[Transportation] Motorcycles & scooters

Yavicleus · Heavy Crude Joined: Jul 16, 2004 Posts: 364

Aprillia and a few other brands makes scooters with tires that are motorcycle size. They call them "Scarebeo" scooters or something funny like that. I personally don't like how they look, but I'm sure they'd hold up much better to potholes than most scooters.

FYI, the maximum range on my scooter is about 150 miles.

JoeW · Guest

i own and ride a kawasaki klr 650. it is the suv of the motorcycle world. it's a dual sport capable of handling most of the terrain that a dirtbike would handle, and is also great on the street. here are some of the things i like about it:

engine: liquid-cooled dohc 650cc
mpg: ~50
gas tank: 6.2 gal (~300 mi range)
top speed: ~100mph
ground clearance: ~8 inches & can be adjusted
0 - 60mph: 4.7 seconds
retail price: ~$4999 brand new, i think. the latest model year has red tank/fenders, which looks much nicer than the green on mine.

This motorcycle has been around since 1986 or something, and mine (model year 2000) is not much different from the original. For this reason, aftermarket parts are plentiful, including kawasaki factory saddlebags, tank bags, tail bag... aftermarket windshields and tire selection for these machines is also great.

anyone interested in riding in the rain or snow would be wise to consider something like this. i have ridden dual sport bikes in snow on knobby tires, and it is doable for an experienced rider. it's ice that is really dangerous. for cold weather riding, the kawasaki makes enough spare electricity to power an electric vest.

if part of your emergency planning includes having a means to leave the area in a hurry, a motorcycle like this is worth consideration.

Atreadon · Coal Joined: Jul 19, 2004 Posts: 6 Location: CT

Found some more information on the M1030 diesel motorcycle:

http://www.drive.cranfield.ac.uk/cfml/rmcsbike.pdf (specs)

http://www.m1030.com/ (seller? not much info here)

http://www.f1engineering.com/index.html (manufacturer?)

I sent in a request for more information the last site listed, as should everyone who's even slightly curious. The more people that express an interest, the sooner it will be available!

gg3 · Posted: Sun Aug 15, 2004 4:20 am Post subject:

Hot damn! Go Marines! Now we've gotta' get the Army interested!

I just sent in a request for price/availability of the milspec version, thinking of setting it up with a tool-carrier that can be locked onto the rear cargo frame, for geeks on the go to client sites.

If they could build a 3-wheeled truck with that engine, that would be way cool. Probably get "only" 80 mpg:-)

Atreadon · Coal Joined: Jul 19, 2004 Posts: 6 Location: CT

TommyJefferson · Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2004 7:25 pm Post subject:

I rode a 1989 KLR650 for years and loved it.

- stone axe simple
- huge gas tank
- 48mpg
- cruise at 70mph all day
- long production run = wide parts availability
- jump curbs and ditches
- low initial purchase price

Bought it with 23K miles for $1200. Sold it 4 years later with 48K miles for $1200. I kinda wish I wouldn't have sold it. I may get another.

JackBob · Posted: Tue Aug 24, 2004 9:08 am Post subject:

No doubt bikes are going to be an asset - I would opt for off-road capable since some roads may get dangerous because of looters etc. Tires are the main problem, though, right? Lots of oil goes into the making therof. Further they will wear faster as road maintenance declines.

Better stockpile lots.

JackBob

Terran · Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 6:53 pm Post subject:

Anyone though about kick scooters? those scooters were popular a few years ago,especially the razor ones. I remember in middle school almost everyone had one. Those scooters are pretty cheap, at least right now the price range is from $20-$60. Kick scooters are powered by human power.They're made of aircraft grade aluminium, so corrosion wouldn't be an issue. They don't seem to have that much in terms of replacment parts, except the wheels which needs to be replaced after it's worn down. This seems viable when good roads remain intact for short distance travel.

Skateboards are the same, very few parts. The base is made of wood, it seems good for short transport on good roads. I personally have a skateboard that I used when I were in 8th grade in middle school back in 2001. Again, the wheels needs to be replaced after some time, and the bearings needs to be greased. Viable to people?

Guest · Posted: Wed Sep 01, 2004 10:50 am Post subject:

Terran · Posted: Mon Sep 06, 2004 12:47 am Post subject:

For short distance I think these electric scooters will be the most efficient. They don't even weight that much.
http://www.sharperimage.com/us/en/catalog/productview.jhtml?pid=30694100&pcatid=2&catid=24439800&catpage=1

and another version, it's still lightweight and goes a little faster.
http://www.sharperimage.com/us/en/catalog/productview.jhtml?pid=58930100&pcatid=2&catid=24439800&catpage=1

I think the advantage with these scooters is you can fold it up, and carry it with you to where ever you want to go. It's great for people who's at a younger age like me.

mikela · Posted: Mon Sep 06, 2004 11:11 am Post subject:

I've never owned a motorcycle, but I worry it could be easily stolen (two guys can throw a 650cc bike in the back of a pickup, right?), and would be a target if fuel efficient vehicles are suddenly in demand. What kind of anti-theft devices are you guys using?

TommyJefferson · Posted: Sun May 22, 2005 10:13 am Post subject:

> "What kind of anti-theft devices are you guys using?

AR15 Smile

Seriously, the best way to prevent a bike from being stolen is to keep your eye on it.

When shopping or eating out I always park in the most visible, highest traffic nearest the door place I can find.

When travelling, I either roll the bike into my room, or park it in front of my door. This is not always possible.

A big ol chain from the frame to a telephone pole is good, but not always practical.

uNkNowN ElEmEnt · Posted: Sun May 22, 2005 11:42 am Post subject:

I do sue a kind of bike lock for my scooter its a very heavy gage wire cord and works really well. I've left my scooter outside department/grocery stores and not had any problems. But my city only has 4 million people and is in Canada that might make a difference.

Hawkcreek · Expert Joined: Aug 15, 2004 Posts: 956

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_________________
"It don't make no sense that common sense don't make no sense no more"
John Prine

uNkNowN ElEmEnt · Posted: Sun May 22, 2005 1:05 pm Post subject: