|
Post by bluegoatwoods on Jul 2, 2016 6:56:54 GMT -5
For what it's worth, I've been forming the habit of using the kickstart every now and then simply because I want to be ready in case I ever actually need to use it. It actually does seem to be more difficult with a scooter than it is with a motorcycle. The kick is shorter and it takes some getting used to.
|
|
|
Post by bluegoatwoods on Jun 28, 2016 19:26:13 GMT -5
I built myself a better rear cargo rack. Really, that was yesterday. But who's counting? Besides that, today was the day that I tested it out properly. My bike is a 2009 Kymco People 150. It comes with a combination lift grip/cargo rack. But I didn't like the looks of it myself. Reminded me of the tail of an insect. So I cut it back a little bit right after buying the bike. Then I added to it. I don't suppose I need to explain the construction. You can see it. One thing I'll note is that I made sure the the new 'deck' of the rack is level with the back end of the seat. That way the seat can share the load when the load gets big and heavy. My usual luggage is a medium sized duffel bag plus a backpack. I usually don't need that much. But it packs up pretty small and light. And it gives me some cargo space if needed. The new rack holds it stable and high, where it won't cover brake lights/turn signals. Also holds it well back so that I can scoot way back on my seat. Being fairly tall, this is helpful. Yet I can still fold my seat forward quite easily. I've found that I need to push that duffel bag back about 2 inches to clear. But that's okay.
|
|
|
Post by bluegoatwoods on Jun 25, 2016 22:19:24 GMT -5
I scooted to work the last couple of days. Friday morning I ran into my bike's big brother. It's a 2008 Kymco People 250. (Mine: 2009 People 150) I couldn't linger and talk with the guy about our bikes because I had to get inside and clock in. Bummer. But it was neat to run into this bike.
|
|
|
Post by bluegoatwoods on Jun 25, 2016 22:09:11 GMT -5
I'm inclined to agree with Frankenmech on the issue of standard trikes. A rider who is new to the bike and doesn't fully understand it can do a face plant very easily. And those who do understand the bike and ride at a speed that won't roll it are in danger of being more of a traffic blocker than someone on a more nimble standard scooter.
And it's sad to hear that your wife is afraid of her two-wheeled scoot. The first scooter I bought was for my wife. And she loves it and she's always eager to ride. Very eager. That's just fine.
But there is a downside. She knows nothing, really, about getting around in the real world on two wheels. And she's a bit reckless. She's actually not quite fearful enough.
I advise her and she listens with reasonable grace. She even makes a pretty consistent effort to follow some of my advice. She tends to be clumsy about it. But she's trying and I can hope for improvement in time.
As for the advice she ignores, maybe one day she'll see the wisdom on her own.
All this just might be useful to you. You can see that my experience is somewhat opposite to yours. And maybe you can find some middle ground.
Do you think you could convince your wife to work with and perfect her scooter riding skills if she felt so protected that even falling wouldn't be such a big deal?
Picture her with a good helmet, safety vest, elbow and knee pads, good ankle-covering shoes, gloves plus riding around at a top speed of, say, twenty miles per hour. A person shouldn't feel too exposed to danger under those circumstances.
I'm thinking that if she can't manage two wheels she might not be able to manage three. Whether standard or reverse type trike. I could be wrong on that. After all, if she feels more confident on three wheels, then that might be all the advantage she needs.
But I'd think a bit about it before putting money into a trike for her.
|
|
|
Post by bluegoatwoods on Jun 25, 2016 21:29:53 GMT -5
Oh, that's easy. I've got piles of debris in my yard that are bigger than that. I might have to sit this round out.
|
|
|
Post by bluegoatwoods on Jun 23, 2016 21:32:14 GMT -5
Yes, I agree.
Photos of your scoot would be good.
|
|
|
Post by bluegoatwoods on Jun 23, 2016 20:48:25 GMT -5
I rode to work today. But I ride some kind of two wheeled vehicle practically every day. Okay......in January I do the four wheel thing more than two. But ten, ten and a half months a year I'm on two wheels. So I wonder if there's any point in me even bumping this thread.
But today was a bit different than many. The weather was a slight bit better than it had been. The high temp was somewhere in the upper 80s, which is an improvement. But it also got more muggy. So a good part of the day didn't feel all that great.
But when I got off of work, at seven PM, the temp was really quite nice. And I had an actual appetite!
I always like that feeling because I just don't want much food when the weather gets hot.
