Ok, not a biggie but we've had a setback. The battle scoot ate a belt about 120 miles out, El dorado Ark. The other three bikes are running flawlessly. I'm going to say right now that the Lifan 200 GY5, after some going over to tighten bolts and what not is an awesome machine for 1500 bucks!! I'm ordering a couple more just because that thing works so well. The MZ is doing fine, not as fast as the Lifan, but both bikes cruise at 55 - 60 just fine. The BMW, well, nothing to say really except that while getting gas I accidentally brushed the rear of his gear and he fell over scratching his engine guards. Funny thing is that it took three of them to pick the thing up. I was too busy laughing to help, sorry Anthony. You want pictures, we are giving you pictures AND a movie. A buddy of mine, the one who brought me back, is documenting the whole trip both on video and photo. He's going to put out a small documentary which everyone will have access to if they so desire. I guess I should get back to the scoot, well, we got back here about 8pm (Thurs) and I had the new belt, variator, weights back in by 8:30. For those of you in the know, I was running 10oz Dr.Pulley slider weights with a high end variator setup....TOAST! Along with, I was running a Polini Kevlar belt, which now looks like the bottom of a hampster cage. I mean this thing disintegrated! Nothing, nada, zip, left. Just a bunch of fuzz and fluff. Now I have a theory which goes like this; Too much weight along with a belt that I believe was just a tad (a couple of mm) too small equalled excessive heat build up and BAM !!!!! I mean it was just like that too. Bike got a little 'boggie' feeling and then whoop! NOTHING. After I finished crying we loaded the rig up and Darren and I came home. We are heading back out about 5:30 am Fri to catch the guys hopefully before the half way point. It's not that big a deal except that I can't say the scoot made it the whole trail. If all goes well the next time you hear from me will be after we return, until then, stay tuned. Doug <never say die>
I just wanted to say thanks for all of the positive support you guys are giving us. I now see, even before getting to the trail, how insane it is to take a scooter on a trip like this. All the more reason that I have to succeed! I now have the need to make scooters the next great off road option of choice. To think, all those years wasted on dirt bikes and ATV's, how boring! hehe. Night
Thanks for the updates. It's fun to read this, but it's also great to see some real-world R&D happening. It's fairly easy to get a megabuck bike set up for a trip--just throw money at it. It's really cool to see some ingenuity happen on a cheaper bike. Glad to hear LaFawnDuh is cruising right along! I'm already thinking about begging for an ADV discount on one. Best of luck. Hope y'all have a great time!
We're BACK! The battle scoot made it. Darren and I met up with the group about 30-40 miles into the trail so we didn't really miss anything. We've got plenty of video and pics that should be available soon. I'll be working writing things up for you guys asap. This was big fun! Needed another day to actually enjoy. I'll leave this with you; I've never in my life abused a piece of machinery like I abused the battle scoot this weekend. Not even rental cars have seen what the Lifan went through. Doug
Here is a pic of the three bikes that made it to Mississippi... note the new tires... Isn't the MZ sweet looking! What a great ride! That little 125 is completely at home on the dirt & gravel roads at 35-45 mph.
Hey Doug and all, I think you should post the ride report in the "Ride Reports" section... Then you can just put a link to it on this thread... I'm going to post a link to it in the "Thumper" section for the MZ and Lafawnduh. Anthony can post a link in the "G spot" section also if he wants...
Hey guys, here's a couple to look at. Our photog is being fussy about revealing too much. He's saving the good stuff for the DVD. Doug
The pics are nice but where o' where is the full trip report? There has to be more, so much more. Bring it on! :)