The Vespa Jerk

A buddy of mine who I met while trying out for our high school baseball team used to live near a former major league ballplayer and he had access to the guy's indoor batting cage. I used to meet up at his house to hit a couple of times a week. Eventually, I used to also trek over to my buddy's house because his mom did a great job of making sure that their refrigerator was stocked with bagel dogs. There was always a fresh can of Strawberry Quik in the pantry. During our senior year, I discovered the nice stock of pilsner beer...you get the point. My buddy had an older brother who I started looking up to because he had a nice collection of punk rock albums. He had everything from The Addicts, early Bad Religion, The Damned, to the Wild Samoans. The guy was always a jerk to me, but I still respected him for some reason. The one thing that sticks out is that he was always in the garage, working on something. That something turned out to be Vespa repair.

During the one or two minutes that he would pay any attention to us, usually by dishing out a barrage of insults, I would try to get a look at the materials that he had around him. He had these dirty white scooter body shells strewn about the floor, along with small tires and engine parts. By this time, my dad had introduced me to motorcycling, so I thought that these scooters were the equivalent of a go-kart compared to a real race car. One day, he had a repaired Vespa scooter parked in the driveway. Out of the blue, the hero-jerk asked if we wanted to take it for a spin. I was used to a normal motorcycle clutch and gear system and was blown away by the strange technique used to shift the Vespa gears. I believe that while pulling in the clutch lever with your left hand, you would simultaneously turn the left handle to shift gears. It was also awkward to feel like you were sitting in a regular chair attached to two wheels rather than straddling a motorcycle seat with the emphasis of keeping your thighs as close to the chassis as possible. It definitely took a bit of time to get used to, but it was fun as hell. It turns out that my buddy's brother was into Vespa repair because he was a member of a club that raced these machines.

Although I started listening to some of the hero-jerk's music from that point on, I wasn't hip enough to catch onto the Vespa buzz. Now that the advantages of riding a scooter in today's world are evident and practical, I'm thinking about looking up my buddy's brother to see if he can cut me a deal on one of them Vespas, jerk or no jerk!

The Right Octane Of Gas To Run In Your Motorcycle

Most owners manuals don't tell you what octane to run, they simply say: unleaded gas. If this is the best your owners manual tells you, or if you don't have one, read on. But if it tells you a certain octane of gas to go with, use that, your bike may need a higher octane due to high compression.

If your motorcycle has a turbo, a supercharger, or nitrous oxide injection, then this does not apply to you. You should know all about fuel mapping by now (if you don't learn!)

If your motor is heavily modified, with high-compression pistons etc, you will need to run a higher octane as well.

Ok, so, if your manual doesn't say what to run, you don't have a turbo, supercharger, nitrous, or really high compression, then:

There is a big misconception that you need to run the highest octane you can. This is false.

Octane: the amount of resistance to detonation

Higher Octane Gas: More resistance to detonation

Lower Octane Gas:Ignites easier and produces more horsepower, assuming no detonation is present.

Detonation: basically when the air/fuel mixture ignites at the wrong time and cause a tremendous increase in pressure in the cylinders. If it continues for a long period of time, it can ultimately destroy the engine.

However, most sport bikes are designed to run 87 octane gas, and will not experience any detonation, but will actually LOSE power by running a higher octane, plus it will make it run hotter as well.

Check the tank:

If it says: 90 ((RON+MON)/2) - Use 90 octane or better

If it "knocks" or "pings" at all, increase the octane until it stops.

Knocking and pinging: During detonation, when the explosion occurs it creates a shockwave that reverberates inside combustion chamber and raises the pressure immensely, creating a metallinc "pinging" sound. If you experience this, stop the bike immediately, turn it off, put a higher octane gas in there.

Important Benefits of Electric Scooters

The economical driving and repair expenditure of an electric powered scooter is merely one of its useful benefits. Making use of high performance battery power instead of expensive gas can reduce travel expenditures enormously. In addition, high performance batteries have fewer problems than gasoline powered engines and therefore very seldom need repair. These hi-tech batteries are extremely long-lasting and dependable and will tolerate a great number of recharges.

Cheap electric scooters have a great number of advantages in addition to being cost-effective in their operation. They can comfortably maneuver in crowded areas where other vehicles cannot go and park in tiny areas where automobiles are not allowed. A great number of varieties can be quickly and easily folded up to the dimension of a briefcase, making a parking space unnecessary altogether. This can allow scooter owners to travel nearly anywhere without needing to worry about parking.

If you use your foldable electric scooter to ride to your job you can fold it, carry it into your office, and stow it in a very small space or closet until it's time to go home. This can give you peace of mind, knowing that an individual won't be able to steal your scooter while it sits outside unattended.

If it's too great a distance to ride your electric motor scooter to your job you can drive it to the bus stop as an alternative. Given that they have no combustible fluids, electric motor scooters can lawfully be folded and carried on the bus. Once at your job you can straightforwardly stow it in a cabinet or closet until it's time to go back to the bus stop for the ride home.

