Your Motorcycle/Scooter May Not Be Legal

Your Motorcycle/Scooter May Not Be Legal Products you buy online may be illegal in the United States. That's the warning from the Texas Department of Transportation. Motorcycles and scooters are illegally being imported to the U.S. They are sold online at websites like E-Bay and through private dealers. The vehicles do not meet environmental standards and cannot be registered in the State of Texas. A number of people have already been turned away from registration at the Lubbock County Tax Office. "Without people actually seeing the vehicle for themselves, there's no way to know it has appropriate labels indicating they do not pass EPA and DOT," said Bobby Meeks, TXDOT Regional Manager. Bobby Meeks says legal vehicles do have labels indicating they pass EPA standards.

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Long wet weekend

There hasn't been anything exciting going on recently with all this wet weather so I've been a little slow in updating the blog here. I did learn of a new watering hole though soon to open called the 'Sidecar Cafe' in philly which has promise. I also got some new waterproof joe rocket gloves to keep the feeling in my hands. I think I ride a little better when my hands aren't numb. I also picked up this nice little cooler off ebay. I wanted something I could use to pick up sandwiches and such as under the seat can get pretty hot. This is what I came up with: http://tinyurl.com/dvxz3 . (Note: I offered $12 for this and it was accepted.) This cooler is perfect as it fits right on the floor and leaves plenty of room for your feet. There are pockets on every side and bungess on top for anything extra you need to bring with you. On top of everything it folds up and can be stored under the seat when not needed. Ive included a couple of pictures but I will update tomorrow with it on the scooter as I just got back from riding and its too dark now.

L.E.D. Battery Gauge

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Unfortunately, most riders find out that their charging system has failed when they end up broken down on the side of the road. A little advanced warning can keep you from being stranded in the middle of nowhere. Now you'll know at a glance whether or not your charging system is working properly. This L.E.D. Battery Gauge is an array of L.E.D.s indicating the operating voltage of the bikes electrical system. Green L.E.D.s represent the normal operating range of your charging system, 12.5v to 14.5v. Amber L.E.D.s warn the rider that the bike is not charging. If the reading drops below 10v or exceeds 15v, a flashing red L.E.D. will alert the rider of an impending stall or the possibility of damage to the battery and/or sensitive electronic components on the motorcycle. Simple two-wire connection and a compact size (about 2"x3/4"x3/16") make installation a breeze. A daylight sensor automatically adjusts the brightness of the L.E.D.s. They are bright during the day for visibility and dim at night so as not to blind the rider.

Share Your Location In Real Time

You may notice the DIY lojack idea well here is more information on this topic:

Mologogo is a free service that will track a "friends" GPS enabled cell phone from another phone(gps not required) or on the web. Mologogo also serves as a dirt-cheap tracking system, so go ahead and fauxjack something.

It currently works on pretty much any Nextel phone with Java and GPS - even a $60 no-contract Boost Mobile phone.

For more information:
(http://www.mologogo.com/)

Virgin BoomTube Super Sale

I recently featured the boomtube EX speakers here on the blog. I recently purchased a fanny pack with mesh side pockets and this system rocks. I can wear it while scooting and still hear it. Well www.woot.com has the non-rechargeable (despite the item description saying EX) for 19.99 + 5 s/h. Just thought I would pass this info along. These plus some rechargeable batteries would make a nice setup. Best "ipod" portable speakers system I've heard yet.

(Shown is the EX model w/ bass unit in bag, you can actually feel it!)

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I Thought It Was All Over

Just the other night my friend brought up the brake lights that attach to your helmet and are triggered by a wireless transmitter to go on with the brake light: http://tinyurl.com/av8gt . I commented how while useful didn't look so good, well now Im rethinking these.

I was out doing some riding this evening when I came upon a giant crack in the road that was unnavoidable so I had to brake for it. All of a sudden I hear the dreaded sound of a car coming (hopefully) to a screaching halt. Luckily the car didn't hit me but it did remind me just how much harder it may be for people to see someone on a scooter. Truthfully I doubt the cabbie was paying any attention at the time but thats just more reason to take every precaution possible.

Group Ride From Hell

How not to group ride:

http://neobike.net/pages/group_hug

Four Valve GY6 Cylinder Heads Have Arrived PSF

Hello K-Mart shoppers!

The four valve heads arrived this week. We will be testing them next week and will post the results after testing is complete.MSRP pricing will be posted on our website shortly and as always (Yahoo.Vento.Forum) members will receive group discount pricing if anyone is interested in doing the mod on a Strada or Vento 150 GY6 engine.

This application is a direct bolt on however you will have to replace the timing chain "included" along with the installation since the chain requires a longer run then the stock chain. Also the cylinder head studs will need to be replaced with heavy duty studs which are supplied with the kit. I designed the combustion chamber with a diameter of 59mm so it will mate up with cylinder sizes of 57mm to 61mm.

This is the first 4 valve head to be offered in the USA for a China designed GY6 150cc engine. This particular head is a Taiwanese produced casting and is of excellent quality as are the hardened valves and dual bearing HIGH-RPM camshaft. There is plenty of meat on the port castings if you would want to grind the inner wall surfaces down and polish. This was not done at the factory since it would be to costly and would bring the price up. Eventually we will offer racing cams in different degrees and lifts for the Buggy guys with GY6 150cc engines installed in their Karts.

A great mod interesting mod for the serious GY6 gear-heads of the group.

