Final Review: Cardo Systems Scala Rider Q2 Multiset from Jafrum

I purchased my Cardo Systems Scala Rider Q2 bluetooth headsets from Jafrum.com a couple months ago.  I have used them enough now to do an accurate review.

 

The Scala Rider is the first headset I have used.  At first I did not know what to expect.  These sets are a lot less expensive than other systems like Chatterbox, J & M, etc.

 

What the Scala Rider does awesome: Driver-Passenger communication.  I hear my passenger almost perfectly except at interstate speeds.  Sometimes I will have to ask her to repeat what she has said.  The battery has lasted for an entire (usually 8 hour) day of riding with no problems.  If we ride and talk the entire day, I will charge it up overnight.  This is a great way to share the riding experience in real time instead of just trying to remember for later when you stop.  As a personal observation, it can be a little distracting when she says "look at the pretty ponies!" for the third or forth time. *grin*

 

What the Scala Rider does good: FM Radio.  Once I programmed in the local stations, it is easy to hit the button which skips from one preset station to the next.  I have to keep the volume all the way up at most times, but you can hear it well.  I thought I would have a big problem with the mono vs. stereo aspect but apparently I am no audiophile because it sounds fine to me.  I did have a problem using the aux-in jack for a while.  I plugged in my ipod using the cord supplied and the music was only in one speaker and sounded horrible.  The issue was that you have to make sure and push the jack all the way in!  After that simple fix, it was fine.  I have only used this function a couple times because usually the radio is enough or I am talking to my passenger.

 

What the Scala Rider does meh. : Mobile phonecall via Bluetooth.  I will say that the interface is simple and easy to use.  If you get a call, all you have to do is make a loud noise into the mic and it will pick up.  The sync with my Samsung phone was idiot proof.  What is not so hot is the volume of the call.  I spoke with Cardo on this and they suggested I check the volume on my phone and make sure the speakers are as close to my ears as they can be.  I did make sure my phone was all the way up and I added extra velcro to make the speakers stand out more, but many times I still have to ask the caller to repeat themselves.  I usually explain I'm on my scooter and they need to speak up.  The phonecall function is not something I use often, and it works ok for emergencies, etc, but you could not have a decent conversation on the thing.

 

Range: I have not had the opportunity to use the headsets between two bikes, but I know it could easily be done.  One time I was gassing up the bike and the pump would not accept my card.  My passenger went in to the store to pay while I waited and I could hear her crystal clear the entire time at roughly 50 feet away.  I've also tested by having her remain stationary and riding away to see how far I could get.  I think I have gotten almost a block away before it started getting static and breaking up.

 

Value:  Hands down the Scala Rider headsets are great.  They do not cost an arm and a leg, they come with everything you need, and the install simply into any helmet.  I am using mine with the Shoei Multitec (which I also purchased from Jafrum.com)

 

Out of five stars I would give this headset a 4.

 

If you would like to purchase the Scala headset, Jafrum.com has several options, and advertises a 115% low price guarantee!!

 

 

Scala Rider Q2 Bluetooth Helmet Headset: The single unit of what I purchased.
http://www.jafrum.com/Accessories/Motorcycle-Communication/Cardo-Systems-Scala-Rider-Q2

 

Scala Rider Q2 Multiset Bluetooth Helmet Headset: This is what I purchased.
http://www.jafrum.com/Accessories/Motorcycle-Communication/Cardo-Systems-Scala-Rider-Q2-Bluetooth-Helmet-Headsets-Multiset

 

Scala Rider Teamset Bluetooth Helmet Headset: First generation with no FM radio
http://www.jafrum.com/Accessories/Motorcycle-Communication/Scala-TeamSet

Interview: Reinaldo from Corpus Christi, Texas

Reinaldo was born in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1936. He went to the same high school as Farrah Fawcett--though 10 years before her. He has been riding for a very long time starting when he was stationed in Japan. I have come to know him through online maxi-scooter groups.

KSC: Reinaldo, tell me a little more about your first riding experiences.
Reinaldo: In 1956 I bought my first motorcycle, a Mizuho after a few months of being stationed in Japan. Three months later the Mizuho company went out of business. A year later I purchased a Cabton. Not long after, Cabton went out of business. After my discharge, I returned to Japan to attend a Japanese university and purchased a Pigeon scooter. Needless to say, the Pigeon company went away as well. Eventually I purchased and rode a Honda, but I was pretty worried about the effect of my purchase on the Honda company.

KSC: What was the Honda you rode while in Japan?
Reinaldo: It was a Honda 250cc--but I can't remember anything else about it. It had no fairings, but it did have a windscreen. Of course, all bikes were kickstart back then.

KSC: It seems like your curse was broken with Honda. I have yet to meet a person on a Honda scooter who is truly dissatisfied with it. What did you do after university?
Reinaldo: After graduation I came to the San Francisco area for my masters and interned as a counselor at San Quentin prison. This was followed by stints in several cities from Sao Paulo and Brasilia, Brazil to New York, Washington, Akron, OH. Completed my Ph.D. in Ohio. I returned to the San Francisco area when my wife received a job offer here. No motorcycles again until 2003, about 39 years after I left my last one behind in Japan. At that time I looked at the options and decided on a maxi-scooter. The first was a Honda Reflex, but in 2005 I moved to a Honda Silverwing.

KSC: That's a long stint of no riding, which I am seeing as common among folks your age. You rode when you were younger, then gave it up for a while, returning to it when you were older. Why do you think that is?
Reinaldo: Money. We could barely afford the $25 we paid for an old car when I first started grad school. Later, just too busy and moved around too much. Still later, I got into sailing and flying. I started riding again when I lost my flight medical clearance.

KSC: I will confess that I never heard of maxi scooters until 2006 when I started doing research on motorbikes in general. This was sparked by the gas spike at that time. Why do you think you chose a maxi-scooter in 03 instead of a traditional motorcycle?
Reinaldo:A tad more "gentile". Also easier to ride with my increasingly painful arthritis in my knees. (Since total knee replacement.)

KSC: Do you think you had brand loyalty to Honda which made you choose their products, or were you just hedging your bets against another lesser-known bike builder shutting their doors on you again?
Reinaldo: After the Cabton, Honda was the only used bike, the motorbike shop in Mitaka, Japan had in my price range. I was a student and money was a major issue. More recently, I had used Honda generators in my experience in amateur radio emergency services as well as Civil Air Patrol. They were excellent, reliable products. The Honda Reflex was the only choice. When I wanted a bigger bike, I tried the Yamaha Majesty, a Burgman 400 and a Burman 650 before settling on the Silverwing. But also the experience with Honda reliability was a factor.

