Any other bikers/mods out there?

[Suitor_Stu]

ive just recently taken and passed my motorcycle license here in the UK, but because im under 21 im limited to riding a bike with under 33bhp (thats about a 250/350 unrestricted or anything over that fitted with an engine restrictor). However, ive not got much cash (my ideal bike is a Triumph Thruxton or Bonneville http://www.triumph.co.uk/uk/784.aspx ), so when we remembered that my late Grandfather still had his Piaggio scooter in the garage, i jumped at the chance to give it a spin - because as most of you 2-wheelers know - anything with 2 wheels is more fun than a car! heres a pic of the 'Razzle Kid'



So, now since im officially on a scooter rather than a cycle, ive decided that i have to become a mod. (heres one of me doing my best moddish impression)

now that im here, i may aswell rant about car drivers - is riding around the supermarket carpark the most dangerous thing you can do on a bike??! Aside from all the thick white lines, and fresh deisel spills from overfilled cars/delivery trucks theres the most dangerous kind of driving goes on in them!!! Im talking about the cars that just stop right infront of you with no warning and let people out! and what makes it worse is that when youve managed to stop safely behind them, - and are still upright - seen that they arent moving off any time soon, and slowly filter by them in a safe manner, they give you the look of death because your on 2 wheels!!!

So id just like to say to all out car drivers out there, please look out for us on 2 wheels - we arent all kamakazi nutters who will fly by you at the first available oppertunity! Most of us drive cars too...

rant end

Stu 8)

[Ben Harmless]

That's great Stu, you're well on your way!

I can't say I'm really all that interested in the motorbikes, but I love my pedal-powered machine, and I can identify with your frustration. On this side of the pond, the vast majority of our urban spaces were constructed after the advent of railroads and such, so things aren't nearly as accessible to those who want to use two wheels instead of four - scooters aren't allowed on many of the major highways, let alone bicycles.

If I was on your side of the pond, I'd probably start up a mod/scooter gang with you!

[Oster]

I've owned a Vespa P200 ('85) and presently own a Vespa ET2, the 2-stroke fuel-injected 50cc little engine that could. Perfect for city rides: Who needs to think about switching gears on an urban commute? It does about 70 Km/h at the very top and takes me and a passenger up hill with no complaints. Great ride.

As for the mod angle; The Small Faces, The Kinks and The Who are all favorites of mine but I ride alone 8)

Congrats and be careful out there!

[popthree]

I had a vespa in the 80's. it was a fun ride...though a bit like a 50 mph barstool. here is a pick of my latest 2 wheeled 'scoot'. Ride safe Stu!

[Mojohand40]

Triumph Bonny...drooool.. :D .. they are nice.
I own a 750 Honda Spirit that I've modded to death (solo seat, k and n airbox, rejet, drag pipes, risers, new levers, pegs, etc...etc..etc.) but my main ride is my 600 katana. That's what I commute to work on. More or less my daily ride (except in winter) I live in the Washington DC area and commute 28 miles each way into Alexandria, Virginia...easily some of the worst traffic in the States...and yes, parking lots are very dangerous for bikes.

[Suitor_Stu]

haha, cheers Ben! Ive already been kinda going on mod roadtrips - making the most of the last few days of sunshine before the Scottish winter sets in! Although, i just have a passenger(i dont know anyone else with a scoot), and we go to some seaside towns (St Andrews etc.) and theres not so much fiting with rockers as much as eating fish and chips...shame on me...thats a bit annoying that they dont allow you to go on the highways there - however, i can see the point!! Mines a 125, and it can only do about 65mph tops...with the wind behind me...down a hill etc. etc. I get passed by trucks on the motorway - not a plesant thing to have done to you!

popthree, i have to say, i fecking love the look of that bike of yours!!! Love the cans on it - theyre very like the ones on the new Triumph Scrambler
http://www.triumph.co.uk/media/Scrambler_3_800x600.jpg
Btw, im not a triumph salesman - i just love them bikes! Plus, theres also not much interesting on the market for someone who isnt interested in hunched-up stupid bhp sports bikes or harleys etc.!

Having said that, i do like the sound of your 750 Spirit Mojohand40 - id love to try one of the Honda CB750 Cafe racer style ones - love that style too!

Stu

[Tdot]

Back in the day when cafe racers were hip & modern, I didn't find the style very interesting. But now I guess I feel a bit of nostalgia, and actually like that mechanical look.

Just yesterday I came across Royal Enfield motorcycles and was fascinated, but know nothing about them. Any comments - good - bad?

http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/

I also have a friend who is restoring a Spanish made Lambretta from the sixties. Looks like it will be a lot of fun when it rolls.

[Sarge]

Though I like them little "scooters" and the gas mileage, there ain't nothin' on this earth quite like the throaty roar of a Harley. Here at work we have about 7 orientals that bring their scooters in daily and park at the end of the parking lot. The other day I pulled up in the Sportster(highly modded and LOUD) and they all gathered around and though I couldn't understand what they were saying they seemed to get off on the sound and general apperance( lots of chrome). I let some of the little fellas sit on it and rev it up a bit. "Harery Davarson" me like! I ride? I ride?

