Japan’s first scooter was built in 1946 by Fuji. Called the Rabbit S-1, it was released six months before Vespa’s first model. The Rabbit was the name given to Fuji’s scooter lineup, and it ranged from the top-of-the-line Superflow down to the S-202 which was later introduced as an entry-level offering for those who just needed cheap transportation.
1966 MV Agusta Germano
Germano is Italian for “Mallard” – not the most eloquent name, but it definitely had a more distinctive style than the average moped of the time. MV was busy trying to make fast motorcycles at the time, so they work with several other companies to supply parts for this built-to-a-price moped. Said price was cheap enough to move 4,508 units …
1965 Tule Trooper
Jim Edwins was the man behind the J. I. Edwins Company in Issaquah, Washington. The firm was best known for the production of the “Trooper”, a competitor to the better-known Tote Gote.
1972 Ruttman Horny Toad
There’s some great names in motorcycling history – Combat Wombat, Interceptor, and, to name a few. But damn if “Horny Toad” ain’t high up on the list as well!
2007 Yamaha Morphous
Here’s a vehicle only true scooter fans know about – the Yamaha Morphous. Ignoring the oddball name, it was by all accounts a well designed scooter that did not achieve commercial success. It was introduced in 2005 in the US and was pulled in 2009. If you’re looking for a scooter that stands out, it’s hard to imagine a better …
Rare in the US – 2013 Honda Blade 110
Normally, the words “Honda” and “Blade” would make you think of something like the original 900RR Fireblade (or the new Fireblade RR-R). But in Southeast Asia, the Blade is one of many (and I mean MANY) underbone scooters that dominate their personal transportation industry. This one has somehow made its way to California, and the seller claims that it is …
1981 Suzuki FS50X
Sold in some markets as the Shuttle, the Suzuki FS50 was a family of scooters related to the FZ50 and FA50. The FS was built between 1980 and 1991 and was powered by a 49cc 3.2 hp engine paired with a two-speed transmission.
1960 Cezeta 501
Cezetas were built between ’57 and ’64 in the former Czechoslovakia, though the parent company (CZ) existed from 1935 to 1997. The Cezeta stands out thanks to its distinctive design, with the odd nose and the long seat that doubles as the opening to an impressively-sized storage compartment.
$500 – 1987 Honda Aero 50
The Aero was Honda’s first modern scooter in North America, where it was introduced in 1983. A second generation was introduced in 1985, and these have served as reliable in-town runabouts ever since.
1957 Zundapp Bella
Zundapp was able to sell about 130,000 examples of the Bella scooter between 1953 and 1964. Engine options were a 150 (146) or 200 (198) – here’s an original example of the latter.
1969 Italjet Kit Kat
The Kit Kat was Italjet’s solution for people who enjoyed flying and boating but then found themselves at a destination without wheels for land. It weighed just 73 pounds, so you could even throw it in the trunk of your car if necessary.
1958 Cushman Highlander Model 721
Post Listing Update: This Highlander did not meet reserve with 9 bids up to $2,550.11 on eBay in Ormond Beach, Florida. In 1958, Cushman created the Model 721 variant of the Highlander with an open frame in the rear. They made it for just three months before covering the back half in fiberglass bodywork. Here’s one of those rare open …
Restored With No Reserve – 1948 Cushman Road King
Post Sale Update: This Road King sold for $4,950 after 34 bids on eBay in Mentor, Ohio. Introduced in 1946, the Road King was internally known as the Model 54 in Cushman’s lineup. It was very similar to the Pacemaker, though it earned its “King” title with an upgraded 2-speed transmission.
1959 Cezeta 501 with Trailer
The Cezeta 50x series of scooters are some of the most interestingly-styled vehicles that have ever been built. This is an example of the 501, the first of the series made by the Czechoslovakian company.
1962 Harley-Davidson Topper with Sidecar
In its long history, Harley-Davidson has only created one scooter. As you might guess, it was not a commercial success. Harley offered to rare factory options that could be mounted on the side – either a utility box or an adorable sidecar – here’s one with the latter.