Caution: Slippery when wet.

Just a little advise: When it rains out not only do you have to be more careful when braking but also when putting your feet down to stop. I had to ride home from work today after a little rain and almost lost my footing when coming to a stop at a light. It probably didn't help that I was wearing slick bottomed dress shoes. So please be careful when coming to a stop in or after rain. Its also nice to have a cover to quickly throw on in cases like these. I park my scooter in the shade so often don't cover it but today before it started raining I ran out and had the cover on in just a minute or two. If you don't yet have a cover and are looking check the links for the right size, dont make the same mistake I did the first time and order too small.

Couple of observations:

Went out on a nice long ride this evening and made a couple of observations regarding the scooter. As I have previously stated I have yet to fully test the top end as the scooter is still in the break in period. I have been reading quiet a bit about the hard break in technique and guess I have decided to fall somewhere in the middle. I do not push the scooter as hard as I can but given that I do use it often in a city environment I am able to vary my speeds to a greater extent. Often I will allow the scoot to get to speed quickly and then brake on its own, repeating this over and over. One of the observations I made recently was that while the scooter can easily take a car off the line it seems slightly under powered in first gear. After getting up to 10-15 mph the acceleration increases and there is plenty of power at the throttle. I imagine down the road some of the mods I would be interested in would help this out. Im not overly concerned with top speed, for one Im not that big, and also I can't imagine where I would really be riding that fast for that long. Im sure when the time comes I will be pleasantly surprised. One thing to remember is that the stock tires are only rated to 62mph. Now onto another observation regarding the suspension, at first I was rather skepticle about this as I had the preconceived notion that it would be horrible. Given the small wheels and the price of the scooter I really didn't expect much in regards to the suspension but as I have been riding I have come to appreciate it more. It is not the smoothest ride but I am not as afraid of potholes as I had been. Since riding this scoot I have run across the occasional "unavoidable" and it handles pretty well. The suspensions started off stiffer than I would be comfortable with but has since smoothed out. One thing to note is that the newer models, specifically the stradas, have gas shocks which help. Also after having to fill up the oil once I haven't noticed it really depreciating which is a good sign as you hear about the occasional oil burning machine. In general they shouldn't be burning through oil but it is important to keep an eye on it as it has been known to occur and is more likely when the engine is still new, not fully broken in. On a seperate note I am now having to plan more carefully when loading up the scooter. The underseat storage is being used mainly for my tools, cover, and chain/lock. I recently purchased a new 1" thick braided steel lock that won't fit under my seat! Im a little disappointed but its not the end of the world. I will try to take some pictures of the storage on these scooters for you folks still deciding. As a result I have started to ride with a backpack in which I can put my raingear and other miscellanious items (go figure it just started raining and I forgot my gear!). Im thinking about getting a removable trunk but really just dont like the looks, hence maybe removable. Another quick and easy option without breaking the bank is to get the spider web tie downs. There are some protruding bolts under the gear rack just for this purpose of strapping down on the back. Ok last note for now, I just saw my first Phantom r4i on the streets of Philly today while walking to get lunch. To tell you the truth I would have thought Id see these all over the place but I haven't. Most of the scooters I see are Piaggio, Kymco, and of course Vespa's. Although most of these are only 50cc models. Maybe I can find a few more riders of these scooters and start my own scooter gang...

Sorry that the picture isnt that great I will try to get some more this weekend. Just want to give you a sense of the security measures I take when parking.

Racing along at 50mph

Ok, so on my way to work today I had my first race I guess I could say. Im not really sure it was that but atleast compared to my previous attempt, with the motorcycle, I did much better. Again Im not sure this car was racing me as it was a pretty beat up ride. Anyways I was just entering the city coming over this nice flat and wide stretch of road and had to stop at the light next to this pretty little beater of a car. We both took off from the line and of course I beat him as thats easy enough. Well I just start cruising along beside him thinking everything is going real smooth and then I look down and notice the speedometer says 50 mph! Eeks what about my break-in. Well I actually do throttle it pretty hard every now and again just for a moment and then let it engine break to help seal the engine so Im not too concerned. What did amaze me was how easily and smoothly I got up to speed. Give that my speedometer is probably off by a few mph I doubt it was quiet that high but still not bad for not even trying. I guess this scoot has proven to me what it is really capable of. I can't wait for the break-in period to be over to really test her out.

