The Scooter Scoop!

The 2010 SH150i gets the once-over

2009-07-06T13:17:00.001-05:00

Adam Waheed got his hands on the new Honda SH150i and presents his findings on Motorcycle-USA.
It's stirred up an impressive amount of feedback on their site. Why dontcha give it a read and let us know what YOU think... Though I bet I already know some of the comments. My guesses?
What took so long? Where's the 300? And Why so much?

Here's some responses:
"Who the heck knows"... "Who the heck knows"... and "Sure a but pricy, but only a hundred bucks more than the Vespa LX150". Anyone see one in person in the USA yet?

***UPDATE 7/6/2009***
Our old friends at Motorcycle.com also gave her the "who's yer daddy" just nine days ago. You can see Alfonse Palaima's take by going to Motorcycle.com (ALSO with lots of frenzied feedback).

Happy 4th of July from The Scooter Scoop!

2009-07-03T17:41:00.002-05:00

Here's wishing you a safe, happy and scootin' Independence Day!

What's so good about a small, lightweight bike?

2009-07-01T07:01:00.000-05:00

Raffaele De Rosa's Amazing Knee-Riding Save - Watch more Funny Videos
You can't do THIS on a big bike... Raffaele De Rosa is on a 250cc 2-stroker that weighs in at about 220lbs. Way to handle it De Rosa!

Scooter guys are like super heros

2009-06-30T00:42:00.001-05:00

Notte Sento is a short film made with 4500+ still photographs. Shot with a Canon EOS 30D camera. Chosen as one of the top 5 projects of the Seagate Creative Fund (because of all the beautiful Italians). Enjoy!

Honda introduces the 110cc Cub! (not here... yet)

2009-06-29T10:04:00.004-05:00

PRESS RELEASE

Business model, "110 Super Cub" released just 10 days ago.
This is the... um, rough translation:

Honda has a powerful output characteristics of air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke 110cc and with a total frame up a new engine model provides a good body size取RI回SHI "110 Super Cub", Friday, June 19 release do.

Super Cub 110 is required for business applications, developing a domestic-only model that combines economy and practicality.

Engine, high-efficiency air-cooling technology to a low-friction 4-stroke single-cylinder 110cc engine. Electronic fuel injection (PGM-FI ※) and adoption of fuel efficiency is more than 90 Super Cub 63.5km / L (60km / h fixed area driving test values) have been achieved.

Clutch system, clutch mechanism with a variable speed and launch an independent two-stage clutch system that will reduce the shock of speed change. The mission adopted by the four-speed, improving the comfort of cruising.

Body, frame and adopt a new pipe design of the backbone type, with improved rigidity, while achieving the取RI回SHI buoyant.

Design, but follow the traditional styling of the original Super Cub has been configured in a neat styling and a smooth surface suitable for the new generation of Super Cub.

Super Cub series, the first model in 1958 to eight "Super Cub C100" Since its launch, quiet and fuel-efficient, durable and reliable four-stroke engine, easy-to-type low-floor backbone乗RI降RI and frame, and the adoption of the automatic centrifugal clutch to clutch operation省ITA, long seller models are used for a wide range of users.

Super Cub 110 is based on trust with the technology and durability over the years, developed a new generation of the Super Cub to achieve a high level of dynamic performance and environmental performance. Basic specifications of the engine, while the unified model and global sourcing parts from overseas factories. And production vehicles at Kumamoto in Japan, in order to raise the production efficiency, while achieving the affordable price.

See lots more photos HERE>

My calculations may not be correct, but looks like it's kicking up about 8.04 HP at 7,500 RPM. I want to sit on one SOOOO bad. Crazy accessories can be found HERE>

Honda finally reveals Helix replacement (for everyone else)

2009-06-29T09:14:00.008-05:00

You might recall back in 2007, Dudel dug up this little patent office sketch submission from Honda. We looked at it and figured it might be Honda's replacement for the old school Helix (there will never be a replacement for the Honda Helix).

Well today a mystery scooper pointed us to Scooter-Station's report on the new 250cc Honda Faze, scheduled for a European release in 2010 (below).

I see some similarities to the sketch from 2007 with the biggest difference being the updated and easier to swallow (B-King inspired?) front end. I love the big front/rear discs by the way. Oh! Watch a video here.

Scooter-Station says the 250cc version is scheduled for Japan with the possibility of a 125cc coming to Europe for the added fuel economy and wider (teen) market. Right now we know the SH150i and New Elite (108cc) are headed our way for 2010, but still no mention of the Faze 250 or Silverwing GT 600. What do you think? Late 2010? 2011? Never?

