Super scooters: Japan’s pimped up two-wheelers
A look at some of the most blinged-up Big Scooters in Tokyo, with bad-boy exhausts and hot pink color schemes
In Japan, if it can be customized, it will be. And invariably it’s not just one or two bored school kids doing it in the garden shed. Subcultures grow and spread around the pimped up versions and the Big Scooter phenomenon is no exception. Here’s a look at some of Tokyo’s brightest, shiniest, blingiest scooters, that make the Vespa and its fans look oh so dull. To check out the crazy enhancements that the bosozoku (literally 'violent running tribes') do to enhance their four-wheelers, check here.
In Japan there is a law that prevents people from customizing their bikes beyond the 400cc class, so bikers who feel the need to tailor their ride have limited options.
This Big Scooter 250cc bike class offers the most options when it comes to customization, which is why it's so popular.
While Bozoku bike gangs are famous in Japan for making trouble and lots of noise, these Big Scooter groups’ only agenda is to make their bikes look amazing and increase their performances by using lightweight parts.
They even have a Mixi group (the Japanese Facebook) as a means to arrange get-togethers where everyone swaps stories and ideas about new customizations.
A typical big scooter might set you back US$7,000 or so but a customized version can cost anywhere from US$14,000 to US$25,000, depending on the parts.
If you happen to spot one of these groups around Tokyo, don't be afraid to front up, say hello and ask some questions about their bikes. They’re all very proud of their work, love showing off their two-wheeled babies and are a very approachable group.
CNNGo Comment Policy: CNN encourages you to add a comment to this discussion. You may not post any unlawful, threatening, defamatory, obscene, pornographic or other material that would violate the law. All comments should be relevant to the topic and remain respectful of other authors and commenters. You are solely responsible for your own comments, the consequences of posting those comments, and the consequences of any reliance by you on the comments of others. By submitting your comment, you hereby give CNN the right, but not the obligation, to post, air, edit, exhibit, telecast, cablecast, webcast, re-use, publish, reproduce, use, license, print, distribute or otherwise use your comment(s) and accompanying personal identifying and other information you provide via all forms of media now known or hereafter devised, worldwide, in perpetuity. CNNGo Privacy Statement.
Comments are moderated by CNNGo, in accordance with the CNNGo Comment Policy above, and may not appear on this blog until they have been reviewed and deemed appropriate for posting. Also, due to the volume of comments we receive, not all comments will be posted.
Listings
- Drink
TokyoPrice $$SuperDeluxe: Art meets musicWhen it comes to underground and experimental art and music events, Superdeluxe is Tokyo's super deluxe venue....more - Shop
AkihabaraPrice $Super Potato: Retro gaming heavenA store/museum of vintage video games for coach potato with retro sense...more - Eat / Splurge
OmotesandoPrice $$$Two Rooms: With a viewTwo Rooms is the latest trendy gathering spot in Omotesando for food and drink -- for very good reason...more
you may also like
Photo Gallery
Know an amazing Bar or Club?
Be first to let us know. Just fill the information below and we'll be sure to feature it on our site.
Tell Us
User Comments and Reviews
"In Japan there is a law that prevents people from customizing their bikes beyond the 400cc class, so bikers who feel the need to tailor their ride have limited options."
not true! there is no law preventing customization of any bikes. however, bikes over 250cc must undergo a biannual inspection, aka shaken. therefore, mods that would not pass inspection need to be reversed for the inspection. this is why 250cc bikes are most popular for these people as they dont have to change the illegal stuff back to stock to pass the shaken inspection.
as a result, bikes above 250cc including bikes above 400cc need to pass shaken and cant be overly customized. the above quote is just plain WRONG and i would expect better from a CNN article.
"In Japan there is a law that prevents people from customizing their bikes beyond the 400cc class, so bikers who feel the need to tailor their ride have limited options."
not true! there is no law preventing customization of any bikes. however, bikes over 250cc must undergo a biannual inspection, aka shaken. therefore, mods that would not pass inspection need to be reversed for the inspection. this is why 250cc bikes are most popular for these people as they dont have to change the illegal stuff back to stock to pass the shaken inspection.
as a result, bikes above 250cc including bikes above 400cc need to pass shaken and cant be overly customized. the above quote is just plain WRONG and i would expect better from a CNN article.
They are awesome creations no doubt and offer up a great deal of extrovert detail and alternate design.
However, they are very like the bosozoku in the noise department. Having lived near a park frequented by these approachable, creative individuals I can say they are not society friendly! Noizing off their oversized potato-launching mufflers and intake snorkels at 3am in the morning is not cool. Actually, it seemed like the bosozoku just got softer and turned into these automated cicadas.
Might want to check into this one too editor:
"In Japan there is a law that prevents people from customizing their bikes beyond the 400cc class"
What do you think?
Leave a comment or submit a review. You have to be logged in to comment.