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Scooters!

Page history last edited by Aaron Mosey 13 years, 1 month ago

Japan's Custom Scooters

 

 

          With an uncanny ability to improve upon an idea or invention and the desire for individualistic expression, Japan's love of two wheeled motorized vehicles has taken some fantastic turns-- the latest of which is sure to draw attention. Centered in Tokyo, the custom scooter phenomenon is unlike anything one would see in the United States.

          After World War II, scooter production sprung out of the necessity for inexpensive transportation. The production of military equipment was forbidden so companies switched gears and began producing other products. This Fuji Heavy Industries Rabbit S-1 scooter was the first production scooter made after the war. Left over parts from the Japanese war machine were used whenever possible, including tires from bombers, etc. The design of these scooters was directly influenced by the scooters that American soldiers rode. Within a year of the introduction of the Rabbit, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries released it's Silver Pigeon (pictured next to the Rabbit). The Silver Pigeon was a very close copy of a scooter that had been imported from the U.S.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                      

Fuji Heavy Industries Rabbit S-1                                                                                Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Silver Pigeon

 

 

   Scooters produced by Japan today are known for their durability and superior engineering. They take cues from European designers such as Aprilla and Vespa as the scooter building industry in the U.S. has all but died off. As a matter of fact, scooters in the United States are viewed as almost a third class type of transportation. Bicyclists have more respect. Ask any American what comes to mind when the word scooter is mentioned; DUI's, Liquor-Cycles, a general feeling that the rider of the scooter went wrong somewhere along the way. Or perhaps never had the proper faculties to succeed in life. For the most part in the U.S., scooters are equated with the absence of certain liberties, or freedoms (no driver license, lack of freedom due to monetary constraints, etc). Check out this Craigslist add:

 

***DUI Special*** Scooter and a Golf Cart golfcart...Trade? - $1 (West Asheville)


Date: 2011-02-05, 2:28PM EST
Reply to: sale-arpu9-2198923696@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]


 

The Japanese have a very different attitude towards "Scooter Culture".

 

 

 

Modern Scooters and the Custom Scooter Scene in Japan

 

          So the scooter industry in Japan has boomed, is booming and will continue to do so. Scooter manufacturers like Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha have several models that range in size from 50cc to 600+cc to meet the commuting needs of both rural and urban citizens. In Japan, towing the line and not making waves is very important. But the urge to express oneself, to somehow stand outside the norm is a temptation that humans cannot deny, and in Japan it's current manifestation is in the form of the custom scooter scene.

 


 

 

 

          Decked out with custom paint, hydraulics, high-performance tricked out engines, electronic gadgets and, of course, extra loud performance exhaust, these scooters are nothing like what we see parked out in front of the Ice Service in West Asheville. In a city like Tokyo where the latest cool sunglasses, or cell phone is a must, custom scooters are the top of the list for hip, slick and cool.

 

        

 

        Scooter customization is nothing short of obsession. "This scooter represents four years of my life," exclaims one Tokyo man. Time and resources spent on the effective culmination of a truly unique and individual creation such as these can be immense.

          People come together to share ideas and compete at rallies and cruise-ins. Spontaneous cruise-ins are frequently organized in downtown Tokyo. These are peaceful events where no booze, loud music or bad behavior is allowed as the Police are always keeping a watchful eye out. Scooter clubs are organized according to neighborhood or social circle and it seems they are peaceful organizations devoted to furthering the enjoyment of scooters . Evidently, scooter enthusiasts have a much cleaner reputation than their Bosozoku & Japanese Car Culture counterparts, but can still be somewhat socially unacceptable. Here is a quote I found:

 

               "They are awesome creations no doubt and offer up a great deal of extrovert detail and alternate design.

          However, they are very like the bosozoku in the noise department. Having lived near a park frequented by

          these approachable, creative individuals I can say they are not society friendly! Noizing off their oversized

          potato-launching mufflers and intake snorkels at 3am in the morning is not cool.Actually, it seemed like the

          bosozoku just got softer and turned into these automated cicadas."

        

 

Here is a video expose' of scooters in Tokyo produced by the French television program 'Tentations':

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYONXunVmto

 

     Some facts about scooters gathered from the video, (thanks to my lovely wife and translator):

 

  • In Tokyo, custom scooters are known as 'Space Invaders'.
  • They can be up to 3 meters long.
  • Many are outfitted with video cameras, projectors and televisions.
  • Base price for un-customized scooters is about 5000 Euros.
  • Custom scooters can cost upwards of 25,000 Euros!
  • Big money can be made by winning contests at shows and cruise-ins.
  • Equally popular among women and men.

 

     In addition to fancy lowrider style scooters, high performance racing scooters are also popular. It is truly amazing how the Japanese can squeeze so much power out of a little 250cc engine! MotoGP style road racers, drag racing scooters and street-fighter style crotch rockets are all built and built right. Here is a video complete with heavy-metal guitars that gives a hint at what goes on as far as performance mods:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M79UA8FYN5Q

 

 

 

Why Scooters?

 

     So the obvious question here is why scooters? 

 

     One answer to this question is a matter of law: vehicles larger than 250cc are subject to a yearly inspection during which all modifications must be undone in order for the vehicle to pass. Another answer may be that scooters take up less room. Several can fit into a garage to be worked on. Parking is easy, yet they allow the owner some creative individualistic self expression. They are a rolling billboard of the riders personality. I could see where this would be at a premium in a society like Japan. Borrowing from many cultures: Latino low riders, European 60's Mod scooter culture, and American performance and showiness, the Japanese have created something truly their own.

 

British Mods  with trademark customized scoot.

 

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