Scooter culture story in Orange Coast magazine

Hey, they mention Roman Holiday!

Read it here.

Photograph by Don Whitlow

Bajaj to Exit the Scooter Market (?)

Just saw this article in the Business Standard of India, which says that Bajaj will exit the scooter business in favor of trying to overtake the small motorcycle business that Honda has been dominating. Sad! According to the story:

The decision to move away from scooters, according to Bajaj, is pegged on three reasons. One, the company is seeing good profitability in selling strong brands like Pulsar and Discover 100cc motorcycles.

“Our EBITDA margin for the second quarter of this year stands at 22 per cent, which is the highest in the auto industry so far. For the third quarter we hope to do better.” Vaishali Jajoo, analyst at Angel Broking, said margins derived from selling Pulsars were above industry average, at 15 per cent.

Secondly, he thinks the worldwide motorcycle market is growing faster than scooters. “There is enough headroom for growth both in the domestic and the export markets. Currently we manufacture around 50,000 units of Boxers in China, which are sold in the export market.” The Boxer is sold as Platina in India.

Lastly, address the top end with KTM motorcycles. The company has a 31.72 per cent stake in Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM, which manufactures motorcycles of 250cc configuration.

“So, we make more money by being focused as motorcycle specialists rather than producing everything and making no money at all like the Chinese manufacturers,” Bajaj added.

So has everyone abandoned the Vespa-styled manual shift scooters? Sad! Sad! Sad!

"The company is putting in all of its resources towards becoming the number one motorcycle manufacturer in the world." Anyone want to take bets on how that will shake down?

International Women and Motorcycling Conference

The fifth American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) International Women & Motorcycling Conference takes place August 19-22, 2009, in Keystone, Colorado.

According to an email that I received from the PR agency for the event:

The AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference focuses on educating, encouraging, inspiring and mentoring women in the lifestyle and sport of motorcycling. Participants come from all corners of the world, including Australia and Japan, and all walks of life. There are singles, couples, mother and daughter riding partners and grandmothers; professions include ad agency owners, lawyers, factory workers and journalists. The conference is well timed. According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, women now account for 12.6 percent of all motorcycle and scooter riders, a 29 percent increase since 2003.

As the number of women motorcyclists has risen, so has conference attendance: the AMA anticipates that the number of riders participating will double this year to over 2200. In addition to a wide range of daily workshops, conference attendees will have the opportunity to demo new bikes, shop for the latest gadgets and gear at the vendor marketplace, and enjoy numerous after-hours social activities at the idyllic Keystone Resort, which is nestled among the majestic Rocky Mountains.

I had considered going to the previous year's conference which was in Georgia, but a schedule conflict made it not possible. I've got it on my calendar and hope to attend, depending upon the magazine's schedule.

To get an idea of what sessions will be held, check the conference schedule.

Upcoming Event: Ride to Work Day 6/15

Ride to Work Day will soon be upon us. Are you ready? With the recent time change and the improving weather, moto-commuting is becoming more of a reality for Americans.

With a little planning and some determination you can overcome the routine car drive to work and enjoy a fun scooter ride. While it my not work for everyone, I encourage you to try it and suggest it to your friends.

The Ride to Work site has lots of resource to help including recruitment materials, web banners, and other literature. Last year's materials used a scooter, so this year they are back to motorcycles.

Blog entry soundtrack: "Ex Lion Tamer" by Wire..."Stay glued to your T.V. set..."

Phrase that I never want to hear again...

"Ride it like you stole it."

Who thought this up this lame saying?

First, I like my scooter and the last thing that I would want is for someone to steal it. So, why would I steal another rider's scooter?

Second, I've seen Cops and World's Greatest Police Chases (or whatever) and the people that are being pursued drive like self-centered jerks. Scoot! had a scooter stolen once and it looked like crap when we got it back. That kind of driving ability is not enviable.

Next, if it is your bike, why on earth do you need to put on some air and pretend to be other than the person that you are? If you wanna play Big Biker Dude or Macho Biker Chick, save it for the role playing at home (rahr!) since the drivers/riders around you don't care and anyone else who has to deal with you will think you are just an ass.

Maybe we should say, "Ride it Like You Earned It" or "Ride It Like You Love It" since those seem more like what we're really trying to do...

