Right now, the forecast for this weekend is calling for anywhere from 4 to 9 inches of snow. The gang here at Scoot Richmond is still debating whether to be open tomorrow. We’ll post info and updates in two places: our Facebook page and our Twitter feed. See you in cyberspace!

Scoot Richmond will open our secret vault of scooter parts to the public for the 1st time ever! Loads of scooter bits of all sorts, from cranks to crashbars, from side panels to engine cases. There are bangin’ deals to be had on body work, engine parts, and performance parts for riders of new Genuine and SYM scooters. Owners of vintage Vespas and Lambrettas will see some INCREDIBLE deals on all sorts of unobtainium spare parts. Do you ride (or wish you rode) a cool vintage Tomos or other weird moped? We’ll have tons of stuff for you too!

Looking for new parts at bargain basement prices? We’re clearing the dust off of loads of new parts for your vintage scooter.

You’ll also find some serious deals on a project scooters.  Scoot Richmond has some choice scooters and mopeds in need of your TLMA (tender loving mechanical ability). There are vintage Vespas in need of restoration (including an incredible 1952 Vespa Sears Allstate project), some mopeds looking for a warm forever home, a Vespa ET4, a Piaggio Typhoon, and loads of other surprises, all at prices you won’t believe.

Need more reasons to visit Scoot Richmond Saturday? We’re having a sale! 20-50% off of all in-stock riding gear. Get that Armadillo armored parka or a vintage looking Fulmer Bobber helmet for way below sticker price.

And of course, you know that all of our new scooters will be at lowest prices of the year. Don’t wait until summer, because you won’t be able to save this much money if you wait until it gets warm.

One day only: Saturday, January 23, 2010, 10AM-4PM.

January Service Clinic: Secrets of the Constant Variable Transmission

It’s been colder in the 804 than I can remember for years.  It’s so cold that it is hard to believe how many folks are still riding their scooters on a daily basis!  Isn’t it funny how you see almost zero motorcyclists commuting in this weather?  To me, that means that scooter folks are tougher than our brethren on their less practical rides, but that would officially qualify as a digression.

For those of you about to scoot, Scoot Richmond has loads of new specials!  Check these out for starters, and remember that we always have more specials going on in-store.

It’s a Genuine New Year!  Buy any new Genuine scooter and get loads of free accessories.  Don’t mind the dates listed on the website linked above, as this promo now runs through February 14, 2010.  Some models include over $500 in free accessories. If you are thinking about waiting until Spring to get your new scoot, these free goodies may be a great reason to go for it now!

For qualified applicants, Sheffield Financial has extended its financing specials for new Genuine Scooters through January 31, 2010.  Get your choice of 4.9% interest for 36 months or zero interest and zero payments for 9 months.  Apply in-store and get approved and on the road in no time flat.  Or get pre-approved online for the ultimate in streamlining.  With the specials Scoot Richmond has right now on certain new scooters, you may find yourself able to include your riding gear on your financing too.  Sweet!

SYM’s Citycom 300i is our favorite way to effortlessly switch gears between highway commuting and in-town traffic combat. The Citycom is SYM’s smallest big scoot (or is it the biggest small scoot), and combines mind-blowing fuel economy with speeds of 80 miles per hour.  There are not too many things that SYM could do to improve the impressively overbuilt Citycom, which makes the FREE Commuter Package (valued at $500+) a huge incentive to buy!  The Commuter package adds a taller, wider windshield with improved optics to the Citycom, as well as a burly laser-cut steel rear rack and a huge 45L Givi top case for all of your stuff.

Looking for something a bit more retro for your new wheels?  Scoot Richmond has some very special deals available on the SYMBA, SYM’s take on the old Honda Cub and Honda Passport.  The Symba is true two-wheeled Prozac, and never fails to put a smile on my face.  Come to Scoot Richmond and check out the Symba, as the current out-the-door price is a secret that we’ll only tell you in person.  Suffice it to say that you’ll be saving so much money on your new Symba that the 100+ miles to the gallon will be the icing on the cake.  Don’t believe me?  Check out these reviews from actual Symba owners, or this recent review in the LA Times.

Interested in financing your new SYM Scooter?  GE Sport offers a few great choices for the purchase of any of SYM’s rides.  You’ll have to come to Scoot Richmond to fill out an application, and then qualified buyers can enjoy 6 or 12 months of no interest (with monthly payments) or 36 months at only 8.9% interest.  It only takes a few minutes to get approved!  Combined with the super deals on the Citycom 300i and the Symba, this is probably the best time to buy a scooter since…well, since scooters existed.