KSC: With the start of riding again in 2003, what differences have you noticed between then and almost 40 years earlier?
Reinaldo: We rode with no protection in those days. No helmet. No leathers. No armor. I even rode my Cabton across the air base once when I was drunk. Couldn't remember anything the next day. I was lucky to still be alive. Wouldn't ride drunk now, but especially without protection.

KSC:I don't mind saying that from my current viewpoint, that was incredibly risky, but I have heard similar tales from every uncle I have. What sort of gear do you use today while riding?
Reinaldo:I ride with a full-face, modular helmet, a mesh jacket in the summer and a leather in the winter--both with armor and both with lots of reflective yellow striping. I use boots on long rides, but for short urban rides I just use my leather shoes. I also sometimes, but not always ride with knee armor and leather chaps. My bike has a lot of bright lighting for conspicuity.

KSC: Why do you think many riders tend more toward safety these days? I'm talking about safety courses like the MSF, gear like armored jackets and pants, and a full face helmet. Do you ride with anyone who disdains all protection? Do you tend to find yourself quietly respecting their decision or do you try to persuade them more toward safety?
Reinaldo: I do not often ride with anyone who is unprotected. I do have a woman friend who occasionally rides with me. She was wearing sandals, a beanie helmet and t-shirt the first time I saw her on a bike. I began to harangue her and she now wears a 3/4 helmet and a jacket and shoes.

KSC: What do you like best about riding on two wheels?
Reinaldo: Heightened awareness of surroundings. Not just wind and road, but every action has more consequence. Also enjoy the camaraderie of the local maxi-scooter group.

KSC: What do you feel like scooterists share in common with all riders?
Reinaldo: On a Burgman or Silverwing, there is little difference. Of course we don't blow out our mufflers.

KSC: There's not a whole lot of point in that is there? How do you feel about the people who use "loud pipes save lives" in order to subject everyone around them to that level of noise? Do you think it does the trick?
Reinaldo: If they really believe the loud pipes thing, they are simply wrong. The noise travels primarily behind them where it does no good. Some research has been done on this.

KSC: Is there anything you do to help draw awareness to yourself--not just audibly but visibly, etc.?
Reinaldo:I have extra lights in front, use a headlight modulator, and on the rear I have blinking brake-lights, a high turn signal pair and a "Knight Rider" scanning LED bar. I also have replaced the puny horn with an airhorn--but rarely use it, preferring to ride conservatively and stay out of trouble spots. By the time I might use the horn, I can slow down and avoid the problem more easily. (Though occasionally I will beep someone whom I'm not sure is seeing me.)

KSC: What do you feel sets us scooterists apart from other riders?
Reinaldo: Though there are some younger riders, more of us are older. One Burgman rider just quit at age 88 because his family insisted. But our Silverwing group age ranges from 23 up to 82--that I know. Because of the increased storage over conventional motorcycles, we also use our bikes to transport more things. I do the grocery shopping on my SWing. 3 bags in the underseat and 3-4 in the topcase.

KSC: That is one absolute advantage of a scooter over a motorcycle. Have you ever gotten any envious looks from someone on a "big boy bike" when they saw you loading up the Silverwing? What about a little green envy from the riding comfort or gas mileage standpoint?
Reinaldo: I've often received queries from passerby, but never from another rider.

KSC: I have to confess my love of storytelling. Reinaldo, What is one odd, interesting, or amazing thing that has occurred to you while you were riding?
Reinaldo: While in Japan, my wife rode side-saddle on the pillion. One day we were riding somewhere and a man stepped out and right into my path. There was minimal impact, but I immediately stopped and looked to see what happened. There was meat all over my wife and the street. It looked like either the man was injured badly or my wife was. No. It turned out that he was holding a package of ground beef. When he hit the bike, the package broke and the meat went all over everything. The guy himself was shaken up, but not injured. But I was freaked out and had to sit down for a few minutes.

KSC: It seems that you and your wife, as well as the pedestrian were all very lucky! Have you ever been in a similar situation where things turned out not so well?
Reinaldo:That has been my only accident. I do work in a hospital and occasionally see patients who have been badly hurt--though more often, bicycle-riders. They ride without armor. Had a woman who was coming down a mountain at about 20mph when her tire hit a rock or something. Her face was a mess, jaw had to be wired together; the fork broke and ran through her thigh and both arms were badly broken. Her bicycle helmet did prevent brain damage.

KSC: Are you involved in any scooter clubs?
Reinaldo: I was the instigator for the first maxi-scooter group rides that eventually under other leadership became the Bay Area Maxi-scooter Riders with a monthly (or more frequent) group ride.

KSC:You say instigator...I like the sound of that. Do you mind if I use that?
Reinaldo: You may use it, but what I meant is that another person, Jeff, has really put the energy into it and made it happen. So please don't say it like I could take credit. Jeff really deserves all the credit.

KSC: How many members do you have in the BAMR?
Reinaldo: It is a pretty informal group. There are 102 subscribers to the Yahoo group. Probably 8-10 show up at any given BAMR monthly ride. Sub-groups do other interest rides. For example, there are 4-5 who are doing an iron butt ride, this month and another 7 have organized a ride through Yosemite and around. There are no dues or patches or roster aside from the Yahoo group.

KSC: Riders who are older and clubs that are more informal. These also are traits that I have observed are common to groups of maxi-scooterists. Do you think the internet forums, boards, and groups do a good job as a communication hub?
Reinaldo: I do think that the Internet does well. We are not "Hells Angels" clubs who enjoy sitting around drinking and talking about our latest sexual conquests. We do enjoy the lunches on our rides and getting to know each other, but the Internet provides enough togetherness at all other times.

KSC: Do you ever have motorcycles or smaller scooters inquire? Would they be welcome?
Reinaldo: Occasionally someone brings a friend or husband/wife on a motorcycle. There is one woman on a smaller scooter who has ridden on a back-road ride last summer. Don't know whether she has done more. Some of our folk also go to rides with the SF Scootergirls, who mostly ride Vespas and other small scooters.

