Modern Buddy

OK.. call it a mid life crisis, call of the wild, or whatever.. but for some reason in the past few months I've been obsessed with getting a Scooter.

I think I need a reality check and I'm going to you guys for help.

I'm thinking >50cc Scooter for all the usual reasons, no need for licensing, plates, registration, etc.

This would allow it be used by any of my teens including myself, who has a hella commute into the district from Vienna.

The plan would allow me to commute to the Vienna Metro.. or my son who is a Junior in HS to get to school or daughter who works at Outback, about 1/2 miles from home to get to work.

My questions are..
1. Am I rational?
2. Anyone ride in Northern VA have suggestions?
If the answer is yes, is the Buddy or Roughhouse a better choice then say a Zuma?
3.Can I park the scooter at the metro with bikes?
4. Any guys my age 51 ride and not feel a bit silly on a scooter?

Thank you to everyone who responds.. Don't worry about pulling punches, I'm a big boy I can take it. 5:11 190lbs

do it!

Ok, so I would recommend this:

Get YOU a scooter. if anyone else in the family wants one, get ANOTHER scooter. you won't be happy when someone rides off with your fun! Teens are also prone to do stupid things (unlike the rest of us, who are mature geniuses!).

if you intend them to ride it at all, I'd get them something used that they can bang around a little, cuz it'll happen. Then you can all take a motorcycle course together!

I also have a Zuma, which is a fantastic bike if you can get one of the pre-4t models. once you go 4-stroke, I can't recommend the 50. It's slow, if very gas efficient, and expensive. Around here they do pop up from time to time used (which is how I got mine) but they are a modder's favorite so it might not last long.

IMHO, I like the Buddy better for a lot of reasons. the 50cc is a tad faster than a Zuma, and solid built. Both are great and can be a lot of fun, so if you got a great deal on a Zuma or Honda Metropolitan you'd probably be fine.

Good luck and make sure to let us know/post some pictures!

icarus wrote: My questions are..
1. Am I rational?
2. Anyone ride in Northern VA have suggestions?
If the answer is yes, is the Buddy or Roughhouse a better choice then say a Zuma?
3.Can I park the scooter at the metro with bikes?
4. Any guys my age 51 ride and not feel a bit silly on a scooter?

1.) You are plenty rational. Scooters are, especially if you learn to do your own maintenance like oil changes and such, IMHO MUCH lower maintenance than cars AND much lower cost. I don't know how I, personally, would feel about putting a new teen driver on a scoot, though. If you are thinking about allowing them to use it on the weekends only or something, sure maybe... but if you're thinking about them using it for much more than that then yeah, get 'em their own. And then cover them head to toe in gear and ground them if you catch them not gearing up all the way. Gear saves lives. I KNOW.

2.) I don't live in NOVA, I live in RVA. But I know we have many riders in NOVA- both here on MB, and that I've met in real life through my club and shop... many ride the 2-3 hours to come hang with us down here when Scoot Richmond/Seven Hills has a Rally or get together of some sort, so you're plenty welcome if you ever want to join in- you'd have others from DC/NOVA to ride down here with.

To the 2nd part of that question, I've only ever owned a Buddy (and it was not a 50, it was a 170). I was attracted to it/it was recommended to me because of their awesome performance, ease of maintenance, and general resilience to wear and tear (ex: plastic paneling makes for a much cheaper repair should something happen to it). Plus, I just liked the look of the Buddy. But I know that Roughhouses are also well-liked amongst those who own them. If you ask me, they are both Genuine scooters and you can't go wrong with that. Go to a shop if you can, sit on each and see how comfortable it is to you- one or the other may just feel right. Also, compare features vs what you may need the scoot to do for you.

3. I know nothing about DC's parking laws and laws about 50ccs ('mopeds') vs 50+ ('motorcycle', here in VA at least) but in VA 'mopeds' can legally be chained to something on a sidewalk or places for bikes as long as you aren't like blocking the whole sidewalk, or a storefront during business hours, or something like that.

Downsides you should be aware of for 50cc's... they are easier to shuffle around once they are stolen because there are no tags, title or registration. If for some reason somebody does complain about your scoot while you are parked somewhere, instead of getting a ticket like a normal vehicle, the police simply cut your lock and tow you to an impound lot, because they don't have a VIN, plate or anything to ticket (seen it happen).

