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What is a scooter?
The term "scooter" as commonly used in the newsgroup (NG) alt.scooter
refers more properly to a "motorscooter", which are a subclass of
motorcycles utilizing a distinctive structural design. These are
generally two-wheeled vehicles originally based on motorized versions of
children's push scooters, although some three-wheeled scooters are
considered to exist. Motorscooters (or simply "scooters") have been
around almost as long as motorcycles and the distinction between the two
has often been blurred. The most commonly accepted definition of
scooters requires two-wheeled vehicles (or two-wheeled vehicles modified
to have a rear axle) that have wheels between 8 and 14 inches in
diameter (smaller than motorcycles), step-thru frames and typically
engines that are low and close to the rear wheel [see The New
Encyclopedia Britannica (1997), vol. 8, pg. 367]. However, it should be
noted that this definition is not universally accepted, as some have
argued (Dregni & Dregni, for example) that scooters need only have 2 out
of 3 of these attributes. Scooters also often incorporate full bodywork,
including legshields and generally are designed to be easier to operate
than standard motorcycles. It should be noted that scooters may be of
any engine size, though historically they typically have ranged from
50cc to 250cc. Likewise, there is no limitation to possible top speed
inherent in scooter design -- many scooters regularly exceed 100mph.
Incidentally, the term "scooter" is also commonly used for "medical
scooters", which are typically 3 or 4 wheeled vehicles for people with
mobility problems, but are quite unlike "motorscooters". There are also
scooters with very small engines (under 40cc) commonly called "go-peds"
(a prominent brand), which look like motorized children's push scooters.
However, they are not covered by this FAQ because they have their own
NG, alt.sport.go-ped and since they differ significantly from the larger
motorscooters commonly discussed on the "alt.scooter" NG. There is also
a popular German techno band named "Scooter" that sometimes leads to
confusion as well, especially when using search engines.
How do scooters differ from mopeds?
It is a common mistake for people to confuse scooters and mopeds. In
fact, many vehicles are BOTH. By legal definition, a "moped" is any
two-wheeled vehicle of any design which meets local regulations that
commonly relate to speed restriction. Commonly, mopeds may not exceed
30-35mph and still legally be considered mopeds. Confusion reigns,
however, because some localities may require pedals, while others do
not, and speed restrictions may vary from place to place. Further, a
common moped design has been large, motorcycle-type wheels on vehicles
that can commonly look very much like scooters, blurring the
distinction. However, the term "moped" in any locality will always refer
first to any vehicle that meets local regulations to such vehicles, and
secondly to whatever designs people there may commonly associate with
mopeds. Many speed-restricted scooters are legally marketed as mopeds,
sometimes even with pedals (in places that require them). The overlap
simply goes to body design with speed restrictions. It should be noted
that most mopeds can be modified to exceed designed speed, in which case
they are no longer legally mopeds, but motorcycles. If they have a
scooter design, they will simply be faster scooters.
How do scooters differ from motorcycles?
By definition, motorcycles are nearly any two-wheeled, motorized
vehicle. Therefore, scooters are by definition simply a specific
motorcycle design. This is why in most localities, there are no
regulations for scooters per se, and thus scooters fall either under
moped regulations (assuming they meet the proper requirements to do so)
or by default, they are legally treated as motorcycles. There are a few
localities that have specific regulations for scooters, but as these are
extremely uncommon and follow no real pattern, they are not covered
here. The reason that scooters are commonly not treated as equals in
motorcycle circles is simply because they generally are slower and not
as performance-oriented as their larger cousins. So technically, all
scooters are motorcycles, though usually only scooters that more closely
resemble what are more commonly called motorcycles will be referred to
as such.
What are "classic" scooters?
The term "classic" scooter has been coined to differentiate the older,
original scooter designs from those that developed later on in the 80s
and 90s. Piaggio has produced its Vespa scooters since 1946 and the
design has been endlessly copied by other makers right up to the present
day. Likewise, other makers have copied Lambretta designs. There have
also been a few innovative designs related to neither, but the vast
majority of "classic" scooters are variations of a Vespa or Lambretta.
Those that prefer this type will commonly point to the classic 50s and
60s styling, almost exclusive use of metal bodywork, extensive use of
manual shifting mechanisms, kickstarters, and typically older scooters,
though these designs are still produced all over the world. Contrary to
popular belief, even early Japanese scooter design followed the
"classic" scheme, which is why 50s and 60s Japanese scooters by Fuji,
Mitsubishi, Honda and Yamaha are all commonly accepted in classic
scootering circles. Likewise, some "classic" scooters have automatic
transmissions (e.g. Fuji Rabbit, Heinkel Tourist) and electric starters
(e.g. some Vespa and Lambretta models).
What are "modern" scooters?
Vespa and Lambretta scooters long dominated world markets and all those
attempting to compete typically copied their designs. This included
early scooters produced in Japan. Because those designs ultimately could
not compete with Vespa and Lambretta, scooters were no longer produced
in Japan in the 70s. When the 80s dawned, Honda and Yamaha decided it
was time again for them to produce scooters, albeit with a different
design concept. These new designs featured radical, futuristic styling;
plastic body panels to reduce costs; automatic shifting and many
features not commonly found on older Vespa and Lambretta scooters. These
are now called "modern" scooters to differentiate them from the older,
"classic" designs. It should be noted that Piaggio produces both the
"classic" Vespa scooter line and a wildly popular "modern" scooter line
as well. Because "classic" scooters are still produced by several
companies, the terms do not relate to date of manufacture. It is typical
of "modern" scooter design that the distinction between motorcycles and
scooters has been seriously blurred, though it still clearly remains.