They are also small enough to fit into a car trunk, so you can take them with you anyplace you want. And no need to clean out your garage to make room for your new vehicle as it can safely be kept and charged up within your home or apartment.

Top speed and range are just about the only negative qualities to purchasing cheap electric scooters. Generally, popular electric powered scooters have maximum speeds that vary from around 10 mph to 30 mph. If you have to drive faster than this, it won't be achievable with an electric powered scooter.

The distance a scooter will travel before requiring its battery to be recharged is called its range. It is the total number of miles you can ride a scooter before the energy in the battery unit is totally exhausted. Normal range distances for common models will vary from as little as 5 miles up to 50 miles.

When focusing on a particular model of an electric scooter its range is without doubt one of the most important issue. It's typically best to purchase one that has a longer range than you believe a necessity. The rationale behind this is because a variety of factors can reduce the range of a vehicle. Rainy weather, traveling up steep roads, and other factors will lessen the distance in miles your scooter can go before needing a recharge. So make sure to figure in these factors when determining the total range needed.

With all of these advantages it's an easy job to see why both younger and older people are finding enjoyment with dependable and inexpensive cheap electric scooters as their transportation. Their miniature size and ability to be stored in tiny spaces make them ideally suited for nearly everyone given the right circumstances. The elderly enjoy their ease of use while the younger generation love the freedom it offers them to move around without adult supervision. Other individuals like knowing that their efforts are helping to ease smog and greenhouse gasses all around the world.

Mini Harley Chopper Scooter - Not For Kids!

With a name like Mini Harley Chopper Scooter, anyone would misconstrue this as a kid's bike. The truth is that this bike should not be ridden by children without parental supervision. As a matter of fact, the Harley Davidson company strongly advises that parents should not allow children under the age of eighteen to ride this vehicle without adult supervision.

Not for the highway

With its sophisticated and slim structure, it is no wonder that the Mini Harley Chopper Scooter presents quite an appeal to many motorcycle enthusiasts. Unfortunately, this bike is not for made for the highway. Because it is lightweight, it is very sensitive to movement and one can easily lose control of it. You can't really take it to the highway because the Mini Harley Chopper Scooter only runs at a speed of 50 to 60 miles an hour and cannot compete with the big trucks and speeding cars.

A bike worth showing off

This Mini Harley Chopper Scooter can definitely be shown off in your neighborhood. Driven at very low speeds, this can be used for recreational purposes and going around town running some errands.

Every Mini Harley Chopper Scooter comes with a Harley Davidson logo and a decorative fairing on the space between the handlebars and seat that depicts a burst of flames. This sleek, little bike can come in many colors -- red, black, silver and yellow chrome.

The Mini Harley Chopper Scooter has a small two stroke engine which does not consume a lot of fuel. The engine is also relatively quieter and purrs like a kitten instead of the loud and disturbing noise that other choppers make. It also comes with an electric ignition that has push button starter and has a speed of 2,200 rotations per minute.

Because the Mini Harley Chopper Scooter has front and rear disk brakes, it is a very safe bike that makes it impossible to pull a wheelie. It also comes with a set of stock parts that include a head light, rear and brake lights, turning signals, rear view mirrors, an electric horn, a speedometer, a battery gauge, high beam lights and an odometer. It also has a plush seat that can carry as much as 300 lbs even though it is very light weight. A custom charger and tool kit are part of the package.

Buy One or Make One

A Mini Harley Chopper Scooter can easily be bought online. Just place a bid on E-bay. Because a Mini Harley Chopper Scooter can be a bit expensive, one can also create a mini chopper by transforming a bike or a mini bike by putting some add-ons like paint, engines, windshields and exhaust pipes. It can be cut to form the low front ends that characterizes a mini chopper. It can be given a shiny finish by plating it with aluminum, chrome or nickel. Some people even use fiber glass fillers to create a glossy surface that can be decorated with airbrush art. Parading your own work of art around town will give you a greater feeling of pride and contentment. After all, you put a lot of work in creating such a masterpiece.

Considering a Scooter to Get More MPG? It's More Than Just an Exercise in Math

A scooter is a great way to have economical transportation in and around metropolitan areas, as long as you aren't going a great distance or carrying lots of things. It also helps if you live somewhere the weather and roads will permit you to make use of such a form of transportation for most of the year.

Many folks consider buying a new hybrid or other small car in order to save money on gas. The price of gas is only one consideration, so I caution everyone to not get caught up in the MPG frenzy. If you don't drive that much, the cost of a new car will far outweigh the savings in fuel. Not so with a scooter. We should stay focused on total cost of transportation which includes: licensing; insurance; payments; fuel; repair; and, maintenance.

Hanging onto the older car and getting an inexpensive scooter can make a lot of sense financially. I think we will see more of this in the major metropolitan areas around the country.

In some Asian countries, there is a sea of scooters on every street, and they're parked like dominoes lined up on the sidewalks by the hundreds. I am always amazed at what I have seen people carry on a scooter, including multiple sacks of rice, a couple family members, and a large sheet of plate glass!

