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Post by oldchopperguy on Oct 23, 2016 8:12:11 GMT -5
 I hope this works, its a pic of the scoot. Cleaned by yours truly  I like just about everything I see here... Yup! ... Especially the tires. I actually had a rear street/off-road tire similar to that on my old chopper! The look is mega-aggressive yet smooth enough on the road. The headlights, mirrors/hand-guards and turn-signals are "cosmetic perfection" too. The stylists got this scoot right! If it rides as good as it looks, it will be a winner! Have many happy miles! And, ride safe!Leo in Texas |
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Post by oldchopperguy on Oct 21, 2016 21:58:26 GMT -5
Ooh, yes, I'm a big fan of the Scout Leo. Yknow...if it's not raining tomorrow, maybe I could see about getting a ride on one at the local Indian dealer. My trouble is, I have no garage to keep it in. Once I get to the point I can do it, I plan to get a storage unit to use as a little bike shop. Then a scout or sportster would fit well into my collection. As for my scooter, I do love my Honda PCX. It's an amazing machine. I still can't believe I can get it past 70 on the highway. It just trucks along.
I understand about no garage! Yeah, same here... I do have a really primitive car-port, but after cable-locking the scoot to a pillar, I cover the old mouse with a regular nylon motorcycle cover, then, with a "tent" made by simply folding a heavy-duty silver tarp in half and stapling the ends closed. Tucking the cable-lock underneath even keeps it clean...The nylon protects the scoot from scratching up by the tarp. It keeps the scoot dry and clean, and the silver tarp sort of just "disappears" to passers-by. It also makes a protected, warm, dry "off-the-cold-concrete" shelter for local feral-cats... Yeah, I have a soft spot for my neglected furry pals... I don't mind 'em living on the mouse's floorboards. Huddled together under the tarp in the winter, it's mighty comfy... And, in seven years of their "kitty apartment" they've never clawed up the seat, or "soiled" the scoot... LOL! A folded heavy tarp like this really protects the bike from rain, dirt and even hail. It takes a few extra minutes to uncover and recover after riding, but it's a good alternative when no garage is available.
Those new Indians ARE the bomb... The Scout is really in a class of its own, but in the same genre as the Sportster. Of course, you might guess I'm more attuned to the big Chief... Leather, skirted-fenders, old-school lights (including the lighted Indian face on the fender...) and just begging for wide-whites, fringe, colored running-lights all over and sparkling with pre-war glass reflectors all over... Maybe a fox-tail or two off the bars... That's the old geezer in me, all over... LOL!I've always liked Victory bikes (they "torque" like a Hog and rev like a Japanese bike) and the new Indians are no exception! Seems they took the time to design from scratch (both the Chief and Scout motors are NEW and unique to the brand!) and test until they got it right with a million-miles of road-tests before putting them on the market. Smart! As for your Honda scoot... That IS a 150 I isn't it? And it actually does most everything my old 250 does! Doggone, what a great ride! There IS a reason why the "premium" 150's cost near double the price of even a "good" Chinese equivalent. Ya duz gets wha ya pays fer...  Keep up the vids so we all can ride with you. And I do hope there's a new Indian in your future!Leo in Texas |
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Post by oldchopperguy on Oct 21, 2016 0:46:46 GMT -5
Enjoyable post!
I really like your video posts because they make me feel like "I'm the rider"... Good job. Have another bone!
Now, since I'm a well-seasoned Harley guy, I must agree with you about the Sportster. It's been around since about 1957 or so. The original was pretty much an OHV street version of the "45" flathead flat-track racer. Always clean and sharp, with good handling. But for me, the brake and shift pedals are on the "wrong sides"... LOL!
Today, if you still like the Sportster, you should also check out the new Indian Scout. More MODERN than the Sportster with liquid-cooling, yet more OLD-SCHOOL with 1930's cosmetics. Pretty slick.
Right now, I'm more than happy with a scooter. I'd really not be happy going back to clutch n' gears, foot brake, and weight-lifter girth... But if I could, and had the bucks, I'd have to try a new Indian Chief. They are everything I've always like about Harleys, and more. But sort of like a limousine on 2-wheels. A real handful!
I think that scoot you ride during your vids is mighty nice. Runs stronger than most 150's for sure!
Ride safe, and keep on filming!
Leo in Texas
PS: Don't let one of those squirrels run out in your path and get even with you for making his kin into Redneck stew!
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Post by oldchopperguy on Oct 20, 2016 13:48:04 GMT -5
w650,
I'm sure my personal experience IS based on some outdated facts. No doubt new Chinese scoots are light-years better than those of a decade ago. My Kymco dealer now sells Lance in his lineup and has had no real problems. They are however, quite a bit more expensive than similar Chinese products of the past.
