|
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Great 2nd year at Indy Gasoline Rally! Click the pic below to watch just a sampling of videos and pics that are posted on the forum to capture the 2009 Indy Gasoline
Rally. It was fantastic and I know everyone is tired. The Indy Rally s spread out and every ride is a long ride in that town.
They should change the name to the Indy Iron Butt Rally. I am sure that everyone will come again next year and hopefully even
more Cincinnati folks will be able to enjoy the fun.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Motorcycle Safety ClassWhy would you take this course? It counts for your riding test at the BMV! It is also a great course for anyone who is new
to riding on two wheels. It starts on a Wednesday night for class instruction and you ride for six hours on Saturday and Sunday
after that. You do have to take the written test and get your temp permit before attending class. For all of those who struggle
with the driving test, this is a great alternative. You can also use it to lower your insurance rates and in some cases remove
a couple of points from your state record. Scarlet Oaks teaches this classes locally for only $25. It is a steal as it is
$150 in Kentucky and some local Harley places teach it for over $300. People who have taken this class have fewer accidents
on the road. http://www.greatoaks.com/Continuing-education.cfm?subpage=443
Monday, April 6, 2009
WRKP 2009 reviewGreat weekend had by all. God was truely with us as the weather improved just so we could have a great Saturday and Sunday
morning ride. I personally had a clutch cable break on the big ride, but was able to pop the clutch and get home to my secondary
ride. Fernald was an interesting place. The ride to it was way more fun though. I understand more than 24 Vulcans were present.
8 or so locally and about 14 in from all over the county. Grover won the raffeled scooter, but he only intends to trade or
sell it since he prefers older bikes that break down (his lambretta is reliable in that it has broken down the last two years
in a row during the big ride). Next stop for many of us will be the Indy Rally. Hope to see you there! Check out the forum
for pics and video of the WKRP rally!
1:36 pm est
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Another great year upon us!Here we stand at the beginnning of another great season of riding. Rallys are a focus point and I know many people are excited
about the WKRP rally this weekend! We also look forward to the Rallys in Dayton, Indianapolis, and other cities. It is a great
place to test your scooter and learn from others. For the older scooter owners, it is a time to dust off the historical
plates and make sure they have plenty of spark plugs at the ready just in case. Don't worry about breaking down on the
long rides because there is always a trail vehicle to pick you up. It is funny how most of the ones that break down are Lambrettas.
Sorry Noah. Granted they did stop making them in the early 70s. My only advice is to be safe on the rides and allow plenty
of space between yourself and Papa Smurf. You will know what I am talking about when you colide with him. There will also
be a few helmet cameras out there so look forward to our great videos after the rides. There will also be plenty of rides
each and evey week now that the weater is on our side so keep looking for the posts regarding rides and never be shy to post
a ride for other to follow. Peace out!
11:17 am est
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Wind Shield-the secret of riding in the coldThe one common thing you will notice of anyone who is riding in the winter is that they have a large wind shield on thier
scooter. It is a key componenet of any serious rider who does not want to end up like the guys in the movie Dumb and Dumber.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Where do scooter people hang in the winter? Fish Fry!See forum for fish fry times and locations!
A fish fry is
a meal usually consisting of battered and fried fish, french fries, coleslaw, hushpuppies, lemon slices, tartar sauce, malt
vinegar and dessert. Usually served on Friday nights during Lent as a restaurant special; often served "all you can eat"
and occasionally as family style (serving dishes brought to and left at the table). Beer is common beverage of choice to accompany
a fish fry. A fish fry will often include potato pancakes (with accompanying side dishes of sour cream or applesauce) and
sliced caraway rye bread if served in a German restaurant or area. A Shore Lunch is traditional
in Northern USA & Canada. For decades outdoor enthusiasts have been cooking their catch on the shores of their favorite
lake. From the far reaches of remote wilderness points, fishing guides would prepare the freshly caught fish for their guests
on open flames along the sandy shorelines. Fish fries are very common in the Midwestern
and Northeastern regions of the United States. This is especially true for predominantly Roman Catholic communities on Fridays
during Lent, when regulations calling for abstaining from most meat products are in effect. In Wisconsin, a fish fry is offered
at almost all non-chain restaurants, taverns that serve food and some chain restaurants on Friday nights throughout the entire
year. Going out for a Friday night fish fry is a popular year round tradition in Wisconsin, where it is common among people
of any religious background. A typical Wisconsin fish fry consists of fried perch or walleye, french fries, coleslaw and bread. Battered or breaded haddock fish fry is one of the trademarks of Upstate New York cuisine, especially Buffalo,
as well as Rochester, Syracuse, New York and Newport, New York. The majority of restaurants in these cities serve fish fry
on Friday, even outside of Lent, and it's often available throughout the week.
6:53 pm est
Monday, December 8, 2008
Prepare your scooter for the winterGas Tank(fuel stabilizer,
filling the tank etc.) both of these methods have drawbacks. Stabilizer can ruin the gas and make
for a huge mess come spring. Filling the tank to the top can also lead to problems such as
ending up with an entire tank of gasoline on your garage floor. To keep the gas tank
clean and dry over the winter is drain all the gas out then I spray some WD-40 into
the tank to keep it from rusting. Another good trick is to get some plastic such as
a shopping bag, fold it into a square, place it over the open hole in the gas tank and
then close the lid and secure it tight...presto the tank is now sealed tight (no rust
no fuss). Next you will want to drain the oil tank (if your scooter has oil injection)
this will make sure you start fresh next summer. 2-cycle oil that sits over time will
absorb moisture and might "clot-up" from sitting. The best way to drain the
oil is to remove the hose from the carburetor side and let the oil drain out. This will
not get all the oil out but it will remove 90% of it and that is good enough. (fuel stabilizer, filling the tank etc.) both of these methods have drawbacks.
Stabilizer can ruin the gas and make for a huge mess come spring. Filling the tank to
the top can also lead to problems such as ending up with an entire tank of gasoline on
your garage floor. To keep the gas tank clean and dry over the winter is drain all the
gas out then I spray some WD-40 into the tank to keep it from rusting. Another good
trick is to get some plastic such as a shopping bag, fold it into a square, place it
over the open hole in the gas tank and then close the lid and secure it tight...presto
the tank is now sealed tight (no rust no fuss). Next you will want to drain the oil
tank (if your scooter has oil injection) this will make sure you start fresh next summer.
2-cycle oil that sits over time will absorb moisture and might "clot-up" from
sitting. The best way to drain the oil is to remove the hose from the carburetor side
and let the oil drain out. This will not get all the oil out but it will remove 90%
of it and that is good enough. Carburetor and Motor Now we need to get the carburetor and the motor ready. Let’s
start with the motor. You will want to start the scooter with the fuel valve in the ‘OFF’
position this will drain the remaining gas out of the fuel valve, fuel line and the carburetor. The best way to clean the carburetor for longterm storage is to pull the jets out and clean them with carburetor cleaner. You should also spray some carburetor cleaner in the carburetor
body to clean out any leftover gas. You can also try starting the scooter again to clear
out any remaining fluids. The next thing is an oil change. If you leave old oil in the
gearbox all the dirt and deposits will settle out of the oil and sit in the bottom of the gearbox.
If this happens every time you go to change your oil the deposits left in thegearbox will contaminate the new oil as soon as you put it in. So, it is a good idea to change your oil before you put the scooter into longterm storage. Remember to use 30-weight motor oil! change your oil the deposits left in thegearbox
will contaminate the new oil as soon as you put it in. So, it is a good idea to change your
oil before you put the scooter into longterm storage. Remember to use 30-weight motor
oil! Cylinder and Exhaust Next, we want to get the cylinder and the exhaust ready. We
will start with the exhaust first because it is easy. What you want to do is plug or cover the
tail pipe. This will keep moisture from creeping up the pipe and into the cylinder. I use
a small piece of plastic and some duct tape and cover the tail pipe. Easy as pie! The
cylinder is also a very straightforward prep. I remove the spark plug and spray some WD-40
or some "fogging fluid" into the cylinder. Then I take a very small amount of 2- cycle
oil and pour it down the carburetor throat. This combo will lube and protect both ends
of the crankshaft and cylinder. Now all you need to do is gently kick the motor over to spread
the oil around the crank and cylinder. Put the spark plug back in and your all set. Battery The next thing
to look at is the battery (if your scooter has one). If you leave the battery in all winter
it will be dead by summer and will also be ruined from sitting in the cold. The best way
to store a battery for the long haul is to remove it from the scooter and bring it into the house.
