... the guy what runs
East Side Scooters, that is.
He called to let me know that he found some tires for the Vino, as I had requested. He also let me know something about the People 250 that I wouldn't have thought of, myself. He said to get used to it over a period of time, and that it'd probably take me a good 45 minutes of riding to get a feel for it.
See, the People has a lot of liquid weight up front -- both the radiator and the fuel tank. So, he suggested that I be aware of that, and prepare for the difference in handling that makes over the two smaller, lighter, air-cooled scooters I have, now. Dang. He may have saved me dumping it.
Here I've bought a used scooter,
not from him, and he's lookin' out for me.
C'mon, Nashville -- why would you even consider buying a scooter
anywhere else?!
Seriously. The "big three" two-wheeler brands have showroom after showroom in the area. Their scooters are nothing short of
awesome -- I don't know how many people with Vespa lust I have steered towards an Asian scooter (and in particular, Japanese scooters). Thing is, those "big three" dealers don't usually seem too terribly interested in
selling you a scooter. More often, they'll steer you towards a small-displacement sport bike or cruiser. Maybe the profit margin on scooters is lower than on their motorcycles, or watercraft, or ATVs. You're lucky if the showroom has one of
each of the line's scooters (and Honda's cut back to 3-4 U.S. models, this year!). To them, scooters are an afterthought.
James rides a scooter to work, most days. He wants to be
the scooter guy in town, and with the customer service he's provided me so far, I think he's
well on his way.
My dad was a salesman; he sold furniture for a couple of companies, to retail outlets. Now, sure... my dad
used furniture (indeed -- he used the lines he sold, but he would get a good deal on it), like many first-world humans. :)
But I'll never forget Dad's thoughts on selling: "
Earn their business." It was a simple philosophy that meant closing the sale would be the beginning of a relationship -- not the
end. Hell, the lady who sold me my house sent me a bottle of non-French "champagne," and a $50 Home Depot gift card, which was certainly a nice thing to do... but that was the last I heard from her (and she made ~$3500 on the sale!). I'm guessing James hasn't made $500 off me, yet, and he stays in touch, anyway. He doesn't
have to do that -- no one expects that, these days, do they?
Point being, I don't know if James is good at making money, but I know he's good at making friends. If he sells you a scooter, you're going to be happy you bought it from him, and that I will guarantee.
.
They call it "Light Blaster" for a reason, I reckon!
... to my wheel size! Ask me how! :)
.
UPDATE: The top two photos are of the very scooter I won on eBay, taken last September by Scott, the original owner guy (he's been linked here at KymCojones from Day One, so he's not a complete stranger, heh).
... but I chickened out. The Gorillapod I bought doesn't inspire me as to its fitness for securing a new miniDV cam to the handlebars of yonder Vino.
How is it possible to have so much fun on a vehicle that can't even get up to 40 mph except on a good downhill run? :) I weigh more than it does. The wind can be a challenge, but it's a fun challenge.
If there's a nicer looking two-wheeled vehicle on the market, I am blissfully unaware of it.
Well, not really... but I have to ask again, why do MidTNers have such a time spelling "helmet"?
More importantly to me is the whole DOT/Snell issue. There are people who won't ride with a DOT-only helmet, which I have to question, after reading this.
... and a tinted quick-release shield. All told, under $100. Also, a good, Tennessee company (Memphis).
This is my first ride on a scooter w/16" wheels. Man, this bike is incredible. I was impressed. I may have to preview the 250cc model, as I was quite comfortable on this. The seat height was about an inch lower than my Agility, despite the much larger wheels. The weight was very managable, too.
Let's hope this expensive decal will stick to this somewhat spherical surface.
UPDATE II: The darker it gets, the more obvious the reflectivity. Man, this stuff is good!
UPDATE the III: Here's what it looks like in daylight (cloudy day). Black with 20% white stroke, as ordered.
Yes, I'm a happy customer of StreetGlo. Check their site for more about their products for all nighttime safety applications. To see how to make your own "bohica!" see here.