I believe the old adage is true, that China will provide you ANY quality level you're willing to pay for, from absolute junk, to premium quality. Honda had engines made by Kymco in Taiwan, and now, Taiwanese rides are being made in China. Things change all the time.
I was VERY tempted to buy a new Chinese 250 for less than $2,000 but changed my mind after riding many used 250's including a 2-year-old, very low-miles Chinese model at my Kymco dealer.
The story behind "Minnie Mouse" is mostly of the original owner. He was the one who rode her "from New York to Los Angeles, and Canada to Mexico" 2-up with his Wife and loaded down with luggage. The old scoot had 15,000 miles like that on the clock, which I'd consider pretty hard miles. I've put another 2,500 miles on with no problems whatsoever. NO oil use, NO coolant use, EVERYTHING original still works perfectly... But... The minty Chinese used 250 was $1,200 and I paid $2,200 for the Kymco that was 7 years OLDER with 3 times the miles.
Used prices have PLUMETED since I bought the old mouse... Some members have snagged similar Kymco scoots and NEWER for under a thousand bucks... A whole LOT of scoot for the money!
If I was in the market for a 150 class scoot, I'd probably STILL go Chinese... Especially the Lance. The Lance Italian-style "turtle-deck" model with motorcycle-style bars and instruments is nearly irresistible...
For anyone looking for a new scooter, I'd advise him/her to check out the Chinese models along with all the others. Then make a decision based on a combination of price, feel, spec's. and which ride best matches the buyer's overall expectations.
What's best for one rider may not be good at all for another... Whatever you end up with though...
Ride safe!
Leo in Texas
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Epic ride
by: oldchopperguy - Oct 18, 2016 10:43:21 GMT -5
Post by oldchopperguy on Oct 18, 2016 10:43:21 GMT -5
Now THAT is a BIKER!
Somebody give that guy a Gold Wing...
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Post by oldchopperguy on Oct 18, 2016 10:39:40 GMT -5
THAT is a long ride on ANY bike... Woo-HOO!
Have a bone!
And, welcome to the site!
Leo in Texas
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Post by oldchopperguy on Oct 15, 2016 19:59:39 GMT -5
I think the Norse weRe a bit different. The had no plans to spread their religion and culture across the globe.They just wanted to take your best stuff and go home in most cases, although through using very violent means.
Sounds like natural-born politicians! I think they were ahead of their time! Let's see now, with American elected officials, we pay THEM to steal from us. Then, we allow them to vote their own pay-raises, vote themselves immune from prosecution or paying for healthcare, and take away our rights. Then, we allow presidents to install Supreme Court judges who illegally WRITE laws instead of INTERPRETING them, and we fill the hallowed halls of Justice with brain-dead idiots who don't even know the CONSTITUTION exists, OR, that America is a CONSTITUTIONAL REPUBLIC. So, while the Norse were kind enough to take their culture and religion with them when they went home (after killing everybody and their cat) I suspect a few must have remained to teach future politicians how to do it. The politicians then added the spin of shoving down our throats their culture and ideas...
Yup, "One nation, under thumb, totally divisible with slavery and injustice for all".Gosh, where are some of those sword-swingin' Norse head-choppers when we really need them?...   |
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Post by oldchopperguy on Oct 12, 2016 0:41:16 GMT -5
One thing I forgot to mention... The 250-and-up scoots come in more than one configuration. Small-wheel, large-wheel and both short and long wheelbases. I wanted something close in size and handling to a Chinese 150, but with 70-mph capability when I need it. So I went with the old Kymco Grandvista. It has a short wheelbase, flat-floor and 12" wheels. There are not too many choices with these features. In city traffic, this setup handles quick and nimble, but is still stable enough for 65+ cruising. Maxi-scooters will usually have a longer wheelbase (longer than some full-sized motorcycles) and larger wheels. They also usually have a "semi-hump" in the floor, covering framework that makes them stiffer and more solid at high speed. This setup is great for fast, highway cruising, but is not as nimble as the "traditional" motor-scooter in tight traffic. The "large-wheel" scooters come in MANY styles. Typical Italian designs do have a flat-floor which I like since I have a lot of arthritis. I've seen large-wheel models from Italy, Japan, Taiwan and probably China makes them too. They will have "motorcycle" sized wheels of 17" and larger which are great at high-speed, and, over rough terrain. Wheelbases vary, and large-wheel models can be found in both short and long styles, and in several weights. I would advise you to decide what the majority of your riding will be, and choose a scooter best suited for that purpose and "make do" using it for other purposes. All 250-300cc models I test-rode were a MAJOR upgrade from a Chinese 150 in terms of acceleration, cruising speed, comfort and all-round handling. Like going from an economy compact car to a loaded, high-end mid-size sport-sedan... Whatever you decide on, I'm betting you'll love it!It's handy to know that a particular engine displacement class may be had in several sizes and wheel configurations. Check 'em all out to find your best fit...  Whatever you choose, ride safe!Leo in Texas
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Post by oldchopperguy on Oct 11, 2016 12:14:35 GMT -5
We would probably be living in Vineland if the Norsemen had stayed. It's very difficult to write in Runic.