If you do not have a garage for your scooter, the winter can be a daunting time of year. Your scoot takes the brunt of the elements when it is outside and not being ridden for extended periods of time.  Even a few weeks of neglect can potentially make your scoot a theft target.  Scoot Richmond now offers climate controlled safe winter storage for your scooter at reasonable rates.  Contact us soon to reserve your spot, as space is limited.  Call (804) 230-1000 or email us at info@scootrichmond.com.

What does winter storage include?

• Your battery will be charged all winter. Please note that we cannot guarantee battery life, but we do everything we can to maintain your current battery condition.
• Your scooter will be in a temperature controlled environment, free from the elements and worry
• Storage area is insured and alarmed for maximum protection
• May save you money on insurance! Contact your insurance company for specific information
• A clean scooter in the spring

The Many Benefits of Winter Scooter Storage

• Frees up valuable space in your garage (if you have one)
• No worry of parking tickets for those that park on the sidewalk or street
• No headaches of having to prep and start your scooter in the winter
• Saves you money in the spring on maintance items, such as cleaning the carb, battery service, etc.
• Peace of mind knowing your baby is safe and warm
• Longer riding season because you can start as soon as the weather breaks with a scoot that is ready to ride
• No hassle! Call us 48hrs before you want to ride and off you go

Winter Storage Rates and Procedures

• Winter Storage is is $60.00 per month for every month your scooter is here
• Preparation for winter storage is $99.00 (see below for more info - recommended but not required)
• Scooters dropped off after the 15th of each month will only pay $30.00 for the remaining days of that month (this does not apply to pick-ups)
• All you have to do is call and reserve a storage slot or schedule a drop-off time
• At the time of drop-off, we will collect your storage prep fee and the first and last month’s storage
• A valid credit card number must be on file
• Storage begins December 1st and runs through April 1st
• You must have you scooter picked up by April 1st or you will be charged the normal $20.00 per day storage fee (unless prior arrangements have been made)
• Would you like to take your scooter out over the winter for special events or for rides? No problem! You will need to pay for a second prep fee of $99.00 when you’re done, and 48hr notice is required for us to have your scoot ready

Winter Storage Prep Pricing:  $140 now on sale:  $70

• Startron is added to your fuel and tank.  Startron is a fuel stabilizer (like Stabil), a fuel system cleanser (such as Seafoam), and an enzyme to help the ethanol in today’s fuel from doing nasty stuff to your carb and engine
• Silicone spray applied to your engine keeps things from rusting or seizing
• Fuel line, fuel tap, carb, and engine drained of fuel, to keep things from clogging
• Returning scooter to service for spring
• Save money by prepping your scoot before storage instead of paying for an extensive spring tune-up, which generally includes undoing all of the stuff mentioned above

Forget about today’s nasty weather! Let’s make some scooter plans for 2010, shall we?

Scoot Richmond will be offering several service clinics after the start of the year.  There will be clinics for everyone, no matter your level of knowledge or how many miles you put on your scoot every year. All of our service clinics are free, but there are limited numbers of seats available.  Contact Scoot Richmond to stake a claim on a seat!

All of our service clinics start at 10am, and end between noon and 1pm.

January 23, 2010: Transmission Basics for the Automatic Scooter

We will cover the what, where, and hows of the CVT (constant variable transmission), the variator and roller weights, the drive belt, and the clutch. What happens in your scoot when you go forward is an incredible use of basic physics.  Seeing what goes on in there is a real “light bulb” moment.  If you plan on doing any performance tuning on your scoot, this clinic is a must!

February 20, 2010: Basics and General Maintenance of the Genuine Stella or Vintage Vespa Scooter

When you ride a manual transmission vintage or vintage-styled scoot, your scoot needs slightly more regular mechanical attention than its automatic scoot cousins.  We will teach you the how, when, and why of changing your spark plug, adjusting your control cables, changing a tire, or changing a light bulb.  Other specific topics will be based on the interest of the group. Whether you ride a 1961 Vespa Allstate or you lust after a 2009 Genuine Stella, this information will be essential.

March 20, 2010: Springtime is for Scooters: Ready for the Road

Most of us are fair weather scooter riders, to some extent.  Inclement weather often deters folks from doing much riding in the winter.  Scooters run best when they are run all the time. What things need to be checked, changed, or otherwise maintained when it is time to get the scoot back out of the garage? What things can you handle, and which are better handled by Scoot Richmond’s technicians?  The first day of spring is the perfect time to learn about your scoot’s needs.

