Scooter Case

-- Post from my iPhone, out-n-about...

Trader Joe's Lasagna

You find scooters in unusual places...




-- Post from my iPhone, out-n-about...

Going to Vegas!

Just packing up stuff for our journey to Las Vegas for Highrollers Weekend. If you are there, stop by our booth and say hello or Twitter message me @scootmagapril.  Looking forward to seeing some great scooters and meet up with scooter friends from far away.

Sugar Ray CD with Vespa

This came out last year and I somehow missed it.





-- Post from my iPhone, out-n-about...

Scoot! Editor Quoted in Article on Genuine Scooters

I was interviewed for a story on Genuine Scooters.

Scoot! Magazine Online Version Available

If you have never seen an issue of Scoot!, boy oh boy are you missing out! But don't fret, you can now browse a sample issue right now on our website. We just launched a new web-version that you can page through, zoom in & zoom out, follow links to our advertisers and more!

Our plan is to start with one recent issue; now we've got the December 2009 issue up. As time goes on, we'll swap out issues. In the future we're planning on making sold out back issues available for online browsing, too.

Whaddya waiting for? Go to www.scootmagazine.com and select Magazine from the upper navigation bar and get reading. Unless of course you are looking at this on your phone while driving, In that case, wait until you get home.

Scoot! Buyer's Guide Goes Online

In an effort to provide the most up-to-date and accessible information on new scooters, the Scoot! Magazine Buyer's Guide has moved online. Prospective scooter buyers can now access the guide 24/7 at www.scootmagazine.com and select the "Buyer's Guide" link from the top navigation bar. Not only does the online version provide all of the specs from our original print guide, it now has an interactive component that allows you to sort by model year, manufacturer, MSRP, displacement and tire size. You can also compare up to three different models simultaneously. By going online the Guide is now easily accessible, easily updateable and information can be updated when it is available rather than once a year in the print guide. Another convenient feature is the Reviewed by Scoot logo that provides a link to the Scoot! issue in which the bike was reviewed. This year many manufacturers are releasing new bike later than usual. Our team will be adding bikes as soon as their specs are available.

Give it a try and let us know what you think!

 

Sample screen

Vectrix's next step: Resurrection?

Haven't heard a peep from Vectrix as they have been re-organizing. But did happen upon this info at MarketWatch:

Vectrix Gears Up for Relaunch

NEW BEDFORD, MA, Feb 08, 2010 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- Vectrix Corporation, a newly formed Delaware corporation, and Vectrix International, will relaunch the Vectrix brand and its advanced electric vehicle technology products into the worldwide market on February 12 - 15 at the International Powersports Dealer Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana.
In gearing up for the relaunch, the Vectrix Corporation has opened its new US Head Quarters and development center in New Bedford, Mass. With its patented technologies developed over the last decade, Vectrix will continue to design and develop innovative technology solutions in New Bedford, Mass. with original key members of its product development team. "The core focus of the Vectrix Corporation design team is to remain on the cutting edge of innovative technologies that revolutionize urban transportation," explained Chief Operating Officer Jason Kim.
The International Powersports Dealer Expo will give Vectrix Corporation an opportunity to reassure its loyal customer base that it intends to grow in the market place as one of the leading personal electric vehicle Original Equipment Manufacturers. Vectrix has begun to ship spare parts and finished products to its customers and is excited about the growth potential in the coming months. The Vectrix product lines are an ideal solution for the worldwide urban transportation market's need for clean, efficient and cost effective transportation alternatives. Vectrix will be expanding beyond its traditional markets into other vertical professional markets, while continuing to service its loyal customers through dealer channels.
Key Features of the Vectrix Scooter:

--  Zero carbon emissions during operation
--  Range of 35-55 miles (depending on speed, rider weight, and driving
    habits)
--  Top speed of 68 mph
--  Acceleration 0-50 mph in 6.8 seconds / 0-31 mph in 3.6 seconds
--  As responsive as a 400cc scooter but with a 125cc classification, making
    the bike accessible to anyone with a provisional license who has
    completed CBT training.
--  Patented Multi-Function Throttle provides regenerative braking and a
    slow-speed reverse for greater maneuverability and easy parking
--  The onboard charger recharges the scooter in just over three hours from
    a standard 110/220V (3 pin) power socket.
--  Low noise for reduced sound pollution
--  Estimated battery life of 10 years/50,000 miles

