Modern Vespa

Sorry to let everyone know that Rolf just passed away. He was under hospice care for a while now. His friend Carol and brother Peter are handling arrangements. RIP Rolf. Thanks for the great ride.
#VespaClubLosGatos #VCLG
#SouthBayScooterists
#Vespa #VespaScooter #Scooter
#Piaggio #DontCallItAMoped
#ClassicoMotoItalia #CMI2016
#ThreePeaksChallenge #3PC #RideOfALifetime







Last edited by ThatBloodyStig on Sun, 29 May 2016 21:05:46 +0000; edited 1 time

So sorry to hear this. Only two days ago, a friend from SF said, "you have to meet Rolf if ever you get here."

Sorry to hear this news. I have learned so much from the tech workshop videos on YouTube. RIP

I had the pleasure of spending an entire Saturday with Rolf in his garage when Glasseye (Rich) arranged the Bay Area [Vespa] Tech Class four years ago. Rolf had an interesting life. We captured the tech class on video. Rolf talks about himself, his background and life in general about Vespa in the US in the Bay Area Tech Class, Part 1. Youtube will link to the other segments of this 6 hour day. You'll also "meet" Glasseye (Rich), Jess and a few other MV personalities who spent the day with us. It was quite a fun and pleasant day and lots of learning took place.

Here's a link to the attendees impressions of the class and Rolf. The last post has an written index to the videos.

The short story is that Rolf essentially trained every Vespa mechanic in the US in about 2000 when Vespa reentered the US market. We all owe him a bit of gratitude.

There area number of MV members that are also members of VCLG. Hopefully one of them will write more about Rolf and his adventures.

If there's a public VCLG memorial ride/gathering, I'd love to hear about it and participate.

Thanks Rolf!!

Best
Miguel

Sounds like a great guy, and being of German descent myself, I'd have enjoyed meeting him, very much! We are in his debt...

Ruhe in Frieden...

Last edited by Nautiker on Mon, 30 May 2016 14:52:06 +0000; edited 1 time

So sad to hear. RIP my friend, you will be missed, but will live on on video.

Sad news, RIP Rolf. Gratitude for sharing his talent.

Sad news, RIP Rolf. <3

Very sad, have known Rolf for many years. I live about 3 miles from him and would always stop in if I drove by his place and saw the garage door open. Spent many an afternoon sitting in the garage with him chatting. More than once he has helped me out with any problem I had with my Vespa. He will be greatly missed. Every time I look at the engine in my Vespa I see "Rolf" signed on a yellow relay he replaced. That always makes me think of him. He will not be forgotten.

Very sad news... The last time I saw him was at the 2015 Classico Moto Italia. I too learned a lot from him at meet ups, the Vespa Tech Day he hosted, etc.

A true legend!

RIP my friend. He lived life to the fullest. Always had time for the ladies and a drink. So honored he came over and taught us how to work on our Vespa's. Piaggio lost a great ambassador.

i've been monitoring things to figure out if there's some memorial for Rolf that I might attend (I'm 30 minutes from Los Gatos). I haven't found one yet but thought I'd post this VCLG Facebook link.

Some very nice comments. May we all be eulogized so fondly.

Best
Miguel

Rolf was one of the most mechanically inclined people I've met. He worked on Porsche racing cars, such as the 917's before becoming involved in training mechanics for Vespa. He continued working on Vespas long into his "retirement."

As far as Vespa's, he seemed to have a mixture of make it better and faster if it can run reliably. His scooters were kept in a manner that an experienced mechanic would keep them. The black GTS he had just before the white one, had a largely stock motor, stock variator, but with Butbo shocks, and adjustable levers, and black powdercoat everywhere, and a custom spare-tire mount likely for the Cannonball.

I remember when Rolf was either helping out or working on a racing scooter, perhaps for some event in San Francisco, when he got a mad scientist gleam in his eye, on the thought of adding a turbo to it.

Rolf was the kind of person who had his own viewpoint, but wouldn't bicker it. In the years I knew him, I don't think we had a single argument. He was the kind of person who would help you in the last few weeks of his life.

Myself and a lot of people knew Rolf from OVC Coffee; we will miss him. My heart goes out to his Brother and his Friends, who I am appreciated of is his later days, for being supportive and attentive.

Thanks.

Last edited by BrendaEM on Tue, 31 May 2016 17:20:36 +0000; edited 1 time

My condolences to his family and friends.

Here's a few more pics from the gang over here. MIGUEL i'm glad they did that for you guys. We brought them over (before YouTube) and they taught us many great things about our Vespa's. 8)

So I will post up some stuff sometime.
I have lost one of my lifetime friends.
Everyone who finds themselves on this web page owes a bit to Rolfie.
He invested in me, a complement I may not live up to.
We will ride again, Rolfie...
XOXO

R

Thanks Rich. I look forward to your post. Do it when he time is right. It was clear from the time at the tech class that you two knew each other quite well. Thanks

Miguel

He gave me some advice that solved a problem no on else could for my GTS250

A picture of Rolf racing at Watkins Glen in 72 in a Porsche 910.

