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@oakscoot avatar
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Piaggio Fly 150
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Location: Brooklyn, NY
 
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Hi Modern Vespa! This is my first time posting, so let me know if this message would be better in a different place.

I've purchased my first scooter (a used Piaggio Fly 150), and need to transport it across the Oakland Bay Bridge (long bridge, cars moving ~60mph) to Oakland. This will be my first time riding anything larger than a 50cc, so I'd like to hire someone to get it across the bridge, and deliver it to a parking lot where I can practice riding it for the first time.

Would anyone on the forum be up for that? Are there any motorcycle transportation services that would do such a short trip for a reasonable price ($100-150)?

Thanks!
@znomit avatar
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
LX190 Friday afternoon special, [s]Primavera[/s], S50, too many pushbikes
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UTC quote
Welcome to MV.

If nobody local comes to your rescue, might I suggest:
OP
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Piaggio Fly 150
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UTC quote
Nice! This seems like more of a futurevespa.com thing
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UTC quote
Lookup Daves motorcycle transport. San Francisco. Davescycle.com
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UTC quote
Can you just offer the seller some money to deliver it, either to your home or just the other side of the bridge? Other alternative is just to find a slow moving vehicle and sit behind it all the way over.
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UTC quote
Could you rent a van? U-Haul or similar. Be sure to secure it well inside.
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UTC quote
Even cheaper is the U Haul trailer and a few tie downs.

External inline image provided by member with no explanatory text

Only like $15 per day.

Alternatively, is there any availability on a ferry?
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Molto Verboso
'08 Gunuine Buddy 150 St Tropez 'Simon' '04 Honda Metropolitian 'Archie' [Sadly had to trade it away ;-( ]
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UTC quote
You'll have to get there somehow, have whomever drives you there follow you 'closely' in the car with the 4ways on. Not necessarily 'legal' I think, but you shouldn't get run over from behind.
Or, that person be a rider and have them ride the bike home.
Or, as previously stated, ask if the seller can bring it to you.
You've a bunch of options.
Honestly, if I was in your area, I'd ride it for you for the cost of a good meal and a couple beers...
First and foremost, good luck with the new ride, enjoy and ride safe.
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Molto Verboso
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UTC quote
Being on the right coast have no idea of the traffic on this bridge or top speed on a 150, but is there a time of day when traffic is light? Like others have said had someone follow you with four-ways on and go for it!
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UTC quote
Isn't there a parking lot on 'this' side of the bridge where you can practice?

Or, find a bunch of local scooterists and go in the middle of a pack.


(I love the way spell check offers ecotourists or terrorists as alternatives to scooterist).
@menhir avatar
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UTC quote
If you're determined not to ride it, which is a good idea...you don't want your first riding experience to be at 60 mph in traffic, I'd join with others and recommend U-Haul.

You should invest in some motorcycle/scooter specific tie down straps. They're not expensive, a good investment, and you'll probably find them handy in the future.

On a related note...I'm curious...
I have a hitch on my car. I recall years ago that U-Haul had some sort of bumper adapter so those without a hitch could still hook up a trailer. The don't make bumpers like they used to, though. Does U-Haul now have something similar?
@larrytsg avatar
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1979 P200e
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UTC quote
I've never ridden in this area, but big bridges can be intimidating, especially to a new or inexperienced rider.

Let's say you're new to bigger scooters (as is the poster). Add in highway speeds, a big bridge (4.46 miles not including approaches), and an unfamiliar scooter, and you have a recipe for a panic attack. And that's not even talking about winds.

Good luck, OP. You should be able to find someone (maybe even the seller) to get the scoot over to the SF side of the bridge.

Let us know how it turns out.
@sdg avatar
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UTC quote
If you can't borrow a truck or rent a trailer simply Google motorcycle transport and hire them. Home Depot has cheap short time rentals on trucks however you will need a ramp and straps.

For those that are telling the op to try to ride it home as a maiden voyage over large bridges and such, if a dealer suggested the same you would probably bash them.

We offer free home delivery which is costly and not always convienent for our shop however this is people's safety we are dealing with so no excuse and no expense spared for that. We always want new riders to get used to their scooter in their neighborhood or "safe zone".

Being followed over a huge bridge by a car with its emergency flashers on seems sketchy at best and would probably anger other drivers which could end up badly.

Just my .02

SDG
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Molto Verboso
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UTC quote
I would either hire someone to transport,,,,or if you can...rent a uhaul.
Safest Way.
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UTC quote
Menhir wrote:
I have a hitch on my car. I recall years ago that U-Haul had some sort of bumper adapter so those without a hitch could still hook up a trailer. The don't make bumpers like they used to, though. Does U-Haul now have something similar?
No, no practical way to use a rental trailer on a car without a hitch. Boy, it was a LONG time ago that cars had steel one piece bumpers that would accept a universal clamp on hitch.
@nova33 avatar
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2012 Vespa GTS 300 i.e. Super
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UTC quote
I have a hitch and tried renting a uhaul motorcycle trailer once. Couldn't, however, as you need an electrical supply for the lights (at least here in Pittsburgh, PA) and my hitch was not powered. They offered to run a power line for $99 extra but couldn't do it for a few days.... I declined, as this reasonably priced alternative started turning into a big hassle.

I join the crowd suggesting the seller drive it over the bridge for you. Bridges can be quite windy so I don't think you should try this on your own, especially since you are inexperienced on the scoot and a 150 doesn't weigh very much so could get buffeted by the wind and cars and trucks....

Good luck!
OP
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UTC quote
Thanks for all the suggestions everyone!

