BS: Scooters

Subject: BS: Scooters
From: LilyFestre
Date: 09 Aug 06 - 07:26 PM

Hi All!

    Do any of you have scooters? Or have you had a scooter? What can you tell me about them? I am seriously considering a tangerine Stella Scooter....I've been eyeballing it for a few years now.....I don't know how much longer I can resist.......here, take a look for yourself!

Subject: RE: BS: Scooters
From: LilyFestre
Date: 09 Aug 06 - 07:27 PM

Whoops, here's the link! Isn't she CUTE?!?!?!?

Tangerine Stella Scooter

And to make it even better, it gets 90 miles to the gallon!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Scooters
From: Bert
Date: 09 Aug 06 - 08:12 PM

Looks like a pumpkin *GRIN*

Subject: RE: BS: Scooters
From: Divis Sweeney
Date: 09 Aug 06 - 08:21 PM

As a motorcyclist of 30 years I have seen a lot of scooters on the roads here in Ireland. A lot tend to go for looks and appearance before safety. If your buying go for a jap one. Great brakes and easy on fuel. I have a 1,000 cc BMW. Scooters are fun and should be respected. Good luck with it

Subject: RE: BS: Scooters
From: Peace
Date: 09 Aug 06 - 08:22 PM

We have something similar in Alberta . . . .

Subject: RE: BS: Scooters
From: Amos
Date: 09 Aug 06 - 08:54 PM

I had one when I was a young man in SFO, and I loved it. Traveled the length of California on it.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Scooters
From: Rapparee
Date: 09 Aug 06 - 08:57 PM

Got 'em out here in Idaho, too.

Subject: RE: BS: Scooters
From: bobad
Date: 09 Aug 06 - 09:10 PM

Me, h'im a like a dese a one

Subject: RE: BS: Scooters
From: Rapparee
Date: 09 Aug 06 - 09:12 PM

I really wanted a Vespa back in college, mostly to pick up girls with. I couldn't afford it, so I walked a lot.

Subject: RE: BS: Scooters
From: Peace
Date: 09 Aug 06 - 09:14 PM

My grandmother started walking five miles a day when she was 32. We have no idea where she is.

Subject: RE: BS: Scooters
From: mack/misophist
Date: 09 Aug 06 - 09:23 PM

I had a Honda 150 for about 3 years. It wouldn't be a good idea to take one on the freeway, assuming that's legal where you live. Otherwise? Go for it. It's fast enough for city traffic situations, very nimble, and extreemly easy to park. I'd still have one if it weren't for the occasional need to use the freeway. Remember: you're absolutely unprotected out there and the road surface is important in ways cars never consider. And keep the rubber side down.

Subject: RE: BS: Scooters
From: bobad
Date: 09 Aug 06 - 09:25 PM

C'mon mack admit it, they're basically death traps on other than 30 mph. city streets.

Subject: RE: BS: Scooters
From: mack/misophist
Date: 09 Aug 06 - 11:00 PM

OK. I admit it, but I also said to stick to city streets. And there are places where 40 is legal.

ALL 2 wheeled vehicles are dangerous. The faster they go, the more dangerous they are. Those of us who have survived are the cowards; careful cowards.

Subject: RE: BS: Scooters
From: jonm
Date: 10 Aug 06 - 03:15 AM

The main differences between scooters and motorcycles are ease of operation and size of wheels.

With the former, you get no clutch, step-through to get on, usually more storage, very easy to ride and a little weather protection. None of that bad.

The smaller wheels mean even small potholes will have an effect, the steering will feel really sharp around town and vague and wobbly out on the open road. The brakes are also really small, so stopping in not as good.

Generally, the engine/brakes/steering/suspension set-up is geared for use at up to 40mph on a scooter, beyond that you're on your own. On a bigger bike, you have the choice of braking or accelerating out of trouble, on a scooter, you can only rely on the inadequate brakes.

The Japanese provide the best quality, most effective and most reliable hardware, the Italians the cutest machinery. If you want one, and they are really fun around town and look soooo cool, then please be aware of the limitations.

