COMMENT:
AUTHOR: matts
DATE: 07/30/2003 09:52:00
This just confirms why you and Phil Waters were two of the first people I contacted when looking by my scooter.
Parking Note: the bike rack at the AMA building in River North has become scooter parking central. It’s covered,
and it’s on private property!

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Joe
DATE: 07/30/2003 00:20:00
Well put except #5. It’s all about the people, my friend. Every Sunday shiny new twist-n-goes turn up at the NYC Sunday Ride, and every Sunday, I shake new hands and say welcome, and give props for a NEW scoot. 99% of the peeps who show on them are every bit as cool as vintage-old-heads, some as good if not better drinkers, riders, pals and friends than died-in-the-wool cult of Vesp-bretti. Not to welcome them as you would a newcomer on a super modded GS160 is utter nonsense.

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: illnoise
DATE: 07/30/2003 00:42:00
Joe, I totally agree, but unfortunately not everyone feels that way, and the newbies deserve a warning. I’ll write another rant sometime about why we should treat the newbies with more respect.

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: GMP
DATE: 07/30/2003 00:56:00
Get down wif yo bad self, Beeb!

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: DL
DATE: 07/30/2003 13:21:00
So, what kind of scooter should I buy?

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Scott
URL: http://mysite.verizon.net/eyesquash/
DATE: 07/30/2003 13:25:00
Nice, good stuff. I agree on pretty much all of it.

I especially liked the examples of bringing a 2003 mustang to a classic car rally or a Honda sportbike to a Harley gathering.

I’m one of those snobs you speak of. I like all two wheeled vehicles, I really like scooters including new ones, but I love classic Vespas with every part of my body, even my pee pee. They are totally sweet.

How can I talk about decoking a cylinder head or banging out dents or rust in the fuel tank with someone who has a brand new bike with a plastic body, no rust anywhere, and a cylinder like a dixie cup? I can’t. I can only get that kind of sympathy from other people who ride and fix old bikes.

That, and nothing gets love from bystanders and old guys like a classic vehicle, be it scooter, motorcycle, or car. They know it’s special, and they probably know that it’s your sweat that makes it shine after 30 years or more.

Nothing but classic is classic. That said, I’ll ride with anyone who can ride their scoot in a straight line.

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: jim-bob
DATE: 07/30/2003 13:31:00
Awful lot of trouble you went to, just to get a few recent scooter buyers to buy you a beer, B.

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: rye
DATE: 07/30/2003 13:43:00
Im still lost. can you just put a picture of the one Im suppose to buy with the article?

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: M1
DATE: 07/30/2003 14:55:00
Will this scooter make my butt look big?

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Matthew
DATE: 07/30/2003 15:44:00
No, Durso. It’s your ass that makes your ass look big.

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: M1
DATE: 07/30/2003 16:46:00
No one mentioned my ass, but you showed up anyway. Strange. ;)

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: nelly
EMAIL: nelly@lambrettagirl.com
Beeb, you cute fucker – I love your article – very well put! How are you and your biz-nitch doing? Tell her I say “hello”!

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: fellswoop13
DATE: 07/30/2003 10:13:00
excellent article. I’ve been a motorcyclist for 10 years/80,000+ miles but sold my Beemer and bought a 150cc Derbi TnG scooter, and love it. I’m hesitant to hook up with the local hardcore classic scoot scenesters as I think they’ll take a big ol’ dump on me and my plastic scoot, and I don’t need that aggro. Regardless, I’m lovin’ the scoot. The “Guide to Proficient Motorcycling” book is THE BIBLE and should be read by all. However, the guys name is David Hough, for your amazon browsing pleasure. He’s a hardcore Beemer rider. Scoot well, all. peace.

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: illnoise
DATE: 07/30/2003 11:25:00
Fellswoop, usually if you think you’re not gonna fit in, you’ll be fine, it’s the people that think they’re gonna fit in that don’t. : ) Thanks for the Hough correction, I fixed it in the story and added an Amazon link. (There’s a new volume, too! Gotta check that out.)

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Graham
URL: DATE: 07/30/2003 13:13:00
3. Uh, sounds like Chicago/Illinois to me. (Glad I got out of there when I was 18 before I broke every rule.) Compare the situation in say South Carolina or FL, not only can you indeed park anywhere, you don’t even need any operator’s license of any kind. :)

4. Title, plates, city permits also more of a local issue than a characterization of the scooter ’scene’ in general

Otherwise, good stuff for the potential Chicago rider.

