Topic: When a Vespa just wont do

[mlinder]

A 200 twin can't weigh much less than a 360 twin. Case a bit smaller, jugs a bit smaller, pistons a bit smaller. Differences should be minimal. I mean, a cb650 engine is really close to the weight of a cb750.

[heffay]

Is it just me or does anyone else think this just looks silly?  Maybe a notch above the mini-cycle fad from a few years ago.  I can understand a Vespa, it's not trying to be anything else and there is a certain Italian chic about it, but this?   I think if you pulled up to the bar with this they would laugh you out of the place.  And as for the questionable Chinese quality control
who knows what kind of PCB laced material the seat and hand grips are made from.  I wouldn't give $500 for one.

Reminds me of an old joke.  What do a fat girl and a moped have in common?  They are both fun to ride but you don't want to let your friends see you doing it.

i think of these type of bikes more as novelties, pit bikes... even Shriner bikes.     but, i doubt i'd be too jazzed to pull it out of the garage over my 1:1 scale bikes.

[mlinder]

As a bike builder for other folk, this thing makes me happy as a new, interesting option for smaller people that can handle a rigid bike. People that aren't canyon carving or need to go particularly fast. I'm guessing. A low cost alternative to a custom bobber of the 'full size' category, and even with an engine transplant, it would cost less.

Would I ride one? Probably not, other than to see how it feels.

[Tim.]

I think you'd be better off buying an old bike for a couple $100 and spend the rest of the $2,000 on making it look like you want.  These things aren't street legal:

"We do not make the Hardknock to be street legal specifically, nor do we make any claims that it is. It is sold as a work of art, a homebuilders kit. This being said, many of our customers have been able to register their bikes for the street in numerous states as a homebuilt or special construction motorcycle or even as a moped. It does not have a title or VIN number, however the engine and frame have unique serial numbers and we can issue a Manufacturers Statement of Origin  upon request. You should receive a warranty card in your frame and motor box. If you do not receive warranty please email us at info@oldschoolhardknock.com, That way we can email it to you. You will need to print it, and fill it out. Then mail it to the address provided on the warranty card. Then we will send you a MSO. MSO's can take up to 30 days to receive. The faster you turn in your warranty card, the faster you can get a MSO. Thanks"

[Ecosse]

it seems as though a number of people are putting them on the road legally regardless of the "cover your legal butt" statement.

anything is stupid or cool based on perspective. i'd much rather spend 2k on my 550. but, as much as i think vespa type scooters as nifty, i'd feel a whole lot less effeminate riding one of these 9/10th bikes, over a step through so i don't ruin my dress breakfast at tiffany's special. 

remember, only a few years ago any scooter was considered hugely 'gay'. at least in the 'states. when gas went to four bucks they suddenly were cool.

[BeSeeingYou]

  Ever since seeing the movie Quadrophenia in 1979 I thought the vintage Vespas had a certain coolness factor.  If you have not seen this movie check it out.  Two thumbs up. 

Or just close your eyes and imagine riding around Rome in the late 50's with Sophia Loren or Brigitte Bardot on the back  Oh yeah.

The Vespa and the Bikini were both introduced in 1946.

[Ecosse]

  Ever since seeing the movie Quadrophenia in 1979 I thought the vintage Vespas had a certain coolness factor.  If you have not seen this movie check it out.  Two thumbs up. 

Or just close your eyes and imagine riding around Rome in the late 50's with Sophia Loren or Brigitte Bardot on the back  Oh yeah.

The Vespa and the Bikini were both introduced in 1946.

you said the magic words: sofia loren.

[heffay]

i don't remember what this thread was about anymore...



 

[Gordon]

remember, only a few years ago any scooter was considered hugely 'gay'. at least in the 'states. when gas went to four bucks they suddenly were cool.

Not in my experience.  I knew some guys back in Austin, this was about ten years ago, who were in a vintage scooter club and were never at a shortage for hot chicks who wanted to ride them and their scooters.

[Ecosse]

remember, only a few years ago any scooter was considered hugely 'gay'. at least in the 'states. when gas went to four bucks they suddenly were cool.

Not in my experience.  I knew some guys back in Austin, this was about ten years ago, who were in a vintage scooter club and were never at a shortage for hot chicks who wanted to ride them and their scooters.

i remember too when girls thought axel rose was hot. chicks are fickle creatures.

[Ecosse]

curses heff!

[BeSeeingYou]

Major thread drift, let's get this back on tra....oh what the hell

[heffay]

that last one is awesome!     i'd be doing the same thing.   

[Ecosse]

  That was in Life magazine! Actually, Jayne Mansfield's endowments weren't quite as big as her clothes made them out to be. My Sofia has nothing to worry about in that department, although the dress she's got above may seem to contradict that. BTW: though I'm into brunettes a blonde SL isn't all that bad.

I'm a fool for Mediterranean women. 

[Ecosse]

God I need a distraction! OK, 8-9/10 choppers not to everyone's taste. Just discovered this American company. And to bring things all together, the guy who started the company was turned onto scooters while living in Greece. Who else lives in Greece? Greek (Mediterranean) women! I'll not tell you what kind of fool I've been for Hellenistic lasses in the past.

 hot rod scooter