Another Word about CHINESE SCOOTERS

Once again, I've got to talk about Chinese Scooters. Ready? DO NOT BUY THEM! I can't tell you how much trouble these things are. Built shotty. No one wants to work on them. Takes 6-8 months to get parts for them. Batteries guaranteed for 2 weeks.

Here's what I've seen with my own eyes: Crank shafts needing welded at 1,000 miles. Odometers stop working at 15 miles. Electrical nightmares under 500 miles...etc.

A gentleman came to my shop last week looking for parts to his Chinese scooter. In his mind, all scooters are the same, which is a shame, because if he'd spent about $800 more than he did, he could have gotten a Japanese scooter that will last for YEARS.

Here's what he said...
Him: "Well, I've had zero problems with my scooter"
Me: "So why do you need parts?"
Him: "Well, the starter went out on it"
Me: "And that's a problem."
Him: "Oh no, we've had this scooter for 5 years now."
Me: "You mean you've driven it in the summers for 5 seasons"
Him: "Yes, we drive it to Safeway."
Me: "How many miles are on it?"
Him: "Oh, less than 1,000"
Me: "And you haven't had any more trouble than the starter?"
Him: "No.... except when I first got it, I tried to lock the steering column, but wires inside were too short by 3 inches. They pulled out, and I had to rewire the whole thing."
Me: "Oh yeah? So, less than 1,000 miles on it, and you've had to re-wire it, and change the starter?"
Him: "Yeah, but that's it."

How does re-wiring a scooter, and having to get a new starter for it constitute "NO PROBLEMS?"

Look, in the 4 seasons that I've been running my scooters... and most of them are way past 7,000 miles... I've only had to CHANGE OIL, REPLACE AIR FILTERS, AND CHANGE SPARK PLUGS. That's it.

A quality scooter will not give you problems. A quality scooter will last for years and years. Why does a used Honda Elite Scooter from the 80s sell for as much as a brand new Chinese Scooter???? COME ON! It's a HONDA! Hondas run forever!!

Friend in Austin, despite the warnings from myself and other scooterists, bought a cheap ROCKETA scooter. I was in Austin for 6 months over the winter, and he had that thing in the shop 5 times! 5 times in 6 months. Then, he just gave up and sold it. Every time the "group" would go for a ride, he had problems.

The savings of $600 - $800 dollars is not worth the hassles of these bikes.

Don't buy CHINESE SCOOTERS.

And if you do, please do not bring it to me to fix. I won't touch them.

We know their toys are painted with lead.
We know their baby formula is tainted.
We know they export toxic Dog food.
We know they export jewelry with lead in it. etc...

We know these products from China SUCK! Why get a scooter from the same place??

FREE National Parks WEEKEND!

June 20th, and 21st are the days to get into
Rocky Mountain National Park for FREE!

COME OUT AND RIDE!

Attention scooter riders!! 4th July invite!

It's 10:30am on June 16th. June. WHY IS IT
ONLY 46F? Well, it seems as though we will finally get a relief from this cool and wet kick off to the season. Looks like from here on out, it may be summer time. So, to usher in the warmer temps, and the quick approach of the 4th of July....

I'm inviting anyone on scooter to come hang out at my shop here in Estes for the 4th of July Fireworks Show. My shop happens to be a fantastic vantage point for the fireworks, and, since I'm almost at the end of town, it's a breeze to get outta here after it's all said and done.

Me, some friends and family will be hanging out from 6pm on, with the grill, coolers etc...

Bring anything you need to enjoy yourself, along with a scooter, and see you on the 4th!!

As Monty Pyton would say, "Bloody Weather"

The weather is being far to moist for my tastes. Every weekend in May it has rained a lot. Memorial weekend was most frustrating because during the rainy spells, people were calling wanting to rent. Groups of 2, 4, 6, and 7 were trying to get in on a ride, but the rain just kept coming. Luckily, in between rain, hail, and lightning some riders decided to go for it. Not a total washout, but not like it would have been if the sun were out.

I thought the economy would be my crux, but for at least the month of May, it's Mother Nature.
One thing I have learned about my business is, if the sun is out, I am renting. And there will be plenty of sun in the coming months.

And then there is the economy. What does it mean for my little business in Estes? Will there be more "local" business. By local I mean from all neighboring states. Perhaps these people will head for the mountains in Colorado instead of coastal USA or even Europe.
What about the people who do come up? Will they opt out of getting the perfect wooden moose, and instead spend money on experiences like horse back riding or scooter cruising?

Time will tell I suppose.

OPEN OPEN OPEN OPEN OPEN

Technically ZootScoot opened for business on May 1st, but the weather has just recently become agreeable enough to get the bikes tuned up and rolling again.

People have been stopping by to say HI, and wish me luck for the up coming season.

When I got to the shop this morning, a gift was sitting on the Vespa for me!! As soon as I saw the little white back with the smiley face stating "WELCOME BACK!" I knew instantly who had been here, and what was left behind.

I picked up the back, and took a quick peek, like the items inside would jump out at me or something. I giggled at what I saw.


Yeah, this is last year's photo of the Vespa Tribute Donut... I know. Those donuts are so good, I didn't even take photos of the "new" tribute donuts.

Year old donut photos... I know are not freash. BUT, I just couldn't help it. If only I had been to work a few hours earlier, it would have been hot, and glistening with surgary delight. Those crazy women at the Donut Haus are up before the crack of dawn to bring you the most mouth watering donuts around.

OK, back to being open. Apparently I am easily distracted.

So, over the last few days the bikes have been inspected, tweeked, and put through rigorous test drives to the lake and back.

We appear to be in good shape.

Lots of reservations have been made for every weekend from now until the 2nd week of July, so that's a good thing... with a large reservation tomorrow.

What figures is the weather has shifted, and my riders might be a bit chilly. Luckily they are experienced riders, and should be properly prepared.


Time to get the scoots out!


GET DONUTS

Hey hey, it's almost MAY!

Almost time to dust off the scooters, and get them road worthy once again!

This summer ZootScoot Scooter Rental llc will be carrying The Rocky Card. Now, we've had a discount running on The Rocky Card for 2 seasons now, so if you have TRC, be sure to come in and use it at the shop. If you don't have TRC, then we can help you out with that too.

Not only does the card give you a discount at ZSSR, but, you can disounts on meals, gear, and all sorts of stuff around town.

Come on in, rent a scooter, and get TRC to get discounts all over Estes Park!

New addition to the fleet! Yamaha Vino 125

I'm happy to get this scooter in the fleet. Yamaha's Vino 125cc 4 stroke scooter is the perfect step up from the Metropolitan, but not as powerful as the Big Ruckus.
If you have a motorcycle license, this is a great choice to ride along side the Metropolitans, ESPECIALLY if you are a taller person. My father is 6'3" and has been riding around on a Vino 125 for 3 years now.

Can't wait to take this for the maiden trip into Rocky Mountain National Park!
Come on warm weather!