a reminder

jijifer · Post by **jijifer** » Mon Jul 18, 2011 11:31 pm

it seems lots of new 170i owners bought them with intentions of freeway usage. While technically legal I wanted to put up a reminder direct from Genuine's FAQ:

Q: Can I ride my scooter on the interstate?

A: Scooters are primarily designed for nimble, quick, convenient and efficient urban transport. They thrive in places where parking is scarce, roads are congested, and fuel prices are high.

Genuine's Buddy 125 models can attain a top speed in excess of 60mph and Genuine's Buddy 150 models can approach 70mph. However, cruising at 65 miles per hour on a 150cc scooter would be similar to cruising at 130mph in your car.

In other words, your properly maintained Buddy will faithfully zip you along city streets, country roads, bustling boulevards, tree lined parkways, and even pikes. But we'd advise staying off the expressway and the interstate.

I hope dealers err on the side of caution when telling people to take light, tiny scooters with itty bitty wheels on freeways. Yes, it's legal. No, it's not wise as stated in the manufacturer's FAQ.

Rubber side down all!! Happy Riding!

Post by **ericalm** » Tue Jul 19, 2011 5:21 am

Agreed.

If you own a 150 or 170 and decide to ride on the freeway, that's up to you. I know a lot of people ride their 150s on the freeways and will say that they're fine for that kind of use. It may be fine for them, but in general, it's not good for the scooter and fairly dangerous for most riders.

If you're thinking of buying and need to do a lot of freeway riding, there are other scooters much better suited for it. They may be more expensive and may not look as good, but that's the trade for getting something that meets that requirement.

Freeways are overrated anyways.

Skootz Kabootz · Post by **Skootz Kabootz** » Tue Jul 19, 2011 8:09 am

Definitely. One thing I learned in my 16,000 miles is that even if my Buddy could cruise at 100mph all day and night, it still will never be a good highway scooter. it's too light, the wheels are too small, and it's not very aerodynamically suited for highway speeds. That said, it is without a doubt the ultimate city vehicle. I can't imagine anything better. All that fun, just pennies to operate, and I can do a weeks worth of grocery shopping in one trip. Win. Win. Win.

gt1000 · Post by **gt1000** » Tue Jul 19, 2011 3:20 pm

Even on my Hyper, I only use highways to get to the roads I want to actually enjoy. As folks have already pointed out, there are safety issues involved as well as the overall health of your ride if you're maintaining high revs for extended periods of time.

In Denver proper, highway speed limits are 55 but the general flow of traffic is around 65. If my vehicle is something vulnerable, like any two wheeler, I want adequate reserves available, especially in regards to acceleration and braking. When I'm literally surrounded by cars (which I try to avoid at all costs) I need the ability to out-perform those 2-ton battering rams. A scoot with a top speed of 70 or 80 doesn't do it for me. I routinely use quick bursts of acceleration or braking to stay out of adjacent cars' blind spots and the typical scoot under 250cc can't do this.

I've taken my new GTS on the freeway for brief bursts and even in a 55 mph zone I've found it lacking. Sure, it can be done and the GTS can cruise for extended periods between 60-70 mph. It's pulling pretty high revs though and there's literally no reserve as far as an instantaneous burst of acceleration goes. Once you get a few miles outside of Denver speed limits go up to 65 and then 75. At that point, the GTS is not freeway capable.

Finally, it's relatively unimportant in the general scheme of things, but extended freeway riding isn't very kind to motorcycle or scooter tires. You need to give those sidewalls a workout!

izark47 · Post by **izark47** » Tue Jul 19, 2011 8:38 pm

I live in PA and we have a highway called interstate 81. it has a 65 mph speed limit over most of it and at times has 125 semi trucks a minute. Not only would my 2009 2t Stella not keep up, the way it is stock, I would not use the heaviest Goldwing or electra glide on that road. I found a back way that is much more fun and you know the aggregate surface looks plenty abrasive to me at 45 to max 50.