I'm gonna link to this, in case it's at all helpful to you. "Sidewalk Parking" If I were YOU, and I was planning on parking my 50cc at a metro station and taking the metro and being gone for a while... I'd ask the metro station directly if it's okay. I'd also ask what they have in the way of security- guards or patrol every so often? Cameras? Just so you know. I would also get REALLY fancy locking mechanisms. Look into the Xena disc lock that screams at people. I've also heard about electronic locks that page you when they go off

4.) There are PLENTY of people, men and women, your age that scooter. I'm not one of them. But my entire scooter club is older than me, by at least a few years. Read this thread posted recently and you'll see many on MB are exactly your age and discovering the joy of scootering; you are most definitely not alone. Don't worry about feeling silly. It's too FUN to feel silly. Embrace the call of the scooter...

i'm 56 this year, got my first scooter in 2005. i swear it changed my life--SO MUCH FUN!! go for it!!

1. Am I rational?

I'm not qualified to judge that.
But I don't think you're going to find anyone on this forum who'll try to talk you out of buying a scooter. They might suggest you buy one with a bigger engine, and it's worth considering. But in the 13K miles I've been riding a 50cc (mostly commuting, a bit of joyriding, and an annual road trip), I don't think I've ever regretted the decision. It does mean you have to stay out of situations where you'd need more power, but that hasn't bothered me, because I don't really want to go faster than 40mph.

2. Anyone ride in Northern VA have suggestions?
If the answer is yes, is the Buddy or Roughhouse a better choice then say a Zuma?

The Buddy and Roughhouse are essentially equal in terms of performance; the former designed more for city streets, the latter built for going off-road. If the Zuma 50cc is a 4-stroke, you might be underwhelmed with its acceleration, as that kind of engine doesn't pack as much "oomph" as the 2-stroke in the Buddy 50 or RH 50.

3.Can I park the scooter at the metro with bikes?

I can't give you a definite answer. The folks who enforce parking might not either. Even though a 50cc scooter isn't usually registered as a "motorcycle", it's no smaller than a 125cc scooter (which is), and therefore might bring down the wrath of any ticket-writer who makes that same observation. So I just treat my scooter like any other motor vehicle. That's less advantage to taking a scooter instead of a car, but it helps make up for the lack of exercise I get from not taking the bicycle.

4. Any guys my age 51 ride and not feel a bit silly on a scooter?

Go read the "First ride with Scooter McCaw" thread.

Checking in here. 52 this year, ride a 50cc Roughhouse and be damned what other's think. If your looking to use for just commuting then go with a Genuine model, can't beat the two year warranty and part's are usually available. I won't say go with R50 (since I'm biased) but sit on a few at your local dealer and see what "fit's". Then check out other brands if you need to do a comparison.
You will come to a point to either just do it and make a purchase, or this is not for me.
Just keep in mind this is for YOU, don't sweat what others think, and as for the age thing, eh.

Oh one other thing, thinking of the kid's part, most accidents happen within a few miles of home.

We're in NoVA.

In re: scooting into DC on a tagless 50cc. The Metropolitan Police, especially those in Second District (NW-Georgetown) are a) hostile crunchoids who do not know or comprehend their own city's Motor Vehicle Code, and b) will blue-light you even if they do.

DC law provides that out-of-city motor vehicles must only be in compliance with the vehicle requirements of their home state. Virginia says that if you are at 50cc or less, and riding at no more than 35mph, no tag/registration/insurance is required (and watch that 35mph thing, even in VA)

So make and laminate copies of the relevant Virginia code and the DC code, and keep them with you when riding into the World's Worst-Run City.

In re: Scooting on NoVA streets, purview of demented commuters - they're trying to kill you. Traffic is so heavy that most vehicles of whatever engine size can't go faster than you anyway, but they're still inattentive, blind, sociopathic, and doing something funny with their hands and consciousness while on the road with you. Dress armored, dress bright.

And parking with the bicycles at Metro stations? Nobody seems to care at West Falls Church.

What they said...........And if you are worried about looking silly, dont get a scooter. Seriously though, I started getting the scooter bug and then got on this forum. The next thing you know Im riding a brand new Buddy 150. Its a helluva fun way to travel. My advice would be choose wisely and be very careful. I second the notion of making this YOUR scooter. Teenagers tend to tear things up. When I started driving I didnt give a rats ass about the car I was in. Good luck!

icarus wrote:I think I need a reality check...

