The bike I rode today

This is the bike I used for the tuition at DECA. I also rode it at the Introduction course and the first time I tried to do my Learners. It is an easy bike to control once you get the hang of it, but as I seem to with all bikes, I had problems reaching the levers. The seat is also very hard and I found that my bum and thighs got very sore within half an hour riding it. I have included below the add from Yamaha. The pictures do make it look snazzier - the one I was riding the speedometer was held together with duct tape.



SCORPIO







Available Colours
Yamaha Blue

WIN THE RAT RACE

You don’t need twenty large in the bank just to buy a crisp new scoot that will get you to work with a few grins along the way. And here’s proof.

Scorpio’s delicious simplicity equates to maximum value for a very attainable price point, with a strong, reliable four-stroke SOHC engine that – being a Yamaha – you know is going to last.

STING IN ITS TAIL

Scorpio is pleasantly responsive at the go-tube too. And together with the comfortable suspension, disc front brake and light, neutral-handling chassis, it adds up to a highly manoeuvrable commuting package that’s surprisingly good fun.

What’s more, a Scorpio would be a better learner bike than the majority of second hand bikes.

* The Scorpio formula starts with a newly-developed four-stroke engine that’s strong, economical and stone reliable.
* The lightweight chassis, super responsive steering and easy-to-use controls make the Scorpio a simple, no fuss commuter that’s cheap, efficient, and most of all, fun.
* Scorpio mounts a 223cc air cooled 4-stroke SOHC single cylinder that boasts user friendliness, responsiveness and enough speed for freeway travel.
* No fuss ultra reliable electric starting comes with rock solid kick-start back up.
* A 13.5 litre fuel tank capacity maximises range between stops, and with Scorpio’s frugal appetite for fossil fuels, you’ll be surprised at how far you get.
* Low, 770mm seat height allows most riders to put both feet on the ground, inspiring maximum confidence and allowing easy car park manoeuvrability.
* Incredibly low, 124kg dry weight contributes significantly to Scorpio’s easily handling, and superb low-speed agility.
* Twin piston front disc and sealed rear drum brakes provide powerful stopping control in all conditions.
* Not just a weekday commuter. Comfortable pillion seating and footpegs mean Scorpio adapts to your lifestyle.
* Single-sided exhaust emits a satisfying note without being overly noisy, and features chromed heat shield.
* If Scorpio’s blend of style with substance and economy aren’t enough to float your boat… ask the price!


SPECIFICATIONS

ENGINE/IGNITION/TRANSMISSION
Type Air cooled 4 stroke SOHC, 2 valve, single cylinder
Displacement - (cc) 223
Bore Stroke - (mm) 70 x 58
Compression 9.5:1
Fuel Management BS30 X 1
Ignition CDI
Starter Electric/Kick
Fueltank - (L) 13
Transmission Constant mesh 5-speed
Final Transmission Chain

CHASSIS
Length - (mm) 2020
Width - (mm) 770
Height - (mm) 1090
Seat Height - (mm) 770
Wheelbase - (mm) 1295
Clearance - (mm) 165
Dry Weight - (kg) 126

FRONT END
Suspension Front Telescopic fork
Tyres Front 80/100-18 47P
Brakes Front Hydraulic single disc brake

REAR END
Suspension Rear Swingarm
Tyres Rear 100/90-18 56P
Brakes Rear Drum brake (Leading, trailing)

It has been on my mind for a while...

Yesterday I picked up some stuff from my parents place as they are moving and what ever I had stored there has to come here. Looking through what I had brought down I had found a clipping I much had cut out from the RACT MotorNews many years ago. So many years ago, that the training group for Tasmania was not DECA, but StayUpright!

Introduction to Motorcycling Course

I rode my first motorcycle today and it was absolutely brilliant!!! It was in the Introduction to Motorcycling course. It was a 7:45am start with over 4 hours in total, three of them spent on them n a Yamaha 225cc Scorpio. I was very wobbly at first, which made me think that I will never be able to ride, but then suddenly something clicked into place and I was doing the right things – he right amount of throttle, break, I was looking up, my knees were to the bike, etc. I was zooming around the track (or what felt like zooming, I was still of first gear!!) feeling one with the bike (it sounds corny, I know). It was SO cool! The car felt boring afterwords.
Two people dropped out of the course of the course, leaving 3 of us left in total. We were told we had done ¾ of the pre-learners prac stuff. Knowing that I felt better, especially after Helen’s tales of dropping her bike and getting through with a scooter license. I am hoping that won’t happen to me, but I think I will be okay… I happy not dropping the course on the first course.

Total ride time: 3 hours
Total km: about 1 km
Cost of 4 hour course: $90

On and I sat on a very lovely Virago that was for sale. Not sure if I will get it, but it felt so right and lovely to be on, so much nicer than the Scorpion on the course.

Documentation

I have received the documentation for the course today, filled it out and posted it off. I am a little worried about the medical section… I hope they won’t stop me going on the course…

It’s booked!

I have made a booking for the Introduction to Motorcycling course with DECA for the 21st December, 2008. I am very excited, and nervous at the same time. I found about this course through a friend of mine, Keith. He had done it and found it rather good, and I thought it would be good to have as many hours of riding behind me before I do the Pre-Learners.