Scooter quick takes

Here's a few items that have crossed my desk in the last month, and because I've been out riding my Blur SS 220i (850 miles in a shade over four weeks), I haven't had time to tell you. Here we go!

BikeCondoms - Yeah, the name is strange, but I really think that they are onto something here. The BikeCondom is basically a plastic, disposable "shortie" scooter and motorcycle cover. It can be reused until it falls to shreds, and then can be discarded without guilt - the plastic used is completely biodegradable. I know that it sounds like something that you would never use, but it's proved invaluable to me. I tried it out after Jason Weaver (of BikeCondoms, Inc.) sent me one. I had been using it in the garage at home, and keeping it in the underseat storage on the Kymco and the Blur. It had performed well, and was much more convenient than carrying my big scoot cover around (which won't happen). It was great on the day that they cleaned out the parking garage (with that big vacuum cleaner-thing). Everyone's cars were covered with a fine layer of dust, but then I remembered that I had the cover on, and I rounded the corner to see that it was still in place. I took the Bike Condom off my scoot, waved it around to get most of the dust off, folded it up (a bit, it will NEVER go back into that small bag that it comes in) and put it under the seat. For something like $7, you will use the BikeCondom more than you think you would.

Hyosung Road Show - If you are in the metro Detroit area, join Blackbeard Powersports in welcoming the Hyosung Road Show on August 14th at Blackbeard Powersports. Although, they won't be bringing the scooters in their line-up (the MS3250, plus three 50cc scoots), they will have their motorcycles there and available for test rides. Also, owner David Corneille told me that the last of the Stella 2-stroke scooters are now on sale, and that he can get any color. Call or visit Blackbeard for the details.

Dynabeads - I just slipped some Dynabead dynamic balancing beads into the Blur SS220i's tires and they work as well as they did on my Kymco Agility 125. Dynabeads are nothing short of amazing and are an easy and affordable addition to your scooter's tires. Not only is the scoot more fun (and smoother), if you save one tire from abnormal wear through an out-of-balance condition, these things are absolutely worth it.

V-Dimension Helius Solar Backpack - While not specifically a scooterists tool or accessory, I've found the V-Dimension Solar Backpack to not only be a very good medium-sized backpack, but also a cool way to generate and carry power around for your various small electronic devices while you are scooting. I'm rocking it on the scooter for my daily commute and I hang it by my window at work so that it's always ready to charge my devices. It comes in handy because we are having more electrical problems than usual in Royal Oak this summer storm season. It was a gift from my awesome wife, and it was perfect - surprising, useful and stylish!

What's next: Motor City Shakedown 6 preview