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Piece 169 / 217Locomotion2007

Quicksilver Scooter

Year2007
Dimensions53" x 72" x 32"
CategoryLocomotion
StatusIn a collection
Quicksilver Scooter
Quicksilver Scooter in motion
IN MOTION
Quicksilver Scooter · running2007
The story

Ever since I was a kid I have always loved old scooters. However I have never really wanted the responsibility of maintaining a “vintage” machine. I always thought to myself, “why can’t we have the convenience and reliability of modern engineering like a Honda with the class and styling of an old Lambretta?”

Then it occurred to me that as an adult, I actually have the skills and facilities to address this important issue that has nagged me all these years.

This project began with a very tired looking 1980’s Honda Elite 125 scooter and my usual arsenal of aluminum scrap objects.  In this case street lamp, and vacuum cleaner parts make up the majority of it.  Many thanks to Rich Humphrey for providing the original scooter carcass and helping with the electrical system, to Wendell Jones for his saint-like patience in bringing the engine back to life, and to Cameron Platt for these lovely photos.

For those curious about the process, I have posted a step-by-step essay of this piece over at Instructables.com.

Parts list

Materials

Honda Elite 125, nixie tubes, street lamp parts, vacuum cleaner parts, aluminum scrap, lights, neon.