I'd personally like to see the Piaggio X7 Evo 300cc come to the USA and give 'em a run for their money.

The MotoTank

2009-06-28T17:04:00.000-05:00

In keeping with the two scoots but one ass direction that Steve started exploring I give you the MotoTank:

This is what happens when you weld together two 150cc liquid cooled scooters and set it up for tank style steering.

Follow this link for more photos and information on the build.

Just noticed that the BEPs featured Lambretta

2009-06-27T22:00:00.001-05:00

I don't really watch music TV... most of them don't show music videos any more anyway, but IF they did I would have caught this back in 2005 when "Don't Lie" was a single from the Black Eyed Peas' album "Monkey Business". One of the first scenes features Will.I.Am "riding" a Lambretta down the street. By "riding" I mean posing on one in front of a green screen. Good to catch another scooter in a video, especially from a group with as much pop appeal as BEP.

Petition to see more electric incentives in the USA

2009-06-26T23:57:00.000-05:00

(the only motorbike greener than an electric is helium powered and carries zero passengers)

ROME, Italy – The Italian government is working to cut emission rates in their urban areas, and to that end they are attempting to encourage the use of alternate forms of transporation.

The Italian Government is currently examining a proposal by the industry organization ANCMA for a major tax incentive on e-Bikes. Like in all EU countries, the Italians are looking for new means to cut emission rates in their urban areas. In order to stimulate the use of sustainable forms of mobility as alternatives of motor vehicles the Italian Government wants to grant 30% restitution on all e-Bikes.

What can we do to rally some support for these types of incentives to happen here in the USA? I guess a petition wouldn't hurt. Right now there is a Twitter based petition that can be found HERE>

Hrm... do you think they'll send us the new Motobecane Motivo?

Michael Jackson Rest in Peace (1958-2009)

2009-06-26T20:29:00.000-05:00

A bit of the behinds-the-scenes from his Suzuki scooter shoot in Japan.

Friday Moment of Zen

2009-06-26T15:13:00.003-05:00

Believe it or not, this is a mid-80s Honda Aero 50 scooter:

It started out looking something like this:

WTF of the week - The 50 mpg car... I think.

2009-06-24T22:42:00.000-05:00

(Love scooter so much that you wish you could ride two at a time? PROJECT!)

Ilya V. shot me an IM tonight with a bit-o-Russian ingenuity that easily garners this weeks WTF award. What we have here is a formula to convert two 100 mpg scooters into one 50 mpg car, or quad. Why would he make the effort? Because he a) Was bored... b) Could... or c) Owns two scooters but has only one ass.

Here's the original link. Thanks for the scoop Ilya!

Speaking of "Posties"...

2009-06-23T23:27:00.018-05:00

(Oh! You ride a Postie? I've got a special delivery for you my dear.)

I like work-themed bikes. I've always said if I got my hands on a Big Ruckus, I'd turn it into a military messenger bike. Well, if I got my hands on a cub, I would undoubedly spend untold hours and dollars begging my friends Aki and Kuroneko to ship me parts to transform it into a MD90, Japanese Postal bike.

Like THIS:

Complete with single seat, massive topcase and that little medical looking bag on the front rack. There are a number of other subtle differences... and of course, I'd wanna capture each and every one.

Aki tells me that the special edition Honda postal scooters are never sold to the public. Some people will build them from standard Cubs with bicycle parts, some sell them grey market.

If you are into that sorta thing, I've got some sites for you to see (thanks to Aki and Kuroneko... though they should know better than to encourage me).

Here's one Resto Job done in Japan. I like how they call it the "the postal turnip". :D

The Postie Bike Garage has got some good info on the turnip. They say the MD = Mail Delivery

Here's another restoration / conversion page where you can see some rim details.

Yuubinbike.com has some nice MD90 owner photos and a little section called "I like post office bike".

Here's a used "Red Beet" postie for sale. It's a more modern design (1982). Honda build limited numbers of these "Red-Cub" scoots as a tribute to the official MD service bike.

If you are doing a conversion, you might be lucky and find parts on a Japanese Yahoo Auction.

Kijima has a parts catalog, but from what I understand you can only order them if you are a post office official :(

Until I do get my hands on a cub, this is about as close as I can get to owning an MD90.

There are other great "professional" uses for the cub... Noodle delivery? Buy your equipment here or here.

Feature film actor?