Could be, those Norsemen saw the future political climate coming, and decided to "get the heck outta Dodge" leaving the place to whomever might immigrate, sneak in, etc. I wonder if they offered to take the REAL Americans (the Native American "Indians") with them back to their Scandinavian Homeland before they had time to become "Hyphenated-Americans" and perfect the fine art of being offended at absolutely EVERYTHING. I suppose if they had stayed, they'd now be "Viking-Americans" and demand everyone NOT wearing helmets with horns be dubbed "racists" and "Norsophobes"... cheesh!Ride safe, and ride macho...Leo in Texas |
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Post by oldchopperguy on Oct 10, 2016 19:14:09 GMT -5
I'll go with Chris... Even though he didn't actually "discover America" where we live today. Besides, it's pretty macho to have the grit to have your portrait done wearing THAT getup even back then... LOL! These guys also make me think of good old Amerigo Vespucci... After all, "AMERICA" was NAMED after him! And, how HAPPY we should be that they used his FIRST name... Otherwise, we might be living in "VESPUCCILAND".
Now just HOW macho could a country named Vespucciland be? EEEWWW!
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Post by oldchopperguy on Oct 9, 2016 22:35:33 GMT -5
I double-down on what wheelbender6 posted!When I upped from a Chinese 150, early on, I decided to go with a used Japanese, Taiwanese or Italian scoot. I actually rode EVERYTHING I could find, and finally opted for a Taiwanese Kymco. They really ARE built like a tank... Honestly, I still prefer a used model from one of the countries other than China, but that's just me. I'm sure newer China scoots are pretty good, but numerous posts still recount some of the mega-irritating wrenching-more-than-riding syndromes. My Kymco Grandvista has run FLAWLESSLY now for two seasons and several thousand miles and it was WELL-WORN with 16K miles on the clock when I got her. Right or wrong, the general consensus is still that a good used non-Chinese 250/300 with 20K miles will still outlast a new Chinese ride. The older Asian or Euro scoot will also usually cost as much or a tad more than a new Chinese equivalent, but they give a lot for the money. Fuel injection IS nice, but not necessary. My "Minnie Mouse" is a 2007 carbureted single-cam "workhorse" 250 with 19hp and will keep up with frisky traffic, and gives  -mpg gas mileage averaged 3/4 city and 1/4 highway riding. That's not much different from a new fuel-injected 300. During my search, I test-rode 250's to 400's from Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, Vespa, Piaggio, SYM and Kymco. All were well-used. All rode very nice. All were available from $1,800 to $2,500 two years back. They would be cheaper today.
I also test-rode one Chinese 250 from the dealer I got the Kymco from. It was just 2 years old, low miles and looked "minty". It was also only $1,200. However, it was slower, and did not have the confident, solid handling feel of the other much older higher-end scoots which were also double the cost. Even with 5-7 years, and 15,000 or more miles, I'd still go with used higher-end scoots. Do keep in mind, most 250's will top out around 70-75-mph on the level with no wind. In the real world of hills and wind, they are not going to cruise comfortably much over 65-68. If you need 80+ cruise to stay with traffic, you'll need something larger, or, one of the extra-speedy Italian 250's. If you REALLY like performance, the Italian scoots are amazing, and usually affordable. Hope this may help some, Leo in Texas
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Post by oldchopperguy on Oct 9, 2016 22:10:24 GMT -5
Hard choice... I'll go with the flying squirrels... Just because I like 'em...
I had a friend who raised "Sugar-Gliders". They knock the needle right off the cute meter. He sold 'em at Texas gun shows and would wow the crowds by tossing one into the air, where it would actually GAIN altitude (didn't know THAT was even possible)... but it would lodge in the rafters and then "launch" off and make a couple of circles around the auditorium and land back on the fellow's shoulder.
I would have definitely had a couple, BUT... I've always had CATS.
NOT a good mix... potentially delicious flying target and all... NOT good for the squirrel... LOL!
Anyway, I enjoyed Rocky and Bullwinkle for DECADES... I still chuckle thinking of Boris saying "must keel moose and squirrel..."
Old Rocky was pretty macho for a critter with such a wussy voice!
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Post by oldchopperguy on Oct 6, 2016 12:50:41 GMT -5
Nice tribute.
