Scooters craze
Thread Starter
ATGATT
Superstock
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 253
From: South of Nashvegas TN
Scooters craze
With the rise in gas prices I see scooters all over the place now and I know some guys buying them to cruise around town. I know half of them have never even riden a motorcycle before nor do they have an idea how to ride in congestion around town. I think riding in town is WAY worse than on the interstate, although there they go in sandles and t-shirts cruising through traffic acting like they are invincible to the world. It doesn't matter if they are "real" motorcycles or not. In traffic your still two wheels fighting to not end up on someones bumper or driver door. Having a silent tiny scooter isn't much defense in my opinion.
Senior Member
SuperBike
SuperBike
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,031
From: Los Angeles ish
Around here, I'd say over half the scooters are tooling around with about 10lbs of pressure inna' back tire. Most of the "rider's" probably never took a safety course or read the owner's manual.
I've been waiting a long time to use that smiley.
I've been waiting a long time to use that smiley.
Long Member
Back Marker
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 126
From: Northwood, NH
Almost got clipped in town today. Only doing about 25 MPH but I'm sure it would have hurt, especially the bike. I swerved and gunned it. I figured if the speed wouldn't save me the noise would. Not on a scooter though.
Moderator
MotoGP
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,553
From: South Texas
Newb007,
You bring up a sensitive subject for me. I'm firmly in the camp of those who believe that one is "born to ride" and those that aren't are "two percenters" who don't stick with it for various reasons. I also believe that these two percenters represent a majority of those that have accidents; especially, the easily avoidable kinds.
My sister in law of some 22 years recently bought one just out of the blue. She rarely ever talked to me about my bikes even back when she saw me and her older sister, my wife of said 22 years, go on dates on my motorcycle. She rides to work with nothing more for gear than a "pretty pink helmet" (open faced of course) since it's "so close to work" (her words in quotes) but it's all on busy major streets. She's never been athletic or the outdoors type and is only doing this for economic reasons. The ironic thing is she has a small econobox car.
My conscience constantly reminds me that I haven't given her "the lecture" and I'm torn about giving it to her since I know she'll become defensive (her personality) and would probably never choose to sell it since even a scooter is a major purchase item for her thus she probably has a loan and would be a PITA to unload.
You bring up a sensitive subject for me. I'm firmly in the camp of those who believe that one is "born to ride" and those that aren't are "two percenters" who don't stick with it for various reasons. I also believe that these two percenters represent a majority of those that have accidents; especially, the easily avoidable kinds.
My sister in law of some 22 years recently bought one just out of the blue. She rarely ever talked to me about my bikes even back when she saw me and her older sister, my wife of said 22 years, go on dates on my motorcycle. She rides to work with nothing more for gear than a "pretty pink helmet" (open faced of course) since it's "so close to work" (her words in quotes) but it's all on busy major streets. She's never been athletic or the outdoors type and is only doing this for economic reasons. The ironic thing is she has a small econobox car.
My conscience constantly reminds me that I haven't given her "the lecture" and I'm torn about giving it to her since I know she'll become defensive (her personality) and would probably never choose to sell it since even a scooter is a major purchase item for her thus she probably has a loan and would be a PITA to unload.
Last edited by superbling; Jul 25, 2008 at 07:46 PM.
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SuperSport
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 701
From: Athens, GA
I stopped at a scooter store to look at vespas for my wife to go back and forth to school on. i rode the hawk to the scooter store. the guy was a total **** nugget to me and was acting like i was driving an H2 around or something. Pretentious townie fruitcake. He was calling his 250cc bikes his "big bikes" and told me i probably wouldnt be interested "if THATS what you usually ride." i told him i grew up riding vespas and i had a lambretta too, so im familiar with them and i really like them, actually... and he told me "so you shouldnt have any questions then." i said i guess i wont be buying **** from you, im coming in with the intentions of spending a couple grand and youre acting like a dick monster to me. he walked away and told me he didnt have anything in stock for me. i was surprised that he would run his business like that..... i guess i just rub hippies the wrong way.
