[AZScootRN]

As some of you may know, I am the publisher/editor of The Scooter 'Zine magazine. I am always looking for people with good, interesting, exciting, fun scooter stories to tell. I read through forums, Facebook groups and other social media in an effort to find people with stories to tell.

I currently have a Burgman 650, an AK-550 and a Helix. I have also owned a Yamaha Majesty, a BV-500, an X-9 (500cc Piaggio) as well as a Buddy, a Stella, an Elite 80, an SYM RV-250 and several other Helixes. I am part of multiple groups catering to all of those bikes, but when I put out calls for people to share their stories with me, it is usually the Vespa riders that can't wait to talk to me. I have to work to keep from having a "Vespa" magazine. Why is that?

Why post this? Because I would love to get some stories from Burgman riders. Articles aren't just "epic" rides. I've interviewed commuters (Did an entire issue devoted to scooter commuters) and people who travelled somewhere interesting. We're doing a series called "Battle Scooters" in which bikes that have been passed around from owner to owner get their story told. I've interviewed shop owners and scooter club leaders. I've even published some scooter fiction and some scooter poetry. If scooters are involved somewhere, I'll consider publishing it.

Do you have a story that you like to tell friends/family when they ask about riding? If you meet someone new, does another friend say "Hey! Tell them about that time....."? I want to make sure that Burgman and other Maxi-scooter folk get their share of space in the magazine.

What do you say? If you've got a story, or know someone who has a story, please let me know. Send me an email to [email protected]

Happy riding,

Howard Rains
Here's a recent pic of me and my 2022 AK-550. I got it, used, in November.

 

[wspollack]

1) I’d like to know why someone sold an AK550 so soon after buying one.

2) Interested in a review of an Edelweiss scooter tour or two?

 

[AZScootRN]

1) I’d like to know why someone sold an AK550 so soon after buying one.

2) Interested in a review of an Edelweiss scooter tour or two?

1. The gentleman I bought it from developed some severe vertigo and his wife was making him move from 2 wheels to three. He was planning to buy a Spyder.
2. Were you wanting to write an Edelweiss review? That would be great! Contact me. We recently published a piece about riding in Thailand.

Howard

 

[mike1nw]

A friend had a Stella... I did the work on it, to keep it running, to keep it from puking out oil and gas, etc etc.
I test rode it a few times. What a hoot! A learning curve as far as shifting gears though. It had a spare tire- no kidding
Wife has a foam green 08 Buddy 125. With 1,208 miles! She bought it in 2016(?) with 314 miles! It was stored in a climate- controlled room, and used only in parades. I had to replace the tires due to age. Found a pair of tires for $0.18 each, on some scooter website, apparently someone made a mistake 🙂 Fun little thing to ride!

 

[AZScootRN]

A friend had a Stella... I did the work on it, to keep it running, to keep it from puking out oil and gas, etc etc.
I test rode it a few times. What a hoot! A learning curve as far as shifting gears though. It had a spare tire- no kidding
Wife has a foam green 08 Buddy 125. With 1,208 miles! She bought it in 2016(?) with 314 miles! It was stored in a climate- controlled room, and used only in parades. I had to replace the tires due to age. Found a pair of tires for $0.18 each, on some scooter website, apparently someone made a mistake 🙂 Fun little thing to ride!

The Buddy was my first scooter. I put 37,000 miles on that thing, including a Saddlesore 1000! Loved the Stella but didn't ride it often enough, so I sold it a few years ago, but it was definitely fun to ride.

Howard

 

[Bluestrom13]

"What is it about Vespa owners?"
Well, speaking from UK - Same thing as Lambretta owners - Socialising mindset?

 

[Uncle Fester]

Howard, have you thought about writing a few articles on scooter maintenance? Some simple procedures people can perform. Also owners that have customized their rides. From top trunks to heated grips, drink holder or phone holder. Just a thought.

I remember when I used to subscribe to Rider magazine every month they would have someone's favorite ride somewhere in the U.S. written up with a map and some photos.

 

[Cajun Cowboy]

Mr. Rains ... I was a longterm subscriber to Motorcycle Cruiser magazine. I would be interested in having a gander at your "Zine" magazine. Could you provide me with further information please?
Uncle Fester ... Good point! Some of my favorite articles in Motorcycle Cruiser magazine were those that dealt with mods, upgrades, and maintenance. I also loved comparison articles where they would examine all given "cruisers" within a "cc" range (like those under 800cc...those between 800-1200cc...and those above 1200cc) to determine the all-around best in class. Something like that would be fun in the scooter realm as well albeit the higher the "cc" range the fewer scooters there would be competing. Just food for thought.....

