After our recent shoot on Kaua‘i where we did “Lihu‘e by moped,” I’ve been haunted with the question of why I wasn’t driving one of those things at home. Just one more fueling of the Volvo pushed me over the edge, and ba-da-boom, I was talking story with the owners of the Hilo-based Insane Cycle Imports about purchasing one of those bad boys. One test ride and I was hooked.

Sam, on the left, and his lovely wife Kim (a sweet young Hawaiian couple) own Insane Cycle Imports, and take pride in the work they do. Rounding out the team at Insane are Toshi Lopez (A Japanese Puerto Rican braddah!), Perry Johnson and Trenton Aurello. They know their stuff, and are well-known in the circle of motorbike enthusiasts on Hawai‘i Island.
But the best part of it all, I think, is when I pull into a gas station (a rare occurrence) to “Fill Er Up.” From absolutely empty, a fill up is $4.74 for the whole tank.

Its a lovely conversation piece, especially with the frustated person at the gas pump ahead of me, filling an SUV with more than $100 of gasoline…
Watch for our participation in an upcoming moped weekend ride organized by the guys at Insane. That’s going to be fun!