While I like the trailer option for it's cheapness, I've never pulled something with a truck, and doing it for the first time though San Francisco seems like it would be stressful / sketchy for me personally.

I decided to hire Dave's Motorcycle Transport FUBAR-Retiree mentioned. It will cost about ~$100 and should hopefully be less hassle.
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UTC quote
Welcome
Good to hear you found a way. Something no one has mentioned, some bridges have steel grates in the middle of them. Now that would be a hell of a first ride experience
@dooglas avatar
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
GTS 300ABS, Buddy 125, Buddy Kick 125
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UTC quote
breaknwind wrote:
.....some bridges have steel grates in the middle of them.
But fortunately not the San Francisco Bay Bridge.
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UTC quote
nova33 wrote:
I have a hitch and tried renting a uhaul motorcycle trailer once. Couldn't, however, as you need an electrical supply for the lights (at least here in Pittsburgh, PA) and my hitch was not powered.
Working lights are required on a trailer pretty much everywhere, I suspect.
(But don't quote me on that. )

The wiring harness that came with my hitch looks the same as the one you can get at Wally World or Amazon for under $20.00 if you want an easy to do -it-yourself kit. It's called a flat-4 connector and that's all you'll need to match up with any class 1 trailer from U-Haul.
@cdwise avatar
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@cdwise avatar
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UTC quote
If you have AAA RV or Premiere coverage that includes PTW/recreational vehicle towing you can have them pick it up and take it across the bridge for you. You will need to be with the scooter when they pick it up and you can ride with the driver to your destination. Just tell them you are unable to ride it and need to get it home.

I'd suggest seeing if the seller will deliver for a fee. If I is a shop they should have a vehicle if it is an individual they should be able to ride it and take BART back.
OP
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Piaggio Fly 150
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UTC quote
breaknwind wrote:
Welcome
Good to hear you found a way. Something no one has mentioned, some bridges have steel grates in the middle of them. Now that would be a hell of a first ride experience
You're supposed to allow your scooter to drift over those, do not weave! (I got that question right on the written test )
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UTC quote
bridge
I have never been across that bridge, so this may sound silly, but could you push it across on the side walk ?
@cdwise avatar
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@cdwise avatar
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UTC quote
Re: bridge
mikenpalsie wrote:
I have never been across that bridge, so this may sound silly, but could you push it across on the side walk ?
No it is a long bridge 7.1 miles and as other stated frequently windy. Not a good choice for a first ride on a scooter you are unfamiliar with.
Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
@znomit avatar
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LX190 Friday afternoon special, [s]Primavera[/s], S50, too many pushbikes
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@znomit avatar
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UTC quote
cdwise wrote:
No it is a long bridge 7.1 miles and as other stated frequently windy. Not a good choice for a first ride on a scooter you are unfamiliar with.
Too far for a trebuchet then.
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UTC quote
znomit wrote:
cdwise wrote:
No it is a long bridge 7.1 miles and as other stated frequently windy. Not a good choice for a first ride on a scooter you are unfamiliar with.
Too far for a trebuchet then.
ROFL emoticon
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UTC quote
I just steamed underneath it two weeks ago, Not only is it lengthy, the bridge was very bustling with vehicles.

Windy conditions prevailed. First time rider, traffic, wind, light weight scooter. Nope, I would not do it either.

I am glad I could assist.

Cheers! Gary
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UTC quote
cdwise wrote:
mikenpalsie wrote:
I have never been across that bridge, so this may sound silly, but could you push it across on the side walk ?
No it is a long bridge 7.1 miles and as other stated frequently windy. Not a good choice for a first ride on a scooter you are unfamiliar with.
Golf Hotel span. I drive all the time under it for work. Sorry I'm away right now or I'd absolutely help you out.
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UTC quote
znomit wrote:
cdwise wrote:
No it is a long bridge 7.1 miles and as other stated frequently windy. Not a good choice for a first ride on a scooter you are unfamiliar with.
Too far for a trebuchet then.
I have heard of a fling before but this is ridiculous.
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UTC quote
OakScoot wrote:
Thanks for all the suggestions everyone!

While I like the trailer option for it's cheapness, I've never pulled something with a truck, and doing it for the first time though San Francisco seems like it would be stressful / sketchy for me personally.

I decided to hire Dave's Motorcycle Transport FUBAR-Retiree mentioned. It will cost about ~$100 and should hopefully be less hassle.
Good call.

I'm new to driving with a trailer and just got back from visiting the Bay Area: you definitely, definitely did not want to learn that skill in SF!

Nor learning to ride a Vespa by crossing one of those bridges.

Actually, not sure you could pay me to ride a Vespa on Bay Area freeways period, ever, full-stop.
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UTC quote
"No it is a long bridge 7.1 miles and as other stated frequently windy. Not a good choice for a first ride on a scooter you are unfamiliar with.
Too far for a trebuchet then.


I have heard of a fling before but this is ridiculous. "


I had to look up trebuchet. Good one! Laughing emoticon
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
2008 MP3 500, 2013 BV350, 2020 Vespa Sei Giorni, 2008 Vespa S150
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UTC quote
nova33 wrote:
I have a hitch and tried renting a uhaul motorcycle trailer once. Couldn't, however, as you need an electrical supply for the lights (at least here in Pittsburgh, PA) and my hitch was not powered. They offered to run a power line for $99 extra but couldn't do it for a few days.... I declined, as this reasonably priced alternative started turning into a big hassle.

Good luck!
If you ever decide you need a wiring harness, Tow Rite sells plug and play trailer wiring kits for most cars. No cutting, unplug a connector and plug their adaptor in.
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