(i try not to actually touch them.) I used to wave to them (scooter riders), but they act like their **** doesnt stink so much (around here at least), im going to stop.... to them, we are the SUV drivers of the motorcycle world, and most of them have a huge chip on their shoulder in this department
(i try not to actually touch them.) I used to wave to them (scooter riders), but they act like their **** doesnt stink so much (around here at least), im going to stop.... to them, we are the SUV drivers of the motorcycle world, and most of them have a huge chip on their shoulder in this department
Rooster Wolf
Back Marker
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 103
From: Knightdale, NC
Here in the booming metropolis of Raleigh, NC we call them "liquor-sickles" due to the high amount of drunks who legally drive them. Since you don't need a drivers license for 49cc's or less, then don't worry if your license gets yanked.
Of course, now nearly everyone is getting them for economic reasons and we see them in even more abundance. Personally, I would not use one (50cc sized) unless it was in the neigborhood or a campsite. 40mph does not seem safe to me on most public roads. Now the Silverwing, that's a different story!
Of course, now nearly everyone is getting them for economic reasons and we see them in even more abundance. Personally, I would not use one (50cc sized) unless it was in the neigborhood or a campsite. 40mph does not seem safe to me on most public roads. Now the Silverwing, that's a different story!
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SuperSport
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 701
From: Athens, GA
Here in the booming metropolis of Raleigh, NC we call them "liquor-sickles" due to the high amount of drunks who legally drive them. Since you don't need a drivers license for 49cc's or less, then don't worry if your license gets yanked.
Of course, now nearly everyone is getting them for economic reasons and we see them in even more abundance. Personally, I would not use one (50cc sized) unless it was in the neigborhood or a campsite. 40mph does not seem safe to me on most public roads. Now the Silverwing, that's a different story!
Of course, now nearly everyone is getting them for economic reasons and we see them in even more abundance. Personally, I would not use one (50cc sized) unless it was in the neigborhood or a campsite. 40mph does not seem safe to me on most public roads. Now the Silverwing, that's a different story!
Thread Starter
ATGATT
Superstock
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 253
From: South of Nashvegas TN
Here in the booming metropolis of Raleigh, NC we call them "liquor-sickles" due to the high amount of drunks who legally drive them. Since you don't need a drivers license for 49cc's or less, then don't worry if your license gets yanked.
Of course, now nearly everyone is getting them for economic reasons and we see them in even more abundance. Personally, I would not use one (50cc sized) unless it was in the neigborhood or a campsite. 40mph does not seem safe to me on most public roads. Now the Silverwing, that's a different story!
Of course, now nearly everyone is getting them for economic reasons and we see them in even more abundance. Personally, I would not use one (50cc sized) unless it was in the neigborhood or a campsite. 40mph does not seem safe to me on most public roads. Now the Silverwing, that's a different story!
I think the part that irritates me is the people I know getting scooters aren't the bike riding type (subjective I know) and I have given them advice on gear and riding tips. But they seem to think its a game. Their choice, just irritating. You gear up for the fall, not the ride. My Dad is a long distance rider (did 3600 miles in 63 hrs this wknd) and has been down twice. I know his gear saved him. I've been fortunate, but I know anything can happen. When I got my most recent bike he reminded me, all gear, all the time and then handed me a set of boots, pants,riding jackets, and helmet.
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,547
From: Way Out West
More than scooters I'm seeing an increase of well preserved '80s bikes on the road.
Bikes guys left in the shed or back of the garage since they last rode in the late '80s, early '90s. Many of the bikes look near new, but the tip off is the ancient Bell Star or Nava GT helmet the guy has on.
Bikes guys left in the shed or back of the garage since they last rode in the late '80s, early '90s. Many of the bikes look near new, but the tip off is the ancient Bell Star or Nava GT helmet the guy has on.
Member
Squid
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 75
From: moreno valley, ca
i saw a vespa "gang" once 
. there were 6 of them in shorts and t-shirts with open face helmets. they even gave me the motorcyclist wave, i gave them the finger and got the hell away from there. damn hippies. that had to be the most disturbing thing i have seen while riding.
