So you’re buying a scooter?

I get a lot of emails from people looking to buy their first scooter, usually people want to know specific answers to questions, or want to know which scooter they should buy, and I generally find myself telling them other things they hadn’t thought about, and they generally thank me for making them better-informed, rather than running away screaming. So I thought it might be a good idea to compile these thoughts into one post and share them with everyone, because what I say is so important. Ha!

Are you thinking of buying a motorscooter? They look fun, don’t they? Well they are. That’s why there are more scooters available right now in the USA then there have ever been, at least ten major brands, some with several models each, and several smaller brands. Vintage scooters are more popular and more available than ever with frequent containers of old Vespas and Lambrettas coming from Europe and Asia. There are scooters of every size, shape, and function, and those of us that have been into scooters for a long time are excited.

We’re excited because our hobby and way of life has finally been vindicated, people are finally listening to what we’ve been telling them all along, scooters are great, and they’re for everyone. Some of us have finally been granted an opportunity to turn our “obsession” into a “living.” The restorations we’ve spent years on are finally worth as much financially as they are emotionally. Parts are available that we thought we’d never see again. We see more scooters on the street, in ads, and everywhere we look, than we ever imagined possible.

Most of us old-school scooterists want nothing more than for you to go out and buy a scooter and join the fun. But there are a few things you won’t hear from anyone but us, and if you’re thinking of diving in, please read my ramblings and think carefully about your decision. I wish the following words could be cable-tied to every scooter on every dealer showroom floor in America, but that’s not gonna happen.

I certainly have no intention of talking you out of making the best purchase of your life, but I really want to dispel some myths:

1. A scooter is a motorcycle. No matter what your state laws say, a scooter is a two-wheeled motor vehicle and is ridden on the public roads with other motor vehicles and thus should be considered every bit as dangerous, if not more so, than a motorcycle. There is, without any doubt, inherent danger in riding a two-wheeled motor vehicle. I’ve heard so many people say “I don’t need to wear a helmet, it’s only a scooter.” A truck heading straight at you isn’t going to make that distinction, is it? You can die at 30mph as easily as you can at 70mph. If your state doesn’t care enough about your safety to legally obligate you to learn how to ride safely, you MUST take on that responsiblity yourself. A safe scooter rider must know everything a safe motorcycle rider knows. If you’re buying a scooter, take a motorcycle safety class and get a license. Understanding the physics of how a motorcyle works is integral to riding safe, you will NEVER learn important riding techniques if you teach yourself how to ride.

2. A scooter is not a toy. While modern scooters are far less maintenance-intensive than vintage scooters, they require constant diligence by the owner. Cables, brakes and tires are all infinitely more important to your safety than on a car, and they all must be checked regularly. The battery must be charged, and the electrical system must be monitored, a burnt-out taillight on a scooter leaves you almost invisible. Oil must be added regularly, or your engine will seize. The scooter must be kept in perfect condition to be safe. The less it’s ridden, the more likely it is that problems will appear. The more you familiarize yourself with the scooter and how it works, the better off you’ll be. When it’s time to repair something, do it carefully and do it right, or pay a professional to do it. Especially if you’re thinking of buying a vintage scooter, you’re in for a world of hurt if you have no interest in maintenance and repair.

3. “Park Anywhere” is a lie. Any dealer you talk to will use that as a main selling point. In Chicago, no indoor parking garages allow scooters or motorcycles. It’s illegal to park them on the sidewalk. It’s illegal to park them in the same marked-off space as a car. It’s illegal to park them at the end of the block. Even if you live somewhere where “creative parking” is tolerated, you’ll learn fast that parking between cars is a bad idea, and vandalism and theft will be a constant concern. Most unchained scooters can be lifted into a truck in seconds by two or three teenagers. That immobilizer or alarm won’t stop them. A chain or disk lock will slow them down, but if they want it, they’ll get it. Computer-coded keys will prevent them from ever riding it, but they won’t prevent them from taking it. A ‘Lo-Jack’ will allow police to find the burnt carcass of your scooter in a dumpster, you’ll wish they hadn’t found it, you’d be better off with the insurance money. I keep my rusty beat-to-shit scooters locked, chained to the wall, floor, and each other, and blocked-in by two cars in a locked garage, and I still lie awake nights worrying I’ll wake up and they’ll be gone. Comprehensive insurance is your only friend.