Cold Weather Challenge

I actually feel embarrassed to post about this challenge as it celebrates the tenacity of some scooterists who will defy popular opinion, and sometimes common sense, and ride in unthinkably cold weather. Why embarrassed? Because my weather has been sunny with temps hovering around 70-degrees this past week. I guess it's not my fault. Blame it on global warming, coal-fired power plants, and too many cars. ;-)

Some scooterists in the ultra-cold areas of the country (isn't that everywhere other than California right now?!?)have the stamina to brave cold-weather riding. These brave folks can participate in the Cold Weather Challenge. I cant recall how long this has been going on. But each year it is cool to see the photos that folks submit with them bundled up in front of a bank clock/temp gauge.

The rules are simple. I paraphrase: 2-wheeled scooters; 10-mile minimum ride; ambient temp, no wind-chill considered; goes 11/27/08 to 2/28/09. If you want to find out more and see the amazing results, go to The Cold Weather Challenge.

Big whoop to Colin Doyle who rode 14+ miles in -10°F in Collegeville, MN, on a Honda Ruckus 50. He posted video. I wonder if Honda designed those for such cold weather?

Scoot! Magazine Flikr Pool

Here is a photo that was uploaded to the Scoot! Flikr pool. Add your won scooter rally pics, images of you + our scoot, dogs on scooters, vintage ads and picture, etc...

And, if you are interested in submitting one of the pics for our Show Us Your Scoots section, let us know.

Show Us Your Scoot: Blog-style!

Another older submission that wasn't high enough res to make the magazine:

"My name is Jeff Cleaveley and I am the editor of the quarterly newsletter of the Zundapp Bella Enthusiasts Club here in the UK. We have 85 members, mainly in the UK, but also from around the world, including the USA. Our website is www.bellascooters.co.uk"

Thanks for sending!

France Considering Scooter Driver Certification

I was surprised to hear that France currently does not require safety training for scooters under 125cc if the rider already has a car license. It seems that the government is changing its mind since the incidents of accidents are unusually high for the amount of scooters on the road. According to a report on autobloggreen, "Although scooters account for 1.1 percent of all the traffic in France, 10.1 percent of all traffic accidents and 18 percent of all traffic deaths are related to scooters."

A little education can go a long way. Hopefully, France will embrace this opportunity to keep its scooterists safe.

Blog entry soundtrack: "Someone Somewhere (In the Summertime) by Simple Minds.

Things I Hope Happen in 2009

As I mentioned earlier in the week, I want to post a list of things to look forward to in 2009. It's not a forecast, just a wish list of sorts. Feel free to leave comments with your scooter-related wishes for 2009.

1) Another scooter sales boom over the Spring/Summer
2) Continued awareness of a scooter as a smart, economical transportation choice
3) More women scooterists!
4) More experienced, qualified riders who take proper training
5) Less scooter accidents, injuries and fatalities (see above)
6) Less scooter club politics and polarization
7) More FUN rallies
8) More time for April to travel to those fun rallies (!)
9) More scooterists making custom scooters (let's see some cool murals!)
10) More celebrities and influential folks coming out of the "scooter closet" [Let's hear it for Carlos Alazraqui, our current cover story!]
11) More cool riding clothing for the ladies
12) More motorcycle/scooter parking
13) More people subscribing to Scoot! (I can be a little selfish, can't I?)

Blog entry soundtrack: "The Shadow of Love" by The Damned

AMA Fighting Proposed Tariffs Against Euro Motos

Not sure why the Bush Administration is doing anything a month before it is booted out of office. Can't they just stand in the center of the room with hands on noses so they don't mess anything else up? This might give the Chinese another advantage in the scooter price wars....

Here is a news item from the American Motorcycle Association on it:

AMA fights possible 100 percent tariffs on certain European motorcycles

The AMA announced today (12/5) that it has written to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative opposing a plan that could double the cost of some European motorcycles imported into the United States.

The plan being considered by U.S. trade officials would impose a 100 percent import duty on more than 100 European goods -- including two engine displacement categories of motorcycles, 51cc to 250cc, and 251cc to 500cc.