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Wed Jul 20, 2011 1:20 am

The only reason any one ever gets on a highway is to get somewhere more quickly and park their vehicle sooner. Why would you want to do that when you're riding a scooter? Remember: Eisenhower had the interstates built to get cars off the regular roads, so scooters could use them.

Post by **ericalm** » Wed Jul 20, 2011 1:40 am

TVB wrote:Remember: Eisenhower had the interstates built to get cars off the regular roads, so scooters could use them.

Love this!

jijifer · Post by **jijifer** » Wed Jul 20, 2011 4:45 am

TVB wrote:The only reason any one ever gets on a highway is to get somewhere more quickly and park their vehicle sooner. Why would you want to do that when you're riding a scooter? Remember: Eisenhower had the interstates built to get cars off the regular roads, so scooters could use them.

I thought he built them so B52 bombers could land on them.....

Maybe urban myth.....

Post by **ericalm** » Wed Jul 20, 2011 4:56 am

As much as I'm not a fan of freeways, this new book looks pretty fascinating:

THE BIG ROADS
The Untold Story of the Engineers, Visionaries, and Trailblazers Who Created the American Superhighways
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/17/books ... wheelsemb2

PeteH · Post by **PeteH** » Wed Jul 20, 2011 12:23 pm

jijifer wrote:I thought he built them so B52 bombers could land on them..... Maybe urban myth.....

Or maybe just plain airliners

Sorry, but although it's 147 years old (in dog or Internet years), 405: The Movie still cracks me up.

SteveK · Post by **SteveK** » Wed Jul 20, 2011 1:47 pm

Ike built the interstates for rapid deployment of military units I believe. Tank columns 3 abreast. I always wondered this. Wouldn't the opposing forces be able to traverse faster as well?

Anyways, if this is way off topic....sorry. I think if one is looking to a mini scoot for interstate travel they may be making the wrong choice in vehicles. Maybe the list of requirements should be revisited. Burgman maybe?

still shifting · Post by **still shifting** » Wed Jul 20, 2011 2:04 pm

Oh Come on.. Ike built the Freeways for The (wait for it...) Industrial Military Complex! R

gunsntexas · Post by **gunsntexas** » Wed Jul 20, 2011 2:36 pm

Half on topic - half off.... My wife and I were just discussing this morning how we plan to stay off the interstates and such. Whether it be the scooter was not designed for that or the fact we just don't want to get caught up in the freeways, that is kind of what we are going to do. Texas is very fortunate ot have an abundance of access roads that run parallel to freeways and other major roads as well as the numerous other older roads that used to conenct the cities. We just want to see things differently and not at 70 mphs.
Funny though, we had just gotten into the interstates were designed after Ike had seen how the Germans moved troops and equipment on the Autobahn and such conversation. And yes somewhere there is rumor about interstates having 2 mile straight concrete stretches to land planes on if needed (or race scooters I dont remember which). I think the name says it all though...Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways

powerslave65 · Post by **powerslave65** » Wed Jul 20, 2011 2:46 pm

Freeways are primarily fast, polluted, and ugly. Not a place to spend time and enjoy. They are also very dangerous. Nuff to keep my first choice elsewhere. I would never scoot on a freeway even if it had a 500cc engine.

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Wed Jul 20, 2011 6:21 pm

SteveK wrote:Ike built the interstates for rapid deployment of military units I believe. Tank columns 3 abreast. I always wondered this. Wouldn't the opposing forces be able to traverse faster as well?

The military aspect of the project was less about fighting an ongoing land war on US soil than it was about the ability to move troops and equipment from one part of the country to another (like Germany had been able to do with the Autobahn during WW2). For example, it was to get those tanks from Michigan to Florida so they could be put on a ship bound for wherever, or relocating a bunch of fresh trainees from South Carolina to California, where a fleet of troop carriers were waiting to take them somewhere else. The intention was to stop any invading force at the shore/border. (And if not: shell the roads as you retreat.) The fact that a big public-works project would put a lot of people to work, jumpstart new business development, and have civilian uses was part of the plan too. I may have been wrong about them doing it for the benefit of scooterists, though.

