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 left image to jump to the JustGottaScoot Podcast page, or the right image to go to the podcast archive.

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

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. CLICK HERE for more details.

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.

Response from a SYM Dealer

Stephan from ScooterStation in Portland Oregon responded to our review of the SYM HD200 with some good points. Click on the image above to check it out.

Kymco MyRoad 700i

Just announced.... but not in the USA... the new Kymco MyRoad700i. Thanks to Enrique for forwarding my the picture. Mmmmmmmm, big Maxi-Scooter.... fuel injected? Brought to the USA market? Price? We will keep you posted as we get updated information.

Our First SYM Review

Ryan Scott from Blue Cat Motors was kind enough to facilitate our first review of a SYM scooter, the outstanding HD-200. You can be sure this won't be our only SYM review.

Longer Mirror Stems for the Genuine Buddy

SYM Scooter Available in the Twin Cities

Like Kymco and PGO, SYM is a Taiwanese company that has an excellent reputation for quality. They have been around since 1961 and currently have over 2,400 employees. Blue Cat Motors is a SYM dealer (they also sell Daelim scooters). Blue Cat is located at 550 Vandalia St., Saint Paul, MN 55114 and there phone number is 651-645-1172

Reviews of the Piaggio MP3 & Yamaha C3

Here are a couple of reviews that we have been "promising" for a while now. They are finally done. My only excuse is that it has been pretty nice outside these last several weeks and I just can't resist the temptation to be out scootin' as opposed to writing about it.  Click on the buttons above to jump to the reviews.

Yamaha Brings Back the Zuma for 2008

Certainly one of the most popular scooters, the Yamaha Zuma is coming back! I guy that Yamaha didn't want Kymco, TGB, PGO, etc. to get all of the EPA-legal 2-Stroke scooter sales.... CLICK HERE or on the image above to visit the Yamaha Zuma 2008 page.

Review of the Kymco People 250 'S' & Side-By-Side Test Against the Standard People AND the Vespa GTS

Something new for us - a scooter review combined with a 3-way "shoot-out" of comparable scooters. CLICK HERE or on the image above to read the review.

Review of the Kymco Xciting 500

Last year, we did a review of the Kymco Xciting 250... now we get a chance to ride the 500! CLICK HERE or on the image above to read the review.

Review of the Kymco Agility 125

My first scooter review of the 2007 riding season! CLICK HERE or on the image above to read the review of the Kymco Agility 125.

The Story of Scooterville

Bob Hedstrom, the founder of Scooterville, shares his story. Click on one of the images above to jump to the Just Gotta Scoot podcast episodes featuring Bob and his tale of scooter retailing.

Daelim Scooters

Daelim scooters have been made in Korea since 1962. In 1982 they merged with Kia. Click on the top link to visit there website. Right below that is a link to a review of the Daelim 250 by Victor Bruhn who put together his thought on the Daelim to provide some first-hand feedback on a scooter that doesn't have the "coverage" of the better-known brands. I hate to admit it, but apparently stuff written by people other than me is worth reading (heeheeheeheeheehee).

New from Genuine - The Buddy Italia

I like it! Click on the image above to have a look at the Genuine Scooter Company ad for the new Buddy Italia.

Vespa 60th Anniversay Limited Scooter Collection

Celebrated 1946 - 2006, Vespa has put out a limited scooter collection including a fender-light scooter of which only 999 will be made for world-wide distribution (250 to the USA). Click on the image above to see a whole bunch of pictures of the Vespa GT60 scooter.

After 3000 Miles... What's the Scoop on the Kymco People 250?

Another Cool Scooter Site

Check out ScooterDive.com, it's a great site. Be sure and play the video on the home page.

Genuine Scooter Company's New BLUR

Genuine Scooter Company of Chicago has introduced The Blur, a 150cc sport scooter.... and we've put some miles on one! Click here or on the image above to read the review.

Piaggio Launches Three-Wheeled Scooter

When I first heard about this, I guess I just assumed that there would be two wheels in the rear end.... Click Here or on the image above for more info.

Yamaha Morphous Review

I've been wanting to check out this scooter since I first saw one at the Motorcycle Show this past winter. Click Here or on the image above to read the review.

New Scoot From Yamaha

Boxy main body, headlight low to the front fender, looks pretty cool to me. Click here or click on the image above to find out more about the new C3 from Yamaha.

More Models From Genuine? - Yup!

It's a "rumour" no more! Click on the image above or CLICK HERE to find out about the Buddy from Genuine. 

Full Review of the Genuine Buddy

After several days with one of the new Buddy 125s from Genuine Scooter Company, we have a full review of this scooter. Click on the image above or CLICK HERE to read the review. 

The NEW Kymco Xciting is Here!

Annnnnnd by "here" I mean Scooterville in Minneapolis Minnesota. All I can say at this point is "wow" this scoot certainly appears to live up to the buzz that has been circulating about it. Click on the image above or HERE to jump to the Xciting page.

