There was a huge story/outrage brewing last month about a proposed U.S. import tariff on motorcycles designed to protest a European ban on U.S. beef. With our cruddy December, we never got the chance to write about how foolish it was, but luckily, it’s all moot now. it was rejected. This new government’s already looking better.
Month: January 2009
FOXNews.com – How Green Are Motor Scooters?
Oh boy! FOXNews.com – How Green Are Motor Scooters? I gotta let this sink in, and I’ll write more tonight.
CWC Update, and another quick contest
Entries in the Cold Weather Challenge have been slow thanks to schloads of snow in the northern U.S., but don’t forget runners-up will be recognized by state, so wherever you live, you have a chance at everlasting glory. One notable recent entry is Clayton from South Korea, who holds third place after a fried-chicken-inspired ride through Namhansansong. Chicagoans scooter through the snow for bibimbap, Koreans scooter through the snow for the Colonel. Who knew?
Anyway, here’s a new mini-contest until we have rideable conditions again: That there photo is CWC cosponsor Ryan’s Yamaha Razz, he did a few doughnuts in his back yard on Jan. 9th and then threw it into that snowbank with the centerstand up. Guess what day and time it falls over (in the comments) and the closest guess gets a $10 gift certificate from Scootmoto.com. Go!
“Jimmy’s” Lambretta auctioned for US$52,250
The Lambretta LI ridden by Phil Daniels as “Jimmy” in the film Quadrophenia was sold at an auction of british comedian Spike Milligan’s belongings to an Aberdeen nightclub owner for £36,000. That’s a British record price for a scooter, though to be fair, it is the most famous Lambretta of all time.
“Vespa Girl” from Paper Replika
If you liked our 2SB Articulated Toy and/or the postcard Vespa model that Scooterworks sells, this paper model of a a Vespa 150 and a girl to ride it will blow your mind. And the best part is that they’re free downloads. Truly, truly awesome.
S-No Excuses For Winter Scooter Retirement
Motoblog.it reports on the work at Riminimoto aimed at extending the use of scooters into the winter months. I’m not referring to Seattle San Diego winter. I mean the kind with snow. Riminimoto takes the simple if not original approach by replacing the front wheel with a ski and studs on the rear tire. The example scooter is the MBK Booster (aka Yamaha Zuma). Other examples show the use of the Honda Ruckus and the Honda EZ-Cub. All are likely candidates due to their faux-off road image that has endowed them with the engine configuration or tire profile that is amenable to the use of knobbie tires to accept ice screws. It doesn’t hurt that they are sufficiently masculine in appearance for hardy outdoor types to use.
Continue reading “S-No Excuses For Winter Scooter Retirement”
But it has a “DOT” sticker!
Nigerian police are cracking down on motorcyclists wearing dried, hollowed pumpkins as helmets. Thanks for the warning, Becky!
Lutz rides a Vectrix?
If it’s actually true that GM boss Bob Lutz owns and rides a Vectrix electric scooter, I see a reflection of his excessive disposable income, rather than an expression of his commitment to earth-friendly transportation. (This is a guy who called global warming “a crock of shit” this time last year.)
The Cute Lepers’ “So Screwed Up” video
Cute Vespa P-series-laden video for The Cute Lepers’ “So Screwed Up.” Nice work. Dude’s clearly got a Sting/Quadrophenia fetish, and I heart the ‘stache and the mildly-attractive chicks that aren’t trying too hard, which is way better than hot chicks that are trying too hard. (Thanks for the link, Steve!)
Man’s Labyrinth: Who Needs It?
Have no fear those sans inner ear! High and low tech solutions are here to save the day. The New Cafe Racer Society shares a self balancing scooter and Tokyo Times (via Gizmodo) brings us a way to not spill one’s noodles. I assume that the former will soon make it’s way into a BMW production model motorcycle and the later will work just as well when trying to carry a pint of beer.
Adolf and Benito, EU-capitalist version
The Scooter Scoop reports Vespa and Adidas have teamed up for some co-branded apparel and shoes.
The last time Adidas teamed up (unofficially) with Vespa, we got the greatest commercial of all time:
The gear looks pretty sweet, though not too “outside the box.” What we need now is for Piaggio and Adidas to sponsor a Serie-A team, anyone, THAT would be the greatest soccer jersey since PGO sponsored Akademisk Boldklub of Denmark. (And of course, these.)