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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
anyone ride a scooter?
Jonathan Nimerfroh, Photographer
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Philadelphia | PA | USA | Posted: 11:53 AM on 09.25.08 |
->> considering getting a scooter to ride to the paper. only 4 miles form my home.
anyone out there? if so what kind do you have and do you recommend how to get your gear on with you.. |
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Landon Finch, Photographer
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Colorado Springs | CO | USA | Posted: 12:07 PM on 09.25.08 |
->> While I am not a pj, I live 2.5 miles from work. I've decided my life is just not worth the few bucks I'd save. If someone runs a red light or stop sign, your chances of surviving are close to zero on a scooter; in a car you'd at least have a chance. That's just not a risk I am willing to take. Your mileage may vary (pun intended).
If you're only 4 miles from work, you're not going to see the savings you'd see if you were 20 miles from work.
Whatever you decide, good luck and safe commuting. |
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Osamu Chiba, Photographer
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Vista | CA | USA | Posted: 12:20 PM on 09.25.08 |
->> I've been thinking about getting one, and I am particularly interested in this:
http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelhome/151/0/home.aspx
Fellow SS member Mitch Clinton uses his scooter at cycling events. I thought that's a good idea, especially because 1) driving a car isn't an option, and 2) road races covers a big area. I am not sure what brand/model he has.
O |
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Vern Fisher, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Monterey | CA | | Posted: 12:25 PM on 09.25.08 |
| ->> Monta Ellis of the Golden State Warriors does. |
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Rob Ganzeveld, Photographer
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Sexsmith | Ab | Canada | Posted: 12:29 PM on 09.25.08 |
->> I ride my bike to jobs any time I can.I have ridden for 25 years. It is not a scooter but a Harley Fat Boy . While there are risks involved with riding the same applies to walking, riding a bicycle or any other mode of transportation for that matter.
Make sure you have the proper training before riding any bike on the street.
I strap bags and tripods/monopods to the bike and go.
Take a look at any images from Asia and you will see that they take the whole family on a scooter:)
With the prices of fuel we will see more people resorting to commuting on 2 wheels.
Rob |
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Eric Canha, Photographer
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Brockton | MA | United States | Posted: 12:48 PM on 09.25.08 |
->> Jonathan I had been thinking about it too. The real setback is that in about a month riding a scooter or bike in New England isn't really feasible.
I have a motorcycle license and rode for years, I may look at getting a bike in the spring. The ability to use the highways is another big plus for the motorcycle. |
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Derek Montgomery, Photographer
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Duluth | MN | USA | Posted: 1:13 PM on 09.25.08 |
->> Jonathan,
I had one in college and it was a Honda Metropolitan. Went up to a whopping 40mph and got something like 100+ miles per tank. I think the tank was 2.5 gallons, but it was well worth it if you know you won't be traveling long distances. |
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Wesley R. Bush, Photographer
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Nashville | TN | U.S. | Posted: 5:26 PM on 09.25.08 |
| ->> I've never understood why more people don't ride scooters in the U.S. In Paris, it seems there are as many if not more scooters and motorcycles than cars. But here in the states, you wouldn't be caught dead on one. |
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Robert Caplin, Photographer
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New York | NY | USA | Posted: 5:36 PM on 09.25.08 |
->> I own a scooter that I use on nearly every assignment I shoot here in Manhattan. It's honestly the best investment I've ever made. Here in NYC it's especially convenient because it gives me the ability to get nearly anywhere in Manhattan in minutes.
It gets great mileage...The tank is about a gallon and a half, costs less than $7 to fill it up, and I'm good for around 120 miles....and that's CITY driving.
On top of that, it's just plain fun!
I own the Genuine brand "Buddy" model. It goes about 65 at top speed...and gets much better acceleration with premium gasoline. For a small scooter, getting premium doesnt hurt the wallet...only a gallon or so...so an extra 10¢....nothing.
I'm planning on making a video soon for my blog that includes a scooter cam!