I'm thinking >50cc Scooter for all the usual reasons, no need for licensing, plates, registration, etc.

This would allow it be used by any of my teens including myself, who has a hella commute into the district from Vienna.

The plan would allow me to commute to the Vienna Metro.. or my son who is a Junior in HS to get to school or daughter who works at Outback, about 1/2 miles from home to get to work.

My questions are..
1. Am I rational?
...
...

Don't worry about pulling punches, I'm a big boy I can take it.

Okay, may I answer your question with a question? If so, my question is, If one of your kids gets hurt or killed on your scooter, will you be able to live with yourself? Will your spouse divorce you? These are not nice questions, I know, but my policy is to never, ever soft-peddle the dangers of riding, especially when kids are involved. (Can you tell I have a kid?) I ride because I've been obsessed with motorbikes since I was a little boy. Riding is my passion. If it wasn't, I wouldn't even consider it, not even down here in Richmond, which is the minor leagues of riding compared to NORVA where you are.

Amen. jrsjr is right on point. With a 50cc scoot, you can legally avoid (in VA) the need for an "M" endorsement on your license, and so might choose not to bother with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Basic Rider Course.

But the very first thing discussed in the BRC is the acceptance of inherent risk. The 'User Agreement' for riding is that you are aware of and accept the risks of it, of injury or death. The risk can only be contained or limited so far.

You will see lots of discussion on scoot and bike sites about the dangers to you from cars and trucks. Those are plentiful, but what is rarely talked about is that just getting on the thing and riding it carries some danger. So - even after reading about, studying, and drilling yourself in 'defensive' practices, you - still - pays your money and takes your chances. Literally.

An unpopular topic, seen as killing enthusiasm for and the growth of scooting. Nonetheless, there it is.

Yes, there's risk in riding a scooter. There's risk driving a car. And crossing the street. And downhill skiing. And eating sushi. And sex. And flying in a plane. It's important to understand the risks for the things we might do, to decide if they're worth it (because the good things in life are worth some level of risk), and to take what measures we feel are reasonable to limit them. It's how life works. There's no need to be melodramatic about it, and there's nothing to be gained by being naïve about it either. Just be aware, and keep it in perspective.

oh, can't we have just a little melodrama, just a tad, to temper the scootin' giddiness?

Great comments all. Addressing the age thing - I'm 62 and just bought my second scooter (a new Genuine Buddy 170i) and I love riding both of them. I never even think of "looking silly" or anything like that.

I grew up on small, single cylinder motorbikes and over the years, I have gravitated back to them. They are simply great fun, inexpensive, and very useful too. I will never go back to big motorcycles.

I do worry a lot about the youthful riders, though. They really don't have the experience and "mechanical intuition" that you develop over the years. But I guess we all started that way, didn't we. Just put a lot of armor and a lot of restrictions on them as to where they are allowed to ride and for how far until they have proven themselves as responsible. Don't hesitate to revoke privileges if your rules are not followed.

Oops—I moved your original post from the For Sale section and responded but had accidentally put it in the hidden spam forum. Sorry!

Here's the response I posted earlier:
Welcome to MB!

1. Am I rational?
Mmmmaybe. A lot of us find that regardless of our reasoning and rationale, when it comes down to it we just wanted a scooter. It can be practical, too, though it's hard to deny the fun.

What's your commute actually like? If it requires speeds of over 40mph or so or has a lot of hills, a 50cc may not be suitable.

If you plan on having teens ride, you might want to get insurance anyways. And good health insurance. I'm not trying to imply anything about your teens; fact is, teenagers have much higher crash rates.

I strongly recommend rider training (Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course) for anyone who's going to be operating a 2-wheeled vehicle on public streets and in traffic.

So, reality check, since you asked: A 50cc may be small and slower than other vehicles, but it rides like a large scooter/motorcycle and is vulnerable in many of the same ways. I've had 2 serious crashes that sent me to the ER and totaled the scooters involved. Neither were my "fault." Both occurred at under-40mph speeds a 50cc scooter can easily attain. Wearing an armored jacket, gloves, boots and a full helmet probably saved me from serious injury in the second crash. Though it may seem extreme to gear up to ride a 50cc scooter, the minivan that pulls in front of you causing a head-on collision (as happened to me) or the car that runs a stop sign and broadsides you (as recently happened to another member) doesn't really care what you're riding.

