about her.
***Update***
As you know, I was a bit uncertain on that MSRP at $4,599.00, it seemed lower than I anticipated AND after hearing that the Scooter Diva's buyers guide had it listed at $6,299.00 I had to follow up. After checking with my local Aprilia shop it is confirmed at $4,599.00. Woohoo!
Looking forward to my test drive in the next couple weeks!
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Daelim's "B-bone" a Korean exclusive
You'll be hard pressed to find many more photos of the B-Bone "Self Evolving Scooter" anywhere on the web. I think I found it on two sites... The Daelim Korea site and ScooterRace.co.kr (see title link). Oh, and more recently Korea's BikeMagazine shot a host of riding shots with a GIRL rider no less (thanks BikeM!).
The B-bone, not to be confused with the b-bone network or Bizzy Bone (whose birthday is September 12th) had a 'birthday party' on April 27th to celebrate her announcement. When you see the stylings the first thing that will come to mind is "RUCKUS". Exposed tube frame being the giveaway. After that it's different. Powered by a liquid cooled 125cc 4-stroke and stopped by dual discs the B-Bone is a step up in this class.
Details are still a bit thin, but if you like looking at Korean owners manuals you can check it out here. From what I can make out, it's chock-full-of useful tips like this one:
Which, from what I can tell, says "Be sure to pull a sweet stoppie if some little brat throws a ball out in front of you."
Or there's THIS useful tidbit:
Which, from what I gather, means "Ride off a skyscraper to activate the temporary 'fly like a bird' option". I reckon.
Anyway, another important piece in Daelim's puzzle is that they plan on making the B-bone highly accessorizable (not a real word... maybe I should use Pimp-outable). As you can see from their concept drawing, there are plans for a rear top box, an under seat mesh box, a front fender, an air dam, headlamp protector and more.
Oh here's the specs (gotta love the Google translantion! HAHA!):
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Benefits to riding a scooter - Less tempted to do tricks
Man... When I saw this photo I took the obligatory crap in my pants. What do you think is going on thru that guy's mind right this very moment? The real funny thing is the guy even looks a bit like me (that's how I dress when I'm doing yard work on the weekends, t-shirt, bandanna and all.)
So, back to the topic. I would buy my kid a scooter before I bought him/her a motorcycle simply because to attempt this on a Vespa would take a lot more work than doing this on a sport bike. Anyway, that's my point. I believe riders would be less likely to attempt a stoppie if their equipment didn't make it so easy.
Found this photo in a story over at Motoblog.it (title link)
Friday, May 04, 2007
Tip your glasses for half a millions hits! w00t!
Seems like yesterday we were counting off 250,000 hits... well, today is another landmark Half A Million! Let's kick back and cold one and keep on counting. I know things have been a tad bit slow around these parts, but we've got more news in the works and some more TSS.TV shows to get out there. Thanks for checkin' in!
Next big landmark will be ONE MILLION sometime around February 2009. If everything goes as planned you'll see some significant changes here at The Scooter Scoop.
You know what you oughta do? Ride to some cool landmark and pose for a photo near your scooter THEN send it in so people can be inspired to do the same. Let's get the ball rolling.
Here we see Pedro in Lisbon, Portugal taking a ride out to the Torre de Belém. This one is doubly good because not only is Pedro having a great time riding his scooter to check out local landmarks, he's ALSO patch wearing supporter of TheScooterScoop! Salud Pedro! Thanks for the photo.
MP3 in Gilera Red?
If you bought one, would you paint it right off the bat?
Bar-B-Scoot
When exactly should you wash your scooter?
Danke dd!
Thanks for the weather report Volvo Guy!
I didn't get a chance to say this yesterday... but thanks to the young mystery guy in the Volvo!
On Wednesday night, at around 8pm, I was heading up Congress Ave... I had already looked at the AccuWeather report, which for my area code it seems to be very INaccurate, and it said clear tonight. Cool! I'll get to make the Wednesday night meetup.
I got on the road and got 3/4 of the way there and this guy behind me starts sayin', "Hey! Hey!"... I find that 30% of the time someone yelling "Hey!" to me after dusk is some wisearse trying to be funny. Well, after the 3rd attempt, I looked over my shoulder and saw this young guy hanging out of his Volvo window who, upon getting my attention, yelled out, "Hey! There's a hail storm coming!" "Hail storm?", I say and follow up with a "Thanks!" (note, I love having recently discovered the joys of open-face helmets and my ability to have conversations with those around me.)
So, I start to notice the lightening flashes both ahead and behind me. I still wanted to see if any of the other Austin scooterists showed up. No one. They probably use some OTHER online weather service.
Anyway, I turned around and headed back. Sure enough, when I was just 2 minutes from my house, the wind and icy cold rain began to show up (note, I don't like having recently discovered the pain of stinging, icy cold rain hitting in the face because of my open-face helmet).
