A better analogy would be wearing a condom for [sexual activity A] and [sexual activity B], but not [sexual activity C]. It offers protection in some scenarios, just not all.illnoise wrote:4) Half and 3/4 helmets, to me, seem like wearing half or 3/4 of a condom.
Two Wheel World Things I Don't Get
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yeah but in sex you dont hit the dirt at 40 mph on your face. well, not if you do it right.TVB wrote:A better analogy would be wearing a condom for [sexual activity A] and [sexual activity B], but not [sexual activity C]. It offers protection in some scenarios, just not all.illnoise wrote:4) Half and 3/4 helmets, to me, seem like wearing half or 3/4 of a condom.
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Well, then, you just haven't LIVED man! Spend a week in Vegas and then tell me if that analogy still worksVinylDoctor wrote:yeah but in sex you dont hit the dirt at 40 mph on your face. well, not if you do it right.TVB wrote:A better analogy would be wearing a condom for [sexual activity A] and [sexual activity B], but not [sexual activity C]. It offers protection in some scenarios, just not all.illnoise wrote:4) Half and 3/4 helmets, to me, seem like wearing half or 3/4 of a condom.
"Earth" without Art is just "Eh"...
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LOL. Friend and old(er) school scooterist said he wouldn't wear Corazzo (as I was at that moment) because he doesn't want to look like everyone else. I said, "Everyone else except all those guys in Fred Perrys…" He laughed. "Yeah, except all those guys!"illnoise wrote:2) why modern scooterists make fun of vintage scooterists for all dressing the same (Fred Perry/Ben Sherman/parkas, flights, etc) but all modern scooterists dress the same, too (Corazzo 5.0s and flip flops). I think you're ALL silly. And I dress like both of you.
I once asked (on Modern Vespa) how self-identified Mods could reconcile adhering to a subculture founded on modernism and what was new in the early '60s but is now 50 years old. Seemed like a paradox. The equivalent in the '60s would have been people running around in turn of the century garb, listening to turn of the century music—which '60s Mods would have HATED. The same friend as above called me out for wearing Freds and Bens. "Dude, that's just a shirt I like—not a lifestyle!" (I STILL get hell and hatred and ire from people due to that post on MV.)
The hybrid MP3s came out in Europe, then were announced for the US, then… vaporware. So people wonder why I was skeptical about street dates for the BV 350 and the 946 (which will be late 2013 or more likely 2014 now, I think).illnoise wrote:10) Promises of hybrid and fuel cell scooters that we've been hearing from Piaggio since like 2004. How are those coming, guys? You had working production prototypes on the road five years ago.
Eric // LA Scooter Meetup Group // Stella 4T // Vespa LX // Vespa LXS // Honda Helix // some, uh, projects…
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I love Corazzo in general, I wear their shop jacket most of the time, I've got nothing at all against them, it's just funny how ubiquitous they are in scootering, and modern scooterists don't think they all dress the same. Good for Corazzo, though, and it says a lot about how ugly most m/c gear is.ericalm wrote:LOL. Friend and old(er) school scooterist said he wouldn't wear Corazzo (as I was at that moment) because he doesn't want to look like everyone else.
Well, right, especially because it started out as a rebellion against 'trads' and Teds who WERE dressing retro/slovenly, then the Rocker thing came later. The funny part is that at least half of the hardcore skin/mod types that were around when I got into scootering are now rockabilly/biker guys. Skins at least don't call themselves 'modern,' but yeah, mods need a new name, ha. Also, Mods in the 60s were teenagers, if a 45 year old dude showed up dressed like that, he would have been laughed off the pier.ericalm wrote:I once asked (on Modern Vespa) how self-identified Mods could reconcile adhering to a subculture founded on modernism and what was new in the early '60s but is now 50 years old.
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In defense of Ben Sherman: I've lucked into finding a few Ben Sherman shirts at a deep discount (marshalls, clearance racks, etc) and they're amazingly well made and nearly wrinkleproof. I have some I've had for more than a decade that look brand new. I'm not a fan of the skinhead style ones (and they're not cut for big guys, despite the fact that plenty of big guys wear them) but their more 'fashion-y' shirts are great.
but I've seen Ben Sherman t-shirts at Costco. That's not mod.
I like the idea and story behind Fred Perry, but I've had a few, and they're like $50+ for a polo shirt, and they shrink, stretch weird, and the collars go crazy after a few washes. If I want shirts like that I can get them at Old Navy for $15. the sweatsuits and tennis sweaters are nice-looking, but sweatsuits and tennis sweaters don't really flatter me either.
Bb.
but I've seen Ben Sherman t-shirts at Costco. That's not mod.
I like the idea and story behind Fred Perry, but I've had a few, and they're like $50+ for a polo shirt, and they shrink, stretch weird, and the collars go crazy after a few washes. If I want shirts like that I can get them at Old Navy for $15. the sweatsuits and tennis sweaters are nice-looking, but sweatsuits and tennis sweaters don't really flatter me either.
