CF Moto Fashion By Bashan (Read 27,730 times)

[Bashan]

I recently acquired a CF Moto Fashion from Cookees and thought I'd post a few pics. Here it is right off of the delivery truck rolled ino the garage:

It has incredible truck space, here they are closed:

And ready to load up:

This bike has been often affectionately called a Fugly due to it's rather offbeat styling. While we're at the back of the bike here is a closeup of CF's logo:

That could easily stand for Fugly.....they must have known when they designed the logo what folks would say!

Here's a couple shots of the go stuff with the seat removed:

The dash is really cool, here's a couple artsy fartsy shots:

Here's the wife and I getting ready for the Fashion's maiden voyage:

But I thought I better first give it a couple spins around the cul-de-sac to make sure the wheels didn't fall off!

[richardthescooter2]

Hey, cool scoot, I have a 2008 Roketa 250cc mc54b, do they handle about the same? I'd like to buy one someday:)

[Bashan]

I don't know, this is my first 250. I've put about a 100 miles on it so far and it handles like a dream, maybe easier than a couple of my 150s. I forgot all about registering it with the DMV on all those gorgeous days we went out riding. Now I have to get it over to the license office TODAY in 50 degree weather so I don't have to get a cop to come over and inspect it, and then pay a late penalty. That's the way they do it in 'Bama, you've got 20 days, go figure. I guess I'll find out what the wind protection is like. Rich

[trancebear]

I have a chance to buy one with less than 1k miles for $1200 but I am just not sure of the styling. I like all the things you mentioned about it and I think the ride would be way easier on my broken back. Have you maxed her out on speed yet? Does that star trek dash have a tach?

[runningslow]

I've wanted to find an old beater Helix and just strip the body off and build a rat bike. My only complaint is that tiny 10" back wheel.

[Bashan]

Oct 20, 2011 10:25:19 GMT -6 trancebear said:

I have a chance to buy one with less than 1k miles for $1200 but I am just not sure of the styling. I like all the things you mentioned about it and I think the ride would be way easier on my broken back. Have you maxed her out on speed yet? Does that star trek dash have a tach?

$12C is a steal and it would be just broke in at 1K, the cheap deals on CFs are rapidly disappearing. I was really hesitant about the styling but I've really grown to like it although it has been an aquired taste. The wife loved it immediately but then she married me so go figure. I haven't maxed it out yet but I was going like hell to the DMV and keeping up with traffic no problem. I'll let you know when I get a figure on that. No tach but I'm with Sprocket on CVT type vehicles, the RPMs kinda take care of themselves. A tach wouldn't kill me though, I'm used to having one on a MC. Rich

Oct 20, 2011 10:36:49 GMT -6 runningslow said:

I've wanted to find an old beater Helix and just strip the body off and build a rat bike. My only complaint is that tiny 10" back wheel.

I thought you did that a while ago? I've got to say that with the trunk on it and the 10" rear wheel I think it does make it a little tippy at really slow speeds. However, I'm used to it already and once moving it's rock solid. I would probably have more issue with the engineering of a 10" rear on a touring scooter but it's a Honda clone and they don't make a hell of a lot of mistakes. I think the only issue might be tire wear but I can live with that if it happens. Speaking of the rear wheel, I'm still trying to figure out why the brake is on the floorboard but I'm getting used to it. Rich

Oct 20, 2011 12:08:43 GMT -6 Random Hero said:

snowmobile on wheels...damn those are ugly machines

Eye of the beholder......

[kz1000st]

Speaking of the rear wheel, I'm still trying to figure out why the brake is on the floorboard but I'm getting used to it.

Remember in 1986 when they introduced the Helix there were handshift Vespas with foot brakes ala the Stella. Also it was one of Honda's first scooters. I'm thinking they tried to stay close to their motorcycle roots. I read in Wikipedia that the small rear tire was a hindrance to people who took them on long tours. Although in this age of short lived bike tires 4,000 miles or so isn't that bad.

[runningslow]

Oct 20, 2011 12:15:46 GMT -6 Bashan said:

I thought you did that a while ago?

Nope. I was close, though. There was one I was looking at on Craigslist, but didn't have the cash on hand to pull the trigger. I have been keeping my eyes open for another one.

There's still just one pony in the stable... which still needs some TLC. I haven't been able to give the Matrix the attention its been needing. Though, now that the weather has broken... all bets are off!

[jct842]

makes me wonder why cessna puts a 6" wheel on some of their airplanes if small wheels are as bad as some people claim they are. those cessna's are landing in grass fields daily.

the weight, balance and stability of a given machine can more than make up the difference in wheel size. on a scooter I would much prefer a smaller wheel, especially in the rear so that I get more storage. how much storage do you have on a scooter with a 16" wheel? .....none....

Those small airplanes that use the tiny wheels are landing and taking off at speeds around 60-65 miles per hour. If those little wheels were not safe don't you think the FAA would ban them? as fussy as the FAA is with all their inspections/ john

[trancebear]

I think I may pull the trigger. I may wait a few more days to see what you think bud.

[jct842]

If that is the good deal that it looks like it is, some one else is also going to notice it and pull the trigger on it.

[trancebear]

many things have chaged since I posted here in this thread. The saga continues.

[kz1000st]

So? After a week of ownership what's the verdict? How's it handling the trip to work and retrieving groceries?

[Bashan]

It's been cold as a witch's beaan bag around here since I got the damn thing. I froze my arse off riding to the DMV last week to get it registered. I've put about a 100 miles on it but kept off the go handle due to break in. The main problem riding lately though is the wind, it blows you all over the road. Anyway, my point is I haven't been able to get any decent long rides to get an impression yet. It's supposed to calm down this week and I plan to ride to work in Talladega Wednesday. I should be able to give a good report after that and I'll take the GPS so I can get a top speed reading. I'll let you know after that ride. I've really liked it on the short hops we've been on though, I have high hopes. Rich

[Bashan]

Well, as planned here I am bundled up like Gumby at 47 degrees ready to ride 42 miles to work in Talladega:

I got to my clinic with plenty of time to spare before opening at 8 AM:

I talked one of the girls into coming out in the cold and taking a picture of me with the bike:

I was asked for some impressions on the scooter so here goes:

• Decent accelleration, certainly not fast but easily keeps up with traffic.
  
• Very smooth ride, it takes bumps nicely without any porpoising.
  
• Great wind protection, even kept it calm on my hands.
  
• Very solid feel even at speed, I got it up to 70 MPH by the GPS on a flat road with no tail wind.
  
• It really likes 60 MPH, that's it's sweet spot. It gets a little buzzy over that but not obnoxious.
  
• The speedometer is perfect.....until you get over 10 MPH, then it adds 5 MPH. I guess I'll take the GPS or do the math.
  
• It's very visible to other vehicles both from the front and back, that's nice.
  
• The goofy stares are going to take some getting used to.
  
• I can see why this scooter has a mega-cult following, it's easy to fall in love with and fun as hell to ride.
  
• I can't wait for the ride home tonight!

Rich