About Vectrix Vectrix (www.vectrix.com) was reformed in 2010 to develop and commercialize zero-emission vehicle platform technologies focused on two and three wheel applications. The single focus of Vectrix has been to provide clean, efficient, reliable and affordable urban transportation. Vectrix has its US headquarters in New Bedford, Mass. which include engineering, test facilities, sales offices and a multiproduct vehicle assembly line.

Miss Armadillo Wear?

Were you one of the folks considering buying an Armadillo Scooter Wear jacket, but heard that they were no longer distributed here? While plenty of dealers still have stock (I recently saw some at Nichols Motorsport in Fremont, CA) there is a new distributor: Martin Racing Performance in Miami. You probably know MRP from their ads in Scoot! or through their videos and online news. They are a one-stop shop for dealers who want to carry a wide array of performance parts for scooters and ATVs. They are not taking over the distribution of Armadillo Scooter Wear as you can read here. MRP is a wholesaler, so they do not sell directly to consumers. But you can find a list of dealers at the company's website.

Top Gear Vietnamese Bike in Museum

Remember the episode of Top Gear where the guys have to cross Vietnam on motorbikes? Well, two of the bikes from that episode (the Viet-bodge Vespa and the USA minibike) have been bought at auction and now are installed at the National Motor Museum's "World of Top Gear" exhibit.
Read more about it here.

Olympic Torch Bearer is a Scooterist

According to an article in the Vancouver Sun:

Environmentalist Tzeporah Berman will be celebrating her 41st birthday today by carrying the Olympic Flame...riding a blue electric-powered scooter in Squamish, with the torch attached to the handlebar with a metal clamp for safety.

 It's admirable that someone wants to use a scooter to emphasize environmental alternatives, but I wonder how all those folks who run their part of their route will feel?

 

Photograph by: Ian Smith, PNG

Sneak Peek: Issue #55 reviews Vino + Like

Josh and I decided that we should really go back and review some "oldies but goodies" scooters that have been around for years, but don;t get much attention. So, we're reviewing the Yamaha Vino Classic (50cc). Also slated for review is the KYMCO Like 50.

Both bikes are 50cc, but the Like really is much larger than the Vino. In this photo, the Like may be closer to the camera, but it still is much bigger than the Vino.

Reviews to appear in issue #55 (April 2010)

Another Barbie Scooter

They are milking the tooling on this one. I wish they'd make some Avengers-style Barbie with a modded-out scooter. I'm sick of Miami Beach style Barbies.

 

Is she wearing  dental hygienist scrubs with crop pants?

Scooter Relief Fund: Ben Jahrsdoerfer

If you have ever bought a Scoot! t-shirt or hoody, or if you have ever received a cool MODified raffle prize at a rally, you have Ben to thank. He's a generous, funny person: good people! Please help if you can...


from the site:

Ben Jahrsdoerfer is the co-owner of MODified Printing in Portland Oregon. Modified has been a generous sponsor of many rallies around the country. I had the pleasure of working with Ben and Modified on swag for the Gotham Rally 3 Rally in New York City. Well Ben was involved in an accident in December and landed in the hospital with a broken collarbone. That's not all he got thought, upon discharge from the hospital he was handed a bill for over $10,000! We're helping Ben pay off that bill with an initial $500 grant, and hope that folks will be able to pitch in and make a donation. Every bit counts. If everyone who has a shirt printed by MODified, or who attended a rally sponsored by MODified in the past gives a few bucks, we'll have that bill paid in no time!

Twist & Gone, sponsored by Scoot! Magazine

Scoot! is proud to sponsor a unique scootering event: Twist & Gone a scooter drag & swap meet.

