My piggybank...

[The Ponzzz]

...after I went and got gas this morning...

[Numbers]

Netherlands Amsterdam $6.48
Norway Oslo $6.27
Italy Milan $5.96
Denmark Copenhagen $5.93
Belgium Brussels $5.91
Sweden Stockholm $5.80
United Kingdom London $5.79
Germany Frankfurt $5.57
France Paris $5.54
Portugal Lisbon $5.35
Hungary Budapest $4.94
Luxembourg $4.82
Croatia Zagreb $4.81
Ireland Dublin $4.78
Switzerland Geneva $4.74
Spain Madrid $4.55
Japan Tokyo $4.24



I don't think we have it that bad.

[The Ponzzz]

Heh, 3 years ago... 1.49...

[Showal]

Originally posted by 3704558
Netherlands Amsterdam $6.48
Norway Oslo $6.27
Italy Milan $5.96
Denmark Copenhagen $5.93
Belgium Brussels $5.91
Sweden Stockholm $5.80
United Kingdom London $5.79
Germany Frankfurt $5.57
France Paris $5.54
Portugal Lisbon $5.35
Hungary Budapest $4.94
Luxembourg $4.82
Croatia Zagreb $4.81
Ireland Dublin $4.78
Switzerland Geneva $4.74
Spain Madrid $4.55
Japan Tokyo $4.24



I don't think we have it that bad.

Most, if not all, of these countries don't rely on the car as much as the US. High gas prices don't affect them as much.

When we finally end America's love affair with the automobile, gas prices won't affect us as much either.

As it stands, there's no transcontinental public transportation that is cheap enough to be made common. Airplanes are the next big thing, but they're not that cheap. None of the countries mentioned even come close to the size of the US in whole, so their public transportation is a little easier to organize.

[Showal]

Don't get me wrong, I think the heart of the problem is America's reliance on gas. America should not use as much gas as we do, but I am without a better solution.

[ElanthianSiren]

Trains my dear boy... Trains.

That is how I'm coming to Mass BTW if they accept me ;)


-M

[Sean of the Thread]

Honestly I cannot see away around it. An alternate fuel source or some MASSIVE transit system perhaps but there is just really no way around it. America is HUGE compared to those. It is extremely rare to not have to commute for work/business as well.

[The Ponzzz]

Yea that's the thing. The only transit system we have here in Central New York is Centro Bus system. And they don't line up for the 9-5 work schedule or even the 8-6...

Monotram, trollies and trains are what make those countries different from us, and most are less than an US dollar.

The ONLY thing that can work is a gas strike. But people are far too dependant on gas and can't do that again.

I bike it most the time(3 times a week unless its cooler outside)...

[Showal]

Everyone made fun of me before, but taking a moped everywhere seems more and more reasonable!

[Numbers]

Hybrids?

I know for damn sure that the next new (or used, depends when) car I buy will be a hybrid. I expect that many other people will see things the same way. I also think the market for SUV's will sharply decline (unless car companies can apply hybrid technology very efficiently.)

Right now I'm still driving my 94 Camry, which has been rock solid and thankfully gets excellent mileage.

[CrystalTears]

Oh yeah, hybrids are a big hit right now, especially in CT where hybrids are tax exempt.

[Showal]

I believe Toyota made a hybrid SUV. Jeep's new Liberty diesel also gets great mileage.

[Warriorbird]

Honestly I cannot see away around it. An alternate fuel source or some MASSIVE transit system perhaps but there is just really no way around it. America is HUGE compared to those. It is extremely rare to not have to commute for work/business as well.

Pretty much. Think of most European countries as the size of a single US state.

[Showal]

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelimage/151/13/0/image.aspx

No, think of me on this scooter getting 95 miles to the gallon.

[Warriorbird]

Damn. That's hot. Top speed?

Warclaidhm will be envious.

[Showal]

hahaha i got an older model and for cheap.

Top speed = 50 mph.

[Warriorbird]

Sweet. Might be fun if I end up in a city when we move.

[Skeeter]

40mph based on the mfg quotes I saw.

don't think it's going to cut it on the highway.

[Edited on 9-7-2005 by Skeeter]

[Showal]

The thing actually is a lot of fun to ride. I mainly just use it for being an idiot or to get simple places. Only costs 30 bucks for 2 years registration. You don't need a motorcycle license or insurance. (At least in MA) It's cheap and fun.

My friend owns a custom exhaust company around here. I'm gonna try to convince him to throw one on it.

[Showal]

Originally posted by Skeeter
40mph based on the mfg quotes I saw.

don't think it's going to cut it on the highway.