4. Speaking of insurance, it’s expensive to own a scooter. In Chicago, there’s a vehicle sales tax that can be a couple hundred dollars, then title and plates cost more than a hundred dollars. That can add $250 or more to the base price. It doesn’t end there. Every year, you must renew your city permit (where applicable) and registration. In Chicago, that adds up to almost $100 a year, not including insurance. Insurance has been on the rise lately, it could be anywhere from $75 to $750 a year depending on the scooter’s value, coverage, where you live, and several other factors. Think about that when they’re telling you how much gas money you’ll save.

5. Lots of people buy scooters and ride and are happy without ever meeting another scooterist, but for many of us, the friendships and social scene that goes along with scootering is at least half the fun. If you want in, great, but keep in mind that you can’t “buy in” to the scootering life. We’ll gladly welcome you, but just as you might feel a bit out of place in a ’03 Mustang at a classic car show or on a Honda sportbike at a Hell’s Angel’s rally, if you show up at a vintage scooter rally with a brand-new scooter and a “look at me” attitude, you might not be welcomed instantly with open arms. A lot of people say we’re stuck up, and some of us probably are (it definitely gets cliquey with all the clubs and everything), but consider the fact that a lot of us have known each other for years, we’ve been to each other’s weddings and funerals, we’ve seen each other naked every other weekend, we’ve stayed up all night together, crying, drunk, in each other’s arms. We’ve been through a lot together, and someday soon you might be one of us, but if you show up and demand a place in our world, you might not get it. Just be yourself and do your thing. Introduce yourself and buy as a beer or two or three and we’ll see how it goes. Chances are we’ll like you, because you were smart enough to buy a scooter. Most vintage scooterists have (at the very least) a passing interest in modern scooters, and new scooterists are welcome at most rallies, and most newbies have a good time, but if you don’t, try another club, rally, or newssgroup (more and more are focusing on new scooters), or start your own. You’ll quickly find people like you, there’s room a lot of variety in scootering.

Now that I’ve bummed you out and scared you away, let me say this: Scooters are god’s gift to motor vehicles, and you should go buy one right this minute. Owning a scooter is worth twenty times the trauma listed above. Do some research and look at all the makes and models available and buy the one that best fits both your aesthetic and performance needs. Then buy a full-face Snell-approved helmet and gloves, and an armored jacket, or at least don’t ride around in flip-flops. Take a class and get your license, or at least read Proficient Motorcycling by David Hough. [I just found out there’s a new volume called More Proficient Motorcycling -bb 7/31/03] Get some practice somewhere safe before hitting the road. Promise me you won’t ride drunk. And THEN, and only then, have fun. And you will. Trust me.

5 thoughts on “So you’re buying a scooter?”

  1. Here are the comments from the old site, cut and pasted, sorry, they didn’t import correctly:

    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!

    —–
    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.

    —–
    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.

    —–
    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”!

    —–
    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.

    —–
    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!

    —–
    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.

    —–
    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

    —–
    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.

    —–
    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 ?

    —–
    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!

    —–
    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

    —–
    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.

  2. Hi A newbe here, I have an ET2 & ET4 and A 125 SUPER in a box or 3(maybe more? but most important is I’m hooked on these 2 wheel wonders. A friend had a Vespa when I was in school and gave me a ride when my car was broken(a lot )I wish I could tell the type of Vespa but that was in the Late 60’s and a I can’t remember much from then for some reason? . It seems to me if you go to a function where people have a common interest no matter what it is and admire (honestly) what they ride or drive they will be more then happy to talk and share their addiction(whoops) enthusiasm(Spell check were are you)Take care and keep it between the white lines

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