. there were 6 of them in shorts and t-shirts with open face helmets. they even gave me the motorcyclist wave, i gave them the finger and got the hell away from there. damn hippies. that had to be the most disturbing thing i have seen while riding.
Last edited by supertrooper; Jul 25, 2008 at 09:56 PM.
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,452
From: San Clemente, CA
I think scooters are fun, but I've never ridden one more than just around the block, an old Lambretta and a Vespa. The old 2 strokes hauled *** for their size.
What's scary is the brakes and small tires, and the people riding them that think they must have the "open face retro" look. In beach towns in SoCal they are now all over the place, and I'm sure most riders don't have a Class M endorsement on their license.
I do have to admit that I kind of like the Mod look (Quadraphenia) with all the mirrors though, but I haven't seen any of them in the last couple of years.
What's scary is the brakes and small tires, and the people riding them that think they must have the "open face retro" look. In beach towns in SoCal they are now all over the place, and I'm sure most riders don't have a Class M endorsement on their license.
I do have to admit that I kind of like the Mod look (Quadraphenia) with all the mirrors though, but I haven't seen any of them in the last couple of years.
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SuperSport
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 701
From: Athens, GA
Senior Member
SuperSport
SuperSport
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 880
From: Victoriaville, Quebec, Canada
Imagine having to cross a jam packed city to work everyday, with gas prices breaking 2,50 $, in Europe, it's scooters frenzy. So it's just around the corner in North America.
I think it's some of the best transportation for someone who never hit the highway, when i went to Paris and all the major European cities, these things just fly by and squeeze between cars like water between rocks, my chicken was just to heavy to ride like this, I figured that if I was living in this mess, I would think of it, but I would probably ride a supermotard witch is less gay
I nearly punch one every now and then with some horn and a thick "Hostie de cave !!!"
witch mean in French Canadian " ****** idiot !!" then you get that zitface stare
I just saved your worthless life you moron....
Many drive ok, we just don't see them
I think it's some of the best transportation for someone who never hit the highway, when i went to Paris and all the major European cities, these things just fly by and squeeze between cars like water between rocks, my chicken was just to heavy to ride like this, I figured that if I was living in this mess, I would think of it, but I would probably ride a supermotard witch is less gay
I nearly punch one every now and then with some horn and a thick "Hostie de cave !!!"
witch mean in French Canadian " ****** idiot !!" then you get that zitface stare
I just saved your worthless life you moron....Many drive ok, we just don't see them
Last edited by gboezio; Jul 26, 2008 at 05:05 AM.
Junior Member
Squid
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 21
Scooter riders are everywhere here.
They are NOT motorcyclist!
I generally see two types of riders.
1. Earth loving, hybrid driving, green recycling, lady with little grandma glasses & shoes. Make no mistake she thinks motorcyclists are scumbags. She is “SAVING” the earth, whales, global warming, curing cancer, and nagging the **** out of any child she has until the kid needs psychotherapy. She thinks she is better than you and me! I can’t wait to see the wide eyed deer in headlight expression she will have standing up with road rash up her ***.
2.The nerd fat boy, pasty white legs, hairy bitch ****, knees to his chest looks to either be raping the scooter, or shitting the scooter out of his enormous *******.
Their entire education regarding two wheeled vehicles relates to gas mileage only.
They are NOT motorcyclist!
I generally see two types of riders.
1. Earth loving, hybrid driving, green recycling, lady with little grandma glasses & shoes. Make no mistake she thinks motorcyclists are scumbags. She is “SAVING” the earth, whales, global warming, curing cancer, and nagging the **** out of any child she has until the kid needs psychotherapy. She thinks she is better than you and me! I can’t wait to see the wide eyed deer in headlight expression she will have standing up with road rash up her ***.
2.The nerd fat boy, pasty white legs, hairy bitch ****, knees to his chest looks to either be raping the scooter, or shitting the scooter out of his enormous *******.
Their entire education regarding two wheeled vehicles relates to gas mileage only.
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 283
From: greeley, co
Scooter riders are everywhere here.
They are NOT motorcyclist!
I generally see two types of riders.
