Vespa Extreme, freedom on - used tires!
Space and freedom, a motorcycle or open-top car and the only limit is the horizon. We are very familiar with these images. Usually a coastal road or the vastness of the American Southwest form the appropriate backdrop.
Recently, however, I came across a scene with a completely different idea of freedom on wheels. Young men and women in Indonesia call themselves "Rebel Riders", "Sangbrut Family" or the "Wani Ceroboh Crew" and describe themselves as people who live on and with the streets. They identify with their extremely modified Vespas. Or to put it more precisely: with crazy constructions that are often nothing more than a large frame made of square tubes, on which as many friends as possible can somehow find space, usually crouching on the struts. They ride through the streets, often with waving flags on their vehicles, and explore the country.
The scene is organized via social media and some of the riders or the group of "constructors" have their own account. The young people build their extreme Vespas - women also help out, which is rather surprising on the huge archipelago, which is mainly inhabited by Muslims - from scrap metal and literal garbage that they find. Some of them, for example, drive around with entire "Christmas trees" made from old pet bottles. Another special feature, for example, is the use of as many old tires as possible. Loose tire covers are often tied with wire to a "Pnö" that can hold the air to some extent. Others, usually old car tires lined up on poles, often roll along - without it being clear to the observer whether they are really supporting the vehicle or have simply been attached to it - because of the look and the sheer size. Because size seems important. Simple sidecars have now become veritable flying carpets, always powered by one or even several Vespa drive blocks. What impresses me personally is that - as is so often the case when motors of any kind are involved - people find their passion, even a family of like-minded people, by building a motor vehicle, tinkering with it and then racing it down the road at breakneck speed. At some point I will look for a ride - to be continued - possibly!
What it looks like - and even more what it sounds like! - can be found here:
