Touring Load Capacity

Looking to go big for touring? No need to look beyond scooters. A recent issue of Rider Magazine reviewed the big touring V-twin motorcycles. But a letter to the editor in the November issue points out that the Suzuki Burgman 650 has more carrying capacity than both the Kawasaki Voyager 1700 (379lbs.) and Star Venture (395lbs.). A quick search of the interwebs suggested that both Burgmans are rated for over 900lbs.. (Maybe one of our new Burgman-owning readers can post the real numbers in the comments section of this entry). This would mean that a Burgman, even a 400, is capable of towing any of the flagship touring cruisers, while the reverse is not true! That makes me giggle.

Before you Harley guys start thumping your chests, I just looked up the article in the September issue. The Harley FLHTCU (Ultra Classic Electra Glide) can carry 474 lbs..

Reader Submission

A reader, Jim from Elizabethtown, sent in this picture of his 1965 MOD Lambretta. He says that he has owned about a dozen vintage metal scooters over the course of his life. I guess this area has been into scooters for years!

2010 Rumor

It's been a while since I posted any news about new scooters coming to market. I guess the economy has led to manufacturers playing it conservative. Honda seems to be the only one introducing new models (SH150i and the new 108ccc Elite). So I thought I'd pass along what I've been reading around the internet: Vespa is going to add fuel injection to its models down to the 150cc engine size for 2010. That is going to make the S150 a very attractive scooter.

And, yes, I realize that this blog has been a little Vepsa-centric lately. I'll try to mix it up soon. Try...

Mid-Atlantic Fall Scooter Rally, 2009

Saturday morning, as I was headed up to New Holland for the Mid-Atlantic Fall Scooter Rally, I was reminded of why Lancaster County is such a scenic place to ride. A hot air balloon was flying low over the farm fields of Bareville and Leola. This balloon was just above the rooftops and wires. As Will had said to an out-of-towner the night before, "There's nothing that you can name that we don't have around here."

The day started promptly at 8:30am at the Hollander Motel when Will blew the whistle and yelled, "Mount up!" A New Holland police officer held traffic for us as we turned northeast up Route 23 to Shady Maple for the traditional breakfast buffet. Breakfast was from 9 - 10:30, and you needed the time to pack in the wide variety of meats and potatoes, including turkey bacon and sausages. We would need the nourishment, as we would not be stopping for lunch. Nobody left hungry; just look at these satisfied customers.

Those finished with breakfast early spent time in the parking lot looking at the 57 scooters that had assembled for the main ride.

Most of the scooters were Suzuki Burgmans, which is not surprising as this rally has been primarily organized by members from www.burgmanusa.com. But there were a few small guys there too, like this Zuma 125 and a Buddy 150. I didn't notice either of them having trouble keeping up on the ride, although the Honda SH150i did suffer on the hills, as it was carrying 2 people.

I don't have any pictures of the ride itself, because I didn't want to hold a camera while we were moving. There will probably be more pictures at midatlanticscoot.com. It is quite a sight to look ahead and see scooters as far as you can see in front of you, and to look in your mirror and see scooters as far as you can see in back of you. I hope we didn't disrupt traffic too much. How surreal it must be to have that many scooters suddenly pass your out-of-the-way home. We certainly put some smiles on faces and got many waves from bystanders.

Along the way, we stopped at M&S Suzuki (on Rt. 322, outside of Blue Ball) to thank them for their sponsorship and their having helped multiple rally-goers over the past years. They have gotten more than one rider that limped in on a Friday night rolling by Saturday morning.

We also stopped at Pat Garrett's Sheepskin Shop on Route 183. Even though I believe we were expected, we had to overcome some initial nervousness about the size of our group.

Overall, it was a good ride. We just beat the rain back to New Holland. From there I went back to Lancaster and skipped the rest of the Rally, as I had other plans. But I will definitely go again in the Spring.

On a personal note, it re-affirmed my satisfaction with my Vespa 300 Super. It easily held its own with the Burgman 400's and 650's, while being nimble and light. That last point was reinforced when I saw a Yamaha Majesty and and a Burgman 650 get dropped at a stop sign during the ride. I like a mid-size scoot.

Mid-Atlantic Fall Scooter Rally Begins

The Mid-Atlantic Fall Scooter Rally began this evening in New Holland. A cook-out was generously provided by the Hollander Motel. Between hot dogs and hamburgers, people re-newed old friendships. This rally is held twice a year in the same spot, so many attendees know each other from previous events. People trickled in all evening, mostly on Suzuki Burgmans.

This Honda SH150i was bucking the trend, and not just by parking contrary to everyone else. It was one of the smallest bikes there this evening. But it was ridden by a couple riding 2 up, so it is a capable scooter. I especially like the barrel Prima bag on the back. It brings out the Italian influence.

I expect a wider range of scooters Saturday. Be at the Hollander by 8:30 to leave for breakfast!

Where did the Vespas go?

If you've driven (or ridden) past Keim Pre-Owned and noticed that the scooters aren't on display anymore, don't worry. I'm told that they could only show them for 2 weeks and that the scooters have been moved while Keim continues their application for dealership. They're still moving forward, and they've even placed their first order from Vespa.

York Bike Night

In case you're not interested in the scooter rally in New Holland, this Friday is Bike Night in the City of York. Just head downtown, you can't miss it. I've been before, and it is primarily a Harley event. But it is fun to see the large number of bikes lined up along the curb for blocks in every direction.

Scooters in Lancaster and Bikers in York ... let's hope a new Mods vs. Rockers/War of the Roses doesn't break out.