La vie

Flyscooters La Vie

The La Vie is a street legal, gas-powered motor scooter assembled in China using parts sourced from China, Japan, Taiwan, and the United States [Vallejo Time Herald, September 26 2008] .

The La Vie has 4 stroke air cooled motor and gets 95-100 mpg. It is California Air Resources Board CARB and Department of Transportation DOT certified.

History and Manufacturing

The La Vie is assembled in China and only available from brick and mortar dealers [Vallejo Time Herald, September 26 2008 ] ; it cannot be purchased online or drop shipped [www.flyscooters.com ] . The strict maintenance and care from dealers mandated by Flyscooters is argued as restricting because alterations to the La Vie may void warranty.

Colors

The La Vie comes in Sea Mist Green, Montego Red, Peruvian Gold, and Cinnamon Brown. [ www.flyscooters.com ]

Body

The La Vie has locking under seat storage, pop-out passenger foot pegs, both a side and center stand, and a locking forward compartment. It is made from scratch and dig resistant ABS material rather than fiber-glass or metal [ San Francisco Chronicle, October 2008 ] . Deploying the side stand does not kill the engine which is the norm, and starting the motor cannot be accomplished until applying one of the brakes [ San Francisco Chronicle, October 2008 ] .

Riders, Popularity and Culture

The demographic breakdown of La Vie riders is roughly half riders trying to go green and be eco-friendly while the other half is made up of senior citizens.

La Vie riders are active on forums [ http://scootdawg.proboards59.com/index.cgi?board=review&action=display&thread=7554&page=1 ScootDawg Scooter Forum ] , participate in community rallies, and form clubs dedicated to Flyscooters,like Scooter Squandron. Flyscooters is known for strong dealer support, dedication to customer service and encourages good will and philanthropy that range from teaming with Avon fire fighters to raise money for a relief fund [ http://www.wickedlocal.com/avon/archive/x223019840/Avon-firefighters-to-raffle-scooters Avon Local paper ] , to donations to Marlborough School where a the La Vie was photographed with actress Jamie Lee Curtis.

Specifications

* Engine: Single Cylinder, 4 stroke
* Dispacement: 151cc
* Fuel Consumption: 74mpg
* Top Speed: 55 mph
* Cooling System: Forced Air
* Compression Ratio: 9.2 to 1
* Maximum Power: 8.4 hp @ 7000 rpm
* Maxiumum Torque 5.0 ft lb @ 6000 rpm
* Fuel System: Carbureted
* Drive System: CVT (fully automated)
* Load Capacity: 330 lbs
* Starting System: electric and kick start
* Front tire: Tubeless 120/70-12"
* Rear tire: Tubeless 120/70-12"
* Front Suspension: dual hydraulic shock absorbers
* Rear Suspension: pre-loaded adjustable hydraulic shock absorber
* Front brake: hydraulically operated performance disc
* Rear brake: hydraulically operated performance disc
* Dry Weight: 242 lbs (110 kg)
* Wheel base: 54.8 inches
* Seat Height: 33.0 inches
* Fuel Capacity: 1.3 gallon
* Battery: 12 volt
* Transmission Belts: Gates, USA
* Spark Plugs: NGK, Japan
* Bearings: NSK, Japan
* Piston Rings: ATG, Taiwan
* Gasoline: 91 octane
* Tires: Chengshin, Taiwan or Duro Huafeng, Taiwan
* Battery: YUASA
* Headlight: Phillips
* Carburetor: Deni (joint venture of KEIHIN, Japan) used in Harley Davidson, Honda and other major brands of motorcycles.

References

* The Phoenix Republic, August 8, 2007
* San Francisco Chronicle, September 2007
* ScooterWorld, Oct/Nov 2007
* Dealer News
* [http://www.patriotledger.com/news/x478787148/Avon-firefighters-to-raffle-scooters Patriot Ledger newspaper]
* [http://www.wickedlocal.com/avon/archive/x223019840/Avon-firefighters-to-raffle-scooters Avon Local paper]
* [http://www.scooterbbs.com/bbs/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=11&topic_id=51290&mesg_id=51290&page=5 International Scooterists BBS]
* [http://scootdawg.proboards59.com/index.cgi?board=review&action=display&thread=7554&page=1 ScootDawg Scooter Forum]
* Asia Media, Journal of Culture and Commerce, March 7, 2008. Vol. II, Issue V
* [http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/audioPop.jsp?episodeId=114748 Just Gotta Scoot, May 2008]
* Scoot Magazine, June 2008
* Vallejo Time Herald, September 26 2008
* San Francisco Chronicle, October 2008

External links

* [http://www.flyscooters.com Official Flyscooters site]