Bb.
2strokebuzz: When news breaks, we put it under a tarp in the garage.
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I don't pay retail for clothing. Well, I did on my last trip to Vegas when I had some Black Jack mad money burning a hole in my pocket. Otherwise, not. One of the reasons I have a lot of Ben Sherman is that I like them and they can be found cheap. My affinity for that early-'60s styles goes way back to when I knew almost nothing about Mod culture before the '80s. I just relate to the aesthetics of the period.illnoise wrote:In defense of Ben Sherman: I've lucked into finding a few Ben Sherman shirts at a deep discount (marshalls, clearance racks, etc) and they're amazingly well made and nearly wrinkleproof. I have some I've had for more than a decade that look brand new. I'm not a fan of the skinhead style ones (and they're not cut for big guys, despite the fact that plenty of big guys wear them) but their more 'fashion-y' shirts are great.
but I've seen Ben Sherman t-shirts at Costco. That's not mod.
I like the idea and story behind Fred Perry, but I've had a few, and they're like $50+ for a polo shirt, and they shrink, stretch weird, and the collars go crazy after a few washes. If I want shirts like that I can get them at Old Navy for $15. the sweatsuits and tennis sweaters are nice-looking, but sweatsuits and tennis sweaters don't really flatter me either.
Membership in those rigid subcultures doesn't appeal to me. You have to be that, live it and breathe it, 24/7. You get all the rockabilly tattoos, a '50s Lincoln and own nothing but black t-shirts and cuffed Levis, well, you're stuck with that. Same goes for the guy with a Laurel tattoo across his chest and a garage full of farkled-up Lambrettas. That's too restrictive for me, and I don't need peers questioning whether I'm [whatever] enough. For chrissakes, I'm over 40 years old! No one cares!
Eric // LA Scooter Meetup Group // Stella 4T // Vespa LX // Vespa LXS // Honda Helix // some, uh, projects…
- az_slynch
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Nothing says "Whatever." quite like showing up to a "vintage" do on a blue '83 Riva 180 with a full set of crashbars, a St. Christopher badge and a vintage plate.ericalm wrote:That's too restrictive for me, and I don't need peers questioning whether I'm [whatever] enough. For chrissakes, I'm over 40 years old! No one cares!
At what point does a hobby become an addiction? I'm uncertain, but after the twelfth scooter, it sorta feels like the latter...
Seriously...I've lost count...
Seven mopeds ...that's still manageable...
Seriously...I've lost count...
Seven mopeds ...that's still manageable...
- JHScoot
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hey a 30 y/o riva is almost there!az_slynch wrote:Nothing says "Whatever." quite like showing up to a "vintage" do on a blue '83 Riva 180 with a full set of crashbars, a St. Christopher badge and a vintage plate.ericalm wrote:That's too restrictive for me, and I don't need peers questioning whether I'm [whatever] enough. For chrissakes, I'm over 40 years old! No one cares!
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LwTx5-DOVes" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Riding is riding
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She's a classy old scoot:JHScoot wrote: hey a 30 y/o riva is almost there!
Credit to Howardr for the picture.
At least 20% less dorky than Hanks's Riva. [/b]
Last edited by az_slynch on Tue Sep 18, 2012 3:23 pm, edited 2 times in total.
At what point does a hobby become an addiction? I'm uncertain, but after the twelfth scooter, it sorta feels like the latter...
Seriously...I've lost count...
Seven mopeds ...that's still manageable...
Seriously...I've lost count...
Seven mopeds ...that's still manageable...
- ericalm
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My appreciation for the Riva 180 and 200 is pretty well known by now, I think.
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Small but very capable. That's Eric Buell.
I really think that hybrids are only practical as they extend the capabilities of otherwise totally electric vehicles because of the limits of current battery technology. I think all-electric scooters make more sense. For scooters, hybrid power plants just add more cost, complexity and weight. All of these things are not good for scooters, in my opinion.
Whoops! I just noticed this post had no referencing quote. Should've entered it sooner.
I dunno, kinda like the look of that Riva. Then again, I ride the anti-cool of all streetbikes so what do I know?
I really think that hybrids are only practical as they extend the capabilities of otherwise totally electric vehicles because of the limits of current battery technology. I think all-electric scooters make more sense. For scooters, hybrid power plants just add more cost, complexity and weight. All of these things are not good for scooters, in my opinion.
Whoops! I just noticed this post had no referencing quote. Should've entered it sooner.
I dunno, kinda like the look of that Riva. Then again, I ride the anti-cool of all streetbikes so what do I know?
