No more laughing

zuman · Post by **zuman** » Thu Jun 26, 2008 2:21 pm

I'm not finding ANYONE laughing at scooters any more (I ride a Blur).
I had a meeting with our state's Harley-riding governor this week, and he was fascinated by my scooter. At least a dozen of my company's employees have approached me to either state that they're "getting a scooter" or asking for details about mine. On Monday a sportbike rider pulled up next to me at a red light and asked if it would take long for a motorcycle rider to learn how to ride a scooter, because he and his wife are both looking at them.
We all know that fuel economy is getting everyone's attention, but I've figured out that one of the keys to respect is when people recognize that you have a vehicle that's roadworthy and capable, not a toy, and that you take riding seriously and don't just want to weave in-and-out of traffic and zip up onto sidewalks. Having that motorcycle license plate makes a lot of difference, and wearing appropriate gear helps, too.

BigColdMartini · Post by **BigColdMartini** » Thu Jun 26, 2008 2:33 pm

Great to read your story. I've never considered myself an environmentalist but I'm not a wasteful person either and I really enjoy saving gas and all that money on my Buddy 125. I also have an '07 Honda Civic coupe and can squeeze an average 42 mpg out of it while still running the AC.

It's fun to see how many mpg's I can get out of all my vehicles and it makes me feel good too.

gt1000 · Post by **gt1000** » Thu Jun 26, 2008 4:23 pm

Motorcyclists have had an uncertain relationship with scooters and scooterists over the years but the line between the two camps indeed seems to be blurring more and more.

I frequent a handful of motorcycle boards and have noticed an increase in the number of members who have a scooter in their stable. I've also noticed an increase in the number of questions directed towards folks who are known scooter advocates, like me. If you ride because you love the act of riding, owning a scooter simply makes too much sense. I loved my Ducati GT and I'm head over heels for my Hyper S, but my daily ride is my trusty, convenient, flickable little Buddy. No need for a sledge hammer when a little ball peen will do.

Ideally, I'd like to own 3 bikes but I simply don't have the space. I need to have something sport-oriented, like the Ducati and a scooter is essential for my daily commute. If only I had the space for a BMW GS...