The Buck Stopped Somewhere Behind Us

A Post from a well known Scooter Blog has inspired me to figure out ways to save money while Riding Scooters. CAUTION. Most of the methods I will describe are illegal and could possible poison or harm you in some fashion, (but that’s just good old American fun).
Siphoning gas is the first way to save an extra Buck! I use to do think in college all the time, I would Go to a Frat house with an old Jerry Can I kept on my jeep and get about 4-5 gallons of gas. It’s an easy way to save a little bit of money, however with Scooters we really don’t have to worry about spending too much on gas to start with. But I did not have to pay for gas for months at a time. This is also a good trick to use if you just need a gallon or so and the stores are closed, but if you do this, be courteous and leave a few bucks on the wind shield wiper, and says thanks!
2 Cycle Oil can be rather expensive, and sometimes you need to just bite the bullet and spend the extra 15 bucks. But you should start running a synthetic oil, its better for your bike and its an ashless formula so it’s a little better for the environment. HERES HOW TO SAVE A FEW BUCKS.
1. Buy 1 gallon of standard Cheap Two Cycle Fluid, Buy another of synthetic 2 cycle fluid. Its usually about 15-20 bucks more than the regular.
2. Go home and pour the Synthetic in a large container. THEN pour the Regular 2 cycle oil into the Synthetic container. So now it looks like the Synthetic has never left the container. (Take care when taking off the top, not to damage the foil more than necessary, use a razor!)
3 Take the 2 cycle container that has the regular back to the store, with the receipt. (remember to pay in cash) I hate paper trails.
4. BOOM! You just saved 20. bucks give or take. I did this little number all the way threw college. I have 3 gallons of synthetic sitting at home in a jerry can.

Spark plugs. Spark plugs are one of the most easiest things to pocket in a store, preferably a Wal-Mart or K-mart. Just get 5 of what you need, pocket one and when you get to the register just put the other 4 down and say you’ll be right back. I have to go get my wallet. Or something of that nature.

Stainless Steel Bolts. Now this is not a necessity but LOWES HOME DEPOT and TRACTOR SUPPLY have some of the worst security I know of. Just find the proper bolt and nut combination then get a lot of standard bolts and put them in the mix, you will be able to tell the SS bolts from the standard bolts by looking at the top. Then just pay for the few Standard bolt with the SS in the mix, its another good scam to run.

What to buy with your Store Credit?
1. Fix a Flat (you know the green slimy stuff you like to play with in the store)
2. Tire Repair kit, if you get in a nasty situation
3. Bike PUMP! It works just the same with your Vespa tires as a bike tire
4. Tool kit, Get a decent Metric Kit to put in your console. (Sockets and Screwdrivers, WD-40 and some pliers and Duct Tape)
5. LED headlamp (you need something to work in the dark with)

You might think that it is improper to put this information up here, and that it is irresponsible of me as a bloger to inform people how to do this. Truth is that most people probably already know these tricks they just don’t use them. But keep them in the back of your mind incase times get tuff.

On the Long Haul

Lets start with the simple things. And think about making a check list. Whenever I took the old Stella out on a long trip either to the beach, or maybe to the mountains I would make a check list of things that helped the most. If you read in one of my previous post you will see that I Listed Towels as a HOT item to carry with you. Im going to add to the list here. And maybe this will help you when traveling long distances.
1. Backpack with hip belt
2. 2 Towels
3. Sleeping pad, the kind that roles up. Its normally made of Foam
4. Tent, At least a two man tent, I would say three man tent, it gives you and your gear adequate space when you sleep.
5. Sleeping bag. This is best kept in the bottom of your backpack.
6. Neckerchief, worth its weight in gold on a cold night.
7. A nice set of Tools, When your in the middle of nowhere and your out of cell range you have to depend on yourself. So prepare yourself.

This is the REI Halfdome, just like the one I used when I was in Pilot Mountain, despite its size it is quite cozy and there is plenty of space for you and your gear.

This is a decent image I found that shows you how you should have your gear stashed. The best thing you can have as an add on to the backpack would be a Sleeping pad, it gives the backpack a way to keep the weight off you and on you seat. This in return helps keep your back straight.

My Thermarest, it is to be sworn by, this is a 30 dollar pad, but it is well worth it. It is the perfect combination of soft and firm.

The Slumberjack is know for it great construction, but something they dont advertise enough is that it can fit into an area the size a Football. Its not heavy enought to worry about in the backpack.

