I hate it when criminals force good people to give up something or compromise their lives.
This entry in the Baltimore City Paper's Newshole by Chris Landers ends with this comment by a woman who had her scooter stolen: "I think I'm done with having a scooter," Tomlinson says. "I'm taking the bus to work."
How awful, to give up on what you love because someone's stolen it.
Of course, she may have no money to replace her scooter. According to the article, it was a 2007 Kymco, which goes for more than $2,000 on the high end.
I think, when they find the thiefs, she should be able to take away from something they love. It's only fair.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Mistakes on two wheels
I was reading an article on Union.com about the increase in scooter use in Nevada, and how people are getting hooked on the vehicles after buying them just for economical purposes.
At the end was a comment that, in light of my previous post, makes a good point.
It was from a man named Neil who said, in part, "sheesh, I sure hope these boomers bopping back to two wheels spend a little time practicing, maybe even get their M1 endorsement like their supposed to do -- mistakes on two wheels are mistakes on two wheels, regardless of whether you're riding a step-through with automatic trannie or straddling a Harley."
In Pennsylvania, they offer free motorcycle beginner's courses.
You do need a motorcycle permit, which you get by taking a test, much like a driving test, at the DMV. There is a cost for the permit, $10, but you don't have to make an appointment, just show up and take the test.
I have to admit, I have yet to do this, but scooters are treated differently in Pa.
According to the DMV's Web site, I will need to get my scooter inspected and it must have a license plate. It doesn't say anything about engine requirements. I've heard that if the engine is 50cc or below, you don't need to do this, but the DMV doesn't say that anywhere on its site.
The DMV site does say "Its engine must produce between 1.5 and 5 brake horsepower."
I don't know if that means it can't be driven on the road if it doesn't or what, but I think my scooter is well above that.
You must have protection for your eyes if you ride a scooter in Pa. And it says helmets are required for scooter passengers and "some drivers."
The list it gives is as follows:
So helmet for me until I pass that basic safety course.
Oddly, the site also says, while motorcyclists with experience don't have to wear a helmet, bicyclists do. Hmmmm.
Sorry, but I think bikes are a little safer than a speeding motorcycle/scooter.
At the end was a comment that, in light of my previous post, makes a good point.
It was from a man named Neil who said, in part, "sheesh, I sure hope these boomers bopping back to two wheels spend a little time practicing, maybe even get their M1 endorsement like their supposed to do -- mistakes on two wheels are mistakes on two wheels, regardless of whether you're riding a step-through with automatic trannie or straddling a Harley."
In Pennsylvania, they offer free motorcycle beginner's courses.
You do need a motorcycle permit, which you get by taking a test, much like a driving test, at the DMV. There is a cost for the permit, $10, but you don't have to make an appointment, just show up and take the test.
I have to admit, I have yet to do this, but scooters are treated differently in Pa.
According to the DMV's Web site, I will need to get my scooter inspected and it must have a license plate. It doesn't say anything about engine requirements. I've heard that if the engine is 50cc or below, you don't need to do this, but the DMV doesn't say that anywhere on its site.
The DMV site does say "Its engine must produce between 1.5 and 5 brake horsepower."
I don't know if that means it can't be driven on the road if it doesn't or what, but I think my scooter is well above that.
You must have protection for your eyes if you ride a scooter in Pa. And it says helmets are required for scooter passengers and "some drivers."
The list it gives is as follows:
* Driving a three-wheeled, closed cab scooter
* Older than 21 and have operated a motorcycle for at least two years
* Older than 21 and have completed a motorcycle rider safety course approved by PennDOT
* A passenger aged 21 or older who rides with an exempted driver
So helmet for me until I pass that basic safety course.
Oddly, the site also says, while motorcyclists with experience don't have to wear a helmet, bicyclists do. Hmmmm.
Sorry, but I think bikes are a little safer than a speeding motorcycle/scooter.