KSC:Since our maxi-scooters are in many ways a crossover vehicle between the traditional Vespa style scooter and a larger cc motorcycle, I see most maxi-scoot riders being more acceptable to all riders in general. Do you think this attitude is an extension of the bikes we ride, or vice versa?
Reinaldo:Not sure I can answer that. I have no valid insight on the subject. There are times, on the Internet groups when disdainful comments are made about Harley riders, but not too often. I read some comments that suggest some sense of inferiority. Many in the groups used to ride conventional motorcycles and now ride maxi-scoots because of injuries or arthritis, etc. A lot of talk about the old 1200cc BMW or XXX they used to ride. Occasionally someone will say that they are putting their Burgman or X9 up for sale and buying a Ducati (Or XXX). The responses suggest a feeling of betrayal. Of course, my comments here are just off-the-top-of-the-head impressions.

KSC: I always love hearing other peoples experiences, opinions and points of view. Reinaldo, thanks for taking the time to let me interview you.

Tuesday Louisville Scooter Group Meetup

We met at the seafood place and rode around Jefferson Forest. I was irritated...my GPS route went fubar and ran me around in circles until I decided to say "screw it!" and wing it. I put in destination point for one of the scenic spots I know and just let 'er rip. Turned out ok, but not great. :(

Scooters On Parade!

If you see flying scooters with wings today, you are NOT halucinating!   Ok, you might be, but it's not absolutely necessary.

 

Today, some of my friends (and some members of the Louisville Scooter Group) are riding in the Pegasus Parade!!!  They were asked to be in the parade by Rick Green, owner of Nulu Scooters.  The prep and parade would have taken me out of work the entire day or else I would have done this.  Each scoot was equipped with Pegasus wings!  This is really an honor for us all as scooterists to be part of the Kentucky Derby Festival today.  I am having my daughter DVR it so I can watch it later!

 

If you are interested in purchasing a scooter, Nulu is the only shop in town dedicated specifically and solely to scooters and scooterists (that I am aware of).  You can find them in Louisville's Highlands area at 509 Barret Avenue, or on the web at www.nuluscooters.com

Rain gear is a good thing to have!

Today at 6pm is the meetup for the Louisville Scooter Group. It is raining this morning and usually that would put me in the car these days. I don't know why I have been slacking off of riding in non-optimal weather lately. Perhaps its just that I know nice days (and plenty of 'em) are on the way. But today, I knew I would not have time to ride home, get Lois, and get back (we are meeting at Moby Dick Seafood on National Turnpike this week), so I got on the Colorado Chaps and figured that would be enough for light rain. I had my full rain gear under the seat, so I could always pull off and change. I had my new Power Trip Dakota II and Shoei Multitec, with Motoboss leather gloves. That was about it for rain protection, so I figured I would get a little soggy, at least around the edges. My feet and hands were cold when I got to work, but they were dry. Apparently the Dakota II is rainproof as well! The gloves are just plain leather, but I treated them last month with mink oil and I could see the water beading up on them this morning! Shoes didn't bead, but they kept my feet dry and about 15 minutes later they looked dry as well. The jacket and chaps were the worst, but they will definetly dry out before 5pm...likely before lunch! As Hannibal says, "I love it when a plan comes together."

Vespa new Digs

This weekend was cloudy and rainy. That didn't keep me from checking out Louisville Harley-Davidson which has just picked up the Vespa/Piaggio dealership. They have one room so far dedicated to scooters! I saw almost a dozen Vespas, a couple Piaggio BV250's, and some MP3's, both 400 and 500cc. The gentleman I spoke to was Gerald. He and his manager seem very nice and assured us we could leave some literature about Louisville Scooter Group. I put up a stack of cards and flyers before I went out to look at the pretty big H-D bikes. I mused with my friend Joan that they all seemed either too uncomfortable in posture, or-if comfortable looking-too big for me to manage. :( she would love to have one of their nice big touring bikes. There was also a swap meet out front! Much neater place than what I would have thought.

Scooters Invade Brown County Indiana

###### Press Release ######

First Annual Twist and Gone Scooter Racing Event to be Held in Brown County Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, April 23, 2010:

Twist and Gone, the first scooter racing event hosted by the North American Scooter Racing Association (NASRA), is scheduled to take off May 1 at the Brown County Dragway in Nashville, Indiana. Scooterists from across the country will race heads-up in a variety of classes, ranging from 72cc to the unlimited sprinter. An exhibition "King of the Hill" race invites scooters of all skill levels to compete for ultimate pride and glory.

"It all began when a group of local Indianapolis gear heads decided to build drag race scooters, hoping to find a track or an abandoned back road to race," explains Jeremy Hall, founder of NASRA. After active participation in their community and online forum, the members formed competition classes, rules and safety structures. In addition to the races, spectators can take advantage of vendors at the swap meet. Not restricted to scooter items, crafters are encouraged to participate as well.

Racer check-in begins at 8am, general admission gates open at 9. Racing starts at noon. Racer registration is $45 for the first class, $20 each additional class. Vendor spaces are $25. General admission $8. Children 12 and under are free. Friday night ride planned around Lake Lemon. Camping available at Bill Monroe Campground Saturday night with after party hosted by the Kentuckiana Scooter Club. Please visit http://twistandgone.com for more detailed information.

NASRA Formed in 2009, NASRA is an organization dedicated to promoting the sport of scooter racing within the United States. By creating distinct competition classes, NASRA has standardized the scooter racing industry nationwide. All racing organizations are encouraged to partner with NASRA. Together, we can develop a broader scooter racing culture within the United States.

Contact:
Jeremy Hall
NASRA
317-856-5171
Twistandgone@gmail.com
http://scooter-racing.net

Interview: Richard from Mississauga Canada

I have known Richard for a couple years now, first through his Suzuki Burgman forum then later at the 4th International Izzy's Lunch & Ride.

Richard is from Mississauga Canada. He started as a kid on 2-wheels riding bicycles which he nearly ground into dust from use. He is a member of the Brampton Motorcycle Association and the Toronto MotoScooter Club as well as the Port Credit Yacht Club since 1975 and Shellbacks (a group formed in 1938 for people who like to get together and talk about boats and sailing). He also is moderator for two Suzuki Burgman forums.

KSC: Richard, tell me a little bit about your 2-wheel background.
Richard: From age eight until half way thru university my only transport was bicycles. I wore out four bikes putting approximately 3/4 of a million miles total on them.

KSC: Three quarters of a million miles! That is incredible to me! How much of that experience transferred to the scooter?
Richard: A lot! Most of what I had to learn to ride the course bikes had to do with the gears. The only other thing I had to learn to do was to turn the handlebars without turning the throttle at the same time. Especially left turns at slow speed. Not a problem on a bicycle.

