I Guess The Biggest News is That We're STILL Here

JustGottaScoot.com was launched in October of 2005 to share the fun of scootering and to offer cool scooter-related stuff (like apparel, coffee mugs, gifts and such). Check the ABOUT US page to glimpse inside the twisted mind of Dave, the founder of this site (WARNING, common side effects include dementia, confusion and irrational silliness).  

The Most Common Question We Get!

Some information about deciding on which scooter is right for you as well as some opinions on specific models.

Not enough pointless, rambling talk about scooters in your life? Click on the upper left image to jump to the JustGottaScoot Podcast page, or the right image to go to the podcast archive. The two most recent episodes are linked on the lower images.

We often hear people talk about fuel savings making their scooter "free" to own. Can it be true? Click on the graphic to open or download a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. Fill in the light blue boxes and the spreadsheet does the rest!

Scooter News

Kymco Like 200i Review
August, 2010

Fuel injection for scooters rules! Kymco recently introduced the Like 200i with a 163cc fuel injected engine. It starts easily, runs smoothly and accelerates quickly. Of course here in Minnesota we're thrilled to NOT have to drain a carburetor for winter storage of our scooters... Click on the image or HERE to read the review.

Scooter Racing in Minnesota
August, 2010

I was at Scooterville in Minneapolis the other day and The Scorpion rep said that there was going to be scooter racing at the Stockholm Motorsports Park in Cokato Minnesota. Check out www.supermotomn.com for more information.
 

At Last! Protective Apparel for Women that Looks Good
August, 2010

The intrepid Jordana adds another review to JustGottaScoot. This time it's the Trench Jacket from GoGo Gear. Designed to be both fashionable and protective, GoGo Gear is rapidly gaining a huge following. Jordana tried out the Trench Jacket. 

Jordana Reviews an HCI - 15 Helmet
August, 2010

Am I getting lazy? Do I think you're sick of hearing my opinions? Hmmm, probably a little of both. Jordana has been kind (foolish) enough to continue helping out with product and scooter reviews. She is an excellent writer and her opinions are always interesting. This time she tries out an HCI - 15 copter-style helmet.

Potential Issue with Benelli X50 Scooter Fuel Tanks
August, 2010

Joel Martin at MRP says on his blog: In the recent months, several dealers and consumers have contacted MRP regarding a leaky gas tank on the 2008-2009 Benelli Andretti Pepe models in the USA, also known as the X50 BENELLI X50 OR QUATTRO NOVE. We have received enough questions and phone calls regarding this matter, that we felt it necessary to make this post, as there may be some dealers and consumers unaware that their gas tank is leaking. Therefore, in the interest of safety, we feel it is important for consumers and dealers alike to inspect the X50 models and make sure their tank is not leaking. To our knowledge, this is not an official warranty issue, nor has there been a recall issued by the distributors and/or the manufacturer.

Martin Racing Performance Provides Parts for Daelim Scooters
August, 2010

Sad but true, Daelim is no longer represented in the US marketplace. If you have a Daelim scooter, there is hope for ongoing parts availability. Joel Martin of MRP has added Daelim to their (always growing) list of brands they have parts for. Check out their website by clicking on the image to the left. Ask your servicing dealer if they have an MRP account. If they do, they can get you the parts you need for your Daelim from MRP.
 

Genuine Blur 220i Review
July, 2010

We've finally completed a review of the new Blur 220i from Genuine Scooters. The Blur was first brought to us in 2006 and has been out of Genuine's line-up since 2008. Now it's back with a bigger engine and fuel injection.

SYM Temporary Moratorium
July, 2010

California to Alaska on a 110cc Symba
June, 2010

Small displacement long-distance riding may seem completely odd to most North American riders, but we at JustGottaScoot applaud this sort of thing. Binh Cheung is in the process of riding a Symba from California to the Arctic Circle in Alaska. CLICK HERE to follow Binh Cheung's adventure in his own words.
 