Subject: RE: BS: Scooters
From: Joe Offer
Date: 10 Aug 06 - 04:10 AM

I had a Honda 50 in the late 1960's, in the hilly Kettle Moraine northwest of Milwaukee. It was great going down hills, but I sometimes had to push it uphill.
Get one with enough power - 150 cc should work - and have fun!

-Joe Offer, now happier with a Honda Civic-

Subject: RE: BS: Scooters
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 10 Aug 06 - 04:29 AM

You could advance the timing to ridiculous levels on the 50's, Joe - Gave them much more top end speed but I'm not sure about power. The Tangerine in question looks very much like a Vespa and in the early 70's I was a Lambretta mod - so I didn't like Vespas! Model I had was a GT225 (Overbored 200) with cut down leg shields and running boards to make it slimmer. Used to do 70+. Not sure what the + was because the speedo ony went up to 70.

It was in black with metallic orange trim down the front and side panels. Orange racing seat. Only chrome I had on it was a back rest for the birds, a front rack, 2 long mirrors and a chrome and orange fly screen. Very swish. Of course as soon as I passed my test and could ride things bigger than a 250 I got a Triumph T110 and became a rocker:-)

Mine was a 1964 model and had already been superceeded by the SX200 which was in turn replaced by the GP. They may all have automatic gears and clutches now but then they were all manual - Gear change and clutch twist grip on the left. Accelorator twist grip and front brake on the right. Rear brake on the floor pan. And they were all two stroke engines so had very quick acceleration.

I still think Lamretta were better than Vespa. Look at any of the scooter club pages Bar Italia for instance and I think you will find all the coolest machines were made by Inocentti:-)

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Scooters
From: GUEST,Mingulay at work
Date: 10 Aug 06 - 07:47 AM

Actually I think the tangerine is cool. It would also make it easier to spot all the pieces when you sweep it off the tarmac.

Happy scootering!!

Subject: RE: BS: Scooters
From: LilyFestre
Date: 10 Aug 06 - 08:18 AM

Well, I asked, now didn't I? ;)

One of the things that has been on my mind about the scooter is the safety issue. I can't imagine, however, that the makers would put less than adequate brakes on the scooter, that just doesn't make any sense. My other concern is about the tires...I live on top of a mountain on a dirt road and I'm just not sure the tires can handle the stones and such.

The Stella is modelled after the Vespa and is made in Japan.

Thanks for all the food for thought!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Scooters
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 10 Aug 06 - 08:34 AM

It would also make it easier to spot all the pieces when you sweep it off the tarmac.

So what would you do with bikes, Mingulay? Ban them? They are not dangerous in themselves. I have had 2 motorcycle accidents - Both my fault - 35 years apart. 1st one I lost control of the Lambretta on setting off and ran into a wall! 2nd one I forgot to take the front disk lock off my latest (25 yr old Honda 500) before setting off. Must have looked very funny to see me set off, travel around 6 inches and then fall off:-) Didn't half hurt though - I won't do that again in a hurry.

I have however lost count of the number of times that I have had to avoid pratts in 4 wheeled vehicles.

Take no notice Michelle - go for the tangerine dream:-) Just remember that you are the only one who will be looking out for you. Most of the other idiots sitting behind steering wheels certanly won't! Fortunately you will be small and quick enough to avoid most of them.

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Scooters
From: Rapparee
Date: 10 Aug 06 - 09:17 AM

And wear a helmet and long sleeves/pants with decent shoes. No short, no halter tops, no tee shirts, no flip-flops. Road rash is real and any protection is better than skin grafts. You might want a face visor for your helmet or a windshield on the scooter or carry a tooth brush to clean the bugs off your teeth.

Yes, I've been there on motorcycles. I quit when my wife's cousin erased his head in an accident -- and he was leathered and helmeted.

Subject: RE: BS: Scooters
From: Fran
Date: 10 Aug 06 - 12:19 PM

Have you got youself a disc lock reminder now DtG.

I will second that about the decent gear, I have seen loads of bike and scooter riders out in flip flops shorts and T,shirts, its not cool by any standard.