KSC: What happened after you wore out your last bicycle?
Richard: In university, when my last bike couldn't be fixed, I planned on buying a motor scooter or motorcycle. So I test rode a couple. My parents found out and offered to loan me the money if I'd buy a car. That was 1965.

KSC: And this was a way for them to keep their son safer by putting him in a cage *grin* ?
Richard: Yep.

KSC: So when did you actually start scootering, Richard?
Richard: In 2004, three years after I retired, I bought my first motorized two wheeler a Burgman 650 new (It's now for sale and has 31,000 km on it). In 2005 we bought a Honda big Ruckus for my wife to learn on. At Christmas time in '06 a friend offered me a 2005 Burgman 650 Executive at a good price. Bought with 15,018 km it now has 54,600 km on it. I also ride the Big Ruckus as it's fun to ride and my wifehas decided not to try and get her license.

KSC: I went from a 250cc to a 400cc because I needed more power an acceleration for highway and longer distances. Why do you think you went straight for the biggest of all North American scooters...the AN650?
Richard: The local dealer had both the 400 and 650 side by side on the floor. I fell in love with them. I planned to buy the 400 as the 650 was a lot more money. However, one morning when they weren't busy, I went in a sat on the 400 for about 20 minutes only to have my legs cramp up rather painfully. I moved to the 650 and they immediately uncramped. I had picked a bike.

KSC: You've owned both the standard Burgman 650 and the Executive model. I've heard a lot of folks say that the only real advantage of the Exec is the ABS. What do you find you like more about the Burgman 650 Executive? Do you think if you'd had the ABS on the Executive it would have saved you from going down in your accident?
Richard: The ABS would have prevented both accidents I've had, in my humble opinion. To me the ABS is like insurance, you pray you never need it but it's there when you do. Something no one can explain, my '05 Exec is noticeably slower than my '04. The best explanation I can find is product variation.

KSC: So you've only been riding an actual motorbike for six years. That's pretty recent compared to how long you've been on non-motorized 2-wheels. Have you had any good scrapes or close calls?
Richard: In May '04 two weeks almost to the second after getting my Burgman I was in a bad accident resulting in an almost totalled bike and a broken rib plus other abrasions that are now permanent scars on my knees. The driver was charged. People told me to sell the bike which I didn't get back until July 23rd.

KSC: How difficult was it to start back riding again? Do you feel this has altered how you ride? Do you think you are more cautious now?
Richard: It wasn't difficult at all. Many people, who thought they knew me, were surprised I could get on the bike at all but for me it was perfectly natural.

KSC: Tell me about a trip you've taken on the Burgman.
Richard: On the day after Labour Day 2004 I left for a scooter meet in Southern PA. It was 825 km one way. My longest day to date at that point had been 70 km. I'd been riding nine weeks. My first day I did 525 km and stopped for the night at a hotel. The next morning I left the hotel at 9:30 and continued my trip. Hurricane Frances arrived at 10:00 dropping 17" of rain that day and me without rain gear. Believe it or not I loved every minute of that trip.

KSC: That's a pretty good ride as far as distance goes. Do you have any modifications or extra equipment & gear that makes going longer distances easier or more comfortable? Do you travel on the main interstates (60-70+ mph) or stay on the back roads (more at 55mph)?
Richard: Almost the entire trip was 70+ highway. As for extra equipment, I didn't for that first trip but soon after that bought an Airhawk seat cushion CDN$200 which helped a little. When it died, no longer hold air, I tried a Cross Gel seat cushion CDN$150 only to find it very hot after it sat in the sun and didn't cool off like the Airhawk over a few minutes or even all afternoon. Very uncomfortable so I bought a Bead Rider US$35, CDN$50 and have never looked back. With the Bead Rider I can ride all day only stopping when I need gas. I get a drink then and if it's around that time I get lunch. With the other cushions I could go about 2 hours before the first stop but then had to stop every hour to let my bottom recover. The Bead Rider also doesn't add nearly as much to the seat height as either the Airhawk or Cross Gel seat cushions which is important for me as I only have a 26" inseam.

I also bought a Givi E52 top box in 2005 and this year I have bought a pair of E41 side cases for the bike. I have also added Fehling Bars as the side case mounts are by the same maker and continue from the brackets up to the dash. They both protect the sides of the bike in a fall over and hide some of the damage I've painted over in previous falls.

KSC: Can you tell me a bit more about the clubs you're a member of?
Richard: BMA is my main club and they ride every Sunday thru riding season plus the odd weekend long events. It is a family oriented riding club that accepts all comers on all types of bikes. The only requirement is your bike must be able to keep up with the group. I also attend events with TMSC and ScooToronto when there is something that sounds interesting that's not on Sunday.

KSC: So the main group you associate with is not a traditional scooter club, but a motorcycle association. Our maxi-scooters are the odd duck. Do you feel that they fit more into the motorcycle category than the scooter category?
Richard: Yes, if you tour Europe you will see many Suzuki adds for the 400 and the occasional one for the 650 and both are called touring bikes in some of those ads.

KSC: What do you like best about riding on two wheels?
Richard: As I tell people it's the most fun you can have with your clothes on short of flying a modern jet fighter. (No, I am not a pilot.)

KSC: What do you feel like scooterist share in common with all riders?
Richard: We all share the fun of tight turns and the wind in our faces as well as the dangers that come from oblivious drivers.

KSC: What do you feel sets us scooterists apart from other riders?
Richard: Other riders don't have people asking: "Why don't you buy a real bike?". My answer is why buy a 20th century bike when I already have a 21st century bike.

KSC: Then by that do I take it you mean that the scooter is the future of 2-wheel travel as opposed to the standard motorcycle?
Richard: That's a possibility. In the fall of 2005 at the Tokyo motorcycle show the president of Honda stood in front of a bike almost identical to the Burgman 650 in most respects and said: "This is the future of the motorcycle.".

However what I really mean is what people call a true motorcycle -their words not mine - is a true product of the 20th century. The changes from 1950 bikes to 1999 bikes are mostly minor details. On the other hand, the Suzuki Burgman could not have been built in the 20th century. The computers that control the transmission and fuel injection are a major improvement and didn't exist until about 2001, each one of those processors is powerful enough in its own right to run a company like GM. The Exec goes one further by having a third computer to control the ABS. The two main computers are also unique in the motorcycle world by having a communication buss between them that could carry about half the total traffic on the internet.