Put it in a safe place and put it on a piece of wood to keep it off the floor. This will keep
the battery out of the cold and will keep it semi fresh for next spring. In spring you can put
on a charger and be back in business. Now an old battery might not last the winter so if you
have an old battery don’t be surprised if it is dead after a good recharge. Storage Now we are ready
to put the scooter in storage. If your going to put the scooter outside, make sure you
have it covered and well protected from the elements. I do not recommend outdoor storage
due to the damage that the weather can do in real short order. If you can, get it in
a shed or a friend’s garage. Also make sure that you do not store it on dirt or
grass. The moisture will attack the body and cause rust. Now, regardless of where you
keep it you will want to put on some blocks. I use a few small 2x4s under the stand
and a milk crate under the rear of the bike. This will let the suspension relax. Also,
deflate the tires, including the spare. This will keep the tires from cracking over the winter. (source
Scooterworks Tech Tips!)
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Rally season will soon be hereBen just posted the dates for the Indy Rally for next year. Even though it is winter time you need to plan ahead and check
for next year's rally dates. There is also the return of the GP races to Indy and vintage days at Mid Ohio. See you there.
9:45 am est
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Lambretta Racing History
A Lambretta scooter over
200 km/hInnocenti’s response to Piaggio’s
record on the flying kilometre
is not to be waited for. After a first positive result, the Lambretta scooter reaches
such a limit that the match is considered closed forever.
Innocenti had in fact been getting ready for some time for the flying record, and, after having been anticipated
by Piaggio, increased efforts to beat its rival. According to research made on a variety of aereodynamic shapes (shown here
in some drawings), the initial choice was with the leaning rider, in a position similar to that later used by Baumm at NSU.
A prototype was made and tested by Rizzi at Monza, but it was difficult to drive and discarded. A solution with the crouched
– but astride on the saddle – rider was then chosen. This solution tended to higher resistance to advancement
and it was necessary to increase engine power. The tests for the record with the final prototype were carried out at five
in the morning on the Bergamo-Brescia motorway in a stretch near Ospitaletto. Giulio Alfieri, who was then a young engineer
at Innocenti and later a designer at Maserati, mentions that one week before the record they were working full time in the
test room, but hp did not come out. Ingegner Torre, who was the technical manager at Innocenti, after many tests was disconsolate
and at nine in the evening left the test room saying "Ingegner Alfieri, do whatever you think!". "With mechanics
Cassola and Giuliani" says Alfieri "we disassembled head and cylinder once again and modified transfers and finally
obtained an increase from 16 to 18-18.5 hp. In the morning, Torre was moved: the record was within reach". Romolo Ferri
was the one who was driving the faired Lambretta in the attempt taking place on Saturday 14th April on the straight stretch
of the "Fettuccia di Terracina", a stretch of Via Appia near the town of Terracina. Traffic reasons limited the
road closing to two hours, from 8 to 10, but the weather was not promising. Finally, it was decided to make the attempt in
any case, even if it was late. The first lap on the kilometre was impressive, with an average speed of 195.652 km/h. In the
opposite direction, running was disturbed by wind gusts and the average lowered to 184.615 km/h. Total back and forth average
was in any case close to the 190 km/h (exactly 189.973). On the flying mile average speed was 190.391 km/h one way and 184.804
the way back (average of average 187.556 km/h). The attempt to improve these results was not made (even if certainly possible)
because it was now half an hour over the allowed time and it was not possible to keep the road closed. The engine used in
the attempt was boosted. Tests were made with a volumetric compressor derived from a Fimac type depressor used on airplanes
and therefore well known by ingegner Torre. Drawings dated 2 February 1951 show a 55 mm external rotor diameter and a 55 mm
width, with a 172 cm3 capacity per rev. Obviously, as the compressor rpm is not known, it is not possible to value its liter
capacity per minute. In this attempt, according to what the magazine "Motociclismo" reports, the compressor liter
capacity per minute was equal to that generated in the engine by the piston stroke, so we can speak of an intake engine. In
fact, on the contrary, according to the evidence given by ingegner Alfieri, there was a little supercharging, even if pressure
during this first try was reduced (0.5 relative bar). The ignition was by coil and the carburettor a 26 mm diffusor Dell’Orto.
The employed fuel, internally marked by number 15, was composed, according to what Riccardo Rizzi recalls, by 70% special
106-octane Agip petrol, 25% alcohol and 5% ether, with the addition of 5% medical castor oil. For the transmission from the
engine to gear a disc had been added to the clutch. |
The one-hour record. A month after the exploit
on the "Fettuccia of Terracina" the faired Lambretta was dispatched to Monthléry for attempts on short mileages
and the one-hour record. A new rider joined Romolo Ferri: Carlo Poggi. During the attempts, from the 19th to the 27th May,
the two riders took turns at driving in a sort of family fight. On the 19th, Poggi beat the records on the 10 kilometres,
10 miles, 50 kilometres and 50 miles, with average speeds included between 143 and 161 km/h. On the 23rd Ferri slightly improved
the record on the 10 kilometres (144 km/h compared to Poggi’s 143), and very slightly the 10 miles. His goals were the
100-km record, which he set at the average of 160 km/h, and the 100-miles one (average 159 km/h). On the 25th they run again,
both Ferri and Poggi, on the shorter mileages. In this match, the first one brought the 10-km record to 150 km/h and the 10-miles
to 154 km/h. The second rider did even better because he brought the 10-km record to 151 km/h and the 10-miles one to 156
km/h. Finally, on the 27th, Ferri tried the one-hour record and he broke it by running a significant 158.6 km. With this result
the exploit could be considered closed and the team went back to Lambrate. The scooter employed in these attempts had an engine
without compressor and a fairing similar to that of the flying kilometre record, but completed in the higher part so that
only the rider’s helmet stuck out. |
The last touch. Now Lambretta had practically won all the 125 class records, with very few exceptions, and
Piaggio did not seem to be wanting to oppose them. The match could be dropped, but Pierluigi Torre was not satisfied yet:
he knew that the absolute record of the scooter could surpass 200 km/h and wanted to prove it. The "Fettuccia di Terracina"
was dismissed because it was too dangerous. This time the records were challenged on German motorways, and exactly on the
stretch between Munich and Ingolstadt, that had already been the setting of many prestigious records of all German motorcycles
and motorcars. The Lambretta was again modified with a slight reduction of the frontal section and a modification in the front
part. The engine power and boosting level were increased (apparently 1.5 bars relative and over 21 hp). On the 8th of August
the machine was on its run and the expected result was obtained. On the flying kilometre the average speed was 201 km/h and
200 km/h were maintained also for the class 125 records with very few exceptions. Piaggio did no longer show the desire to
contrast them and the match was over. |
Sandro Colombo
VESPA vs LAMBRETTA
The head to head contest The importance
of the Lambretta’s world records could not leave Piaggio cold. In the Spring 1950 at Monthléry, Piaggio entered
the match to break the records set by Lambretta on the same racing track in February. Next goal, the absolute record |
Once broken all the records over
medium and long distances, Lambretta turned to shorter distances with a more accurate aerodynamic bodywork. During the ‘49-‘50
winter, it was rumoured that Vespa would take part in the contest and would do it with a scooter with a complete fairing.