Would you like to participate in one of the clinics? Do you have a suggestion for a future clinic? We would love to hear from you.  Comment here or email us at info at scootrichmond dot com.

Chelsea

For a limited time, any new scoot from Genuine Scooter Company and get FREE accessories for your new scoot!  You can potentially save over $500 in free goodies on your new scoot.

Not into accessories and just want to save a few bucks on your new scoot?  Come down to Scoot Richmond and talk to us.  We’ve got all kinds of tricks up our sleeves, but only through the end of the year.  We’ll see you soon!

The holiday season is right around the corner!  That means that it is time for Scoot Richmond to begin restructuring our hours of operation on a moment’s notice. 

Tuesday 11/24 - 10AM-7PM

Wednesday 11/25 - 10AM-4PM

Thursday & Friday - CLOSED

Saturday 11/28 - 10AM-4PM

The only thing that is subject to change is Friday, 11/27/09. Typically, Scoot Richmond has been open on Black Friday, only for it to basically be unnecessary.  However, if you would prefer to shop here on Friday, just get in touch before we close on Wednesday and we can make an appointment.

Thanks so much, and happy Thanksgiving!

Chelsea

Motorscooters are one of the most portable ways to get around your city.  Light and smallish, a scooter can easily be loaded on a trailer, in the back of a van or SUV (most notably, the Honda Element can carry WAY more than I would ever have guessed), or on a parallel to the rear bumper carrier like the Versahaul.

Even so, companies have tried to make the scooter even MORE portable since…well, for a long time. Take a look at these historical examples of the folding scooter, many of which received very little (if any) distribution in the USA.

At this time, I’m not entirely certain what the original folding moped/scooter was.  However, I do know that it was produced in France sometime around 1941, and it probably bore some similarity to the folding paratrooper bicycles by BSA.

The concept of a more portable mode of transportation became popular with the Valmobile, a suitcase scooter produced in Japan in the 50s and 60s. This very cool little bike actually received some attention and distribution in the USA back in the day, although you’d have a tough time finding one for sale these days.

The Centaur Herd was a suitcase scooter produced from 1960 through 1964. I saw one of these for sale 5 or 6 years ago, and I’m still kicking myself for not purchasing it.  I mean, while perhaps less than practical, it’s completely cool and weird.

The Motobecane Moto X, produced in the early 70s.

The Di Blasi folding mini-bike, from 1980.

Honda Motocompo, 1981-1983, a so-called “trunk bike”, was designed to fit in the trunk of your small Japanese car.

There are of course loads of others that I could dig up, but I figured a brief walk through the history of folding scooters would be a good place to start.  Now to bring this topic to the 21st century!

Recently, some folks on Twitter (follow us on Twitter for daily specials!) brought a Craigslist ad to my attention.  The advert was for a 2009 Flexi Folding Scooter.  The Flexi weighs less than 69lbs, and folds up into a tidy bundle, making it easily transportable when not in use.  According to the advertisement, this makes the Flexi a great choice for an RV or trailer.

The wording of the ad very specifically does NOT say that the vehicle is DOT/EPA approved.  Instead, it says that “the Flexi is built and designed to meet the US regulatory EPA and DOT requirements”, which is not at all the same thing.  The next sentence “Our 4-Stroke engine, head lights, protective fenders, emergency cutoff switch, rear lights, brake lights, signal lights as well as reflectors, turn the Flexi into street legal transportation.”  For something to be turned into legal transportation begs the assumption that the vehicle is currently not street legal.

The current Virginia legal code makes statements in regards to the differences between a moped, motorcycle, and a motor-driven cycle, as the general vehicle classification determines whether or not a 2 or 3 wheeled vehicle may be legally driven on any public roads.  The various requirements for the 3 classifications refer to various things, most notably engine size and ordinary driven speed, a standardized 17-digit vehicle identification number (also known as the VIN), and seat height.

I’ll disperse with the legalese in the above link and explain what it all means.

A moped has an engine of less than 50cc and has an ordinary driven speed of 35mph or less. All mopeds have VINs. The seat height must be greater than 24″ from the ground. A moped can legally be driven on all public roads, not including highways or roads that have a minimum speed that is greater than 35mph.

A motorcycle has an engine displacement greater than 50cc, and there is no upper or lower limit on speed capabilities.  All motorcycle must have a VIN.  All motorcycles must have a seat height of more than 24″ from the ground.  A motorcycle can be driven on any public roads, so long as the vehicle is properly registered and legal in all other ways.