Robert |
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Jamie Roper, Photographer
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Portland | OR | United States | Posted: 5:47 PM on 09.25.08 |
->> I'm lucky to be living in one of the two-wheel friendliest cities in the U.S., and while it's a great place to ride/commute, the "two wheels good, four wheels bad" thing is still pretty contentious. I can see why people avoid riding bikes and scooters for transport in this country -- too many aggro SUV drivers and a general suspicion of commie pinko green-o organic vegan lesbi/gay/Frenchy bike riders. like me. haha.
I sorta don't get scooters, but they're certainly fun. If you're going to drop money on motorized two-wheeled transport, why not a motorcycle? A good used BMW costs about the same as a Vespa, is more powerful, and can haul more stuff -- those hard panniers rule! Safer, better on the highway, better gear protection. And more bad-ass! |
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Robert Caplin, Photographer
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New York | NY | USA | Posted: 7:09 PM on 09.25.08 |
->> Jamie,
I get where you're coming from with scooters, but the reason I find them so useful is that I can wiggle them in and around the crazy traffic much easier than I would be able a big motorcycle. Also, I can pull the scooter onto sidewalks and park them (maybe not legally, but I do).
I would never take it on a major highway though, FAR too dangerous. I think a scooter is a great way to go if you're in a major metropolitan area, and perhaps a motorcycle a better choice if one is looking for highway transportation. |
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Alex Boyce, Photographer
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central italy | n/a | italy | Posted: 7:46 PM on 09.25.08 |
->> i live in the country of scooters...
they are wicked fun, and where i live you can get everywhere in town about 50 percent faster, be aware, drive safe and you ill be fine... most are limited to 30 mph anyway if it is a 50cc, anyway have fun italian style... |
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Aaron Suozzi, Photographer
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Fort Wayne | IN | USA | Posted: 7:58 PM on 09.25.08 |
| ->> I have a scooter and it works great. It's a Honda Ruckus and I added a Chase Harper bag under the seat that holds a crap load of gear. It tops out at around 42 mph and gets 100 mpg. It's great around town especially considering my other vehicle is a 2005 Ford F150 that gets about 13 mpg. |
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Jamie Roper, Photographer
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Portland | OR | United States | Posted: 8:02 PM on 09.25.08 |
| ->> (aw man, a Honda Ruckus...did ya get the urban camo paint scheme? i retract my post: Get a camouflage Ruckus!) |
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Jeremy Harmon, Photo Editor, Photographer
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Salt Lake City | UT | USA | Posted: 8:09 PM on 09.25.08 |
->> I drive a 1979 Vespa. I've modified the engine quite a bit and it will do 60-65 mph. No kidding.
I have driven it to photo assignments many many times in the past.
I covered a huge July 4th parade on it once. It was the simplest parade shoot I've ever done. I shot in one place for awhile, then got on the scooter, rode a long the route for awhile, and shot something else. Traffic along the parade route was not an issue at all.
When I started driving it, the joke at the paper I was at at the time was that I had found a way to give myself a raise. I get nearly 80 miles to the gallon on it and got the same reimbursement rate on mileage as everyone else. |
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Manuello Paganelli, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | USA | Posted: 2:23 AM on 09.26.08 |
->> Jeremy good for ya! I also do ride an original 1961 Vespa. Got it over 4 yrs. I grew up with one or two of them so it was wonderful getting one here.
Even used in some photo shoots and clients are happy to pay for the rental fees.
The word Vespa means wasp. Vespa and then the Lambretta were the best thing to pull Italia out of the devastation and misery from WWII
When the Vespas were been built, by Piaggio, they even didnt know what to call it. They were tossing some names but none stuck. Then one day Mr. Piaggio was touring the factory and high above and like flying, under a moving mechanical tracks on the production line, saw the Vespas body and he said, "Me sembra una vespa" which literally means "It looks like a wasp."