Lambretta tried to beat its rival on time and went back to Monthléry on the 21st February 1950 with three champions:
the Benelli "pioneer" Dario Ambrosini joined in fact Masserini and Masetti. The weather was not so nice and a troublesome
wind was blowing. Despite this, five important records were set: the 50 km, 50 miles, 100 km, 100 miles and the one-hour record.
This time, the broken records were not from before the war, but those set by the French Remondini in October 1948 with the
Jonghi 125 fitted with a double crankshaft engine. The two-hour record was added to these, but then the wind was too strong
and the Lambretta frightfully skidded on straight stretches and had to quit. Average speeds ranged from 126.059 km/h of the
50 miles to the 121.353 km in an hour, but over the two hours speed lowered to 115.872 km/h because of the strong wind. Technical
details and photographic records of the vehicle are very scarce. From the few photos, one can see a scooter with a reduced
front section, fairing with side openings for access and a showy front air intake for engine cooling. Also the engine must
have been considerably improved, mainly because the engagement was to be short, but, as we said, there are no documents. Vespa
probably waited to know something about its rival’s possibilities, and entered the contest a month later, on the 24th
March, also in Monthléry, with the riders Castiglioni and Mazzoncini. The Vespa scooter also was covered with a fairing
and the driving position was even more awkward than that of Lambretta, to such an extent that some drivers had to be held
up by mechanics at the end of their turns. Wind, often blowing at Monthléry, was not missing also this time. A strong
gust pushed the third rider Otello Spadoni off the road, and he had to go back to Milan with a shoulder injury. Things went
better during the attempts, which just aimed at breaking the six Lambretta records set the month before. Improvements were
considerable: 134.054 km in the one-hour record, and a further increase of average speed in the two-hours contest (136.749
km/h), which showed the perfect efficiency of the vehicle. All these records were higher than those existing for the 175 class
set before the war by the British Excelsior and the Italian Miller. According to reliable leaks, the machine had a 15-16 hp
engine, and total weight of the empty vehicle was accurately kept at only about 68 kg. The weather change did not allow Piaggio
to challenge more records, but the participants patiently remained on the spot and waited. From Italy a rider joined the team,
Romano of Sertum, who was already accustomed to driving Vespa. Finally, on the 6th April, the weather improved and 11 more
world records were set by Piaggio, from the 3 to the 9-hours records to the 500 km, 500 miles and 1000 km records. An amazing
constancy in speed, as the averages evidence: between 125.713 km/h on the three-hour record and 123.537 km/h on the nine-hour
record. These average speeds were about twenty km/h higher than those obtained on the same mileages by Lambretta. At this
point, all was clear: what up to a few months before looked like an advertising policy decided by Lambretta, actually was
an open contest between the two giants of the scooter world. It was not long before Lambretta challenged the records again.
Back at Monthléry, from the 27th September to the 5th October, the 17 Piaggio records were beaten, and five more records
were broken. Ambrosini, Ferri and Masetti had a whole fairing on their scooter (except for the separately faired front wheel)
with an incredibly ugly scale look that recalled a beetle or a scorpion fish. But, luckily enough, the machine was efficient,
as the extraordinary average speeds obtained on the 100 km/h evidence, with peaks over 142 km/h. The 22 records obtained were
all those admitted by regulations: from 10 to 1000 km, from 10 to 1000 miles and from one to 12 hours, with averages always
over 132 km/h. As for Vespa, many of these records surpassed the valid ones in the 175 class and five of them even surpassed
the 250 class records. But regulations did not allow now to assign the records of one class to vehicles of a lower class,
even if average speeds were higher. Few, as usual, are the details published in specialized magazines. As far as the engine
is concerned, inner flywheels provided with a special intake fan finning are mentioned, which should make the fuel flow easier
and provide a greater speed of the feeding and scavenging streams. A compression ratio of 8.7:1 is also mentioned. |
Racing at higher speeds. Winding
up the debate, the Pontedera house anticipated Innocenti on the most prestigious record: the flying kilometre. The weapon
was a low and streamlined torpedo, with the rider practically leaning on a saddle built around the reduced size of Dino Mazzoncini.
The attempt on the flying kilometre took place at 8 a.m. on the 9th February 1951 on the stretch between km 10 and km 11 of
the Roma-Ostia motorway. Speed was amazing at the first lap (average 174.418 km/h) and, even when corrected by the lower speed
recorded in the opposite direction due to bad condition of the road surface in the flying stretch, the average was still surprising
(171.102 km/h). Despite the insistence for a new attempt of Mazzoncini himself and some officials, the Piaggio managers, even
if they were aware that speed could surpass 180 km/h, were satisfied with the results of the first two laps and did not intend
to continue. The previous record, an average of 161.145 km/h set by Gino Cavanna with a Mondial two-shaft in 1949, was in
fact by far surpassed, and also the class 175 record of the German Winkler was beaten. But, as we said, the new regulations
did not allow registration in this class. The engine was specially built, on the Junkers scheme, with opposed pistons and
two crankshafts connected by a gear chain. The preliminary project by Corradino d’Ascanio was air cooled, but, after
some trouble due to high temperature, ingegner Vittorio Casini, charged of development, designed the water cooled final version.
With a 42 mm bore and a 45 mm stroke of the two pistons, total cylinder power was 124.69 cm3. Feeding relied on two Dell’Orto
carburettors, one for each crankshaft chamber. Ignition was by a special Piaggio flywheel magneto and two Magneti Marelli
spark plugs with thermal degree 300 (MW 300 A). Fuel was alcohol mixed with 12% (!) Essolube lubricant and the compression
ratio of 11:1 developed, in record conditions, 19.5 hp at 9500 rpm. The engine, the same as the scooter, was a three-gear
block leading directly to the driving wheel. The chassis, completely hidden under the fairing, had a single central beam and
was equipped with a girder fork, similar to the standard one, whereas the rear engine-gear group acted as a rocking arm opposed
by rubber buffers. The special aerodynamic framework had a reduced front section. A part connected to the front wheel turned
with the steering and shut out every improper air intake, whereas the small windschield was designed with a profile controlling
air exit and eliminating turbulence. The rider access was through two wide doors that made up a whole with the fairing. For
the record, Mazzoncini wore a special helmet similar to the one the German Henne was wearing for his first BMW world records.
After this success, everybody was expecting Piaggio to break once more the Monthléry records conquered by Innocenti
on long mileages, and the match was expected to become even hotter. Arturo Coerezza wrote in "Motociclismo" magazine:
"The triumph of this first assault to the speed records is comforting Piaggio for future attempts to beat further records
on medium and short mileages, that most probably will take place on the Monthléry racing track. And we know hat if
the present speed record is improved, or even just threatened, Vespa has in store so much more power as to be able to defend
and consolidate this record. This will place dr. Enrico Piaggio, ing. D’Ascanio, ing. Casini and all the other technicians
in the highest ranks of technical progress". But Piaggio will not appear again. This may be due to the importance of
the following records successfully broken, most of all the prestigious flying kilometre. |
For more info visit this great site at http://www.allstyles-scooters.com/TECH_MENU.htm
Monday, December 1, 2008
Don't be a hater.  Saw this
scooter on www.thescooterscoop.com and it reminded me how much I like to combine things of interest to me. In this case fire and scooters. The author did not
remember where the pic came from. I think someone set the scooter on fire because they did not like scooters in general. They
have certainly come a long way toward acceptance locally with the efforts of Bone Girl in particular. She and her cohorts
are often seen getting tags from www.localriders.com and others. They have also joined in on traditionally "Harley" rides throughout the year. If anyone has other pics
of bikes on fire, please sent them to me at info@scootercincinnati.com. We could have an archive just for them. Maybe we could have an award for the best fire?
Saturday, November 29, 2008
the fourth hand Many people make fun of me for buying too many tools. One I saw early on is the Fourth Hand Tool. Most scooter
places cary it. I have seen cyclists use it to adjust cables as well. When you are on the road and you need to adjust a cable,
you will not care what anyone thinks. You will simply be happy you have one. Make sure you have this in your glove box if
you have an older scooter or Stella. You will be happy you do.