Follow these links for images:
http://www.powersportsfactory.com/psfgy64valve/preview001001.jpg
http://www.powersportsfactory.com/psfgy64valve/preview001002.jpg
http://www.powersportsfactory.com/psfgy64valve/preview001003.jpg


Alan Leson - President


Power Sports Factory
6940 Central Highway
Pennsauken NJ 08109
Hours Monday-Friday 10-5 PM EST
Tel: 856-488-9333
Fax: 856-488-8077
Watts: 877-836-8635

www.powersportsfactory.com

Street Survival Guide

Follow this link for an informative article on rider safety and considerations.

Taiwanese OEMs Now Outsource to Cut Costs

Made in China?

Acting to overcome what has become a dilemma for manufacturers worldwide, Taiwan's three leading producers of powersports vehicles have updated their parts procurement tactics to deal with rises in material prices that are undermining their profitability.

(link to article)

Sneak Peak: New SS150 Vision & RX250 Scooters

" Here's a sneak preview of the new body style for both the SS150 Vision and the new RX250 Liquid Cooled. The mirrors will look like the type used on the formula One race cars, they are mounted on stalks and will have the turn signals built in to them. Also notice the driving lamp built into the lower portion of the windscreen. We have added front and rear disc brakes and rear gas shocks as standard equipement.

I am working on producing a new line of High-End front forks as optional equipment that will fit both the Strada and Vento line of scooters. There is more to come but I can't release anymore information at this time."

Alan Leson

Power Sports Factory
6940 Central Highway
Pennsauken NJ 08109
Hours Monday-Friday 10-5 PM EST
Tel: 856-488-9333
Fax: 856-488-8077
www.powersportsfactory.com

Scooting rugged terrain.

Scooting just hasn’t been the same since they ripped up nearly every road on the way to work. This was nearly three weeks ago and just this past weekend did they get going on repaving. The scooter doesn’t seem to complain much about the rough terrain but I get nervous of something coming loose or hitting some loose gravel. I think for the most part my fears are unfounded as in China as well as South America I’m sure terrain like this is a part of many peoples daily commute. I just hope it isn’t part of mine for much longer. The roads they have repaved are wonderful and so I guess I can be patient for the end benefit. At least I’m not worrying about street parking as they have been towing even though they aren’t working. Guess this is typical of construction.

Power Sports Factory has made mention of a new front fork that they will be releasing soon with improved shock absorbing capabilities. This will be a nice feature for those of us who encounter more than the occasional pot hole or as in this case road construction. Then again sometimes we just want to take these things were the conditions are a little more demanding. Up to this point I’ve been very pleased with performance and handling and have only been mildly inconvenienced by all this work going on. So unless its raining and or snowing expect to see me out there.

Thar she blows! Dead whale explodes.

Blood and guts litter this street in Tainan, Taiwan, after decomposing organs in the sperm whale in background caused it to explode.

Why you should wear a full face helmet

Here can be found an intersting short piece on the importance of wearing a full face helmet while riding.

MSNBC News Articles

Im sure many of you have already seen these two articles which first appeared last night but in case you missed them here they are:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9087878/

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9591325/

mp3 Player Mount

I just ordered a cheap fanny sack to carry my speakers and will probably just use my mp3 player around my neck on a lanyard but check out this killer product:

RAM Mount AQUA BOX3 for MP3's Pat. Pend.

Features

1. A unique, patented pending all inclusive seal and Flex-Lens.

2. Touch through lens to operate buttons.

3. Power, earphone and accessory cables are routed through a patent pending, self draining baffle design to keep moisture out yet allow device to breath and stay cool.

4. Fits any RAM Mounting System for use on Planes, Motorcycles, Boats, ATVs, Bikes, etc.

5. Easily locks with any standard mini padlock.

6. All marine grade construction including stainless steel hinge pin and mounting hardware.

7. Flex-Lens may be replaced in seconds if scratched or damaged. (inexpensive)

8. Lifetime Warranty on all components other than Flex-Lens.

9. Padded foam interior to provide additional shock and vibration protection.

Inside Dimensions

2 3/8" Wide, 4 5/8" Tall, 1 1/8" Thick

The RAM High Strength Plastic Aqua Box 3 Cradle is designed to hold the following units

• Apple iPod Mini and other small MP3 players

300mile tune up

I know most of you guys got this the first week with the scoote but as Ive been using it in the city it's taken a while. Took me a trip to both Auto Zone and Pep Boys to get some more Valveline 4-stroke motorcycle oil 10w-40 and to find Mobil 1 75w-90 synthetic gear oil. Plus I got this eagle 1 stuff called wipe and shine that is said to remove dust, water spots, bugs etc. and shine figure it would be perfect for a quick stop light scooter wash. Changed all the oils outside in the driveway but didnt get to cleaning it as I had some football to watch. I did notice while doing all this that one of my headlights is blown out. There are those little running lights but I wrode with the high beams since there not too bad. I was thinking that perhaps those little running lights could be changed out for something maybe an led? I also corrected my idle with adjust screw under the seat because last week I set it a little too high so while I had better accelleration it would also pull slightly at lights on a downgrade. The new setting is perfect it runs strong and is really silent. In fact some how the remote start went on while I was in a friends house and we didn't even notice until we went out. Im glad now I always try to use the center stand. I've found a couple new routes that are fun on the scooter so hopefully Ill be racking up more miles soon I can't wait.