A questionable statement
I was reading the news this morning when I came across an AP report out of Philadelphia, and I was kind of taken aback by a statement in the story.
It's about the reaction of Ohio State University's president to the death of his son-in-law after a scooter crash in Philly. He apparently died. The president, Gordon Gee, said his daughter was undergoing rehabilitation for injuries she suffered in the crash.
According to Philly.com, Gee's daughter, Rebekah, was on the back of the Vespa scooter she and her husband were driving in Bryn Mawr when they crashed into an SUV.
This is the part that bothers me. In the AP story, it says, "Gordon Gee says she got into bed with her husband at the end so Moore died in 'a magnificent way.'"
What? Is that implying what I think it is?
I don't know, no matter how much I loved a man, that I could do that at the END.
Kinda creepy.
It's about the reaction of Ohio State University's president to the death of his son-in-law after a scooter crash in Philly. He apparently died. The president, Gordon Gee, said his daughter was undergoing rehabilitation for injuries she suffered in the crash.
According to Philly.com, Gee's daughter, Rebekah, was on the back of the Vespa scooter she and her husband were driving in Bryn Mawr when they crashed into an SUV.
This is the part that bothers me. In the AP story, it says, "Gordon Gee says she got into bed with her husband at the end so Moore died in 'a magnificent way.'"
What? Is that implying what I think it is?
I don't know, no matter how much I loved a man, that I could do that at the END.
Kinda creepy.
Friday, July 25, 2008
It is easy to commute on a scooter
I was telling a friend about my scooter and she said she was jealous. She'd love a scooter, but then she said she didn't think it was practical for her to have one since she commuted such a long distance to work.
I didn't understand that.
She claimed that because she used major, congested highways, it was too dangerous, and would be "hard" because of the distance.
I thought about it and don't think that's true. Of course she lacked any experience, but I don't. I've ridden long distances (at least the hour that she was talking about) on the back of a motorcycle on highways, and I'd have to say that it's only a little more tiring than driving a car. But it also is more likely to keep you aware on the road.
It is more dangerous riding on a scooter or motorcycle not because of what you are doing, but because other people are not paying as much attention in their cars. So you have to pay more attention.
Of course if you are like the majority of commuters, you probably aren't really paying attention as you commute because you always travel the same road and have become complacent (or are half asleep because you felt you had to watch that "American Idol" rerun).
The only detriment I see is if you have to carry a great deal with you to work, like some of my friends who are teachers.
But if all you need can fit in your scooter bucket, a scooter is perfect. You can actually fit a lot into the boot of a scooter. And you can scoot around other cars sitting needlessly in traffic.
I'd recommend being careful about doing this since drivers aren't going to notice you with their peripheral vision as they would a large vehicle, but there's not point sitting in traffic adding to the congestion when you could get around everyone and be one less vehicle on the road keeping things stalled. It's really handy. And can save you time commuting to work.
She was worried about getting into an accident. And that is highly likely no matter what time of day simply because of complacent drivers. But you can also get into a deadly accident in your car. In fact, I thought back on all the accidents that I'd heard about on her commute route and realized that all the people who died were in cars, so I don't know if it would make a difference what you were driving if you get hit on that route. You might as well try saving money since the odds don't seem to be good anyway.
But I also thought about the fact that she was taking a major road when there are plenty of options for her to take going in the same direction. While major roads can be faster, if you're on a scooter you want to enjoy the ride, so why not take alternate routes with less traffic and enjoy the fact that you are outside having fun on your scooter?
It seems the only thing stopping her are her fears and a lack of knowledge.
If everyone commuted in a scooter or a smaller vehicle, we'd be a lot better off.
Below are some tips on how to commute on a scooter.
I didn't understand that.
She claimed that because she used major, congested highways, it was too dangerous, and would be "hard" because of the distance.
I thought about it and don't think that's true. Of course she lacked any experience, but I don't. I've ridden long distances (at least the hour that she was talking about) on the back of a motorcycle on highways, and I'd have to say that it's only a little more tiring than driving a car. But it also is more likely to keep you aware on the road.
