Wheels

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Ran across this little number on Confederate Yankee where they were discussing Obamas efforts to find a few Harley riders to show up at one of his rallies in some function other that first responder riot cops.

Note the roll cage. Note the windscreen, complete with wiper. Note the seat belts. I suppose those knobs and handle-thingies up by the riders shoulders are crash bars.

Note the "Buy American, Vote Obama" stickie. Note the BMW logo.

It's a BMW C1 scooter. Introduced in 1992, and scheduled for production in 2000, I guess it didn't make the cut.

Optional equipment will include ABS, heated handlebars and seat, a radio and CD player, navigation system, mobile phone holder and an anti-theft warning unit. Unfortunately, BMW has forgotten the cup holder. BMW has a clear vision of the potential target purchasers for the C 1. And, go figure, Americans are not included.

If they had just remembered to include canvas sides and a cup holder, the thing could have really taken off in places like Seattle where the weather is mild enough for motorcycles nearly all year round, but wet enough for deep-water fishing on most suburban streets. Of course, the addition of sides would also require the addition of a defroster, and the thing only has a 125cc motor to begin with.

With a radio, CD player, mobile phone, and navigation system, I think I know what happened; all the test riders were killed in crashes while getting directions, changing CDs, and calling ahead to say they were entering a high-traffic area and would be arriving soon, and could you have the coffee ready?

Piaggio already has the production version ready, minus the non-essentials, available up to 250cc.

Of course, if that's not enough power to get you in trouble, try this:

Yup, it's a Yamaha V-max by Tilting Motor Works. Gobs of power, and 3 wheels to boot. Of course the Piaggio has a locking system that holds the bike upright at a stop, and this one appears to need the side stand when you park it. Still, with a bit of weather proofing, here's a 150 mph commuter you could ride in the rain. Probably not at 150 though.