Make sure you get your drive belts serviced!

We recently had a bike come into the shop that was in need of a new drive belt. Normally, a belt will wear out after extended use, but this case was a little different. Not only did it wear out, when it finally broke, it disentegrated and then wrapped itself around all the internals on the clutch side of the case!!

Check out these scary photos!

In the above pic, you can see what is left of the rubber belt. Trust me, its not supposed to look like that. In the pic above that, you can see the remants of what the belt USED to look like, sitting at the bottom of the engine casing. Wows!

This belt failure may have been a fluke, but either way its smart to keep your bike happy by getting it serviced when you are supposed to! It's the best way to keep the above from happening to you when you least expect it!

More than meets the eye..

The Transformers/Vespa Open House may be over, but that doesn't mean folks should stop enjoying the robotic mayhem that can only ensue when the forces of good go up against the minions of evil... And happen to be 20+ feet tall.

Below is a video of what looks to be another Cosplay convention in Japan. But unlike traditional costumes that you simply wear, these actually transform. Pretty ingenious considering that these folks made them by hand! Check out the video and be awed by the sheer amount of nerdiness and dedication!

This Saturday: Scoot For A Cure

Why not spend your saturday on your scooter surrounded by fellow enthusiasts while helping the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation?

The charitable members of ScootKC have put together a benefit ride that includes breakfast lunch for a mere $20. All proceeds will benefit the JDRF.

Click here for full details.

Transportation Transformers

OPEN HOUSE TIME!!



The guys behind the Pirates of the Carribean, Jaws, and Star Wars toys have made a movie that, for guys my age anyway, could be the greatest thing since donuts, pizza, and that invention known as the blender.

Whilst Transformers the Movie hits theaters on the 7th of June, the accompanying open house is a little later during the 14th-27th of June. In that time, there's going to be a bunch of great things going on, including a chance to win tickets to see the summer action blockbuster, Transformers! Stay tuned for more at a later date for more info!

Or, go to Vespa USA for a taste of whats to come!

Two new financing options available from Vespa USA

Normally, we would avoid posting financing options for scoots on the Vespa KC blog because we're sure you'd rather be reading about about Paris Hilton starving in jail or folks skipping quarantine suggestions... But these new promotions for June are really nice!

As posted on the Vespa USA site here, you now can choose between:

• $39 a month for 2 years for purchases < $4500
• $69 a month for 2 years for purchases < $8000

Of course, these are introductory rates, after the two year period you'll have to find a second job, but before that time, you can enjoy your new ride and spend the money you saved on things like:

• accessories
• performance upgrades
• gifts for your favorite blogger...

If you've been thinking about your first Vespa or Piaggio, or just want another one (who doesn't), check here for the full details.

Gas prices, around the world

File this under: I thought this was interesting!

Just in case you were interested in what everyone else was spending on fuel, check out the link from CNN Money.

Price for a gallon of gas (look at Italy in third place)
Netherlands, Amsterdam........................... $6.48
Norway, Oslo.............................................$6.27
Italy, Milan................................................$5.96
Denmark, Copenhagen.............................. $5.93
Belgium, Brussels...................................... $5.91
Sweden, Stockholm................................... $5.80
United, Kingdom London............................ $5.79
Germany, Frankfurt.................................... $5.57
France, Paris............................................. $5.54
Portugal, Lisbon......................................... $5.35
Hungary, Budapest..................................... $4.94
Luxembourg............................................... $4.82
Croatia, Zagreb............................................ $4.81
Ireland, Dublin............................................ $4.78
Switzerland, Geneva.................................. $4.74
Spain, Madrid.............................................. $4.55
Japan, Tokyo.............................................. $4.24
Czech Republic, Prague............................. $4.19
Romania, Bucharest.................................. $4.09
Andorra....................................................... $4.08
Estonia, Tallinn........................................... $3.62
Bulgaria, Sofia............................................. $3.52
Brazil, Brasilia............................................. $3.12
Cuba, Havana............................................. $3.03
Taiwan, Taipei............................................ $2.84
Lebanon, Beirut.......................................... $2.63
South Africa, Johannesburg...................... $2.62
Nicaragua, Managua................................... $2.61
Panama, Panama City................................ $2.19
Russia, Moscow........................................... $2.10
Puerto Rico, San Juan................................ $1.74
Saudi Arabia, Riyadh................................. $0.91
Kuwait, Kuwait City................................... $0.78
Egypt, Cairo................................................ $0.65
Nigeria, Lagos............................................. $0.38
Venezuela, Caracas.................................... $0.12

Crazy eh? Apparently, these prices include taxes, thats why the UK is so high on the list, but my question is about why Puerto Rico; why do they get fuel so cheap? Either way, I'll remember this list the next time I'm at the pump. I may still gripe about the $3+ a gallon, but at least I won't cry all day about it anymore.

Things to Do: HoAME Rally

No, this picture has nothing to do with the rally. I just thought it was funny.


This Sunday, June 10th, from 9am to 5pm, the Heart of America Motorcycle Enthusiasts are having a little rally at the KC Speedway! The 2007 HoAME rally is of the vintage taste, with awards for various classes such as best Ducati, Guzzi, Comp Racers and even best scooter!! Attendance is expected to be in the thousands and takes place in the infield of the speedway. For more info, click here!