June 17th, 2010 - The much anticipated four-stroke (4T) Stella is here, in Chicago, but still NOT on the way to dealers. The scooters have been tagged by the EPA for "extensive" examination. Genuine Scooter Company has consistently been an industry leader in compliance and has helped bring fuel efficient, low emission vehicles to the USA market. They have always strictly followed the rules so far as certification is concerned UNLIKE the many fly-by-night scooter sellers who import containers of questionable-if-not-outright-illegal product. I'm sure you all join me in hoping that this hurdle is crossed quickly and Genuine is allowed to continue to bring us the high quality scooters they are known for.

The Scout from Fly Scooters is HERE!
June, 2010

It's not on the way, it's not expected soon, it's here. The much anticipated Scout from Fly Scooters is at dealers. Marty from GoMoto just let us know that he has them in stock today.  Of course we have one on order and will be doing a long-term review of this machine.

BMW Scooters in Our Future?
June, 2010

BMW CEO Hendrik Von Kuenheim had this to say during an interview with Jeff Buchanan in American Motorcyclist magazine. "You call it the scooter market, and I call it the urban transportation market. Yes, BMW will enter this, and we will enter that market with more than just one model." The "market" being referred to is the US market. Do you suppose US commuters might start to see the light that has shone on the rest of the world and take to scooters for urban transport?

Review of the GEN-U-BIN Buddy Scooter Storage System - May, 2010

Designed and manufactured in the USA specifically for the Genuine Buddy scooter, the GEN-U-BIN storage system covers the stock open tray and adds a drink holder, flip-top compartment and a slot for a Bell brand drink holder. Installs in minutes (literally).

Lowered Suggested Retail Prices on SYM
May, 2010

SYM-USA announced reductions to the MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) on their scooters.

CityCom 300i - was $5,498 now $4,699 nearly 15% off
RV250 - was $4,988 now $4,499 nearly 10% off
HD200 - was $3,799 now $3,399 over 10% off
HD125 - was $3,298 now $2,698 over 18% off
SYMBA - was $2,598 now $2,399 nearly 8% off
Fiddle II 125 - was $2,598 now $2,298 nearly 12% off
MIO - was $2,268 now $1,969 over 13% off
Fiddle II 50 - was $1,998 now $1,798 over 10% off

FINALLY - Safety Apparel That Looks GOOD
May, 2010

GoGo Gear currently offers high-fashion jackets for women that integrate abrasion resistance, impact resistance, water resistance and high visibility reflective material in garments that look like they just stepped off the fashion runway. Check out our podcasts with GoGo Gear founder Alrene Battishill. GoGo Gear jackets will soon be available in the Twin Cities area at Scooterville. 

A Great New Scooter Lifestyle Website
April, 2010

Pete & Suzanne McIntosh have launched a great new website: www.symplifylife.com. They are focusing on scooter & motorcycle lifestyle news and events in the Midsouth United States. They plan to expand the site to include nationwide coverage. Many of you will know Pete from his work with SYM scooters and Carter Brothers. We applaud his efforts to spread the good word about scooters regardless of brand. Take a few minutes and check out his site.

Get a Buddy a Buddy Scooter
March, 2010

Pat Yearick from MPG Motors in Sellersville Pennsylvania has come up with a great idea to help people out during these tough economic times. Click on the image to the left or HERE to read about his "Get a Buddy a Buddy Scooter" program. The Buddy will be awarded this May 29th.

Ride-to-Work Day
March, 2010

This year national Ride To Work Day is on June 21st (usually in July) and we strongly encourage scooterists to take part in this event. You can visit the website at http://ridetowork.org/ for more information about getting your city to participate in this event. We firmly believes that people in the USA need to wake up to the many advantages of scooters as regular transportation and this event is one way to help spread that message.

Genuine Scooters Brings Back the BLUR!
March, 2010

The Blur 150 was one of the best-handling machines on two wheels and may have been the best handling scooter out there.... until now. Genuine has brought the Blur back, this time with a 220cc fuel injected powerplant. They should be in dealers soon and we will be doing a side-by-side review with an "original" Blur 150 for comparison.

The NEW Fly Scout is on the way
March, 2010

Based on the classic Honda Cub design, the new Scout from Fly Scooters is scheduled to be in US dealers around the end of April. Click on the image to the left for more info.