Twist & Gone 2010
Scooter Drags and Swap Meet 
When: May 1st (Reg starts 8am)
Where: Brown County Drag Strip
Why: To compete for pride and glory

Entry fee $45 first class, $20 each additional.  Swap meet booths are available for $25 for a 10X10 booth. You must bring your own tent, table, and chairs.

LINKS
Facebook event page
North American Scooter Racing Association

CLASSES

Class 1: 4 Stroke Scooter
1a: 72cc Pro: Displacement must not be larger than 72cc, no power adders.
1b: 100cc Unlimited: Displacement must not be larger than 100cc.
1c: 170cc Pro: Displacement must not be larger than 170cc, no power adders.
1e: 235cc Unlimited: Displacement must not be greater than 235cc.
1f: 250cc + Maxiscooter Unlimited: Displacement of 250cc or larger.

Class 2: 2 Stroke Scooter

2a: 99cc Pro: Displacement must not be larger than 99cc, no power adders.
2b: 100cc + Pro: Displacement of 100cc or larger, no power adders.
2c: 2 Stroke Unlimited

Class 3: Sprinter

3a. Unlimited Sprinter

EXHIBITION:

King of the hill. Anyone can enter, first across the line wins.

SAFETY

Scooter:

• Must be equipped with a dead man switch.
• A oil / fuel catch can is required. We dont want any oil or gas on the track.
• Must be structurally sound. Scooter frames may be lightened but must not be done in such a way that it makes the frame unsafe.
• Front and rear brakes are mandatory and in good working condition
• Must be in good working condition with no unsafe mechanical defects. Such as a sticking throttle, loose steering, excessive slop in the front end.
• Nitrous tanks must be securely fastened to in a manner with a proper mount. No zip ties... lol
• CVT must be covered in such a way that if a belt were to snap no injury could occur to the rider or anyone else.

Gear:

• A DOT approved full face helmet in good condition with eye protection.
• Full length jeans at a minimum
• Shoes must cover the ankle and be leather. Hi-Tops are ok!
• Riding gloves and a suitable riding jacket is highly recommended.
• Drunk or otherwise impaired drivers will be asked to leave the event.

Bad Girls 2010 Calendar Winners: gypsymermaid & CatEyez13

I ended up getting two calendars, so the randomly selected winners of my Twitter Bad Girls calendar contest are GypsyMermaid from B.C. Canada and CatEyez13 from Toronto! Please DM me with your address so I can send you the calendar. Not sure how my scraps of paper in a bowl could have selected two Canadians. Perhaps I should buy Canadian lotto tickets since California tix give me no luck!

CFMoto Scooter Recall

News on a recall of CFMoto  CF250T scooters. Contact CFMoto at 1-888-823-6686 if you think you have an affected model.

Vehicle Make / Model:     Model Year(s):      CHG / CF250T V3     2005-2009      CHG / CF250T V5     2005-2009 Manufacturer: CFMOTO POWERSPORTS, INC. Mfr’s Report Date: JAN 13, 2010 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 10V027000 N/A NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:CONTROLS:HAND CONTROL

Potential Number of Units Affected: 6405

Summary: CFMOTO POWERSPORTS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2009 SCOOTERS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 2005, AND DECEMBER 31, 2009. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 123, “MOTORCYCLE CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS.” THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE intended to be MANUFACTURED AS SCOOTERS AND THEREFORE LACK A REAR WHEEL FOOT BRAKE AS REQUIRED FOR MOTORCYCLES BY THE STANDARD.

Consequence: THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED THE AGENCY WITH A DESCRIPTION OF THE CONSEQUENCE AS IT RELATES TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY.

Remedy: CFMOTO POWERSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RIGHT FOOT CONTROL REAR WHEEL BRAKE KIT FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JULY 1, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CFMOTO POWERSPORTS AT 1-888-823-6686.

Notes: OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

Seen at Target...

Print to hang on your wall...on sale $11.98




-- Post from my iPhone, out-n-about...

Upcoming Rally: Rides of March; 3/26-28, SLO

Upcoming  rally for those in California. Rides of March is in San Luis Obispo, which is about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, on the coast.