There is a memorial ride on the 18th to the beach, details will follow.

R

Rest in Peace

rip Rolf. he will be missed by many

Opening and setting up his last GTS, a 2015 model
A small example of how well respected he was in the community: he ordered the bike and said he
wanted to prep it himself and the dealer said 'sure'. I don't imagine that happens very often.

so very sorry to read this

condolences, love and hugs to his many friends and clubmates

Godspeed, Rolf

Ladies, Gentlemen, Scooterists, Mods, Riders, and Beloved Friends...

The time has come to lay our friend and mentor to rest. The date has been set for Saturday June 18th, and we will do this as Vespa Club Los Gatos does best : together as a family.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1542184932754860/

We will hold a ride-only event open strictly to RSVPs early in the day, but this will be an open memorial for any who cannot attend the ride or are only able to drive a car/vehicle/4-wheels. Parking will be plentiful and we will share our stories and memories of our departed Rolf in the back garden.

Alpine Inn
3915 Alpine Rd
Portola Valley, CA 94028
(650) 854-4004

If you are unable to make this date, we have our annual Three Peaks Challenge on Saturday August 6th. Thanks to Rolf, we have this annual tradition that has become a favorite among scooterists and motorcyclists alike. Visit the 3PC 2016 page at https://www.facebook.com/events/288202324850638/ for details.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for updates as they happen.

www.VespaClubLosGatos.com
www.Facebook.com/VespaClubLosGatos
Instagram : @vespaclublosgatos
Twitter : @ VCLG_Events
VespaClubLosGatos@yahoo.com
VespaClubLosGatos@gmail.com

sad news indeed,

I'll be there in spirit...

Very sad. I never had the chance to meet Rolf but he made a huge impression on me when i watched the home made video's i found on MV.

Rest in Peace Rolf.

I wish i could be there but like Masala i'll be there in spirit. I'm just glad i was fortunate to meet him. He's one of a kind. He's irreplaceable. Wherever he is in the great beyond you can be sure he still riding and giving his expert advice. 8)

I know him only from the videos, but took an instant liking to his kind manner and obvious pleasure in teaching others about their bikes.

Someone said it earlier, and it is certainly true; Vespa has lost a great ambassador.

There has been some confusion regarding the date and events.

First, there is a RSVP ONLY RIDE to lay Rolfie to rest. No cages.
https://www.facebook.com/events/201631453564461/

We ask for your RSVP by this Friday June 10th (to VCLG.EVENTS@GMAIL.COM), as we are trying to arrange for motorcycle escorts to assist in keeping our group together. They will need a more solid number to ensure they provide us with enough riders.

Former VCLG Members are encouraged to wear your jackets and fly your banners. If you are part of another club, we welcome you to fly your colors/banners as Rolf's influenced went beyond Vespa Club Los Gatos.

Second there will be an OPEN memorial celebration AFTER the ride, cars/CanAms/etc allowed at the Alpine Inn.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1542184932754860/

#VespaClubLosGatos

A reminder to all our friends : we request your RSVP by tomorrow (Friday June 10th) for next Saturday's Memorial Ride to lay #VCLG Founder, Rolf Soltau, to rest. Two or three wheels ONLY. Send RSVPs to VCLG.EVENTS@GMAIL.COM as soon as possible. We ride Saturday June 18th 2016, deets for where/when to be provided to those we receive e-mails from, and will have moto escorts to provide ride support.

If you are unable to ride, we welcome you to meet us at the Alpine Inn (Portola Valley) for the reception after 1PM, no RSVP necessary.

VCLG Members (current and former) are encouraged to fly your club banners and sport your VCLG jackets. We also welcome all other clubs' jackets/banners/colors to be worn during this day of celebration to Rolf.

#SouthBayScooterists #Vespa #VespaScooter #Scooter #Piaggio #DontCallItAMoped #ClassicoMotoItalia #CMI2016 #ThreePeaksChallenge #3PC #RideOfALifetime

Sorry I'm joining the thread late but Rolf was pretty awesome at Amerivespa in San Diego. He and I chatted for about 10 minutes and I could have kept listening for longer. I managed to snap this pic before we parted ways. RIP dude.

bump for no good reason, really
I'm just not ready to let this slip off the front page yet

Agreed.

"Motion to make this thread a 'Sticky'?"

Loved Rolf.
He was a giver.
I am a better man to have known him.

R

Wish i could do the ride tomorrow. I'll have him in my thoughts over here. He was one of a kind and they don't make them like that anymore. He's missed. I will say that he lived life to the fullest. Don't think he had any regrets.

Having read this thread yesterday evening I watched 5 of his tutorial videos referenced in earlier posts.

What a truly great man Rolfie appears to have been. Talk about Mr Vespa/Piaggio.

I was awestruck by his knowledge and obvious love of the brand and for his enthusiasm for teaching others including many here.

It must have been a pleasure to have known him.

I am sure that his Memorial Ride today will be a fitting tribute to him.

May he rest in peace.

somerset