Modesta vs SS300

Is bigger always better? Well as Spring is here we can officially welcome another 2-wheel season of scooter riding. Many of us who have already purchased scooters fall into the 150cc or below class. I imagine many have had the itch to go bigger and it looks like our beloved importers are ready by introducing a number of 250cc+ scooter models just in time. For anyone thinking about upgrading or perhaps interested in joining the scooter ranks lets have a look at Strada's newest offerings the Modesta 250cc and the Super Strada 300cc.

rx200hp

Engine 155cc 4-stroke
Dimensions LxWxH 74"x27"x45"
Tires 130 60-13

Modesta

Engine 260cc 4-stroke
Dimensions LxWxH 76"x29"x48"
Tires 120/130 70-12

SS300

Engine 300cc 4-stroke
Dimensions LxWxH 84"x29"x53"
Tires 110 90-12

(*Note: These are the differences between the models when comparing all specs. I was unable to compare fuel capacity and seat height but will look into it.)

Strada Modesta Spy Photos

Here is a sneak peak at the Strada Modesta scooter from Power Sports Factory. This scooter will be sure to turn heads and will be available shortly in both a 150cc as well as 250cc model.

Phillies Finest - Rally Video

ID5 Rally Video (Enjoy!):

Mantis Scooter

I thought I should post this as my nick is Mantis: Evidently there is a new (Chinese) scooter offering in S. Africa named the Mantis. The specs can be found below as well as a link to the article with some nice pictures (which I couldn't get to show up here).

Gomoto Mantis 150 specifications :

Motor: Fan-cooled four-stroke single.
Capacity: 149.6cc.
Bore x stroke: 57.4 x 57.8mm.
Compression ratio: 9.2:1.
Valvegear: SOHC with two overhead valves per cylinder.
Power: 5.9kW at 7000rpm.
Starting: Electric and kick.
Clutch: Automatic centrifugal dry clutch.
Transmission: Constantly variable belt transmission.
Suspension: 29mm conventional forks at front, dual hydraulic shock absorbers adjustable for preload at rear.
Brakes: 220mm disc with single-piston sliding calliper and hydraulic pressure regulator at front, 140mm single leading-shoe drum brake at rear.
Tyres: Front: 130/60 - 13 tubeless. Rear: 160/30 - 13 tubeless.
Wheelbase: 1400mm.
Seat height: 760mm.
Fuel capacity: 6.4litres.
Dry weight: 115kg.
Price: R10 499.

(Link to article)
(Link to Gomoto)

Colored Scooter Tires Pt.2

Thought you might enjoy these shots of this styling Strada scooter sporting a set of red rubbers:

Scooter Airbag Jacket

"The future is now, and the motorcycle airbag is here and ready for retail. MotoAir is a Taiwanese firm that has developed a fashionable array of airbag jackets for motorcycling and an array of outdoor activities, including water sports, scooter riding, bicycling, horseback riding and others.

My guess is that you'll soon be seeing more and more motorcyclists equipped with these products on a road near you. In fact, I'll go out on a limb and predict that some day almost all motorcycle jackets (and maybe pants?) will offer the option of an airbag lining.

Until then, MotoAir has a large selection of airbag jackets ready and waiting. The summer mesh jacket (Model YR5010B) shown here is just one of many different styles available. MotoAir offers both 3/4 length and short motorcycle jackets, several of which include CE-approved armor in addition to the airbag. Vests (or waistcoats) are also available, and they can be used under all types of motorcycle jackets, providing there's enough room for the airbag to inflate."

Source (review): http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/airbag-jacket/motorcycle-airbag-jacket.htm

MotoAir

Pictures of scooter kitted for storage

As promised some pictures of my scooter with its expandable tail bag and cooler up front. Sorry they are not the greatest pictures as I got home late but should give you an idea:

REAL Top Speed?

There has been much advertising,questioning, and speculation of the REAL top speeds of these scooters and perhaps I can shed some light on this. I am going to claim a REAL top speed of 55mph on my rx200hp. Now I say REAL in the sense that I can comfortably reach this speed in a relatively short distance. I feel comfortable cruising on most roads with a limit up to 55 mph. I even take it on the highway for brief runs but only in either real heavy traffic or hardly any at all.