The federal measure is designed as retaliation to the 27-member European Union's continuing import ban on American beef treated with growth hormones. EU officials haven't lifted that 20-year-old ban, despite a World Trade Organization (WTO) order to end it.

If U.S. officials impose the retaliatory tariff, it would double the price of a host of under-500cc on- and off-highway machines from brands such as Aprilia, Beta, BMW, Fantic, Gas Gas, Husaberg, Husqvarna, KTM, Montesa, Piaggio, Scorpa, Sherco, TM and Vespa.

"There is no logical link between European motorcycles and the dispute over beef," said Ed Moreland, AMA vice president for government relations, in his comments submitted to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. "Imposing these stiff tariffs on motorcycles would do nothing to resolve the trade dispute, but would punish American buyers of European motorcycles."

The AMA's comments make a strong argument that motorcycles have no business being used as a lever in a dispute over beef.

Read more about it here.

Scoot! at International Motorcycle Show

See us at Cycle World International Motorcycle Show and Volunteer!

** The Scoot! team will be at the San Mateo, CA stop of this popular motorcycle show. If you are there, stop by to say hello. We’ll be in the Scooter Pavilion.

** 2008 Scoot! Buyer's Guides will be given away at the show.

** I'll be giving a presentation with Jeff Biafore from San Jose Vespa on Saturday.

** If you are interested in sharing your love of scootering and want to get into the show free, then volunteer at the show nearest you. Below, I’ll include information that I received from the Cycle World team. It’s fun!

Be a Scooter Ambassador and your weekend to the Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows presented by Toyota is free!


The Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows presented by Toyota has created a Scooter Pavilion new for this year where Scooterists can see all of the new scooters in one area. We are seeking ambassadors to hang out in the Pavilion and talk to show attendees about all things Scooter and if you volunteer for any shift, we’ll give you a free pass for the whole weekend!

Featured at the Scooter Pavilion:

- All the new 2009 scooter models
- Scooter History Exhibit
- Great deals on scoot fashion & gear
- Scooter Giveaways!
- Geico’s “Caveman Crib”

Scooterists, this new feature is just for you, and we want your help!

Find the show closest to you and come participate as a volunteer, find more details at motorcycleshows.com:


San Mateo, CA - Dec. 19-21, 2008
Novi, MI - Jan. 2-4, 2009
Washington, DC - Jan. 9-11, 2009
New York, NY - Jan. 16-18, 2009
Cleveland, OH - Jan. 30 - Feb. 1, 2009
Chicago, IL - Feb. 6-8, 2009
Minneapolis, MN - Feb. 13-15, 2009
Greenville, SC - Feb. 20-22, 2009

The volunteer shift schedule looks like this:

Friday Hours: 4:00p.m. - 9:00p.m.
Saturday Hours: 9:00a.m. - 12:00p.m.; 12:00p.m. - 4:00p.m.; 4:00p.m. - 8:00p.m.
Sunday Hours: 9:00a.m. - 1:00p.m.; 1:00p.m. - 5:00p.m.

For more information or to sign up as a volunteer please contact Kurt Whittington at 714-513-8457 or kwhittingtonATadvanstarDOTcom.

See you at the show! www.motorcycleshows.com

Upcoming Event: Tucson-Nogales Rally 11/7 - 11/9

I have never been to the Tucson-Nogales ride, but past Scoot! owners Barry & Casey went and had nothing but great things to say about this event. It's a long ride through beautiful country which ends at a big BBQ & campout. This is the 21st year, so I guess people can now have beer at the campout, eh?

From the site:

Saturday morning, the rally departs from the Hotel Congress for a 125-mile ride through the beautiful scenic landscape of southwestern Arizona. We will have a mid-way stop in the rustic town of Patagonia, Arizona for gas, drinks and to stretch our legs. From Patagonia, we will continue on through Nogales, Arizona to the Calabassas Group Campsite a 5-acre, isolated, and reserved campsite in the Coronado National Forest.

At the Calabasas campsite, we will be greeted by a catered BBQ, multiple kegs of beer, music and a bonfire. Several campsites, firepits, firewood and a restroom are available. It can get cold at the campsite, so don't forget tents, sleeping bags and other camping gear.

If you can make it, pour a beer for me who will be working away on the next issue from my home...