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I always thought of the "Mod" style as an ever changing subculture. Since it short for modernist, it really means that whatever is new/cutting edge you gotta have it. Every one does it in some area of their lives. As far as music, theres only so much you can do in the context of ska and soul comming from a drummers point of view. It's not like jazz where it's always changing. Most of the ska revival bands are mainly rock bands with a horn section. And they sound great. It seems to me that styles and "scenes" just keep getting chopped up into even smaller sub divisions of the same thing...
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Exactly, which would make you think they'd all be into the newest new modern scooters, with fuel-injection, CVTs, etc., that they'd be hardcore technophiles, that they'd embrace forward fashions, cutting-edge styles and materials.Drum Pro wrote:I always thought of the "Mod" style as an ever changing subculture. Since it short for modernist, it really means that whatever is new/cutting edge you gotta have it.
I'm not critiquing the culture or trying to invalidate it in any way. I get it the desire to want to capture and celebrate a subculture and style firmly anchored in the past. It just seems that reveling in the past is something the original Mods would abhor. So I've always wondered how that works for the guys who have jumped in over the past 30 years or so. I later wondered how I managed to piss so many off simply by asking this! Maybe it was my choice of words…
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I agree totally except about the pissed off part. I don't think you've angered anyone but it is strange though. Even when (o.g.)Mod was big it was diverse and took some look from the past.... It really is a paradoxericalm wrote: Exactly, which would make you think they'd all be into the newest new modern scooters, with fuel-injection, CVTs, etc., that they'd be hardcore technophiles, that they'd embrace forward fashions, cutting-edge styles and materials.
I'm not critiquing the culture or trying to invalidate it in any way. I get it the desire to want to capture and celebrate a subculture and style firmly anchored in the past. It just seems that reveling in the past is something the original Mods would abhor. So I've always wondered how that works for the guys who have jumped in over the past 30 years or so. I later wondered how I managed to piss so many off simply by asking this! Maybe it was my choice of words…
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If you REALLY want to get technical with the correlation, today's "Hipsters" with their iDevices, ironic lenseless glasses and constant hunt for vegan, gluten-free, organic felafel joints are pretty much the Mods of the 2010's. But, it's also a generation that finds zero value in automotive devices as well.
"Earth" without Art is just "Eh"...
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You forced people to confront the fact that they were simply into the stylistic trappings of the movement, and not its underlying philosophy (which they apparently didn't understand). No one likes to face the fact that they're (in one respect) superficial. (You'd get the same hostility if you pointed out to a swastika-wearing punk that it's a symbol of state authoritarianism rather than anarchy or rebellion, or to a pagan Narnia fanatic that it's a metaphor for Christianity.)ericalm wrote:I later wondered how I managed to piss so many off simply by asking this! Maybe it was my choice of words…
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You're not the only one…ericalm wrote:My appreciation for the Riva 180 and 200 is pretty well known by now, I think. :)
Dig the cravat!
I've NEVER seen that photo online, it's one of my favorites.
It's from American Scooterist, the Beat issue. Larry was a beatnik back in the 50s and rode a Vespa, then rode this baby in the 80s, and I guess until recently he was riding a Piaggio MP3, but I just looked and saw the MP3 was up for auction. I have a great big scan of this photo from John Gerber's collection, but I don't want TMZ and Entertainment Weekly stealing it uncredited when he dies, so pardon the crappy file/watermark, ha.
Bryan
2strokebuzz: When news breaks, we put it under a tarp in the garage.
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I should add that the Beat issue of American Scooterist is something every scooterist should read, John Gerber was put years of research into it and passed away soon after it was published. He maybe wasn't the greatest writer, but no one else had the firsthand experiences and source materials he had. I've never seen any other document that went into that sort of depth about the history of scootering in the U.S.
It was an honor to work on it and I wish VCOA would get their store running so people could actually buy it as a back issue. The GS anniversary issue is also a must-read.
Bryan
It was an honor to work on it and I wish VCOA would get their store running so people could actually buy it as a back issue. The GS anniversary issue is also a must-read.
Bryan
2strokebuzz: When news breaks, we put it under a tarp in the garage.
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Those are two of the best three issues ever. Of course number one is the issue with me on the cover! (I may be a bit biased on this issue!)
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'06 Cream Buddy 125, 11 Blur 220, 13 BMW C 650 GT, 68 Vespa SS180, 64 Vespa GS MK II, 65 Lambretta TV 175, 67 Vespa GT, 64 Vespa 150 VBB 64 Vespa GL
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On Trikes, hope to never need one but they do keep people no longer physically able to handle a 2 wheeler on the road.
Just don't get Bobbers and Choppers. They went out of style in the late 70's for a reason. They are just dumb engineering.
Cafe racers would be the next in line. Why own a bike that kills your back in 10 miles?
As for classics, they are a financial investment. Ours has increased atleast 4 times it's original price since we've had it.
Just don't get Bobbers and Choppers. They went out of style in the late 70's for a reason. They are just dumb engineering.