Pictures coming! I promise?

Ok so Im home sick today so no riding for me. I do however promise that I will have some pictures coming. I have found my camera and just need to get myself out there before I get out of work and its too late. Don't think Ill make it out today either :(

Loose Mirror Woes

Nothing terribly exciting to report. I have been having some issues with my right side mirror which constantly seems to vibrate loose. I had heard previously that this was a complaint common to these scooters whereby the mirrors have both a tendency to shake loose as well as carry to much vibration to be useful at speeds. I cannot comment on the second however as I have stated I am experiencing the first. I now carry a set of allan wrenches with me just in case this happens which seems to be atleast once a trip. Now keep in mind a good portion of my riding is in the city with its many potholes and bumps which certainly doesn't help. Also I have been careful about screwing the mirror back down as the bolt only goes down into plastic, thus being prone to breaking from overtightening. So I have started out gently screwing it back down and gradually increasing the pressure each time. Well I have it about as hard as I can manage to get it and well atleast after this trip it has stayed. I am not that optomistic however and have a set of lock-washers waiting at home for me to try. I have also heard of people effectively using loc-tite as well as rubber washers to help remedy this problem. I will keep you all posted as to my results.

Scooter Cover

I just wanted to share my cover experience with everyone in case you too are in the market for a cover. When I bought my scooter PSF recommended to me the Dowco scooter cover. Well actually they said the cover that begins with "D" but I figured it out and confirmed with them later. So I searched around and found it at MAWonline where they had to versions the 80cc-250cc w/ mirrors and the 80cc-250cc w/ windshield and trunk. Well I thought hey I must need the first and proceeded to order despite them informing me there could be no returns (b/c they dropship I imagine). Why I went ahead with the order I dont know as I was also ordering my Nolan N100E helmet from them specifically because I could return it. Nevertheless I was confident I had the right one. Well of course I was wrong and the cover was just slightly tight. Well I was forced to sell it locally, which went super fast, and order again. This time I ordered the Dowco size L (w/ windshield & trunk) and lo and behold it fits perfect. So I thought I would share this experience in case you too need a cover. If this happens to be the case I have provided a link to the cover in the links section, although you can also find it elsewhere Im sure.

Cruising on the Highway

Ok so the time had come for inspection, you only get 14 days from registration. I didn't want to cut it too close in case it rained so I headed down to DMV first thing after checking in at work. I had to drive over the Ben Frankin about 20 minutes to find it. Very interesting DMV sort of set back from the roads on a little patch of land and was only designed for inspection/testing. Its annoying that you have to go to one DMV to title/register and another to inspect but nothing at DMV is ever easy I guess. Luckily there was no line really so after pulling off in the parking lot across the street to afix my reflective stickers (it is the law to have reflective stickers on your helmet) I got right in line. Its not fun sitting in the hot sun with a black full face helmet but I had no choice. Luckily one of the ladies saw me and had me pull to the middle while she went in for my sticker. All she did was glance at the front end, presumably to check for lights/reflectors and 5 minutes later she returned with my 4 year inspection sticker. I wonder if I will even have this scooter that long but good nonetheless. Coming back from DMV was fun, not much traffic, 3 lane highways. I decided that I would stay on the highway over the bridge into PA and so took 676 for the first time. I only cruised at about 45 but besides for getting passed a few times it was rather comfortable at those speeds (note: speedometer seems fairly accurate perhaps indicates 2-3 mph over). I could see doing this drive more often but sometimes traffic is another story altogether. I did something stupid when I parked back at work, I accidently hit the auto-start while locking the scooter up. It scared me a little but I managed to turn it off, it had me a little confused as the headlights remain on for a bit after its shut off but they did go off. When I got out of work I had forgotten I shut if off with the kill switch and couldn't figure out why it wouldn't start for maybe 5 minutes. Boy did I feel stupid after I figured it out but I guess you live and learn.