1. Earth loving, hybrid driving, green recycling, lady with little grandma glasses & shoes. Make no mistake she thinks motorcyclists are scumbags. She is “SAVING” the earth, whales, global warming, curing cancer, and nagging the **** out of any child she has until the kid needs psychotherapy. She thinks she is better than you and me! I can’t wait to see the wide eyed deer in headlight expression she will have standing up with road rash up her ***.
2.The nerd fat boy, pasty white legs, hairy bitch ****, knees to his chest looks to either be raping the scooter, or shitting the scooter out of his enormous *******.
Their entire education regarding two wheeled vehicles relates to gas mileage only.
They are NOT motorcyclist!
I generally see two types of riders.
1. Earth loving, hybrid driving, green recycling, lady with little grandma glasses & shoes. Make no mistake she thinks motorcyclists are scumbags. She is “SAVING” the earth, whales, global warming, curing cancer, and nagging the **** out of any child she has until the kid needs psychotherapy. She thinks she is better than you and me! I can’t wait to see the wide eyed deer in headlight expression she will have standing up with road rash up her ***.
2.The nerd fat boy, pasty white legs, hairy bitch ****, knees to his chest looks to either be raping the scooter, or shitting the scooter out of his enormous *******.
Their entire education regarding two wheeled vehicles relates to gas mileage only.
Last edited by sumthin_major; Jul 27, 2008 at 06:53 AM.
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,806
From: Atlanta, GA
"I ride a GS scooter with my hair cut neat. I wear my wartime coat in the wind and sleet."
Sea and Sand, Quadrophenia 1973. I wore out several vinyl copies of that record.
I get a kick out of strafing scooter riders.
Last edited by killer5280; Aug 16, 2008 at 09:49 AM.
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,547
From: Way Out West
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mszZREj11OU
YouTube - The Who-Won't Be Fooled Again
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9CWJa9yK7I
YouTube - The Who - Whos' Next - Baba O' Reilly
Got nothing against scooters. People should ride what they want, wear what they want, wave at who they want, etc.
More concerned about the ******** who want to tell me how to live before they tax me to death.
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,452
From: San Clemente, CA
2nd mouse gets the cheese
SuperBike
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,697
From: Beaverton, OR
+ 1 on the ruckus. That would be the only scooter I would consider hopping on. Someone nearby where I work has one with some really gay ape hangers on it though. Why would you ruin a ruckus like that? Anyone know if honda is still making the ruckus?
Duc Hawk
SuperSport
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 691
From: Malibu's canyons
If you don't understand the rivalry between the scooter and moto crowd you need to see Quadraphenia. I used to get called "Fonzi" on my 69' CB750 by all the Vespa Mods back in the day. But seriously it was all in good fun. As we all hung out and drank together.
Scooters are fun but they feel like riding a barstool with casters on it.
Hawk Newbie
Back Marker
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 203
From: Illinois
I use my Fiance's to go get beer at the corner store(all small roads 25 MPH) it fits a 12 pack under the seat other than that I would not take it anywhere else it does not feel safe I can't imagine what would happen to your body if you got hit on one. Ouch!
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 530
From: Central Fl.
Who woulda thought, hawk riders with a secret past and it had 12" wheels. Hoo Ha! I guess if that's as bad as it got in times past for you guys then I'm just going to keep my mouth shut, and since I've outlived those who know truth about me, my secret is safe.
If you were REAL scooter trash, then it was Lambretta...(did I say that out loud?)
If you were REAL scooter trash, then it was Lambretta...(did I say that out loud?)
Post Whore Junior
MotoGP
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,825
From: Triad, NC
Member
Squid
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 48
From: CO.
I overheard the salesmen at a local bike shop - jokingly say - the hardest part of buying and riding a scooter is:
"admitting to all your friends and family - that your a fruitcake"
nothing wrong with being gay just thought it was funny
"admitting to all your friends and family - that your a fruitcake"
nothing wrong with being gay just thought it was funny
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SuperSport
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 701
From: Athens, GA
then you have to grow a gay mustache to hide the stretch marks