Money for nothing, and Chicks for Free

Well I found out how that tools in Korea are ridiculously expensive, So… I have to either find cheaper tools, or have some sent from home. Although I am getting a decent salary for my time here, I feel that paying 30 bucks for a tool set that would cost 5 in the states is absurd and on principle I can not do this. So I am having one of my friends send me a small set of Metric Tools, mostly Sockets and Wrenches. As I was traveling around the other day I noticed that went I came to a stop light I smelled a little bit of smoke. Normally I don’t think much of it since Koreans just burn trash in the alleys, and cars are smoking up all the time. But it was the same smell at every light, I looked around and there was nothing that would give it warrant. Then I stopped at a scooter store where I sift threw there Rubble in the back. I saw that the smoke was indeed coming from my seat of my Scooter. So I opened up the inside and pulled out all the towels and oil. I saw what the problem was. The battery I had hooked up on the inside of the scooter seat had a broken from its connectors and wrapped itself around the other wire, This in return made the two wires heat up to the point that the rubber that coated them melted away, and made a small fire, However there is not enough Oxygen inside the Container to support a fire. So now I have a dead motorcycle battery and the inside of my scooter seat smells like a burning Best Buy. Walking around in the COEX mall in Samsong gave me some ideas for the Dead Ped. I went to the arts and crafts area to take a look around. And I found some Vinyl Graphics rolls, I bought 1 yard of Red, Black, and White. Thought I might spruce up the paint job on the ride. They also had Silver and Gold Vinyl Graphics, but I thought this much to Gaudy for my humble scooter. The plan is to now get some Proper sockets, and tools so I can start some modifications to the Dead Ped.
Next order of Business is Lighting on the Scooter, I need something that Takes as little energy as possible, and last a long time. So I came up with the idea of using high intensity LED lighting on the headlights and possible auxiliary Fog lights on the front. For the back im going to use a simple Headlight with a red filter over it, that should do the trick. And since the Motorcycle battery is now dead due to the electrical fire, I have to use the Truck Battery. Hopefully it will not fry the LEDs. Im also making a system so I can Use the Truck battery on the scooters engine, cause kick starting all the time just gets boring. Sometimes its just fun to flip a switch and go.

Here is a Site that I am using to get the parts I need as far as lighting, I Know that this may increase my overall budget but you got to pay some money if you want something good. I have considered using a Fluorescent Bulb instead of a Traditional Filament bulb as well, this would be nearly free since I can borrow one of the many small Fluorescent bulbs around my Apartment.
http://www.superbrightleds.com/

Lets Go Faster!

Back to Project Dead Ped. This was a project I started from a trashed 1998 Honda Tact, This is my main mode of transport here in South Korea. It has a 2cylcle 50cc engine, Normally it takes about 3 minutes to completely warm up so I can go the maximum speed of 35-37mph max. So the question is do I need to go faster? Probably not, But…. I don’t care about Probabilities. So im writing down my list to keep things organized.

1. Derestrict the Variator. This should add at least 3-4mph.

2. Ram Air Cooling. This should keep the air foils on the piston cooler.

3. Snorkel / Cold Air Intake. Why not! This place has a monsoon season. I need to be able to cross deeper water. With my intake 6 inches from the ground this would Hydrolock the engine.

4. 8” Lift Kit, because I like jumping and going offroad with the scooter.

The one problem I will have with my project is that the budget is 0. I figure this will make things interesting, and I will not have to worry about wasted money when I fly back home. Below is the List of Items I have gotten so far for free.

1. 1998 Honda Tact

2. A Wrecked 1997 Honda Tact

3. An Abandoned 125cc 2cycle Daelim Scooter (for a Larger Engine, If possible)

4. A motorcycle battery

5. A Truck Battery

6. Parts to a Vacuum Cleaner

7. A Metal Basket for Parts

8. Several feet of Electrical Wiring

9. Plastic Bags

10. Vaseline

11. Hot Glue Sticks

12. Duct Tape

13. Front shock to a Hoysung Comet, (8”Lift Kit for Rear of Dead Ped)

This list may grow as time goes on, but I believe that I have enough to do all the work I need, however I have very few tools to do this with and it is actually difficult to find a Tool shop in my area. Good thing I watched all the episodes of Macguyver.