Silver Streak · Post by **Silver Streak** » Wed Jul 20, 2011 8:47 pm

You are on a fun vehicle. Embrace the journey, and maximize the fun by taking scenic routes. Leave the superslab to the truckers and the droids in their boring cages.

BootScootin'FireFighter · Thu Jul 21, 2011 8:43 pm

Silver Streak wrote:You are on a fun vehicle. Embrace the journey, and maximize the fun by taking scenic routes. Leave the superslab to the truckers and the droids in their boring cages.

well played Dave, best said!

agrogod · Post by **agrogod** » Fri Jul 22, 2011 8:48 am

Once the Zombie Apocalypse happens you'll be able to take your scoot on any road you like.

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Fri Jul 22, 2011 2:57 pm

Even though I was joking about Eisenhower using the interstates to clear off regular roads for us, I'm serious: the bestest roads for getting from one city to another are (if you can find them) old highways that run roughly parallel to interstates. They may not be in great condition anymore, but the only traffic will be slower-going locals, the scenery is nicer, you can stop wherever the heck you want, and you might even meet some nice people.

Post by **ericalm** » Fri Jul 22, 2011 5:22 pm

Sadly many of those old highways are deteriorating. There may not be much left of them soon. The states and federal government are obviously prioritizing the interstate and freeway systems which are so important to commerce (and voters).

I need to do my Rt. 66 trip before it completely disappears!

There's been an interesting thread on the Buddy owners' Facebook page (started by MB member JulietFitzie) about creating a site to share and showcase scenic routes in the US, with scooter-specific information. There are a lot of motorcycle backroads atlases and books (some of which I've added to my "wish list") but I'd love to see a scootercentric approach to this. Doesn't need to be cross-country trips. Many riders never get out and explore their own areas.

A frequent poster on ModernVespa who lives in LA recently said he never rides outside of Santa Monica. SM is pretty, but we're blessed with beautiful coastlines, mountains, canyons and even great urban routes as well as the ability to criss cross the city on surface streets. I was kind of amazed that someone wouldn't even feel inclined to get out and explore!

Post by **polianarchy** » Fri Jul 22, 2011 7:11 pm

TVB wrote:Even though I was joking about Eisenhower using the interstates to clear off regular roads for us, I'm serious: the bestest roads for getting from one city to another are (if you can find them) old highways that run roughly parallel to interstates. They may not be in great condition anymore, but the only traffic will be slower-going locals, the scenery is nicer, you can stop wherever the heck you want, and you might even meet some nice people.

You are 100% correct. I recently traveled form Philadelphia to Virginia Beach on Route 13. The trip took the same amount of time as if we'd taken I-95, but we got to actually see the country we were in.

SteMer · Post by **SteMer** » Fri Jul 22, 2011 7:42 pm

Silver Streak wrote:You are on a fun vehicle. Embrace the journey, and maximize the fun by taking scenic routes. Leave the superslab to the truckers and the droids in their boring cages.

Like

Am in agreement with all the comments here about staying off the freeways. I've seen a lot more of my city and countryside by not getting on the freeway. I've had to be creative in getting from point A to point B, and while it takes a little longer, the sights, sounds, even the smells, make it much more enjoyable.

SYMbionic Duo · Post by **SYMbionic Duo** » Fri Jul 22, 2011 8:08 pm

I drive the highways all the time on my blackjack. I make a 80mi trip on the highway twice a week. That said, anything smaller than a "200"cc is going to be heavily influenced by wind. Some days i can do 65 no problem, others, i'm struggling to do 55.

The PGO engines are really solid, I wouldn't worry about it. Of course, Genuine might be saying this because it's a new engine design and they don't have enough reliability data yet.

And it goes without saying that you better have the engine broken in, before you do any 55+ on it.

