The 2008 Genuine Scooter Co.’s Rattler is a classic looking single-cylinder, two-stroke scooters that wows riders with estimated gas mileage of 85 mph on regular gasoline. Its 108 cc engine has a top speed of 55 mph that is fast enough for most roads, but not freeways. This entry-level motor scooter was introduced in 2006 by the Chicago-based company, which was started when owner Phil McCaleb began restoring vintage Vespas in his home garage. From there, he founded Scooterworks USA, a mail-order catalog for vintage scooter parts. In 2002, his Scooterworks acquired vintage scooter manufacturing equipment and the rest, as they say, is history. A Genuine Scooter model also starred on the big screen where it was ridden by Tom Hanks in Larry Crowne, a film also starring Julia Roberts.
The classic scooter, with its twin headlights, is sturdy and built to last. Just ask Pete Waterman who, in 2010, rode a Rattler from Washington, D.C., to Deadhorse, Alaska. The scooter broke down about 100 miles south of Whitehorse on the return trip. According to Waterman’s blog, this was the first major breakdown in 10,000 miles of riding, and probably would not have occurred had he heeded warning signs and not pushed the scooter at high speeds until a belt broke.
The 2008 Rattler comes in the color combinations of red/black and silver/black. It has a seat that makes it easier for short riders to reach the ground at stops and also allows taller riders to stretch out some.