CLICK HERE to see the Scout Brochure
The Scout at Flyscooters.com

Martin Racing Performance is Distributor for Armadillo Scooterwear
February, 2010

New brand Armadillo Scooter Wear have just launched their range of scooter wear for the US market through a joint venture with Martin Racing Performance of Miami, FL. CLICK HERE for more info.

Genuine Stella 4-Stroke
February, 2010

It's official! The new Genuine Scooter Company Stella 4-stroke is going to be at Genuine dealers for the 2010 season. From Genuine: The regulatory folks at CARB passed her with flying colors...she averaged 30% of the available standards for CO, HC and the NOX composite! She's the cleanest scooter out there with a gentle carbon footprint and a really sexy look!

Now I can admit to having ridden one of these fine machines for quite some time this past season. If you are in the Twin Cities area and saw a husky (though remarkably handsome) old guy on a suspiciously quiet orange Stella riding all over town... it was me. Genuine was kind enough to ask me to put some miles on one and I was very pleased with the scooter.

At a time when other scooter importers are crying doom and despair, Genuine is stepping up to the plate to bring out new product to meet the needs (and wants) of scooterists. It goes without saying that I will be doing a review of the four-stroke Stella as soon as Minnesota weather permits.  
 

Martin Racing Performance Adds More Bands For Parts Support
January, 2010

MPG Motors Presentation
November, 2009

MPG Motors in Sellersville Pennsylvania recently held a clinic on operation and maintenance. Pat Yearick, the owner of MPG Motors, put together a very nice slideshow and audio presentation from the event and his it posted on his website. Click on the image to the left to go to the presentation.

MRP Provides Parts for TNG Scooters
October, 2009

MRP and CMSI are pleased to announce to the US dealer base a new parts and aftermarket sales agreement between the two companies. Starting Mid November MRP will be taking over all OEM parts and Aftermarket distribution of parts for CMSI. The agreement allows MRP to expand its dealer base while helping CMSI dealers have a wider range of products and accessories.

Review of the Kymco Yager GT 200i
September, 2009

The perfect urban commuter for the USA market? Featuring a 175cc liquid-cooled and fuel-injected powerplant, the new Kymco Yager GT 200i is certainly a contender for the title of "ultimate commuter." Click on the graphic to read the full review including a side-by-side comparison with the SYM HD200.

Saint Paul Minnesota Parking

The city of Saint Paul in Minnesota has launched a pilot program for motorcycle (and scooter) parking in downtown St. Paul. CLICK HERE or on the image to the left to open an Adobe Acrobat file showing a map of the two pilot locations. Hopefully, this program will continue to grow and become an example to other metropolitan areas. Thanks to Andrew Hine for the map.

Our First Mainland Chinese Scooter Review
July, 2009

Yes, I know, I'm one of those people who have been telling you to stay away from scooters manufactured in mainland China. OK, maybe not. I reviewed the CFMoto Glory which is a liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 150cc scooter made in China and it performed quite well.

"Goodbye" to Vectrix?
July, 2009

It certainly appears that the Vectrix scooter is no more. The company website is down and all but a skeleton staff of employees have been laid off. This is a truly unfortunate situation. The Vectrix was an exceptional zero emissions vehicle, but apparently the buying public was not yet ready to take to these in sufficient numbers to support the company. A smaller USA-based company is continuing to try and bring viable electric scooters to the public at Current Motors.

SYM Symba Review
July, 2009

There has been a great deal of excitement around the SYM Symba. It has been reviewed by other websites, but JustGottaScoot has been waiting for accessories to be available for the Symba. The stock seat configuration was an issue during our review and now we are thrilled to say that a VERY NICE bench seat is available that solves addresses those issues. Get to your local SYM dealer and check out the Symba today!

SYM CityCom 300i Review
July, 2009

The ultimate modern urban commuter? You'll have to read the review to find out.

Sachs MadAss 50cc Review
June, 2009

We have started on a three-part review of the Sachs MadAss 50cc minimalist motorbike. My nephew Avery has purchased one, and we will begin with a review of the stock machine. Next we will follow Avery as he adds considerable performance upgrades to the engine. Then we will re-review the bike with the enhanced engine performance completed.