It is more dangerous riding on a scooter or motorcycle not because of what you are doing, but because other people are not paying as much attention in their cars. So you have to pay more attention.
Of course if you are like the majority of commuters, you probably aren't really paying attention as you commute because you always travel the same road and have become complacent (or are half asleep because you felt you had to watch that "American Idol" rerun).
The only detriment I see is if you have to carry a great deal with you to work, like some of my friends who are teachers.
But if all you need can fit in your scooter bucket, a scooter is perfect. You can actually fit a lot into the boot of a scooter. And you can scoot around other cars sitting needlessly in traffic.
I'd recommend being careful about doing this since drivers aren't going to notice you with their peripheral vision as they would a large vehicle, but there's not point sitting in traffic adding to the congestion when you could get around everyone and be one less vehicle on the road keeping things stalled. It's really handy. And can save you time commuting to work.
She was worried about getting into an accident. And that is highly likely no matter what time of day simply because of complacent drivers. But you can also get into a deadly accident in your car. In fact, I thought back on all the accidents that I'd heard about on her commute route and realized that all the people who died were in cars, so I don't know if it would make a difference what you were driving if you get hit on that route. You might as well try saving money since the odds don't seem to be good anyway.
But I also thought about the fact that she was taking a major road when there are plenty of options for her to take going in the same direction. While major roads can be faster, if you're on a scooter you want to enjoy the ride, so why not take alternate routes with less traffic and enjoy the fact that you are outside having fun on your scooter?
It seems the only thing stopping her are her fears and a lack of knowledge.
If everyone commuted in a scooter or a smaller vehicle, we'd be a lot better off.
Below are some tips on how to commute on a scooter.
Wondering about the rain
After a day of pouring rain, I got to wondering what I should do if I'm ever stuck on it in the scooter. I don't have raingear, so I guess I should buy some, but that's pretty pricey. My boyfriend has been looking for some reasonably priced rain gear for a while now. It looks like he'll have to spend the $100 or so.
The reason rain gear is so expensive, I believe, is it has to stand up to wind whipping against it.
My boyfriend bought a cheap rain suit one year, and after an hours drive down the highway, all that was left on his soaking wet body were a couple of strings around his wrists and ankles. The suit literally shredded and flew off him.
If you've ever been on a motorcycle you know that rain is no fun. It can be hard when you're just standing in it, but add speed and those little drops feel like bullets. They sting against your exposed sking.
No fun.
Add to that the slipperiness of wet pavement and it can be a nightmare to ride in the rain. When you only have two wheels, your traction can be lost a lot faster than in a car. And you're already distracted by the discomfort of being soaked, pelted by bullet like raindrops and then freezing to death because you are trying to get somewhere fast and the wind is whicking away all your body heat.
Bleck.
But I'm also concerned about the scooter. I'm thinking we need to cover the exposed wires so I don't wind up with a shorted out headlight at the worst of times. I'm also wondering how slippery the foot rest will become in rain and if there are any parts to the scooter that could start to corrode if I'm caught out in the rain too often.
This isn't a new scooter so I don't think it was manufactured for everyday driving, like many new scoots are.
Guess for now it's a fair weather ride.
The reason rain gear is so expensive, I believe, is it has to stand up to wind whipping against it.
My boyfriend bought a cheap rain suit one year, and after an hours drive down the highway, all that was left on his soaking wet body were a couple of strings around his wrists and ankles. The suit literally shredded and flew off him.
If you've ever been on a motorcycle you know that rain is no fun. It can be hard when you're just standing in it, but add speed and those little drops feel like bullets. They sting against your exposed sking.
No fun.
Add to that the slipperiness of wet pavement and it can be a nightmare to ride in the rain. When you only have two wheels, your traction can be lost a lot faster than in a car. And you're already distracted by the discomfort of being soaked, pelted by bullet like raindrops and then freezing to death because you are trying to get somewhere fast and the wind is whicking away all your body heat.
