How the world views scooters: change imminent?

[gt1000]

I haven't watched American Chopper in a while but I was channel surfing late last night while trying to drift off to sleep. They were in the midst of a Fathers Day AC marathon and I tuned in just in time to see the end of Australia Part 2 and the beginning of part 3. Mikey and Vinnie arrive in Melbourne in part 3 and the first thing they want to do is rent scooters, so they wind up with a couple of GTS's that are involved in all sorts of AC hi-jinks.

If you've watched in the past, you know that Mikey likes scooters. This show was different though. Back in the USA, Mikey rode scoots because he was sort of pathetic that way and couldn't really handle a "real" bike like the other guys. But, in this episode, Mikey and Vinnie were positively gushing over how much fun scooters are and how they couldn't imagine a better way to get around. Folks, this is an earth shattering change of direction but I'm not exactly sure what kind of impact it'll have on the scoot community. I figure these shows are reruns and this is old news, but there was a post on Modern Vespa discussing the GTS sightings on AC. What surprised me is that the discussion at MV didn't get around to the fact that the AC guys were basically giving Vespa some of the best (and free-est) advertising they've ever had in this country. Not to mention the very dramatic perception shift that we normally see from the Harley and chopper community.

Anyway, if you see these Australia episodes rerun at some point, try to tune in. They're quite good, even without the scooter content. And Genuine might want to send a Buddy or a Stella off to OC Choppers. A little cheap advertising might do them a world of good.

[DouglasLive]

I can remember an episode involving Vinnie and his attempts to "soup up" a couple of scoots owned by himself and Paul, Jr. In fact, I recall him saying something like, and I'm paraphrasing here, "Let Sr. and Jr. have their big bikes -- scooters are a blast and good enough for me."

[mandelia]

best. show. ever.

and the way gas prices are going, i'm sure we'll be seeing more scoots around the country!

the best we can do is ride everywhere we can wearing those 100+ MPG t-shirts

[lou76]

...some of the best (and free-est) advertising...

maybe im jaded, but i somehow doubt that those cats would glad-mouth any product without some kind of kickback...

[shanew]

The interesting thing for me, is that I started seriously looking at scooters about a month ago after seeing an episode of AC where Mikey and Vinnie went on a scooter road trip to get lobster to bring back to the shop.

They were having such a blast that I began to do some research and, by chance, that week a new scooter shop opened in my neighborhood.

I bought my Buddy on my first visit to the shop.

All thanks to American Chopper.

[Corsair]

I bought my Buddy on my first visit to the shop.

All thanks to American Chopper.

now that's big. I definitely like that show too (and every other motorcycle show...lol)

I've been seeing a lot more scooters around here (mainly maxi scooters) but people seem to still be a ways from truly respecting them. Anyhow I'm glad to see scooters getting POSITIVE pub.

[Kris Pistofferson]

My favorite one is where they were sent an extremely expensive Trek bicycle and they proceeded to work on it like Neanderthals trying to use a calculator. You could tell Paul Sr. hadn't seen a bicycle since the 1958 Schwinn he probably had as a kid.

[un_designer]

Nice. I think any change to make more efficient forms of transportation more visible is a good change. One day I hope (heh I realize how much of a dream this is) all major thoroughfares can be divided into lanes for cars, motorcycle/scooters, and bicycles, so that everyone can get around without having to resort to sometimes-ridiculous runabouts.

Safer roads makes the idea of a non-car more doable for many more people. There's no good reason why everyone is driving around in a resource-hogging box that seats many, alone. Cars are absolutely useful, but for a large percentage of our transportation need, they are an unnecessary luxury. And, one that's going to eventually screw the future of our children and grandchildren.

[Roose Hurro]

Before my Echo, I used to own a 1985 Honda CRX... perfect size, perfect number of seats (with the option of unbolting the unused seat, to expand cargo volume), sub-2000lb weight... my "Little Rollerskate". Sure hated loosing that car....

