It should come as no surprise that my scooter of the year is the Genuine Blur SS 220i, as I've long catalogued my love affair with the scoot on these very pages. Manufactured by PGO in Taiwan, the "G-MAX 220 EFI" is imported by Genuine Scooter Company based in Chicago and sold through their authorized dealers in the U.S. The Blur is a once-in-a-scooterists-lifetime (maybe twice) chance to gain entrance into a pretty limited club, that of a true high performance, sports-oriented scooter. Sure there are other scoots that go after either a sport look or add a performance part or two in order to go after that market. These scoots fail to reach what a true sport scooter is. A true sport scooter features attention to multiple facets of performance; things like weight, engine and suspension to name just three. The Blur optimizes a harmonious combination of those three items (and more) with a definite sport scooter character.
The Blur SS 220i is a hot-rod that features a 'big' engine in a standard-sized scooter frame. In keeping the scale of the Blur down (below the 'small maxi' scoot class), PGO has managed to control weight, improving performance in the process. The engine is a 220cc, fuel injected, four-stroke unit that although a bit agricultural at idle, revs willingly and excels in mid-range acceleration. The suspension used on the Blur is one of the best things about it. It's got a central rear suspension with the eye-catching red spring mounted just about midships with its own pair of 'windows' (that happen to provide some engine heat to the rider wearing a scooter apron). I understand that the 'six bar linkage' and central spring is sports motorcycle practice, and all I can say is that it seems to do wonderful things for the precision and feel of the scoot in transitions both high speed and low. The Blur is stiffly sprung, and that contributes to its 'planted' feel. Add in truly amazing brakes, and you have a very "quick" scooter that is very responsive. When I first got mine, I quickly realized that my performance-oriented scooter-riding skills were sadly lacking. Coming from a mild 125cc twisty and my trusty old-school shifty Bajaj, I took it very easy, not only for the break-in mileage, but for me to become accustomed to a higher-performance scoot. By the end of the summer, I was at least competent on the Blur. I look forward to further improving my riding skills in the warm weather to come. Since I'm in Detroit, that might be a while. I ride when I can, but winter isn't the time to be leaning a bike or scoot over much at all. All it takes is one little patch of ice or salt/gravel. I'll be careful!
Of course, a few things could be improved on the Blur. I'd love to see the addition of liquid cooling (left off for weight and complexity/cost reasons, perhaps?), both for reliability and for the additional horsepower and torque that would come with the addition of liquid cooling. The styling of the Blur is a little over the top as well, although I appreciate the "origami" look of some Asian scoots (Blur included). There is an additional fender low on the rear wheel that people seem to dislike. I have no problems with it, but I've seen photos with the fender removed and the traditional rear wheel fender trimmed, and I must say that it looked excellent. Others have complained about the high center fuel tank on the Blur, but I enjoy the accessibility of the fuel filler (which allows refueling without dismounting), even if it is challenging to get ones leg up and over the tank without kicking the tank, grips or front of the seat. Perhaps I'm just getting old!
The Genuine Blur SS 220i is my scooter of the year. If you can possibly swing it, try to ride one and see if you feel the same way. All-in-all, the Blur is an incredible sport scoot.
The Genuine Scooter Company's Blur SS 220i is available at these Detroit-area dealerships:
Blackbeard Powersports in Clinton Township
Scoot Around Town in Ypsilanti
What's next: The International Motorcycle Show returns to Novi!
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