Watch out for that ball!

It was like it was straight out of a movie or commercial Im riding back from my friends barbbq and this kids soccer ball came out right in front of me. There was another car ahead of me that swerved slightly giving me some indication. However I couldn't see the gold soccer ball in the dark till I was upon it. I did manage to slow down enough and swerve just in time all without using my foot but it made me pretty nervous. As far as the rest of the ride went I couldn't complain. It a lot more tricky looking for potholes at night. The scooter handles the potholes for the most part just fine, its those bottomless pits that have me worried. Don't want to get swallowed up scooter and everything never to be seen again. My mirror came loose again even after I just tightened it but hopefully I have it down good now. I will ride with my tools just in case.

Ride it likes its meant to be ridden

This scooter really performs well, despite half of my rides being wet. I took it to work again and decided to have a little fun on the way home. I got to riding along side a big hog and we kept up for a few blocks. That is until he decided he'd had enough and left me in the dust but it was cool while it lasted. It was kinda funny me on my little scooter with a full face helmet and this guy on this hoss with just a rag. It cool though too each their own.

Rearview Mirrors?

So I noticed something a little annoying on the way to work today. The mirrors just don't stay where they are supposed to. After even the shortest smoothest trip they move out of place. I have been trying to be diligant about watching my rearviews when I come to a stop, but now whenever I stop I can't see anything. As far as I know there is just one screw that goes into plastic so there is probably little chance of me being able to fix this problem by simply screwing it down tighter. I will have to come up with another solution, perhaps a rear view camera. Hopefully they will fix this problem in the newer models as I have heard many complaints regarding this.

Riding in the rain

So I took the scooter to work today for the first time. Got there a little late as I wanted to make sure I was awake and not riding in half asleep. As per the recommendation of the parking office I pulled it right up on the sidewalk and left it chained to the bike rack. Well as you can imagine from the topic it started raining pretty good. I had to work late and by the time I was ready to leave the weather was not so agreable. After holding out nearly 30 mins I decided it was time to brave it. The funny thing is I went home for lunch and completely intended to grab a rain jacket but of course forgot on the way out the door. Needless to say I was soked through my dress clothes after making it safely home. As far as the ride went it didn't seem really affected by the rain. I was a little more concious of my stopping distance and the painted lines but the braked felt fine. I think if anything the other cars on the road felt sorry for me and left me plenty of room. So I guess Ive learned that while riding in the rain is just fine I better get myself a nice rain suit especially since this is my primary means of transportation.

4 wheels to 2

Ok so no more 4 wheeling. The car I had been borrowing is now gone and its just the scooter and I left. If you recall I totaled my old car and decided a scooter would be a good/fun alternative to shelling out big bucks for a nice car only to have the city ruin it.

Some Pictures from PSF

Not on my block

So while we were having doggy play date on the block one of my neighbors mentions how the guy whos house I parked near was complaining. I wish he would have come to me with his complaints but I guess I will have to find alternate parking. The funny thing is I parked it at the entrance/exit to a big garage and he wants to complain about my little scooter chained to a pole. I did try to check with the garage about parking but they want $110 a month! Oh well I don't need enemies on my block. Ive since relocated the scooter and got it covered just in time as the lightning show is simply amazing.

Heat Wave

Ok so its extremely hot, evidently our 5th heat wave here in Philly. I so want to go out without my helmet but I am not going to! I took the scooter down to my friends house today down in the heart of the city. I managed to pull up on the sidewalk right behind my friend without him even noticing,. This scooter must be quiet he said he didnt even notice. This is a relief as I can feel better about quietly roaring down my street and not annoying my neighbors. I parked it up right along his building and chained it there. It was funny as I left the alarm on and he came up to inspect it, as soon as he touched it the alarm chirped. The alarm itself seems to be pretty good, atleast it will warn you if someone is messing around your scooter. When I eventually made it home after some BBQing I fit my cover on. The cover while it is real nice, is a little tight although does fit ok. So for anyone in the market I got a Dowco medium and would recommend a large unless you want it real snug.