MRP Acquires CPI Parts Business
June, 2009

Martin Racing Performance is solely dedicated to wholesale parts distribution and will not be handling the scooter sales only the parts sales. Any consumer of CPI scooters can visit their local CPI or MRP dealer and have them contact MRP for their parts needs. They can also visit the MRP website for part numbers, CPI manuals in the repair section, and order online from select MRP dealers.

Visit Our Symba Page
June, 2009

It's HERE! The much anticipated Symba (aka Wowow) is at USA SYM dealers. Based on the design of the classic Honda Cub and adding decades of Taiwanese engineering, the Symba is an outstanding "do-everything" vehicle that has proven itself all over the globe. Click on the image to the left to jump to our dedicated Symba page. We were fortunate enough to have one for several days and a full review will be published here very soon.

Fly Scooters & Rider Rescue
May, 2009

Fly Scooters is excited to announce that they have partnered with Rider Rescue to offer roadside assistance to customers who purchase a 2009 Fly scooter. Fly Scooters recognized that in these turbulent economic times, people are seeking purchases they can be confident about. Offering roadside assistance will help provide peace of mind for purchasers of their products.  

Review of the Genuine Rattler 110 2-Stroke Scooter

We have been trying to get a Genuine Rattler 110 for review for some time now. In a way, this is a combination review because we own a Rattler 50 (modified with 70cc kit and other goodies) and have had a lot of time to find out about the basic Rattler platform. The Rattler 50 is no longer offered by Genuine, having been replaced by the very capable RoughHouse 50. Click on the image to read the review.

Review of the NEW Genuine Buddy BlackJack

This is our first review of the Buddy BlackJack from Genuine Scooters. We will be adding to this review with comments from other riders, reports on accessories, and other items. There will also be regular updates as this is a long-term review. We will be reporting on maintenance and any issues that might crop up over time. 

Scooter-Themed Art in the Twin Cities

Los Vesparados: The Art of the Scooter will premiere on June 13th, 2009 at the Northrup King Building located at 1500 Jackson Street NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413.

Fly Scooters Now Available in the Twin Cities
March 2009

Marty from GoMoto just let me know that he has received his first shipment of Fly Scooters. GoMoto is located in the Northwest Twin Cities area and is locally known as the premiere CF Moto dealer. GoMoto is also the local CPI dealer and expects to have those fine scooters (including the GTR) very soon.

JustGottaScoot Visits Fly/CPI in California
February 2009

Just got back in the office from a week in California that included an extended visit to Daniel, Leon and the gang at Fly in Oakland. I had the opportunity to ride several scooters from Fly as well as the new offerings from CPI of Taiwan. I put well over 100 miles on the CPI GTR180 and have completed a full review (the first review of the 2009 season).

SHAD Adds Genuine & KYMCO Color-matched Options
Michael Schuiten from Binetto Group (SHAD in the USA) just let us know that they have developed more color-matched options for scooterists. These include red, green and blue that match the Genuine Scooter Company Buddy International series as well as red and blue that match KYMCO scooter colors. We applaud SHAD and Binetto for paying attention to the requests of scooter owners and responding with products that are scooter-specific!

Two-Wheels-And-A-Motor Website
Yes, another cool site devoted to scooters, motorcycles, mopeds, just about anything with two wheels and a motor. Several Twin Cities locals have gotten together and started with some podcasts to spread the word: It doesn't matter WHAT you ride as long as you ride.

www.TWAAMShows.com

BIG News from Fly Scooters

Fly Scooters announced that they are partnering with CPI of Taiwan. I consider this a big deal because it brings all four main Taiwanese manufacturers to the USA (Kymco, SYM, PGO/Genuine, and now CPI). You can listen to the podcast announcing the CPI partnership HERE, or visit our Fly Scooter Page.

What's the deal with turn signals?

OK, I was wrong. I have said that the "added on" front turn signals on the Genuine Buddy, SYM Fiddle II, and numerous other scooters were placed there to meet the federal height requirement for front turn signals. Turns out I should have looked it up first as they are there to meet the federal width requirement for front turn signals. And I quote:

(f) Turn signals. Each motorcycle manufactured on or after January 1, 1973 shall be equipped with front and rear turn signal lamps. Front turn signal lamps shall be amber mounted at or near the front of the motorcycle on each side of the vertical center line at the same height and shall have a minimum horizontal separation distance (measured from center of lamps) of 16 inches. Minimum edge to edge separation distance between turn signal lamp and head lamp shall be four inches. Rear turn signals shall be red or amber mounted on each side of the vertical center line at the same height and having a minimum horizontal separation distance (measured from center of lamps) of nine inches. All turn signal lamps shall be mounted at a height from the road surface of not less than 15 inches nor more than 83 inches. Turn signal lamps shall flash at a rate of 60 to 120 flashes per minute. The turn signal lamp activating control shall be positioned so as to be operated without removing the hand from the handlebar and shall properly indicate right and left when so switched. Turn signal lamps shall be visible at a distance of 200 feet under normal daylight conditions. Every motorcycle shall be equipped with a device to permit the front and rear directional signals to flash simultaneously if originally equipped by the manufacturer.

RandMcNally Introduces NEW Map with a Genuine Buddy Contest

Imagine a city map that is tear-proof, wrinkle-proof and water-proof! Just crumble it up, hop on your scooter and go. Rand McNally's new FabMAP is a very cool fabric city map that is ideal for scooterists. They are introducing this new product through a contest to win a Genuine Buddy scooter.

Vectrix Sales Up 156%

Vectrix sold 1,184 scooters during its fiscal year ended September of 2008, a 156% increase compared to the 462 bikes sold during the previous year. For the coming year, Vectrix is introducing an expanded product family. The flagship scooter will be called the Vx1 and will be a refreshed version of the current Vectrix model. A new model, the Vx1e will be introduced in 2009 that uses the same platform as the Vx1, but features a lower price with slightly less acceleration and top speed. For the summer of 2009, the Vx2 will be introduced. The entry-level Vx2 will be smaller and more compact electric scooter.

More Midwestern Scooter Talk

Check out Harvey Binder's blog at: http://midwestscooterenthusiast.blogspot.com/ Harvey lives in the St. Cloud area of Minnesota and calls his blog "Tales of a Midwest Scooter Enthusiast."

Jacket Review

Yes, we're trying to do more than just review scooters. Stephen Heller who writes "Random Scootering" for Minnesota Motorcycle Monthly provided a review of the Vega Nitro jacket. CLICK HERE of on the image above to read his review.

Scooter Quest 2008

With Americans now spending upwards of $5 per gallon for a tank of gas, something has to give. Unfortunately some Americans are choosing to give up their freedom to travel in order to save a few bucks. But it doesn't have to be that way. Enter Scooter Quest 2008.

It's an educational adventure from Minnesota to New York City, entirely on fuel efficient scooters. We'll be burning rubber for a good cause, spreading the news that scooters are a fun and easy way to get where you want to go, without forking out a lot of cash. "By coming together on the road we hope to show the rest of the United States that each of us can make a difference.

CLICK HERE or on the image above to visit the Scooter Quest website.

21,000+ Miles on a Genuine Buddy

Angie (aka Bonegirl) rides a LOT. Click on the image above to read her story.

Two New Scooters From SYM

Pete McIntosh and Robert Belmont of Carter Brothers (the US distributor for SYM) joined us for a podcast and introduced two new scooters. The Fiddle 2 is available in 50cc and 125cc versions and has a retro look. The CityCom 300 is a fuel-injected, big-wheeled scooter. Click on the image above to listen to this podcast, or CLICK HERE to visit our SYM page.

First Accessory Review - SHAD Topcase

One of the most frequently added scooter accessories is additional storage space. The SHAD topcase, made in Europe, is wonderfully practical and of excellent quality. Click on the image above to read the review.

Review of the Kymco People 150

Something a little different - we review a 2006 scooter with over 5000km on it. It's pretty much the same specifications as the 2008 model, but how well do these scooters hold up? Click on the image above to read the review.

SHAD is back in the USA!

SHAD topcases are one of my favourite scooter accessories. They were getting a little scarce here in the USA market, but now Binetto Powersports Accessories has them. Click on the image above to visit the Binetto website. Check with your local dealer - if they don't carry SHAD, ask them to.