(In terms of “buying in”, and clique issues, seems like more of a “failure to buy in” when it comes to the vintage vs. plastic divide.)

-Graham

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: grace
DATE: 07/30/2003 13:49:00
Just a note re: 3. I’ve found indoor parking garage access varies. The garage by Tracie’s work let me park for free when I was there for a seminar. I called ahead and was allowed to park in corner with several other motorcycles.

Parking garage access, as well other issues were addressed in the Illinois Assembly under House Bill 2550:

SYNOPSIS
Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act. Provides that it is a civil rights violation for any person to restrict an individual’s access or admission to, or useage of, a place of public accommodation solely because the individual operates a motorcycle.

Unfortunately this bill was defeated but it’s a good sign that it was even introduced.

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: vina
DATE: 07/30/2003 14:18:00
Those bastards! They must have thought you were a hotel guest. I asked a couple of times and was DEENIED!

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: kathy t great
DATE: 07/30/2003 14:47:00
Yeah, thanks for throwing the “buy us beer” part. Good thinking!! I really wish this had been written 3 weeks ago when my friend was talking about buying a scoot. I’m gonna get those books too. Can’t wait!

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: illnoise
DATE: 07/30/2003 16:48:00
Yes, I was Chicago-specific because that’s where I live, but as scooters multiply, you’ll see more restrictions, taxes, and laws. In 1985, you could skateboard anywhere you wanted because you were the only person in town with a skateboard, by 1986 every store and parking lot in america had “NO SKATEBOARDING” signs. Parking a motor vehicle on a public sidewalk is illegal almost anywhere, but it’s rarely enforced until a policeman has to squeeze past three Vinos and a Kymco Super9 to get to the door of the doughnut shop. In any case, whether it’s legal or not, the theft issue rarely crosses newbies’ minds. I think parking garages don’t allow motorcycles because they see them as an insurance hazard, not because they don’t like motorcyclists.

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: jim-bob
DATE: 07/30/2003 06:00:00
RE: the parking thing, in New Jersey and New York, parking a moped [NJ] or small displacement motorcycle [NY] (both: <50cc displacement; other restrictions) on the sidewalk is okey-dokey. But then, in these parts, driving a car on the sidewalk usually goes unpunished, too.... Also, I realize an enthusiasts board like this might be a funny place to lodge such a comment, but some buy a scooter for transportation from points a-to-b, not for the existential phase-shift from no lifestyle to a fabulous one. Any institutionalized bias against so-called plastic scoots (the Stian of IScootNY syndrome) is probably a small, but nevertheless obvious symptom of a much larger psychosis. This problem is Dr. Seuss's "The Sneetches" brought to life and exists for the amusement of some and the annoyance of many. That said, your screed, Brian, is perfect for both camps: the I live to scoot gang, and the I scoot to get to the library faction. Thanks. The beer's in the mail.

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Bill
DATE: 07/30/2003 19:56:00
Thank you for posting a useful look at what scooter ownership really is v. what most people (myself included) believe it to be. I really wanted a vintage Lambretta, but they're few and far between in the American South. I settled for a new Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle instead. It's a blast, pretty cheap to operate, but not without a few flaws. I would think the same could be said for an old or even a brand new scooter. Maybe that Lambretta will come my way, or I'll settle for a Cheetak. Thanks again.

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: decadron
DATE: 07/30/2003 01:10:00
brilliant. brilliant. brilliant.

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Larry
DATE: 07/30/2003 09:14:00
I ride mine with a martini in one hand, and a porno in the other. Doing wheelies down W 25 in Manhattan. I never lock, but, i do keep a python under the seat.

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Larry
DATE: 07/30/2003 09:27:00
ATT: JIM-BOB

Actualy jim-bob, parking on the sidewalks in NYC is not "okey-dokey". If you illegally pull your plate off your scooter or motorcycle Bloombergs troops are now instructed to do whatever it takes to a) get the VIN and ticket your sneaky ass, or b) get the whole bike!!.

AND- I don't believe that Stian from I Scoot NY is anti plastic bikes, when he rode my girlfriend's dragster he seemed to enjoy it. And he enjoyed my Derbi as well... We have 17 classic scooters and 2 modern ones. Our friend Tim owns a brand new ET4, as well as a 64 TV 175. Noone in our club seems to mind if we have plactic bikes. Don't point fingers to make yourself holy.

-Larry
Checkered Demons Scooter Club

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: scooteryenta
DATE: 07/30/2003 12:04:00
Cool article. I looked for 2 years and did some research, I wanted a practical commuter bike that had plenty of storage, so I bought an Aprilia Scarabeo 150, which I love to death. I was totally unaware of the culture, clubs, etc. I have since been made aware. Even though I bought my first bike a little over a year ago, I am an addict. And the vintage crowd, being a foreign culture to me, has been pretty much friendly. They may look with disdain on my big ol plasticmobile, but it transports me to the events where I can gape at their cool units! All my Harley friends said I'd have a "real" motorcycle within a year, and they couldn't have been more wrong. Most fun I've had in years, in spite of the parking ticket I got while parked on the sidewalk paying for a different parking ticket downtown. Insurance here (Denver,CO) is still relatively cheap,plates are cheap, and I ride it all year long unless the snow is too bad. Love the 62 mpg. Love the club rides, love the tattoos..Love that the new mayor rides an Aprilia 50 (at least he did before his handlers made him quit),and he shows up at scoot events. Life is good..

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: slug-dave
EMAIL:
URL: http://www.slugrockets.com
DATE: 07/30/2003 18:39:00
brill-fucking-yant BB

now I have someplace to send the questions we get over here on the moist end of california.

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ScooterB
URL:
DATE: 07/30/2003 21:37:00
I think this article is dead on. A bit about me:

I just bought a 2002 Stella. New, with old school styling. I’m a chic originally from Detroit (now live in Chitown) and never had a manual car. See where I’m getting at? Learing to control this bike, the speed, the clutch, etc has been a dream. I like old things, old movies, but a new bike made sense for me. Only problem I have with the bike is: if I cold start, the electic ignition usually doesn’t work, even with the choke. End up kick starting first thing in the am.

I plan on hitting some events end of August. I hope to make some new friends, or at least meet folks that love this bike as much as I do. Amen on the helmets. I can’t believe how many people think they look cute without head gear.

ScooterB

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: vina
URL:
DATE: 07/30/2003 10:57:00
Sorry, Scooterboy. I was cleaning up duplicate comments and managed to delete your comments in the process.

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Scooterboy
URL:
DATE: 07/30/2003 16:02:00
Scooterboy is not happy. I spent my morning trying to capture in words the joy and beauty of my scooting experience around here in Chicago with my new Stella and now you’re saying its been deleted by mistake. I guess, its okay. Accidents do happen. Better here than on the streets. Any chance its in your back up drive ?

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Joyce Gill
URL:
DATE: 07/30/2003 08:07:00
Hi, excellent article as a tutor I will give it 95%. Just a couple of comments :- female riders are as welcome as men in this time of equality (no I’m not banging the drum for female emancipation) and for those UK riders I strongly recommend ‘The Police Rider’s Handbook to Better Motorcycling’ #11:99 an excellent book for experienced and beginners alike.

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Bart
URL:
DATE: 07/30/2003 19:05:00
Great article!! I think you sumed up both the fun, culture, and emotion of scootering. I have to admit that the old vs. new debate reared it’s ugly head in Philly a few years ago but in reality we all have a grand time when we’re all together and riding!!! And our Independence Day Rally gets bigger each year and has a wide diversity of scooters and people who enjoy being together celebrating our 2 wheeled pleasures…….or just beer (pabst blue ribbon preferred). On the parking problem, in the city of brotherly love, if you’re on private property and your not blocking anyone’s path then you are most likely O.K. And DON”T ride your scoot on the sidewalk or you’re in for the full force of the law on your back (I’ve seen it with me own peepers!!). On the safety issues: Pennsylvania just repealed it’s helmet laws…what absolute idiots!!! But what do they know, we’re just brain injuries waiting to happen, and THAT will cost the public dearly in long term medical costs.!!!
Thanx again for the article.

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: andreas
URL:
DATE: 07/30/2003 08:53:00
Generally I like eveything you said about old school scooterists, the lifestyle, and some of the safety issues. But, I still think you could go into greater detail (for newbies) on which vintage scooters are a great starter scoots and which to stay away from. For example, I got my first scooter, a ‘79 P200E in 1992 and had a relative easy time figuring out how to fix it, maintain it, and how to ride it safely. However, really vintage scoots like a 1962 GS require constant tuning, lose battery power, and too slow to keep up. I think people need to buy a scooter that meets their needs: daily rider, cross country mobile, beater, or “a-sign-of-my- individuality” custom job etc. Cheers. -A

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Bloody Morty Vane
EMAIL:
URL: http://peoplereallysuck.blogspot.com
DATE: 07/30/2003 14:03:00
I love the fact that you have a pic of flip-flops on the link to this article.
Flip-flops RULE!

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: myers
EMAIL:
URL: http://www.mcmscooters.com/2318
DATE: 07/30/2003 15:25:00
I am a newbie in the scooter world but Im the first in my area to have a vintage scooter. Soon, who knows how long….We will have a rally and show the World how COOL Birmingham AL. really is.

MM

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Terry
URL:
DATE: 07/30/2003 15:07:00
I bought a new (vintage look) Stella about 2 months age & love it. I don’t have to put up with the probs you do in Chi. Live in a small FL beach town (no snow & cheap insurnace). This bike is great – looks old, but is new & everthing works. While it’s lots of fun and I met other scooter heads, I don’t think taking it to Daytona’s Boot Hill Saloon (25 miles away) for Bike Week would be appropriate.

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: tc
URL:
DATE: 07/30/2003 00:07:00
Where can you park legally in Chicago?

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: as
URL:
DATE: 07/30/2003 11:45:00
I second that…where to park legally(but for free) in downtown Chicago? Got a new Italjet 50cc and the dealer and several cops told me it was OK to park on the sidewalk. The first couple of weeks I brought it to work I got three tickets. They’ve all been dismissed(hopefully…contested by mail), but it’s getting to be a real pain in the arse. Any suggestions? Thanks.

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: SoCalChik
URL:
DATE: 07/30/2003 17:29:00
I love the Stella but am looking for a 4-stroke. (Probably a bad idea to come to a 2-stroke site for info on this subject but what the heck, I’ll never see any of these peeps again right?) Any suggestions on a new vintage-looking scoot that is at least a 125cc would be much appreciated. I’ll be the talk of the town here in San Diego before long! I’m looking for my first scooter, a virgin you might say, and Stella fits my longing but I gotta have a 4stroke.
Muchas gracias muchachas!!

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: mike
URL:
DATE: 07/30/2003 15:22:00
I am thinking about buying a new scooter for the first time. Where do I look in Chicagoland?? Suburbs?? Ive seen a Derby Atlantis, and I liked its style.
Mike

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Deb K
EMAIL:
URL: http://www.kibblemotorsport.co.nz
DATE: 07/30/2003 05:11:00
From Wellington, New Zealand.
Just bought my first scooter – 2000 Italjet Dragster 180. Not a great handler, but love it heaps. I’m hooked on this scootering thing now.
Scooters are popular here, especially Vespa and Piaggio models. Not too many Italjet’s though.
Great website.

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: pat
URL:
DATE: 07/30/2003 22:33:00
I read to info on parking that said I can’t park on sidewalks. I thought that since I have a
49cc scooter that it could be parked like a bicycle on sidewalk or bike rack. I have even seen
some signs on scooters that stated this and listed
the relevent statutes that applied. Does anyone
know about this and where I could get such a sign,
if it’s true

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: illnoise
URL:
DATE: 07/30/2003 16:21:00
Baron Von Scooter made those signs and gave them away with 50cc scooters they sold there, I’m not sure if they’re still available. But the statues referred to on that sign related to mopeds, and if it doesn’t have pedals, it’s not a moped. Also, there are apparently other laws that contradict those laws, it’s all very unclear at the moment, the laws are very likely to change if scooter sales continue to increase. One person I’ve talked to said she felt the police in her area viewed that sign as a challenge to ticket her for anything they could get away with.

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: illnoise
URL:
DATE: 07/30/2003 16:27:00
by the way… this story is in the archives now, and while you’re welcome to post comments, if you have a specific question, it may not be seen or answered here, you’d be better off emailing 2strokeBuzz directly or visiting chicagomotorcycle.com’s boards or the Yahoo! Groups CHIscooterList. Thanks!

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Mark
URL:
DATE: 07/30/2003 20:46:00
Hey SoCalChik – look at a Bajaj! (A fourstroke classic).

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Clancyman
URL:
DATE: 07/30/2003 18:52:00
Can I buy a Italjet Dragster? And if so, where?
Will I be able to drive it in Ca where I live?

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Thelonius
URL:
DATE: 07/30/2003 19:59:00
Been drooling lately. Blurring my eyes scanning the internet to research what scoot suits me. Spent an hour and a half during my third visit to this particular dealer in Philadelphia going over various details about what could soon become my first ever scoot purchace. I do like old things (people included- such good stories sometimes) and I have been slowly working to restore a 1970 VW van. That said, the desire for the scooter is motivated by the need to have what I consider a practical machine and to satisfy my daily thrill hunger. I imagine that maintaining it would bring as much pleasure as actually riding it. So I settled on a Bajaj Legend 2002. Insurance, full face snell helmet, chain, cover, plates, inspection and ride (plus a copy of Proficient Motorcycling which the dealer also recommended) all come in at about $2,750. What’s not to love?

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jason
URL: http://www.jasonandnereia.com
DATE: 07/30/2003 13:27:00
To Terry, in small town Florida…
A few years ago I had to deliver a Hyosung Sense scooter to a bike place in Daytona during bike week. The Harley dudes sure did stare, but I think they really just wanted one for themselves ;-)
Now, after not being in the scooter biz for a while, I am looking to get a Stella here in Tampa. btw, good article, lol. Peace!

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: david
URL:
DATE: 07/30/2003 08:04:00
do you no where i can get hold of a 49cc moped van and how much .andf is there a web site THANKS

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: mark b
URL:
DATE: 07/30/2003 13:58:00
first time i have seen your site riden scooters for years belong to NORTHERN ACES S.C. WALES top scooterists TATE and the rest of them. The club is having a rally in Feb 04 FREEZE YOUR NUTS OFF somewhere in Anglesey Wales will keep you in formed how it goes if we can remember regards in scootering MARK B

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: markb
URL:
DATE: 07/30/2003 10:46:00
HI MARK FROM WALES AGAIN A BIT DISAPPOINTED NO ONE MADE COMMRNT ON THE RALLY OR MADE COMMENT .
ANYWAY I WILL LOOK AT SITE AGAIN TO SEE WHATS GOING ON .REGARDS MARK B.

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: mark b
URL:
DATE: 07/30/2003 19:24:00
A bit of bad news freeze ya nuts has been cancelled told today by email.bit of a downer
anyway will keep in touch and keep you all informed of goings on
MARK B

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Treblemaker
URL:
DATE: 07/30/2003 01:58:00
Suggestion for the person with the ticketing problem- it’s probably just overeager cops that aren’t familiar with (frankly, pretty obscure) laws governing uncommon vehicles. Instead of replying to the tickets via mail, start showing up to your court dates. If the writing officer has to be there, and then be chided by the reality of the law, word will get around. And if it keeps up, you’d be building a strong case for harassment.

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: DynaRide
URL:
DATE: 07/30/2003 10:46:00
Ran accross your page while reseaching scooters for a friend. I’ve been riding motorized bikes (motorcycles) for 35 years, 25 years of street experience. My love has been the open road and larger bikes (presently 1550Cc), but I relate to many of the postings. Your statement, “A scooter is a motorcycle” could not be more accurate. Whatever the capabilities of your motorcycle; you must be vigilant, nobody sees or respects your space. I am also grateful for your comment, ” take a motorcycle safety class and get a license”. You can’t afford to be wrong against a monster SUV. Whatever you buy, be ready to ride it before you hit the road.
Enjoy the ride…

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Leo
URL:
DATE: 07/30/2003 10:01:00
I have a Derbi GP1 50 cc. I am looking for scooter owners for weekends fun rides in North side of Chicago. Thank you.

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: MamaRose
URL:
DATE: 07/30/2003 14:57:00
Thanks so much. I am not only one of those “newbies” but a gray middle-aged woman at that! I got a scooter after shaving my head because my sister is gravelly ill with cancer and it just made me feel better. I will read and take a class since I don’t have a death wish. I got a brand new Stella and love her. I don’t drink beer cause I’m Mormon but I’ll buy you one anyway! And I KNOW my butt looks fat on it and I DON’T CARE!! Love you all already and I haven’t even met other scooter people yet!!

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: JO-ANN
URL:
DATE: 07/30/2003 15:16:00
Mama Rose. I FOUND YOU ONLY BEACUSE IAM LOOKING FOR A SCOOTER, AND CAME ACROSS YOUR LETTER, ABOUT YOUR SISTER , Iwant you to know, you have to special people. tell your friends they should be greatful to know you. best of luck to your sister.

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: aine
URL:
DATE: 07/30/2003 14:20:00
i need help…i want a Vespa px 125, i have been offered an ‘02 LML star for a quality price..should i buy it are they the same? or is it a knockoff and does that matter?