-duo

gt1000 · Post by **gt1000** » Fri Jul 22, 2011 8:25 pm

TVB wrote:Even though I was joking about Eisenhower using the interstates to clear off regular roads for us, I'm serious: the bestest roads for getting from one city to another are (if you can find them) old highways that run roughly parallel to interstates. They may not be in great condition anymore, but the only traffic will be slower-going locals, the scenery is nicer, you can stop wherever the heck you want, and you might even meet some nice people.

Absolutely, although some are deteriorating like Eric said. One major benefit of taking the scenic route instead of the interstate is food. Typically, the places you'll see away from the highway are locally owned and operated. They won't be as consistent as fast food places but that's the kind of consistency I can do without.

SYMbionic Duo · Post by **SYMbionic Duo** » Fri Jul 22, 2011 8:44 pm

US Highways FTW!!

oh the food you will find.....

Post by **ericalm** » Fri Jul 22, 2011 9:17 pm

There are some big differences between highways, freeways and interstates, depending on where you are.

The old highway system is great! Mostly 2-lane, 55mph thoroughfares that criss-cross the country. It wasn't all that long ago—even when the freeway system was built—that most Americans traveled the country on roads similar to these at 55mph or less. Even the freeway system of the '50s was nothing like what we have today.

Most of those are now the sort of huge, multilane superslabs we're talking about when we're talking about riding on the interstate.

MYSCTR · Post by **MYSCTR** » Fri Jul 22, 2011 9:58 pm

Ya BUT:

I get the whole stop and smell the rose’s routine and enjoy that on occasion yet didn’t buy a scooter to do that. I bought my scooter to be able to do what I do with less cost and I rely on my scooter to get me where I need to be for business appointments on a regular basis.

I spent years in a car that did 130 mph and I did that – so this means I can ride my scoot at 65? Great, cause I do that too. Well at least Bmph. There are plenty of places to rip along at 65-70 Bmph around Dallas without getting on the freeway.

The flip side to this is everything posted above – starting with jijifer’s post is correct and should be taken as good advice especially with new scooter owners or at least until you get very comfortable with your scooter. I do not condone driving 130mph nor do I condone exceeding the speed limit yet I know it happens.

If someone was really wanting to ride the freeways or interstates, it sounds like they need to consider the Burgman 650 since it can cruise at 110 mph all day or the younger 400 that will cruise at 90 mph all day and yes, the larger is like sitting in your favorite recliner – or at least this is what I have read and been told from a few local owners. Maybe this has something to do with the wife wanting a Vespa GTS 250 for her next scoot.

Post by **ericalm** » Fri Jul 22, 2011 10:47 pm

Right tool for the right job!

BootScootin'FireFighter · Sat Jul 23, 2011 12:21 am

The freeways are madness! A big PITA around here is getting out TO the nice scenery. We're fortunate to have a beautiful city and very scooter friendly for the most part. The traffic is horrendous for the usual commute times and directions, but when it's not traffic, it's hitting every red light because they never seem to be synchronized. There are a few ways out of town (scenic national parkways) to get outside of the core, but those can be quite a bit out of the way. Suburbs are the absolute worst to ride through, so if we have a rural ride planned, it's gotta be an early start and in the opposite direction of the madness. It takes at least an hour just to get away from everything here and really get to experience the best of Virginia. Only time I wish I was able to skip over it and take the E-way, getting past suburbia.

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Sat Jul 23, 2011 3:53 pm

gt1000 wrote:One major benefit of taking the scenic route instead of the interstate is food. Typically, the places you'll see away from the highway are locally owned and operated. They won't be as consistent as fast food places but that's the kind of consistency I can do without.

If you walk to a restaurant and you can order without looking at the menu... you're doing it wrong.

One of my rules when traveling (whether by plane, train, automobile, or scooter) is Local Restaurants Only. Sure, there are occasions where I've settled for a Subway or something, and I admit to deliberately walking into a McDonald's in Berlin once, when I was overwhelmed from being alone in a big and strange city where I didn't speak the language. But even in airports, I've usually managed to find a restaurant that a local entrepreneur has sneaked into the terminal among the chains.