I started out on a 50cc and then a 125cc, now I have a Suzuki Burgman 400cc, I just wish they came in tangerine colour:-)

Burgman

Subject: RE: BS: Scooters
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 10 Aug 06 - 12:41 PM

I did have for weeks, Fran. A huge bruise across my ribs and difficulty lifting my right hand above shoulder height! I must say I am not as strict on what I wear as some. If I am going any distance or speed - Yes. Localy, Hmmmm.

I also use a pedal cycle. I know I can reach 35mph downhill on it. If I am going into Manchester (5 miles) or to the local shops (2 miles) on the Honda I know I will be going no faster than that anyway. I don't wear all the gear for the push bike so don't often bother on the motorised one! Perhaps I should do it the other way and start wearing more protection on the push bike?

Thinking about it I am safer at 35 on the Honda - If a car pulls out on me I will at least shift it a little with all that weight uder me. The push bike would just be flat and I would be thrown further over the car!

I would still advise full all-round protection to anyone else though. Do as I say - not as I do! ;-)

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Scooters
From: Rapparee
Date: 10 Aug 06 - 01:11 PM

Many years ago, when I was working in a small town in Ohio, the local boys would hang out at the ice cream stand on the park and criticize cars and motorcycles. Motorcycles were, of course, "cool" and much admired.

One fine summer's evening two choppers, ridden by dudes in full leathers and smoked-front helmets roared up and parked. The local yokels all made for the bikes, wanting to be the first to talk to the riders. Then the very shapely redhead removed her helmet and shook out her hair, followed by the blonde. The "boys" were truly taken aback, especially when the women pointed out that they'd customized the bikes from stock machines....

Subject: RE: BS: Scooters
From: Fran
Date: 10 Aug 06 - 01:17 PM

I have a flourescent green bungee called a disc lock reminder, you hook in onto the disc lock and handlebar and its the first thing you see so it reminds you to undo your disc lock.
Burgman

Subject: RE: BS: Scooters
From: GUEST,Chief Chaos
Date: 10 Aug 06 - 01:25 PM

My son and I just recovered a scooter from a garbage heap here in D.C.
Because it was badly damaged and in the trash I didn't think about it possibly being stolen until I got it home and found that the lock/ignition had been drilled out. I'm turning it over to the police and hoping that the owner either recovers it or refuses it so I get salvage rights.

If you buy, make sure that bike has good locking systems. An ignition in a plastic body part just won't do. Also most seem to come with a stowage space below the seat. Look at the retaining bar on the seat and make sure it is decently thick, metal, and secured to metal not plastic. Otherwise one good yank and you can say goodbye to your helmet or any other items (including your gas in some models).

You might also want to consider a moped. Same speed and fuel economy but they generally don't fall under the motorcycle laws.

Subject: RE: BS: Scooters
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 10 Aug 06 - 01:41 PM

Believe it or not, Rap, I saw two 'chopped' scooters a few weeks back at a convention in Whitby! I wasn't at the convention I hasten to add - just happend to co-incide. The rockers of my day would have died of laughter and the mods wouldn't have even dreamed of such an un-mod thing to do:-D

Have a look at this if you want to see something realy weired. It loads an index so just do a 'search this page' for 'chopper'. For a musical slant I don't think either James or Red Molly would have approved. Your redhead wasn't called Molly by any chance? Nah, could't be. You wouldn't do that to a Vincent 55:-)

And, yes Fran, I will use my luminous green springy thing as soon as I can find it...

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Scooters
From: jonm
Date: 11 Aug 06 - 04:32 AM

As regards securing small bikes, in the UK the current trend is for thieves to simply hoist the bike into a van. This makes U-locks and disk locks redundant. The best bet is a decent armoured cable lock round an immovable object (lamppost, gully cover grating etc.).

Subject: RE: BS: Scooters
From: Gurney
Date: 12 Aug 06 - 04:31 AM

Never fancied them myself, because I have dropped motorbikes, and even wearing suitable gear that often hurts. Scooter riders seem to think that a helmet and gloves is enough. Barmy.



Mind you, full leathers would look out of place on the tangerine twostroke above, wouldn't they. Plod would think you stole it.

Subject: RE: BS: Scooters
From: LilyFestre
Date: 12 Aug 06 - 05:58 AM

LOL!

