From the "Too Cool" file: world's fastest scooter...

[dd74]

While checking out fuel-sipping alternatives, I ran across this little gem: an 850cc V-twin Gilera with an auto trans. Top speed: 120 mph. Man, this could be fun!


Article:
http://www.gizmag.com/go/6632/picture/29965/

[dd74]

Gilera. Owned by Piaggio who also owns Moto Guzzi and Aprilla. Probably won't see a lot of them in this country.

I like Aprilla. Those are some nice bikes.

[McLovin]

It's better or more fun than a normal motorcycle because . . . . ?

[Dottore]

Originally Posted by McLovin

It's better or more fun than a normal motorcycle because . . . . ?

Well in Italy metrosexuals love these things. You can ride them across town wearing your Zegna or Armani suit, and there are lots of storage places for your man-purse, bottles of San Pellegrino etc.

[dd74]

Do scooters worry your masculinity (or dwindling lack thereof)?

[Dottore]

Originally Posted by dd74

Do scooters worry your masculinity (or dwindling lack thereof)?

Me? Heck no. I keep an old Vespa at our place in Europe. Best vehicle hands down for going to the market in the morning, grabbing a Negroni before dinner, parking anywhere you want etc. And mine is nice and battered, so that no one would think of stealing it.

[Gogar]

There can only be one cool scooter, and this is it. Top speed: About 40.

[Tim Hancock]

An 850cc scooter is ghey while a 250cc or less scooter might be considered useful for running across town. Pretty simple

[varmint]

i've broken three fingers, and had the thumb ripped out of it's socket. some mornings i see the advantage of an automatic. and the horse power is interesting. i watch a movie like AKIRA, and see this as a long overdue step in the right direction.

but for the price you could get a conventional bike that would kick it's ass.

[Dottore]

Originally Posted by Gogar

There can only be one cool scooter, and this is it.

Not so fast...

[m21sniper]

That Vespa is the gayest thing i ever saw. I suppose to old men it could be cool. Is that why you like it Dot?

[Dottore]

..and as a design exercise this is IMHO as iconic and timeless as the 911.

There's one of these in the Museum of Modern Art in NYC.

[porsche4life]

Originally Posted by Gogar

There can only be one cool scooter, and this is it. Top speed: About 40.

This qualifies as the most awkward vehicle I have ever ridden.

[Tim Hancock]

Originally Posted by porsche4life

This qualifies as the most awkward vehicle I have ever ridden.

Yep, same here. I destroyed one that my father bought back in the late 70's. I probably rode that thing several thousand miles off road in two summers until I got a bigger real dirt bike (mid 70's KX250). That said, they are very collectable as many guys my age had them in our youth.

[Gogar]

I went straight from Z-50 to XR-80, but you can't put a plate on either one of them, so the CT70 appeals to me.

[stomachmonkey]

Looks to be a Motorcycle styled like a scooter.

[David]

A fraternity brother had an old 200cc, 4-speed Vespa. It would haul ass! And do wheelies... stock!

[holtjv]

It's a damn clever marketing idea; there are lots of people who'd ride a scooter but not a motorcycle just b/c it's a scooter.

[McLovin]

Originally Posted by holtjv

It's a damn clever marketing idea; there are lots of people who'd ride a scooter but not a motorcycle just b/c it's a scooter.

You may be correct, I can add that to the list of things I would have never thought of.

I can see there'd be people who would ride a 50cc scooter around who wouldn't ride a motorcycle (like young girls around campus, etc.).

I wouldn't think there'd be a ton of people who would not ride a motorcycle, but would ride that giant, 850cc scooter. I can't envision who those people would be.

[m21sniper]

People who cannot drive stick shifts spring immediately to mind.