Cafe racers would be the next in line. Why own a bike that kills your back in 10 miles?
As for classics, they are a financial investment. Ours has increased atleast 4 times it's original price since we've had it.
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The one constant I have learned about vintage machines: never consider them an investment. You will NEVER get your money's worth out of a vintage car or bike in relation to what you put into it. People buy vintage machines all the time thinking its an easy investment, only to sell them at a loss years later. If you broker bikes or cars, sure... But, simply buy what you love and ride it. Trailer queens and living room bikes are for pussies and those with more money than brains. Bikes were made to ride.Beamster wrote:On Trikes, hope to never need one but they do keep people no longer physically able to handle a 2 wheeler on the road.
Just don't get Bobbers and Choppers. They went out of style in the late 70's for a reason. They are just dumb engineering.
Cafe racers would be the next in line. Why own a bike that kills your back in 10 miles?
As for classics, they are a financial investment. Ours has increased atleast 4 times it's original price since we've had it.
"Earth" without Art is just "Eh"...
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- ericalm
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GOBSMACKED.illnoise wrote:
I don't have that issue of American Scooterist. Is there a way to get back issues? Bug Mike? Or other Mike?
People would have to stop linking to gigantic images. There are limits for uploads, but not linked images.jprestonian wrote:Um... any way to keep from blowing out the forum to widths that people without stadium jumbotrons can deal with? I stop reading threads where I have to scroll horizontally, like this one. I'm at 1024x768.
.
Eric // LA Scooter Meetup Group // Stella 4T // Vespa LX // Vespa LXS // Honda Helix // some, uh, projects…
- LunaP
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I'll bite... even though I may catch some flak. FULL DISCLAIMER: I mean no offense to anyone in particular here; I just don't get it/it makes me shake my head.
1) Why so many scooterists seem to unanimously consider The Who to be scooter culture's official band.
2) Italian flags all over your stuff/your clothes/your bike, when your bike/your culture/your heritage has nothing to do with Italy... but it's all just because you ride a scooter of any sort? Um, well, I really like Mexican food so maybe I should start wearing the Mexican flag.
3) Why the government is completely okay with requiring people in cars to wear seat belts, but when it comes to helmets it's a toss up from state to state. Just saying. There's something wrong there- what's good for the goose is good for the gander.
4) Dude... what is up with all the mirrors? Seriously? Silly brits.
5) Giant cruiser MC's with so much chrome it hurts my eyes even on a cloudy day.
6) Fringed leather anything.
7) Super tall handlebars or super long forks on bikes (usually Harleys)
8 ) Mini-bikes. The first time I came across them, two happened to pull up to the same cafe the club meets at before our monthly ride. Two young gentlemen in the vicinity of 6' tall got off them, and all I could think was... "Why?". It was explained to me later that apparently they are sold as 50cc but can be tricked out to between 1-200cc, and hit around 80mph. But who would want to go 80mph on something physically smaller than a bicycle?? Looking for trouble...
Regarding previous topics, Can-Ams are dumb looking, so are the Harley and Honda trikes, not to mention horribly expensive. If I want to spend that much money on a vehicle, I may as well get a car. However, as previously mentioned, I can't help but point out there are exceptions to the rule for trike conversions that deem them practical; like my leg issues. However, an MP3 would serve the same purpose and look less silly. So would attaching a small gas engine to a wheelchair.
Cafe bikes I don't mind; I mind them much much less than aforementioned huge cruisers that are so big and shiny they practically scream "Mid-life crisis", "I'm bored with my money", or "I'm compensating". I prefer bikes that aren't *quite* so bare boned, though. That Bonnie is really nice looking.
VERY YES to illinoise's #9, the BMW scooter. I feel like it's a total joke.
Also, your #1. I completely agree. I love my club, but when I hang out with them and somebody puts on music, talks about a show (or invites me to one on fb), or we have an event and there's a DJ... I want to shoot myself. I listen to a little bit of everything... and yeah, I'll admit, I can get a little stuck up about music. My entire life I've hung out with musically inclined/talented/enthusiastic people. I wanna be one of the cool kids, but I'm not willing to subject my ears to the junk.
(Unrelated... why is this page so wide? I'm having to scroll horizontally)
1) Why so many scooterists seem to unanimously consider The Who to be scooter culture's official band.
2) Italian flags all over your stuff/your clothes/your bike, when your bike/your culture/your heritage has nothing to do with Italy... but it's all just because you ride a scooter of any sort? Um, well, I really like Mexican food so maybe I should start wearing the Mexican flag.
3) Why the government is completely okay with requiring people in cars to wear seat belts, but when it comes to helmets it's a toss up from state to state. Just saying. There's something wrong there- what's good for the goose is good for the gander.
4) Dude... what is up with all the mirrors? Seriously? Silly brits.
5) Giant cruiser MC's with so much chrome it hurts my eyes even on a cloudy day.
