Age and long term health issues have made motorcycling increasingly difficult and I thought I would have to give up.
My current bike, a GS500 is not exactly a heavyweight but even that was becoming uncomfortable and tiring to ride. My main problems, even on relatively short trips being arm and shoulder fatigue just from general handling. Problems with left hand cramp due to clutch use and coming to a halt to find my knees locked and unable to put them down quick enough to support the bike. Very embarrassing!
It became more pain than pleasure to go for a ride.
The only scooters I have ridden before where old Lambrettas and Vespas we used to scrounge or buy for a couple of quid a thrash around slag heaps back in the 60's.
Totally unplanned, a very low milage Yamaha Giggle became available for what seemed to me an unmissable price. I unenthusiastically bought it thinking it might be handy for niping down the shops.
It has been a revelation though. I absolutely love it.
Needed derestricting and I will be fitting a Malossi multivar and a few other bits to reach what I consider acceptable performance. It did 29mph as stock, (totally unacceptable) 36 with the restrictor removed and I would like to reach 42-45 with the Multivar. (all via the clock which is obviously going to read fast.)
I have joined a US based forum for the model. It's called the C3 over there and the Vox in Japan. Link for anyone interested :-
http://c3riders.freeforums.org/index.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Some very good model specific advice there from some experienced users. I was also looking for a UK based forum though for more local based info on parts, news, dealers and events, etc.
I was initially disappointed looking for a UK based forum. No offence whatsoever intended to those involved but most seemed a little to youth orientated to be of much interest to me. Only found this place via a link on one of them so not all bad.
The bike itself. Well... I think the looks are definitely love it or hate it. It's the rugged and retro styling that made me even give it a second glance so I absolutely love it. Most reactions from others is very positive too. Not many people seem to even know of it. According to http://www.howmanyleft.co.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; there are only 175 of them currently registered in the UK.
The motor is a little jewel. 50cc 3 valve ohc liquid cooled fuel injected.
An 08 model with only 650 ml on the clock. I have had it less than 2 weeks and just turned over 1,000.
It shouldn't be called Giggle, it should be called Big Daft Grin because thats what it makes me do every time I ride it. The most satisfying and rewarding vehicle I have ever bought in a long and varied history. The low down light weigh, no clutch and ability to shift my legs during a ride overcoming most of my physical difficulties.
One of those decisions sometimes forced on us which for a change turned out to be a good one.
the dr pulleys will open the variator pulleys more and allow the belt to travel to the outer edge of the variator allowing more engine power as the rear pulley on the clutch gets deeper onto the clutch pulley, just my oppinion 