We just learned today that another story on CSC is appearing in the online edition of American Motorcycle Dealer. We’ve sure been in the news a lot lately with stories about these great new motorcycles (and the people behind them). In this blog entry, I thought I’d kick back a bit and let others do the writing, so here are some excerpts from the recent articles on CSC.
Motorcycle Classics magazine (this appeared on the Motorcycle Classics blog, and was picked up by over 50 websites)…
“New retro bikes continue to grow in popularity. Royal Enfield, Triumph, Harley and Moto Guzzi all build motorcycles geared to riders whose tastes lean to yesterday’s classics. Add one more to the list thanks to the newly incorporated California Scooter Company, which is launching a line of bikes directly inspired by the classic Mustang motorcycles built in Glendale, California, from 1947 to 1965.
The California Scooter represents company founder Steve Seidner’s enthusiasm for motorcycles in general and passion for Mustang motorcycles in particular. Seidner has a long history in motorcycle sales, with extensive experience designing and marketing motorcycle accessories. Now, he’s building motorcycles, with deliveries of production machines starting in March.
Like the Mustang that inspired them, the new bikes coming out of Seidner’s Pomona, California, facility will be almost Lilliputian compared to the average Harley-Davidson. Wheels are only 12-inchers (just like the original), while power comes from a lightweight, all-aluminum 149cc 4-stroke single. The original Mustang Colt used a 122cc Villier’s 2-stroke. Saddle height is a low 27 inches, and the entire bike is only some 6-feet long. But that means relatively light weight of around 240 pounds wet. That basic formula worked well for the original Mustang, which was actually a surprisingly good performer thanks to its excellent power to weight ratio and low center of gravity.”
Scoot! magazine…
“For some of our “seasoned” or history buff readers the Classic may remind you of Mustang scooters from the ‘50s and ‘60s. It should, as that is the goal. In many ways it’s very much a Mustang scooter…The California Scooter Company worked with Jim “Jimbo” Cavanaugh, a production manager from the original Mustang assembly line, to create a “modern Mustang” that would embody the look and feel of the original with the benefit of modern technology
When I first saw this bike I was impressed with how closely the modern bike looks like the vintage. Upon closer inspection newer features are apparent, but overall it’s a great looking homage to the original. This bike is truly a work of art. It has that certain American style that has disappeared from modern day scooters. ”
By the way (this is me talking now, not Scoot! magazine) we’ve mentioned Jimbo a couple of times here. Remember the photo of Jimbo on his new CSC motorcycle we showed you a week or so ago?
Well, we have another of Jimbo a few years back, when he was the Mustang Motor Products Corporation production manager!
Jimbo is a man who’s put some miles on his Mustangs!
Okay, back to our main topic, the recent stories on CSC.
Barnett’s magazine…
“They seem to be hitting the streets on both coasts pretty heavily, offering a low price, good fuel economy, and a kinder, gentler face than motorcycling proper (meaning Mom won’t get too upset if you ride one). For all those guys who secretly would like a scooter but wouldn’t touch a step-through with a ten foot pole, here’s how you can run to the store in style without ridicule.”
Pasadena Star News, Daily Bulletin, San Bernardino Sun, Whittier Times, San Gabriel Valley Tribune (this is Matt Wrye’s story, and it ran in five southern California newspapers!)…
“The 240-pound chrome work of art looks like it popped out of a vintage magazine. Seidner says his target market list keeps growing. First it was the old-timers crowd, the people nostalgic for the original Mustangs. Now it’s the college student who doesn’t own a car and the retiree who wants to rev up his life. California Scooter is already selling Mustangs directly to consumers, but Seidner is working on building a dealer network. He plans on going international, too. Soon enough, Seidner foresees bringing back other models that made Mustangs popular in their heyday – the Bronco, Thoroughbred, and Stallion.”
American Motorcycle Dealer (this is an industry trade magazine, it’s got the most recent article on CSC Motorcycles, and you know what? It’s got a photo of Jimbo in it, too!)…
“Steve Seidner combined his entrepreneurial talents with legends he heard from his father about the Mustang, and things started happening. Seidner bought an original ’54 Mustang on e-Bay, restored it, joined the Mustang Motorcycle Club of America, and met Jim Cavanaugh. Out of all of this, and maybe with a bit of Beach Boys music playing in the background, Steve revived the Mustang style in a thoroughly modern and affordable motorcycle. His idea was to build the motorcycle that Mustang would be producing today if it still existed, but not under the Mustang name. The Mustang name was a sacred thing; Seidner would draw on the Mustang’s styling cues, but not take its name.
Steve Seidner’s California Scooter Company motorcycles have achieved his objectives. They are thoroughly modern motorcycles, street legal, and compliant with all EPA emissions requirements. Their specifications include a 150cc engine, a 5 speed transmission, steel wheels, braided stainless steel brake lines, front and rear custom designed disk brakes, liberal use of chrome and aluminum billet parts, a 240-lb weight, well over 60 mpg, and stunning styling. The company also offers an extensive accessory line.”
There’s more coming, too, folks, so stay tuned and we’ll keep you up to date on our latest news!
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