Vespa Scooters So Cool

Vespa scooters have been around for decades and yet there's something about them that still exudes style and elegance (which are words you wouldn't normally associate with a motorised scooter!) First built in the 1940's the Vespa scooter was designed as an alternative to the motorbike. With it's machinery and oily components hidden away by the rear engine casing it allowed a person to be able to ride a motorised bike without having to worry about oil stains on their clothing. Vespa scooters were first produced in Italy where style and elegance are qualities that every Italian aspires to. Vespa embodied this Italian spirit achieving a balance between machine and elegance.

The image of tanned and suited Italians riding around on their Vespa scooters with their Rayban Wayfarer sunglasses was irresistibly cool. Never one to miss a trend, Hollywood soon cottoned onto the idea of the visual impact the Vespa scooter possessed and before too long the Vespa found itself on the silver screen. Featuring in movies such as La Dolce Vita, An American in Paris, The Conversation, American Graffiti, Quadrophenia and many more the Vespa scooter quickly became something of a mechanical superstar. Perhaps the greatest endorsement Vespa can take is that many of the world's top celebrities have chosen to own a Vespa scooter in their PRIVATE life.

Celebrities such as Jay Kay (Jamiroquai), Gwyneth Paltrow, Stella McCartney, Anthony Quinn, Henry Fonda, Steven Spielberg, Robert De Niro, Sarah Jessica Parker have all owned Vespa scooters. Mickey Rourke was even arrested on his Vespa for drink driving! Vespa scooters have become more and more popular in recent years due to the current trend for retro fashion but also scooters in general have become more popular due to their green credentials. Running costs for a scooter are a fraction of that of a motor car and in today's climate of high oil prices then it's never been a better time to buy a Vespa scooter.

Vespa Restoration

The "Bullet Bike" (BB) is a 1967 Vespa 150 Super. Barnaby has a degree from the San Francisco Art Institute and works as a tattoo artist at Anubis Warpus on Haight Street. In the 80's he usually sported a piled high pompadour that was known by most as the "Shark Fin", and rode any bike as long as it was chopped high, and cut hard. That bike was t-boned by a doctor driving a Mercedes (Barnaby will be happy to show you his surgery scars - if he hasn't yet covered them with Koi fish.)

Given that his custom bike wasn't coming together he made a trade for some temporary wheels, a '67 Vespa 150 Super. Now this was quite a sight, big 'ol Barnaby on a pretty powder blue 150 Super in immaculate condition. Barnaby took the bike to First Kick Scooters, where a new gas tank was fitted to replace the punctured one. The bike ran for a few weeks but then crapped out. Talking with him one night about the bike, Barnaby became disgusted, he said, "This is a sign that I'm not supposed to ride nice bikes, I'm supposed to ride big, ugly chops." In January two friends from Denver moved to The City. On their first Saturday night in town I met up with them, lending Nick the Bullet Bike because his Primavera needed rejetting before it could handle sea level. After awhile it was time for a ride. I lead on the 200, Scott rode his Lambretta with his girlfriend Sam, Nick rode the Bullet Bike with Logan. Worried, we crossed back over to The City end of the bridge and found Nick changing a tire on the 150.

The tire had blown just as Nick and Logan started across the bridge. The "Bullet Bike" (BB) is a 1967 Vespa 150 Super. Barnaby took the bike to First Kick Scooters, where a new gas tank was fitted to replace the punctured one. The bike ran for a few weeks but then crapped out. Talking with him one night about the bike, Barnaby became disgusted, he said, "This is a sign that I'm not supposed to ride nice bikes, I'm supposed to ride big, ugly chops." I lead on the 200, Scott rode his Lambretta with his girlfriend Sam, Nick rode the Bullet Bike with Logan. Worried, we crossed back over to The City end of the bridge and found Nick changing a tire on the 150. The tire had blown just as Nick and Logan started across the bridge. Nick was sorry about some scratches, but they were nonexistent relative to the general condition of the bike. Nick mounted the old cracked spare and we set off to re-cross the bridge. The Bullet Bike, tough bike, tough tires.the bike, I should have checked it. Nick was sorry about some scratches, but they were nonexistent relative to the general condition of the bike. The Bullet Bike, tough bike, tough tires.

Buying the Finest Scooters Available

Vespa motor scooters are not only some of the most popular scooters you could ever ride on, but they are also some of the best built scooters that are available. Before Honda and Yamaha were making these two wheel gas savers, Vespa was cranking out these vehicles in Italy.

The name Vespa actually means "wasp" in English and was named this because of the front end shape of the scooters. Many of the mopeds that are made today still resemble the original look, but the ones that are originals are actually worth a lot of money. In fact, it may be very hard to find any vintage Vespa scooters unless you get one on an online auction somehow.

The smallest scooters that the company makes are 50cc and are not very powerful. But if you are looking for something that gets fantastic gas mileage and will not require insurance and a license to make street legal this may be perfect for you. Some of the most powerful scooters by Vespa are 200cc and can get along at highways speeds, although driving any scooter on the highway is not recommended.

Because of the popularity of the Vespa motor scooters you will see them on both town roads and city streets. They provide a smooth ride and are very convenient for short trips. Also, because of their popular design other companies have tried to mimic the look and feel of the original Vespas.

Even though Italy is thought of as the country to initially make Vespas, Piaggio is now the parent company that manufactures the scooters in the United States. Some of the scooters you can check out are the Vespa 50, 98, 125, 150, 180, and 200.