Friday, November 28, 2008
The P Series
Many people ask about what scooter to buy. There are many out there, but I will talk about the P today. I am partial
because I have one. Vespa is the name is scooters today. That is the one people want. Lambretta is a great, but they also
went out of business in the early 70's and parts are getting harder and harder to come by. The P series is unique in that
it lasted for so long-about 30 years. If you think of all the models that came before it (the 1st 30 years of the company)
this is even more amazing. The P was basically the first scooter that was really designed for modern roads and a lot of use.
The shocks, for example, on earlier models were very inadequate for the constant rider. I came across a great site that has
some history of the P and I hope you all can enjoy it as well. http://pleasantpaintings.tripod.com/vespa_history.htm The P is great today because it still has the old style look and aftermarket parts are readily availalble for it. Great
power and a great ride day in and day out.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Motorcyle Rider's Dictionary (a-f)1% er (One Percenter) Outlaw Biker - A biker who’s beliefs and/or actions are outside (or not accepted by) the common
public. AMA - American Motorcycle Association. Aerodynamics - In motorcycle context, good aerodynamics means that
the motorcycle is designed to have as little resistance from the air as possible. This is essential to archieve great speeds.
The manufacturers often make use of wind tunnels during the development of a new motorcycle. Air Intake Valves - Reed
Valves Anch’s or Anchor - Brakes Ape Hangers - Handlebars that are very high, and which often raise the
rider’s hands above his or her shoulders. High handlebars so Biker’s hands are at or above their shoulder height..
Refers to a handlebar style where the handgrips are located at a higher position, so as to enable the rider’s arms to
“hang” Picture “Clyde” from “Every Which Way but Loose” and you’ll get a perfect
understanding of the riding position. B. F. H. - Big F@#$ing Hammer used to remove rusted axles, bearing cups from the
frame neck etc. B.R.A.G.® - Buell Riders Adventure Group BAB (Born Again Biker) - Someone who has recently
returned to riding after a period of absence and really ought to get some advanced training” Matt the Rat Back
Door - The last (and most experienced) rider in a group ride. Back Warmer - A girl on the back of your motorcycle. Baffle
- Sound deadening material that sits inside a muffler and quiets the exhaust note Ballistic Nylon - A specific nylon
developed by Dupont for the U.S. Department of Defense for use in flak jackets. Later it was replaced by Kevlar. The basket-weave
construction helps add abrasion resistance as opposed to a plain weave. The name is used as a marketing tools with ballistic
sounding like something “bulletproof” therefore really tough. May motorcycle apparel companies us the word “Ballistic”
when describing material. In many cases the materials tear and abrasion strength does not meet a minimum standard for motorcycle
apparel and the word is used only as a sales gimmick. Bar Hopper Bike - The cool customs and pristine bikes that only
come out of the garage Friday and Saturday nights during the summer (and only if it’s real nice out -never in rain)
to prowel from bar to bar. A motorcycle that is not very comfortable on longer rides, yet lavishly styled. Rigid frames and
hardtails fall into this category. Barn Disease - When a bike has been idle a few years and the battery is dead, calipers
siezed and of course the carbs are filled with varnish sludge. Barn Queen - That really pristine bike everyone claims
a buddy found in some farmer’s barn and bought for $50 Barrels - Another term for Engine Cylinders or Jugs. Basket
Case - A Bike being built from scratch with parts from other Bikes. Basket Case (#2) - Basket case - typically (at least
in the ‘old days’) a bike that someone had taken apart and hadn’t the skill to reassemble. You’d find
an ad in the paper and go over….”my brother took it apart and never could figure out how to put it back together,
what will you give me for it?” Also - someone who is unhinged as in, “she/he is a real basket case.” So,
a bike that is in pieces, usually has been for a while. A bike that is built from pieces of other bikes would be (or would
have been) known as an ‘assembler’ (out west), or a person that is way ‘out there’. Belly-Shover
- Racer Bible - Repair manual Big End - End of connecting rod that fits on the crankshaft Big Five - Refers
to the five major motorcycle manufacturers - Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha. Big Slab - Interstate
Highway Big Twin - Any large sized V-Twin motorcycle engine. V-Twin motorcycle engines have really grown in size over
the past 10 years so this defination today fits V-Twins over 1200cc. Examples include the Roadstar by Yamaha 1700cc (102 ci),
Harley-Davidson motorcycles over 1200cc, Honda VTX 1300/1800, Kawasaki Vulcan 1500/1600/2000, Suzuki Boulevard Blockhead
- The Evolution® engine (V-Twin, produced from 1984 - 2000) Biker - Simply put, a motorcycle operator. True bikers
have a passion for the art of motorcycling, and easily get all wrapped up in this passion during even a simple 1/2 mile commute,
but they rarely allow their motorcycle to sit for more than a week without taking it somewhere. Anywhere. Just for the simple
excuse of a joy ride will do. Biker Friendly - A business establishment that doesn’t treat you like you have the
plague when you walk in wearin’ leather Binders - Brakes Bitch Bar - A sissy bar. Bitch Pad - Passenger
Seat Blackie - A dark streak left on the asphalt when a motorcycle drills away from a stop. White smoke often accompanies
the formation of a blackie. Blinkers - Turn Signals Blip - snapping the throttle quickly, as in “blip the
throttle”. Blown or Blower Bike - a bike that is supercharged. Blue Hairs - Elderly Cage Drivers Bob,
Bobbers, Bobbed or Bobbing - The art of shortening a bike’s appearance by cutting down the size of its fenders. These
bikes were also known as “bobbers”. Appeared before choppers. They got the name from the rear fender being cut
down to a minimum. And the rest of the bikes were stripped also. This was all part of the early customizing done by the returning
WWll flyers. Bologna (Baloney) Skin - Tire tube Boneyard - Salvage yard for used bikes & parts, most indie
shops also have their own boneyards next to the shop Brain Bucket - Term for a helmet. Bronson Rock - Anything
that is NOT a bonified tool that you use to fix a bike — I.E., in one show of Then Came Bronson he used a rock to straighten
out his crumpled fender after going over the highside so as he could rideon! BUB - Broke Urban Biker BUBF - Butt
Ugly But Fast Buckhorns - A style of handlebar that comes up higher and sweeps towards the rider, the stance is more
like holding a steering wheel in a car than a handlebar on a motorcycle. A popular style from the 1960’s and 1970’s
and still in service today. BUG - Big Ugly Guy- a big, hostile person, as in “So me and my bros had to fight off
these Bugs..” or “You shoulda seen this Bug’s ride” Burnout - Spinning the rear wheel while
holding the front brake Bullneck - When Harley Davidson 1200 Duo Glide came in 1957 it came with a new feature, the
“Bullneck” is a headlightcover that streches from the headlight to the steeringhandle. The “Bullneck”
followed the Duo Glide until the end in 1964, when the Electra Glide continued with it for some years. “Bullneck”
is selfexplainatory. Burn-out - Activity where bike stays in one place while backtire spins at full throttle —
uses up tires quickly. Bus or Busa - GSX1300R Hayabusa Bush Pad - Passenger Seat Cafe Racer - Sportbike
(in Europe Bikers would ride from coffee house to coffee house) Cage - A car, truck, or van. The sworn enemy of motorcyclists,
more commonly known as automobiles. The name stems from being all cooped up inside a closed shell, with no contact with the
outside air. Cager - A person driving a car, truck, or van. Cage operator, or driver. Can - Muffler (AUS) Can
Of Tuna - Suzuki Kantana Caning it or Thrashing it - Self-explanatory terms for taking the bike for ‘a blast’. Canyon
Carving - Riding the twisties (road curves/corners) to an extreme. Carb - Carburetor, Fuel Management System Carburettor
- The part of the bike that mixes air and fuel in correct proportions before it is entered into the engine cylinder(s). Carma
- Like traditional Karma but occurs when cagers do stupid things to bikers. The energy is much more fierce and vengeful and
will infect a cager’s ride with radiator leaks, blowouts, bad gas, thrown rods, and overall bad radio reception. These
phenomena will only occur when the cager is more than a mile in distance from the biker as to avoid any motorcycle catastrophes.