6) Fringed leather anything.
7) Super tall handlebars or super long forks on bikes (usually Harleys)
8 ) Mini-bikes. The first time I came across them, two happened to pull up to the same cafe the club meets at before our monthly ride. Two young gentlemen in the vicinity of 6' tall got off them, and all I could think was... "Why?". It was explained to me later that apparently they are sold as 50cc but can be tricked out to between 1-200cc, and hit around 80mph. But who would want to go 80mph on something physically smaller than a bicycle?? Looking for trouble...
Regarding previous topics, Can-Ams are dumb looking, so are the Harley and Honda trikes, not to mention horribly expensive. If I want to spend that much money on a vehicle, I may as well get a car. However, as previously mentioned, I can't help but point out there are exceptions to the rule for trike conversions that deem them practical; like my leg issues. However, an MP3 would serve the same purpose and look less silly. So would attaching a small gas engine to a wheelchair.
Cafe bikes I don't mind; I mind them much much less than aforementioned huge cruisers that are so big and shiny they practically scream "Mid-life crisis", "I'm bored with my money", or "I'm compensating". I prefer bikes that aren't *quite* so bare boned, though. That Bonnie is really nice looking.
VERY YES to illinoise's #9, the BMW scooter. I feel like it's a total joke.
Also, your #1. I completely agree. I love my club, but when I hang out with them and somebody puts on music, talks about a show (or invites me to one on fb), or we have an event and there's a DJ... I want to shoot myself. I listen to a little bit of everything... and yeah, I'll admit, I can get a little stuck up about music. My entire life I've hung out with musically inclined/talented/enthusiastic people. I wanna be one of the cool kids, but I'm not willing to subject my ears to the junk.
(Unrelated... why is this page so wide? I'm having to scroll horizontally)
- az_slynch
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Thank you for the resize. My apologies for the o/s pic.
Luna, keep an eye out for the MP3 City. It looks to be a bit less beefy than it's predecessors. It was slated as a 2013 model, but who knows when we'll get it.
Luna, keep an eye out for the MP3 City. It looks to be a bit less beefy than it's predecessors. It was slated as a 2013 model, but who knows when we'll get it.
At what point does a hobby become an addiction? I'm uncertain, but after the twelfth scooter, it sorta feels like the latter...
Seriously...I've lost count...
Seven mopeds ...that's still manageable...
Seriously...I've lost count...
Seven mopeds ...that's still manageable...
- neotrotsky
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I'm all over the map: I *love* The Who (but I'm also as mad about Devo!), P-series bikes, ride "tupperware" and embrace the nerd aspect of scootering with my modern bike. I've also ridden CB's and other UJM twins, and was even riding a Sportster for a year on loan before getting another bike. As far as a "scene" goes, whatever they want to represent as I have no issue with, since I really don't fit in with any of them. If they dig it whatever. But, I really don't have any time or interest any more to find total fault with them...
Well, except for the ultra wealthy hipsters and their trust fund bikes. They can frak off. But, I think that's universal for any scene.
Well, except for the ultra wealthy hipsters and their trust fund bikes. They can frak off. But, I think that's universal for any scene.
"Earth" without Art is just "Eh"...
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- skully93
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I live in Hipsterland here in Denver. the whole few blocks around me is hipster places. I appreciate the money they dump into the 'hood, and for the most part they are friendly sorts.neotrotsky wrote: Well, except for the ultra wealthy hipsters and their trust fund bikes. They can frak off. But, I think that's universal for any scene.
But...why pay $20k a year to look like you only make $20k a year? Why...WHYYY have $150 bike lock on a $5 thrift store bike? Also, I drank PBR because it was cheap. Sometimes still do if it's hot and I jut want a cheap beer. But...$4 for one?
Anyway, back to the thread. I like all kinds of things, but giant chrome-mobiles aren't on the list!
- RoaringTodd
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- PeteH
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"They're pretentious kids with little hats and complicated coffee drinks.... " Hector Elizondo (as Ed Alzate) in "Last Man Standing"skully93 wrote:I live in Hipsterland here in Denver. the whole few blocks around me is hipster places. I appreciate the money they dump into the 'hood, and for the most part they are friendly sorts.
Feel da rhythm! Feel da rhyme! Get on up! It's Buddy Time!
- PeteH
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The thing I don't get is the 'streetfighter' sportbike-stunt craze. Here in STL this past weekend was the 'Ride of the Century' gathering, where hundreds of sportbikers converged and rode (most of the time on one wheel) on our interstates. Thankfully this year there were no fatalities, but last year there were several, plus quite a few car crashes caused by those knuckleheads splitting at 100mph.
Feel da rhythm! Feel da rhyme! Get on up! It's Buddy Time!
