Rear-view helmets available soon

British manufacturer Reevu claims their motorcycle helmets—with a rear-view-mirror system integrated within—will be available this year, for about US$400, less than many “regular” motorcycle helmets. The helmets reportedly meet worldwide safety standards. It’s a great idea, if it works well, though just about anything would beat the hell out of a wobbly-ass vintage scooter mirror.

Bajaj: Now with magical talking prow!

For those unfamiliar with Greek mythology, Argo is the ship that carried the courageous Jason and his crew, the Argonauts, on a remarkable journey in search of the Golden Fleece.  We may not find the Golden Fleece, but we are certainly looking forward to the voyage.

BajajUSA is now ArgoUSA. Not sure when that happened, but best of luck to Al and his Argonauts, who pioneered the whole “good gas mileage, affordable transportation” message back when most distributors were scouting boutique locations on Rodeo Drive.

2006 Indianapolis Dealer Expo: Phil’s notes.

65.jpgPhil Waters of Pride of Cleveland Scooters was kind enough to share his notes from the Motorcycle Dealer Expo in Indianapolis, from a scooter-dealer’s perspective. They’re presented here in their entirety, unedited for sake of expediency. Phil’s views do not reflect the views of 2strokebuzz, but they come pretty close usually. Photos courtesy of POC Michelle. — illnoise.

Continue reading “2006 Indianapolis Dealer Expo: Phil’s notes.”

Genuine Black Cat

At the Dealer Expo in Indianapolis last weekend, Genuine Scooter Co. (of Stella fame) unveiled their Black Cat scooter, and some other surprises. Not much technical info there, but it’s eyecatching, i’m guessing PJ had something to do with that and hopefully he’ll chime in with some backstory. We’re also hoping to repost Phil Waters’ (of POC Scooters) recap of the DealerExpo later today, if he gives us permission.

Vespa ad reaction on NPR

On today’s episode of NPR’s The World, Lisa Mullins talked to UCLA’s Brian Taylor about Piaggio’s full-page New York Times ad. Pretty unenlightening, the gist is “yes they save you gas money but you can’t pick up your dry cleaning.” Thanks for the insight. Sure, Piaggio’s motives aren’t entirely altruistic, but it’s a bummer to hear a liberal outpost like NPR laugh off the idea that more scooters might be good for America. (Thanks for the tip, Lu$.)