Also works in positive ways when cagers allow a biker plenty of room and are aware of their presence and respect their right
to the road. AM reception is unusually clear and the cage experiences a 35% increase in gas mileage. Carving - Refers
to hard fast cornering on roads with many curves, stems from laying the bike down to a nearly horizontal position and “carving”
a line through the roadlike a knife. Catwalk - Riding a motorcycle on the rear wheel only, more commonly known as a
“wheelie” CBT -’compulsory basic training’ a one day training course which all newbies must
complete before being allowed to ride on the road in the UK. (It also stands for ‘Cognitive Behaviour Therapy’
which many car drivers could do with to improve the way they relate to bikers.) Chain - The word chain usually refers
to primary drive, in which sense it means the chain transferring power to the rear wheel. As opposed to the two alternatives,
shaft or belt drive, the chain is a light-weight solution and does not cause lag in throttle response or elevation effects.
On the other hand it is a solution that needs a lot of maintenance. Chase Vehicle - Van or truck that follows a pack
of riders on a run to assist or haul any bikes that might break down Checkbook Biker - Same as “InstaBiker”
Someone who goes down to the dealership and writes a check for a new bike and new gear. Cherry Juice - Tranny Fluid Cherry
Tops - Cop cars Chicken Strips - The tread left on the sidewalls of a sport bike. How much of this there is (or isn’t)
is how some Bikers size each other up. Chickenwing - Honda Gold Wing Chopper - A style of motorcycle that appears
deceptionally light, has a greater angle on the front end than usually seen, and radical styling. The word originates from
the post WW2 era when former GIs were looking for performance mods, there was no aftermarket back then and once all engine
mods were out of the way the bike’s weight needed to be reduced…owners began to remove uneccesary compnents and
eventually began to cut away (or “chop”) sections of the bike and frame. Used to be called “bobbing”
but the word “chop” became the more popular phrase. 2. A radical customized bike with extended and raked front
end, from which all unnecessary parts have been stripped. The early choppers weren’t raked, so the front end was high
making it necessary to reduce the size of the front wheel. They are very stable in a straight line, but not to agile in turns. Chrome-Slut
- Those addicted to putting on more and more chrome, regardless of the functionality. Chromosexual - That one biker
who keeps adding more and more chrome, a chrome-overkill. Citizen - Anyone who is not a member of a Biker Organization. Class
- A Violent Act Clone - A motorcycle built to resemble and function like a Harley-Davidson motorcycle without actually
being a Harley-Davidson motorcycle (the vehicle title will identify it as something other than a Harley-Davidson) Club
- Also referred to as MC Club A motorcycle organization made up of members who have banded together in a common interest,
members have pledged their loyalty (also called prospecting or a prospect) for some time before becoming active. Not to be
confused with riding clubs or riding organizations, the distinguishing feature here is a three piece patch consisting of a
logo and upper & lower rockers worn on the back of their riding jacket or vest. A patch with or simply the lettersMC will
often accompany the club name. Treat these people with utmost respect especially if you see the word Vulcan. Clubber
- One who has club affiliation Clutch - The clutch is operated by a handle in order to, ultimately, engage or disengage
power to the rear wheel. Clyde - cage driver (usually the bastard that cuts you off) Coasters - Plates used to
block the holes when removing Reed Valves COG - Kawasaki Concours Owner’s Group ( http - //www.concours.org/ ) Colors/Colours
- Signifies a motorcycle club or organization patch. Combustion chamber - The part of the cylinder in which the fuel
is compressed and explodes. Commuter - Anyone who normally rides his Bike to and from work. Compression - A condition
in which the volume of fuel and air in an engine cylinder is reduced as a result of increased pressure by a piston. The compression
ratio of an engine is the ratio of the volume above the piston at the bottom of its compression stroke to the volume above
the piston at the top of its stroke. Compression ratio - The compression ratio specifies how much the fuel is compressed
when the engine’s piston is at its highest point. Corn Snakes - Dried cornstalks that blow across the road especially
at harvest time. Countersteering - Turning the bikes handlebars in one direction(at higher speeds) and having it go
in the opposite direction Coupon - This is a traffic ticket. Cordura - A high tenacity, air textured nylon fiber,
made exclusively by Dupont. Superior abrasion resistance over any other fabric in a head to head comparison. Hundreds of nylon
materials exist but 500 Denier Cordura is the industry minimum standard for apparel material abrasion and tear strength Crack
It - Turning up the throttle Crash Bars - The incorrect term for engine guards. CreditGlide - RUB’s Ride Cross
- Extreme motorcycles designed for driving in rough terrain or on cross tracks. Crossover - what connects a front &
rear cylinder exhaust pipe together. Crotch Rocket - A slang term for Sport Bikes. A small sport bike with big HP engine. Cubic
Inch Wars - Refers to the ongoing battle between the “Big 5″ companies for the largest displacement OEM MC engine. Crash
Bungs or Mushrooms are terms for the plastic ‘bungs’ you attach to the frame to protect the fairing etc in case
of a ’spill’ or crash. Cruiser - A newer term that surfaced in the late 1980’s that refers to the
laid back styled street bikes with chrome and boulevard styling. Crushers - Cool Shades like the original Ray-Ban Wayfarers Cylinder
- The cylinder shaped space in an engine where the piston moves up and down to compress and explode fuel, which generates
the engine’s power. Cylinder head - The engine piece that closes off the top end of a cylinder. Dammits
- Those devices on the back of your pins that you will almost always drop. Can be used synonomously with Jesus-clips DBM
- Double-Breasted Mattress Thrasher - when you’re out ‘bird’ watching. Death Grip -Usually how a first
time rider grabs the handle bars. Denier - a unit of measurement used to describe the strength of a material like nylon.