- ericalm
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Hey, if I'd been lucky enough to inherit a trust fund, I'd likely buy a/some bikes with that not-so-hard-earned money. Wouldn't you?neotrotsky wrote:Well, except for the ultra wealthy hipsters and their trust fund bikes. They can frak off. But, I think that's universal for any scene.
How many trust fund recipients do people really think are out there? Or is that just a term for "anyone younger than me who somehow has a shitload more money than I do"? No way anyone under 30 makes that much. Must be a trust fund!
LunaP wrote:1) Why so many scooterists seem to unanimously consider The Who to be scooter culture's official band.
LOL. But yes.LunaP wrote:2) Italian flags all over your stuff/your clothes/your bike, when your bike/your culture/your heritage has nothing to do with Italy... but it's all just because you ride a scooter of any sort? Um, well, I really like Mexican food so maybe I should start wearing the Mexican flag.
Discussion of helmet laws is off limits! Let's not lock this thread! Thanks.LunaP wrote:3) Why the government is completely okay with requiring people in cars to wear seat belts, but when it comes to helmets it's a toss up from state to state. Just saying. There's something wrong there- what's good for the goose is good for the gander.
LunaP wrote:4) Dude... what is up with all the mirrors? Seriously? Silly brits.
LunaP wrote:6) Fringed leather anything.
Eric // LA Scooter Meetup Group // Stella 4T // Vespa LX // Vespa LXS // Honda Helix // some, uh, projects…
- az_slynch
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- Location: Tucson, AZ
LunaP wrote:4) Dude... what is up with all the mirrors? Seriously? Silly brits.
▲▲▲▲▲
Pffft, amateurs. unlike this guy...there is a 50 Special buried in there...
Image credit to Scooterlounge.
http://scooterlounge.com/blog/2010/05/f ... -mods.html
At what point does a hobby become an addiction? I'm uncertain, but after the twelfth scooter, it sorta feels like the latter...
Seriously...I've lost count...
Seven mopeds ...that's still manageable...
Seriously...I've lost count...
Seven mopeds ...that's still manageable...
- az_slynch
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I'm surprised that mobody's mentioned these:
Image credit to Wikipedia, Segway PT article. Small size selected for low monitor displacements.
To make matters worse, check this out:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/07/0 ... 110437.htm
Image credit to Wikipedia, Segway PT article. Small size selected for low monitor displacements.
To make matters worse, check this out:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/07/0 ... 110437.htm
At what point does a hobby become an addiction? I'm uncertain, but after the twelfth scooter, it sorta feels like the latter...
Seriously...I've lost count...
Seven mopeds ...that's still manageable...
Seriously...I've lost count...
Seven mopeds ...that's still manageable...
- neotrotsky
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I work for a Jazz club (among over venues) in Phoenix's downtown arts district, Roosevelt St. On any given day, you will find HUNDREDS of these little children spending thousands if not more of mommy and daddy's money to try to look like they make the same I do but without the work and the talent it takes. I use the term "trust fund" for anyone who uses their money to flaunt a carefree "artists" lifestyle while not producing one damn bit of art.ericalm wrote:Hey, if I'd been lucky enough to inherit a trust fund, I'd likely buy a/some bikes with that not-so-hard-earned money. Wouldn't you?neotrotsky wrote:Well, except for the ultra wealthy hipsters and their trust fund bikes. They can frak off. But, I think that's universal for any scene.
How many trust fund recipients do people really think are out there? Or is that just a term for "anyone younger than me who somehow has a shitload more money than I do"? No way anyone under 30 makes that much. Must be a trust fund!
LunaP wrote:1) Why so many scooterists seem to unanimously consider The Who to be scooter culture's official band.
LOL. But yes.LunaP wrote:2) Italian flags all over your stuff/your clothes/your bike, when your bike/your culture/your heritage has nothing to do with Italy... but it's all just because you ride a scooter of any sort? Um, well, I really like Mexican food so maybe I should start wearing the Mexican flag.Discussion of helmet laws is off limits! Let's not lock this thread! Thanks.LunaP wrote:3) Why the government is completely okay with requiring people in cars to wear seat belts, but when it comes to helmets it's a toss up from state to state. Just saying. There's something wrong there- what's good for the goose is good for the gander.
LunaP wrote:4) Dude... what is up with all the mirrors? Seriously? Silly brits.
LunaP wrote:6) Fringed leather anything.
And, I would be far less critical if that money actually went to improving the scene here. Instead, they spend it in very small circles, and they DEFINITELY don't spend it on local musicians, galleries or businesses. They are quick to buy in and co-opt great ideas, run those galleries and businesses into the ground by trying to import "talent" from New York, Toronto or LA and then leave a huge sucking hole where that venture was. And, the artists who originally started that space are back to zero. Sure, they didn't make the flash-in-the-pan revenue for three months the little rich twats did, but they were making revenue for years on a far smaller scale, and they were encouraging local artists, vendors and local jobs. It wasn't as cool and didn't make for awesome instagram posts, but it still worked for this area.