Check out our Who's Crashed? thread for more reality.

2. Anyone ride in Northern VA have suggestions?
We have a lot of riders in that region, so I'm sure some will chime in soon enough.

If the answer is yes, is the Buddy or Roughhouse a better choice then say a Zuma?
They're all good scooters! For commuting and such, the Buddy may be a bit more practical than the Roughhouse. More storage, option to add a front rack. The Roughhouse has a 2-stroke engine that will scream if you want to modify it but I get the impression you're not wanting to build a racer.

The Zuma is pricier, about the same in terms of reliability, but only has a 1-year warranty versus Genuine's 2-year unlimited mileage warranty that includes emergency roadside assistance if you get a flat, etc.

4. Any guys my age 51 ride and not feel a bit silly on a scooter?
Many! The biggest growing segment in scootering is the 40+ demo. We have riders of all ages here, but quite a few over 50. I guys who are in their 70s who ride. Scootering probably isn't for people who are too concerned about feeling a bit silly.

If you're worried about your image, just think of the 90mpg or the fact that you can cut through traffic like a laser. I can't tell you the scowls I get from Suburban/Escalade drivers in downtown Phoenix when I cut through rush hour on Camelback Road at 5PM on the Rattler Who is the badass one now huh?:P

As far as the desire to avoid registration, tags and getting a motorcycle endorsement: Why? Tags, insurance and fees for my bike for the year total less than $120. That's $6/month. And, a 50cc in my personal opinion is good for densely populated areas where traffic never gets above 35mph, but has zero head room for acceleration and is therefore too dangerous in my mind. Now, there are opinions to the contrary, but for a modest bump in price by $100 a year, you can get double the acceleration and increase your options for commuting by far. That's not to knock the quality of any 50's out there: The Roughhouse, the Zuma and the like are all great bikes (Have had a Zuma before: Slow, but durable as all get-out! Great bike)

Also, any motorcycle test in the US is sooo easy to pass, you do yourself a disservice by not getting the training and extra versatility of another certification. And, you get cheaper insurance rates with some companies! Also, god forbid you are in an accident, the fact that you have a motorcycle license may be helpful when going to court.

Either way getting a bike is always a plus in my book! But, I'm just making the counter argument that don't let a matter of $100 keep you from getting a bike that actually fits your commute better than a 50. If you have never ridden a 50cc before, I suggest you find one to take a spin on to see if you even are comfortable with it's limitations. I still find my 110cc very limiting when it comes to acceleration at the mid end, and most of my day is spent under 45mph but with a strong need for VERY fast acceleration to avoid being a moist plastic spot on the grille of these huge Luxury SUV's we have here in Phoenix!

And, to put the cost of registering a bigger scoot in perspective: The cost to register, tag and insure a scooter in Arizona (my Rattler 110) for TWO YEARS costs less than my riding messenger bag.

You have to take in different considerations when thinking about a scooter for a mature adult vs one for a (very) young adult. Youth is tempered with impetuousness; Age is tempered with wisdom. If you were considering the purchase for yourself, then I'd green-light it all the way. But a big part of your presentation of reasons revolves around sharing it with your offspring; and I'm not sure I can get behind that.

If you ride and know the risks of riding throughout your life and share that knowledge as your kids are growing up then they learn lessons up until the point where you set them free with their own bikes: that's an ideal situation. You're proposing setting your kids free with no training or parental insights. Don't kid yourself; your kids have the mindset to learn faster than you. If they go out and read the Proficient Motorcycling and pick it up before you then you'll be blessed. It's much more likely that without experienced input from you that they'll rely on the advice of their peers when they run across situations that you can't provide insight on. That might not end up well.

No melodrama, it's just the way things progress.

I'd absolutely advise you to get a scoot. I'd also advise you to ride it (not just occasionally, but very regularly) for a year before letting your kids loose with it.

Kids should learn from their parents, but parents should know what they're teaching.

I've got nothing against 50cc scooters but I could not disagree more with your reasons. Riding a scooter safely requires some skill and committment. In my opinion, you have no business riding one without proper training and licensing. Any motor vehicle presents some degree of risk to you and others. You should not be riding one without insurance IMO - for your own protection as well as others. And for all the same reasons, you should not be loaning it out to inexperienced teen riders . If you have considered my advice, you now also need to ask yourself how you intend to use this scooter. Is a 50 the best choice for how you intend to use it, or would a 125/150 be a better choice? For you to decide, but many of us could certainly give you advice on the merits of one option versus another.

