Thursday, June 29, 2006

A 700cc scooter? What's next?

I saw a news item about KYMCO beginning work on a 700cc scooter. Read it here
While it is only 50cc bigger than the Suzuki Burgman, it brings to mind the questions, "How big can a scooter get?" and "When does a scooter become a motorcycle?" The first question is hard to answer. The Scoot! team has long been wondering when a 1,000cc bike will be available and which manufacturer will make it. It remains to be seen.

The answer to the second question seems a bit easier, but actually isn't. In our next issue we'll review a CPI "scooter" which is more like an automatic motorcycle. I can see that line between scooter and motorcycle blurring. Especially so when many of the bikes we review are loosing their flat center mats to big humps that make it more difficult to carry a 12-pack between your feet on the way home from the store. :)

In other news, we're expecting to get some new Scoot! merchandise this week from Modified Printing. Some more track jackets and some cool white/blue ringer shirts with a cute scooting illustration by artist Mark Atmos Pilon. Mike has begun the layout process and we are doing our best to get the issue available for Amerivespa In Denver next month, which willl be 2 weeks early! Wish us luck!

6 comments:

Daniel said...

Perhaps it's a little "elitist" of me, but I have a hard time considering anything with more than 250cc's a scooters. Small wheels notwithstanding. And then, windshields and radios! C'mon, ya wanna drive a car, get a car!

-april said...

File under the "different strokes..", Keys.

Daniel said...

Yes, I know. I have several friends with over 250cc scoots. I just had to vent. I also have several friends with big-ol' touring bikes with 1500+cc's and suspension leveling systems and CD changers and seater-heaters and Lord knows what all...and weigh in more than, oh, say a Buick...I just miss the point, I guess... Thanks for putting me back in line though, April.

Steve Williams said...

What exactly is the criteria for something to qualify as a "scooter"? With these bigger and bigger machines that maintain the step trhough design it makes you wonder if engine size should not also be a consideration....

Do you have criteria at the magazine for this?

steve

-april said...

Our criteria for scooters is something like this: step-through design, upright riding position, floorboards for feet. We haven't made any designation based on engine size. I do find it interesting that so many scooters now have that huge hump in the middle of the floorboards. They seem to be encroaching on automatic motorcycle territory. Inour next issue we're reviewing a CPI motorcycle/scooter thing which seems to be a fusion of both.

Anonymous said...

RE: "What exactly is the criteria for something to qualify as a scooter?"

If you live in the USA, then the Federal government (NHSA) has defined the answer for you. If it's a step-through design it's a scooter reguadless of wheel size, engine size, or type of transmission. Thus, Honda's E4-01 903cc bike (if built) is a scooter.