KSC: Richard, give me an idea of your riding style.
Richard: Shortly after getting my bike back in 2004 I bought an MP3 player only to discover it too intrusive for long distance riding. I've never used it since. I find long distance travel a kind of Zen sort of thing whether I'm alone or with a group. Being alone with my thoughts is where I've spent much of my life since I am an extreme introvert and was very shy on top right up until the end of high school. I am also in many ways a nerd having spent 40 years as a computer specialist.

KSC: Well in that case, I thank you very much for answering my questions, Richard. It was nice to meet you at the 4th Izzy's International Lunch & Ride last year, and I hope to get out to the 5th coming up in July.

Tuesday Meeting at Sharom's Fishery

(picture by vpoman: blog.ravenscooter.com)

We had a great turnout at our Tuesday Louisville Scooter Group meetup
this week!! We even had a new scooterist--Adam on a 50cc Honda
Metropolitan which he had done a custom paint job on. We talked and
many of us had dinner. Kat and I split a gyro sandwich (because they
are huge) and a falafel appetizer (because they are delishous)! We
rode around the countryside for a while. A couple just came to hang
out but not ride...don't matter to me--these are all my friends and I
was happy to see them. We lost Adam when I turned onto a 55mph road
for about a mile but I had told him to keep up as long as he could on
this one then split when he couldn't. A few others peeled off at
various points on the route. When it started getting darker and my
hands were getting cold I decided to call it quits and head for The
Homemade Pie and Ice Cream Kitchen in Fern Creek. Hot coffee and a
brownie...

Friday Interviews for KSC

I have met and corresponded with so many interesting and good folks
since I have been on 2 wheels. I have decided to do a series of
interviews for this blog (Kentuckiana Scooter Chronicles) with various
scooter-folks who I have met or am familiar with. My new goal is
for each Friday to have an interview with a different scooterist. I
hope you will enjoy reading as much as I have enjoyed talking,
corresponding, and meeting these unique people. This will probably
start on Friday, April 30th.

E85...not for scooter consumption!

I saw this stuff yesterday on the way to our LSG meeting. The price was so much less than regular unlead that I thought I should ask around about it. Turns out it is not meant for most vehicles and would likely screw up my bike in a heartbeat!! Pretty color though...

Riders

I have seen these folks several times and spoken to them a couple times. I saw them dismounting again this morning and we agreed the weather has been really good for riding. Last night LSG met at Sharoms Fishery and saw them go by. They commented they had seen us (a goodly mass of scoots) while running errands and thought "there's the group that meets on Tuesdays". The couple seems nice and I just keep wondering why they don't check us out and stop in to chat. Perhaps they don't like to do group rides. Perhaps they have heard something about LSG that they didn't like. Maybe they had previously been in a club or group that turned out to be "not so hot". I try every year to build our group by a few people. I really appreciate everyone we have so far. They are a diverse bunch of personalities from various riding styles and social backgrounds. They are all good people who are really great to hang around with. I guess this is why when I see some scooterists who are not part of the group and have never checked us out I wonder "why?" and the question really digs at me...

Turnpike Breakdown

Yesterday on my way home, I saw a biker broke down in the turn lane of the turnpike.  He was faded jeans, tshirt and no helmet, grizzled appearance with a U.S. flag bandana on his head kneeling beside what looked like his big old well used Harley.  I zipped up beside him on the Majesty with almost no sound and he looked up only when he saw the shadow.  Cars were on both sides of us and it was not really an ideal place to be.  I flipped up the front half of my Multitec and asked him if he needed any help. 

He said "No...  This is the first time I've had my bike out in over a year and the shifter came loose.  Its an easy fix."

"Alright, man." I said.  "Have a good one!"  he nodded his head and I hit the tarmac.

He certaintly didn't look like one of the H-D chrome posers.  He looked road worn like the guy on the Harley who stopped along I-65 near Alabama to check on me when I did the Saddle Sore 1000.  I  thought maybe they're just getting better on dressing up...but then I also thought maybe he had been down or had some illness and just recently recovered.  Well, whatever street, highway, turnpike or interstate that dude is on, I wish him and his shifter well...

WKRP2010 Broken muffler cap removed

This is what the muffler looks like without the $90 broken cap. I busted one allen wrench getting it off. Guess I will be using some of Ken's No Seize on these bolts too!

WKRP2010 All my pix

Here is a slideshow of all my WKRP2010 pictures. If you see one in particular and you'd like the full size copy, just let me know at the1weasel@gmail.com and I would be happy to send it to you.

WKRP2010 Home

We rode 42 into Louisville then skipped onto I-265 (the Gene Snyder) in order to make time headed for the barn. We saw some hot air balloons that were likely practicing for the upcoming Derby Festival balloon race. We arrived without much time to spare as I had to pick up the kids from their mother at 7:30pm. All-in-all it was a pretty good weekend.

WKRP2010 Madison for Late Lunch

We took Hwy 421 on down into Madison, and stopped at the Downtowner
for lunch. We walked around a little because it was such a nice day
and the whole place was buzzing with people and bikes. We got a
little dessert at the soda fountain down the street. After that we
went across the bridge to Milton, KY and rode into Beford where I
showed Kathy where my mom used to live. I also stopped by the Dollar
General (which is the only store open most times) and got some
artificial flowers. We swung by the cemetery so I could put flowers
on Mom & Jack’s grave and I spent a little extra time wiping off the
bird poo with some napkins I had. On the way out of Bedford Kat said
"Thanks for taking me to meet your mom..." and thinking about that
still chokes me up. She is such a sweetheart... We changed over to
hwy 42 in Bedford and I stopped at the mill (Sligo Feed Mill) to show
Kat. It looks good like it is being kept up well, and I am glad to
see that.

WKRP2010 Headed Home

I decided to run the other side of the river from Ohio, over into
Indiana, then down to Madison. On the way there, we stopped at a
little mart in Delaware Indiana just north of Versailles for a fresh
soda. When I got off and went inside Kat stayed by the bike. She was
looking at a posting on the window when I came out. It said “Have you
see this Cougar!”, showed a shadowy picture, and said it had been
sighted three times in the vicinity!!! Also there was a cage parked
with a funny license plate on the front that said “One Nice, One
Old—Filly and Stud on Board” and showed a picture of two horses.