Also many riders have reported that their speedos are off by sometimes as much as 5-10mph at the top end. As far as I have been able to determine by pegging against cars is that mine is right on with at most 1/2 mph variance but that could be the car too. The inaccuracy of some guages often lead to confusion. Also some read in kmh and some in mph.

Now Im sure that if I was doing rural riding I could hit a higher speed (and I have hit 61) but of course the road grade, wind, and rider weight all come into account as well. Now Im usually cruising at 20-50 and in stop and go traffic so top speed really isnt a concern but hopefully this will help some of you in dispelling the myths and lies of top speed.

Spring is in the air.

I realized I haven't posted all weekend and my excuse is I've been riding! The weather has been incredible being up near 70 its gotta be just a teaser but Im not complaining. After not being able to find a ride for nearly a week I finally picked my scooter up from the official MotoStrada store. I have to say thank you very much to Bruce and Alan and the scooter is running great. As you may recal nothing was really wrong with it but I felt I should take it in for a good once over especially since I can only work on it outside. (On a side note: one of my neighbors randomly left me a really nice oil drain pan and I have no idea who but they must know whats up! Thanks.) I must say the new store is looking really nice and will soon sport an upstairs lounge which is quiet big. Anyone in the Philly/Jersey area should plan to meet up there soon for some rides!

I must have put on nearly 100 miles since getting the scooter in Friday and have been loving every minute of it. I took it out with my music player for the first time as generally I think it a bad practice but actually found it very enjoyable. I do have a fanny pack I retrofitted with speakers I can take but sometimes that is hard to hear. I was worried with headphones I may be distracted but in fact I think it was good to be moving to my own beat. Saturday night I went out riding with some real cycles its a good feeling to join up with a pack of super-bikes and be able to hold your own (at least around the city). I've been thinking a lot about upgrading to a larger scooter/bike but tell you the truth this rx200hp has met all my needs and continues to impress me. So no need to panic about the blog going anywhere anytime soon. Stay tuned and keep on riding!

Headlight Upgrade

Super White Light Bulb H4 12V35W/35

I have been keeping an eye out for a bulb worthy of upgrading to on my scooter and have just come across this site selling these bulbs. Unfortunatly I just purchased a replacement set but otherwise would be very interested in how these look. They are rather expensive too at $24.50 per bulb. Leave a comment if any of you happen to try them.

Super Strada Unveiled

You may have noticed that starting today Power Sports Factory has begun featuring their newest introduction the Super Strada 300 on their site. The ss300 is their most powerful offering yet featuring a 300cc engine producing 22hp. The ss300 goes on sale in only 45 days at a price of $3495.00. The following are the unofficial specs:

Dimensions LxWxH	84"x29"x53"
Engine	300cc SOHC Single Cylinder, 4 Stroke, Liquid Cooled
Brakes	Disc Front, Disc Rear
Fuel Efficiency	65 mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity	3 Gal
Maximum Power	22 HP
Maximum Speed	88 MPH
Transmission	Automatic
Start	Electric
Suspension	Front Dual Shock, Rear Mono Shock
Tires	Front/Rear: 110/90-12
Seat Height	29.7"

Colored Scooter Tires

New option for tire replacements soon to be offered in the U.S. Evidently the manufacturer of these tires was at the Indy Expo and will be available shortly. When I have more info such as a link I will update this post.

I got the call that the scoots all good

Bruce from MotoStrada called today to say that the scooter is done. Besides the normal maintenance it sounds like the air intake was cracked and repaired under warranty. Hopefully tomorrow someone can give me a ride over there so I can be out on the roads again this weekend. I will report back with details.

Scooter in the shop for the first time

Before everyone panics, let me explain: I've passed 1,000 (city) miles and felt it would be good to have it given a good once over. PSF has opened a new retail store in Cherry Hill, NJ called MotoStrada which also does maintenance and performance upgrades. I must say I was very impressed with the store and the variety of scooters there was just awesome. Unfortanatly I didnt have much time to hang out in fact I never even found out how much the service will be, still waiting on that call. I managed to save a little money and hope to put whats left to start in on some performance upgrades. I will most likely do more come the spring when Ive saved more. Supposedly they will need it all week which leaves me without any transportation. I can't wait to get my scooter back and feel how it rides, everday on my smoke breaks I walk out to check on everyone elses scooters. I did see a red clone scooter today up riding down the street. Well just know that until I have mine back I will have my eyes on the rest of you. Have fun out there!