Below is a Great Video Set on how to Derestrict you 50cc moped/scooter. Hats off to the guy who made this. This is probably the most in depth modification i have seen. If you are wanting to add a few extra MPHs to your ride, and you have a Vaiator, or Duel Variator system, Then pay attention.

http://kr.youtube.com/watch?v=Wa5fEnu7kWY

http://kr.youtube.com/watch?v=YR8Piutd9VQ&feature=related

http://kr.youtube.com/watch?v=5kj37dYKVAg&feature=related

http://kr.youtube.com/watch?v=1EVyxwTGKFY&feature=related

http://kr.youtube.com/watch?v=vqqT61RkqXU&feature=related

If you get a chance thank this fellow, he spent alot of time to do this, and its not even his first lanuage. Below are some great shots of restrictors and variators i have found on the web.

Only what you take with you

Riding long Distances on a scooter not only takes a great deal of Patience, but physical endurance and perseverance. While stuck here in Korea I have been Plotting and Planning a Trip in the Summer to Drive to the Southern tip of the country, and possibly take the Ferry to Japan. It would only cost 30,000 won which is only 20-25 dollars American. However the Ride If I understand correctly takes the better part of the day. But then nothing worth doing is easy. Running test here and there on the Dead Ped as far as Fuel Economy, Oil Consumption, Tire Life, and general ware and tare on it would give me an idea on how much is will cost in Gas, and Oil. I have Two Spare Tire/Rims. With a Giant Basket made of wire on the back. Although I do not have the numbers with me, I do have the Numbers for my Stella back Home.

Fuel Consumption 80 mpg-90mpg

Oil Consumption 1 gallon 2500 miles

Valve Oil Change 3,000 miles

Tires Front 4,000 miles Rear 2,000 miles

Spark Plug 6,000 miles

Given this is not a precise guide it is accurate enough to give you a heads up on when to perform simple maintenance.

Before I left for Korea we had a few warmer days in the South So My friend Suleyman and I decided to take a camping trip via Stellas. Only having a estimated Round Trip of 225 its not terribly long, But it was Fun. This was also a test run for some of the gear I am planning to use on a cross country drive with the Stellas. One of the best things you can carry with you on a Long Distance Ride whether you’re a Pro or a Rookie is to take Two Large Terry Cloth Cotton Towels, and possibly a trash bag. Keep the trash bag in a cubby hole or something until you really need it. The towels act as a vibration Dampener from the 2 cycle motor below you. If it begins to rain then just take the towels folded up and place them in the Trash Bag. This will keep them dry and it still gives you cushion if you must Ride threw the Rain. Also if you happen to have a Hiking Backpack, This will do wonders for your ride. It forces you to keep your back in proper alignment, and keeps you from Slouching and giving yourself back pains from hours of riding. I will have a special Post late to give tips and example on what not to do and what to do when making the long haul.

Another neat idea i saw was a long distance fuel tank, however you should take into consideration, the fuels weight, and distrubution on the scooter. The picture below is from the Cannonball Run. I have some plans myself for a Welded tank, but mine will be made of Copper and Brass, to keep that Old World Feel.

You Need A Helmet

The right kind of helmet for your scooter/moped can be found through a few different questions.
1. Where are you going to be riding most of the time? City, Country, Racing, Showing Off, or as a Commuter?
2. What is the weather like in your area? Rainy, Cold, Hot, Humid or a little mixture of all?
3. Do you have a history of accidents?
4. Are you a confident rider?
I have been riding scooters since 2000, given that’s only 8 years, I was riding motorcycles in the early 1990s. I know a thing or two about crashing. Back when I did not have the money to afford a helmet much less gas for the dirt bike, or proper attire for riding. I was often covered in Scabs Bruises and Dirt. But once I started riding on the road I learned that helmets were more necessary than they would be riding around the yard and the woods.
If you have ever been in or scene a serious accident with a motorcycle rider involved you know that Helmets can save lives. There is more to a helmet than just the bare minimum of the law. You should look at what your doing, and what would be the most comfortable when you try it on. Just getting one of those Cheapo “skull caps” for 20 bucks will not hold up to much when you crash. I have seen those helmets break from being dropped on the ground before. My first helmet was actually a West Germany Police motorcycle helmet, It was Glow in the Dark. I bought it because it was hideous and I did need a helmet. I chipped off a small piece of the glow in the dark paint, and I found that the helmet was actually stainless steel underneath, I was not really surprised to find this, I knew it was an older helmet, but I figured that it might look better as a shinny mirror rather than an off white bubble. The inside of the helmet was Cork and leather, and some cushioning gel stuff that the previous own had put inside. As far as helmets go, this would a poor one to have in a wreck. But it was my first. Oh well. Back to the top at hand.