You can get the 360-in-depth run down IN Japanese by watching this video:

The Moonbeam

2009-06-22T10:58:00.009-05:00

The Scooter Scoop is about "Scooter and Microcar News, Reviews, Commentary and the Celebration of Wheeled Oddities." Then truly I have found the Scooter Scoop Holy Grail™ - The Moonbeam:

The Moonbeam is a microcar made from two scooters and certainly a wheeled oddity.

The Moonbeam was created by Jory Squibb for a measly $2500 in materials including the two Honda Elite scooters and gets around 85 to 105 miles per gallon, has a range of about 400 miles and has a top speed over 50 mph with a comfortable cruising speed of 40 to 45 mph.

Jory has a website that details the design and construction of the car as well as information on events the car is attending, future projects, etc. I encourage you to check it out and let Jory know The Scooter Scoop sent you!

Top Gear - The Vietnam Special

2009-06-21T06:39:00.003-05:00

On December 28, 2008 BBC 2 broadcast a special edition of the award winning show Top Gear in which the hosts were challenged to travel approximately 800 miles from Saigon to Halong Bay in the span of 8 days.

Traditionally the hosts equip themselves with cars using money supplied by the program, but this time they did not have enough money for 4 wheels and, reluctantly for Jeremy, the resigned themselves to buying a bit more economical. Jeremy ended up with a peach of a Vespa, James bought a Honda Cub and Richard snagged a small displacement Soviet motorcycle.

Their journey produces comical lows and breath-taking highs as the trio treks across city and country in pursuit of victory.

Even when you don't consider the scooter aspect, the program is hugely entertaining and educational. You really owe it to yourself to check it out.

New Book - Bikes of Burden

2009-06-20T06:01:00.002-05:00

Dutch photographer Hans Kemp has just come out with a photo book examining how the motorcycle and scooter are a critical part of commerce in Vietnam.

Bikes of Burden is a photo essay of the myriad of two wheeled vehicles that cover Vietnam and carry just about everything needed to keep an economy going - animals, construction supplies, entire families, you name it.

Motorcycles and scooters are popular in Vietnam because they are far cheaper to buy and operate than cars and trucks. Cars are not only expensive, there is a 200% tax on imports.

As a result the scooters and motorcycles have been pressed into duty taking care of the jobs normally handled by cars and light trucks.

The book looks to be filled with truly OMG moments sure to make you laugh and stare in amazement. For a sneak preview you can run over to the Motorcyclist website where they have a short article and a few sample photos.

Bikes of Burden - I encourage you to check it out.

Australian Postie Bike Challenge

2009-06-19T06:36:00.000-05:00

If you are anything like me, you saw Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boreman in Long Way Round and thought to yourself "Self, you need to go on an epic, continent-spanning adventure on a bike!" It's at that point your brain kicks in and you imagine dying in the desert from exposure and snake bites.

Well a more approachable option for you might be The Australian Postie Bike Challenge.

The event is a 10 day ride across Australia (October 3 through 13, 2009) and a fund raiser for several different charities that are encountered along the route. The unique thing about this challenge is what is supplied to the participants:

For a little less than $5,000 AUD they supply you with a Honda CT110 "Postie" to ride, fuel, meals, support truck and crew that follow you on your 3,000 to 4,000 mile journey across the Outback. You can travel in packs or alone, fast or slow, whatever floats your boat. Check out their FAQ for additional details.

Truly a chance for a life-changing experience. Are there other similar events here in the US? Please drop us a line and let us know!

The CargoBee

2009-06-18T06:27:00.000-05:00

A company out of Heerenberg Holland is making a neat little bakbrommer ("box moped") called a CargoBee. The CargoBee is a 49 cc three-wheeled cargo carrier and the engine and semi-automatic transmission appear to be pulled right out of a Honda Super Cub.

The bike has quite a few options depending on your need and application. Their website even has a neat "build to suit" feature where you can add and subract the options you need.Three-wheeled cargo scooters like this appear to be very popular in the Scandinavian countries and I can see why.

I would think something like this would go over big in any urban area and especially Southeast Asia where so much of their inner city cargo is hauled around via scooters and motorcycles.

SFVISBF Mini Moto 2009

2009-06-17T09:54:00.005-05:00

Last year, our favorite Steve brought all of us up to speed on the San Fernando Valley Illegal Soap Box Federation's Mini Moto race featured in Rod and Kulture Magazine. The article detailed the entirely illegal but entirely awesome minibike race through the streets of the San Fernando Valley. Well they have been up to the same mischief this year with the SFVISBF Mini Moto Challenge 2009.

There are still a few races left in this years schedule if you are up to the challenge. C'mon, don't be a sissy. Go for it. Say hi to Evil Ed for me.

