Why scooters are better than motorcycles

Last year, around this time, I decided to "upgrade" to a motorcycle. For the previous 4 years I had been happily driving a Honda Ruckus scooter.

I really did love my Ruckus and it worked without a single hiccup. The thing took only $5 in gas, it started first try on even the coldest mornings and didn't require long to warm up. The only issue with it was the occasional time when I wanted to go on a little bit of a longer trip. It topped out at 55 km/hr. So, I decided to upgrade to a slightly larger motorcycle.

I bought a 2001 Honda Rebel 250 last year. It is a great little bike. It looks like the one in this picture but with a cooler (customized by the last owner) paint job. I really do like my Rebel but I must say that there are a few things that I don't particularly like.

First of all, the thing starts like crap. It takes around 10 minutes for it to fully warm up. I need to use the choke on any day that is less than 30 degrees Celsius.

There are also some functional problems with the bike format. (or at least this one specifically). It is not practical to drive it in the rain at all. The shape of the front fender funnels rain onto your legs and into your boots. On the Ruckus I could wear dress shoes and pants in heavy rain and not get wet!

Although I do have saddle bags, they aren't nearly as practical as the under seat storage of the Ruckus. On the ruckus I could carry a 12 can case of beer. On the bike I am relegated to hard liquor because of storage. ;)

So, in summary:
Am I happy with my Rebel bike? Yes.
Would I recommend a Ruckus scooter? Yes!

I'll stick with my bike because it gets me places faster but I do miss the scooter sometimes.

By the way, if you are looking for scooter inspiration you need to check out battlescooter.

Book review: Around the world in 18 years

I was at the Moncton Boat Show yesterday and happened upon Hubert Marcoux's booth. He's written a great book about his adventures sailing around the world. It is a really nice, easy read. It kept me up late last night.

A great book for those of us who aspire to do a similar trip.

He also had some great advice when I asked him "How do you get started on a trip like that?",because I am having inertia problems. His response was, "Just start. Don't worry about getting the little details worked out before you start."

He did a speech as part of the boat show as well. A good summary of what he's been doing to get his boat fixed up following a nasty encounter with Hurricane Yuan.

I would normally have a hard time bringing myself to spend $30 on a book (yes, I'm cheap) but I don't hesitate to lay out some money to support someone doing what I'd like to be doing. You should too.

----------
Update: Hubert Marcoux was lost at sea in November of 2009. I haven't been able to find a story about the final result of the search though. Hubert's story was one that appeals to arm chair sailors like myself and I felt sadness when I heard that he was lost.  He seemed like a true adventurer when I met him. Not for the glory but for the adventure, for the lifestyle.

Immaculate Machine in Fredericton 2008

I just found this clip of Immaculate Machine at their 2008 show in Fredericton. Another great show.