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Today was definitely a rough day on the Dow Jones Industrial Average Index. The Dow closed today at 12,209 down roughly 395 points. Much of this is due to increasing oil costs. The cost of oil went up 10 dollars, an 8% increase, today to reach a high of 138 dollars a barrel. Analysts conclude that speculation greatly affects rising prices but that may not be the case. This escalation is due to high demand in developing nations and a smaller more volatile supply locally and globally. Rising oil prices are just another added stress to the already highly volitile stock market right now and will result in a scary future as speculation has oil prices surpassing the 150 dollars by July 4th.
Due to frightening speculation about raging gas prices and a highly volatile market, many investors are pulling back from the stock exchange and are currently in a holding pattern. This is resulting in a slowing economy and does not contribute to oil prices lowering. In fact, usually investors are able to counteract rising prices but this wont happen if major investors are holding onto their money. Analysts are also talking about how the government might and should open up the national oil reserves sooner than later so that prices will start to decline. As prices start to decline then the angst against sky rocking gas prices will settle and companies will be able to focus on higher earnings and lower costs.
This 1987 Honda CH250 motor scooter offers economical transportation in a beautiful, convenient, easy-to-ride, low mileage vehicle. In the nearly 7000 actual miles on the odometer, this scooter has averaged over 60 miles per gallon. The powerful 250 cc engine provides plenty of acceleration for riding in traffic. Operating the CH250 is extremely easy because of the automatic transmission that works without a clutch control. Give it the gas and it goes. Let up on the gas and it slows. Stop with the hand brake control and/or foot brake pedal. The scooter is a beautiful red. It polishes to a rich luster with shiny chrome, although the years have yielded some marring of the finish, chrome and trim. At night, the scooter is well lighted and visible.
The long padded seat can be raised for access to the fuel tank and two helmet hangers and is locked with the ignition key. The seat is shaped to accommodate a passenger who is also provided with fold-down foot rests and a padded backrest mounted on the trunk. The trunk is mounted on the chrome rear rack. Its main body opens with a latching lock. A second trunk entry is provided by a locked lid that uses the same trunk key. A vertical compartment is provided on the steering column for maps and tools and is locked using the ignition key. The 12 volt battery is accessible from the center of the floor and a trickle charger connection has been added. The trickle charger is included with the scooter although it is not mounted on the scooter.
The windshield is large and clear. The lighted instrument package contains the speedometer, odometer, trip odometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, oil change indicator, clock and clock controls. The right handlebar provides the throttle, hand brake, emergency engine cutoff, and starter. The left handlebar provides the turn signal, hi/lo beam, and horn. When the ignition switch is off, the horn button turns on a convenience light for the ignition switch.
For parking, a side stand and a center stand are available. The foot pedal brake and steering can be locked for protection using a lever on the steering column.
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