Is 2-Stroke Addictive?

[Spence]

This is something I've been meaning to put to the forum for some time now.

In this diverse scene of varying tastes and preferences, I have noticed one common factor that binds all scooterists together as one; And that factor is - a love of the smell of 2-stroke fumes.

Now I can't personally think of many vehicles that I'd like to breathe the exhaust fumes of (except in times of severe depression), but ask any scooterist and they'll tell you that riding in a group, revving your engine in your garage, or even just coming to a halt so that your own fumes overtake you, leaves you taking great big inhalations like a 40-a-dayer in a working man's club, and saying "Ahh, I love that smell".

Now there's lots of aromas that we could honestly say we love: new-mown grass, the sea, baking bread, freshly brewed coffee etc, but do any of them create the craving that those of us lucky enough to ride a scooter get for that cloud of blue smoke? I even find myself taking deep breaths when I walk past petrol lawnmowers or construction sites where 2-stroke engines are being used.

I know that if I don't ride a scooter for a few days, I start to get cravings, and when I do eventually get in a big crowd of scooters, my need is only sated for a while then the cravings get more intense and continue for days afterwards. In fact, after taking part in Ginger's Egg Run yesterday, I'm wondering what the f**k I'm doing sitting here typing this when I should be out riding again. So I'm going to post this then do just that.

What do you think? Is there an addictive quality to the smell of 2-stroke fumes? Is it just us? Or are you the scooterist that doesn't like it?

Your thoughts please.

[Lucia]

I reckon they should bottle it and make it into an aftershave. Yum ;D

It always reminds me of being a little kid when my Dad used to mess about with bikes in the driveway, so it always brings back nice memories for me.

[Feed Your Head]

you may have a point there Spence. I spoke to a teacher the other day who were down visiting the I.W. for a week. Her Husband's a scooterist (lammy sx i think she said) and commented how Ryde didn't smell the same as when she comes down for the August stint. she tried to describe the scene to her pupils, but said the smell was a big missing factor.
For me, when i hear the sound of a vespa ofr Lammy, my eyes do bionic scans to fing the source of the sound. So I'd say it is smell and sound.

[bryno]

Tee hee, you guys need help! ;D

Never noticed any smell from mine at all, guess it's down to the oil you use, I do have fond memories of my yoof and 2 stroke bikes running Belray (IIRC) oil which smells just fantastic!!

[Spence]

WHAT??!! No smell at all??!! Did you have your nasal passages shot out at Guadalcanal or something?

[bryno]

Nope, can't smell a thing, mind you I do tend to be in front of the exhaust when I start it up, not behind it ;D

[Feed Your Head]

doh....that's where i'm going wrong then Bryno lol

[Spence]

That's why I said you need to be either in a group (if you've got mates), revving it in your garage (if you got no mates), or coming to a halt so the fumes overtake you.

Not that I'm being picky or anything.

[bryno]

Tee hee, actually I can confirm that I don't know any other scooter riders at all.. is that a bit sad?

Think it must be my oil, a lambretta passed me whilst walking yesterday, huge cloud of blue smoke, I inhaled deeply ;D

[dunworking]

;D it's not just the smell for me, but the unique sound of two strokes as well - especially single or triples. Dosen't matter whether its a Vespa, Lammy or an old Saab or Wartburg the smell and sound is great.

Every month I always buy Scootering from my nearest town (Strood - a dump of a place not worth a visit other than for Medway Scooters), rather than have it delivered because I can park up and walk past said Medway Scooters who invariably have a number of scoots on tickover or are driving them up and down their approach road. The smell and the ting tinging of the engines puts me on a high for the rest of the day. Can't wait to get mine running again, I'm really miffed at missing all this good weather.

Unfortunately I'm with bryno and have yet to experience a group rideout. Something I hope to put right this year.

[bryno]

dunworking said:

Dosen't matter whether its a Vespa, Lammy or an old Saab or Wartburg the smell and sound is great.

Wartburg LOL ;D not seen one of them since the '80's..

[Spence]

dunworking said:

;D

Unfortunately I'm with bryno and have yet to experience a group rideout. Something I hope to put right this year.

Then, my friend, I suggest you get your scooter ready by 3rd June, because that's when the Great London Rideout meets at Regents Park Inner Circle leaving at 10am bound for Southend. Stops en route at the Dick Turpin on the A127 about 12 noon. There'll be a fair cloud of blue smoke over that one.

For further info go to wolfysweb.blogspot

[llew]

7:00 AM on a Sunday riding home after a rally, late night the night before, hung over

I try and avoid the 2 stroke fumes when in these situations ;D otherwise i'd probably throw up!!

[dunworking]

I had aimed to have the scoot back on the road in time for the Margate Mayday Rally. That should leave me pleanty of time to "run it in" an sort out any niggles before 3rd June for the Great London Rideout. Both these events are local for me, which is ideal when its the first time for both rally and rideout! - I'm getting excited already!! The missus reckons it'll never make more than 20 miles on either day as thats the furthest its been in 10 years - she of little faith will choke on those words! ;D

[dunworking]

bryno said:

dunworking said:

Dosen't matter whether its a Vespa, Lammy or an old Saab or Wartburg the smell and sound is great.

Wartburg LOL ;D not seen one of them since the '80's..

Ha, dont know why I thought of Wartburg they were sooooo ugly - You just would not want to be dropped off at school in one of those. At least the Saab was different (and quite quick with its triple carbs)

[bryno]

dunworking said:

bryno said:

Wartburg LOL ;D not seen one of them since the '80's..

Ha, dont know why I thought of Wartburg they were sooooo ugly - You just would not want to be dropped off at school in one of those. At least the Saab was different (and quite quick with its triple carbs)

And rally heritage for added street cred ;D

[Smallframe]

Rock Oil Synthesis 2 injection is deffo the cocaine of two stroke oils ( not condoning drug abuse) what a lovely smell and belray motorcross 2 stroke takes some beating too

[bryno]

Ahh yes, Belray is the one I remember from my yoof! ;D

Maybe I shoudl switch from this low smoke no smell Putoline I'm using, clearly missing out on something here

[Lan]

yeh i love the smell the sound, and the clouds i love it when i accelerate away and i look in my mirrors and see a cloud of blue smoke i just chuckle to myself as i think ha!, choke on that car drivers

[rods]

Ive not got too much to add except that yes I agree it is addictive. ;D

[guppstah]

Back in the 80's it was Castrol R40 for me, that did smell good, I wonder if you can still get it haha.

[guppstah]

I have just ordered a litre of Castrol R40 from ebay (£11.50 in p&p)
It is apparently only recommended for premix (which mine is) as it does not mix with other oils.

Looking forward to that lovely smell again, it actually turns heads as you go along it smells that good.

I first got the smell going to motorcross meets years ago, then it continued with my previous Scooter years.
Not sure I would trust to put it in a new or expensive scooter, but in my ratty old T5 I am sure it will be fine.

Gaz