Death by Cabbie

I realize it has been a few days since my last update and I apologize. I just got a kitten and things at work have been very busy leading up to this holiday season. The good news is that I will be off for a while after tomorrow. The bad news, and no suprise, is that some of those cagers on the road really do hate scooterists. Last night I was riding down to my friends house and had a cabby stop in the middle of the street, without warning, to let someone off. Well as I went by I made it known to him that this was unaccepatable. Well he reacted as you can imagine by proceeding to tell me off and threaten to run me off the road. I guess it wasn't just a threat as he literally did try his best to run me over. He was all over the road, in back of me, in front, from lane to lane. Finally I saw my opportunity and gunned it past him and took the long way to my friends. I wish I had taken his cab number and had been able to use my phone to call the police. Unfortunatly I couldn't with all my gear on and I decided rather than fuel the flames I better take it like the better man and stay living. In reality this sort of thing is too common an occurance but road rage when your on only 2 wheels can be a bit more nerve-racking. Hopefully I won't have any more stories like this but I thought Id share and hope such a thing never happens to any fellow rider. Stay safe out there and ride heads up, don't expect that those other "drivers" know or care what they are doing out there.

Make your scooter sound like any car you want!

Let's face it: your're probably not going to get that souped up hot rod you always wanted. But at least your current scooter can sound like the muscle car of your dreams.

VroomBox utilizes a powerful microprocessor to digitally recreate the sound of 15 different cars and fantasy vehicles, and play them through speakers in the scooter. It even includes special effects such as screeching tires and turbo blow-off valves that trigger automatically. And you can download more cars and effects from the web. Sound and effects are controlled from a small faceplate with a backlit display.

(link)

LED Install

I went ahead and installed the new LED bulbs tonight. It was actually quiet easy. This time around I had no trouble with the brake light thankfully. The only hitch I ran into was trying to replace the 2 screws under the front lip of the headlight assembly. For some reason they just spin in there I even tried teflon tape. The lights themselves look real nice. They aren't quiet as bright as the orginals but I think work just fine. LEDs are also much more directional so I tried to get as many in a cluster as possible. The brake light is supposed to flash upon hard braking I will have to test this tomorrow. The picture above is of 194 bulb LED clusters (UV). For more pictures visit the 'Mantis Mods' folder over at the Yahoo Vento Group.

LED Bulbs Are In

I finally received my set of LED replacement bulbs after waiting nearly 2 weeks. Hopefully tomorrow I can get them installed. I ordered a LED replacement for the brake light which is supposed to flash rapidly if a panic stop occurs. I will be interested to see how this feature works. I also got replacements for the turn signals and a UV set to put in the running lights. Hopefully this will slightly tint the headlight assembly without getting me into trouble. I will try to take before and after pictures if possible although I would rather work in the light. I will keep everyone posted on my progress.

(Enjoy!)

Modesta 150cc Scooter Preview

Ok so I presume that many of you already know about and have seen pictures of this new offering from Power Sports Factory, the MotoStrada 150. I had the opportunity to see it in person today and let me tell you it is one sharp looking scooter. Unfortunatly I was just passing through and did not have a camera with me but I will be back there soon with one in tow. I can though do my best to describe some of its features to you. Im sure PSF can give everyone the real
low down but here were my impressions.

The scooter at first glance looking head on looks shorter and wider than the rx200hp. Upon inspecting both closely I think they are actually the same width but the motostrada does appear shorter. For one the top does not turn like the rx200hp, excuse me if I dont know what the part is called. The handlebars on the motostrada go straight down into the body with only the wheel turning where as on the rx200hp the whole top part with the lights turns.

The instrumental panels are relocated almost flat down in front of the handle bars. You almost have to peak forward to look but I do like how they are non intrusive. They are protected by an integrated windshield which actually raises the overall height above the rx200hp.

Built into that windshield is driving light. In addition to this added driving light there are turn indicators in the fairings. Signals are still located in the mirrors like the rx200hp but unlike the rx200hp these mirrors are higher, angled, and elongated to greatly improve visibility.

