We often discuss winter gear, and staying comfortable in the winter months. How often do we talk about where a normal bike can go? Not a metal studded knobby on a full blown dirt machine, but a regularly driven street machine.
We would need a proper place to test our machines. Thankfully, nature provided the perfect spot when it decided to cover our driveway in ice. At about 600 feet long and seriously uphill it has become impassable for a few days to everything except 4 wheel drive vehicles. Would a scooter make it up the ice monster?
Coming down was it's own challenge. We chose our trusty Lance Cabo 150 and a Genuine Roughhouse 50 for our test mules. The two bikes had slightly different tires discussed in an earlier blog here.
We did manage to make it down, we purposely didn't lower the air pressure or do anything special to the scoots. We wanted to see if we could climb the hill without any special modifications.
So yes, we did make it, several times. To be fair, both riders are experienced dirt bike guys and willing to throw the bike at the hill with aggression. We don't recommend this for everyone. As you can see from the video, there was quite a bit of slipping and sliding going on, but if you kept your momentum up you could make it. That was just to the first turn on the driveway ( maybe a third of the way), but we did ride up repeatedly without a fall. So, with experience and willingness these bikes continue to impress with the places they will take us.
We have plans to ride both of these machines through the winter. So, stay tuned for more miles, smiles, and torture testing.
If you liked this blog, feel free to follow us here, on Facebook, Youtube, or on our Instagram. Or you can always stop by the shop to visit.
Welcome to the 4th annual Shrinky Dink Ride. This is just a simple bit of fun to keep the hardy/ foolhardy riders enthused through the cold months of the year, and provide some fun to the others who want to watch the rest of us freeze. Challenge: ride out in the coldest weather you can stand. Then ride as far as you like, and provide proof that you did. Repeat. Often.
Post your results on our Facebook page. Make sure to post every ride; no matter how short. The winner last year squeaked out the points in the last few days by riding to work almost every day. A short commute adds up quickly if the temps are low.
The rules are pretty simple and loosely followed at best.
1) BE SAFE! You all know your limits, but don't risk life and limb, too much, for a good result. This is supposed to be FUN.
2.) The challenge will start on December 21st and run through March 20th.
3.) The ride will have two classes. Motorcycles and Scooters; if you have one of those wierd in between bikes we will make it up as we go. DON'T WORRY! We have this covered; just ride SOMETHING!
4.) This is pretty simple, the coldest temperature wins, sort of. TRY to take a pic in front of a temperature sign somewhere. We realize this isn't always possible, so you CAN use your phone in a pinch. NO CHEATING! We are putting you on your honour to be fair.
5.) The ride has to be 5 miles or longer to count (total length). The longer the ride the more points it gets. We have a formula worked out for this. It's math stuff, don't worry we have that under control. So, if you do 11 miles in -2 and some nut does 80 miles in 3 degrees. He/she MIGHT just beat you. There are extra points for stupidity (just remember rule #1)
6.) This contest is open to residents of the U.S. only.
7.)If you think it is too warm where you live? Do it anyway, remember points are awarded for originality, stupidity, and bravery. This is supposed to be FUN. The first year the Shrinky Dink was won by a southern rider who got lucky on a cold snap in the south.
That's it for the rules we think. Ride. Post your pics on our Facebook page. We will post a few for fun, but will save the results till the end. There will be a chat about the ride during the event. Also feel free to post comments here.
Yes, there will be prizes. They may or may not be amazing. Ride now. ride often.
There will be an open house at Carlisle Cycle and Scooter on Saturday February 4th. It is part of our winter riding contest There will be some snacks and lots of warm beverages to keep you toasty. IF the weather is decent some folks will ride in. If you want to arrive on 4 wheels that is just fine,too. Stop by and enjoy the people riding in. There will be lots of shenanigans, and some short rides around the block as well. The sidecar rig will be out and running no matter what the weather (we have snow tires). The shop will be staying open late; stop by, laugh, ask questions, talk bikes and scooters. There will be movies later in the evening on the projector if you would like to stay.
The weather hasn't cooperated yet, but it is coming. Remember, BE SAFE out there, and have fun. Remember, you don't have to win for this to be fun. It is all about the ride!
A little tip: If its over 32 degrees it doesn't count. But you can ride anyway. Be sure to post ALL of your rides below 32. They all add up.
The get together at the shop Mid-event will be February 4th
We were already SYM dealers when we received our first few Lance scooters arrived in the showroom. When our rep, Mike, informed us of SYM partnering with Lance; we were impressed by the upgrades and price. It looked like a line we might want to carry in our shop.
One of the first few models we decided to get was a Lance Cabo 150 ( now replaced by the 200i). Our daughter was a new college student in need of a good commuter vehicle. The cabo150 was a new bike to us, we decided to run it through its paces.
After a quick 175 miles to break it in and change the oil; we headed on a 700+ mile trip with the Cabo. Operation Malted Falcon was to be the new bikes trial by fire. There were 360 mile days, 90 degree temps and a relentless 260 lb. rider.
The Cabo reached Ocean City, MD. with no worries and no problems. The seat was getting a bit old after 300 miles in a single day, but I have ridden on FAR WORSE on some much larger motorcycles. After 362 miles in one day, that was my only complaint with the 150cc terror.
The next few days were a bit less frantic a pace, but we were still covering 200 miles a day with breakfast stops included.
Arriving safely back home after 3 hard days of riding. We did another quick oil change at 1,000 miles and then loaned the bike to a good friend for his 900 mile adventure.
He proceeded to ride the bike for several days, laden with gear and covering the miles in upper Pennsylvania and New York.
So, we finally get the bike to my daughter for her college use with about 2,200 miles on the clock. A well broken in, proven scooter. She rides it to class often. Some days in the rain, and not always the warmest of days either. The Cabo always fires right up and gets her where she is going. She has the right gear to wear and started at an early age, so she isn't afraid of the nasty weather.
So, now the bike lives an easy life in the hands of a young college student? Not so fast, she still has a brother and a dad who swipe her beloved scooter whenever they get the chance.
Is it pampered? only ridden in warm weather? Don't think so.
Well, we do keep it out of the dirt trails and abandoned roads, correct?
Well, at least it stays out of the water?
Okay, it's at least not really ridden hard though, right?
The Cabo is now sitting at 5,000 miles. Those miles have been more grueling than most of our customers would see. We have had ZERO problems with our Lance.
We run top quality Spectro oil, and have done the changes on regular intervals. We did a valve clearance check as scheduled, and have put on new tires. The stock tires did wear rather quickly. We decided to burn the stock rear off at 3,200 miles. However, we may have had something to do with the premature tire wear.
The 12" wheels do handle light off-road work well. This is no dirt bike, but it can easily get you down your favorite little dirt road to the fishing hole. Just as easily as it will take you hundreds of worry free miles down secondary 2 lane roads.
Overall a very good experience so far. We will be checking in again at 10,000 miles. However, till then, we can pretty much say you will be happy with your purchase of a Lance scooter, and should have some worry free miles. The fun is up to you, but the Cabo will do its part.
If you liked this blog, feel free to follow us here, on Facebook, Youtube, or on our Instagram. Or you can always stop by the shop to visit.