Bleck.
But I'm also concerned about the scooter. I'm thinking we need to cover the exposed wires so I don't wind up with a shorted out headlight at the worst of times. I'm also wondering how slippery the foot rest will become in rain and if there are any parts to the scooter that could start to corrode if I'm caught out in the rain too often.
This isn't a new scooter so I don't think it was manufactured for everyday driving, like many new scoots are.
Guess for now it's a fair weather ride.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Sunday, July 20, 2008
A little thing called safety
For some reason people think scooters are safer than motorcycles.
Sure, they run a little differently. Most scooters don't have a clutch you worry about and brake handles on both handlebars, but many of them can go just as fast as a car. So why is it people think they are safer and don't require a layer of protection?
I wondered this when I visited Key West for what will probably be the only time.
In that island borough scooters are everywhere, and they aren't to strict about who can rent them. Problem is everyone goes around on them without a helmet or proper shoes.
Maybe it's the laid back element but just because it's a small machine with just enough power to go on a highway doesn't mean it can't lead to a dangerous situation.
Without the proper shoes you can have rocks fly up and cut your feet, or get them run over by an unthinking driver.
Just like a motorcycle, you're exposed to the elements, wind, rain, heat. So you should wear the proper clothing.
And just like a motorcycle, scooters are small, so unwitting drivers are less likely to notice you and more likely to pull out in front of you and cause a deadly accident.
Yet, too many people don't wear helmets when riding them. Don't wear the proper shoes. Don't wear pants that cover their legs and protect their skin from abrasions if they fall. Don't think that yes, it's small and fun to buzz around on, but that SUV following you isn't. And isn't thinking to be very careful.
That's up to the scooter driver.
And there are a lot of people who think anyone can do it. Watch the fool below who doesn't even buckle her helmet before she crashes. (Won't do you any good if it's not on your head!)
Sure, they run a little differently. Most scooters don't have a clutch you worry about and brake handles on both handlebars, but many of them can go just as fast as a car. So why is it people think they are safer and don't require a layer of protection?
I wondered this when I visited Key West for what will probably be the only time.
In that island borough scooters are everywhere, and they aren't to strict about who can rent them. Problem is everyone goes around on them without a helmet or proper shoes.
Maybe it's the laid back element but just because it's a small machine with just enough power to go on a highway doesn't mean it can't lead to a dangerous situation.
Without the proper shoes you can have rocks fly up and cut your feet, or get them run over by an unthinking driver.
Just like a motorcycle, you're exposed to the elements, wind, rain, heat. So you should wear the proper clothing.
And just like a motorcycle, scooters are small, so unwitting drivers are less likely to notice you and more likely to pull out in front of you and cause a deadly accident.
Yet, too many people don't wear helmets when riding them. Don't wear the proper shoes. Don't wear pants that cover their legs and protect their skin from abrasions if they fall. Don't think that yes, it's small and fun to buzz around on, but that SUV following you isn't. And isn't thinking to be very careful.
That's up to the scooter driver.
And there are a lot of people who think anyone can do it. Watch the fool below who doesn't even buckle her helmet before she crashes. (Won't do you any good if it's not on your head!)
Broken already
I came home the day after I learned to ride the scooter, at least in parking lots, and learned the throttle handle was broken. It's got this crack about halfway around it.
It actually looks like someone tried to cut it off. It's very odd, esp. after we found someone had cut the wiring for the headlight. I'm wondering if this scooter was vandalized while sitting idle in my boyfriend's cousin's yard.
There's no real reason why those two things out of everything else would be broken unless someone was trying to make sure it wouldn't be ridden again.
In light of the stories I've been told about the previous owner running amok in Philly on the machine it may be possible he pissed someone off who decided to do some damage.