My engine has been modified too and it goes around quite potent. Just made sure the lights are totally bright and even ad extras if you can for otherwise car drivers will not see you or hear you as well until you are next to them.
Anybody getting a scooter make sure you get one more powerful than 50cc. You need to be able to move and get away fast from a car that is about to strike you. Or if you are in a stop light you want to be able to take off faster than anyone else instead of getting sandwiched and buried in the back. Wear bright colors, gloves, googles, a good leather jacket (even during a hot summer the air will cool you off) ,good sunglasses and boots.
Have fun, be 24/7 alert & happy riding!
More 2 Come
http://www.ManuelloPaganelli.com |
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Anantachai Brown, Photographer
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Jacksonville | FL | | Posted: 6:39 AM on 09.26.08 |
->> not sure what your budget is.....but Kawasaki make a 250cc ninja, they couldn't keep them on the floor. i ride sportsbikes, but if were to get a scooter it would have to go at least 55mph.
the Zuma is very popular. |
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Aaron Suozzi, Photographer
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Fort Wayne | IN | USA | Posted: 6:53 AM on 09.26.08 |
->> Jamie,
yep it's a 2007 with a white frame and urban camo battery box. I get a crazy amount of people asking me questions about it and complimenting me about it. The only draw back is you have to use premium unleaded, so those will ups every 100 miles cost about $4.25. It's tough to find that much change in my couch!
Also, the advantage of the Honda Ruckus over the Yamaha Zuma is the Ruckus is a 4-stroke, so you don't have to add oil to it like the Zuma which is a 2-stroke. |
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Drew Hallowell, Photographer
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Philadelphia | PA | USA | Posted: 7:58 AM on 09.26.08 |
->> I was looking at Vespa and Piaggio this summer and ended up going with a motorcycle. I bought a 2008 Suzuki DR650 dual sport. It is powerful enough to get you out of any trouble, but light enough to easily maneuver.
Although I do not shoot newspaper assignments anymore, I do have an Urban Disguise bag that I bring with a body and a couple of lenses.
Jonathan I live in Bryn Mawr, so if you want to see it or talk about options, give me a call. |
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William Guerro, Photographer
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Galloway | NJ | USA | Posted: 8:23 AM on 09.26.08 |
| ->> I forgot to add that there is plenty of space under the seat for photo gear. |
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Ryan Timm, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Bradley | IL | USA | Posted: 1:44 PM on 09.26.08 |
| ->> I have a Genuine Buddy Italia Series Scooter. 65 mph 90-100 miles to the gallon and its a lot of fun. There is a ton of storage under the seat for such a small vehicle. The Italia series is 150cc, so it is plenty powerful and a lot safer I feel than the 50cc's. Its a great scooter that I ride everywhere. |
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Jim French, Photographer
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Whitefish Bay | WI | United States | Posted: 2:20 PM on 09.26.08 |
| ->> I have an Oliver "City". It tops ouot at 35 MPH, but for what I do and where I go, that is the speed limit anyway. My office is 1/2 mile from my house...most of the work I do is within 7-10 miles from my office...I also teach at the local university and parking there is a pain...this allows me to pull right up the bike rack, park and I am there. My scooter gets around 128 miles to the gallon...at four bucks per, I'll take it. Good luck! |
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Steven Cabana, Photographer
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Milpitas | CA | USA | Posted: 4:14 PM on 09.26.08 |
| ->> I don't ride a scooter, but at 50mph my motorcycle beats the suburban with an amazing 11mph. You've got to ride like no one sees you, especially on smaller scooters where you really are hard to see. |
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Steven Cabana, Photographer
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Milpitas | CA | USA | Posted: 4:15 PM on 09.26.08 |
| ->> mpg.... |
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Jonathan Nimerfroh, Photographer
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Philadelphia | PA | USA | Posted: 12:29 PM on 09.27.08 |
| ->> over 50cc i think i need a motorcycle license here in pa. but i would make sense to go 150cc |
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