ITINERARY:

Friday Night: March 26th, 2010 

6:30pm: Meet at Madonna Inn .

7:30pm: 1 Hour ride leaves for McCarthy's Irish Pub. (NOTE: Has moved next to Foster's Freeze)

Saturday: March 27th, 2010 

9:30am: Meet at Sunshine Donuts on South Street and South Higuera

11:00am: Ride leaves for long ride of South San Luis Obispo County.

2:00pm: Arrive at Ramona Garden Park

Famous Strange Brew Scooter Crew Tri-tip BBQ

Raffle of restored Vespa Smallframe, etc.

Saturday Night:

 7:30pm: Meet at Foster's Freeze on Nipomo and Marsh

8:30pm: Ride leaves for ride around SLO

9:00pm: Arrive at Frog & Peach English Pub for Live show.

Scooterists overrun Downtown SLO till????

 Sunday Morning: March 28th, 2010 

10:30am: Meet at McCarthy's Irish Pub. (NOTE: Has moved next to Foster's Freeze).

11:30am: Ride leaves for South County

1:00pm: Arrive at Bulletproof Scooters in Grover Beach for BBQ by PushStart MSC and Goodbyes

Contest Reminder; Deadline Feb. 1st

Cute 2010 calendar from the famous "Bad Girls" line has a scooter on the cover. Might be hard to locate now that January is almost over, but, I have one to give away. To win a copy, just follow me on Twitter and send me a direct message to let me know. I'll randomly select a winner & send him/her the calendar. Pretty easy, eh? Deadline is February 1st.

Posteritati Winter Film Poster Sale

The super-cool folks at Posteritati in NYC take film posters seriously. Luckily for us, they offer a huge array of cool movie posters. Two Christmases ago, I bought my bf an Argentine version of the Ferry Cross the Mersey poster. I just heard they are having a winter poster sale where you can get 25% off if you order & use the code winter at checkout. I did a quick search and found this unusual French Quadrophenia poster for a whopping $600 (it is unusual, after all-- it says "Les Who" and it has boobs...) but you can get it at 25% off now until February 28th. Order now before they are gone!

They also have film stills for $175:

And this German poster for Soldier of Orange:

 

which my feeble eyes can't tell if it is a scooter or moto. I think scooter!

If you are a fan of film posters, you should pick up the book that features over 1,000 movie posters from the Posteritati collection: The Art of the Modern Movie Poster which has a few scooter images in it. You can get it for over 50% off at Amazon.

I want one of these....

 

Found online at PowerAnime.

Upcoming Rally: Scootouring 24- Sacramento, CA

I know I already posted about this rally, but I just found out about their video trailer for the event. If you have been following the "Hitler reacts..." meme, this will be especially funny.

Scooter culture story in Orange Coast magazine

Hey, they mention Roman Holiday!

Read it here.

Photograph by Don Whitlow

NEW Scoot! Track Jackets Are Here!

The new Scoot! Track Jackets have arrived. Josh just picked them up and is putting them into our order system. They are pretty nifty: black with contrasting white zipper, piping and tri-stripes down the sleeves. These are totally custom, not an existing jacket with a logo slapped on it.  We have unisex sizes S-2XL.  Expect to see these at scooter shops and rallies this Spring.  A super-steal for just $40.  Place our order, now!

CONTEST 2010 Bad Girls Calendar

Cute 2010 calendar from the famous "Bad Girls" line has a scooter on the cover. Might be hard to locate now that January is almost over, but, I have one to give away. To win a copy, just follow me on Twitter and send me a direct message to let me know. I'll randomly select a winner & send him/her the calendar. Pretty easy, eh? Deadline is February 1st.

Paul Frank Card

Target.



-- Post from my iPhone, out-n-about...

North Face Mod Bag

While at REI, bf Jon spied this cool messenger bag by The Noth Face. It's all pinstripe business on the outside, but becomes a mod, mod, mod world inside.

I tried to find it on the company's site, but no luck. It was also not on the REI site. So, try a retail store if you want one.
Fun!