[Brutalblues]

[Zorba]

I ride a 75/5 bimmer, and am a member of Ton-Up. Our presence on the web is at www.tonup.com.

[Tdot]

Originally Posted by Sarge

The other day I pulled up in the Sportster(highly modded and LOUD) and they all gathered around and though I couldn't understand what they were saying they seemed to get off on the sound and general apperance( lots of chrome). I let some of the little fellas sit on it and rev it up a bit.

That's funny because I just saw the same thing happen here. Only it was in front of a local restaraunt and the stereotypes were reversed.

A couple Harley riders clad in the usual leather attire were getting off the bikes when a dark haired olive skinned guy (Asian, Latin, Euro?) whips in on some kind of retro looking scooter buzzing like a bumble bee. The first 2 guys went over and were asking questions and looking over the scoot and pointing at things. And yep, one hopped on and revved it while the other leaned and put his hand behind the exhaust pipe, both smiling as big as possible. Before they parted, all 3 were giggling like school girls over their 2 wheelers.

Speaking of girls - Help me out here Sarge. In a different casual meeting I was razzed by some Harley riders because I thought the Sportster was cool. They gave me a lot of flak (in fun) about wanting a "girls" Harley, and their wive's wouldn't even ride one. Am I missing something? Is this an inside joke for Harley owners?

The Sportster looks cool to me, and I don't know what makes it a girl bike. Price tag? Colors? Not big enough? Lack of a waiting list? Ummm. :? Ego?

[Sarge]

Actually the 883 Sportster IS considered a "girls" bike. Most likely 'cause it is the smallest bike Harley makes, unless you consider the "military" version which I belive is a 650. Most women will start out with the 883 before moving up to a bigger bike. I have a 1998 1200 Sporty that has the H.O. carb with a K&N, Screaming Eagle H.O. ignition system and drag pipes. I'm pushing near 90 horse and she runs like a raped ape. My buddy has the Fat Boy with the 1340 (88 CI) stock and I have no problem hanging with him. It is actually an inside joke, if you don't ride one of the bigger bikes they do consider Any Sporty a girls bike. I like the Sporty cause of the easier manueverability and lighter weight. I weigh 170 and fits me like a glove. Someday, I might get a Dyna or similar but I really do like the Sportster the best. I've been riding *** bikes for 30+ years and the transition to a Harley hasn't been easy. They aren't as comforable and handle as well as the *** bikes, but when you're on a Harley you KNOW your on a motorcycle! The feel of that V twin is a huge adrenaline rush! Just another part in the American Dream.

[popthree]

its strange...30 years ago, a 500cc bike was considered a mid-size bike. now the mentality insists that a 750cc bike is a toy. i don't get it.

i prefer lighter bikes myself. if i were going to ride a harley, it would be a sporty...probably an older one.

[BlueMidnight]

Next time they tell you a Sporty is a girl bike, remind them that Sonny Barger (Hell's Angels founder) rode a Sporty.

[agent2x4]

I bought my wife a 49cc scooter. I liked it so much that I bought one, except I modded it with a different clutch and exhaust. I can get 50 mph out of it, which is screaming for 49cc's. My wife gets 43 with hers in its stock configuration.

Scooters go a lot faster now than they have in the past; I used to have an old 1986 Honda Elite and I was lucky to get 30 out of it.

[Telenator]

Please don't hate me. I ride new bikes all the time. Many of them well before the public can even get their grimey little mitts on them, muah ha ha ha!

Right now I have an '06 Harley Heritage Softail and an '06 Honda VTX 1800 in the garage at my disposal. I'm going to have to give them back soon though. So I can get more brand new bikes to ride! muah ha ha ha!

I work for Roadbike and American Iron Magazines so I always have new test bikes at my disposal.

http://www.roadbikemag.com/index.html

[Tdot]

Originally Posted by BlueMidnight

Next time they tell you a Sporty is a girl bike, remind them that Sonny Barger (Hell's Angels founder) rode a Sporty.

That's good.

So Sarge, maybe they were thinking of a different Sportster. I think they just liked taunting me, but I threw it back at 'em with fat guy / big bike wise cracks. They took it well and were fun characters.

Check this out Stu - My friends scoot project, his wife made him paint it black & white so it matches everything else in their house, I guess that marks him as a Mod. Still isn't working, but it looks pretty.

Before & After

[Preben]

Actually, if you want a classic english bike, and are on a budget, like me, go for an early Honda CB 350 twin!
They are easily "anglofied", and very easy to ride, very manouverable!
Get a smaller aftermarked taillamp, shorten the rear fender, rip of decals, and other things whitch says Honda, a paintjob, and you've got yourself an english looking, fun bike:)
The earlier I believe has under 33bhp, and doesn't cost an arm and a leg!

[Tdot]

Originally Posted by Preben

Actually, if you want a classic english bike, and are on a budget, like me, go for an early Honda CB 350 twin!

Great tip! I found this interesting article on building a CB350 vintage racer Honda CB350 conversion

But before I started looking, I found another British roadster buried in a garage, that I couldn't pass up. What was I thinking? Just hypnotized by the chrome again.