Simply - the bigger the number the bigger the thread. Detonation - See Pre-Ignition DILLIGAF - Do I Look Like
I Give A F_ _ K Displacement - 1. The size of an engine, in cubic centimeters (cc) or cubic inches (ci). 2. The volume
through which the piston travels during a single stroke of an engine. This term is sometimes also used for the total volume
displaced by all engine pistons. The displacement is measured in cubic centimeteres (ccm). Donor Cycle - Firefighter
Term for Sportbikes because their drivers tend to kill themself. Dos Equis - Honda CBR1100XX Blackbird DOT - Department
of Transportation Drag Bars - A straight styled handlebar that does not sweep up from the risers. Low, flat, straight
handlebars. Drag Pipes - These were short exhaust pipes that ran low along the frame. DSA - Driving Standards
Agency. The UK government body which, among other things, controls the content of the British bike test. DTGO - Dyin’
To Get Off - Refers to either the rookie female passenger or the seasoned one, depending on how you look at it. Dual
Sport - A dual purpose motorcycle, made for both on and off the road travel. Duals - 2 seperate Exhaust pipes, ie one
each for front andrear cylinder. Ear’s - Air boxes (i.e. - on a Kawasaki VN750 or VN1500A or any Virago) Eat
Asphalt - Crash Econo-box, cage, dresser - Car ECM - Electronic Control Module - The computer brain that controls
various aspects of your motorcycle’s performance including ignition, timimg, and fuel to air ratio. EFI - Electronic
Fuel Injection Eighty Six (86) - If someone is 86′d they are cut off. for example If you are 86′d from alcohol
in public places they are not allowed to drink in public. Some are 86 from club functions.Ol’ladies sometimes get 86
from club functions. Endo - The art of stopping a motorcycle and having the rear wheel lift off the ground, a reverse
of the catwalk. Also called a stoppie. Going back over front. Enduro - Typically this category includes cross bikes
which are tuned and equipped for driving on the roads. These bikes are often heavier than, and not as extreme as cross motorcycles,
though not as heavy and well-equipped as the larger off-roaders. Engine Guards - Metal tubes bolted to the motorcycle’s
frame that should protect the engine from damage in the event of an accident. They are not designed to offer the rider or
passenger any protection in the event of an accident. ESAD - Eat Shit And Die Evo - Evolution® - The Evolution
engine (V-Twin, produced from 1984 - 2000) Excessive 11 (Xcess 11) - SX1100, a 1100 cc 4 cylinder street bike. Exhaust
System - Pipes Expanding brake - Device operated by a handle or pedal to slow down or stop the bike. A cylinder is attached
to the relevant wheel. Inside there are two so-called brake shoes, which are pushed outwards against the inner walls of the
cylinder, thus slowing the bike down. FAR - Factory Authorized Repair Fairing - The plastic shrouds that deflect
wind and rain from the rider, the motorcycling equivalent of automotive bodywork. Fathead - The Twin-Cam engine (V-Twin,
produced from 1999 - Current Day) Flathead - The Flathead engine (V-Twin, produced from 1929 - 1972) Fast Riding
Award - Speeding ticket Fat - Too Rich Fuel Mixture Fender Bunny - Nice babe on the back of a bike Fender
Fluff - Nice lookin’ babe on the back Fiddly-bits - Those chrome do-dads all over saddle bags and seats. Fishtails
or Fishtail Muffler - The exhaust tip or the end of a muffler looks like a Fishtail from the side and usually straight pipe’s
with Fishtail tips had a narrow exit for the exhaust where no night stick could fit to check for baffles in the exhaust pipe. Flame
and Crook - Fire and Theft insurance. FlexiFlyer - 1970s 2-stroke Kawasaki 500/750, lots of go, really bad frames. Flogging
it - Gettting on the throttle hard and shifting thru the gears. Flower Pot - A cheap helmet non snell-approved head
protection device. Fluff - Young Girl (AUSTRALIAN Terminology) Fluid Exchange - Stopping for gas and to take a
leak. Flycatcher - Kuryakyn Hypercharger Flying Colors - Riding while wearing the club/organization’s colors Fools
Paradise - A Harley-Davidson Four Banger - An inline four cylinder motorcycle (or automotive) engine, these are among
the most powerful motors on a motorcycle. Also referred to as an inline four. Free Rider - Someone who shares the same
ideas as a gang but doesn’t belong to one. French - An old custom car and bike term that refers to mounting a
device, a light, usually, deeply recessed into the bodywork, “frenched-in,” and peeking out from within a sort
of tunnel, completely recessed below the surface of the surrounding bodywork, presenting only a sudden, clean circle through
smooth the surface from which the light appears FreshMeat - New young girlfriend Frisco Pegs - Railroad spike
highway pegs Frisco’ed/Frisco style - Style when a gas tank is mounted right along the top of the backbone. Front
Door - Leader of a group ride FTF - F_ _k The Factory FTHRWYFL - Forget the Hype, Ride What You F@$#%&n Like! FTW
- F_ _ K The World, also Forever Two Wheels FUBAR - Which is a very old slang acronym meaning “F_ _ked Up Beyond
All Repair.” Pertaining to the sad, inoperable and unfixable state of someone’s bike or engine or whatever. Fuel
Management System - Carburator
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Scooter ReliefIn September of 2005, as the sheer magnitude of the Hurricane Katrina disaster became apparent to the world, the Jedi Knights
Scooter Club and other scooterists realized we had to do something to help our friends in from New Orleans. We quickly
formed Scooter-Relief.org to coordinate relief donations for scooterists from New Orleans and the rest of the Gulf Coast. Since
September of 2005 we raised thousands of dollars with the help of the national scooter community, clubs, individuals and shops.
We have distributed these funds in an equitable fashion to all Katrina survivors who have applied for funds. Scooter-Relief
has also responded to the needs of other scooterists--victims of accidents and some facing serious illness. We continue to
raise money for our general fund so we can make grants or donations quickly after receiving word that a scooterist needs aid.
We also are raising funds for specific individuals. You can make a donation through Pay Pal, or by check to:
Scooter-Relief.org
C/O Gregory Heller
455 FDR DR B1604
New York, NY 10002
Scooter-Relief makes grants to scooterists
who are affected by natural disaster, accidents or medical emergencies. We raise funds through donations made online,
at scooter rallies and other events. If you are throwing a rally and would like to find out how you can support Scooter-Relief.org,
Contact us. We can provide support in the form of promo wristbands, advertising on our website, stickers and other materials. If
you would like to make a donation, please contact us. To date we have helped well over a dozen scooterists around the
country including many effected by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and Mississippi as well as those with medical emergencies
and victims of accidents. Our ability to help scooterists in need is directly related to the donations we receive throughout
the year to our General Fund, as well as the specific funds we establish when we hear of a specific scooterist in need. We
encourage our fellow scooterists to consider making a regular donation, perhaps $150 a year? It might sound like a lot, but
it is less than the cost of one gallon of gas a week. Just click on the "ChipIn" widget on the right.
For
more information visit them at http://scooter-relief.org
Monday, November 24, 2008
Great Places for Helpwww.scooterhelp.com is fantastic for just about anything for Vespa and Lambretta. The following is an example of what the site has to offer:
Two Stroke OilsSince there
is no oil pump in a traditional two stroke engine, two stroke oil is added to gasoline to lubricate the engine. The oil coats
parts as the gasoline is drawn through to the combustion chamber, and is then burnt along with the fuel. This is where the
typical "blue smoke" comes from and unfortunately the main reason legislation exists against two strokes. There are two main types of two stroke oil on the markets: non-synthetic and synthetic oils. I hope
to add to this page in the future with more info, but for the most part the only difference I have seen on standard motors
using synthetic vs. non-synthetic is that the inside of the motor and piston area is much cleaner after many miles using synthetic.
Any comments on this would be appreciated.
6:05 pm est
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Tools for the road tripHaving a good tool set is essential to fixing your bike with minimum effort. I have outlined a few of the essential tools;
there are others that you will need as you repair the engine. I will post these tools used when i get around to rebuilding
my engine. These basic sets will help you tackle most frame, headset, electical, wheel and carburettor problems. A torque
wrench is not essential, but it will save you having to break out the helicoil set to re-thread your engine case. As a rule
of thumb, if you dont KNOW the torque, tighten the fasteners until they are SNUG or until the lock washer is flat, overtightening
aluminum is really risky, less is more in this circumstance.
Here is a list of some of the common tools I bring
along on road trips: Spark Plug Wrench - Any automotive sparkplug wrench will do. MultiDriver & Bits - Magnetic style;
#1 & #2 Philips head minimum. 2 Pairs of VIcegrips - For pulling cables and bolts. One long nose and one standard will
do everything. 1/8" Ratchet Handle - 1/8" Drive with the following metric ratchets: 10, 11, 13, 17 and 22mm. 1/8"
Torque Wrench - For wheel nuts and carb work. Extensions and Adapters - 1/8" extenstion, and 1/8"-1/4" adapter
for the 22mm ratchet head. Tire Gauge - They're all the same - use 22psi in front 28psi in back. Punch - for driving out
bolts. Open Ended Wrenches - For setting up cables. Possible sizes include: 7, 8, 11, 13 & 14mm. 13mm Box Wrench - For
stripped out wheel nuts and 13mm bolts. Needlenose Pliers - Helpful for tricky situations in tight spaces. Electrical Connectors
- Get an assortment of different sizes of spade connectors. Clamp - used to secure the fuel/oil line. Wire Strippers - This
style allows you to get in tight places. Cables - Buy a few gear change cables (they do everything in a pinch) Spark Plug
- Carry a spare plug at all times. B8ES and B7ES work very well on stock machines. Body Hardware - fly-cover screw, cable
nipple, headset screw, rear wheel cotter pin, Cable trunions. Fuse - For battery bikes; 8A 12V Euro Style. Spare Keys - Just
in case. Wire Cutters - For cutting long cable excess and wire in tight places. Crimp Tool - Used to crimp electrical connectors.