UPDATE: Bag has been found on the North  Face site for $139 (thanks, Jack!) and at eBags for $99 (Thanks, Nikki!). 

Tod Fancy Helmets

If you feel that you got too good a deal on your scooter, perhaps you will consider diverting the extra savings on a fancy-pants helmet from Tod. These helmets, originally posted on JustLuxe.com, cost $1,000. Hand-made with high-end ingredients, the helmet could possibly cost more than a year's worth of gas.

Got a Scoot to Brag About? -CONTEST-

then...Show Us Your Scoots!
Scoot! Magazine and ScooterCraft.com are partnering to see what incredible scooters are in Scoot! readers' garages. We have featured some great rides in the past, but we know that we haven't shown them all. Now, you can submit your scooter for a chance to win great prizes!

Prizes:
Prizes for top 5 scooters in each class.

• 1st place - $120 gift certificate redeemable in the scootercraft webshop; free subscription to Scoot! Magazine
• 2nd place  - $90 gift certificate redeemable in the scootercraft webshop free subscription to Scoot! Magazine
• 3rd place  - $60 gift certificate redeemable in the scootercraft webshop; free issue of Scoot! Magazine and Scoot! collectible buttons.
• 4th place - Stage6 T-Shirt and keychain; free issue of Scoot! Magazine and Scoot! collectible buttons.
• 5th place - Stage6 T-Shirt and keychain; free issue of Scoot! Magazine and Scoot! collectible buttons.
  

Categories:

• 2-stroke modern (any cc)
• 4-stroke modern (any cc)
• Classic/VintageHow to enter:
  

Go to http://www.scootmagazine.com/contribute.php and download our Reader's Ride Profile questionnaire.  Fill it out and submit it along with 5 high-quality photos of your bike and one headshot of you (the owner). Entries should be mailed to: Show Us Your Scoots Contest; c/o Scoot! Magazine, P.O. Box 9605, San Jose, CA 95157.

Rules & stuff:
The contest is open to all residents in the USA, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Photos must be received by Scoot! Magazine by April 30, 2010. Winners will be chosen by the Scoot! Magazine editorial team. Photos of winning scooters to be printed in the June issue of Scoot! Magazine.

Tips:
Be specific and detail what modifications and steps you took to get it to where it is today. We are interested in how it looks and how it runs! Also only send clear, clutter-free, sharp photos, we cannot publish low-quality images, photocopies (yes, we get those all the time) or images taken from the Internet. If the images aren't print quality, you won't make it into the magazine.

Upcoming Rally: Scootouring 24- Sacramento, CA

Scootouring is a camping rally put on by The Burgundy Topz of Sacramento, CA. They are a great bunch of guys and I recommend the rally if you live within driving distance. 

Piaggo Cuts Management Positions

Dealer News ran a news item about Piaggio cutting management positions:

Reduced unit sales of scooters in 2009 forced Piaggio USA to cut several top level managers in its sales operation and flatten out its sales staff, says Paolo Timoni, president and CEO of Piaggio’s US operations.
Noting that industry-wide U.S. scooter sales were down about 65 percent last year, Timoni says that steps had to be taken to balance revenue and costs. “We don’t expect 2010 sales to go back to 2008 numbers,” he says. So, it was cut either sales or dealer services.
“Given our priorities for 2010 and 2011,” Timoni says, “ we concluded it was a priority for us to maintain our service capabilities (to dealers) as much as possible, because we think this is what dealers need. Probably, we could get with a smaller sales organization, since there wouldn’t be that much sales, right? Therefore, we basically reduced the size of our sales organization.”

The position of vice president of sales and marketing has been eliminated and the former head of sales and marketing, Gary Pietruszewski, has been let go. The marketing management functions now will be handled by three managers, who report to Timoni. “It’s a much flatter management structure,” he says.

Melissa MacCall is responsible for marketing, Internet activities, promotions and co-marketing activities. Karen Andrews is brand manager for Piaggio and Vespa, and Rick Panettieri is brand manager for Aprilia and Moto Guzzi.
At the same, the number of regional sales directors was cut from three to two, and three regional sales directors were dropped, reducing the number of sales directors from 10 to seven.

