[Richard230]

You might find this short video published by Bart regarding "how motor scooters became cool" interesting:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFoBtfB-ggo&t=2s

I think you will agree with the comments at the end of the video, starting around minute 14.

[GlennF]

Scooters were not always taken seriously by the British press ...  1958 Isle of Mann video ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaOkfJeqzv0

[AzCal Retred]

Great link! Looked very lighthearted to me, the BBC often does that. Motor Racing is just two people or more on virtually anything that rolls under its own steam. ALL those scooters were ridden to the event. It was very "Sportsman Racing", something that is sorely missing today. Riding behind a 6V, 25W headlamp at 40 thru that pea-soup British fog around the mountain course at night is puckery enough. The "Gymkhana" special events were a hoot. I could not believe that "motocross on scooters" at the end. 10" tyres sure aren't the preferred wheel for that surface. Scooters create an alternate roadgoing reality. My beater 4-speed Bajaj Legend/faux-4-stroke-Vespa-wannabe really sets the pace and riding style. The scooters in general appliance like aspect is probably a good fit for more folks than would willingly admit it.

[GlennF]

Great link! Looked very lighthearted to me, the BBC often does that.

lol yeah - with comments like "face the rigours of an English Summer" I do not think it is too serious.

Interestingly the IOM Scooter Rally is still held annually, the 2024 rally is from 28th to 30th June.

[Racer57]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZOGlgVldAs

[Richard230]

I always found it amazing that all of those headlights installed on many of the 1960's "Mods" scooters could possibly be powered by the 45 watt generators in the scooters of that era.

BTW, I started riding on a 1962 Vespa 125 and it had 8" diameter wheels, which was one of its several, not so great, features, which included a lack of suspension damping, little weight on the front wheel and an ignition point system that needed to be cleaned every 50 miles. It was really scary on pot-holed roads and in stiff crosswinds.

[AzCal Retred]

They've come a looong way, baby...since your 1962 Vespa. Still appliance like, but undeniable practicality. The current "big wheel" scooters are a huge improvement over the 8" rubber you rode or the 10" split rims adorning my 1980's-Vespa-clone Bajaj.

https://ridermagazine.com/2020/10/02/2021-honda-adv150-first-ride-review/

" The ADV150’s 149cc single-cylinder engine has enough gumption to put 55 mph on the LCD instrument panel relatively quickly. I even saw 65 mph displayed, but roll-on power has waned by then. With a centrifugal clutch, all you need to do is twist the grip and go. It’s fuel-efficient, too, averaging upward of 75-plus mpg. 
..........
Balance and handling are more than grin educing, and the claimed curb weight of 294 pounds is hidden by its ultra-low center of gravity. The ADV150 whips around mountain curves and tight parking lots intuitively, and the suspension can manage a relatively groomed dirt road easily. Big hits are felt through the stiffer rear end.
..........
Save for a little less under-seat storage than I’d like, the ADV150 checks all the boxes for a commuter scooter. Not to mention the opportunity to leave some Africa Twin riders scratching their heads on a dirt road. "

[him a layin]

apparently you all are not rid of me yet. Lady Of The House bought this: icebear 3-wheel scooter with rear box and 49 ccs of roaring power! electric AND kickstart, no clutch, no gearshift. tops out just short of 30 mph, classed as a moped. personally i think it was a mistake, should have gotten an e-trike instead, but who am i to say "NO!"?

[Leofric]

apparently you all are not rid of me yet. Lady Of The House bought this: icebear 3-wheel scooter with rear box and 49 ccs of roaring power! electric AND kickstart, no clutch, no gearshift. tops out just short of 30 mph, classed as a moped. personally i think it was a mistake, should have gotten an e-trike instead, but who am i to say "NO!"?

Good to see you back.

[GlennF]

Lots of luggage space for a trans continental tour on that one.

Trikes do have a tendency to do unexpected things in corners though, they are not the most stable beasties.

[Racer57]

I still have my scooter that my Dad built for me 64 years ago. 3hp Kohler motor with a BSA Goldstar transmission.

[AzCal Retred]

What's that old patina-ized ring-ding to the left of your Goldie?