Modern Vespa

Once upon a time, I was a Vespa guy. Loved my GTS 250 Super! But I am also a motorcycle guy and had a stupid idea I needed a dual sport and sold it. I figured I could use the dual sport like the Vespa, for local errands and such, plus I could also play on dirt roads.

Then reality set in and I realized my dual sport was still a motorcycle and I wouldn't just jump on and run to store without full gear. On the scoot it was 1/2 helmet and gloves and away I go.

So now the dual sport is gone, courtesy of an 84 year old man who ran me off the road, but that is another story for another day. I had enough insurance money to put a hefty down payment on a new Vespa or look for a used one, but a Triumph Bonneville caught my eye instead.

Today I stopped by the local dealer, so now I am still dreaming of a new Vespa GTS 300 Touring in beautiful deep candy apple red.

As soon as I get through this divorce, I will have one again. And the Bonnie & Beemer are staying!!

Rick G

So, what year Bonneville do you have?

A 1974 or earlier right shift bike?

And a boxer BMW maybe?

fried okra

You've got to have one of each if you have room. I'll never be without a scoot or my dual sport. My Tiger isn't going anywhere either although I keep looking at Scramblers. Hope the Bonnie treats you well. Met a guy from OZ that racked up over 50K on his Bonnie in 10 months while here in the states. I was impressed by the abuse that bike took.

I'm a "gotta have both" gal with 4 scoots and 2 motorcycles. The heart wants what it wants, and fighting doesn't seem to work for long.

I like your style.

+1

Someone say Bonneville?

Here is a pic of my two scoots in the garage waiting for spring.



Rick G

So which one of those two is gonna make room for the Vespa?

I'd keep the R1200R. As a long time motorcycle rider, once I acquired my Vespa, my bike has been parked in the back of the garage and only used on long or longish trips involving rides on the freeway, although I do take my GTS300 on the freeway as well, but not for long distance.

Both will stay. The Bonnie will be my slow ride through the country bike and for bike nights. The Beemer is my rally and touring bike. The Vespa will be my errand runner.

Right tool for each job.

Rick G

Slow your life down and take the Vespa touring. May take a few trips but I think you will begin to appreciate it more. But, it is not for everyone.

Correction. No such color as Deep Candy Apple Red. It is Rosso Vignola!

Without trying to impose any type of 'All The Gear All The Tme' orthodoxy (after all, what protective gear you wear or don't wear is a deeply personal decision), it is worth mentioning that your decision of what to wear while riding a motorcycle probably had more to do with you than with what you were riding.

But I remember when I bought my scoot the salesman had me sit on the scoot in the showroom... and then told me to fall off. I had no idea what he meant. He said, "Just let go of the grips and let yourself tumble onto the floor". I thought he was insane, but I did what he asked.

Even with the ability to control my direction and break my fall with my hands, I still managed to bang up my elbow and knee.

The salesguy helped me up and said, "Now think about this: You were going 0Kph, had time to plan out your fall, and hit a nice smooth showroom floor... and it still hurt. Now think about going even 5 or 10 kph on asphalt with no warning. What do you want to be wearing?

It was a great sales pitch for selling gear (jacket, gloves, helmet, kneepads, etc.). But it was also a good reminder about the illusion of safety we get from slow, local driving, and the risks involved in embracing the asthetic and freedom of 'scooter style'.

That said, I'll be the first to admit that for local errands on my scooter, I rarely put on more than a 3/4 helmet (and maybe gloves). But if we're being honest... the pavement doesn't really care what you fell off of when you meet.

^^^ I agree with what you said. However my reasoning is, if I were to ride my bicycle instead of the scooter for local errands, I would only wear a bicycle helmet and gloves. I figure the danger is is similar, possibly less on the scooter as you can power out of the way quicker.

I know I can be delusional so please let me have my way! LOL

Rick G

PS When I had my scoot, if I left the neighborhood, it was jacket, jeans, boots, helmet, gloves.

As I understand it, Vignola is a cherry growing area in Northern Italy so a rough translation would be cherry red. Regardless, it is a beautiful color.

🍒🍒🍒

I told you I would be back!! 2020 GTS 300 HPE Touring!! Coming home Tuesday!! An early 65th Birthday present to myself!! ( November 30th)



Rick G

Dammit! I've got competition.