Its Friday and I just wanna ride!

So I couldn't ride my scooter into work today as I still haven't resolved the parking situation. It drove me crazy all day as I just wanted to ride. I did get a chance after work and dinner. I hadn't been out at night yet and was wasn't sure what to expect. If anything it was easier to see the cars although I doubt I was any easier to see. Made me nervous when turning. The headlights however were bright enough. This thing is a real blast to drive! I don't want to go too fast on it, especially at night, but it can take off faster than a car and maintain city speeds no problem. I don't even feel like Im going over 50% power. The breaking is solid too although I try to leave lots of room and start early in case someone stops short or darts out in front of me. I only managed around 11 miles so only 20 so far. I gotta get that up! Maybe this weekend I will have more time.

Picking up my new scooter

Ok off to DMV i go during my lunch break. Luckily it doesn't take too long as they remember me from the day before. Only 40 mins and Im off to Power Sports Factory to pickup my scooter. When I arrive wait a few minutes to get the scooter out of the show room and chat with all the customers/employees. I was really hoping to head right over to have it inspected but they convinced me to wait, as I have 15 days. The real trick was taking it back to work, as I was on lunch, which is in Philly. I decided heading straight back to work was reasonable especially since I had already been gone so long. I took it easy on the ride back, not going over 40. I had a car behind me following just so that no one would race up on me. Going over the Ben Franklin Bridge was a little nervous. It was bumpy and had a good wind going. There was no way I was going to jump on the highway so I got off as soon as I could for the city streets. The first thing I noticed were the strips of oil down the streets (I will have to take some pictures) its scary! So between ducking potholes I had to be careful of my breaking distance while hoping I didnt get overtaken from behind. Well I parked the scooter at my house and got a ride into work. I still have to arrange parking there.

NJ DMV

Well as anyone can guess my trip to the DMV was far from enjoyable. I much rather would have been doing anything else. As if going once wasn't enough I had to go 3 times to 2 different DMV's.. Having only managed to get my motorcycle endorsement on my license I was determined, well forced, to go back tomorrow and get everything done.

Links...

Below you will find some links which may be useful or otherwise amusing:

State DOT laws:
http://www.motorsportsofamerica.net/laws/index.htm

Scooter maintenance, usage, and performance:
http://www.myvento.net

DIY Scooter Stereo:
http://www.gizmodo.com/gadgets/gadgets/vehicles/diy-scooter-stereo-101204.php

DIY Lo Jack Idea:
http://www.iscootny.com/scoot_faq.htm#lojack

Scooter cover (Dowco- size L)
http://www.provoscooter.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=153

Strada rx200hp Specs

The RX200HP has a modified cylinder head with air induction that produces 1 extra Horse Power and has an over size
piston by one mille meter. That makes the final displacement 155cc and produces between 10.5 and 10.6 Horse Power. That's one more Horse Power over the stock 150cc engine. Now when it comes to such a small displacement, one Horse Power is a big increase.

Engine Specifications:

Single Cylinder - 155CC - 4 Stroke, Air Cooled

Maximum Power 10.5 HP @ 7,500 RPM

Fuel Capacity 1.71 Gallons

Starter System:

Electric/Kick Start

Lubrication System

Auto Lube

Transmission System:

Automatic

Brake System:

Front - Disc

Rear - Drum

Tires:

Front - 130/60-13PR

Rear - 130/60-13PR

Notes:

Gross Weight: 285 lbs

Top Speed:66MPH (optimal conditions apply)

Carton size 74.4" x 27.4" x 45"

Wheel base: 59"

Seat Height: 32"

Speedometer (MPH), Fuel Gauge, Turns Signals, Hi-Beam

Odometer (MPH)

Turn Signals, Brake Lights, Head Lamp, Horn, Mirrors

Wireless Remote Control/Factory Alarm, Keyed Ignition

Locking Steering Wheel, Locking Storage under the Seat, Frame Number Engraved

Anti-Theft Wireless Remote Control with Alarm, Keyed Ignition

Locking Storage under the Seat, Frame Number Engraved