The seat (both on the center stand) is higher on the motostrada than the rx200hp but only slightly. The seat itself appears to be more comfortable, although I did not really sit on them while on the center stand. It is wider and also features more curvature in the backrest. Doesn't appear to leave much room to scoot back but your 2up buddy will definatly appreciate the seat. There are nice metal foot rests for them as well. In fact the rider is treated to the same detail.

However one point to note is that it is not a true step through in the sense that the rx200hp is. There is a low hump running down the center line. Also absent is a front glove box although it the underseat storage space does appear larger.

Combine all these feature comforts with some excellent mechanical upgrades and I think we have a winner. Dual gas shocks in the rear with discs brakes front and back will make this one sweet ride. The color they have in the showroom is completely silver down to the front wheel well. I am assuming this is powered by the same gy6 engine, perhaps with some PSF love infused, and will thus be compatible with the great upgrade gadgets PSF has been rolling out.

Pictures not showing up?

Is it just me or do some of the pictures not show up? For example in my post a few nights ago about the snow there should be 3 photos. At home I see them all but from work only one, at least its the one of my scoot. I will have to look into this.

That Holiday Gift

While some of you are waiting and waiting and waiting (ok you get the idea) for that Xbox 360 to hit shelves it may be time to start thinking about something else. Lets face it PS3 is around the corner and if I can't walk into a store and buy an xbox off the shelf well then I guess I won't. Ok, I digress but what I really want to point out is this neat little GPS navigation unit from Garmin. Now keep in mind I haven't purchased one (yet) but I do think they hold some promise for us two wheelers.

Without futher adieu here it is:



The StreetPilot i3 is the color version in the i-series StreetPilots—a new line of small, inexpensive automotive GPS navigators that make driving fun. No larger than a baseball and priced affordably, the StreetPilot i-series is destined to be a hit for commuters, college students, and corporate travelers who are looking to experience the ease and enjoyment of GPS satellite navigation for the first time.

Don’t let the size fool you: The StreetPilot i-series has many of the same powerful capabilities as our other premium automotive GPS navigators. The i-series features a unique and convenient click-to-enter scroll wheel and a “back” button which makes it easy to select a destination from the unit’s menu-driven interface. The i2 and i3 provide voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions through a built-in speaker, and the unit easily moves from vehicle to vehicle with an integrated suction cup mount.

Ok, enough, if you want to read more heres the link.

SlickDeal:
(Use code WMHOLIDAY to take 15% off. Total (w/ free shipping) is only $272 (plus tax, if applicable.)

Under Cover Scooter

No scooting into work for me today. From the National Weather Center:

“A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 7 AM EST TUESDAY.

FIVE TO SEVEN INCHES OF SNOW IS FORECAST. ACCUMULATING SNOW IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN LATE THIS AFTERNOON OR EARLY THIS EVENING...AND CONTINUE INTO TONIGHT.”

I had to leave the Strada at home today under cover. While I did get my first ride in the snow out of the way the other night no need to push it unnecessarily. I figured since it’s supposed to start snowing by 4pm and I have to stay late Id get a ride into work today. I made sure to cover the scooter before I left. I’m a little disappointed about having to leave it behind but I already have enough to worry about today. I will keep everyone updated on what mother nature really has intended for us, hopefully it’s not that bad. I will also have to fix the pictures from this weekend for some reason they appear to be down right now, stay tuned.

700 Miles in the Snow

My scooter has reached 700 miles without major incident although it happened in the snow. I got a reality check this weekend when the temperatures dipped below freezing and we were hit with our first snow. I almost wasn't going to ride but I didn't want to leave my scooter behind. Besides I was going to have to do it sooner or later might as well get it over with. In general it wasn't that bad. I did feel the scoot fishing around a little. Im sure my nerves didn't help the situation. I was very relieved to get home. I grabbed my camera and came back out to take some pictures.