What are "retro" scooters?
Because the classic Vespa and Lambretta designs have endured in
popularity for so very long and continue to sell well even today, there
have been recent attempts to market essentially modern scooters with
classically styled frames. A recent well-known attempt would be Italjet
with their Velocifero that has been widely marketed all over the world,
including the USA. Because the Velocifero uses a metal body in a classic
design, some also consider it a classic scooter, though others aren't so
sure. When Honda went to market it's Giorno, with a plastic body, it was
seen as naked attempt to copy the Vespa magic. Likewise, Yamaha has
produced the Vino, which now also comes in a "classic edition". Malaguti
and other companies are now doing the same thing, though the most brazen
copy of the Vespa must be the Suzuki Verde, which even imitates the old
classic Vespa script nameplate. It will be only over time that
scooterists will decide which (if any) of these designs become accepted
as true "classic" scooters. Given the constant advancement of scooter
designs, some even feel that eventually, the first modern scooters of
the early 80s by Honda and Yamaha will eventually be accepted as
"classics". Only time will tell for certain.
What are "chopper", "cut-down", "mod" and "rat" scooters?
Because most Lambretta scooters feature a tubular frame, it is very easy
to make them look like miniature Harley chopper motorcycles, and many
scooterists have done this. These are called "chopper" scooters. Since
Vespa scooters are almost exclusively of unibody design, the only way to
make them look anything like choppers is to literally cut the body
panels down to make the scooter slimmer. When they stop there, these are
called "cut-downs". If they then add extra long forks, they can also
become choppers. There is a good photo of a Lambretta chopper on the
lambretta.com website.
So-called "mod" scooters typically feature lots of chrome accessories,
and lots of mirrors and lights. While it's not essential, mod scooters
are usually ridden by "mods" who have mimicked their styles from the
movie Quadrophenia. Finally, "rats" are simply very unattractive running
scooters, either because they have been crashed, had their paint
stripped for restoration or simply never been maintained. Many "rat"
owners purposely parade these scooters to generate amusement. It is
typical of many scooter rallies that "choppers", "cut-downs", "mod" and
"rat" scooters will get their own award categories.
What are "two-strokes" and "four-strokes" and how do they differ?
There is a very important technical distinction between engine designs
in the scooter world. "Two-stroke" engines burn the gas and lubricating
oil together as part of the combustion process, which results in greater
lower end torque, fewer moving parts and greater fuel efficiency.
Unfortunately, this also means they pollute more, as unburned oil fumes
exit the exhaust system. This is why two-strokes are being banned in
many industrialized countries concerned with air quality. Virtually all
classic scooters are two-stroke. The oldest models require "pre-mixing",
which is simply pouring pre-measured oil into the gas tank when fueling.
Newer models have eliminated this by adding oil injection systems that
mix the oil and gas automatically. Vespas built after about 1978
typically have oil injection, but all Lambrettas are pre-mix only. There
are some very good online illustrated demonstrations of how two-stroke
engines work.
"Four-stroke" engines are more closely related to car engines, in that
they keep the lubrication and fuel systems separate, which keeps
emissions down considerably since there is no oil burned in the
combustion process, unlike with "two-stroke" engines. Most modern
scooters utilize four-stroke engines, though many modern scooters also
use two-stroke engines, especially in 50cc models. One major
disadvantage of four-stroke engines is that they are prone to
overheating when run at maximum speed over several hours, leading to
serious internal damage. Two-stroke engines do not have this limitation.
Either engine design may be either water or air-cooled, though most
two-strokes are air-cooled and most four-strokes are water-cooled.
[5/00]
What are "maxi", "touring", "sport" and "performance" scooters?
In the late 80s, Honda came out with a revolutionary new scooter design
with their introduction of the 250cc Helix (also called Spazio, Fusion
or CN250). This scooter was exceptionally large, derisively called a "Barcalounger
on wheels", but it seems to have filled a certain niche market and now
many models exist, from nearly all major scooter manufacturers. These
have come to be known as "maxi", "GT" or "touring" scooters, because
they are designed for riding long distances in comfort. The trade off is
that they are bulky to handle at low speeds, like in town. As of July
1999, the largest scooter made is now the 400cc Suzuki Burgman, which is
known as the Sky Wave in Japan. It is rumored that other manufacturers
also plan 400cc maxi scooters.
The "sport" or "performance" scooter has been around since the 60s, when
Innocenti and Piaggio created several new Lambretta and Vespa models
(respectively) designed specifically to fit the needs of riders who
wanted very high performance. Vespa came out with models like the GS and
SS, while Lambretta countered with the TV, SX and GP. This has
accellerated in the late 80s and into the 90s with ever faster designs
that seem most practical on race tracks, but get ridden on streets
anyway. Probably the two most blatant examples as of July 1999 would be
the Gilera Runner 180 (21hp and 85mph stock) and the Italjet Dragster
(80mph after some modifications). Again, this trend is represented by
models from almost all major scooter manufacturers now.
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