Make an Informative Decision About Motor Scooter

Motor Scooter Disadvantages

With gas prices going through the roof motor scooters are a good cheap source of transportation. But, their are several disadvantages that you must be aware of in order to make an intelligent buying decision.

Weather:

First of all, depending upon where you live, a motor scooter is not likely suitable for year around transportation.

Do you live in the snowy midwest? Probably not going to be able to ride your scooter in January. Not only, would it be too cold to ride in subfreezing temperature, but, snow would increase the instability of your ride.

Do you live in Vegas? Depending upon your job. You may not be able to ride the motorcycle, during the summer, if you want to look presentable when you get to work.

Do you live in the rainy Northwest? With proper rain gear you can travel. But, it is a hassle to take care of all your rain gear.

Motor Scooter Safety

Without a doubt, motor scooters and motorcycles are more dangerous than cars. As a matter of fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration someone who drives a motor scooter or motorcycle is 34 time more likely to die in an accident than a passenger in a car. In addition, fatalities for motor scooters and motorcycles have increased 127 percent. The reason for this increased danger of motor scooters and motorcycle is that they are less visible and stable than cars.

However, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with use of a proper helmet, fatalities can be reduced by 37 percent. So, WEAR YOUR HELMET!!!

Motor Scooter Primer

A motor scooter is a two-wheeled motorized vehicle differing from both a moped and a motorbike. Mopeds, which are bikes with a motorized pedaling that look more like bicycles than motorbikes, do not carry the same weight, structure or modern advancements. On the other hand, a motorbike can be distinguished by the tank, which is located between the handlebars and the rider and the engine located beneath the rider and closer to the front of the vehicle. Motor scooters typically have a step-through frame, with an engine located behind the rider at the rear of the vehicle and a platform or integrated footrests for the driver's feet.

Engine sizes range from 20 cc to as much as 500 cc's.

Some of the finest manufacturers include:

* Vespa
* Honda
* Piaggo
* Yamaha
* Suzuki

Due to the rising cost of fuel, scooters are typically used as alternative transportation. They are excellent for quick runs to the store or for visiting family and friends around the city because they are fuel-efficient. They are also easy to store and have good maneuverability. However, some use their scoot for daily and long-distance travel such as for business commutes or when touring vacation areas.

Before buying, answer the following questions first:

* Will you be using to travel for business or pleasure?
* What distances do you plan on covering on your scooter?
* Will it be traveling on a highway?
* What areas of town do you plan on traveling in?
* How important is speed?
* How important is power?
* How much do you want to spend?
* What special considerations need to be met?
* Where do you plan to keep it?
* How many different individuals will it?
* What weight/size requirements might you have?
* Do you plan on taking a passenger with you?

Scoots can come in all sizes, shapes and colors. Motor scooters used for business travel will need to be more reliable than ones used for pleasure. A larger engine might be needed for longer distances, reliability as well as for higher speeds, highway use and inclines. However, they also may be more expensive and harder to maintain. Passengers add extra weight and depending on the operator's size, weight and height will be a factor as well. They are created to be compact; taller and larger individuals may find them uncomfortable to sit on for multiple hours and long-distance travel.

Finally, before buying always look for consumer reports and word-of-mouth advertising. Individuals who use their scooter often will be able to give information on smaller features and seemingly minute details as well as remind a prospective buyer of the extra costs such as insurance and maintenance that need to be considered. Consumer reports can also apprise a buyer of manufacturing problems or structural differences that are sometimes over-looked when considering the big picture.

Motor Scooters Good For Environment

Are Motor Scooters Good For the Environment ?

Are you looking for a subtle, so such is not the answer? I hope not, because when it comes to scooters, and the environment, the answer is definitely positive. Although the owners have to motorized scooters because they have heard that scooters are environmentally friendly. May you be one of those people. If so, you're probably wondering what it is exactly what the scooters an alternative green transportation. Here is the summary of the main reasons.

The first and greatest benefit, motor scooters dramatically the use of fossil fuels.

A tank of gas mid-size scooter has a two gallons per day are easily scooter 50 miles per gallon, many more - some more than 100 mpg. Therefore, if you own a gas scooter, you'll probably fill two or three times per month, and get 75-200 miles per tank. This is easily three to four times more fuel than the average (non-SUV) car. What’s the mean? This means three to four times less not to consume renewable fossil fuels - which is a direct consequence of conservation.

Secondly, consuming less fuel and travel longer distances with it, motorized scooters emit less money in the atmosphere.

This means that emissions of hazardous chemicals such as carbon dioxide are significantly reduced. This is a bonus scooters are often used in urban areas. Within the limits of the city, their environmental footprint mali helps fight against air pollution most urban centers who are forced to endure.

Third, if you buy the electric scooter, you can walk away from fossil fuels (oil) in its entirety.

When you browse the scooter market, one of the first decision you must make is whether to buy an electric or gas model. Electric, battery-powered scooters are generally more short-distance travel, the environment, non-dependence on oil and gasoline is a giant step in the right direction. Electricity is a clean fuel source at the place of use, the batteries and improve the design of all time. However, if a gas or a hybrid drive scooter is a better match of your life, do not feel bad - as we saw above, gas scooter is a much greener option than the car.

So let's recap. Yes, it's true that motorized scooters to save money. But even better, a "green" the rumors are true: You'll feel good driving a scooter, because it helps clean the planet.