Subject: RE: BS: Scooters
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 12 Aug 06 - 06:16 AM

Ah... but you'd look even more out of place leaving your skin on a gravel road and turning yourself into hamburger meat. Wear proper boots and good industrial style proper denim at the very least!

When I was purchasing a motorbike, I was shown various scootery things and basically told the vendor that 'if I can wear a skirt on it, I don't want it'... Seen too many women (and not young ones either) wobbling around roads trying to steer and hold down a skirt.

Oddly enough... the only time that I met road surface with a body part, was going slowly... mate of mine nearly lost a leg doing no more than 2 miles an hour (although the bus that got him was doing more or less the same, thank God!) so having the ability to accelerate out of trouble is a good thing. When I dropped my bike on my leg, my industrial strength ex-army boot saved my foot from being crushed - don't be fooled by ordinary street boots with thin soles.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Scooters
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 12 Aug 06 - 10:34 AM

I'm only in it for the leather pants realy...

Subject: RE: BS: Scooters
From: Leadfingers
Date: 12 Aug 06 - 10:50 AM

Road holding with the small wheels is NOT brilliant ! And the Centre of Gravity on scooters could be better ! Protective clothing is a MUST - And have fun with it !!

Subject: RE: BS: Scooters
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 13 Aug 06 - 05:26 AM

So Dave, when are your and your leather pants going to be in London next......?

LTS who loves looking at leather pants...

Subject: RE: BS: Scooters
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 13 Aug 06 - 06:30 AM

I'll make sure I pack 'em next time I come. Shall I bring the matching waistcoat and peaked cap a la Village People biker?

:D (tG)

Subject: RE: BS: Scooters
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 13 Aug 06 - 08:30 AM

My eldest daughter had a scooter when she was at college as it worked out a lot cheaper than the bus. Sadly she had it stolen because although it was locked it wasn't attached to anything. We lost a lot of money as the insurance didn't cover the remaining purchase balance. She once drove it up to Whitby but found that on the steeper slopes she ended up having to get off and push!!

Subject: RE: BS: Scooters
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 13 Aug 06 - 08:33 AM

Didn't make the donkey path did it then Mrs D? I think the CX would probably do it in 4th:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Scooters
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 13 Aug 06 - 12:28 PM

I agree with you DtG,

The Lambretta 150 that I had back in 1960 was a far better bike than the Vespa, tho' Vespas improved markedly in the next five years, and eventually more or less cornered the market.

Great fun to ride, and it carried myself and my wife-to-be all over the UK, with camping gear and a guitar stacked on the rear carrier, at 30 - 40 mph and over 60 mpg.

Scary in rain or ice tho' (small wheels and a high centre of gravity), and you wore out a lot of shoes in the winter riding with both feet on the ground.

All in all, if you weren't in a hurry they were ideal.

Pushed hard they would hit 65mph downhill with ferocious front wheel wobble. Only tried it once, as it added about ten years to my apparent age.

Don T.

Subject: RE: BS: Scooters
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 13 Aug 06 - 04:53 PM

Dunno if they cornered the market after 1965, Don. I had my 64 GT in 1971. Afte that Lambretta brought out the SX and ultimately the GP - Realy good piece of engineering. The advantage Lambretta has over Vespa was the in line engine. You could ride, if you wanted, with the panels off. Vespa engines were on one side (the left if memory serves me well, which it probably doesn't!) Left the other side of tool kit, spare tyre etc. Practicaly a good idea but in terms of weight distribution and styling very poor indeed.

I would say Inocenti had the market cornered into the 70's and it was not until Honda started to doominate the market in serious terms thaat their demise was assured. Funny thing is now if you look at the scooter club pages I gave earlier, and many others, you will find Lambretta still dominate.

Now, out of interest, anyone remember the German offerings? Both Heinkel and Mescheshmidt had scooters on the market. They both had bubble cars as well but it only seems to be the Isetta that people remember. Perhaps there has always been a triumph of of Italian styling over German engineering:-)

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Scooters
From: Slag
Date: 13 Aug 06 - 08:38 PM

Two types of riders: those who have been down and those who are going down. I have legs by Honda. Loved my freedom machine but that too was an illusion. I'd just like to be free of the constant pain these 23 years later. People don't see you and when they do they don't know right off what it is they are seeing. They misjudge your speed and distance. My helmet and the Good Lord saved my life and my brains.