A fantastic site to help you understand scooter maintenance (especially anyone with a P or Stella is
http://vespamaintenance.com/ which is powered by www.scoot.net (another great site)
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Where to get parts?www.scooterworks.com http://www.sip-scootershop.com www.scooterpartsdirect.com www.americanscootercenter.com www.scooterwest.com
Scooterworks is in Chicago and the delivery is usually a day or two. SIP is really only for high performance parts.
Scooter Parts Direct has the same prices and uses the same part numbers as Scooterworks. They are in Georgia so the shipping
takes a bit longer. These three sites are set up very well and easy to order from. They also email you the invoice which is
nice for record keeping. American Scooter Center usually has better pricing as a rule, but you have to call for ordering.
The web site is for information purposes only. A great first call might be Jim at Scooter Source in Dayton. He often has parts
that he found over time at swap meets and if you are nice to him he might order the parts for you from other venders and pass
his discount on to you. http://scootersourceinc.com/ My suggestion would be to see what Autozone has in regards to spark plugs, fuses, etc.... They will be much cheaper
than the other sources. For synthetic oil I usually go to Cycle Specialties on Harrison Avenue. Metro Scooter on Montgomery
and Dana is also a great place if you are in that part of town. If anyone has other ideas, please share them by sending them
to info@scootercincinnati.com.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Piaggio today? Established
in 1884 by Rinaldo Piaggio and based in Pontedera (Pisa, Italy), the Piaggio Group is one of the world’s top
manufacturers of two-wheel motor vehicles. The Piaggio Group has been listed on the Milan Stock Exchange since
11 July 2006 (Piaggio & C. S.p.A.) and is controlled by Immsi S.p.A. (approximately 56%), an industrial
holding listed on the Milan Stock Exchange and headed by Roberto Colaninno, who is Piaggio Group Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer. The Group Deputy Chairman is Matteo Colaninno. Daniele Bandiera
is Chief Operating Officer Operations, and Michele Pallottini is Chief Operating Officer Finance. Public
Relations and Institutional Affairs Manager is Francesco Delzìo. The Piaggio Group, which also
includes Aprilia and Moto Guzzi, acquired on 30 December 2004, and Spain’s Derbi,
acquired in 2001, ranks as one of the world’s top four players in its core business: a consolidated leadership
position on the European 2-wheeler market; 5 R&D centres; approximately 7,000 employees. In
addition to its joint venture in China (Foshan), Group production operations are located
in seven facilities: Pontedera (Pisa), with three plants for production of two-wheeler vehicles for the Piaggio,
Vespa and Gilera brands, light transport vehicles (LTVs) for the European market, and scooter and motorcycle engines; Scorzè
(Venice), for production of two-wheeler vehicles for the Aprilia and Scarabeo brands; Mandello del Lario
(Lecco), for production of Moto Guzzi vehicles and engines; Barcelona (Spain), for the Derbi brand;
Baramati (India), for production of LTVs for the local market. In India, the wholly owned Piaggio subsidiary
Piaggio Vehicles Private Ltd (PVPL) produces cargo and passenger Ape diesel 3-wheelers. PVPL is
currently the second largest player on the Indian 3-wheeler market, with a share of around 39%, and leader in the Cargo 3-wheeler
segment. During the second half of 2007, PVPL started the production of a new 4-wheeler product, Ape Truk,
for entering in the growing 4-wheelr light commercial market. PVPL shipments rose from around 35,000 vehicles
in 2003 to more than 154,000 units in 2007.
In China, operations are conducted by the
Piaggio Zongshen Foshan Motorcycle joint venture, which produced more than 209,000
vehicles in 2007 (of which more than 57,000 based on Piaggio technology). Piaggio holds a 45% interest in the joint
venture, which is therefore not included in the Group’s consolidated results.
In Vietnam,
on 9 October 2007 the Piaggio Group officially inaugurated the site (in the province of Vinh Phuc) on which the Vespa
scooter production facility will be built, to serve the local market and the ASEAN area. Total investment through
to start-up of production operations is estimated in a range of 25-30 million US dollars. The facility will provide a production
capacity of up to 100,000 scooters/year. The Piaggio Group product range includes scooters,
motorcycles and mopeds in the 50cc to 1200cc displacement range for the Piaggio, Vespa, Gilera, Aprilia,
Moto Guzzi, Derbi and Scarabeo brands. The Group also manufactures three- and four-wheel light transport
vehicles for the Ape, Porter and Quargo ranges. In 2007 Group consolidated net sales totalled
€ 1,692.1 million, up 5.3% from 2006, with overall production of approximately 708.500 vehicles
(scooters, motorcycles and three/four-wheel commercial vehicles), an improvement of 4.1% over 680,700 vehicles in 2006. Specifically,
Vespa sales in 2007 topped production of 117,000 units (+17.1% from 2006), another confirmation of the brand’s
international success; Gilera and Derbi gained 12.2% and 7.1% respectively, while Aprilia
sales volumes grew by 5.8%, largely as a result of strong performance in motorcycles (+26.6%).
Net of spares and accessories,
the two-wheeler business reported Year on Year revenue growth thanks to strong performance in scooters, which
gained 2.4% for turnover of € 854.1 million, and above all in motorcycles, where net sales progressed by 6.5% to €
277.9 million.
The commercial vehicles business had revenues (net of spares and accessories) of €
343.8 million (+7.0% YoY), including € 223.9 million on the Indian market, which gained 15.4% over 2006.
Net sales
in spares and accessories amounted to € 195.2 million (+10.7% on 2006). Consolidated EBITDA
was € 226.1 million, an improvement of 10.8% from € 204.0 million in 2006. Operating profit amounted
to € 136.6 million, an increase of 19.6% on € 114.2 million in 2006.
Financial year 2007 closed with a consolidated
net profit of € 60.0 million, after Income tax amounted to € 43.5 million. Net
debt at the end of 2007 decreased to € 269.8 million, a reduction in respect of 31 December 2006 (€ 318.0
million). |  |
|  |
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Ducati Scooter!In the 1950s, Ducati entered the market of scooters with a technically innovative project:
the Ducati Cruiser. The scooter was first released at the Milan Show in January 1952. The Cruiser had a lot of
firsts: it was the first Italian four-stroke scooter, the first scooter in Italy with an automatic transmission and the first
scooter produced by Ducati. Initially the Cruiser was designed to have 12 horsepower but the engine was later reduced
to 7.5 hp because of a governmental regulation limiting the scooters speed limit to 50 km/h. This model was Ducati’s
response to the ever-increasing invasion of scooters in the motorcycle market. The Cruiser was an elegant luxury scooter,
superior to the standards of the time and made for a mid-to high portion of the market. Ducati spared no expenses in
the development of the Cruiser: Giovanni Fiorio was responsible for the development of the engine and the style was designed
in cooperation with Ghia, a company famous for designing luxury cars. The resulting style was unmistakable. Without a reputation in the market for scooters, the Cruiser was unable to compete with already successful models such as
the Vespa or the Lambretta. After only 2 years and approximately a thousand Cruisers made, production was put to a stop.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
History of the Vulcans!
THE OFFICIAL STORY
The Vulcan Scooter Sect : A Scooter Club apart ...
50 years
after its first appearance, the scooter remains a highly popular machine, ideal for getting around busy cities, it continues
to appeal the young and not do young alike, as much for its practicality as for its looks. For a long time, passed over in
favor of the motorcycle or the car, the motor scooter has made somewhat of a comeback over the last few year.
