A cancelled job on Wednesday meant I was left with a downtime day. Checking forums I hadn't visted in a while I reminded myself that the bi-monthly midweek meet up at Alton for the Maxi Scooter Riders Club was on.
James was home and his stolen-recovered-refurb'd CB500 was in need of a run out so I woke him and told the Missus we were off in search of cycle parts for a bicycle project of mine. I'm certain that her idea of a downtime activity wouldn't be riding 100 miles and meeting up with some mates for breakfast but as a by product of a trip to see a single gear specialist it was perfectly acceptable!
On arrival at Alton's Station Cafe the gathering was small but perfectly formed, consisting of me, James, Chief Keith and PhilMel (X9OC and MSRC) and our very own Muppet, Dave Weller.
For a bunch of folk tat met up through enthusiasm for Maxi Scooters none of us were riding them this time. Keith was on his Jawa 350, Phil on his MZ301 and Dave turned up on his VanVan.
The chat was excellent as usual as was the breakfast (thanks for the extra fried bread, Dave!) The sound (and smell) as Keith and Phil fired up their Commie stinkwheels was marvellous!
It rained all the way back. We were a tad damp when we got back here. 50 miles in the rain in leathers was a good test. James was wet through under his jacket. I was convinced that my leathers hadn't leaked...till I took them of and realised that the Aldi base layer top and leggings were masking the fact that I was soaked too!
Anyway despite the lack of Maxis this was a collection of machines fit to grace any cafe and all of which I'd like to own. I'm not so sure that having even a quick ride on Dave's VanVan was a great idea. I'm having to physically resist checking ebay now! James was notably impressed with the VanVan too and particularly with the ring ding Iron Curtain two strokes.
Just so we weren't lying about our intentions we did drop into 1st gear cycles on the way back along with the Ducati dealership just up the road from the Station Cafe where James picked up a limited edition Rossi Ducati cap.
Alton "Maxi Scooter" Meet Weds 15th June 2011
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Re: Alton "Maxi Scooter" Meet Weds 15th June 2011
What engine is the VanVan?
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Re: Alton "Maxi Scooter" Meet Weds 15th June 2011
Good write up Ged, thanks for the go on the W800, a treat for me, I was 16 again for a minute or so. Those were the days, I already had a Triumph 21 (350cc) ready for use, passed the test on a Honda C50 in the morning , and was riding the Triumph in the afternoon.
The 125cc VanVan is a good distance bike, you settle down to 45-50 mph, and the big wide wheels (5'' front and 8'' rear) make light work of the worn out roads. It has an all day comfortable seat, and of course the Givi screen keeps the rain at bay.
Over that distance I did more than 100mpg. Good to see the CB500 repaired back to a good standard, I think in hindsight I should have brought one instead of the CB250 I am fixing up for use.
Next time I will use the scoot, as it is a Maxi-scooter meet,
The 125cc VanVan is a good distance bike, you settle down to 45-50 mph, and the big wide wheels (5'' front and 8'' rear) make light work of the worn out roads. It has an all day comfortable seat, and of course the Givi screen keeps the rain at bay.
Over that distance I did more than 100mpg. Good to see the CB500 repaired back to a good standard, I think in hindsight I should have brought one instead of the CB250 I am fixing up for use.
Next time I will use the scoot, as it is a Maxi-scooter meet,
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Re: Alton "Maxi Scooter" Meet Weds 15th June 2011
mottza wrote:What engine is the VanVan?
They are a 125cc and a great little tou they are too!
Mines black 60plate and i love it....along with all the others
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Re: Alton "Maxi Scooter" Meet Weds 15th June 2011
That does not look a 125!
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Re: Alton "Maxi Scooter" Meet Weds 15th June 2011
Who had my breakfast?
And not a flat bed in sight either.
And not a flat bed in sight either.
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Re: Alton "Maxi Scooter" Meet Weds 15th June 2011
But you know it when you max it outmottza wrote:That does not look a 125!
Not much of a top speed but I really like the fun, retro look of them and the build seems really good. Every owner I have spoken to has loved their Van Van
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Re: Alton "Maxi Scooter" Meet Weds 15th June 2011
Dave did but I had to polish off the fried bread.Mr Angry wrote:Who had my breakfast?
And not a flat bed in sight either.
I don't think Phil's on first name terms with the RAC man any longer.
Yep, I'm quite determined NOT to ride another one. I'm having to restrain myself from checking out prices already!Bluebottle wrote:But you know it when you max it outmottza wrote:That does not look a 125!
Not much of a top speed but I really like the fun, retro look of them and the build seems really good. Every owner I have spoken to has loved their Van Van