Category: Lifestyle

New LMLs: The Scootering story

Most of this thread is proof that Modern Vespa has eclipsed the stupidity of the BBS, but it includes scans of Scootering’s story about LML’s 4-stroke geared scooters, presumably someday to be known as the “Stella 250.” Great info there, and nice to see Scootering’stypesetting hasn’t improved in the several years since I’ve bought an issue. Peignot? Come on! England’s hatred of the French apparently doesn’t extend to shitty French typefaces.

The Scooter Scoop’s Dream Scooter Survey

Steve’s survey is complete. No big surprises, the results pretty much match my votes. One point of contention, though: “Classic Italian” was the overall favorite “style,” (and the one I chose,) but Steve says:

Strange as it may seem, this design style is not nearly as popular in Europe. Nope, most other nations consider this look to be tired.

I voted for “Classic Italian” because nothing’s better-looking than a vintage scooter, but “Classic” and “Retro” are two very different beasts, I strongly dislike most “retro”-looking modern scooters. Perhaps “Retro” should have been a separate choice. I’d also argue that there’s no such thing as the perfect scooter for everyone, and that a 300cc vintage-looking scooter on 15″ wheels doesn’t sound particularly appealing. The most promising result was the “Price” question, informed scooterists (or at least those that read The Scooter Scoop, ha!) are willing to pay a reasonable amount for quality, if only there was a way to pass that wisdom along to first-time buyers.

Ford blocks publication of Mustang club calendar

This story about a Mustang Club being told by Ford that they were not allowed to publish photos of their own cars just seems like some sort of silly mix-up, but it’s probably only a matter of time before Piaggio tries the same thing. When Piaggio returned to the U.S., they sued several long-time Vespa shops, including dealers that had been around since the last Vespa invasion, for using “Vespa” in their name. They’ve also blocked several Café Press users and other folks selling Vespa merchandise. Every company has every right to defend their intellectual property, and block people from cashing in on their trademarks and copyrighted designs, but to crack down on a club of enthusiasts for publishing photographs of their own vehicles and preventing them from using a brand name to describe events or clubs is ridiculous. Sure, Harley-Davidson has lost some cash over the years to the underground biker community, but it’s that same underground biker community that’s kept their brand alive through thick and thin for a hundred years. The same could be said of Vespa enthusiasts, but in Piaggio’s never ending search for profits, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a similar crackdown soon.

Update: The matter has been resolved. Thanks, Becky! But this still doesn’t bode well for clubs and enthusiasts, I think we can expect more battles in the future.

Josh Rogers hospitalized after crash

Scoot! Magazine publisher Josh Rogers was hit by a Lexus yesterday on Vespa Club Los Gatos’ monthly ride. He was airlifted to the hospital with a broken femur and his TGB Laser was totalled. He’s doing well, all things considered, but we’re very sorry to see him down and wish him a speedy recovery. Here’s more info at scootmagazine.com and some info on a fundraiser. Donations can be sent to http://scooter-relief.org/”>Scooter-Relief.org.

MBI award voting open, and a survey

Voting is open for the 2008 Motorcycle Bloggers International Awards. Vote for your favorite bikes and people of 2007. The scooter bloggers (self included) sorta dropped the ball on nominating this year, but there are still some there.

If that’s not enough clicking for you, Steve over at The Scooter Scoop has put together a “Market Survey”. I don’t know what it’s for, but Herb Powell and Homer Simpson have proved that people aren’t willing to pay for the motor vehicle they’ve always dreamed of.

#15: Can’t spell “Vino” without “VIN”

Today’s question for Dr. Buzz and his panel of experts comes from From Mark P. of Galveston FL:

I’m looking for a scooter and I’m considering the Yamaha Vino. I’ve read that Yamaha makes some Vinos in China, and I’ve seen ads for much-cheaper Chinese scooters that look like Vinos. Are these all the same bike? How can I tell where a scooter was manufactured?

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