WKRP2010 Back at the Comet

Did I mention they were offering free beer from 8-9pm?
I was on a timetable. Last year I didn’t get there until almost nine
and got like a half glass. L This year, the retired folk in LSG were
going out to a nice sit-down meal. Vince was taking a major beating
from allergies, and so the only ones going were Kat, myself, Gary &
Bobbie, and then (blue hair) Steve and Joan. JD was MIA but I got a
text from him at some point. The band on Saturday night was MUCH
better than the DJ music the night before. I had free beers, listened
to the music, and played megaphone to the back room for when they
called out the numbers for the raffle. I didn’t see who won the
scooter, but Bobbie and Gary won…a….part….of a scooter! Does that
count? Joan wanted an extra shirt that they had on sale for $10 each
so ran down to get one and it came with a full bag ‘o swag. That was
pretty sweet. I stayed up too late, had too much beer and felt like I
had to stop to water the lawn ten times on the way back to the hotel.
At a mandatory gas stop, I let Kat pump the gas and I ran to the WC.
We followed BH Steve for a bit and his Tomtom got us turned around so
I finished the ride back. I was 100% exhausted.

WKRP2010 Asshats

The Northside was equipped with good food. Last year burgers, this
year was both standard and vegan pulled pork bbq sandwiches. I have
never heard of vegan pork but found it was made from seitan (which is
a wheat-gluten). Who would have guessed it! I tried a little and
found it almost as good as the real piggy.
After dinner we went back to the hotel briefly to pick up the others
who were going back to the Comet for the raffle and evening
festivities. THE BLOCK-YOU-IN scooter trailer trash people were still there!

These asshats blocked me in earlier this morning. Hah!

WKRP2010 This is the Stella that hit me

WKRP2010 Got hit by a pink Stella

Everyone started to saddle up and JD hollered out “Louisville!” so we
moved into position. We rode around the city a bit and ended up at
Quaker Steak & Lube. Since there was no protein at Metro and I was
feeling more sluggish than my scoot, I decided to go in and order
something. I opted for the Chicken Fenders as something that might be
easy to carry along. While waiting we struck up a conversation with
Sean and Kimberly from Cincinnati. I don’t think they are associated
with any club (though I could be wrong) but they seemed like a really
nice couple. They ride a RV250 and said they were really satisfied
with it. I have to point out at this spot that the RV250 has this
cool stacked instead of side-by-side headlight design. When the
brights are NOT on, there is a ring around the bright lens that is lit
with LED’s. This gives it a totally Iron-Man-Chest-Ring effect that
makes me want one in gold and red for Kat. We bumped into them
several other times and spoke. They seem like good people, and so
they got a card in case they ever venture to Louisville so we can get
together for a ride.

Along the ride we kept getting passed by these guys on souped-up Rucki
(little 50cc Honda Ruckus scooters). At one stop we pulled up and the
fellow beside me was a fairly tough-looking bloke with a
bank-robber-type ski mask on with a big red pom-pom on top. I
couldn’t help myself—I motioned to him like I wanted to say something.
When he leaned over I responded by fluffing the ball on top of the
lil Ruck guy's head. Kat said he looked at his mate with a clear
expression of “WTF?” which was displayed even through the ski mask.
At another stop we met another Easy Peasy gal. This one had a cool
Blue Burgman S Type. It had chrome handlebars which I have always
liked over the ‘yet another piece of plastic tupperware’ found on most
maxi-scooters.

The end ride would have been fairly uneventful, but there were really
good roads and sights. There were also some mishaps—only one of which
was I personally involved in. This is what I call The Second Great
Disappointment of WKRP 2010. As we have been told many times, in a
rally (or group riding in general) it is very important to keep cagers
out of the middle of the group. The best way to do this is to close
up any gaps and keep them closed. If your group is equipped with
blockers who’s job it is to stop traffic at intersections then you
should also move through lights quickly. I was doing a good job of
following, keeping my eyes open, but for some reason up ahead, someone
went heavy on the brakes. This caused a chain reaction of which they
rider behind me on a girly pink Stella was the weakest link. This all
happened at low speed, so nobody got injured (although Kathy sustained
a bruise on her leg), but the Stella’s chrome front fender protector
contacted the plastic end cap/heat shield on Lois and broke it. It is
not a mechanically functional part, so I assumed we’d be alright. We
finished up the ride and pulled into the Northside Tavern for dinner.
Kat had pictures and although the rider’s face shield was
mirror/smoke, she could identify them by clothing. Despite the “girl
power/chicks rock” type stickers on the scoot, it turned out to be a
guy. I took down his name and number and he agreed to settle without
getting insurance involved. In case he changed his mind, Kat has
pictures of the bike, the damage, and his license plate. We also had
witnesses. While parking our scoots, something really cool happened.
Joan showed up on her Honda Reflex!! She thought she would not make
it, but she got to sit and eat with us at the Northside!

WKRP2010 Jeremy from Enviromoto

Also I met Jeremy from the Enviromoto and the Antisocial Scooter Club. I have spoken with Jeremy for a while via the net on this forum or that. He is a mechanical badass, and has built, modded, and rebuilt things that most people would not dream of. He is as straightforward as they come, and seems like a very no-bullshit guy. He is organizing a Scooter Drag Racing & Swap Meet called Twist and Gone on May first. I am going to try and go to that. I spoke to several other folks and looked at the bikes that Metro had for sale. I especially like the SYMs—the RV250 and the HD200. I think Kat would do well on either of these next year.

WKRP2010 Meeting Folks at Metro

We arrived at Metro Scooter early and JD was already there directing traffic. He put us nicely all together and we put our new banner up across several of our scooters. It is a great way to present out group.

It was then that I suffered The First Great Disappointment of WKRP 2010: no quiche. Last year Kymco sponsored the breakfast and I had built it up for all the LSG folks about how good it was. This year: doughnuts, coffee, fruit, juice. I did meet a gal who was helping with the breakfast. She was no XYL, but a friend who wanted to help out. She looked pretty biker more than scooterist and she asked me if I had one of the "united state patches" that displayed all the states where you could color in the one’s you’d been to. I told her I was waiting until I got a few more states!! I asked her what she rode and she said a honda rebel 250. She’s cool in my book. Safe roads, biker gal!

Next there was this bloke who was running around and little did he know it, but he was the object of all my green envy. He was one of the Vulcans—a scooter group from France—and he was patches all over from all the rallies he’d attended with no solid inch to spare! I introduced myself to him and shook his hand after taking his picture. His name was Lionel, and I gave him an LSG card. He is the first Frenchman I have met who I can say I thought was polite.