If you have earned the money you blow, it shows. For every tattoo shop that seems to crank out emo-core band frontmen clones, there are a couple of shops that have been mainstays by artists who have done this as a living and are smart with their efforts. For every hip "retro botique" that pops up and goes under in months, there are awesome thrift shops run by mom and pop groups who are just trying to make the bills and have been doing so smartly for years. This is because they made the money themselves, and aren't for the image but to also see their ideas hang around. To many of the wealthy hipsters who will drop 10K on a Viet-bodged Vespa and $300 on skinny jeans using the newest AmEx card sent priority mail from dad, it's all a game. Who cares if the constant overturn of businesses and frivolous treatment of the local economy makes it harder for the actual artists, small biz owners and investors to function with some legit face.
/rant off.
Sorry. The current state of wealthy "bohemians", while not new, is kind of at a fever pitch right now in Phoenix. So much money that isn't theirs, and so little talent.
"Earth" without Art is just "Eh"...
<a href="http://slowkidsscootergang.wordpress.com/">The Slow Kids Scooter Gang</a>
<a href="http://slowkidsscootergang.wordpress.com/">The Slow Kids Scooter Gang</a>
- skully93
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- Location: Denver CO
Yes, but based on my single-minded, narrow view. Outside of that is clearly wrong! .ericalm wrote: Hey, if I'd been lucky enough to inherit a trust fund, I'd likely buy a/some bikes with that not-so-hard-earned money. Wouldn't you?
How many trust fund recipients do people really think are out there? Or is that just a term for "anyone younger than me who somehow has a shitload more money than I do"? No way anyone under 30 makes that much. Must be a trust fund!
I'm sure if I was given access to gobs of cash, especially 10-20 years ago, I would have done nothing but inane nonsense with it. Now at least it means something to me when I do that.
Still...no leather fringe for me, ever. I look silly enough as it is.
- Christophers
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LunaP wrote:................................
1) Why so many scooterists seem to unanimously consider The Who to be scooter culture's official band.
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5) Giant cruiser MC's with so much chrome it hurts my eyes even on a cloudy day.
6) Fringed leather anything.
7) Super tall handlebars or super long forks on bikes (usually Harleys)
8 ) Mini-bikes. The first time I came across them, two happened to pull up to the same cafe the club meets at before our monthly ride. Two young gentlemen in the vicinity of 6' tall got off them, and all I could think was... "Why?". It was explained to me later that apparently they are sold as 50cc but can be tricked out to between 1-200cc, and hit around 80mph. But who would want to go 80mph on something physically smaller than a bicycle?? Looking for trouble...
Regarding previous topics, Can-Ams are dumb looking, so are the Harley and Honda trikes, not to mention horribly expensive. If I want to spend that much money on a vehicle, I may as well get a car. However, as previously mentioned, I can't help but point out there are exceptions to the rule for trike conversions that deem them practical; like my leg issues. However, an MP3 would serve the same purpose and look less silly. So would attaching a small gas engine to a wheelchair.
Cafe bikes I don't mind; I mind them much much less than aforementioned huge cruisers that are so big and shiny they practically scream "Mid-life crisis", "I'm bored with my money", or "I'm compensating". I prefer bikes that aren't *quite* so bare boned, though. That Bonnie is really nice looking.
VERY YES to illinoise's #9, the BMW scooter. I feel like it's a total joke.
Also, your #1. I completely agree. I love my club, but when I hang out with them and somebody puts on music, talks about a show (or invites me to one on fb), or we have an event and there's a DJ... I want to shoot myself. I listen to a little bit of everything... and yeah, I'll admit, I can get a little stuck up about music. My entire life I've hung out with musically inclined/talented/enthusiastic people. I wanna be one of the cool kids, but I'm not willing to subject my ears to the junk.
........................................
- Allow me to have some fun with your's, Luna, if I may. First of all, I mostly agree.
1. Having only owned MCs to this point, I would probably identify with the rockers but am also quite partial to the Who.
5. I believe the overloaded machines you are talking about are a subject of debate even within that community. They are referred to as "billet barges."
6. Don't forget the really long fringes extending from the ends of the handlebars, Plus even sometimes from conchas on the saddle. Yuck!
8. A mini-bike used to be a cheap ride with a minimal frame powered by a low-compression lawnmower-type engine. The rear brake was often a rubber pad that applied directly to the rear tire. A real small motorcycle like my old Mini-Trail was far superior. But people have to live within their budgets.
I don't dislike cafe bikes per se, but I really wish people, and it usually seems to be women (sorry Luna) didn't feel called upon to label any fun elective purchase by a middle-aged man as a "mid-life crisis." Aren't we allowed to have any fun? Should we be required to stick to beige Buick 4-doors? After all, the kids are grown.