Review of the Vectrix ALL-Electric Scooter

Wow! An ALL-ELECTRIC scooter that will do 65 Miles-Per-Hour and costs less than a penny a mile to operate. The new Vectrix is really something, click on the graphic above to read the review

Review of the Genuine Buddy 150

Genuine Scooter Company has another "hit" on their hands with the new Buddy International series in 150 cc. We spent some time with a St. Tropez Buddy and compared it to a first generation Buddy 125. Click on the graphic above to read the review.

Review of the SYM Mio - My New Favourite 4-Stroke 50cc Scooter

I have a new favourite 50cc 4-stroke scooter - the SYM Mio! It's quick (four a 4-stroke 50) a bunch of fun to ride and just do darn cute. Click on the image above to read the full review.

First Review of 2008

The snow has finally melted (for the season.... this time) and that means it's scooter review time here at JustGottaScoot. We begin the season with the SYM RV-250. Click on the image above to read the review.

Malaguti Manuals Available Online

Joel Martin of MRP has (very kindly) made several Malaguti manuals available through the MRP website. Visit our MRP page to have a look.

Check Out Our New "Brand" Pages

Oh yes, if I had my way this entire website interface would be one giant database driven page. You'd just enter in what you were looking for and the appropriate material would pop up. Man.... I am SUCH a dorky engineer. Click on the images above to jump to our Genuine Scooter Company or SYM pages. I will be adding others in the future to organize the presentation our content based on brand.

2008 Dealer Expo in Indianapolis

"The largest business-to-business trade event for the powersports industry in the world" (according to their website) was held February 15th - 18th, 2008, in Indianapolis. I had hoped to attend, but conflicts with my "day job" prevented it. Bob Hedstrom, the owner of Scooterville, did go, and he was kind enough to share his thoughts on the show, as well as some pictures. Click on the image to the upper left to see the slideshow. It's a fairly large Adobe™ file (over 2MB) so it may take a minute to load. Click on the image to the upper right to listen to the podcast report from the Dealer Expo.

More Responses on Yamaha Morphous Windscreens

Just Gotta Scoot's Podcasts in the News

Acknowledged as one of the best regional motorcycle publications in the nation, Minnesota Motorcycle Monthly has mentioned the JustGottaScoot podcasts several times in Stephen Heller's Random Scootering section.

Urban Moto is a West Coast publication and America's number one Guerrilla Moto magazine. In the December 2007 issue, Karryll Nason's Scooter-Phile included the following mention of the JustGottaScoot podcasts:

Even the national press is noticing the podcasts. The December 2007/January 2008 issue of ScooterWorld has a feature article about the podcasts and even a photo (one the cover no less) taken from a live podcast at Scooterville in Minneapolis Minnesota. I am completely shocked (and thrilled) that there is this much interest in the show.

Twin Cities area scooter group featured on Summit Brewery's "The Social Element"

In early November of 2007, the Heck's Angeles scooter group held a ride that was video-taped but Summit Brewery for their "The Social Element" website. The ride was a blast, with about 20 riders expected, it was a thrill to have over 30 show up. The All Mod Cons scooter club graciously offered to block for the ride. As Summit Brewery is a St. Paul company, I was asked to lead the ride through St. Paul.

Click on the image or go to www.thesocialelement.com and play video clip number 43.

How a Variator Works

So how does that CVT automatic transmission in a scooter work? This is a very good explanation of the mechanics of the variator - well worth a read. OK, the animated *.GIF file is pretty cool as well.

Understanding the principles behind the CVT will help when considering changes to this part of your scooter. As a general rule, the roller weights selected by the manufacturer will provide the best balance of acceleration and top speed for the scooter. Changing the size of the roller weights can result in performance improvements, but usually this will happen at the sacrifice of either acceleration or top end (more off-the-line acceleration means less top speed).

Moped Parking in Downtown Saint Paul Minnesota

Marc, a local scooterist, invested a fair amount of time and research in finding LEGAL bike rack parking in St. Paul Minnesota. He contacted the police and verified that it is LEGAL to park your scooter WITH MOPED PLATES in bike racks. He even got a map of bike racks in St. Paul. CLICK HERE or on the image above to open the Adobe Acrobat™ file with the map. A big "Thank You" to Marc for the leg-work.

Send mail to David@HarringtonBusinessGroup.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: August 10, 2010