And all that said, it's still a blast!

Nothin' else like it; cures the blues, the fantods, the heebie-jeebies, situational depressive disorder, nihilism, negativity, Stalinism, anomie, the willies, flattened affect, and irregularity.

On the other hand, clearly is at the root of scooter OCD, bad hair, neglect of household chores and yardwork, excessive Internet posting, automotive disdain, the prolongation of local errands beyond all that is reasonable, G.A.S. (Gear Acquisition Syndrome), S.A.S. (you guessed it), dirty fingernails, reggae singing, and bad-weather mopery.

As to the appropriateness of 50cc on NoVA streets: choose your route accordingly (leave off Fairfax County Parkway, etc., obviously) and ride. We are hitting 40-44 with well broken-in 50s having minimal mods. That's about par for the speed of the most powerful vehicles of any kind around here. Hills will slow you. Many people feel a little more comfortable having the security of a bit more oomph - 110-150 cc - but 50s are in wide use.

Red obviously doesn't have enough scooters

icarus wrote: 4. Any guys my age 51 ride and not feel a bit silly on a scooter?...5:11 190lbs

You're fourteen years younger than I, but I'm 3 lbs. lighter.

Ya know, you can logon to the VA DMV website, review or print-off their motorcycling handbook, go over to their office and use the computer to take a short test, and walk out with a separate Motorcycle Learner's Permit, which allows you to ride bigger-than-50cc machines when in the company of a rider with the full "M" endorsement. It may also be renewed multiple times

skully93 wrote:Red obviously doesn't have enough scooters

Mrs Redhand, may she prosper, has laid down the following guideline: I may have as many scoots as I can store at any one time.

That lead to some creative use of shed space. At one point in '09, there were six...

Lostmycage wrote:If they go out and read the Proficient Motorcycling and pick it up before you then you'll be blessed.

+1

Proficient Motorcycling starts out by telling you about a horrendous accident...because when someone is trying to sell you a motorcycle (or scooter), they typically will just tell you the good side, not the bad side, or riding.

The rest of the book dives into best practices, statistics for accidents, things to look out for, etc.

It is written by someone who has been riding, and teaching riding, for 50+ years. He is a total advocate of riding--but also of being realistic about the dangers.

My advice would be to get this book first, then make your decision. Not that I think/hope it will change your mind, as I don't, but if you and your teenagers really get excited about the idea of riding, then they (and you) will soak up the info in the book and hopefully be much more cautious/alert from the get-go.

NOT a substitute for taking the MSF course, but IMO equally as valuable.

(BTW, I feel that reading that book, and riding of course, has made me a much more observant, and cautious, driver...so bonus!)

Thank you to everyone that took time out to answer a really noob question. Especially a big thank you to "Lostmycage". I'm very impressed with your Solomon like response.

You all have given me lots to think about,
Two very important points:

Don't let the kids drive it!
Honestly... keeping my children from getting into cycling really isn't my objective. But they will have to take a safety course first. And like Lostmycage suggested I'll do it first.. then I can make a better parental decision.

Try out the 500cc first.

I"m not sure how far I will go with this.... I'm visiting a Genuine store later today in Arlington. Just to talk to the guy.

Again thank you to everyone for your time and thoughtful responses.

Sooooo....

what happened? they let ya take a test ride?

Yes, do tell.

I'm glad you took my message to heart but don't get me wrong, I thoroughly encourage you to try scooting out. I just think you should before your kids do. If they want to ride, why not sign up the whole family for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Riders Course (or MSF's BRC). Pick up the Proficient Motorcycling books and do a family book club type discussion.

Encourage your kids to pick up scooters/motorcycles, but make sure that they pick up the fundamentals from the pros and not from their clueless peers or dares (you know it would happen!).

