Let's Get Small

I recently bought the September issue of Cycle World and the October issue of Rider magazines. Both of these motorcycle magazines had articles focusing on fuel efficiency. Rider’s cover article was a 9-bike shootout comparing which one had the best fuel-efficiency. For a motorcycle magazine to devote this much space to small bikes is pretty significant. (Although the bikes range in style significantly and that would be the bigger factor in choosing one to buy, the bike with the highest MPG was the Star V Star 250 at 77.0). That article was followed by 10 tips to get better fuel efficiency.

Cycle World’s cover story was a 14-bike Superbike shootout. But they also ran a story about best first bikes; it features a number of 250’s, including the Aprilia SportCity scooter. An editorial shares the story of Craig Vetter who is trying to modify a Honda Helix 250 to get over 100MPG at 75MPH into a 25MPH headwind. All this in a sport bike magazine?

It seems that America is starting to rediscover the practicality and fun of small bikes. People are starting to whisper that they are embarrassed that most motorcycles aren’t getting much better mileage than cars. The size inflation that led soccer moms to drive huge SUV’s happened to engines in motorcycles. During the 70’s gas crisis, a big bike was a 750cc. Now there are models over 2000cc. For comparison, my Chrysler PT Cruiser has a four-cylinder 2400cc engine.

Small bikes are starting to be touted as great commuter vehicles. But that is not a new concept. Take a look at this: a 1950 BSA Bantam. It was a part of Lancaster Museum of Art’s motorcycle exhibit during Barnstorming Weekend. The Bantam was introduced as a commuting bike for the British working class. It’s a 125cc.

The 1961 Arial Leader was more curious. It's a motorcycle, but this 250cc 2-stroke looks like a scooter with its leg protection, big screen, and bodywork.

So if you commute on a scooter or a small motorcycle, take heart! You are smart. You are continuing a well-established tradition that is coming back into vogue.

Long's Park Art & Craft Festival This Weekend

Don't forget the Long's Park Art & Craft Festival this weekend. Beautiful setting, art, music, and (for the second year) beer! What's not to like? This is the 30th Annual festival.

3rd Friday

This Friday was 3rd Friday (or Music Friday) on the 300 block of North Queen Street. Most of the shops were open and the street was full of buskers ("buskers" is your word of the day). The focus was at Building Character, where there were food and art vendors and Faux Minx was playing. Faux Minx is a 5-piece electric jazz group and they are very good. I was impressed with the sax player in particular, who also had an EWI (Electric Wind Instrument), which I had never seen before.

Also very good was the cute Maryjo Mattea, who was winning over the crowd with Beatles covers next to The Dude Shop.

There were many others there, playing between 7 & 9pm. I'm sure they'll do it again in August, so mark it on your calendar now.

Long's Park Art Fest

It's Memorial Day Weekend, and that means the Long's Park Arts & Crafts Festival. This annual event is one of the top art festivals in the country, the best in the Northeast. And it's within scootering distance for us! I rode there each of the last 2 days. I parked for free in the special area they had dedicated for motorcycles.

One of the exhibitors knows the value of a scooter for getting around. He brought his Honda Ruckus (pictured above) with him. Judging from the Tennessee plates, I'm betting it was Rey Alfonso.

This year's festival featured Iron Hill Brewery selling beer and wine inside the festival. Iron Hill is opening this fall in College Row on Harrisburg Pike. They had a beer tasting event on Sunday. If you like sweet wine-like beers, this will be the place for you.