Me? All I'd need is a scooter and another CRX, for foul weather and hauling duty. My own perfect transportation solution.........

Yeah... I like the idea of specially designated roads/lanes.


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[pcbikedude]

I have heard similar things, that others has repeated here, from my friends about me being insane, nit wit, organ donor, mid-life crisis, etc. (organ donor comment came from my colleagues at the hospital that I work at).

I prefer to think that we are ahead of our time . We are THE trend setters. People who look at us are considering riding themselves. At this time many of them are too chicken or don't want to get their hair messed up (yeah, the guys too). As gas prices continue to rise during this summer, and they will, you will see more and more m'cycles and scoots coming out of the garages and showrooms. Funny how money overcomes fear. Personally, I've cut my weakly gas pain in half. I still have to run my truck on ocassion.

This spring here in SoCal, I have seen more people riding than ever before. But hey, this is SoCal and we can ride year round .

It's going to be an interesting summer. Watch out for us newbies.

[un_designer]

i'd like to see MSF programs and scooter dealers offer some sort of deal together, so people who will be buying scooters also take the MSF course. while i look forward to seeing more scooterists out there on the road, i don't want unsafe riders getting hurt or hurting others.

[ERik3tb]

In Salt Lake City, there is a Harley dealership I have gotten parts from that will include the safety program with the purchase of any new bike for first timers.

[lobsterman]

i'd like to see MSF programs and scooter dealers offer some sort of deal together, so people who will be buying scooters also take the MSF course. while i look forward to seeing more scooterists out there on the road, i don't want unsafe riders getting hurt or hurting others.

In Ohio the MSF Basic Rider class is only $25, free if you're under 18. "My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of subsidy..."

The Motorcyle Ohio website also lists the following:

"BMW offers full tuition reimbursements with the purchase of a new, street-legal BMW motorcycle, regardless of model year. Training must be completed either six months prior to or six months after the puchase.

Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) has their own special incentive for the Basic Rider and Experienced Rider courses. Graduates who are H.O.G. members can receive up to $50 in H.O.G. bonus coupons. Requests for reimbursement must be made within three months of the course date.

Honda Riders Club of America (H.R.C.A.) offers a maximum of $75 reimbursement to members. Some limitations apply.

Kawasaki Good Times Owners Club will reimburse $50 to members for completing the Basic Rider or Experienced Rider course. Reimbursement is in the form of Good Times Owners Club bucks to be used towards your next accessories purchase at a dealer near you.

American Suzuki offers $50 to any first time Basic Rider or Experienced Rider course gradte who also purchases a new street-legal Suzuki motorcycle. Requests for reimbursement must be accompanied by verification of course completion up to six months before or after the bike purchase.

Yamaha offers a $50 U.S. savings bond to Basic Rider or Experienced Rider course graduates who purchase a new street-legal Yamaha, regardless of model year. Training must be completed within six months of purchase."

So, there's lots of help out there from the motorcycle manufacturers, dunno how many people are aware of it. Sure would be nice to see Genuine and Vespa follow suit.

[Tbone]

I don't think the world will view scooterist differently. At least not Americans so much.

The Harley rebel mentality has been portrayed over and over again for far too long.

While MOST portrayals of scooterists are dorky, whimpy looking boys/men OVER GENERALIZATION!)

There's a very much non-pc "joke" I've heard comparing certain kinds of women and mopeds. I even reheard that joke within the last 3 months in psuedo reference to my research and now purchase of a scooter.

Negative thing aside, I'm glad this episode happened. I think changing minds on a small scale, especially as gas prices rise in the US is the way to go.

Since getting my scooter, 1 co-worker and a friend have asked me in extreme detail about what things they need to read and do to get one and start riding! I've only had the bike 10 days! I'm fairly positive 1 of them will actually get one. To me that's a victory for scooters and the scooting community!

[Keys]

So just don't be what they expect you to be and confuse the hell outa them. Works for me...

--Keys