 

[sc00ter]

I recently found my Scoot-Tours pin from my Helix days. Memories..... I recently helped a friend sell my old Genuine Buddy 125. Had a bit over 40,000 miles and still running strong. That poor Buddy has had 5 different owners.

Weird thing is I've yet to see this Scooter 'Zine in person. I recently sent a friend almost 3 years worth of Twist and Go/TAG magazines. And I recall sending all my old copies of Scooter Rider Magazine to someone awhile back. Wonder if they ever got there. I might still have some Scoot Quarterly magazines, or they went in the thrift store box. Anyways, I subscribe to a few physical print magazines. Decibel for music, Electric Bike Action because I have a ebike and another that I forgot what it is. Some vanish on the way to my P.O. Box.

Anyways, I still ride and do around 10,000 miles a year on my Liberty 150 but its strictly commuting. I rarely ride on the weekends or for just pleasure. No more 2 up either.

 

[AZScootRN]

Howard, have you thought about writing a few articles on scooter maintenance? Some simple procedures people can perform. Also owners that have customized their rides. From top trunks to heated grips, drink holder or phone holder. Just a thought.

I remember when I used to subscribe to Rider magazine every month they would have someone's favorite ride somewhere in the U.S. written up with a map and some photos.

We've done a couple of articles about scooter maintenance, and we have an ongoing series which features small-bore riders who have customized their rides. I would love to feature a different favorite ride every issue, but getting people to submit their favorite ride keeps me from doing so. I have had several, but it's been a while. (Hint, hint - if you have a favorite ride, send me an email and let's talk about it.)
I don't do much about maintenance because there is so much of that available for free on YouTube or forums. I like to get personal stories and perspectives not seen anywhere else.
Howard

 

[AZScootRN]

Mr. Rains ... I was a longterm subscriber to Motorcycle Cruiser magazine. I would be interested in having a gander at your "Zine" magazine. Could you provide me with further information please?
Uncle Fester ... Good point! Some of my favorite articles in Motorcycle Cruiser magazine were those that dealt with mods, upgrades, and maintenance. I also loved comparison articles where they would examine all given "cruisers" within a "cc" range (like those under 800cc...those between 800-1200cc...and those above 1200cc) to determine the all-around best in class. Something like that would be fun in the scooter realm as well albeit the higher the "cc" range the fewer scooters there would be competing. Just food for thought.....

You check out my website thescooterzine.com for additional information as well as a sample digital issue. If you check out my Facebook page or Instagram you can see plenty of photos from the magazine as well as article title and summaries from every issue.
In a nutshell The Scooter 'Zine is aimed at the North American scooter rider. It is subscription based and with this next issue, I start our 5th year of publication. Available in print and digital versions. $20/year for digital and $25/yr for print.

This is all done out of a spare bedroom in my house. I am too small, yet, for manufacturers to send me bikes to test. The bike comparisons we do are of the ones we currently own. I would love to do those "cruiser shootouts" but I don't have one of each. The magazine is more "hobby" than "business." Oh, I have a business license and tax ID etc, but I have yet to see a profit. I just love doing it.

Thanks for checking out the magazine,
Howard

 

[AZScootRN]

I recently found my Scoot-Tours pin from my Helix days. Memories..... I recently helped a friend sell my old Genuine Buddy 125. Had a bit over 40,000 miles and still running strong. That poor Buddy has had 5 different owners.

Weird thing is I've yet to see this Scooter 'Zine in person. I recently sent a friend almost 3 years worth of Twist and Go/TAG magazines. And I recall sending all my old copies of Scooter Rider Magazine to someone awhile back. Wonder if they ever got there. I might still have some Scoot Quarterly magazines, or they went in the thrift store box. Anyways, I subscribe to a few physical print magazines. Decibel for music, Electric Bike Action because I have a ebike and another that I forgot what it is. Some vanish on the way to my P.O. Box.

Anyways, I still ride and do around 10,000 miles a year on my Liberty 150 but its strictly commuting. I rarely ride on the weekends or for just pleasure. No more 2 up either.