The trick is to identify the point of diminishing returns and diminishing practicality, and stay well away from both of them. It's a math and personal balancing act that should consider the following:

1. If you use a lot of fuel each week, you might be too far from work to comfortably get there and back on a scooter.

2. If you don't use a lot of fuel each week, then your savings in fuel might not justify buying a scooter in the first place.

3. The number of things and the amount of stuff you must carry each day will also dictate to some extent the viability of a scooter.

4. Some folks need more than two wheels for comfort, safety and security.

5. Will you have scooter friendly roads to traverse? Moderate speeds, no potholes, and somewhat sane drivers?

6. Scooters have weight limitations. Pushing those will affect safe handling and braking. Larger people will likely be more comfortable in a car or on a larger motorcycle.

7. Scooters are fun!

The high MPG of a scooter is tempting, but I can see the wisdom of owning a scooter being something much more than just an exercise in financial decision making.

Why Are Japanese Cars So Popular at Auctions and Dealerships?

Japanese cars are world renowned for building quality cars such as the cars produced by Honda. The high testing standards and quality roads underscores the Japanese culture of keeping cars in great shape. The attention, care, and pride, the Japanese take in their cars makes these cars popular at auctions and dealerships.

At auctions and dealerships one can find such cars from companies like Honda at very affordable prices. Auctions take place in nearly every country, including the United States. In Japan, auto auctions are held every day. When looking for a Japanese car at an auto dealership or at auctions, including online auctions, it is important that you look at the grade of the particular car that you are thinking about bidding on or buying. Grade 5 indicates the car is almost new while Grade 2 denotes a car that may not be in great shape. Some of the best deals can be found at a Grade 3.5 and higher.

One can acquire a good quality and high grade cars such as a Honda car that are very fuel efficient, have low mileage, and are of very high quality. These cars have been tested to meet Japan's high standards so you know you are getting a great car. As well, you are getting great value for your money.

The best way of getting a great deal on a Japanese car is through Japanese auctions, particularly online auctions. There are over 100 auctions that are run weekly all around Japan. Each one can have anywhere from several hundred to thousands of vehicles that are up for auction. If you are a car dealer, it would be very beneficial to your business and your pocket book to register for these auctions. These cars can come fully equipped with Japan's high tech equipment and can contain such features as air conditioning, power steering, electric windows and retractable mirrors, climate control, ABS and airbags, full electronics, CD players, and other quality features.

The benefits of buying Japanese cars such as those from Honda are great quality, reliable, economical, and meet the standards set by Japan which have the highest standards in the world. Because of the best roads and the Japanese's Government encouragement of getting a new car every 6 to 7 years, Japan's used car market is extremely popular. Most of these cars have great suspension, low mileage, and are in great condition. The overall condition for cars of similar age will be significantly better in Japan than in most countries. Many of these cars are never used to their full potential and often spend the entire time being driven short distances.

The general public can contact a professional to place a bid from their side and get an idea about the cost of used vehicles at an auction location. As well, the price of vehicles sold at dealer auctions tend to be lower than those advertised on a dealer's lot.

Acquiring a Japanese car has so many benefits that it makes for a great investment.

Some Major Manufacturers of Motor Scooters

The rising price of gas over the last few years has driven you to your boiling point. You intend to turn in your gas guzzling automobile for a more efficient means of transportation. There are many options out there, from a standard car that gets good gas mileage, a hybrid car which typically comes with a higher price tag, to a two-wheel vehicle such as a motorcycle or a motor scooter. Depending on your average use for your vehicle, a motor scooter might be the option for you.

The definition of a motorcycle is any two-wheeled vehicle. The definition of a motor scooter is a small motorcycle with a step-thru frame. Motor scooters are usually easier to ride then a heavier motorcycle. The smaller motor scooter isn't as powerful as the average motorcycle; therefore, it is a safer vehicle to operate once you master your riding skills. Motor scooters are more economical and it's common for the average scooter to get around eighty miles per gallon. This is a great economical solution to an average car, which gets about twenty miles per gallon. When choosing a motor scooter, you will find that there are many manufacturers of these vehicles. I will list some of the major manufacturers of motor scooters.

I'll admit, when I think of motor scooter manufacturers, Vespa comes to mind. The Piaggio Company is the designer of the Vespa which began producing these motor scooters about fifty years ago. Vespa is the most popular scooter all over the world. Vespa definitely has its own body style which has contributed to its worldly popularity. The body of the Vespa scooter is made of steel. Vespa's manufacturing tradition ensures that their scooter models will perform and last for many years.

Lambretta is another line of scooters from the Innocenti Company. These were originally designed to offer consumers more style and performance than the Vespa line.

Yamaha returned to the scooter market back in the early 80's. Their models are popular in Asia, Europe, and the United Sates.

Honda also launched back into the scooter market back in the early 80's. The company has been as successful as Vespa's Piaggio Company with its worldwide sales. Honda has placed its scooter plants all over the world.

It's up to you whether you want to invest in a new or used scooter. In your search, you will find that these four manufacturers dominate the world motor scooter market.