Rain, winter weather can be dangerous to scooters

This past weekend a scooterist in my area lost his life in a crash. Recent rain on a slick mountain road was to blame. Safety in riding is one of my main concerns when gong out in less-than-ideal weather. Often, I just skip riding if it is raining. I'm a notorious slowpoke, so you don't have to tell me twice to slow down. I've got nothing to prove; I just want to have fun getting to my destination.
Each year, Josh sends out a list of rainy weather riding tips. I'll reprint them here with some notes of my own.

Stay safe out there fellow scooterists!

1: Stay out of the middle of the lane as it is where cars drip oil and fluids making it very slippery.Very important during the first few rains.

2: As much fun as it is, try not to drive through puddles. It reduces your ability to brake and makes everything more slippery. Besides you never know how deep a hole may be under the puddle

3: Show extra caution when turning

4: Be extremely careful when riding over metal grates/plates and manhole covers they become very slippery. if you can avoid them, do so. Whatever you do don't slam on the brakes while you are going over one. Also avoid leaves as they can be slick and plentiful during fall/winter.

5: Make sure you have the proper tire pressure

6: Get a riding suit even if its one of those plastic rain slick things. The worst part about riding in the rain is getting wet.

7: Do not put your hands/gloves in plastic bags or the like as you will compromise your grip and may slip off of the bars.

8: Make sure all of your lights work, especially your taillight and brake light. Rain reduces visibility.

9: A fullface helmet will keep you dry and keep rain and road gunk from getting on your face or in your eyes.

10: An anti-fog liner in side your visor will keep your visor clear. You can also get antifog solution for eyeglasses.

11. A scooter skirt will keep your pants dry and your lower body warmer.

Wooden Ride-On Scooter Toy

Another scooter-like gift for kids [the holidays are a'comin, ya know] is the Bimba Scooter by Pastel Toys. It comes in pink or blue and you can get it on Amazon for $95. If you like scooters and low-tech, then this is the toy for your kids.



Blog entry soundtrack: "I Put a Spell On You" Credence Clearwater Revival

Plush Ride-On Scooter for Kids

Manhattan Toy has released a plush ride-on toy for kids.
It's called the "Sit-Upons Scooter" and is for kids ages 18+ months. Supposedly kids can actually scoot along on it, but it might just be fun to sit on while watching TV. It measures 18" high and retails for $150.00.

2009 Vintage Scooter Build Off

I am so excited by this cool scooter build-off! I hope it really brings out some awesome scooters. Kings Classic used to be the rally that people used to unveil the customs that they had worked all year on. Then, Vegas High Rollers became the event. It kind of slacked over the past couple years, except for a few sweet bikes. I am hopeful that this competition will bring out a great crop of bikes.
According to the site:

Our goal is to facilitate and promote the restoration of vintage Lambretta and Vespa scooters. The Put Up or Shut Up National Scooter Build-Off competition will serve as the perfect showcase for dramatic restorations from vintage scooter owners, clubs, and shops from across North America and beyond, who in the end are rewarded for their hard work.

and who can argue about that?
I know a few of the committee members and several of the participants. So, I'm sure that the teams are capable of some awesome work. Join us in Vegas next March to see what happens!


Blog entry soundtrack: "It's Different for Girls" by Joe Jackson

Uploaded to Scoot! Flickr pool

DSCN3055
Originally uploaded by miss_pistol

This was uploaded to the Scoot! Flickr pool. Nice peek at a collection.


Add your on collectibles and scooter photos to the pool!

Genuine Scooter Co. on TheStreet

The Street.Com profiled Genuine Scooter Co. and head honcho Phil McCaleb, today.
Read the article here.

Upcoming Event: Side Car Rally 10/19/08

I haven't had a chance to make it to this event, yet, but I thought I'd put a shout-out about the upcoming Griffith Park Side Car Rally sponsored by Sidestrider Side Cars and the Sidecar Industry Council (who knew there was one?) Info:

Sunday, Oct. 19, 9am-3pm
Crystal Springs picnic area
Griffith Park Los Angeles

"Spectators free!! Learn about sidecars and see some of all the best and most unusual sidecars in the world. Call: Doug Bingham 818-780-5542"