I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again (because it’s that warm-weather-can’t-wait-to-get-out-and-ride time of year):
Scooters are awesome.
I’m bringing it up because it’s finally warm enough on a sunny day to take the scooter out on daily errands, and almost nothing makes me happier than leaving the Jeep in the driveway and zipping around to the tune of 107 mpg. I don’t much claim to be “green;” I mean, I’m appreciative of non-toxic things and appreciate locally-grown, organic foods, but I can’t claim to be pure, so I can’t preach it, aside from showing you this super efficient two wheeled riding machine.
The scooter, it’s love. A lazy man’s bicycle. Wind in your face, bugs in your mouth, 35mph happiness. I’d encourage anyone to try it out if you have the opportunity to borrow a friend’s, rent one on vacation, or buy outright.
Our Honda Ruckus scooters have a more open framework than many common scooters, but that doesn’t stop me from carrying a lot with me while I ride around. Because I made an under seat storage unit out of heavy mesh, it can hold a wide assortment of products:
- 2 gallons of paint and a gallon of milk
- a 32 oz value pack of fluffy polyester fill
- leftovers from dinner, my wallet, my laptop, and a sweatshirt
Bonus: Sometimes you can score discounts by showing up on your scooter (like at Open Face in the South Wedge of Rochester, NY).
On my list for this year, finding a secure cup holder so I can more easily transport coffee in an upright position. Recommendations appreciated, scooter junkies.
Any scootin’ newbies out there?
17 Comments
I was thinking a mini bungee on the front rack above the light might make a good coffee holder. I’m gonna give it a shot, I’ll let you know if it works.
We’ve tried assorted bungee and bicycle cup holder installations; nothing’s been anchored enough to tolerate bumps in the road. If you find something that works, let me know!
I used a bicycle cup holder that had a rubber strap on the open side to keep the cup in place as long as you have a good lid on it. I used zip ties to attach 2 to my motorcycle. As long as the cup isn’t too big, I am gold. I can get a 20 ounce cup in it no problem. I found them at Wal-Mart about a year and half ago.
This the closest thing to what I currently have that I could find on Wal-Mart’s website. It isn’t the same one, but kind of close.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/M-Wave-Plastic-Cage-for-Water-Bottle/11065150
Hey now, THAT is exactly the kind of thing I was hoping to find. Looks much more secure than some of the other holders I’ve tried… nice attachment, and the “arms” look high enough to prevent the mug from bouncing out easily. Now the question: Will it hold a Starbucks Venti cup?
That looks like a good one to try, Emily! If it holds a 20oz cup then it should hold a venti just fine (since those are 20oz and made by Solo, a fairly common brand).
If it doesn’t warp and squeeze the cardboard at all, the lid should stay on OK. Warpage has been a problem in the past (yeah, oops).
Hi, Emily: Two things: There is a clamp-on cup holder, probably several, made for big bikes. I imagine they have an adapter if your handlebars are narrower. But these holders swivel while holding the cup so your coffee stays level in turns. Ok, just took a quick peek. The cruiser model might be expensive. But it swivels! Second: NICE HELMET! When I got my Honda, a friend in the industry sent me one of his police helmets – half height, zip-off ear flaps. Rode around smelling the flowers & fresh air. Then it hit me – every car I’ve owned has been hit in the windshield by something. That’s when I switched to the full face. Better safe than sorry!
Pat
I’ll be on the lookout for the attachments you speak of – and as for the helmets, I’d love one of those little open-faced helmets too but I can’t even count how many times I’ve been beaned with road pebbles and bumble bees and even things like falling acorns, fortunately almost all instances with the face mask on my current helment totally shut. All the more reason to be wearing big, tight-fitting glasses when riding on hot days… mine have protected me more than once. Thanks for the note and the cup holder tip, Patrick!
Kuryakyn motorcycle handlebar mounted drink holder…One of the die-hard cycling coworkers swears buy these…
Rugged. If it’s going to cost $50, it better hold my paper starbucks cup too.
Can you just poor your Starbucks into a container that does fit the attachment & is sturdy?…I love your scooter…do you think they have helmets that don’t make bad hair like mine look even badder?
First of all, I don’t play those games over here. Your hair is great and will look equally great after being under a helmet. Just gotta flip-flip a little or pull right back into a pony. And I guess I could absolutely transfer the bevvy into a tight insulated cup, but I don’t think it tastes the same like that ;)
a bicycle cupholder can be put right on the frame where your feet go, theres even a threaded hole for it.
works like a charm
here is a pic to show you what i mean…..i love the mesh design you have, just will want to cut it smaller for my lowered seat.
hopefully the link works….and being this low, its pretty sturdy and doesnt tip or spill.
http://i45.tinypic.com/15d0185.jpg
Amazing. Thanks for the tip, it’s exactly the help I needed! Will look into installing one ASAP. Love your scoot, very badass.
Emily…. can you tell me where you get your accessories for your Ruckus. They pictures are beautiful and indicate that your scooters are no longer “stock”. What changes have you made and why. I hope to purchase later this summer.
Thanx
I haven’t bought any accessories, actually. Never figured out the cup holder thing. I made a basket to go beneath the seat, but that’s it. You can see it and get a template here: http://www.merrypad.com/2011/10/06/honda-ruckus-underseat-storage-template/
Enjoy a good ride – we still love these little scoots!