1. Skull Cap helmets. They are usually the bare minimum in states that require you to wear a helmet on a Scooter/Moped. Draw back is that if you hit something, you might as well not be wearing anything on your head, it will not absorb the shock.
A. Coverage Minimal
B. Safety Minimal
C. Vision Impairment None
D. Cost Cheap

2. Davida Classic helmet. Although it looks similar to a skull cap, it has a better build to it. Including a Fiberglass outer shell, a Cork Lining, and Leather Quilted Neck Curtain to keep the wind from chapping you neck. This is a great helmet for someone who is serious about there ride and keeping everything classic looking, but it comes with a $300.00 price tag. And if you live in an area that get below 30F often you might want to think about something you can put a shield on. There is a company that has a decent knock off of the Davida Classic, I Bough one after seeing a few in some shops. You can see that is made on an assemble line and has cheaper products used on it as compared to the Davida Classic, but if you want something you don’t have to worry about then check it out
A. Coverage Slightly above Minimal
B. Safety Medium
C. Vision Impairment None
D. Cost High

3. Davida Classic Jet / classic 3/4s motorcycle helmet. There are more copies of this helmet around the than you can shake a stick at. This is your standard helmet that you can buy for about 30-40 bucks anywhere helmets are sold. This is the best all around helmet for your money, you can install a visor to protect your face from Rocks, bugs, and wind. And it gives you coverage around your ears and back of your skull. I own a Davida Classic Jet. Unfortunately I was not able to take it with me to Korea. Brand new the helmet was 350.00. However I found mine in a 2nd hand store similar to Goodwill. I paid 5.00 for it. This was money well spent. Although you should release that if you have a system for measuring your head, and you normally wear a Small, go to a medium, This will allow you to wear a Fleece Hat under the helmet incase it is cold, and if it’s a hot day you can have just a little bit of space for air flow.
A. Coverage High
B. Safety High
C. Vision Impairment Minimal
D. Cost Cheap

4. Full Face helmet. This is usually the most expensive helmet you can find. However if your doing any sort of Fast riding, or showing off it is probably your best bet. Also if your not use to crashing you should consider this helmet.
A. Coverage Maximum
B. Safety Maximum
C. Vision Impairment Little to Some
D. Cost Midrange to Expensive

These are a few sights where you can check out some decent helmets, I have personally tired or had my Close Friend Suleyman try these helmets and we will vouch for them.
http://www.helmetcityinternational.com/
http://www.davida.co.uk/
http://scorpionusa.com/home.html
Remember that just because you are wearing a helmet, it does not have to look foolish. Rather Bash a Helmet and save your head. And always remember to secure the chin strap thoroughly. More times that not, when a helmet comes off in a crash it is due to not tightening it enough.

Cargo on a Scooter

In America, if you get delivery from anywhere, your probably going to get your food items via Car or Truck. However here in Korea I have noticed that nearly all delivery is completed by scooters. If you think about it, it’s a better investment to have 8 110cc scooters that can go 50mph rather than having one delivery car that cost the same. It seems the most popular Delivery Scooter Type is the CITI ACE 110. As you can see in the pictures below this bike is used as the Back Bone or the delivery industry in Seoul, and most of Asia. It is generally a Copy of the Honda Super Cub, from what I understand most of the parts are interchangeable from Honda To Daelim. The average 4cycle 110cc scooter here gets about 90mpg, which is fantastic considering what gas cost here per liter. In my first few weeks here in Namhamsamseong I managed to find a 1995 Citi Ace 90cc. which did not run. The electrical wiring was torn open, the gauges did not work. So I just wired everything so it could run and that was it, unfortunately I am not familiar with the electrical system so I have no lights, horn, starter, or even brake lights. Which I guess does not really matter because the scooter was stolen from me about 2 weeks ago. Even locked up the thieves manage to get threw a tempered steel lock. The Thieves are persistent as Ants with a full compliment of tools and a torch. They will not stop once they see a scooter lacking parts. I have seen a scooter picked clean to its frame in less than a week. It is imperative to get a high quality lock, and perhaps even an alarm system on your scoot. Or make your scooter look crappy enough that no one will steal it.

Back to the topic at hand. The scooters are the life blood of this city, without them here I am sure things would grind to a halt. However with use of the scooters, gas is cheaper due to the demand not being as high. However if I had to suggest a well tested and tempered means of transport from Mail, Food, Stationary, Medicine and even taxi service I would go with the Scooter every time, It just makes more since to spend less money, and get better fuel economy.