I don't think the Beemer scooter is going to be a runaway success but is it that much more expensive than a Burgman 650? I really don't think they fall into the same category as a vintage Vespa but at one time there were touring scooters, not as big but made to go on the road. These are inheritors of [/i]that tradition.
A guy on a maxi-scooter site once opined that they are really better considered automatic motorcycles than scooters.
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people obsessed with vintage scoots to the point of being elitist about it.
Yes look, I understand the appeal of an older bike, I would own my own vintage if I had a garage, the spare cash and the time to work on it.
What I do not understand however is people who look down on others for not having a vintage bike. I have much more respect for someone who actually rides than someone who is into it just to flaunt his vintages and live the scene.
Yes look, I understand the appeal of an older bike, I would own my own vintage if I had a garage, the spare cash and the time to work on it.
What I do not understand however is people who look down on others for not having a vintage bike. I have much more respect for someone who actually rides than someone who is into it just to flaunt his vintages and live the scene.
- SYMbionic Duo
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I think that most of this thread can be summed up by saying that we don't like posers. whether they are 'hipsters' 'bohemians' 'weekend warriors' or whatever.
I personally wouldn't want to own a motorcycle unless it had something mechanically interesting going on, like an useable all electric design, or clean direct injection 2T, or rotary, diesel, or whatever.
I like the design of cafe racers, i like the idea of mix and match bikes, to get what you want. (can you tell i am a tinkerer) but i think that the 'scene' that gets manufacturers to produce bikes for a subculture is disingenuous. And harkens back to the posers, that most of us scoff at.
"To thine own self be true"
-duo
I personally wouldn't want to own a motorcycle unless it had something mechanically interesting going on, like an useable all electric design, or clean direct injection 2T, or rotary, diesel, or whatever.
I like the design of cafe racers, i like the idea of mix and match bikes, to get what you want. (can you tell i am a tinkerer) but i think that the 'scene' that gets manufacturers to produce bikes for a subculture is disingenuous. And harkens back to the posers, that most of us scoff at.
"To thine own self be true"
-duo
Nothing is Foolproof to a sufficiently talented Fool.
- LunaP
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My rebuttal:ericalm wrote:Hey, if I'd been lucky enough to inherit a trust fund, I'd likely buy a/some bikes with that not-so-hard-earned money. Wouldn't you?neotrotsky wrote:Well, except for the ultra wealthy hipsters and their trust fund bikes. They can frak off. But, I think that's universal for any scene.
How many trust fund recipients do people really think are out there? Or is that just a term for "anyone younger than me who somehow has a shitload more money than I do"? No way anyone under 30 makes that much. Must be a trust fund!
LunaP wrote:1) Why so many scooterists seem to unanimously consider The Who to be scooter culture's official band.
LOL. But yes.LunaP wrote:2) Italian flags all over your stuff/your clothes/your bike, when your bike/your culture/your heritage has nothing to do with Italy... but it's all just because you ride a scooter of any sort? Um, well, I really like Mexican food so maybe I should start wearing the Mexican flag.
Discussion of helmet laws is off limits! Let's not lock this thread! Thanks.LunaP wrote:3) Why the government is completely okay with requiring people in cars to wear seat belts, but when it comes to helmets it's a toss up from state to state. Just saying. There's something wrong there- what's good for the goose is good for the gander.
LunaP wrote:4) Dude... what is up with all the mirrors? Seriously? Silly brits.
LunaP wrote:6) Fringed leather anything.
Birtish, rides a Vespa, wears converses, suits up... I think I'd rather worship David Tennant instead. At least the Doctor doesn't wear fringed leather...
Good to know, thanks!! I always thought MP3's were cool looking, but much too big for me. We'll see if Piaggio decides to bring it over... *strokes imaginary beard*az_slynch wrote:Luna, keep an eye out for the MP3 City. It looks to be a bit less beefy than it's predecessors. It was slated as a 2013 model, but who knows when we'll get it.
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- LunaP
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Temporary hijack warning!Southerner wrote:I'm glad they changed the name. I think Yuban used to be a brand of coffee.
Haha, from what I read while researching (almost everything I found were articles from 2010 (which is when Piaggio promised it to us in 2011) it was called the Yourban in Europe (ew) and would debut here as the MP3 City... a shorter, narrower machine with a slightly more scooter-esque look, 13" wheels rather than 12", and a 300cc FI engine. Definitely exciting to me (if I can get over the fact that it looks like an ATV with a wheel missing... at least in red, it does).
However, it seems Piaggio yanked the plans to send it here shortly after because they felt they still had too many other MP3 units sitting on floors here to move, and haven't revisited the plans. Linky! Looks to me like if I actually want an MP3, it'd just be better to go sit on one, make sure I like the height, then keep an eye out for a used one, rather than waiting around for Piaggio.
Hah, it's not like I'm in a hurry for one anyway, though...[/b]