I have a couple of old issues of Scout-Tours and have talked to the publisher when I was trying to get this one started. I have also spoken with the folks who ran "Scoot! Quarterly." You can check out the website thescooterzine.com to see a sample is. Or, send me an email address and I will gladly send you a recent digital issue so you can see a full issue. (This applies to everyone on the forum. Send me an email address and I'll send you a full digital issue.) If you like it and want to subscribe, then just choose digital or print and get started.
That said, I would still love to get some Burgman rider stories. If you're interested, send me an email and let's talk.

Howard

 

[SemBurg]

You check out my website thescooterzine.com for additional information as well as a sample digital issue. If you check out my Facebook page or Instagram you can see plenty of photos from the magazine as well as article title and summaries from every issue.
In a nutshell The Scooter 'Zine is aimed at the North American scooter rider. It is subscription based and with this next issue, I start our 5th year of publication. Available in print and digital versions. $20/year for digital and $25/yr for print.

This is all done out of a spare bedroom in my house. I am too small, yet, for manufacturers to send me bikes to test. The bike comparisons we do are of the ones we currently own. I would love to do those "cruiser shootouts" but I don't have one of each. The magazine is more "hobby" than "business." Oh, I have a business license and tax ID etc, but I have yet to see a profit. I just love doing it.

Thanks for checking out the magazine,
Howard

Howard,
Thanks for doing what you do. I enjoy following you on Facebook and the communications we have shared.

Doug

 

[Cajun Cowboy]

That said, I would still love to get some Burgman rider stories. If you're interested, send me an email and let's talk.

Howard

Howard...I have plans in the works for attending the upcoming "Ozark Escape" May 5-7 in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. I could possibly send you a plethora of pictures from the event as well as a writeup. Have you had anyone else say they are going to the event or offer coverage of it? If not send me an email.....

 

[donald777]

I have a Skywave (Burgman) 650. 2009 bought new in 2010 as no 2010’s were imported that year. I had a 2004 Vmax bought new and put 52 k miles on it and sold it. Also have a BMW R1200c bought new in 2016, long story on that one. Have had the scooter the whole time and won’t give it up. I like it so much; it’s comfortable, reliable and trouble free, fast and just easy to use. Fun commuting and cheap to maintain and insure, safe etc. I just love it as it does everything! Have taken it to the mountains in North Carolina multiple times, running it fast and hard and it’s bulletproof. Has 53k miles on it and I have no plans on selling it!

 

[darter6]

Howard, I am new to the computer world but not to riding.
Right around 55 years give or take.My love for small bikes started when I was 8 and had many off and on through the years.In my late teens I started with Harleys,Honda,Kawasaki,big 800 lbs bikes.
Still in the stable was Zumas,a MB5 Honda and now the wife and I ride a Metro and a Ruckus.
Our "Big Bike" is a Burgman 200 that we got in 2014.Because of 2 hip replacements I have shied away from bikes over 500 lbs. I'll be checking out the "Zine for sure.

 

[AZScootRN]

I have a Skywave (Burgman) 650. 2009 bought new in 2010 as no 2010’s were imported that year. I had a 2004 Vmax bought new and put 52 k miles on it and sold it. Also have a BMW R1200c bought new in 2016, long story on that one. Have had the scooter the whole time and won’t give it up. I like it so much; it’s comfortable, reliable and trouble free, fast and just easy to use. Fun commuting and cheap to maintain and insure, safe etc. I just love it as it does everything! Have taken it to the mountains in North Carolina multiple times, running it fast and hard and it’s bulletproof. Has 53k miles on it and I have no plans on selling it!

I have the Skywave emblem that I plan to put on my B650. I think that's a better name.

Howard

 

[PAP]

I started riding back in the 1960’s on a baby blue Sears/Allstate Cruisaire 125cc… It was the Piaggio/Vespa 125 sold by Sears & Roebuck. Clutch and shifter on the left handlebar grip… No tag or license required as long as you were over fourteen… fantastic for my early teenage years and the girls loved it!!.

 

[SemBurg]

I have the Skywave emblem that I plan to put on my B650. I think that's a better name.

Howard

I have the Skywave emblem as well. I bought mine from China on Ebay, thinking it's a good name too, but I just can't part with my beloved Burgman emblem. I love everything about my Burgman 650.

 

[italianmotofest]

I have subscribed to Howard’s ‘zine for few years. Great publication. Thanks Howard!

I own a Vespa and a Burgman 200. Love them both.

Bill