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Jeantay
URL:
DATE: 07/30/2003 14:37:00
Excelent article you wrote. Have to agree with almost all of it. Been riding Motorcycles for almost 30 years now, and I just discovered scooters. Never took them seriously, don’t know why, till I spent some time actually looking at a 63 vespa GL and suddenly I saw it. How beautiful they really are. Their design is nearly perfect Proportionally and mechanically.I love riding this bike (I bought the GL), it makes me smile and alot of other people, the ones that know, smile too. I haven’t done any meets yet but as soon as I can get a trailer to get me to the outskirts of Wash. DC, I’ll be there. I don’t want to attempt the 50 miles of highway that lies between me and said town. I was around to see the original Mod scene in the 60’s even though it wasn’t so big a thing here in the states, you still saw a few.It was kinda cool seeing it make it’s periodic revivals, but now I think that there is going to be a huge interest in scooters.It just feels like its time.
I discovered this site while looking for a CDI unit to put on my baby. God but I hate a set of points……
Jean Gatteau

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dave R
URL:
DATE: 07/30/2003 12:48:00
Ridden m/c for over 30 years, working in m/c industry for 28 of those. I have sold most makes of scooters over the years. Recently purchased a “Stella” (LML Star/PX150) and I am just hooked by the old school charm and the fun ride ! I have ridden all sizes of automatics but have never been possessed to own one until Stella came along. I especially find it amusing that the same motorcyclists that waved at me the week before when I was on my bike and now won’t even look over !! I am wearing all the same safety gear I wear on my m/c but they’re just freaked out to wave at a scooter rider I guess !? I am now going to start waving at every scooter rider when I am on my motorcycle !!

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: illnoise
URL:
DATE: 07/30/2003 08:01:00
Dave, this is a much-discussed topic among scooterists. The general concensus is that “real” motorcyclists almost universally wave, we’re talking about the vintage bikers, the longtime Harley guys, and most tourers. The people that universally don’t wave are the helmetless showoff poseurs, the Harley stockbrokers, the guys on 1300cc sportbikes in a tank top and flipflops, with their sunglasses up on their forehead and their helmets strapped to the seat, and the guys on fake Harleys. I go out of my way to wave (or nod, it’s hard to wave on a manual scooter sometimes) at all two-wheelers, if they wave back, cool, if they don’t, then hopefully I damaged their poseur ego a little.

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: pv2 buck, adam
URL:
DATE: 07/30/2003 20:06:00
does anyone know where I can purchase the euro style lights for my et2, I also ran blue noens under the sides. I’m trying to make it a rice rocket style vespa, anyone have any good designs or ideas that might help me out. also in the morning when i fire it up light white smoke comes out of the tailpipe, any suggestions on what that might be?

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: jenny
URL:
DATE: 07/30/2003 17:14:00
I was wondering how long do the batteries last before going dead on an electric scooter.

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: illnoise
URL:
DATE: 07/30/2003 09:31:00
Adam, any of the big european shops would be able to get the european lights (though modifying your USDOT lights is illegal), SIP Scotershopin Germany sells tons of hideous streetracer scooter parts that you’ll probably love. Jenny, there are many different electric scooters out there, and they vary widely on charge time and range, most manufacturers’ and dealers’ sites will have that information.

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kim
EMAIL:
DATE: 07/30/2003 12:09:00
Why is there a picture of flip-flops on the link for “So your thinking about buying a scooter?” Just asking. Are scooterless people prone to wearing flimsy shoes?

Also, maybe NJ has good scooter parking laws, but you can’t pump your own gas there. I know you know that,Bryan. That’s just to shock the readers.
KC
p.s. If a scooter is a motorcyle, as you say, then is a motorcycle, on some level, a scooter? Just wondering if I’ve been misinforming Liam who contends that all 2-wheeled motor vehicles are scooters.

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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: illnoise
URL:
DATE: 07/30/2003 22:22:00
I was WAITING for someone to ask that, it’s an inside joke. the flip flops are there because they’re the absolute worst thing you can wear while riding a scooter, bare feet would probably be better, yet you see a lot of newbie scooter riders wearing them. Sure, i don’t wear engineer boots and full body armor every time I get on a scooter, but I can’t even imagine riding in flip-flops. To answer part II of your question, I would say scooters are a subset of motorcycles, a group containing touring motorcycles, scooters, cruisers, choppers, dirtbikes, etc.