WKRP2010 Trailer Trash

When Kat and I arrived back at the hotel, Vince and Jim were still up, so we chatted with them for a while. They side-stepped the deadly Comet burritos and went to Frisch’s. Having a penchant for hanging out the window occasionally to check on the scoots, we witnessed a
suspicious mini-van pull up with two scooters on a trailer! I thought “cool, more WKRP’ers” and when it looked as if they would surely drop the bikes getting them down off the trailer, I asked if they needed any help. They said “no thanks” and sounded nervous. Or perhaps that was just what I thought after the fact when they tried to pin all our LSG scooters in by parking in an “L” shape around them and chaining their little Vespa and Kymco together with a huge log chain. In the morning, the scoots were still there blocking us in and it took a while to extricate ours from theirs, so I decided to leave an LSG card on which I wrote “Please don’t block our scooters in. Thanks!! :)” Trailer trash. Hmmph.

WKRP2010 The Comet Post Registration

After this, the rest of our crew went to dinner out somewhere. I stayed at the Comet, as is my duty as the ‘leader of LSG’. *shrugs* When I went up to the bar to order food and get my PBR rally beer, I ran into this gal getting a Strohs. I thought to myself chicks don’t drink Strohs. So I told her “chicks don’t drink Strohs. Who are you getting that for?” She explained that chicks DO drink Strohs, and to prove it she took a sip. When I called her out for just taking a sip she explained how she would have “shotgunned that @&^$%#” if the bartender hadn’t already opened it. I was suitably impressed so I asked her her name and where she was from. Sadly I have forgotten her name, but she said she was from Columbus, Ohio. I asked “so are you one of the Cutters?” and she lamented that she was not young and hip enough to be a Cutter, and so belonged to the Easy Peasy’s. Well, Ms. I don’t remember your name, but you’re pretty cool in my book and wish you and the other EP’s always good roads.

At this point through several text messages I learned that the LSG’ers had went straight from supper back to the hotel. I decided after finding no fire barrel outside, and that the DJ’s music was thrice removed from my standard tastes, it was time to leave. Please note, no slam on the XYL’s here about DJ Grover who I found out was a member…just purely a matter of taste. Like my friend in the EPSC, I figure I was just not young and hip enough to enjoy it and figured I
should leave before starting to scream out “Free Bird!!”

After suiting up, I was approached by a big older fellow named Mike. He told me his short story and introduced me to his burgundy Honda Silverwing, which could, he assured me, at any moment be equipped with a trailer. He poo-poo’d on the vintage crowd first, explaining how
when asked where he was from and how he got there would tell that he ‘twisted the throttle’ (also including a nifty gesture to demonstrate). He didn’t think it was right that they should be
prideful in their scooters if they had not ridden them in. I asked him about Gasoline Rally and he said he didn’t think much of it as it was not a camping rally—he only goes to camping rallies. This gave me pause…I told him “What about WKRP—it’s not a camping rally…” He said that was the exception. He liked to show up and scooter rallies just to give vintage people crap. I thought perhaps he was a distance rider like the Iron Butt people, but he didn’t seem to think much of
them either and said they were idiots. I was pretty much done with him at that point having no common interest, so I just made polite and got out when I could. He had never seen a Majesty up close and complimented the bike, so I guess he wasn’t all bad.

WKRP2010 LSG at The Comet

We arrived at the Quality Inn and Suites which is directly down the street from Metro Scooter. They really should consider this place for next year and try to strike up a deal with them. I got $53 per night for eight rooms. I am guessing they would go down some for a massive group discount. The manager, Mike, was pleasant to deal with though difficult for me to understand. The rooms were clean and spacious enough. My room and the one next door with Vince and Jim had adjoining door between that could be opened. That was the first time I have ever made use of that feature in a hotel. I called Anita and she told me my 3XL special order shirt would be waiting at the Comet.

We met up with our friends Gary & Bobbie (who do not have scooters so I decided to call them ‘scooter groupies’) and all went to the Comet. Almost to the Comet, there was this massive hill to climb and I worried about Lois but she did fine. Vince was also riding 2up with Jim behind him—Jim had elected to leave his scooter behind in order to save spaces. LSG folks walked around, checked in and got their cool bags of swags, which included the shirt and patch, plus some stickers and buttons.

WKRP2010 the SNAFU at Anderson Ferry

The hill leading down to the ferry was pretty steep, and I could see that they were full, so I put the parking brake on and sat on the scoot with the key off, waiting my turn. I decided to leave the scoot off and roll down the hill onto the ferry. Normally this would be the point where something very bad could happen, and it did!

I rolled down the hill and just onto the ferry. I decided to start the bike in order to get it the rest of the way onto the boat. It would not start! I pushed it up into place and my first thought was
“dead battery”. Through my wicked deductive reasoning, I could see that I still had power to the GPS, so the easy diagnosis was shot.

Now I was getting worried. I tried the key again, making sure the kickstand was not down, no luck—the dash was not even lighting up. That is, however, when I noticed my speedometer and tachometer. For some reason they were resting far clockwise instead of to the left like normal. Now I was very concerned. I was having flashbacks of Gasoline Rally 2008.

My friend Ralph got on his cell and tried calling a couple Yamaha places, and got the same exact words from several “That’s interesting--I’ve never heard of that before.” These were not the
sales people or the parts people he was talking to. This was the mechanic folks! I was a little beyond concerned. I had crossed to the other side of the street known as “I have a Very Very Bad Feeling about this.” The best idea they could offer was that it was some sort of anti-theft feature and to disconnect the battery for a few minutes.

I just happened to have the one tool I needed on my Swiss Army knife: a Phillips screwdriver. Well, procedure accomplished, I tried the start button and it fired up. To make sure it was not a fluke I tried it one more time before I buttoned it back up. Now the little crack I have on one side of my battery compartment has a twin. :(

WKRP2010 Rabbit Hash

We swung by Rabbit Hash and the place was pretty dead, except for running into our Tennessee friend Steve (who we know from last year as Blue-Hair-Steve) and petting the Mayor. We ended up riding about 10 miles to a Subway in Burlington, KY. From there we pressed on to Hebron where the Anderson ferry can put you across the Ohio River, sans bridge.

The Mayor of Rabbit Hash

WKRP2010 Sparta Quik Stop

After that the next stop was in Sparta at a little gas-n-stop called simply “Quik Stop”. We had a few unexpected route deviations, but everything turned out ok. The LSG folks were getting pretty hungry and it was not exactly a warm day.

