My Hood!

Here's what goes down check it out.

Philadelphia Out of GAS!!!

You read correctly folks, sold out! It being such a nice night I decided to go for a ride. Seems like everyone and there mothers were out there too. I managed to get 15 miles in before heading back to Center City for fuel. Low and behold I pull up to the pump only to be greated by a "Sold Out" sign, not even an apology. I glance around only to see every single island with similar signs and a line of pissed of drivers. This is not a small station either it is probably the most busy in the city. Luckly I keep a container of gas at home. After seeing that though I think I may need a drink unless the local well is dry too?!? I didn't originally purchase my scooter because of the cost of gas but after last summer and now this I sure am glad. We are going to see a lot more riders soon the way things are headed. Shoot they announced today that NJ is going to re-instate self pumps in the hope it helps. What the heck is going on here folks?

Elusive: Strada Veloce "Tomahawk SE150"

Here it is folks the new Strada Veloce! I don't know if this one ever made it to the product line-up but looks remarkably like the rx150ce. I had noticed in my visit to MotoStrada last week that the rx150 appeared to have a dual modular headlight design much different from the common 'clone' setup. I do have to admit that I really think PSF needs to come up with better model names. I do love my rx200hp but it gets old having all the 1300cc riders laughing at my "200hp" or when the occasional idiot thinks thats what it really means. Truth be told, if PSF made a 200hp bike i'd ride it (like they say: I'll do anything once & hopefully twice).

Strada rx200hp Sold Out!

This just in the popular Strada rx200hp (on which I ride) is sold out! Don't panic just yet as a new and improved version is destined to hit shores in about 45-50 days. The new rx200hp will be upgraded to include both the air cooled / oil cooled engine as well as a new oversized head.

PSF Warranty Extended!

All Power Sports Factory 'Strada' Scooters which were purchase 4/1/06 or later are eligible for the following warranty:

- All Major Parts - 2 YEAR
- Engine -3 YEAR

*For the warranty to be activated the scooter must be prepped by an established dealer or an approved mechanic*

Black Reflective Vinyl

As requested some pictures of the black/reflective stickers as seen on my scoot:

Visit to PSF/MotoStrada Store

Yesterday was such a beautiful day that I decided to take a ride over the bridge to visit PSF. I tried to call ahead to see if Alan was in the warehouse but was told he was on 'vacation'. As it turns out he was supposed to be off last week but was coming into work still, as they were so busy, and thus was off this week. Well guess who I ran into at the store? You guessed it Alan himself obviously not on vacation as the store was busy as could be. They must have sold at least 4 rx200hp's while I was there which I believe was all they had at the store. It appears that the rx200hp really is the peoples choice.

I did have a chance while waiting for Bruce/Alan to check out the rest of the scooters on display. I've decided after looking at the Modesta150 that I really like it. The dual disc brakes and gas shocks should make the scoot a real hot seller. The one disadvantage is that it is not a true step through. I also noted that while previously I thought the Modesta to be the same as the Vento Pantera GT5 that there are unique styling differences between the two. The Vento has a dual lamp setup and some extra 'carbon fiber' flare. Also the windshield on the Vento was clear (as opposed to smoked on the Modesta), slightly taller, and not quiet as finished in appearance. Overall they are both very nice scooters and even Tank has taken on this body style.

I have to say though that the service with Strada in phenomenal. I do have the advantage of being so close to the source but even in their sales tactics I witnessed nothing but honost answers to customers questions. They nicely explained to one customer the true limitations of the smaller 50cc scoots (not in an attempt to upsell at all) and talked another customer through the DMV process in his state. I realize such service is to be expected but unfortunatly often lacking from many dealers. I even had a slight problem with my brake rotor after getting oil on it (my fault) which they fixed for me on the spot for free! So far I have had two warranty issues (the other being a cracked air intake tube) both attributed to how hard I push to scoot and both of which were fixed under warranty.

While only there for an hour or two I did have a chance to speak with Alan briefly about whats been going on behind the scenes and I must admit it sounds very exciting. I got to see a number of engines they were working on in the service center and even Rick's (the underground scooter racer) tricked out rx200hp. Its blue just like mine with lots of carbon fiber, blue tires, chrome rims, and evidently has been through a couple tuned engines with a new one on the way. Its my understanding he races motorcycles and this is his pit bike which he runs at some of the tracks. The folks at PSF are very dedicated to performance development and design. Im also told that the 250's are on their way and there are some real nice suprises on the way too, so stay tuned!

