Post by rabbit on May 20, 2008 23:21:03 GMT -5
...where you can't sling a dead cat without hitting a warehouse scooter dealer.
I'm Rabbit. Rode motorcycles for several years, but sold the last one about 10 years ago. Kept my motorcycle endorsement on my license for grins, though. I work in IT and we were all sitting around last week bemoaning the price of gas, as most of the folks I work with drive gas-sucking pigs of one form or another. We've collectively decided we'll buy scooters if we have to keep coming into the office to work.
Myself, I've always been drawn to Vespas (vintage, of course) although I've had plenty of experience with Cushmans. Been researching the GY6 150's for awhile, and I'm leaning toward the ZNEN-made scoots such as the Lance Vintage/Flyscooter Il Bello (nice review, and exceptional details, Big Guy).
I've found a new, as in 'just opened' dealer not far from my house who sells (nothing but) Lance. Dropped by during some free time and looked at them. Not bad, considering the pricing differential between it and the Il Bello.
As for myself, I can work on anything that runs, flies, slithers or crawls. I'm not afraid of buying something on the pallet, partially assembled, since I know how to read and how to turn a wrench. Hence, a question? Is there a true downside to buying on price for essentially 'one among equals' among this family of scooters, and not worrying about the 'extended warranty' gimmicks so much? I figure if I do enough due diligence and buy something with as much of a reputation for a modicum of reliability up front, I can handle any parts replacement/repair issues that come along, taking my chances/lumps should something break? My intent is to go ahead and start tinkering as soon as the break-in is complete- quality pipe, jetting, driveline mods, maybe gears. I'm not daunted by rebuilding an engine, as they all work essentially the same and I had an uncle who was a watchmaker (miniature engines- get it?).
As a corollary, what's the scoop on 'performance cams' for GY6's? Is there enough performance gain to bother with changing to one after porting and polishing the head and perhaps increasing displacement? Or, would I do better to compute my own lobe profiles, weld up an old one, chuck it in the lathe and harden one for myself?
Regards,
Rabbit.
I'm Rabbit. Rode motorcycles for several years, but sold the last one about 10 years ago. Kept my motorcycle endorsement on my license for grins, though. I work in IT and we were all sitting around last week bemoaning the price of gas, as most of the folks I work with drive gas-sucking pigs of one form or another. We've collectively decided we'll buy scooters if we have to keep coming into the office to work.
Myself, I've always been drawn to Vespas (vintage, of course) although I've had plenty of experience with Cushmans. Been researching the GY6 150's for awhile, and I'm leaning toward the ZNEN-made scoots such as the Lance Vintage/Flyscooter Il Bello (nice review, and exceptional details, Big Guy).
I've found a new, as in 'just opened' dealer not far from my house who sells (nothing but) Lance. Dropped by during some free time and looked at them. Not bad, considering the pricing differential between it and the Il Bello.
As for myself, I can work on anything that runs, flies, slithers or crawls. I'm not afraid of buying something on the pallet, partially assembled, since I know how to read and how to turn a wrench. Hence, a question? Is there a true downside to buying on price for essentially 'one among equals' among this family of scooters, and not worrying about the 'extended warranty' gimmicks so much? I figure if I do enough due diligence and buy something with as much of a reputation for a modicum of reliability up front, I can handle any parts replacement/repair issues that come along, taking my chances/lumps should something break? My intent is to go ahead and start tinkering as soon as the break-in is complete- quality pipe, jetting, driveline mods, maybe gears. I'm not daunted by rebuilding an engine, as they all work essentially the same and I had an uncle who was a watchmaker (miniature engines- get it?).
As a corollary, what's the scoop on 'performance cams' for GY6's? Is there enough performance gain to bother with changing to one after porting and polishing the head and perhaps increasing displacement? Or, would I do better to compute my own lobe profiles, weld up an old one, chuck it in the lathe and harden one for myself?
Regards,
Rabbit.