Look! Over There! It's a TNG Milano, no it's a Schwinn, no it's???

From the 2StrokeBuzz. Having trouble playing "nice" in the sandbox are we? It appears that Pacific Cycle (that's the "Schwinn" company) approached CMSI (that's the TNG company) about the potential for cooperation between the two. Hmmm, that's looks like more than just cooperation to me. The rumor suggests that Pacific Cycle promised to sign a non-disclosure agreement, but never did, and after meeting with CMSI, took their specs and manufacturing connections in China and started making a "copy" of the Milano. That's the runor anyway. Click on the image above or the following link to see the story in 2StrokeBuzz.

http://2strokebuzz.com/index.php/?p=2772#more-2772

I'm not sure.... but I think I have to have one.

Black Cat Fireworks and Genuine Scooter Company (Home of The Stella - probably the finest classic-style scooter available today) announced on February 16th, 2006, that they have formed an alliance to bring us the Black Cat Scooter. Take a look here.

We Don't Usually Do This...

I am not in the habit of giving out endorsements and certainly not "unrestricted" ones. That being said, I can, without any hesitation, recommend doing business with Bob Hedstrom of Scooterville, here in Minnesota. I work with a LOT of businesses (see me at my "day" job: www.HarringtonBusinessGroup.com ) and not only does Scooterville have an excellent selection of products, Bob is a joy to work with. 

Scooterville, 650 25th Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414, 612-331-7266

New Products

The Evil Scooter Kitty Goes Mod!

What Do You Get When You Combine Desperate Housewives With Scooters?

Yeah, I know, it's so lame that it actually hurts. I just couldn't help myself.

The Yamaha Majesty Inspired Designs are Done!

Scooter Club/Group Designs

The Yamaha C3 Inspired Designs are Completed!

We are bringing back the dark-coloured apparel in JustGottaScoot designs.

Some of you may remember that we tried this quite a while ago and the quality just wasn't there. Recently, a new process was put in place that promised much better quality. We tested some designs and ordered shirts (my nephew got a great dark blue one.... free I might add, sometimes it pays to have a weird Uncle) and they look very nice. We have modified our designs to work on dark colours and have updated the JustGottaScoot shop.  

"My Other Car is a Scooter" Bumper-Stickers Now Available

NEW in the JustGottaScoot online store, bumper-stickers for your cage featuring many different scooter designs and colours. Click on the image above to visit the store and see all the bumper-stickers.

I suppose it was the release of the Vespa GT60 that got me up off my lazy backside and working on some new Vespa-inspired designs. I started with a Just Gotta Scoot design inspired by the Vespa LX50, LX150, ET2 & ET4 scooters and will work on some GT & GT60 stuff very soon.

The Genuine Buddy is a wonderful scooter. My wife liked it so much that she sold her (darn near) new Vino and bought a Buddy. We have added two new Buddy-influenced designs: Just Gotta Scoot and Evil Scooter Kitty. 

At long last! I was going to say something "smart" like I was waiting for the 500 to actually be in dealers before I finished this design.... but the truth is that I'm just lazy. Whether you have an Xciting 250 or an Xciting 500, or just WANT one, we have "stuff" for you.

I just couldn't leave my Stella alone and had to add checkerboard decals on the cowls and front end. This is taxi-cab decal material that is normally only available in whopping big rolls. I used what I needed and am now selling the material by-the-foot. Check our STUFF page or click on the image above to jump directly to the "Checkboard" page.

OK, I suppose I can "see" dogs and monkeys on scooters, maybe even evil kitties, but frogs? Check our STUFF page or click on the image above to jump directly to the Scooter-Frog section of our eShop.

Ooooooo, the Evil Scooter Kitty won't be happy about this. A happy-go-lucky puppy frolicking on scooters, NOT the sort of thing that the ESK approves of. As if we care! That's right, show the ESK what you think of his aloof attitude and naughty behavior - buy a whole bunch of Scooter-Puppy stuff today! Check our STUFF page or click on the image above to jump directly to the Scooter-Puppy section of our eShop.

We just added a whole bunch of new stuff for fans of the Honda Metropolitan, TNG Venice, Honda Elite, and the Yamaha Zuma. Yes, we are working on stuff for all of fans of the Honda Silverwing, Yamaha Majesty, the new Yamaha Morphus, the as-yet-to-be-seen-in-dealers Kymco Xciting, and the fine offerings from TGB. If there are other scooter designs you want to see represented in our STUFF section, let us know.

Curious, clever and mischievous - the Monkey-Boy is "hanging around" on some fun new products. Check our STUFF page, or click on the image to jump directly to the Monkey-Boy section of our store.

Just Gotta Scoot classic designs now available in PINK. Check our STUFF page, or click on the images to jump directly to the Classic Pink, or Evil Scooter Kitty Pink section of our store.

Evil Scooter Kitty products are now available. Check our STUFF page, or click on the image to jump directly to the Evil Scooter Kitty Store.

Send mail to David@HarringtonBusinessGroup.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: June 02, 2009