Garelli Supersport XL moped. 50cc's of early '80s fury. With pedals in case you run out of gas, although it's a real beeyotch to pedal any distance, if the memories of a misspent youth are correct...
Nothing says early '80s like a Honda V4. Nothing says "Rat Bike" like flat black paint, bar-end mirrors, and tape-wrapped open pipes. I debated waiting until the rider showed up and asking what he'd take...
OMG a moped of all the devious mechanical contrivances imposed on all here by clever Italians...I always thought that was how they revenged themselves on us for WWII.
ReplyDeleteThe first on would be safer. The second one could get ahead of one pretty easy. Those v4 750's where quick.
ReplyDeletePaul,
ReplyDeleteI've had '80s Honda V4s in both Magna (750) and Interceptor (700 and 1000) flavor. I think they're quicker in memory. ;)
I've always wondered why more "flat black" bikes aren't sold. I know most cruiser riders want the chrome, but to me it's just a pain in dah arse to keep clean. I ride my bike because I like to ride my bike. It's often very dirty because I don't ride it 2 miles to the bar to show it off...I just wave and keep going.
ReplyDeleteI've always wondered why more "flat black" bikes aren't sold. I know most cruiser riders want the chrome, but to me it's just a pain in dah arse to keep clean. I ride my bike because I like to ride my bike. It's often very dirty because I don't ride it 2 miles to the bar to show it off...I just wave and keep going.
ReplyDeleteThe Yamaha FS1 was the king of the mopeds in my day.
ReplyDeleteThe Moto Guzzi moped (early 70's vintage) was the best for pedaling. Felt like a real single speed bicycle, pretty much. Most others were geared just for starting the engine, and to meet the regs for having functional pedals.
ReplyDeleteBTW, the intake manifold was the power/speed regulator for the various government regulatory areas. The inner diameter was the variable, the external remained the same, IIRC. They were listed by top speed capability.
I always thought the Garellis et al looked like someone stole the engines; Don't spring for an early Honda V4 until you hear the top end:
ReplyDeletethe cam lobes were prone to gall and crumble. Don't ask me ( '84 750 and 500 Interceptors) how I know...
So, If you were to get a moped just for fun, What type would you look for?
ReplyDeleteJust happened to be something I've been looking at and also know nothing about...
'84 Sabre V-65.
ReplyDeleteIs it fast? Well, 1-4000 is pulls well. 4000-8000 yes, it's nicely quick.
8000-10000 is where the afterburners kick in and you better be already pointed in the right direction.