“We have great opportunity here,” says Timoni. “You notice we didn’t touch our service organization. We thought that would be the best investment we could make now, and we hope dealers appreciate that basically all the infrastructure and organization to support and service them has been untouched. That’s our strategy.”
No other changes are planned for the time being. “That’s all there is,” says Timoni.

The motorsports industry is hurting like so many other industries, and Piaggio products are higher on the price spectrum. It seems unlikely that the slump will turn around soon.

Red Lambretta Shirt

Like Lambrettas? Like Red Lambrettas? Like red Lambrettas on a green shirt? SCORE!

You can get this one for $24 at GeekMorris.

Scooter Gift Cards

Over the holiday's I picked up a Macy's gift card that had a couple on a scooter. It says "Happy Holidays" on it. So, I thought that they would all be gone. Turns out that they are still available via the website. If you were int he store, you could just pick one up, but to get one online you'll need to load it with at least $10.

Order yours, here.

If yo have seen the recent issue of Scoot! and read my Scooter Collector column, you may have wanted to get he Target scooter wedding card. If you don't live by a Target, you can get the card online, too. Same fund parameters of $10-$1K. Order yours here.

Old pics...

Was going through my computer, deleting old pics & found this taken by Dan Bergeron. Me & Carlos Alazraqui.

Tom Hanks/ Julia Roberts film with scooters?

In a story on Julia Roberts' career, the Los Angeles Times included this tidbit of info:

...Now comes word that Roberts is taking on another lead role, with 'Charlie Wilson’s War' buddy Tom Hanks writing and directing a movie for the two of them about a man re-inventing his life at middle age. The man endures a midlife crisis and joins a kids' Vespa gang; Roberts plays an instructor at a school that Hanks' character enrolls in...

This must be one of the reasons that Tom Hanks bought a new Genuine Buddy from Route 66 Modern Classics last year.  My guess is that like most mainstream media, the scooters are not actually Vespa(r) scooters but the generic "vespa" scooter which is much like Kleenex and Xerox. But we'll have to see.

Internet Movie Database has 8 films listed in development for Roberts. Wanna guess which one you think it is?

1. Happiness Sold Separately
   
2. Youngblood 
3. Hothouse Flowers 
4. In the Neighborhood
   
5. Monte Carlo 
6. A Flowering Evil 
7. The Friday Night Knitting Club 
8. Birds in Fall 

My money (which is Monopoly money by the way ) is on #1.

Vespa ET4 for Hipsters

Paste Magazine featured a spread in the November issue which traced the evolution of the hipster, and an ET4 was included. Nice to know that we were once hip (in 2005, no less!).

Taiwan Video: 1 & Half Minute Light Cycle

While in Taipei, I was doing some shopping at the Guang Hua Electronics Mall and came upon this crazy-busy intersection that had many different lanes feeding into it with an elevated highway above it. As I began crossing the street, I realized that the lanes coming towards me looked like the biggest scooter rally that I had ever seen...and this is just regular Friday night traffic! I think the actual video is abut 1:36 but I started filming in the crosswalk, so the light had probably been green for at least 3-4 more second.

Taipei scootering is a wild surprise for American scooterists for sure!
See it for yourself on Google Maps...




This video was shot here.

View Larger Map

Scoot# 54 is en route

The first issue of 2010 (February) is available for order and en route to subscribers and retailers.We had a larger than expected order from our distributor, so this issue may sell out.

If you are a subscriber who has not received your issue by February 1st, let us know by using the CONTACT link above and selecting "Subscription/Order Inquiry."

Highlights of this issue include:

• Reviews: The SYM Citycom 300i & Yamaha Zuma 125
• Taiwan scootering
• Project Vespa Pt. 2
• Scooter racing in the Northwest
• Meet the folks behind S.I.P.
• Italian Scooter rallies
• Comic: The Unlovables
• Get ready for the Cannonball Run 2010!

Next issue, #55, will be available in April. Content deadline for that issue is January 19th, 2010.

