[josh]

you have a couple of options with scooters. when i was first getting into the idea of riding a bike, my mom freaked out at me. i compromised with her and bought a scooter. (of course i only used it for a few weeks, took the BRC, and said screw it i wanna shift gears and bought my yamaha fz6.. my mother dealt with it).

but to my point.. when i was looking around for a scooter, i found an interesting option. there are scooters designed to look like motorcycles, so you get the look you want (i wasnt into the scooter look either). the one i was riding was the CPI GTR-150. It was 150cc’s, maxed out at 65mph, and was fully automatic. here is a pic:

http://www.gekgo.com/images/cpi-GTR150BLACK.jpg

also if you want to step it up a notch and get a full size motorcycle, but still want fully automatic ride, you have options. first is the aprilia mana850 (though i’m not sure if i recommend this bike, being that it is 850cc’s.. making it very heavy and possibly very powerful, but it looks beautiful and is fully automatic. here is a pic:

http://motoprofi.com/imgs/a/a/n/m/z/aprilia_mana_850_2008_15_lgw.jpg

she’s beautiful and full automatic, but they aren’t cheap. aprilia is known for that, expect to drop around $10k that bike, being that are difficult to find used far as i know.

lastly is the brand Ridley. They make automatic motorcycles exclusively, and they are an american based company. all of their bikes are cruiser-style from what i can tell, but they have models ranging in different engine sizes, all automatic.

here is their site if you want to check it out: http://www.ridleymotorcycles.com/

maybe seeing that your options aren’t limited to a regular foot-well styled scooter will inspire you to give riding another shot. just be gentle on and smooth on those brakes, and be careful.

good luck!

[josh]

i have used a magnetic tank bag before, and it is fantastic. plenty of space, and most come with a waterproof rain cover that keeps your stuff dry.

i only had one borrowed for a bit, so i do not remember the brand.. but i’m definitely looking to buy one soon for myself. at high speeds (yes, 100+ mph) i did not feel like it was going to fall off. the windshield on your ninja ought to serve you fine here.

one thing to remember though… it’s a giant magnet! make sure if you travel with a laptop computer or iphone type item, DO NOT put it in the tank bag. you can wipe your hard disk.

[josh]

often people who don’t wear helmets have a set argument as to why they feel the way they do about it… they’ll either claim the helmet hampers their awareness or visibility of their surroundings… or they’ll just be blunt and say it doesn’t look cool to wear a helmet.

for the argument of lowering visibility, thats BS. anyone who rides and bike (or rides a bike well) knows where you look is where you go, so you’re focus should be forward or through your corner at all times. and it’s not like the helmet takes away your ability to hear anything, if anything it makes the wind LESS intense, not to mention the roar of your bike if you’re riding something with loud pipes.

as for the cool factor, this is the one i really dont get. the beauty of helmets is that you’re options for colors or graphic styles are endless, and honestly matching your bike with your gear is pretty damn cool looking. and if you’re willing to shell out the extra cash for the pricier model helmets, you can get some pretty rock’n art on a very high quality helmet.

not to mention, in my personal opinion, the helmet (specifically the full face variety) is an integral part of the modern motorcycle look. when i think rider, i think someone walking into their local cafe with a helmet under their arm. it turns heads and it looks cool. someone riding bald or with a bandana or something just looks like a cocky moron, and a statistic waiting to happen… not someone who’s more skilled.

wear a helmet, ride safe… and dammit, look cool while you do it.

[josh]

i know this same law was passed in NY about a year ago.. unfortunately i see drivers paying little enough attention as it is at times with both hands on the wheel. but anything helps, right?

ride safe

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