Recently, during a press event for a new Yamaha cruiser bike in , an automotive journalist friend and I were chatting about the good times most motorcycle dealerships might be having with scooter sales, something that has tripled, if not quadrupled in sales in the last 5 to 6 years, from 12,000 in 1997 to an estimated 87,500 units by the end of 2003, and here is why we both think so. Aside from the fun factor, there are tons of people out there, many of which I personally know, who dream about some type of adventure on a two-wheel machine, but find conventional motorcycles either too hard or way too threatening. In fact, some have even shared with me that if motorcycles in general came with some sort of automatic transmission, and perhaps some sort of safety and/or training course as part of their price tag, or better yet, as part of a requirement before riding into the sunset, they would take a shot at making their dream come true!

Well… thank GOD for these little 2-wheeled critters, because most of them, if not all, come equipped with some type of automatic transmission. All you have to do is twist the throttle, and barabing–barabung you go. That’s all there is to it. But let’s go back a bit and find out the real difference, or at least my take, between a scooter and a motorcycle.

First, let me tell you about the term “scooter” as we know it. It refers more appropriately to a “motorscooter”, which is a subclass of motorcycles utilizing a unique structural design. Motorscooters or purely “scooters”, or like us Latinos call it – motonetas - have been around since the dawn of ages, or almost as long as motorcycles, and the difference between the two has often been distorted. The most commonly accepted definition of scooters requires two-wheeled vehicles, modified to have a rear axle, that have wheels between 8 and 14 inches in diameter, which of course is way smaller than motorcycles, also a step-thru frames and typically engines that are low and close to the rear wheel. However, I should point out that this explanation is not universally accepted, as many have argued, specially in most of Europe, that scooters need only have 2 out of 3 of these attributes.

These small wonders or scooters often incorporate full bodywork, with integrated legshields, and what makes them so popular is that for the most part, they are designed to be easier to operate than standard motorcycles, mainly because their engine size typically range between 40cc to 225cc. However, don’t think for a minute that these little guys are slow, for there is no limitation to possible top speed inherent in scooter design; I have seen several of these scooters to exceed 100mph. YES! I said 1-0-0 MPH. But please, let’s stay focus on these ‘scooters’ as a 2-wheeled vehicle for pleasure and fun, not to qualify for the next Grand Prix of Miami. Incidentally, since we are talking about engine size on these guys, there are also scooters with very small engines (under 40cc) commonly called “go-peds” or “mo-peds”, which look a lot like a motorized children’s toy, but can also go as fast as 25 to 30 mph’s.

But let’s talk about this new Yamaha Zuma! This pirited 49cc, air-cooled, 2-stroke engine that features a high 7.2:1 compression ratio for strong, more usable power, and with the 14mm Teikei carburetor, you are ensured a seamless fuel delivery and crisp throttle response. Trust me when I tell you that it can take you from 0 to 35 mph in a matter of seconds. I was impressed with the smoothness and ease of ride & handling, and the fast throttle response.

Thanks to the fuss-free electric starting and fully automatic V-belt transmission that provide convenience and minimal maintenance, and with its exclusive Autolube Oil Injection System that ensures no mess or hassle of premixing fuel and oil which is a joy to have, this new Zuma is easy to maintain and to operate. And having a telescopic fork with large outer tubes, this sporty scooter delivers a firm, compliant stroke and comfort ride, and when you include its 5-spoke cast wheels with fat, lower-profile tires into the mix, this Zuma gives you a large contact patch for versatile, stable riding - around town or around any place you may want to ride it.

But what makes this little package so awesome is not only its sturdy rear cargo rack that comes equipped with passenger grabrails, or the sport styling and bodywork that provides such an athletic profile, or the feisty little engine that runs so smooth yet so quick, but this Zuma is priced around $1,800. And that my friends, is a bargain! In fact, I urge you to run to your nearest Yamaha dealer and get your hands on one of these funs Zuma.