I made it safely home and sure enough, all hell broke loose. It was bad storms until 1am with tornado watches, flood watches, lightening and associated cats-and-dogs. THANKS VOLVO GUY! You may have saved my life.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Dogs love scooters!
This phun little photo titled "Let's Go Adventure" is from Jacob..'s flickr collection. I think it nicely illustrates the fact that dogs love scooters! Even in Taiwan! I mean, look at the freedom! Ears flappin' in the wind. Of course, it wouldn't hurt to strap a little doggy lid on their heads. Thanks to Kuroneko for scoopin' us on it.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
And on the 8th day God invented DIY
Sure it looks dangerous in an electrical hazardy, fingers pinched between the friction coupler, back flipping off the seat kinda way... but you gotta love the DIYer! Jon Garrison (who prefers to NOT be called Mr.Garrison) has made a little homebrew magic for his little boy. You can go to the Instructables site and see a little bitta video of the motor in action if you'd like. Just click on the title link. Why do I get the feeling that I know someone who will be building one of these soon. Hrm.
What do you get when you put doors on your scooter? A two wheeled car!
(In 1912, Scripps-Booth made the Bi-Autogo a 3500 lbs, V8, 2-wheeler... with 2 more for stability at slow speeds. That's one BIG MF'n SCOOTER!)
Back in the day, people weren't completely keen on the idea of a vehicle without doors. They were so used to their fancy automobiles that many of their transportation inventions were just re-tinkered cars.
Well, apparently that was also the case when they decided "we don't need no stinkin' 4 wheels" and dropped down to 2. They kept their old car and balanced it on 2 wheels... which made for an extremely ungainly, yet fantastically over engineered scooter. Eat your heart out IWL, Bastart, Czeta, Honda! This baby even makes your old luxury scooters seem half-assed.
.
If you'd like to see (MUCH) more, click on the title link and get yer drool on. I'd really like to see a doored scooter without the stabilizer wheels. Go ahead... put your left thumb over that little training wheel in the back. Cool, huh?
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Daelim - How does the Korean 100cc 2 stroke stack up?
(Thanks to the Urban Moto Shop, right here in Austin, for providing our stunt scooter!)
Daelim is finally available here in Austin! Last week Urban Moto Shop gave me a buzz and invited me to come by and check it out, so just this last Friday I took them up on it.
First things first. Who the HELL is Daelim Motor? Another fly-by-night knock-off shop? Not at all. Daelim, whose importer is based in Miami, FL, is the only scooter manufacturer from Korea that is available in the USA (oops! except, as Bryce points out, Hyosung). Word on the street is that the fit-and-finish is on par with Taiwanese offerings. That being said, the common conception is that the order of production quality goes something like Japanese, Italian, Taiwanese, and Chinese, with Elbonian following in a close 5th place.
Daelim Motor Ltd. has been manufacturing motorcycles in Korea since 1962. In 1982 their head company, Daelim Industrial, merged with Kia Industrial to form the company known today as Daelim Motor Co. Ltd.., the largest builders of motorcycles in Korea, producing more than 300,000 motorcycles a year. Also, any proper Daelim sales person would be quick to point out, that Daelim had been working in a coalition with Honda Motor Company of Japan to produce their scooters... which leads you to imagine that they build with strict quality control.. AND, for the most part it seems that is the case (although the History 125 that Urban Moto originally received had an issue with the speedometer, that may have been a shipping issue.)
They had a few different models in stock, the S2 which comes in a 125 or 250 4-stroke, the History 125 4-stroker and even the Roadwin which is one of Daelim's motorcycles. I've always kinda liked the History (called the Forté overseas), but Greg insisted I give the Delfino a twist... but, before I do, let's take a closer look at her.
Clean and relatively modern (Daelim's site describes it as "New Millennium Design" where "Simplicity made by Dolphin shaped body-line and stability made by plump rear design comes along with the stylish city life." um, ok), to the experienced a first glance would tell you this isn't a Chinese knock-off. When I grabbed the brakes they were solid and the handles didn't feel like they might snap off. I approve. The seat was comfy and as you can see from the first image, a 6'2" rider can easily sit flat footed thanks to the 31.5" seat height.
Under this comfy seat was some pretty impressive storage. My new 3/4 summer helmet (Momo Mini from Benchmark Helmets) easily fit below (look for that review soon too). You can also see the oil cap because this IS, after all, a 2-stroke. You can also see the mount plate for a top box from Daelim on the rear spoiler.
On close inspection you might notice that the exhaust pipe appears to be sealed off. What would normally be the exhaust pipe in a 4-stroke is, from what I can tell, the expansion chamber and the exhaust gases actually exit a smaller pipe below. I'm not sure what a good custom exhaust, (maybe bigger jet, update the rollers/sliders and add a Kevlar belt) will do for her performance, but I have to say I wasn't disappointed with the stock set up.
Spin her to the left a bit and you can see the grafix on the side that say "Delfino". I'm sure you won't have trouble removing them should the urge strike. Now that I see them from afar, they don't look so bad. When I was right up on the scooter, I didn't dig 'em.