[Edited on 9-7-2005 by Skeeter]

No interstate highways. I've gotten it up to 45 mph on flat ground and 50 on hills. I weigh 200 lbs too, so I imagine someone lighter could go faster.

[AnticorRifling]

Get a motorcycle.

[Warriorbird]

What's typical motorcycle mpg?

I'm not about to give up the Mustang yet, but these things and the gas prices make me curious.

[Stunseed]

< Get a motorcycle. >

Seriously considering getting my bike back at this point.

[Warriorbird]

Curious and curiouser. Guess I'll have to get a sidecar for the wife.

:)

http://www.suzukicycles.org/high_milage_suzuki.shtml

http://blogs.motorbiker.org/blogs.nsf/dx/07152003163601MIKK5L.htm

[Sean of the Thread]

I'd imagine you would get sooooo dirty/sweaty/grubby. I sold my jacked up 88 wrangler because working in a shirt & tie in florida is not condusive to driving to and from work in an open air vehicle.

[Warriorbird]

You're probably right. It's no where near as hot as Florida here, but it's close at times. In more Northern climes you'd freeze. Still. It's something to think about for the future.

[Edited on 9-7-2005 by Warriorbird]

[Sean of the Thread]

Not to mention I'd be scared shitless to take one of those on these roads. It is fucking crazy out there.

[AnticorRifling]

I'm looking at either a Harley Vrod or a Honda Valkyrie. Won't happen for a few years as I need to save up but one day.

[Bobmuhthol]

Gas prices are high in other countries because people in those other countries also get free medical attention and other services by paying taxes on everything.

[Edited on 9-7-2005 by Bobmuhthol]

[ElanthianSiren]

Softail Deuce is my choice in all chrome with black accents; though I'm not fond of its new fat ass, I think it's a sturdier bike than the older softails.

Previous to this, I wanted an original Indian, as my best friend's father had restored one. Fun times with that bike :)

Price of Gas is crazy, but I'd gladly pay 6.00 a gallon if I could actually qualify for and get real adequate health insurance.


-M

[Showal]

Originally posted by AnticorRifling
Get a motorcycle.

A motorcycle would require getting both a motorcycle license and motorcycle insurance. The point is to save money here.

[Showal]

Originally posted by ElanthianSiren
Softail Deuce is my choice in all chrome with black accents; though I'm not fond of its new fat ass, I think it's a sturdier bike than the older softails.

Previous to this, I wanted an original Indian, as my best friend's father had restored one. Fun times with that bike :)

Price of Gas is crazy, but I'd gladly pay 6.00 a gallon if I could actually qualify for and get real adequate health insurance.


-M

I'd pay higher gas prices if I could get adequate health insurance. The fact that if I left my job I'd be uninsured is one of the reasons I'm looking for a job while remaining at my old job instead of doing odd tasks for my friends' companies and having a more flexible schedule.

[Showal]

Originally posted by Warriorbird
Do you have to have auto insurance for the moped?

No. You need a driver's license for a car and you need to fill out a registration form at the RMV. The requirements for the registration is an engine under 50cc's and that the moped can't go over 30. I said mine can only go 30, it can go about 45-50. They don't check.

It doesn't need a license plate either. You just get a sticker that says the year the registration is good for. Mine says "06". I paid 30 bucks 4 months ago to have it registered until december 31, 2006.

It's about as cheap as it comes. It's fun to drive around too. I'll even drive mine in the winter of Boston. I just wear a sweatshirt and have a full face helmet. It works out fine.

Parking in the city is easy as anything. Since you can drive it legally on the sidewalk, you can also park it at bike racks. In traffic, I just go around everyone.

[Sean of the Thread]

YOU CAN DRIVE THOSE PUPPIES ON SIDEWALKS!!!!11???

[Warriorbird]

Awesome. Well, if I end up attending school up there that'll be something I definitely look into. The NC requirements (which I just looked up) are similar.

[Showal]

Originally posted by Xyelin
YOU CAN DRIVE THOSE PUPPIES ON SIDEWALKS!!!!11???

I do whatever the fuck I want on mine. Cops don't even look twice at me. The only problem, just like motorcycles, is that people tend to not really notice you as much and will come into your lane with you right there. You just got to be more careful.

There are two more laws, you need headlights on during the day and you need a helmet. It's just like a motorcycle in that regards.

They're becoming more popular too. I've been seeing tons of people on them recently. I hear they're literally gold mines to sell right now. People are looking for them more and more now with the gas prices.

[Warriorbird]

In the process of looking for moped prices I found quite possibly the worst website ever:

http://mopedworld.com/MopedWorld.htm

With that said, these are looking better and better. Some can hit 60 and still get by with the 50 cc req.