1977 Mopeds "Yuba Bike"

2009-06-16T22:18:00.005-05:00

While cruising for parts for my vintage Sachs moped I checked into 1977 Mopeds, one of the best spots on the internet for all things moped.

While there I checked out the mopeds they have for sale. I am not in the market for yet another bike, but it's always fun just to see what is out there. That's when I stumbled upon their "Yuba Bike" Motomatic Moped.

As you can see, this isn't your Berkley Big Sisters moped. The hard tail bobber look of this thing doesn't just demand attention, it walks into your living room and slaps you across the face.

If I had the means, I would be calling on the crew at 1977 tomorrow to arrange for pickup.

Scooter Sales Down Means Good Deals Can Be Found

2009-06-16T15:53:00.004-05:00

The Kansas City Star is reporting that scooter sales for the first three months of 2009 are down when compared to the same time period last year.

Dealerships with full inventories are usually eager to get some merchandise moved and adjust their prices accordingly. Those lowered prices along with new tax deductions for fuel efficient vehicles (part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) may mean that now is the time to buy that first scooter or upgrade to a newer, bigger, faster, sexier machine.

If you end up shopping for a new ride, be sure to let us know what kind of deals you find.

Spending the Summer in the garage

2009-06-10T03:42:00.002-05:00

(how I feel when I'm building something)

Summertime is in full swing here in beautiful / hot Austin, Texas. I know not that long ago I had mentioned a redesign / relaunch, but to tell ya the truth I need some time off. I've got about three or four more involved stories that I'm working on right now and once those are done I'll be up to my elbows in motor oil (or hanging with the family at the pool, or standing in front of a flaming grill, or tilling the organic garden, or having drinks with the folks at the carbon-neutral happy hour, or smokin' a rude cigar, or doing yoga, or soaking up some coffee or music, or researching wind turbines, or hiking in the hill county, or practicing my ukulele, or enjoying our amazing world, or...)

I apologize to my good friends (that's YOU) who have tried to get in contact with me lately or have been waiting patently for a new story. I'm sure you've had times where you need to just "disconnect", right? Well, I need that right now.

I'm sure there will be moments where I've just GOT to post something cool, but until then I raise my Shiner and say "Ride hard, ride safe and keep the rusty side up!"

-steve

More scooters featured in Rap vids - Make it Hot!

2009-06-03T08:53:00.002-05:00

Thanks to @dantecope for the scoop via Twitter.

The key to maintaining National Security? Cutting back consumption.

2009-05-18T21:55:00.000-05:00

(Click the "story" link below for the original NPR piece or else I'll spray you with patchouli!)

Today on NPR's All Things Considered there was a story on importance of energy conservation. The story can be summed up with a quote from Ashton Carter, the new undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, who says:

"As you look out over the scenarios and the sources of conflict and the sources of threat to the United States, you see one after another that is driven by energy or in which energy is an important consideration."

So, there you have it. Aston is basically saying the USA is like a Lion in the Bugs Bunny cartoons. Keep feeding us and we are pretty docile, but threaten our supplies and suddenly your oil rich country looks like a pork chop with legs. The short term solution is to put this Country on an energy diet. Our military is already eatin' their greens.

The little scoot that could - Scooter sales still on top

2009-05-16T23:33:00.004-05:00

(scooters are also attracting attention, even in today's sucky economy)

Here's a recent piece from Motorcycle Product News that notes that while the powersports segment it takin' it in the shorts, scooters are still a relatively attractive seller. Check out the first couple of paragraphs or click on the title link to read the whole story.

If you'd talked to anyone selling scooters one year ago, they should have been ecstatic. New unit sales of scooters were up nearly 80 percent in 2008 compared to 2007, with $4-per-gallon pump prices driving cost-conscious consumers to two-wheels in droves.

The MIC just released first quarter sales results for 2009, and results across the board aren't exactly stellar, especially in the scooter segment: New unit sales across all segments of powersports were down 31.7 percent for the first three months of 2009, while scooters were down 36.7 percent, from 8,402 units in the year-ago quarter to 5,322 in 2009.

While those numbers might make you rethink taking on a scooter line in this precarious market, I'm still of the opinion that as the market begins to recover, scooters are going to represent a growing piece of the pie.

One important thing to remember is that the MIC figures only take into consideration the sales of a few major OEMs. While the Italian and Japanese OEMs do account for a great number of the scooters sold in the U.S., one need only stroll the aisles of Dealer Expo to see the great number of import brands from other Asian nations that aren't being tallied by the MIC. These units in general sell at much lower price points than the units from the major OEMs, and many brands have begun to rival the big boys when it comes to quality.