Delfino is Italian for "dolphin". I like dolphins and all, but I was pleased that the only dolphin on the scooter was here on the speedo. If you know a graphic designer you could have that whole backplate redone with something more menacing like a shark or some skulls and stuff. You'll notice it says 80 MPH. Maybe they were leaving some room for growth. She WILL however make short work of 60 MPH.
This is the shot where you can see that tiny exhaust pipe coming off of that larger faux-pipe/expansion chamber. You also notice that she comes with a side stand as the center stand is up in this photo.
Additional storage can be found above the headlight. Not much, but I could close it with this Dr.Pepper inside... in case you like drinking warm Dr.Pepper.
I kinda like the look and she was definitely well put together.
Strike a pose. See the telescopic fork suspension? It handled my 40 MPH speed bump nicely.
Down here you can see where the gas cap resides and you might be able to make out the front disc brake which offered some decent stopability. In the rear she's got drum brakes.
So... What we've got here is a solidly built, 100cc (99.7cc kickin' out 8HP to be exact), air-cooled, automatic 2-stroke scooter sittin' on 10" wheels and pulling upwards of 83 MPG. Those numbers are not bad, but when you tack on Daelim's 2 year warranty and an MSRP of $1990 (I hear the pricing is being updated today which could mean this baby won't be able to compete in the "Best sub $2000 scooter" category, sorry), you've got a really swell value.
Now, for performance. I know I've been holding this back. As you may recall, when I got to Urban Moto, Greg suggested I take the Delfino for a spin. He said everyone else in the shop poo-poo'd the thing until they took it around the block and like everyone else, I was giddy with the pick-up this baby had. This was a true twist-n-GO! I bounced onto South Lamar without once fearing that I'd be run over by on coming cars. VERY responsive. I even thought, "THIS would be a good scooter for the wife".
She ran quick and quiet. I had wished I had the time to run a quarter-mile test to illustrate how quick she was, but I can tell you it was a helluvalot faster than any comparably priced 50cc 4-stroke.
So far the available options are a top case and an extended windscreen. Don't bother looking for them on the website. They're not to be found. As for the two year limited warranty, it breaks down like this:
- First period (up to 365 days): All parts covered.
- Second period (up to 540 days): Engine and electric ONLY.
- Third period (up to 730 days): Engine ONLY.
So, EVERYTHING is not covered for the 2 year period, but it still better than most.
Here's the specs courtesy of P-Town Scooters in Portland.
ENGINE | SPEC |
| System | Air cooled 2 stroke |
| Displacement | 99.7 (cc) |
| Bore x Stroke | 1.99 x 1.95 (in) |
| Compression Ratio | 6.9:1 |
| Carburator type | Pd type |
| Starting System | Kick and Electric start |
| Transmission | V-Belt Automatic |
| Ignition System | C.D.I. |
| Max. Power | 8.3 (ps) |
| Horse Power | 8.19 (hp) |
| Max Speed | 60/65 (mph) |
| Fuel Consumption | 83 (miles/gal) |
| GENERAL | SPEC |
| Length x Width x Height | 71.26 x 26.77 x 44.49 (in) |
| Wheel Base | 50.79 (in) |
| Ground Clearance | 4.33 (in) |
| Seat Height | 31.50 (in) |
| Dry Weight | 198.42 (lb) |
| FRAME | SPEC |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 1.90 (gal) |
| Brake | Disk (FR) / Drum (RR) |
| Tire | 100/90-10 (FR), 100/90-10 (RR) |
| Suspension | Telescopic Fork (FR) / Swing Arm (RR) |
PLUSES:
+ Pleasingly Peppy!
+ "Plump Rear Design" (who doesn't like plump rears?)
+ Owner's manual AND service manual available for easy download (while the writing is pleasant it can be wordy and redundant at times.)
+ Has a parking break and a light for the under seat storage.
+ Well built (dealers love 'em, riders love 'em)
+ 2-Strokes aren't dead!
+ Nice price at sub $2000 (at least as of right now)
+ Great Warranty (2 years, but you might not ever need it)
MINUSES:
- Dolphins remind me of Key West and you KNOW what kind of scooters they rent down there. Blech.
- Brand still relatively unknown, making for a lower resale value should you ever decide to part with her.
- May not be available in your "neck of the woods" just yet.
- Website not so great. Would like to have a little more info on the scooters and accessories. Needs a writer to help them build the "Daelim" experience, not just clinical specs.
This scooter is definitely recommended if you:
-> Don't have very long legs
-> Travel at speeds up and around 50 mph
-> Like to have some get-up-and-go
-> Can spend between $2000 and $2650 (adding tax, prep, etc)
-> Don't like your scooter to be in the shop
-> Enjoy good fuel economy (85mpg)
Warm weather means increased scooter skinny dipping
Seems to be in pretty good shape minus all the H2O.