First, the Kymco People is sold. After a couple of weeks on Craigslist, it went to a nice lady and her sister. I really hope that they enjoy it as much as I did. So what did I replace it with? well, that's short answer with a long story; nothing.
After a couple of long conversations with my wife and some friends, I've put the proceeds from the People into the bank to join the proceeds from the ads here and any extra money I come up with so that sometime this winter I can replace the People with something interesting.
After long thoughts, I've decided to add a Vectrix electric scooter to replace the People. I know I said I was going vintage, but the more I thought about it, well, I just concluded that if I want to set an example to my kids and neighbors, I need to really go the other way. Considering the price of the Vectrix, I have a good ways to go before I have the money to buy one, but I'll work on that through the winter and see where I am in the spring. With $2500 in the bank and a $9000 price tag, I've got some saving to do, but I really do like the idea of the Vectrix for running to and from work. I am also researching a small solar charger to have at the office to charge it while I'm in the office.
Anyways, I am taking a little bit of the money from the proceeds to replace some gear. First, my HJC SyMax has been my favorite helmet of the 3 I've been through in the last 2+ years, but it is really starting to show the wear and tear of every day usage. It doesn't help that it's color was matched to the People, and the BV500 has a much more purple tint to it. So I am planning to move to the SyMax 2. I had planned to wait for the Nolan N-103, and I'm sure it's coming soon with the deep discounting going on with the N-102, but that doesn't help me now. So, I'm going to pick up an HJC this weekend from a local dealer. Yes, I could get it MUCH cheaper on line, but then my local dealer doesn't stay in business.
I am also looking to replace my gloves. This is proving to be a challenge though. Back before I rode to Florida this summer, I had replaced my 2 year old Icon Pursuit gloves with Corazzo's comfortable Urbano Glove. Unfortunately, the pair I got are apparently defective, in that the kevlar seems pulled apart in several places, and the palm and wrist portion on one of the gloves came apart in less than 60 days. Fortunately, in typical Corazzo fashion, they and my dealer are replacing the gloves and sending them back to Corazzo for review. Despite the quality issue with my particular pair, I cannot think of many companies with a reputation for working to get it right as Corazzo so I have excellent confidence that they will take care of the issue. Confidence enough that I am also ordering one of the Corazzo Underhoodie shirts for this winter.
Lastly, on a more somber note, a fellow maxi rider, Kevin Kemble of L'ville, KY had about as nasty a get-off as imaginable a week ago. He's just an average guy, a house painter with a passion for scooters. He and his wife have been key elements in growing a health scooter group in the L'ville area. Needless to say, this accident has touched a lot of people in that area of the country. Send him some prayers, he'll need them as his injuries are awful (leg, hip, back and more). Monetary contributions will help him as well, but his wife is helping to keep everyone in the loop about his situation as is Bill, administrator for one of the larger Maxi scooter forums in the US.