A motor-driven cycle is basically considered to be anything else with 2 or 3 wheels that doesn’t fit into one of the above categories.  The engine must be 150cc or smaller.  The seat height can be less than 24″, and there is NO manufacturers VIN on the vehicle.  And as per this very easy to read VA law: “No person shall operate a motor-driven cycle on or over any public highway in the Commonwealth.”

The stuff about motor-driven cycles is a relatively recent addition to the law.  The primary reason for its inception was to keep the small motorcycles known as pocket bikes off of the public roads, as the low low seat height and general stature makes them invisible to other drivers.

Will that law mean that the Flexi is not road legal in Virginia?  That depends on the answers to some questions that I haven’t asked the folks selling the Flexi, so I’m going to go ahead and make some assumptions.

Nowhere in any of the publicity stuff for the Flexi is there mention of a VIN.  Every public road going vehicle in Virginia MUST have a standardized manufacturers 17-digit VIN. Without one, you’re going to be enjoying your Flexi on private roads ONLY.

Secondly, the listed seat height of the Flexi simply looks wrong. At 35″, that means that the Flexi’s seat is far higher than the 29.7″ seat height on the Genuine Buddy.  Wha? That means that the only people who would be comfortable riding the Flexi would be folks with an inseam greater than 35″, which is ridiculous.  Especially when you consider the dimensions of the Flexi, which are 52” x 37” x 21” unfolded and 35” x 19” x 25” folded.  Unfolded, the tallest point on the Flexi is clearly the handlebars at 37″.  Having a seat height of 35″ would look really strange (unless it is a folding cafe racer) in comparison. And folded, we can assume that the tallest part that cannot be folded on to itself would be the rear tire/engine/seat combo, which would put the Flexi at a seat height of 19″. And 19 inches is not tall enough for the Flexi to be legal on public roads.

Questions? Comments? Got a Flexi and a yardstick and want to prove me wrong?  Please feel free to let me know!

—Chelsea @ Scoot Richmond

We’ve had some people asking us, so here it is:

Friday, November 6

8:00 pm - Meet & Greet at Stronghill Dining Company, 1200 N Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23230 - (804) 359-0202

NIGHT RIDE - The “North Side Thrilla”

Saturday, November 7

10:00 am - Breakfast at Cafe Gutenberg, 1700 E Main St, Richmond, VA 23223 - (804) 497-5000

RIDE

1:00 pm - Lunch hosted by 7 Hills Scooter Club at Bryan Park

3:00 pm - Gymkhana, slow ride, and assorted tomfoolery at Scoot Richmond, 217 W 7th St, Richmond, VA 23224 - (804) 230-1000

BREAK (siesta)

7:00 pm - Dinner at Mekong Restaurant, 6004 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23230 - (804) 288-8929

NIGHT RIDE

Pub Crawl at assorted Richmond watering holes

Sunday, November 8

10:00 am - Breakfast at Crossroads Coffee and Ice Cream, 26 N Morris St, Richmond, VA 23220 - (804) 355-3559

Noon - Duckpin bowling, raffle, awards at Plaza Bowl, E Southside Plaza, Richmond, VA 23224 (804) 233-8799

See you guys there!

~Matt

It’s Halloween weekend. You’re thinking about the final touches to your costume and wishing that the working week was already finished.

You probably aren’t thinking about the gradual increase you’ve seen at the fuel pump over the last few weeks. During a recent fill-up, I was surprised to see $2.94/gallon staring back at me.  When your scooter tank is only 1.2 gallons, the pain of the $3 gallon is barely a pinch.

Perhaps you aren’t really thinking about scooters at all after last week’s cold snap. But the weather doesn’t make parking in the Fan, VCU, or Downtown Richmond any easier.

Combine Central Virginia’s super mild weather with the Halloween sales offered this weekend at Scoot Richmond, I prefer to look at fall as both a great time to ride and a great time to get an incredible end of the year deal on a new scooter!

These prices are so low that you may find yourself frightened, which would in fact be the desired result.

I am actually quite bad at the whole LOWEST PRICES OF THE YEAR ETC thing, so please feel free to invent your own retail superlatives.  Basically, we’re talking about whatever it takes to put YOU on a scooter…THIS WEEKEND.

These mega-low prices on new scooters are only good October 30 and 31 2009.  Come down to Scoot Richmond this weekend because the only thing more enjoyable than saving money is riding scooters.

—Chelsea @ Scoot Richmond