Just waiting on a new throttle lever now.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Tottering along
Well, I'm a little nervous about the headlight, since it dims a great deal when the bike isn't running full force. Also because my boyfriend had to splice the wires together since someone (or thing) chewed them up and they weren't connected.
We also need to figure out how to get a proper title for this scooter. The only thing we've got is a piece of paper that served as the receipt and is written in Chinese.
My boyfriend's cousin never got a proper title for it and I'm assuming he'd have to be involved in this somehow.
The one thing I'm not nervous about? Whether or not I can drive it.
I didn't crash!
I was very nervous. So nervous that I forgot my helmet after nagging my boyfriend to wear his. It was like those stop smoking commercials that say "If you can quit smoking you can do anything."
Smoking has never been one of my habits, but I felt so distracted and numb, my mind not working right.
My friends know craziness and daring are my habits, but I was very worried that this daring move could kill me.
As I traveled to Memorial Park to meet my boyfriend who had scooted on ahead, I could barely focus on driving. Not a good sign.
Taking deep breaths as I stood there, I tried to listen as closely as possible as my boyfriend gave me instructions. I just had to remember not to grab the throttle when I was trying to brake.
So I get on, push it off the stand, and start it up, forgetting to hold the back brake at first. But I got it going. As I let it move foreward I was afraid to take my feet off the ground and put them on the footrest. I worried that I wouldn't be able to stop myself from either falling over or rocketing forward. (Like that would make a difference if I'm going very fast.)
Cramps started to plague my legs since I was holding them funny so I took a rest as my boyfriend scooted around the parking lot.
Eventually I felt comfortable enough to put up my feet. It was a little hard to keep it steady going slow, but I was too nervous to give it more gas.
My boyfriend showed me how to do a couple of turns, telling me to look where I wanted to go. Apparently the worst thing you can do is stare at the scooter, cause you lock up.
I tried it, and it worked! I didnt dump the scooter!
So I did a couple of more turns but decided to quite while I was ahead.
We also need to figure out how to get a proper title for this scooter. The only thing we've got is a piece of paper that served as the receipt and is written in Chinese.
My boyfriend's cousin never got a proper title for it and I'm assuming he'd have to be involved in this somehow.
The one thing I'm not nervous about? Whether or not I can drive it.
I didn't crash!
I was very nervous. So nervous that I forgot my helmet after nagging my boyfriend to wear his. It was like those stop smoking commercials that say "If you can quit smoking you can do anything."
Smoking has never been one of my habits, but I felt so distracted and numb, my mind not working right.
My friends know craziness and daring are my habits, but I was very worried that this daring move could kill me.
As I traveled to Memorial Park to meet my boyfriend who had scooted on ahead, I could barely focus on driving. Not a good sign.
Taking deep breaths as I stood there, I tried to listen as closely as possible as my boyfriend gave me instructions. I just had to remember not to grab the throttle when I was trying to brake.
So I get on, push it off the stand, and start it up, forgetting to hold the back brake at first. But I got it going. As I let it move foreward I was afraid to take my feet off the ground and put them on the footrest. I worried that I wouldn't be able to stop myself from either falling over or rocketing forward. (Like that would make a difference if I'm going very fast.)
Cramps started to plague my legs since I was holding them funny so I took a rest as my boyfriend scooted around the parking lot.
Eventually I felt comfortable enough to put up my feet. It was a little hard to keep it steady going slow, but I was too nervous to give it more gas.
My boyfriend showed me how to do a couple of turns, telling me to look where I wanted to go. Apparently the worst thing you can do is stare at the scooter, cause you lock up.
I tried it, and it worked! I didnt dump the scooter!
So I did a couple of more turns but decided to quite while I was ahead.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Apprehension rises
After a road trip to Maryland and a daylong reassembly the sooter's mostly ready.
I feel like such a slacker cause my boyfriend did most of the work while I was at work. But I helped near the end to keep him calm and help with some tight spots. (Small hands are useful sometimes.)
It looks pretty chic with its line of checkers down the side. Though I don't have a photo of the front. Looks cool from the back too.
My boyfriend took it around the block for a trial run after we got most of the parts on. The gas gauge doesn't really work. Read E even though it had gas in it. Might need a new one of those.
It seemed to move pretty good. Didn't think it would go that fast. Ed said it went up to 60, but that's as high as the speedometer WILL go.
Ed had me practice walking beside it as it ran because I was nervous about riding it right off. I have this fear that I will turn the throttle when I'm trying to brake and cause myself to skyrocket into something, like a telephone pole or garbage can.
My boyfriend said I needed to practice keeping my fingers over the brakes. There are levers on both the right and left sides. The right controls the front brakes and the left the back. You don't want to grab just one or the other cause it will make you slide.
That didn't calm me much cause it's one more thing I could screw up and killed by.
So I had to practice braking cause I forgot as I was walking along and grabbed the throttle when it started going too fast.
We're supposed to go out to the old Rickels parking lot on North Charlotte tomorrow and I'm going to take my first ride. I'm a little nervous that I'm either going to get really hurt or destroy this scooter my boyfriend has been working so hard on.
Wish me luck!
I feel like such a slacker cause my boyfriend did most of the work while I was at work. But I helped near the end to keep him calm and help with some tight spots. (Small hands are useful sometimes.)
It looks pretty chic with its line of checkers down the side. Though I don't have a photo of the front. Looks cool from the back too.
My boyfriend took it around the block for a trial run after we got most of the parts on. The gas gauge doesn't really work. Read E even though it had gas in it. Might need a new one of those.
It seemed to move pretty good. Didn't think it would go that fast. Ed said it went up to 60, but that's as high as the speedometer WILL go.
Ed had me practice walking beside it as it ran because I was nervous about riding it right off. I have this fear that I will turn the throttle when I'm trying to brake and cause myself to skyrocket into something, like a telephone pole or garbage can.
My boyfriend said I needed to practice keeping my fingers over the brakes. There are levers on both the right and left sides. The right controls the front brakes and the left the back. You don't want to grab just one or the other cause it will make you slide.
That didn't calm me much cause it's one more thing I could screw up and killed by.
So I had to practice braking cause I forgot as I was walking along and grabbed the throttle when it started going too fast.
We're supposed to go out to the old Rickels parking lot on North Charlotte tomorrow and I'm going to take my first ride. I'm a little nervous that I'm either going to get really hurt or destroy this scooter my boyfriend has been working so hard on.
Wish me luck!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Pimped out
The scooter coverings are painted.
They look pretty sharp. My boyfriend said hopefully I won't crash it right off.
He immediately began looking for new pimping up parts. Some sharp handles, an alarm system, then he stumbled on a sub woofer. For a scooter!
I asked him if the scooter had a radio.
Of course not.
So why would I need a subwoofer!
But the alarm system sounds like a good idea.
As my boyfriend put it, I'll be driving down the street, ggrrr, grrrr, chug, chugga chugga chugga, chuchunch. Beep boop.
Alarm system set.
They look pretty sharp. My boyfriend said hopefully I won't crash it right off.
He immediately began looking for new pimping up parts. Some sharp handles, an alarm system, then he stumbled on a sub woofer. For a scooter!
I asked him if the scooter had a radio.
Of course not.
So why would I need a subwoofer!
But the alarm system sounds like a good idea.
As my boyfriend put it, I'll be driving down the street, ggrrr, grrrr, chug, chugga chugga chugga, chuchunch. Beep boop.
Alarm system set.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Safety is everything
I'm a little worried about having the scooter in Pottstown.
Recently the house in front of my apartment (which is also rented) was broken into, and my boyfriend's car had its window smashed by some petty criminals while it was parked right outside my window, and while I was awake. (Never caught the guys.)
I'm a little worried, what with gas prices and all, that someone's going to come along and spot it and break in to the garage and steal it.