I understand all too well. Back in the 1960's several of my riding pals were killed in traffic accidents. Some were their own fault, doing something stupid. Others were victims of drivers who just were not paying attention (and THIS phenomenon is many, MANY times worse today) because of texting, phoning and the TV screen dashboards on modern cars. What ever became of the sensible 1950's practice of having dashboard controls with different tactile knobs so a driver could turn on the headlights, wipers, control the radio, heat, AC and all that stuff simply by "feel" WITHOUT taking his/her eyes off the road?
I do NOT want to have to access a video menu to turn on my headlights. Or windshield wipers. Or heat, AC or defrost. And for the love of God, PLEASE stop driving with your eyes glued to the satellite positioning map on that doggoned TV screen. Would someone PLEASE bring back PAPER road maps so you HAVE to pull over to read how to find uncle Bubba's house?
And in fairness, this idiocy is NOT limited to car and truck drivers... Two years ago, I was on my scooter at a red-light. The light turned green, and, through the cross-traffic full-red came a lady on a Vespa. She must have had a "cruise control" of some kind, as she passed through the red-light riding no-hands, both thumbs happily texting away.
Cars were skidding over curbs, all over the road frantically trying to miss her. They did. And she never heard the honking horns or screeching tires... Just absorbed in whatever she was texting... She was no brain-dead kid, either: rather a 30-something stylish business lady dressed to the nines, but no helmet of course.
Several times while at a red-light, I've checked my mirrors to see a car approaching my rear with the driver absorbed in texting. I've always been able to quickly get my scooter out of the lane, usually over the right-hand curb... while the approaching vehicle slammed into the one I was sitting behind just seconds previously.
That has happened three times in nine years of scooting. All three times, the offending driver was hurt badly enough to keep him from running away on-foot. All three times, the offending driver was an illegal alien driving a stolen car.
The Texas DOT published a report last year stating that on our freeways, one out of four cars around you is STOLEN. And the drivers cannot read English, and have no knowledge of traffic control lights and signs.
And... nearly HALF of these "drivers" are between 11 and 15 years old, and the car they stole represents the FIRST time they've even been behind the wheel. But they are expert at texting... LO not so L.
I've been driving since I was 12 (yeah, in 1958 you could do such things...) and lived through the "Leave it to Beaver" and "Ozzie and Harriet" years. In a heartbeat, I would give up my computer, cell-phone, color TV, instant this and that, etc. and drive a carbureted dinosaur car, Harley or Cushman with points and condenser ignition to go back to those simple times when everybody had a gun and seldom ever had to use it...
Riding a bike then, was probably 10% as dangerous as it is today. But being stupid would still kill you, or somebody else.
So... Watch your mirrors, watch the lanes next to you and always err on the side of caution. One mistake can easily be your last one...
Ride safe!
Leo in Texas
PS: Anybody want to take bets on just how surely a "driverless car" will recognize your scooter? We have had to deal with brainless drivers, NOW we have to deal with driverless cars. So, I suppose with NO DRIVER, there's NO RESPONSIBILITY when the thing hits you... Cheesh!
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Post by oldchopperguy on Oct 4, 2016 21:38:52 GMT -5
Pretty neat, but that big, empty space in the double-cradle frame looks like it's just begging for about a 500cc vertical twin... with a clutch n' gears tranny where the scooter motor now resides... Just me...Leo in Texas 500cc V-Twin on 10" wheels!!  insurance could be an issue with that setup  Yeah, but it would be FUN! Sound cool, too... |
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Post by oldchopperguy on Oct 3, 2016 20:52:53 GMT -5
Good post!
You DO have to be careful. Last year, I was in the left-turn lane of a 4-lane surface street, coming to a stop to turn left. A guy suddenly came blasting by me on my left, in my lane, and turned right attempting to nail me. I heard his engine racing, saw his approach in my mirror and hit the brakes FAST, causing him to fly by BEFORE he could "PIT" me. He flew instead into oncoming traffic where he sideswiped an oncoming car.
That was attempted murder plain and simple.
To my disappointment, while parking at home, the cretin slowly drove past me. Turns out he's my neighbor... Duh...
I said "You know you nealy hit me back there?" He shouted "Yeah, I'll GET you next time you old bastard" while making a gun motion with his hand. The guy's an illegal alien gangster/drug pusher. The car is stolen.
What a world we live in... I guess locals don't like me because I'm not covered with jailhouse tattoos. I feel better feeling that lump in my waistband, from my licensed 1911 .45. A gun is like health insurance... you hope you never need to use it, but if you do, you're glad you have it... LOL!
The stolen battered Nissan Altama still shows up all over our neighborhood, but I haven't seen the guy in months. Hope I never do. Likely, he ran into someone less "tolerant" than me... Yup.
Ride safe, and, watch yer' six!
Leo
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-mpg gas mileage averaged 3/4 city and 1/4 highway riding. That's not much different from a new fuel-injected 300.
insurance could be an issue with that setup