The previous pretty picture (in the last post) got me doing a little research...

( 50 cc model pictured, also available in a 150cc. Click HERE to jump to a dealer selling this model for $899, or click HERE for the 150cc's page from the same dealer for $1199 )

OK so this Motobravo Paparazzi Scooter has gotten my attention, nice retro look and a great marketing gimmick, so I decided to do some Googling and see what I find...

Well what I found makes me a little weary of this scoot. First off, if I asked you what country of origin a product called Motobravo Paparazzi might have, what would be your first inclination? Mine was Italy. BUZZER! Wrong! This is a product of China. So right off I am put off that perhaps this company is trying to be misleading, and having been warned to be skeptical of China Scoots, that'll be Strike One!

Next a look at Motobravo's Scooter Line on their website shows me that every other model they make looks like it came from the set of the Karate Kid, that being: Cheap and Ugly and 80's Styling. So obviously this Paparazzi model was their attempt to re-brand an otherwise crappy line. That'll be Strike two!

Lastly one of the upsides seems to be the low price, however this seems to be because some assembly may required on your part. Hmm, I'm not sure a good selling point for an entry level scooter is to make the entry level rider put it together. Short of the assembly issue, don't you just have to ask yourself how can a model so similar to the Honda cost less than half as much?
That'll be strike 3!!!

Long story short: The Motobravo Paparazzi seems to be a stylistic rip-off of the Honda Metropolitan, with an Italian Name slapped on it to get the novice buyer to subconsciously associate it with quality products like Vespa.

That being said . . may we suggest a Honda Metropolitan

As always, in the interest of fairness, if you have good things to say about the Paparazzi 50 or 150, let me know.

My thought process Part 3: Looking Foolish?

This post is dedicated to Jason, my tormentor in the vein of looking foolish on a scooter. His contention was given my size I was going to look foolish. So much so that he offered to buy me an aviators cap, goggles, and scarf ala the Snoopy the Red Baron. This promise was made long before the purchase... so Jason... I await my Scoot'in Outfit Starter Set.


( the Yamaha Vino 125)
Retails $2699. (realistically on the road its $3600, but that's another post)
Now my Vino 125cc is what I would call a mid-size. Its sizable and solid feeling and I fit on it and drive it with complete comfort, and with being rated up to 585 lbs I come in well within it's capacity, haha. Not to mention it's pickup allows me to out accelerate most cars from a dead stop, and its speedometer goes up to 80mph. The downside would be the state of Maryland technically considers this a motorcycle and comes with all the requirements of one including registration, insurance, tags, and a motorcycle license.

( the 49cc Honda Metropolitan)
Below it are the 49cc's that are pretty small (too small for me) and top out around 35mph (which would not keep up with some of the roads I travel to work on) I'd really call these mopeds as opposed to scooters. If this model meets your needs (30mph max city commuting and running around your neighborhood) there are a few upsides. First and most obviously its the least expensive option, retailing at $2049. Additionally the great state of Maryland in it's infinite wisdom deems this vehicle to not need registration, tags, or insurance.

( the Honda Reflex)
Starting at $5500 and UP
At the top of the scooter food chain are sporty models like the Honda Reflex. This was the first model I looked at at the dealer. I was quickly scared off of it again given my novice and its 6k plus price tag. And of course being at the top of the food chain they require all those same pesky requirements my Vino does. I really do like these things, but at the same time, if you're gonna go this big, just get a bike.

So long story short ... don't listen to you idiot friends ... there is a scooter out there for you.