[Sean of the Thread]

We don't have to wear helmets in Florida...too many hot babes need to see our mullets flowin in the wind I guess.

[Sean of the Thread]

Originally posted by Warriorbird
In the process of looking for moped prices I found quite possibly the worst website ever:

http://mopedworld.com/MopedWorld.htm

With that said, these are looking better and better. Some can hit 60 and still get by with the 50 cc req.

That site reminded me of a Tradewars 2002 type of website.

[Toxicvixen]

I save money by not driving! Woot! But Gas Prices did cost me a trip to Vegas Last Weekend. :cry:

[Terminator X]

I will probably be rolling in one of these (http://automobiles.honda.com/models/model_overview.asp?ModelName=Civic+Hybrid) sometime during this winter or next summer.

50 m.p.g. for highway driving is not too shabby.

[Warriorbird]

Sadly, my wife vetoed the sidecar idea. A man can dream though!

:chuckles:

[Hips]

Originally posted by Terminator X
I will probably be rolling in one of these (http://automobiles.honda.com/models/model_overview.asp?ModelName=Civic+Hybrid) sometime during this winter or next summer.


I want to buy the Accord version when I graduate in two years. :D

[Latrinsorm]

Originally posted by Showal
I do whatever the fuck I want on mine.I just got this bizarre image of Showal groping random women and, in response to their outrage, saying "Hey bitch, I'm riding a moped. Get used to it."

[Showal]

Originally posted by Latrinsorm

Originally posted by Showal
I do whatever the fuck I want on mine.I just got this bizarre image of Showal groping random women and, in response to their outrage, saying "Hey bitch, I'm riding a moped. Get used to it."

It's happened.

Just make sure you get a reputable brand. I went with Yamaha because I like Yamaha products and they offer great service. This moped will be reliable for years and years as long as I'm good to it. I've put over 1000 miles on it and the only work I've needed to have done is to get the brakes tightened and the battery recharged.

You should get a 2 stroke engine. I don't know the reasoning, maybe someone else does, but you get better mileage and horsepower out of a 2 stroke. The difference is you need to add 2 stroke oil to the gas. Mine, as well as a lot of the "newer" ones, injects the oil automatically to the fuel so there's no mixing required. The oil is kind of expensive, about 6-10 bucks a quart, but a quart will last me about 6 visits to the pump. It's also really important you never run it without oil. It's very bad. Trust me.

[Stunseed]

I think I can get a hold of my old 99 Suzuki Maruader....Got real nice gas mileage. Drive it to work at 0400 when it's nice and cool, backpack on the return with the shirt and tie inside, along with my lunch.

[Terminator X]

Originally posted by GS3 Michiko

Originally posted by Terminator X
I will probably be rolling in one of these (http://automobiles.honda.com/models/model_overview.asp?ModelName=Civic+Hybrid) sometime during this winter or next summer.


I want to buy the Accord version when I graduate in two years. :D

The Accord version is nice but I think it only gets like 36 m.p.g.'s at optimal tested highway driving. Adding/reducing cylinders and battery-type will have the most substantial effect on this. I wouldn't toy around, let alone rice around with a 30k starting automobile. I would like to do more research on hybrids though. I hear that it has really been Honda's niche, exclusively.

(I haven't been bored enough to check out the stats on the new sport utility Lexus '05 hybrid, not that I would be ever able to physically own one without breaking a few modern laws...)]

[Keller]

Here is my cheap knock-off vespa. (http://www.tngscooters.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=113)

[Showal]

It's kinda funny how when you mention your moped people will laugh. Then they see you on it and they want to drive it around. Then you catch them looking online at mopeds and they say "I don't know, the gas mileage is good and they're fun to drive."

[Showal]

and that knock off vespa still looks really nice.

There's apparently some sort of fued going on between antique style and the modern style. I just like them all.

Orange county customs had part of a show dedicated to scooters/mopeds. Those guy love them as much as motorcycles. I've actually noticed when you bring it up at a motorcycle store (harley or sport) people always want to talk about them. They really are just a lot of fun.

[Warriorbird]

Chapel Hill is so cool it hurts sometimes. We've got a Vespa dealer downtown.

:chuckles:

[Showal]

Vespas are neat. They have a steel frame that's one piece instead of all welded together. They're built to last.

[ElanthianSiren]

All I can think of when I see Vespa is Spaceballs.


-M

[Latrinsorm]

All I can think of is FLCL.

Also, I still giggle when I remember that Warriorbird lives in HORSEMEN COUNTRY!! WOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!