For now I can tell you that for those who have already purchased their scooters that some new accessories are coming such as 2 new (digital) guage clusters and hopefully some nice windscreens. They also have the colored tires I featured previously in this blog as well as 3 & 5 spoke chrome rims. They seem to be working hard to find just the right mix of products whether it be performace or cosmetic. So for those looking to upgrade- scoot, parts, or looks keep an eye out here as I will do my best to bring you the latest and greatest news for Chinese Scooters.

What a weekend!

I hope everyone was out enjoying Spring and riding it up on their scoots! I haven't even had a chance to check my email for about a week. It has been my buddies birthday all week and I've been glad to tag along! I have been out on the streets and have seen all the scooters and bikes out it, really must be Spring. I do have some interesting news bits to share but for now must get some much needed rest. I do want to let everyone know that a review of the Super White Light Bulb H4 12V35W/35 is coming so stay tuned.

rx200hp Progress Report

I realize that my entries have been a little slow coming as of lately and I do apologize. Work and other commitments have been keeping me quiet busy although I have found time to ride, usually late at night. I thought as I have now passed the 1500 mile mark a progress report may be in order.

As most of my readers already know the majority of my riding is done in Center City Philadelphia the rest on the surrounding highways and bridges. There is much speculation as to the suitability of these scooters for real highway riding and truthfully they are not the best although for short runs an rx200hp can easily hit 60mph on a flat. I have gone faster on a decline or with a tailwind but feel comfortable hitting 55mph without any trouble. Therefore I have decided that given its size and speed this truly is the perfect city scooter.

Now I know there are those that will easily argue that many of the classics are just as good and I really do appreciate them as most riders seem to prefer them but given what I paid I can’t complain. The one thing I don’t really have to worry about too much is theft for parts which is a slight piece of mind. Also any replacement part/panel is generally cheaper. Another advantage the rx200hp has, although not water cooled, is the oil cooler feature. I have to imagine that given the stop and go traffic conditions I experience this is a great help towards keeping the engine temperature in check.

In regards to the general conditions here in the City if you have ever visited you will know the streets are horrible! With so many potholes and even cobble stone roads the 13” wheels provide reassurance and slightly better stability at speed I would have to imagine. I have hit some holes before that I thought would swallow us and I have also been launched completely airborne by some of the bumps here. Another constant obstacle is the excessive oil slicks to be found at most every stoplight along with painted strips and manhole covers when it rains. I do try to be careful out there often traveling the routes I know but do really try to push this scooter to see what its capable of and ride in any weather. I have managed in the past to lean so far into turns as to scrape the kick stand. This past week I even went so far as to ride down a couple flights of stairs on the scooter and it always feels solid under me (Don’t try this at home).

All in all I have to say I have been very impressed. While naturally I have the itch for more power I do also have to wonder whether I really need it given how I push the rx200hp. I have been thinking about some minor modifications but will likely wait until the warranty expires. So far though I have only had minor inconveniences. I had the brake light go out on me early on as well as one of the headlight bulbs recently. I lost 2 bolts on the muffler which is surprising given the conditions I ride. Lastly I had my air intake hose crack which was replaced under warranty. Now keep in mind I had my scooter assembled by the dealer and have done all regular maintenance myself except for the tune-up/check-up at 1,000 miles.

GY6 4-Valve Head Picture

This picture from PSF shows a couple GY6 engines being fitted with their newly optional 4-valve head.

rx200hp update

Word was recently leaked that the Strada rx200hp is due for an upgrade. Previously being the only chinese 'clone' with an oil cooler it will also be first with a factory installed 'big head'. The extra room the head provides allows for additional cooling. New models will come with both the oil cooler and the big head. Below you will find a picture and description of a few other unique parts to the rx200hp.


The stock GY6 head is the right image. The valve train on the Strada rx200hp engine is completely different then any other GY6 as is the rocker arm assembly, rockers and cam shaft. Also note the position of the spark plug hole and the higher height of the valve cover. The large valve cover is a dead give away that sets it apart from other engines.

(Source: Alan Leson, President PSF)