Modern Buddy

My scooter is scheduled to arrive next Tuesday. I'm going helmet shopping on Saturday. Insurance is in the works. Before it arrives...does anyone have any recommendations when it comes to a helmet? Gloves? Security lock of some kind?

Thanks!

Per my previous post...

http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/street ... met_guide/
There are also several good articles linked at the bottom.

On the strong recommendation of other scoot owners in my area, I got the Kryptonite New York Fuhgeddaboutit chain, pictured several times in this thread. It's heavy, but that doesn't bother me -- I keep it under my seat. I got it on sale at Hudson Trail Outfitters.

People in that thread also recommend the NY Noose lock, which sounds great -- I hadn't heard about it till I read the thread.

The minimum requirements for the MSF Basic Rider Course is:
DOT Approved helmet (SNELL & DOT approved are good. I like my Scorpion 3/4 model EXO 200 many people on Modern Vespa have and like the Scorpion EXO700 Full Face)

Eye Protection (I wore prescription Sun Glasses with the helmet. Other riders had their face shields and that seemed ok with our instructors)

Gloves that protect the hands and cover the wrists.

A Jacket (I prefer those that have armor in them or the ability to add armor)

Long Pants (Jeans are okay)

boots/shoes that cover the ankles.

These minimum requirements are suggested and known as ATGATT (All The Gear All The Time)

Some scooterists take it a step further and get riding pants.

Reflective License Plate screws are a small simple and cheap modification

Possible reflective stripes/stickers. My dealer ship had some. I didn't get them then, thinking about it once I pick up my scooter from the repair shop (HOPEFULLY in the next week!).

Grip Locks and Disc Locks are good for those who choose to have them. The reality is your scooter weighs around 200lbs. If someone REALLY wants your ride more than you. It takes 2 humans and a truck. So the locks are more annoyance/deterrents.

Make sure your insurance covers theft.

CONGRATS! Good luck and have fun scooting!

The most important consideration with helmets is fit. Check out the fitment guides at the Arai, Shoei and Scorpion websites, among others. To varying degrees, these guides describe the different helmet shapes and the best ways to test for proper fit. Take your time when you're trying on helmets. Put one on and keep it on for at least a few minutes to test for pinching.

From a more personal standpoint, I prefer bright, lightly colored helmets like silver. Easier to see and they also reflect heat. And, once I find a helmet that seems to fit okay, I'll always try the next smaller size. I have no research to back this up but I'm guessing the single biggest mistake made by helmet shoppers is purchasing a lid that's too big.

gt1000 wrote: I have no research to back this up but I'm guessing the single biggest mistake made by helmet shoppers is purchasing a lid that's too big.

I can vouch for that. When I got my helmet on Christmas morning, I thought "whoa, what's with the cheekpads?" They made me feel like was Mr. Fishlips they pushed in so much! Over time, they've broken in very well. I've got no issues with my helmet fit now.

-jetboy

jetboy wrote:

gt1000 wrote: I have no research to back this up but I'm guessing the single biggest mistake made by helmet shoppers is purchasing a lid that's too big.

I can vouch for that. When I got my helmet on Christmas morning, I thought "whoa, what's with the cheekpads?" They made me feel like was Mr. Fishlips they pushed in so much! Over time, they've broken in very well. I've got no issues with my helmet fit now.

-jetboy

Good point. A tight helmet will loosen with a bit of regular wear. On the other hand, if the helmet is too tight, you'll be tempted to leave it at home.

Some helmets, like Arais, have removable pads that you can replace with pads of differing sizes. If your head is particularly difficult to fit, you might want to look for something you'll be able to adjust in the future.