WKRP2010 On Hwy 22 & Beyond

The start of my route kept us on hwy-22 for a long while. After that I put us on 1.5 lane roads that miraculously never went to gravel. We made a stop in Eminence at the DQ to warm up.

WKRP2010 Meetup at Speedway

We were met at Speedway by Steve, Jan, Ken, JD, and Steph. It was especially nice to see Steph because I hadn’t seen her in a very long time. She brought her BMW! Ken was there to give us a send-off because he has so much work to do on his house and works even weekends.

WKRP2010 Meetup at Denny's

We met up at Denny’s on Eastern to ride up to Cinci for WKRP. Ralph, Vince, and Jim were there to meet Kathy and I. We ate breakfast and then road to the Speedway in the Summit to gas up before leaving town.

WKRP2010 meetup at Dennys

Here at Dennys with Ralph, Vince, Kat and Jim! Meeting some others down the road a bit!

My YP400X Manual

I got my copy of the Yamaha Majesty service manual today! Yay me!

Metal against metal...not good.

Ok, after taking it all back apart (something made MUCH easier the 2nd time by not having the friggin' bolts welded in by corrosion) it was easy to see the problem. This is a picture of the fins on the variator. They are not supposed to be sheared off like this!!!! I was like crapping myself. Well after ripping it all back apart, they theory is that there must have been a spacer that I lost when Jeremy and I took it apart. Furthermore we believe now that it may have adhered to the inside by grease and when I laid the cover aside in the grass it probably fell off. Since I didn't have the part, we took measurements and I ran to H & S Hardware. They had some bushings that worked to keep the fins off the variator housing.

Not only did Ralph help me (it was his garage and his trailer that got me there) but also my new friend Jim R. helped out. They both had invaluable advice. Also Vince rode up from my apartment to Ralph's place. After a short while Jim O. showed up on his red Vespa, then before you know it, my good friends Jan & Steve were there. Also Joan showed up! It was the entire scooter gang, and they were all full of helpful advice and best wishes for getting my scoot up and running. These people--who I had mostly all known ever since I have been riding--they all showed up to support me and see if there was anything they could do to help. Oh--and also showed up to tease me some! These people are true friends and you could not ask for better ones. Ken was not there--but he's the one Tuesday at the meeting who gave me the No-Seize goop to keep the bolt corrosion from happening again! Between these guys and Jeremy it is very nice to know that I am appreciated. They think of me as a leader for the Louisville Scooter Group, and I guess I am defacto leader, but now I am beyond any doubt that I am also their friend. Without wanting to sound too sappy, I love them all.

I rode the bike over to El Nopal where we all had dinner (Kat went and got the kids who I felt bad for leaving alone for so long today). There was some sort of show going on at the restaurante...it had some Elvis impersonators and karaoke singers... We had food and talked, and there was a contest to see who could embarrass Kathy the best. :) Afterward Kat and Vince followed me home to make sure the scoot did well. It performed fine, but one final point was that Ralph said I definitely needed a rear brake pad set before the rally. So I will call Monday and see if I can find them in stock somewhere in town. That should be the last thing mandatory before rally time.

After rally will come tires and transmission oil change and perhaps a rear rotor (or I might try to get the rotor turned). I also (at Ralph's suggestion) ordered the specific manual for my year of Majesty. The one I had referred to the 2005-2007 models and apparently some details have changed in the 08 models.

Ralph had a micrometer so suggested I check the belt and weights. Funny...there was no real reason to replace them as they checked at not having much wear at all. What I thought were cracks in the belt were not, and the weights had not flat spots that were able to be picked up using the micrometer. I guess I have spares now...

At the end of the day I am almost ready for the rally. I got by with a little help from my friends...

Sad day indeed

I got about a mile from home, and heard this God-awful noise when I raised the face shield on my multitec to get some air. It sounded like metal against metal...not a happy sound at all. I knew Jeremy was on his way to Indy and I was under time constraints so I called up my good friend Ralph and he offered to help me take a look at it. He has a well stocked garage and a motorcycle lift and although he only does his own maintainence and doesn't want to get started being "the scooter repair guy" he said he would help me out because we are down to the wire and he wants me and Kat to be able to go to the WKRP rally next weekend. Today is the first time my scoot has ever been on a trailer. It makes me sad...

Weight for it...

There are eight roller weights for the YP400X. I honestly didn't see any flat spots or anything in the old ones, so I saved them and the belt...just in case.

Worn Belt

You can see cracks starting to form in the belt. Otherwise I thought it looked perfect...

Beltless

Here's a shot of the v-belt case without the belt, the variator and clutch. It was a royal b*tch getting the belt onto the clutch so it would be able to be installed. You also have to make sure the belt is on in the right direction!

Down to the case at hand

Finally, the CVT case is revealed. The bolts that came out of it were NOT corroded or screwed up. They actually looked brand new. Jeremy removed the large nuts for the variator and clutch with an air wrench.

Destruction of property

These little craptastic bolt/screws all HAD phillips heads. You can see a couple are still intact enough that you can tell they are phillips, but several look like little bowls where they have been drilled out and others have the heads snapped off. I was cursing Yamaha, cursing the Jefferson County department of transportation (for the salt), the weather, and any spare living being that happened to be withing 50 feet while trying to get these off. If it hadn't been for Jeremy, Vince and Kat I would have given up after the first day.

Left air filter--screwed

I am almost ashamed to admit this is the condition of my left air filter.

Score one left side air box

Finally got the bloody thing removed. The bolt heads either turned or came off (mostly snapped off or were drilled off) and then we turned the bolts out with vice grips. One bolt we actually shaved into a box shape to get a better grip with the vice grips!!

Inside the top

This is the view from inside the top under where the seat used to be. We had to remove so much crap to get the y-shaped intake which was the last thing holding the left side air box.

Frozen Bolts

This doth indeed suck. Jeremy and I had worked for days now on what started on being the job of changing the belt, filters, and weights on my Yamaha Majesty. From the riding I have been doing in the winter, the bolts and screws on the scoot have become frozen in place with salt and brine. The scoot was put together with all phillips head screws and bolts and they were stripping like mad. We used easy-outs that Vince got from Sears and still the bolts broke off and heads were destroyed. Finally it came down to getting the left air filter case off in order to get to the v-belt case cover off. In order to do THAT, Jeremy and I had to take off damn near half the side, rear and top of the friggin bike. Please note that this was ONLY because we couldn't get to the bolts as they were stripped and about welded in place by salt corrosion.