One of the best stories I've heard regarding bikes (scooters too) was about a fellow who bought a big machine and rode it home. He parked it in his driveway and was sitting on it chatting to friends. He shifted his weight and the thing fell over on top of him. His friends had to lift it off him (400+ lbs) and he promptly sold it. He reasoned thus: "If this thing can hurt me this bad and trap me when it isn't even moving, what could happen on the road?

So. In conclusion DON'T RIDE BIKES. DON'T GET A SCOOTER.

Subject: RE: BS: Scooters
From: NH Dave
Date: 13 Aug 06 - 09:04 PM

Back in the late 50's and the 60's, Vespa made three models; the 125, which was also sold by Sears, the 150, and the GS or GT which had a 175cc displacement, and could be rode on most freeways/motorways. I rode the 150 when I was in college, and the 175 later when I was in the Air Force. This scooter was freeway legal, and I did commute to a local university to get additional schooling, but I wouldn't recommend this to another.   

My experience was that they were neat to tool around on, but became deadly in the rain, on in-street railway tracks, and on gravel roads. Their biggest fault and danger was the small diameter of the wheels. Being rather small, they could not develope any [enough] rotational stability, gyroscopic effect, to help keep the machine up. Additionally in most of the pot holes around here, the front wheel went down until the axle was below the surface of the road and then the scooter pole pitched, scattering the rider(s) and any lose bits along the road for another vehicle to finish off. This having been said, we did have a local professor who rode one in all seasons, although he conceded to winter's chill with a long greatcoat which he wore until it got warm again.

If you are looking for advice, I'd say go with a small motorcycle. The cost is about the same, and its larger diameter wheels make it a lot more stable at speed. And don't stint on the protective clothing. A helmet is essential no matter what you ride, as no one is issuing replacement heads or brains, when you damage your current one.

All the best,

Dave

Subject: RE: BS: Scooters
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 14 Aug 06 - 04:46 AM

If you lie the CX on it's side the cylinder sticking out keeps the frame a legs width off the ground:-) It's a V-twin with the V being viewed from the front (or back) rather than the side as usual. I was very glad of that during the disk-lock incident. It weighs close to 500lb! That was how I pulled my side - not falling over but standing the bugger back up again!

I have been looking at a 750 Shadow - seeing as I have decided I will never afford the Harley V-rod VRSE. I will certanly put crashbars on for that very reason. I would agree about the scooter though. It was far easier to 'roll out' of a falling Lambretta than out of a falling 1/4 ton machine. I must admit I never found the small wheels a problem but I never went off road or in the snow. Centre of gravity on the Lambretta was very low due to the long central engine - Much higher and to one side on the Vespa.

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Scooters
From: Bugsy
Date: 15 Aug 06 - 01:55 AM

I had a couple of Lambrettas in the 60's. The best one was a Li150 series III. When I bought it, it did about 50mph flat out and about 40to the gallon. After getting it bored out to 175, fitting a conversion head and piston, the damned thing did 82mph top speed (with following wind) and over 60mpg. The only problem I had with it was that at full speed I had to lean over the handlebars in order to keep the bloody front wheel on the ground! Used to scare the shitter out of me. Unfortunately I got cleaned up by a car whilst travelling through the city centre in Lincoln (would you believe at about 15 mph.) The upshot being that the frame was all twisted beyond repair.

What I'd really like to own (being a Stevenage boy) is one of these babies dream bike. arguably on of the best bikes ever made. Maybe one day, if I win the lottery!


Cheers


Bugsy

Subject: RE: BS: Scooters
From: GUEST,Chief Chaos
Date: 15 Aug 06 - 11:26 AM

I'm with you Bugsy,

It used to be that I wanted an easy rider type chopper. But just lately I'd like to get my hands on a '66 to '70 Honda CB 250. I'd be just as happy with a Norton, Vincent, Norvin, or Triton of similar age.

Subject: RE: BS: Scooters
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 15 Aug 06 - 02:25 PM

How about an 81 CX500 CC? Not much work needed and it will be back on the road in no time:-)

Cheers

DtG