Taiwan Video: Go parking, baby...go parking on the sidewalk

In Taiwan there are so many scooters that it would be impossible to have them park in the streets, so sidewalk parking is totally acceptable. Matter of fact, many sidewalks have designated areas pained on the sidewalk where scooters should park. Because of this, scooters often drive up on the sidewalks in the dips where we would expect wheelchairs and strollers to com up. Consequently, when in Taiwan, do not stand in the center of that dip. You might get run over as I almost did in one of my videos. :)

A few years back, the scooterists of New York City had some issues with paring on the sidewalk, so I dedicate this video to them.

San Francisco Rocks Elite 250

Nice to see one of these old scoots around.



-- Post from my iPhone, out-n-about...

Scooter Relief Fund: Tim Paxton

Scoot! has always supported the Scooter Relief cause. And when Josh had his serious accident, many, many scooterists came to his aid through Scooter Relief. Here is another instance of a scooterist being hit by a car, and the cowardly driver just taking off. Please contribute if you can. Any amount helps.
From Scooter-Relief:

Tim Paxton, SLC scooterist, was hit and run over by a motorist in late October. He sustained serious injuries including many broken bones (pelvis, knees, legs, etc...). He has a long road of recovery ahead of him, and could use all of the help that the community can provide

.

Welcome, 2010!

Happy New Year! Any resolutions?

I can't say that I am much of a resolution kind of person. I always feel pressured to make one, but they often fall flat. But this year, I proclaim 2010 the "do everything better" year. I figure if I can commit to putting more effort into everything, even if it is a little bit more, then things can only improve. Not that things are bad, but we could all use an improved life, now couldn't we? I'd also like to "ride more' but I say that every year, and end up behind my computer far too much.Maybe a fancy new scooter would help....?

Do you have any scooter-related resolutions?

"Vespa Pizzeria" in South Carolina

The Post and Courier newspaper carried a review of a new restaurant called Vespa Pizzeria in South Carolina. The restaurant is supposed to use a "pizza garage" theme.If you find yourself in the Daniel Island area, check them out:
224 Seven Farms Dr # 101 Daniel Island, SC 29492-7974
Phone: (843) 881-0102

iPhone App: Rat on a Scooter XL

I was scanning the iTunes App store and happened upon Rat on a Scooter XL which seems to be a rat ridding a scooter on an obstacle course. Download it for your iPod or iPhone for 99-cents.

Les Nereides- Scooter Necklace

Thanks to Lara who forwarded me this tip from the Frisky on this quaint, but pricey scooter necklace from Colette. It will run you about $122, but is a unique piece.

Add your Flikr scooter pics to our pool

If you are a Flikr member and post scooter pics, why not share them with other Flikr scooterists by adding them to the Scoot! Magazine Flikr pool? I just tagged my Taiwan photos so that other members could see them. Add yours!

Little Ceasar is Italian

And I have photo proof that he rode a scooter.



-- Post from my iPhone, out-n-about...

Bell Sports Helmets Lambretta Animation

I was looking up some info on Bell Helmets and noticed that they have an animation of a guy riding a Lambretta. Cool! There are several Flash animations, of which this is one.

Cannonball Route

Just got this info from Bagel:

Vancouver, BC to Portland, ME - 3270 miles
13 states, 3 border crossings

ROUTE MAP

Day 1: Vancouver, BC to Grand Forks - 325 mi
Day 2: Grand Forks to West Glacier - 331 mi
Day 3: West Glacier to Lewistown - 314 mi
Day 4: Lewistown to Bowman - 347 mi
Day 5: Bowman to Ortonville - 369 mi
Day 6: Ortonville to Ironwood - 362 mi
Day 7: Ironwood to Sault Ste. Marie - 311 mi
Day 8: Sault Ste. Marie to North Bay - 270 mi
Day 9: North Bay to Lake Placid, NY - 365 mi
Day 10: Lake Placid, NY to Portland, ME - 276 mi

This year it is the high route, with crossing into Canada!
Who is up for it????

Looking for the Most Scooter-Friendly College/University

Scooters are ideal modes of transportation for students. They are economical with fuel, maintenance and are easy to park, making them perfect for parking on and off campus.

