Join the High Desert Scooterist and Blue Ribbon Kings SC as they host their third High Desert Gathering, September 28th to 30th 2012. Three days of scooter mayhem on the Western Slope of Colorado. This event is open to all scooter enthusiast; vintage, modern, 50cc plus, scooter clubs and 2%, Italian, Japanese and anywhere in-between...

Live Music, Great Rides, No Registration fee, Raffle, Free Rally packs, and a hotel deal…

For more information,

Email highdesertscooterist@hotmail.com

Forum http://highdesertscooterist.lefora.com

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/HDScooterist

Facebook Event Page http://www.facebook.com/mr.johntonic#!/events/334068493341103/

True Classics: Ducati Cruiser

Everyone knows who Ducati is but not everyone knows they built a scooter (two actually). The Cruiser made its debut in 1952 at the Milan Show. It was the first Italian four-stroke scooter, and the first scooter in Italy with an automatic transmission. Initially designed with a 12 horsepower engine, but was later reduced to 7.5 hp because of a governmental regulation limiting the scooters speed limit to 50 km/h (31mph). Unable to compete with the already successful Vespa and Lambretta, production ceased after 2 years. Approximately 1000 Cruisers were built and sold…

True Classics: Vespa 90 Super Sprint

One of my all-time favorite scooters I would truly give up my balls for this bike. The Vespa 90 Super Sprint was designed to appeal to the racer. The engine was a highly tuned 90cc 4 speed unit which could propel the scooter to over 50mph the glove box looks like a fuel tank and was positioned between the saddle and the handlebar on top of the spare wheel for a more laid-back riding style. The handlebar was narrow and low, and the mudguard and cowling were streamlined. The Vespa Super Sprint was produced in 3 colors; red, blue and white. Built from 1965 to 1971, 5300 were made. To this day the 90 Super Sprint remains a firm favorite among collectors, and a distinctively unique example of what a scooter could be…

True Classics: Prima NSU

The Prima had evolved out of a license agreement with Lambretta and the German NSU Motorenwerke AG in 1951. When the license expired NSU began to produce the 150cc Prima Scooter. Launched in 1956, the NSU Prima D model appeared similar at first glance to the Lambretta LC, but was in fact an improvement with many modifications. Along with the 150cc engine, the standard specification included 12-volt electric starting, a low-fuel warning light and a dashboard mounted choke lever that closed automatically. Also standard were sprung rubber saddles, a prop and main stand and a spare wheel. This was NSU version of what Lambretta should be, The Prima, Italian for first. Interesting side note for micro-car fans NSU was acquired by Volkswagen Group in 1969. VW merged the company with Auto Union, and eventually evolved into Audi. The Prima was manufactured from 1956 to 1960…

True Classics: Lambretta Lui

The lambretta Lui was produced in Italy between 1968 and 1970. In two sizes a 50cc which sold 27812 units, and 75cc model with a total of 9042 units.

True Classics: Honda Super Cub

In August of 1958 Honda would introduce a product that would become the best-selling motor vehicle in the world. The Honda Super Cub would be sold in 160 countries selling over 60 million units as of 2008. The Cub is currently manufactured at 16 locations and 15 countries. Although the bike has been unavailable in the states since 1983, SYM and FLY scooters have both reintroduced modern version of the Cub to the American Market. SYM, San Yang Motorcycle has made the Super Cub in Taiwan under license from Honda for the last 40 years. The Cub has seen a few displacements over the years, from a 50cc, 70cc, 90cc, and 110cc. The bike was upgraded from a three-speed with an air cooling system to a four-speed transmission. But has essentially remand unchanged with a single cylinder, four-stroke engine, 17” tires, and drum brakes for over the last 50 years…

True Classics: Lambretta E 125

Again, I find myself stumped for information on a scooter. If only I knew Italian, I could research what’s available on internet. For some reason every book I own skips this model. I do know it was budget model. I believe it was only produced in 1953, and replaced with the Lambretta F which was manufactured in 54 & 55. I know it was a single tube c shaped frame with sweeping leg shield. It had a hand pull start versus a kick. A redesigned 3speed, 2stroke, 125cc inline engine and most importantly it was a Lambretta…