So I stopped and got myself a Whopper. Put it in the scooters glove box and rode on toward home.
Near home there's junction of the main road with a smaller road. A laundromat just off the corner has a nice little spot to park at, out of the Sun, where I can just sit for a few minutes and look over my neighborhood. I usually do stop there for a cigarette.
Today I sat on my bike and chowed down on a good burger. Or a decent burger, anyway. That's a bout the best you can hope for with Burger King.
Then I went over to the dollar store for bread and Hershey bars. The bread is just for the home. But the Hershey bars are mine, mine mine! I just ate one of them. And I'll probably eat the other before bedtime. And wash it down with some Coca-Cola.
It's nice to crave some food again.
I like to say that "life is good riding a bike like this". And when you can throw in some junk food to boot, why that's just pure gravy.
|
|
|
Post by bluegoatwoods on Jun 23, 2016 20:34:36 GMT -5
Welcome aboard.
I have nothing to offer since I'm quite new to scooters and have little knowledge of the details inside them. But others will come along with good advice.
Best of luck.
|
|
|
Post by bluegoatwoods on Jun 22, 2016 18:53:34 GMT -5
Did I say that I didn't think their scooters were good looking? Perchance I was hasty I haven't looked at these pics in some time. And they're better looking than I'd remembered. This next one is identified as an "NSU Lambretta". You do get the occasional misidentification on the internet. But it doesn't look like a Lambretta to me. So I'm willing to accept it as an NSU. But it might be almost anything, really. And, just for fun, here's a pretty early motorcycle from NSU.
|
|
|
Post by bluegoatwoods on Jun 22, 2016 17:53:40 GMT -5
You know......Audi is essentially what-used-to-be "NSU". More precise: merger between NSU and Auto Union, a smaller automotive maker. NSU made some great early motorized bicycles/motorcycles plus small true motorcycles. Also scooters. My own opinion is that their scooters were not the most beautiful ever made. But they were cool, nonetheless. A little more trivia: NSU was the developer of the rotary engine. They placed a car with a rotary on the market in 1964. I don't think it was a success. But those of you who are old enough will remember that Mazda showed up in the USA with a whole line of rotary equipped cars about ten years later. Those were licensed from Audi. But I'm rambling, aren't I? And I don't really have much hope that Audi will re-visit their NSU glory days and start making affordable quality two-wheeled vehicles again. But I sure do wish they would. And the one at the top of this thread is kinda good looking, isn't it?
|
|
|
Post by bluegoatwoods on Jun 22, 2016 17:31:48 GMT -5
Nice find!
I don't think I've ever seen a "Genuine" product in person. But I get a very good vibe from them and I want to get to know one of them in the not-too-distant future.
I do feel bad for someone who has a 2 cycle, doesn't know what he has, and ruins it by not getting oil into that combustion chamber and crankcase. But it's the operators responsibility to know these things, of course. It's surprising that so many neglect such basic understanding of just what they've got in their hands.
But I'm really glad for you that you got a quality product at a very good price and were able to salvage it.
|
|
|
Post by bluegoatwoods on Jun 20, 2016 9:33:46 GMT -5
I've got nothing to add. Other than 'good luck'.
But I am watching with interest. And I'm putting in a reply here so that I have something like a bookmark.
I'm tempted to say, "Keep pushing at it!" But you'll know better than me, niz, whether to keep going or take a break.
|
|
|
Post by bluegoatwoods on Jun 20, 2016 9:13:57 GMT -5
Yep! That truck satisfies me, anyway. I like your scoot, too. I'll bet I can find some sign somewhere that's too officious or over-doing the safety angle. I'll keep my eyes open. In the meantime, a diversion. Check out this pic my daughter made for me.
|
|
|
Post by bluegoatwoods on Jun 18, 2016 20:38:27 GMT -5
It's good to see this sort of thing work out well!
Happy trails.
|
|
|
Post by bluegoatwoods on Jun 14, 2016 11:21:26 GMT -5
Okay, I'm caught up now. Highly interesting thread. Not that I understood a whole lot of the technical stuff.
I do run a 2 stroke myself, as a matter of fact. But it's a very cheap, very primitive engine and I've never made any effort to upgrade parts and performance. And this thread is a very good demonstration of just how much frustration I could expect if I tried.
But I still love your bike, Niz. And I'm rootin' for ya. I don't doubt that you'll get it together in the end and have a bike that'll be your pride and joy.
And I'll watch your progress.
|
|