We're looking for the most scooter-friendly campus in the US. I'd like to do a story on what makes it so well-suited for scooters, with hopes to inspire other schools to embrace and encourage scooter riding.

Want to nominate your school? Send a 100-300 word essay extolling the school's benefits to scooter riders. Be sure to not only consider just easy parking or a discounted permit. We want to know of the general attitude towards scooters. How many scooter riders are on campus? Have any facilities, rules or accommodations been made just for scooters? Is there a local scooter club or place where scooterists congregate? Consider all the angles when drafting your nomination. Send your submission to April (select Interested in Contributing).

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?

My Taiwan Flikr Set

As usual, I have come down with a cold after traveling. I tried to do everything I could to avoid it, including bringing nose spray to keep my sinuses hydrated. However, my plane from Tokyo to San Francisco was so dry that I ende up getting dry eyes. They felt like sandpaper! Will I ever win?

Anyways, the downtime has given me an opportunity to upload my photos to Flikr. Some have captions, some don't but you can get an idea of where I went. I also took tons of video of scootin' action, but will need to edit that *after* I get the next issue to design. My work is never done!

Check out my Taiwan 2009 Flikr set.

My Fave Scooter-Riding Sleuth

If you haven't caught Hetty Wainthrop Investigates on PBS' Mystery! series, you are missing out. Not only does actress Patricia Routledge do an excellent job inhabiting the spunky and no-nonsense female detective "of a certain age" but she also does so sometimes from the back of a Lambretta.

The series has Hetty starting her own investigation agency at the age of 60, when she determines hat she has a knack for ferreting the truth.  She is assisted by her sidekick Geoffrey, played by Dominc Monaghan (from Lord of the Rings films and Lost), pilots the scooter and helps Hetty with her investigations. Not every episode has a scooter, but you'll find it interesting nonetheless if you enjoy the sort of programming that Mystery! brings.

You can get the first season at Amazon for a discount, but it looks like some independent sellers have it at a nice discount.  Go Hetty!

Shopping Day in Taipei!

I have visited two night markets since coming to Taiwan; one in Tainan the other in Taipei. The markets are like our Flea Markets with vendor tables selling all sorts of clothing, jewelery, shoes, housewares and especially food. My gluten issues have taken the tasty baked goods off my list but last night I ate some tasty fried sweet potato chunks in a sweet crispy sesame seed glaze. Yum! Ate it straight from the box with a toothpick while walking the market.

Here you can see a few scores from the market:






The pink thing is a fashionable face mask which does not have a scooter, but the cute packaging does.

Today the serious shopping begins. It is my first and only day to wander around on my own. I am on a mission to try for a new camera and (of course) get more scooter stuff.

-- Post from my iPhone, out-n-about...

NSR: Mr. Hankey Cookie DIY Video

This is almost scooter-related since I shot the video, the cookies were made by a scooterist and the idea for the cookie cutter was devised by another scooterist, but let's not split hairs (or get them in the dough).

Just in time for Christmas...How to Make Mr. Hankey Cookies

Paper Scooter Models

Like to make paper models? Here are some online sources for patterns:

Pizza Delivery Scooter

Download it here.

Bajaj Ape/Tuk-Tuk

 

Download it here. 

Holiday Gifts for Scooterists

Don't forget about the Sur la Table scooterist kitchen towels! $8

GQ Picks Vespa S for Gift Guide

American men's magazine GQ has picked the Vespa S150 as one of their 50 gift suggestions for this holiday season. Of the scooter they say:

We love motorcycles, but we don't know many guys who want to attempt balancing a dozen eggs on the tank of a Ducati. When you're running errands in the suburbs or commuting on congested city streets, there's nothing better than a Vespa. This S150 has the lines of the classic models from the 1970s, enough zip to shoot the gaps in moving traffic, and room under the seat for a six-pack. Your commute will never be the same.

Cool Animated Gif

Saw this fun animated gif on the DeviantArt profile page of cinslalucria. I like the color combo and the swirling pattern. Neato!