Recently
all the major manufacturers have brought out their range of scoots : Peugeot, Honda, ...etc. But nothing it seems can depose
the mighty Vespa, a veritable icon, along with Lambretta, of European scooterism. The large rallies of the fifties and sixties
have been succeeded by more modest events (in France !!), but one finds the same type of "aficionados ". Following
the example of the English, Scooter Clubs have started to flourish in France, Spain, Germany... among them the Vulcan Scooter
Sect, more as a group of friends than an official organization. Despite a certain " Couldn't care less " attitude,
This club has managed to put on a number of events, Scooter runs, races, evening do's, concerts and Custom Shows... The
Vulcans are not therefore unknown. Nevertheless, most people ignore the origins of the Scooter club, an unforgivable state
of affairs that these few lines will attempt to put right.
The First Scooter Runs
Dzig, Vincent
and Laurent started off with the first Perpignan scooter Run, which took place in July 87, (and again in 88, 89 and 90). The
year after some of the Vulcans took part in Eurovespa in Aix-les-Bains (1988). It was a good opportunity to show off their
customized vespas.
They presented some extremely varied machines, Dzig 's " Excalibur ", Vincent's
" Columbia " and Lionel's "Sauterelle". Their efforts were rewarded by five trophies, an exploit which
was repeated in 1989, as they left Eurovespa with three more trophies. At the same time Laurent held the first edition of
the Saintes Rally ", held annually from 1989 to 1992. One has to admit that the Frenchies were really pulling out all
the stops. Two rallies started up in consecutive years, was a great achievement. Even the English, despite being well catered
for in Runs, rightly made the trip (more than 3OO). This also gave them the chance to discover or rediscovered the hugely
photographed " Gremlins " scooter belonging to Lionel.
Compared to the British Rallies, the French ones weren't
quite up to scratch, with lower attendance and less activities. Despite their carefully nurtured lack of organization, the
Vulcans remain an active Scooter club. At least - a handful of active members, with the rest just carried along, which doesn't
stop them using their veto when hey dislike some proposal or other. After all the right to veto needs to serve some purpose.
Anyway a good organizer is one who wants to get stuck in. All though are game for a run out in France, England or indeed the
four corners of Europe !
The Vulcans and the A.N.S.R.
In order to simplify things, Dzig,
Vulcan member & owner of the famous « Scootermania » scooter shop in Perpignan, started up the ANSR
(Association Nationale des Scooters Runs) in 1989, a French counterpart to the British NSRA. From this point on French clubs
could obtain an official NSRA membership card , to facilitate access to campsites and do's in the UK, (without mentioning
reductions). The ANSR disappeared however in 1991.
The Vulcan today, The European & "All over
the World" dimension !
We are not a 1% MC even if we have many chapters … So not without it's
problems the Vulcans has carried on its merry way. The small family has got bigger, up to fifteen members proving to the slaggers,
that the club isn't as elitist as they make out. Patches were even made up with " Associate Member " on them,
(perhaps intended for eventual groupies - who knows !!!) And despite all that, the Vulcans appealed to the English. Alex Pease,
our mate from the rallies and a grand specialist on France's wine treasures, took the initiative to start the English
Vulcans in 1991. Meanwhile Chris Newton created the US version of the Vulcan in South Florida, with the Belgium and Dutch
Vulcans being created in 1995, run respectively by Alexandra Cools and Christian Dozy). From the off the English Vulcans numbered
seven members, while their French namesake was down to twelve. To celebrate the worldwide spread of the club a new T-shirt
was conceived (yep, its just like having a baby and almost as long). Lionel Designed a new logo where Mr. Spock lost his smart
image and took on a special rally look, a bit less " chic ", but altogether more practical (as if old pointy ears
could care anyway). The Vulcans have become a club of International proportions, well perhaps that's a bit of an exaggeration,
but we did and do keep relations with English clubs, as well as with the Belgium, German, Dutch , Spain, and USA clubs. Without
taking on the appearance of a multi-national, the Vulcans have enjoyed a somewhat notorious reputation in Europe, which can
surprise certain members.
The last months of ’98 have seen the birth of Vulcan Scooter Sect chapter in California
(Berkeley area) ... In 2OOO a new chapter was formed in Brittany : Vulcan Celt SC... Whereas 2OO2 was the creation of Vulcan
SC Lutece (Old Paris) with new & old blood from the Paris Scooterist Scene that wanted to be part of our family !
In 2003 a Spanish chapter was created and in 2004 some more members from the North of France join the ever growing family,
while an All Girls Chapter is about to see the light ! The story goes on and is spread all over the world.
All these Vulcan Chapters « All Over The World » are alive & kicking ! They are part
of the Scooter Scene & you’ll see them « All Over The World » … For the little story :
have you seen these Vulcan SC Paris members riding down their scooters in Daytona Bike Week almost everey year, side by side
with greasy bikers riding their Harleys ! The Paris Scooter
Show & Future Objectives
One of the more recent club objectives
has been to organize scooter races. Vincent helped by Eli and Joachim, both lucky enough to own a Scooter shop in Paris (Avenir
Scooter - Porte d'Orleans- PARIS 14th district) got the ball rolling. From May 1992 on (ASCC - RIP - ed), it was possible
to attend both scooter speed and endurance races.
October 1996 and November 1997 saw the 1st and 2nd PARIS International
Scooter Custom Shows in the Paris suburb of Chaville, to celebrate the 50th anniversaries of Vespa and Lambretta respectively.
These two events were sponsored by Piaggio France , Michelin France and other manufacturers and distributors of accessories
and parts such as Pinasco-Fam Corot, Polini-Montuori France etc !! The attendances were good from both French and foreign
clubs, with over 650 visitors in ‘98. In 1997, we noted the attendance of the custom Lambretta " Betty Blue "
from the Nice'n'Sleazy SC Scotland, who came by road in forty-eight hours, or others from the Tribesmen SC, Vintage
Motor SC in ’98, as well as the massed participation of the Scooter Club du Sud Est...
Thanks to the positive
response from those scooterists present in Chaville these years, we are already working on the organization of the next edition
of the Paris Scooter Show. The best thing for us was the title of 1st Continental Custom Show, voted by Scootering Magazine
reader’s review in ’97... A title we’ve promised to keep alive.
In order to mark the next Millennium
and the second decade of the club we want to organize a Euro-Scooter Run in the coming years so our British and all over Europe
mates can rediscover the French rallies of old, like Saintes 90, and Parthenay 93... 1998, saw also the creation of support
wearing by the creation of Reservoir Scooterwear, and parties organized by Los Gringos. The Vulcan is Electronic on the web ... ready for the new 2000 Millennium
The Vulcan
Scooter Secte France has now the chance to have his own website, created by our webmaster and Grand Guru Mr. Toth. The French
website displays all info concerning the club, rallies & others events calendar, useful links for example with Vulcans
in Florida, Holland, Spain.... We also reports events like Scooter Rallies, Custom Show, various Rides out or Photo/video
shootage. There’s also a Guestbook where many web surfer & friends can give their impressions about our site &
club. Faster than a real scooter, the web is illogically, as would have said Mr. Spoke, the way to enter the new 2000 Millennium. The Resume
Since 1986, the assessment is, all things considered,
a positive one. Some members have obviously gone their own way, but what the hell, the Vulcans have remained a group of mates
determined to carry on in a committed way. in France the majority of the active members are in France (Lionel, Vincent, Toth,
Olivier, David, Thierry, Jeff, Riquet, Raphael, Bruno, Cedric, Toth, Stoggie, Mimi, Fabrice, Stephane, J-Sex, Jerome, David,
Nicolas, Christophe, etc). The attendance is not perhaps as regular as at the very beginning for the old guard members, but
all are always willing to make an effort to come to a party. Whatever the Rally, Do or event, you can be sure that one of
the members is there somewhere. It's this, in part, that explains the success of the club. Its hard to find a more passionate
lot. For some scooter plays a predominant role, where as for others, it has become more of a hobby than an activity of prime
importance. But all this works together. The indifference of some compensates for the sometimes excessive attitude of others.
Visit the Ohio Chapter at http://www.vulcanscooter.com/
|
