What a revelation. Two years ago, while Sara Jean and I were in Destin, I bought a "Run to Wally World" machine... a well-used 50cc "Tao Tao" Chinese scooter with a "Top Case", and a top speed of 35 mph and more storage space than you can imagine unless you've actually seen it.
Expert bikers, (I'm NOT one), have a saying...
"It's more fun to ride a slow bike fast, than to ride a fast bike slow."
I had an absolute BALL riding that little 50cc machine!
But with a 35 mph top speed I couldn't ride it from Destin to Ft. Walton Beach on the highway...
There was a definite possibility of getting run over, and a near assurance of John Law taking offense that I'd be holding up traffic.
I needed a faster machine.
On a lark, I stopped at a place that rented scooters and asked, "Got anything in the 150cc range?"
The owner gave me the "follow me" finger, and took a tarp off a used Piaggio MP3 250cc.
"Take it for a spin" says he.
And I was hooked. The price was right. I bought it the next day.
I've now had that machine 19 months. It goes 80 miles per hour if necessary, (not with me on it!), and gets about 80 miles per gallon of regular unleaded. (Oddly, it does NOT have the room the 50cc scooter had beneath the seat!)
My only complaint with the thing?
When Sara Jean is on the "bike" with me, we're crowded and uncomfortable.
I love much about this stupid thing... it attracts attention wherever we go. It goes more than fast enough, has plenty of room, and keeps me from having to start a four-wheel vehicle to go get a gallon of milk.
So I started a search.There's a 500cc version. The machine is bigger, not only in engine size. The seat is a full inch longer, which I think will make all the difference in the world when we are two-up.
So I bought one.
It's enroute to our home as I write this, and should be here in just over a day.
We're both excited about it.
Now, the question:
There are six bikes in my "Hangar" and one being used by my son in Phoenix.
This machine will take the place of several of them.
Which do I now sell?
Some folks on "real" motorcycles look down their noses at scooters.
I ain't one of 'em.
This thing is a GREAT tool, (and will outrun most of 'em up to 60 mph!)
3 comments:
i miss my bike sometimes.
It's nice Sara Jean likes to ride with you.
I thank God for putting me together with my beautiful, (inside and out) bride, Ed.
I had a VN Vet buddy that actually divorced his wife because they had nothing in common...
(Principally riding his motorcycle).
Sara Jean loves to ride, and bemoans the fact we don't do it near enough.
Enjoy, and good luck trying to decide what to sell...LOL
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