My boyfriend is smart and removes the battery on his motorcycle when he's not using it. You can't move it without the battery or the key.
But I don't think the scooter battery is that accessible. It's also not very heavy, so someone could easily carry it away, well, two people.
I'm hoping that we can pimp it up enough that it would be hard to miss, but if someone's determined enough they can hide it and strip it.
We're considering getting an alarm on the door so at least it will alert the neighbors, or us, if someone tries to break in to the garage.
My boyfriend got me this gigantic chain to secure it with when I take it out.
I don't want to find myself at the Walmart with several bags and scooterless because of some jerk who couldn't bother to find a piece of junk scooter of his own and fix it up.
Recently the house in front of my apartment (which is also rented) was broken into, and my boyfriend's car had its window smashed by some petty criminals while it was parked right outside my window, and while I was awake. (Never caught the guys.)
I'm a little worried, what with gas prices and all, that someone's going to come along and spot it and break in to the garage and steal it.
My boyfriend is smart and removes the battery on his motorcycle when he's not using it. You can't move it without the battery or the key.
But I don't think the scooter battery is that accessible. It's also not very heavy, so someone could easily carry it away, well, two people.
I'm hoping that we can pimp it up enough that it would be hard to miss, but if someone's determined enough they can hide it and strip it.
We're considering getting an alarm on the door so at least it will alert the neighbors, or us, if someone tries to break in to the garage.
My boyfriend got me this gigantic chain to secure it with when I take it out.
I don't want to find myself at the Walmart with several bags and scooterless because of some jerk who couldn't bother to find a piece of junk scooter of his own and fix it up.
Almost there!
The call came today and the scooter body panels will be finished tonight.
But I'm having second doubts about the colors. After much debating, my boyfriend and I settled one hunter green and silver. (I wanted white but he thought that would look a little cheesy.)
Then someone at work pointed out that silver and green were the Eagles colors.
Now, I'm not in to sports so I'm not an Eagles fan, but I also don't have anything against them. I don't really know anything about them. But I don't want it to seem like I am. I also don't want to look like a traveling sign for a sports team.
I just wanted it to be an extension of me.
My boyfriend says the colors won't instantly remind people of the Eagles.
I hope not.
But I'm having second doubts about the colors. After much debating, my boyfriend and I settled one hunter green and silver. (I wanted white but he thought that would look a little cheesy.)
Then someone at work pointed out that silver and green were the Eagles colors.
Now, I'm not in to sports so I'm not an Eagles fan, but I also don't have anything against them. I don't really know anything about them. But I don't want it to seem like I am. I also don't want to look like a traveling sign for a sports team.
I just wanted it to be an extension of me.
My boyfriend says the colors won't instantly remind people of the Eagles.
I hope not.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Decked out scooter seats
Should a scooter seat be garish and standout? Is it a requirement?
I have been told that it's the standard for the seat to contrast with the rest of the scooter.
Some businesses have arisen around this fact, most notably scooterseatcovers.com.
Colored leopard prints and fuzzy seats seem to be big. I don't know why since they must feel kind of slimy when hot, like most synthetics.
The scooter my boyfriend is putting together will be green and silver, but he wanted a totally crazy seat, made to look like a Japanese flag (as a send up to Yamaha). While I thought that could look classy if done right, I'm not sure if it would be taken well by the WWII vets in town. I don't need people throwing their canes at me as I drive by.
There's still a backlash amongst people 50 and over against any country the U.S. has warred against, at least in small towns like Pottstown.
So what should the seat look like?
I don't want to keep it the way it is, with a nice track across it from the former owner's bike laying on top of it for years, but leopard print, un uh.
I don't mind a normal looking new seat, but will that make me look like an obvious scooter novice?
I've seen a lot more scooters around town since gas prices have been skyrocketing and none with tricked out seats or bodies, but I think most people are just desperate at this point, not really into scooters.
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