Modern Vespa

In my defense, I wasn't just putting around the neighborhood streets. I had set up a cone course and was practice pretty intensely. Tight figure-eights, tight circles, offset weaves, etc.

At the end of a run I would head to the parking lot exit, do a kind of brake-and-escape maneuver out on to the side street, go around and re-enter the lot to go again. I was just rolling out from the brake-and-escape and it fell over. I don't know if I leaned too much before it was rolling or if I hadn't released front break before turning the wheel, but it just went over before I could stop it. Sadly the crash-bar couldn't help in this case because I was right next to a curb, and the curb is where the cowling touched. I was trying to hold it up, but it still kissed it.

It could have been worse I guess. From 5 feet away you can hardly see it.

I guess when I go in for my 500 mile service I can see if they can touch that up. Nothing that can't be fixed by throwing a little more money at it.

Strangely, everything got easier after that. My figure-eights are perfect now. After I got done screaming and throwing things, I sorta settled into a "Fuggit,. I got that over with." Philosophy.

Sorry to hear this but as they say you always drop your first bike... So on the bright side you already got it out of the way!

It can be touched up and you can buy touch up paint but applying it properly is a real PITA. Best bet is a custom bike shop, they can colour match the paint.

Paint code: 305/A Portofino Green

It doesn't look that bad and could have been a lot worse. Still a great scoot and yes, money will fix this.

Actually looking at where the scratch is, seems like prime sticker territory to me. But I happen to like stickers on scoots

Anyway, don't let it get to you and it sounds like you're attitude is good. Now ride those 500 miles! (600 I think in the manual) . Once comfortable do make sure you open up the throttle a bit and get up to speed for engine break in. You want to make sure to vary the speed you ride at and if you have a few hills around you that's not a bad idea. Don't freak out the first time the fans kick in, can be a bit disconcerting.

So sorry. It might even buff out. Like Harb said, find a good body shop and let them do it. When i do stupid stuff, i remind myself it's only money.

Sorry. The first scratch is always a heart breaker.

That first scratch hurts, but...

Now it doesn't own you anymore.

Get out and ride.

Bill

Look on the bright side, it's sticker time!

You see these horrible, but these are not. Few days (and scratches) later you'll calm again.

This should cover it! Or there are plenty of other cool sticker options if scooter man is not to your taste. The colour does match nicely though.

Sort of looks like Eddie the Eagle.

The original are in the movie: "Waking Ned Divine".

Sure, I see it.

Lord Ickenham I see the relationship to the reference. For those of us IT/interweb users that have been around a bit I will say it sure beats Goatse! I so don't miss that early meme...

Soory Gyro, you'll learn threads can go a bit sideways here. Still think you could sticker over that with it looking good. Some scooterist sticker though and some don't. It is part of the culture though and not uncommon at all.

When the front break on a vespa looses it you hit the floor real fast. lambrettas win on that front, they dip more centrally. Feel your pain been there!

Looking at the marks, some of those will buff out but you will need to touch in a couple of them. They should be almost completely invisible if done right...and well done for the practice you have been putting in. So don't fret, just enjoy the ride.

Looks like the crash bars got more damage than the bike.

I didn't see any scratches on them oddly, but they did get slid over to one side. I had to lose the bolts and re-center them. I kinda fell on top of the bike too, so that didn't help.

I'm going to try a simple touch up job, but if I don't like it maybe:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B693PC9/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07B693PC9&pd_rd_wg=olt3E&pd_rd_r=G0TWHKGPVBJ9KRNMGHGE&pd_rd_w=C70bb

I thought I saw scuff marks on the bars; one over the muffler, one on the upper bar where it curves down and one on the lower bar where it curves under the floor pan.

Looking closer I think they are just reflections.

Remember if you escape this life with no scars you haven't lived.

Sounds like you came out unscathed, that's the main thing. Sorry about your bike though.

Tough break, but the scratches look relatively minor and someone with a little talent should be able to make them nearly invisible. AND, the scoot was scarred as opposed to its owner, so that's a very good thing.

I have yet to put the first scratch on my GTS 300, but I know that day is coming...

Just give it a good polish. As my mother would say "A blind man would be glad to see it"

Touch up paint, sticks, pens ...... etc.

A scratch is basically a divot, valley or hole in the paint.

How deep is it; through the clear coat? through the clear coat and body color, all the way down to the primer, or worse the bare metal?

Now your filling that hole with paint, a great job is seamless. A not so great job can look like a small mountain range in the sun. It could be a shade off.

Minor scratches; buff'em out.

Not so minor, buff and leave alone.

Major scratch; call a pro.

A BAD cosmetic correction is the last thing you want.

Ride it like you own it.

That's what we call "Character"

Never mind the cosmetics, the great thing is that you were out working on improving your riding skills. Something we all need to do from time to time, but most (that's me) don't.

Was just going to say the same - would be great to hear more stories like this!

It sucks, but the marks are not that bad: to others than you they are hardly visible