Uber-Shcooter

The Yamaha TMax will be available for the first time in the U.S. this July with the introduction of the 2009 model.

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelhome/607/0/home.aspx

(Be sure to watch the "Scooters Anonymous" video on the Yamaha site.)

Yamaha describes it as the worlds first supersport scooter. With a 499cc DOHC Fuel Injected twin on a lightweight aluminum frame it will some real get up and go. (Gee, that's double what's under the hood of the 'Flex).

The Honda Silverwing, and Suzuki Burgman 650 outgun in engine size but they also significantly outweigh it. This model focuses on performance instead of touring.

I wonder if there's a waiting list?

Eastside scootin'

Last Sunday I made a side trip to the new branch of the Big People's Scooter Store in Woodinville WA. Lots of pretties from Vespa and a few Piagio MP3's including a 500cc industrial-looking monster. There was also a small collection of oldies along the ceiling. Before I left I bought a nice Tourmaster jacket in light blue for Michelle. Too bad I don't have a single photo to show. Next time I'll read the manual about clearing the card from the camera instead of the USB connection.

After enough scoot gazing we went on to our next destination; The Red Hook Brewery. Unlike those Italian beauties at the previous location, these tall cool ones won't get hammered off a lousy Euro-Dollar exchange rate.

Spring ride

The recent warm weather has dried some of the roads and the two-wheelers are starting to be seen again; a Harley touring bike yesterday; a few sport bikes today; and this Honda Metropolitan parked downtown. 

More Scooters Please

Even though I didn't buy my 'Flex from the dealer, I still get the glossy Honda mag called "Red Rider". Nearly every manufacturer of wheeled things sends out these mags to recent buyers to show off their machines and make their buyers feel special. But neither the magazine nor the associated website feature much about scooters; so much for being part of a special group. This month however, I was pleased to see this letter to the editor:

"...could you print more articles on Honda scooters? I bought an Elite 80 and I love it. I don't know how many HRCA (Honda Riders Club of America) are scooter riders, but I'm sure there are a lot. Thanks."

...and the response:

"Based on the mail we receive, there does seem to be a fair number of scooter fans among our readers--or possibly you're part of a small or vocal group! It's hard to cover all the models when Honda offers such a diverse lineup, but our plans do include more scooter information in the future."

There's lots of things to cover out there in scooterland. Get writin' Honda.