Let us know how it turns out.

welcome Icarus! I'm a little late reading this, but the above is several good advice. I'd first off commend you for encouraging your yoots to consider 2 wheels instead of just signing off a Lexus to them like too many other parents do. The MSF is a great course, it's very easy to follow the pace and learn the material. It's mostly hands on with much to take away from it. They book up very quickly and are hard to get a seat at Northern VA Community College, but if you have a weekend, I'd suggest going to the main DMV down in Richmond and knocking it out in 2 days. It's a lot of fun toying around on the little 250 Honda Rebels, and it will be even more worthwhile to do as a family. Very good points about wanting it to be registered and insured, because unfortunately, theft is always an issue in the Mid Atlantic and DC cops don't take well to scooters.

I'm going with the concensus and recommending at least a 125. Fairfax County has some big roads and people tend to push it well above 40 most of the time. It's nice to be able to keep up and have a little extra pep if you need to. You may just plan to ride to and from West Falls Church, but it's only a matter of time before you'll probably want to ride in to the District, such as days like today. Year round riding is very feasible, and only days I leave mine home is when there is snow or freezing rain out.

All suburban metro stations have designated motorcycle parking, and I have seen unplated 50's parked at the bike rack, but I wouldn't recommend it. I don't know the laws regarding Metro station parking, but I'd probably get a beefy chain and go for the motorcycle lot.

Coming from Vienna, you have a few good routes into the city if you choose to. I like Idylewood Rd, Kirby Rd, to Old Dominion Dr/Lee Hwy. Or Kirby Rd to Chain Bridge Rd, then come into town on Canal Rd/Whitehurst. Those are a breeze on a 125, and once you get some more riding experience, the George Washington Parkway is amazing. And avoid Tysons like the plague!! Nothing but gridlock, shopping centers, neverending construction, and soccer moms driving god awefully large SUVs.

I got mine from Gibb Leonards also, but I switched over to Modern Classics shortly after they open. Gibbs a nice guy, but he doesn't specialize in scooters and I've had much better experiences at MC. They are fulltime scooters and motorcycles and all the guys there ride. Gibbs has plenty of business with the Budget trucks and rental cars. Buy from wherever, but I highly recommend MC for servicing.

You're completely rational riding a scooter in NoVA, there are many others like you. We have a guy in our group on a Kymco 250 from Vienna, and another guy in his late 60s who rides a Vespa 250, on I-95 to his summer home in North Carolina. There are Buddy's all over the region, just not many of them on forums. I'm in the northside of Alexandria.

Hopefully you find what you're looking for. Feel free to check out our meetup group, linked to the bottom of my post. Be safe!

icarus wrote:My questions are..
1. Am I rational?
2. Anyone ride in Northern VA have suggestions?
If the answer is yes, is the Buddy or Roughhouse a better choice then say a Zuma?
3.Can I park the scooter at the metro with bikes?
4. Any guys my age 51 ride and not feel a bit silly on a scooter?

Thank you to everyone who responds.. Don't worry about pulling punches, I'm a big boy I can take it. 5:11 190lbs

1: You are definitely rational. Even if you weren't, you will still have a lot of irrational fun, and it will be a lot less monotonous than doing your commuting in a car.

2: Northern VA suggestions: Use the same defensive driving skills that have helped you survive this long, but also keep in mind that "you are invisible" to many of them, especially those on their cell phones or texting. Unless the traffic is crawling then I would stay off I-66 and the beltway if you can't go the speed limit. You should have a good chance of getting around the other streets and highways, like Rt 7, Rt 50, etc.

I think that you want something larger than a 50cc, unless you expect all of your riding to be within the speed capabilities of the 50cc.

A great way to start is the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Basic Rider Course. Lots of helpful tips and skills that I even use in my car.

4: Silly on a scooter: I'm not sure if silly is the right word. My daughters say that I look ridiculous. I can still say, "I don't need to compensate by driving a big truck or luxury sedan". I'm also still really enjoying myself. Then there is the little bit about 80 MPG.

As for being a big boy, I wouldn't call 190 lbs big. You need to gain another 50 lbs before I would call you big. A scooter shouldn't have trouble moving 190 lb. I'm 5'10" and I comfortably fit my height on my Buddy.

Bought my Rough House from Arlington Motor yesterday. And rode to the Metro today. (It's been dry as a bone for weeks and of course when I get my new bike it rains!)

It was a blast.

I'll post some images when I get a chance.

Fantastic! 2-stroke torqueyness! Betcha hog it. Mazeltov!

Oh, and you're lost, BTW; the moto-illness is forever!

Good choice we need more RH riders and now that the Rat is not in the Genuine line-up, the little brothers are all we have...